The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ELECTION

  • As parties gear up for 2027 presidential election

    As parties gear up for 2027 presidential election

    • By Olabode Lucas

    According to some political pundits knowledgeable in the high staked USA political razzmatazz, preparations for a presidential election in the USA start immediately after the conclusion of one. This unusual politicking should not be a surprise if one judges by the high-octane level of politics in the USA. In our own presidential system in Nigeria, there is usually a lull of about a year or so before real politicking for another presidential election starts. One is therefore not surprised that two years after the last presidential election in 2023, real open and covert manoeuvrings are now in top gear among political gladiators in the country.

    The main opposition party in the country, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is presently in a sorry state because of the myriads of problems facing it. It has not recovered from the debilitating division that plagued it during the last presidential election in 2023. In fact, one television analyst described this once formidable political party as a party with ‘one day, one crisis’. The party is yet to solve the dispute on who is the authentic secretary of the party as indeed the legality of its June 30 ‘Expanded National Caucus meeting’ being disputed by a strong faction of the party led by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, supported by the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja and some members of the party’s National Working Committee.

    From the look of things, it appears that the party is not in a good position to mount any electoral challenge to the governing party, the ruling APC in 2027 presidential election despite the present efforts of Bukola Saraki’s reconciliation committee. The mind of Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential seems to be no longer in the party as he is presently shopping around for a coalition of parties that would give him a presidential ticket in 2027.

    Outside the PDP, other opposition groups are emerging to oppose President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and his party in 2027 presidential election. Disgruntled former members of APC, such as Nassir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and Rauf Aregbesola have teamed up with members from the opposition groups such as Atiku Abubakar from PDP and Peter Obi of Labour Party to form initially a coalition and later they announced the formation of a new political party called All Democratic Alliance (ADA). The proponents of the new party have applied to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) for registration, and it seems there is a brick wall in this direction. However, recently Nigerians were told that another party called African Democratic Congress to be led by the former Senate President, David Mark, has been formed by the same group of people.

    The governing party, the All Progressive Congress under the consummate and adept political strategist, President Tinubu is leaving no stone unturned in its effort to retain power in 2027. Many political observers in the country feel that the gale of defections of top opposition members to the ruling APC is part of the strategy of the party to win the 2027 presidential election overwhelmingly. High up in this strategy was the political earthquake that occurred in Delta State, the stronghold of the opposition PDP.  In this state, the governor, Sheriff Oborevwori who came to power on the platform of the PDP collapsed in one single swoop the entire PDP structures in the state into that of the ruling APC. He was followed into the APC by virtually all his commissioners and political office holders in the state. Also involved in the defection was Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the former governor and the running mate of Atiku Abubakar of PDP in the last presidential election. The virus of defection later spread to Akwa Ibom State where the governor, Umo Eno, defected from PDP to APC with majority of his cabinet members and political office holders in the state.

    To many people, the unusual political defections in the Delta and Akwa Ibom states coupled with the defections of high-ranking political figures in other states to APC, raise the ugly spectre of the entrenchment of one-parry state in Nigeria. Although this seems a bit far-fetched for now, but these defections have put the ruling APC party in a seemingly unassailable position for 2027 especially when there are serious rumours that more PDP governors are poised to defect to APC soon.

    Read Also: Okowa eyes second term  as AFN Presidential election holds

    The recent realignment in the leadership of the APC in which Abdullahi Umar Ganduje resigned as the chairman of the party may not be unconnected with the preparations of the party for 2027. Many people feel that it was done to pave the way for Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) to join the APC. He has for long resisted the entreaties from President Tinubu to join the APC because of his serious political disagreement with Ganduje on the control of Kano politics. Tinubu badly wanted the support of Kwankwaso in 2027 because of his formidable electoral muscle, not only in Kano but also in the Northwest zone. Also, in the calculation for 2027, is the sudden reconciliation of the suspended Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara, with his erstwhile political godfather Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister. The reconciliation is no doubt designed to ensure that Rivers State would be secured for President Tinubu and APC in 2027.

    There are still many uncertainties on the road to 2027 presidential election, but one cannot ignore now the intrigue going on with regard to the role of Kashim Shettima, the vice president would play in the APC presidential ticket in 2027. The fiasco that occurred at the Northeast congress of APC at Gombe recently highlighted the division of the party on his choice as the running mate of President Tinubu in 2027. At the congress, the resolution passed to endorse President Tinubu as the official APC presidential candidate omitted the name of Kashim Shettima on the ticket. This was resisted by the supporters of the vice president who became unruly at the congress. Nothing has happened on this issue since that congress and the body language of President Tinubu has not given any indication on whether Kashim Shettima would run with him in 2027 on the platform of APC.

    In the USA where we copied this presidential system, there are cases of multiple vice presidents. Thomas Jefferson who was the president between 1801 and 1809 was the first president of the country to have multiple vice presidents during his eight-year tenure. James Madison, the fourth president between 1809 and 1817 followed his predecessor, Jefferson by having multiple vice presidents during his own tenure too, and one of the greatest USA president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, had three vice presidents during his administration which ran from1933 t9 1945. The present USA President, the unpredictable Donald Trump had Mike Pence as his vice president during his first coming from 2016 to 2020 and now JD Vance as vice president.

    The choice of a running mate in any presidential election is usually influenced by electoral consideration. It is expected that Tinubu, being a political grandmaster, would take into consideration, the political assets of the person who will run with him in 2027. At present, the political pundits are putting their bets on Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, if he eventually defects to APC, as the running mate of Tinubu in 2027.  At present, Kwankwaso controls the politics of Kano and at the last election his party, the NNPP garnered almost a million votes. In addition to this, the APC has 40% of the votes in the Northwest where he comes from, compared to 35% got by the party at the Northeast where Kashim Shettima comes from. There is no doubt that the next two years would be very interesting in Nigeria’s political arena. However, it seems that the Muslim/ Muslim ticket of APC in 2027 would not be a debilitating factor for APC as it was in 2023 presidential election.

    • Professor Lucas writes from Old Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.
  • How election umpires operate in other climes

    How election umpires operate in other climes

    The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is often regarded as a success story in Africa. Since the end of apartheid, the IEC has maintained a high level of transparency and independence, despite challenges like rural access and logistical delays.

    Similar to INEC, the IEC has embraced technology for voter registration and result transmission, which has helped streamline its processes. However, like INEC, it has faced challenges in ensuring full public trust in the face of contentious elections.

    In a nutshell, transparency and effective communication have helped the IEC maintain credibility, a key area where INEC can improve.

    Kenya

    Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) introduced the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) for electronic voter verification and result transmission. However, the 2017 election saw technical failures that led to accusations of fraud, reminiscent of INEC’s 2023 election challenges. Kenya’s Supreme Court annulled the 2017 presidential election, setting a high bar for electoral accountability.

    The key takeaway here is that technology is crucial, but it must be reliable, and legal systems should hold electoral bodies accountable for failures—something INEC could emulate with clearer public communication on technological issues.

     Ghana

    Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) has been celebrated for overseeing credible elections and maintaining public trust. Like INEC, Ghana has embraced biometric voter registration, but the EC has been more successful in addressing logistical issues and ensuring more transparent election outcomes.

    Ghana has become a model of stability, despite facing similar challenges in voter access, particularly in rural areas. Consistent public engagement and transparency have helped Ghana’s EC earn trust—a lesson INEC can take to heart, especially in managing post-election communication.

     India

    With over a billion voters, India’s Election Commission (ECI) oversees the world’s largest elections. Its use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) has transformed voting, but the commission has faced challenges with voter access in rural areas and allegations of fraud, particularly in the 2019 general elections. Despite its technological advancements, ECI struggles with public trust, especially when glitches arise.

    The lesson here is that large-scale electoral bodies, like India and Nigeria, face similar challenges, emphasising that while technology can streamline elections, it must be paired with robust systems for addressing glitches and maintaining transparency.

    Read Also: By-election: Edo APC adopts Ikpea as party’s candidate

    Mexico

    Mexico’s National Electoral Institute (INE) has been instrumental in overseeing the country’s transition to democracy. It has introduced electronic voting systems and real-time result transmission similar to INEC’s reforms. Despite this, Mexico still faces significant electoral challenges, such as violence and corruption, particularly in the lead-up to elections.

    Like INEC, Mexico’s electoral body must balance technological progress with robust security measures to combat electoral violence, a recurring issue in Nigeria’s more volatile regions.

    In conclusion, across Africa and the developing world, electoral commissions face similar challenges—ensuring technological progress, maintaining public trust, and overcoming logistical hurdles. While INEC has made significant strides in modernising Nigeria’s electoral process, lessons from South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, India, and Mexico show that reforms are only successful when coupled with transparent communication, legal backing, and systems to address public concerns.

    As INEC moves into a new phase, these international comparisons highlight the need for continued efforts to build trust, ensure transparency, and improve the electoral experience for all Nigerians.

  • Krejcikova bounced  to beat Eala in Wimbledon’s opening match

    Krejcikova bounced  to beat Eala in Wimbledon’s opening match

    Defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova powered back from a set down to beat Philippines star Alexandra Eala in the first round on Tuesday.

    The Czech was outplayed in the first set but lost just three more games as she completed a 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 win on a baking Centre Court.

    Two-time Grand Slam champion Krejcikova has endured a difficult time since defeating Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the final last year.

    The 29-year-old was out of action until May after suffering a back injury and lost in the second round of the recent French Open.

    Krejcikova pulled out of last week’s Eastbourne Open before the quarter-finals with a thigh problem and had played just six matches this year before Tuesday’s contest against Eala.

     “I was in a lot of pain in my back and I didn’t really know how my career was going to go,” she said. “I’m super happy and super excited that I can be here and that I can play on such a great court.”

    She added: “I was really, really excited for this day and before the match I was really counting every minute to the time when the match is coming up.

    Read Also: Alcaraz dominates Djokovic to retain Wimbledon crown

     “Then when I walked from the locker room down here in the stands to the ground, it’s just very nice and very special, a special moment.

    “Having that opportunity that I can see my name there and that I can see the trophy.”

    Eala, a finalist on the grass at Eastbourne last week, broke Krejcikova twice in the first set to take an early grip on the match, producing a succession of fizzing deep groundstrokes.

    The rusty Krejcikova made 19 unforced errors in an untidy display, struggling to find rhythm with her ball toss.

    But the 2024 champion quickly gained a foothold in the second set and raced into a 5-0 lead, going on to level the match as she cut her error count drastically.

    The world number 16 stayed in the groove in the decider, wrapping up the match with a powerful backhand down the line.

    Eala, ranked 56th in the world, in Eastbourne became the first Filipina to reach a WTA final and Krejcikova praised her for her stunning display in the first set.

    “Wow, it’s a next generation coming,” she said. “She’s going to come up and she’s going be really good in a couple of years.”

  • JUST IN: Appeal Court reverses judgment voiding Kano’s LG election, KANSIEC’s composition

    JUST IN: Appeal Court reverses judgment voiding Kano’s LG election, KANSIEC’s composition

    The Court of Appeal has reversed the judgment by a Federal High Court in Kano voiding the composition of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KASIEC) and the local government election it (KASIEC) conducted on October 26, 2024.

    In three unanimous judgments on Friday, a three-member panel, presided over by Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, held that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain cases bordering on the composition of states’ electoral bodies and the qualification of members of such bodies.

    The Court of Appeal allowed the three appeals filed filed by the Kano State Attorney General, the Kano State House of Assembly and KASIEC and struck out the suits filed before the Federal High Court (from which the judgment was derived) for want of jurisdiction.

    Read Also: Ighodalo heads for Supreme Court as Appeal Court affirms Okpebholo’s election

    It said the proper court with the required jurisdiction is the HIgh Court of Kano State.

    In its fourth judgment on Friday, the Court of Appeal also reversed another judgment delivered by the same Federal High Court in Kano rejecting the list of candidates submitted to KANSIEC by the Musa Kwakwanso faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the last local government election in Kano State.

    The court held that the subject of case which related to the leadership dispute in NNPP and which list of candidates submitted by two factions of the party was authentic, were outside the jurisdiction of the court.

    It added that issues of party leadership and candidates’ nomination were not justiciable.

  • ‘Election was credible, free and fair’

    ‘Election was credible, free and fair’

    Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Asiwaju of the universe and the Jagaban of Nigeria. Very distinguished General Yakubu Gowon, the chairman of today’s event; General Olusegun Obasanjo; other past Nigerian presidents—my brothers, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; and the representative of General Muhammadu Buhari, my brother and statesman, Nana Akufo-Addo, immediate past president of the Republic of Ghana. Former Nigerian presidents, Vice Presidents Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, and Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Senators and House of Representatives members present; state governors past and present; our royal fathers; honorable ministers; many of my military colleagues and superior officers like General Alani Akinrinade; captains of industry; members of the mass media; distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

    Your presence here today is not just a matter of convenience but a testament to the significance of this event. I sincerely appreciate that you have taken time from your busy schedule to share this moment of memory with us. Your presence is not just invaluable; it is the very essence of this gathering, and I am eternally grateful. I salute our President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for finding time from his onerous assignment to honor us today. Mr. President, your ability to attend this event today means a lot to me personally. You have my blessings, prayers, and goodwill in your arduous task of moving our country forward.

    To all our former presidents and heads of state, your enduring impact on our nation and your legacy are not just a testament to your dedication and service; they are beacons of hope for our future. I am deeply grateful for your contributions and presence. In particular, I cannot sufficiently thank my brother and His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, the immediate past president of the Republic of Ghana, who has given us the honor of delivering the keynote address. I am compelled to single out and praise my very senior bosses and older brothers, General Yakubu Gowon and General Olusegun Obasanjo. General Gowon’s foreword to the book is incredible and moving. I am grateful, sir.

    I am also immensely grateful to my boss and mentor, General T.Y. Danjuma. I am delighted that I could recall General Danjuma’s leadership qualities in my book, both during the civil war and as Chief of Army Staff. It is fair to say that as Chief of Army Staff, T.Y. set a standard by which succeeding chiefs have been judged. My childhood friend and classmate at Bida, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who has always stood by me, belongs to a special class, if only because he now readily admits I am his elder brother. I also thank my boss and our immediate past president and colleague, General Muhammadu Buhari, who sent a lovely note a few days ago apologizing for his inability to be with us. I am delighted that he has asked one of his ministers to represent him on this occasion. Similarly, I thank His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s immediate past vice president, who reviewed today’s book with characteristic brilliance.

    To all governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives past and present, I remain forever grateful. To our royal highnesses, I deeply appreciate your presence. I understand the effort it takes to travel from your various domains to attend an event like this. Your presence adds a unique and esteemed perspective to this event, and I pray for your safe return home. My deep appreciation also goes to the captains of industry. The board of trustees of the presidential library will find befitting ways of permanently acknowledging your support. How do I thank my son, Abdul Samad Rabiu? He has shown enduring commitment to this event and the library project from day one. Thank you very much, Abdul Samad.

    Read Also: Katsina will support Tinubu, Radda’s re-election in 2027, says minister

    I thank the rest of this distinguished audience, drawn from different parts of the country. I am humbled by your presence and the interest you have shown in my memoirs and the library project. No matter our points of origin in the Nigerian encounter, we all share experiences of our fascinating national journey. Ours is the story of a thrilling past, an engaging present, and a most promising future. Today’s event reminds us that we are not just here to remember the past but to actively shape the present and envision a bright future with hope—a future that each one of you, with your unique perspectives and contributions, will help build.

    The first aspect of today’s event is a public presentation of my memoir, a culmination of over three decades of reflection, which significantly contributes to the understanding of our national history. Throughout the public presentation of this book, I believe I am paying a huge part of my debt to the public. I have had to contend with the question all the time: “When will you tell your side of the story?” This book chronicles my experiences, decisions, and challenges during our national service. My colleagues in arms and I presided over significant change and turbulent reforms. We confronted monumental challenges in the economy, polity, foreign affairs, defense, and security spheres of our national life.

    Although credible, free, and fair elections were held on June 12, 1993, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process. That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret. As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch. Mistakes, oversights, and missteps happened in quick succession. But, as I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive. Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret. But Nigeria survived, and democracy is still alive—a testament to our resilience and commitment to progress.

    The second aspect of today’s event is the establishment of the presidential library, which I consider a tribute to history and a contribution to the world of knowledge and literacy. I thank my friend and family member, our former vice president, Namadi Sambo, who created a unique architectural design for the presidential library on my 80th birthday. I am getting to 84, as you can see from the program details. It is an outstanding design. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The proposed presidential library will serve as a resource for future leaders and scholars to learn from our experiences and decisions. It will be more of an interactive center for lively exchange among people of different backgrounds and generations.

    Once again, I sincerely appreciate your presence at this gathering. Your participation in the conversation following this event will undoubtedly contribute to a better Nigeria. I am grateful for your support and look forward to our shared journey toward a brighter future. The task of recovering memory is never easy. As I said in my acknowledgment pages, I acquired debts of gratitude to several persons, including Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Dr. Chidi Amuta, Mr. Viola Phillips, Mr. Clement Hajmoku, and Mr. Tobi Shenayi, who all contributed generously to this endeavor.

  • Police to deploy 22,239 personnel for election duty

    Police to deploy 22,239 personnel for election duty

    The Nigeria Police will deploy about 22,239 personnel for next week’s off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of zone 17, Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi has said.

    AIG Asabi spoke on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun at the stakeholders meeting ahead of the 2024 Ondo State governorship election scheduled for next week.

    Read Also: Edun defends FG’s key economic reforms

    The police boss said elections are a crucial aspect of the democratic process in which electorates have the opportunity to exercise their rights of franchise to choose their leaders by majority votes. He said given the fact that the process of election leads to the emergence of leaders, the stakes are always very high as most contenders with their followers tend to deploy all means to ensure victory.

    He said: “In our clime, some contenders strategize to generate some heat in the polity thereby posing security threats. Regarding such threats, the provision of security before during and after the process becomes an essential and concerted duty. It is common knowledge that the success of any important process like the forthcoming governorship election in this state depends on peace, order and security. Therefore breach of the peace or security can surely scuttle the success expected in the exercise.

    “It is very pertinent for all stakeholders to discharge our various duties with security-conscious approaches. We should bear in mind that performing our roles in a fair and orderly manner will certainly reduce the security threats to the barest minimum, with a far-reaching effect on the credibility of the election.

  • Davido excited after voting first time in US

    Davido excited after voting first time in US

    Music sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, made history on Tuesday by casting his first-ever vote in a United States election.

    The 60th quadrennial presidential election in the country will decide the successor to outgoing President Joe Biden.

    In a post on his verified X account on Tuesday, Davido, who was born in Atlanta, Georgia, revealed that he had exercised his franchise as a United States citizen.

    Read Also: Davido hints at veering into politics

    He also disclosed that it was his first time participating in an election in the country.

    Posting a picture of himself shortly after casting his vote, he captioned it, “First time voter !! 🇺🇸🇺🇸💪🏾.”

    The race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump, the frontrunners in the contest, has continued to intensify.

    Kamala Harris, the first woman to serve as U.S. Vice President, is seeking to make history once again by becoming the country’s first female president. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is aiming for a comeback to the White House after his defeat in 2020.

    While the election outcome remains uncertain, several key factors are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the result and determining the next leader of this powerful nation.

  • Election: Amid heightened security, fears for violence, U.S. voting begins

    Election: Amid heightened security, fears for violence, U.S. voting begins

    Voters in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, went to the polls early Tuesday morning, marking the official start of Election Day voting for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

    Six registered voters of the tiny town in northeastern U.S. cast their ballots at midnight, following a tradition that dates back decades ago.

    Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump are tied in the town in a 3-3 vote.

    Amid heightened security for fears of violence and chaos, the vast majority of polling stations across the country opens on Tuesday morning and will remain open until the evening.

    Local officials are taking elaborate measures to fortify election-related sites, including plans for snipers on a rooftop to protect a key vote-counting headquarters.

    Panic buttons for election workers and surveillance drones buzzing overhead, The Washington Post reported.

    Tens of millions of voters across the country had already casted their ballots early, either by voting in person at polling stations or by mail.

    According to data from the University of Florida’s Election Lab, as of Monday night, more than 82 million voters had already cast their ballots.

    This election is widely regarded as one of the most divisive in American history.

    Harris and Trump have repeatedly warned against potentially catastrophic consequences inflicted on the country if the other is elected.

    Voters hold vastly different views on key issues such as the economy, immigration, and abortion rights.

    According to an annual survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 77 per cent of U.S. adults said the future of the nation was a significant source of stress in their lives.

    Additionally, 74 per cent said they were worried that the election results could lead to violence.

    “I will hope that whoever wins the presidential election will handle it gracefully, and whoever doesn’t win, likewise, will handle it gracefully.’’

    Annmarie Pintal, one of the just six voters registered to vote in Dixville Notch, told Xinhua.

    “We need unity. We need to come together on the common ground, and, be willing to set aside our differences,’’ said Scott Maxwell, another voter in the small town.

    (Xinhua/NAN)

  • Election results will show our promise, Ondo monarch assures

    Election results will show our promise, Ondo monarch assures

    The Jegun Olu-Ekun of Ile-Oluji, Oba Olufaderin Adetimehin, has said next month’s governorship election results would show that the promises of his subjects to vote en masse for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa were not empty words.

    Oba Olufaderin said Governor Aiyedatiwa has been divinely chosen to lead Ondo State. The Ile-Oluji monarch spoke when Governor Aiyedatiwa led the All Progressives Congress (APC) to campaign across communities in Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area..

    He, however, appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to tackle illegal mining activities in his domain and restore the power supply.

    “When the election results are announced, you will see that our promises are not empty words,” the monarch assured.

    Read Also: Ondo polls: SDP Deputy governorship candidate joins APC

    Addressing the community’s concerns, the governor assured the gathering that his administration was actively tackling illegal mining, adding that his government would address other issues as they arise, within the limits of available resources.

    At Oke-Igbo, the Regent of the community, Princess Olusola Olufunke Babajide, who presented the community’s needs, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for his leadership style within the short period since he assumed office and commended him for appointing indigenes of the area into his administration.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa said his administration remained committed to the development of all parts of Ondo State. He assured that he would tackle the challenges faced by the coalition of LCDAs.Aiyedatiwa promised to ensure that they were established and operational to bring governance closer to the people. The governor said all outstanding development projects would be completed.

    A former Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, canvassed support for Aiyedatiwa and assured the people that they would benefit more from an APC-led administration.

  • BREAKING: APC candidates win all 23 councils election in Benue

    BREAKING: APC candidates win all 23 councils election in Benue

    …as party secures victory in 276 wards

    The chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Terlumun Tombowua, has announced the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates as the winners of the local government elections held in Benue state.

    The election took place across the 23 local government areas of the state on Saturday, October 5.

    Tombowua also confirmed that the APC secured victory in all 276 wards in the state.

    Read Also: FG begins sale of crude oil, refined petroleum products in naira

    While declaring the results at the BSIEC office in Makurdi on Sunday morning, Tombowua described the election as free, fair, and credible, noting that there were no incidents of violence or ballot box snatching.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Labour Party in Benue State, Comrade Ibrahim Idoko, praised the BSIEC for organizing a transparent election.

    Comrade Idoko, who also chairs the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), extended his congratulations to the APC for their victory at the polls.