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Tag: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

  • Help us douse tension, INEC begs religious leaders

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra state has sought the assistance of religious leaders in the state in checkmating the tension and anxiety associated with elections in Nigeria.

    The State Resident Electoral Officer, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji, made the appeal on Wednesday while paying separate advocacy visits to the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor and his Anglican counterpart, Rt. Rev. Alexander Ibezim.

    He said the appeal was necessary in view of envisaged fear of compromise on the part of the commission as a result increased number of registered political parties and candidates participating in the exercise.

    Orji underscored the place of patience and tolerance among the politicians and electorate while the process of election collation lasted.

    According to him, talking to the politicians and electorate who constitute majority of their congregation would go a long way in reducing the tension before and during the exercise

    He said, “There is no doubt that the collation and release of result will take more time with 73 out of 91 registered political parties contesting for presidency.

    Read Also: Imo electorate task INEC on credible poll

    “That of 2015 presidential election took up to Wednesday to announce. This time, the duration will be longer which will most likely trigger anxiety and mistrust among the electorate.

    “That is why we need your assistance in dousing the tension by calming the nerves of politicians and electorate, many of who are your members that the process will not be manipulated.

    “As religious leaders, you are in the best position to relate our message to your congregation.”

    Responding, the two clerics commended the commissioner for the visit, assuring him of their prayers, as well as relating the message to members of their congregation.

  • 2019: INEC raises concern over conflicting judgment, orders

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the conflicting judgments and consequential orders emanating from the Court of laws ahead of the forthcoming 2019 general polls.

    The inconsistency, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu pointed out is putting the commission in a difficult situation.

    In the last one week, there has been two different court pronouncement on Zamafara, one coming from a High Court in Zamafara while an Abuja High Court also issued a different order concerning INEC decision excluding All Progressive Congress (APC) from Zamfara State from the coming elections as a result of not conducting their primaries within the time lag.

    Already the commission has been dragged into 396 pre-election cases pending court cases as a result of the fallout of the party primaries.

    Besides, the commission has so far received 302 requests for certified true copies of documents from primaries monitored, which serves as a prelude for more legal actions.

    This is aside the 52 petitions on protests from aggrieved party aspirants received by the commission, which all have financial implication to INEC.

    INEC has fixed 16 February, 2019 for the presidential and National Assembly poll while 2nd of March has been slated for the governorship, state Assembly and council elections.

    Speaking yesterday at the workshop election petition for Justice and Judges, Yakubu noted the inevitability of disputes in the course of democratic elections.

    He  therefore explained that because democratic elections are adjudicated by the Judiciary, the commission has always been obeying court orders.

    He however expressed the concern of the commission regarding conflicting orders from the court.

    Yakubu said: For our part, there are two major areas of concern. First is the issue of conflicting judgements arising from pre-electlon and post-election cases. As a firm believer in the rule of law, the Commission always obeys court orders or, where it is considered necessary‘ appeals them In the interest of justice.

    “There have been over 1,200 cases involving the Commission since the 2015 General Elections and not in a single case has the Commission disobeyed a court order. However, conflicting judgements, especially by courts of co-ordinate jurisdiction at the High Court level, are putting the Commission in a very difficult posttion and creating uncertainty in the process.

    “The Court in one judicial division may order the Commission on a particular course of action only to be contradicted by another court of coordinate jurisdiction from another division or even within the same division on the same subject matter. Conflicting court orders are negatively affecting the consistency, neutrality, and public perception, not only of the Commission, but the judiciary as well. There is therefore the urgent need to address the issue of conflicting judgements in order to engender certainty in the electoral process.

    “Our second area of concern relates to the lack of consequential Orders by the Courts after making findings on an issue and stating the position. In such cases, the Commission is compelled to take a position relying on previous decisions of the Court on the subject. This as in some cases made the Commission appear inconsistent and has also led to protracted litigation. Closely related to this, is the issue of Orders to maintain the status quo by the Court without stating the exact status quo intended. This has given room to parties to misinterpret the order to suit their purpose, thereby knowingly causing confusion and controversy.”

    He however reassured Nigerians that “INEC will continue to do its best to bring about free, fair, credible and peaceful general elections in Nigeria this year. We therefore hope to continue to count on the support, cooperation and understanding of all towards attaining that objective. ”

    Read Also: INEC transfers Ekiti REC

    On the workshop, Yakubu said is coming at an auspicious time, barely two weeks to the 20l9 General Elections. There is no gain belaboring the obvious that elections in particular and democratic processes in general are governed by legislation.

    The inevitable disputes that arise in the course of democratic elections are adjudicated by the Judiciary. This means that there is no democracy without the rule of law and there is no rule of law without the Judiciary. It is for this reason that the independent National Electoral Commission (IN EC) considers this Workshop necessary in the best interest of our democracy.

    “The survival of our democratic process and the consolidation of the reforms aimed at entrenching stability and deepening democratic culture and ideals require the commitment of all stakeholders. To this end, as a critical stakeholder in the electoral process, this Workshop is significant to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for at least two reasons. First, it affords INEC a platform to further record its concerns about the adjudication of electoral disputes as we approach the 2019 General Elections. Secondly, to receive feedback from the sector that has reviewed our activities over the years with respect to the areas we need to d9 more in to facilitate the speedy and qualitative administration of justice which, from our study and analysis of previous Judgments, range from the prompt issuance of certified true copies of documents, quality and consistency of our representation, neutrality of the Commission, to making available to the Judiciary our manuals, guidelines and regulations made pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.”

    In his remark, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed stressed the need for the judiciary to be independent and neutral in the discharge of their responsibility.

    He also the warned judges on the need to avoid external influence from political parties.

    He said: “it is Important that the Judiciary must maintain absolute independence. Judges should handle election petitions without any external pressure or influence either by political parties stakeholders or economic interest groups.

    “The Judiciary must continue to take steps to ensure that It is not seen as being partisan but must always demonstrate manifest integrity in its adjudicatory processes. Consequently, Judicial officers serving on election petition tribunals must note that Judgments must not be ambiguous and should be devoid of any form of external Influence. Your Lordships should shun unnecessary associations with lawyers who may be acting as conduits for Politicians no matter how innocent they may be portrayed.

    “You must guard your integrity and the integrity of the Judiciary, by avondmg acts that will bring you under the disciplinary jurisdiction of the National Judicial Council, as It Will not hesitate to Wield the big stick of sanctions to any Judicial Officer who is found wanting in the discharge of his duties”

    He also added that judiciary will do its best to be conversant with the rules.

    “On our part the Judiciary will continue to do its best to ensure that Judicial Officers remain conversant with  the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and other relevant laws toward‘ ensuring efficiency and uniformity in the quality of Judicial decision,” he said

  • Imo electorate task INEC on credible poll

    Registered voters in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State under the aegis of Ohaji-Egbema Elites on Monday protested the continued manipulation of election results in the Council Area by politicians in connivance with Staff of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The group lamented that elections in the area have never reflected the will of the people, a situation they said is responsible for the indifference of those that represent the people in government to the plight of the people.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Francis Ezeonu, leader of the group, Francis Ugochukwu, stated that the electorate in Ohaji-Egbema are demanding that their votes should be made to count in the forthcoming election.

    He said, “We are worried that in INEC records, our Local Government Area is marked with red and we are poised to change that by collaborating with INEC to ensure that for the first time in our history that we have a free and fair election that will reflect the will of the people”.

    Read Also: ‘Let’s secure future generations of Imo’

    Ugochukwu continued that, “the most painful aspect of it is that our people are not as volatile as they are thought to be but the problem of election in our place is complicity of INEC Staff who manipulate the results by manufacturing figures that don’t exist for politicians and this is the cause of the poor representation we are suffering. But we have decided that enough is enough, we want our votes to count this time around. So we are appealing to the Commission to find solution to this problem, we are peace loving and we want to participate in the election. We are not supporting any politician; all we want is a free and fair exercise”.

    In his response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (Francis Ezeonu), stated that the Commission is aware of the challenges in the area, assuring that it will do everything possible to ensure a free and fair polls across the state.

    He said, “this election is the most deliberately planned election and INEC has put in place strong strategy that will ensure credible poll but I will advise that you stay back after voting to ensure that your votes count”.

    Meanwhile, scores of youths from the Council Area staged a peaceful protest outside INEC office to further buttress the demand.

    They displayed placards with various inscriptions such as, ‘INEC let our votes count’, ‘one man one vote is our demand’, ‘voting is our right’ and ‘we say no to rigging’, among others.

  • Electoral violence no reason for voter apathy – INEC

    Barely three weeks to the general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra has called for active participation among women in the electoral process towards a successful poll.

    The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji made the call at the weekend, in Awka during a one day seminar themed, “mitigating violence against women in electoral process”.

    He said no form of electoral violence was enough to deter women from exercising their franchise before and during the elections.

    Describing women as critical stakeholders in the conduct of credible poll, the INEC boss noted that the commission placed high premuim on them, assuring them of level playing ground.

    According to Orji, out of the 84 million registered voters across the country, over 47.1million were women, saying it would be counterproductive if they stayed away on the election day.

    Read Also: INEC needs 1.2m personnel for 2019 polls

    He further urged them to disabuse their minds over the erroneous impression that election was all about war.

    He said, “There is always the tendency to see election as a time of war which is purely meant for only the men.

    “People keep remembering the dark old days without looking at the brigther future.

    “There is no doubt that violence is one major element that scare women away from exercising their franchise. It is time we disabuse such mentality.”

  • Only deployed card readers will read PVCs – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says only Smart Card Readers deployed by it for the general elections can authenticate Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and communicate to its system.

    The commission made this known in a statement on “Fake News Alert’’ published on its website and its social media platforms on Wednesday, in reaction to a video clip circulating on the internet.

    The statement said that INEC’s attention had been drawn to a video purportedly showing a radio presenter with what was said to be a card reader.

    Read Also: 2019: Nobody can rig polls – INEC

    It said that the development would be investigated to ascertain whether what was shown was indeed INEC’s Smart Card Reader.

    The commission assured that mere possession of the card reader did not in itself give the card or its operator “access to our system and processes’’.

    “All card readers to be deployed in elections are to be specifically configured and have certain attributes or credentials which must be known and recognized by our system.

    “It will not be able to receive or transmits data or communicate with the PVCs in our system,’’ it stated.

    NAN

  • CAN: we’ve not endorsed any presidential candidate

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Tuesday denied endorsing any presidential candidate.

    It also advised Christians to avoid violence before, during and after the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

    The body further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to be neutral to all political parties without fear or favour.

    In a statement in Abuja by its Acting General Secretary, Daramola Joseph, CAN said: “The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has not endorsed and will never endorse any of the candidates eyeing the number one seat or any elective post but asks its members to vote according to the leading of the Holy Spirit and their consciences.

    “We have been hearing speculations going the rounds that CAN has endorsed one presidential candidate or the other. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

    “CAN is apolitical, non-partisan and impartial but we are for God and His people.

    “Our members cut across all political divides and some of them are even contesting for one post or the other including the Presidential.

    “So, the idea of endorsing any candidate as favourite does not arise.

    “We have not and will not endorse any candidate for any elective office in the country.”

    On who the body is backing, it said: “The choice of CAN is any candidate who exhibits godliness, trustworthiness, sincerity of purpose, decency, patriotism, true commitment to national service and who has shown care for the Christian community over the years.

    “Christians are called upon to vote credibly and trusted candidates into the various elective positions.

    “We must also be discerning about their policy and the understanding of policy details.

    “CAN stands for a credible, fair and violence-free election. We urge all the candidates to show maturity, leadership, sportsmanship and eschew electoral malpractice and violence in whatever form.

    “They should also call their followers to order and ensure they all operate within the framework of the law.

    “Voter intimidation and vote-buying are anathema to democratic governance and should never be allowed.

    “The law enforcement agencies and other election umpires are enjoined not to be partisan in any form.

    “The peaceful elections and smooth transition of power witnessed in 2015 should be re-enacted in 2019 if new leaders are elected at any level.

    “The Church in Nigeria through CAN is committed to praying and working earnestly towards actualizing this goal.

    “We trust God to give Nigeria a Leader and Deliverer of his choice in February 2019.”

  • We are not under pressure to rig – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is not under pressure to rig forthcoming elections.

    The electoral umpire also assured that its cooperation with security agencies will lead to a pleasant voting experience for Nigerians.

    The reaction came following allegations by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), would not be transparent in the forthcoming elections.

    Reacting to the allegations during a visit to the Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu at the Force headquarters, the INEC Boss, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said: “This is to be expected in an election year when people make all sorts of insinuations but I want to tell you that we as a Commission have never been under any pressure to do what is wrong.

    “We will never compromise our integrity to do what the law says that we shouldn’t and for the 2019 general elections, I want to assure and reassure Nigerians that votes and nothing but votes will count. With the level of cooperation from the security agencies, I want to assure you that Nigerians will have a pleasant voting experience in 2019.”

    Speaking on the need for collaboration with the Police, he said: “We agreed to a new partnership that will lead to the protection of the electoral process in Nigeria such that votes and only votes will count in 2019. There are two institutions that the nation looks forward to in conducting the election; INEC and the Nigeria Police Force.

    “The professionalism and neutrality of both institutions is what Nigerians are looking forward to. Nigeria achieved free, fair, credible election in 2015, now is the time to show the world that what we achieved in 2015 was not a fluke. So, 2019 must be the affirmation of the maturity of the Nigerian democracy.

    “The responsibility of the police is to safeguard INEC officials and Nigerians. The Police have no candidate in the elections. INEC is not a political party, we have no candidate in the elections, so our responsibility is to safeguard the processes such that what Nigerians vote for is what determines who wins the election. So, there is need for us to work very closely at all level during the election. There is need for professionalism and we must turn a new leaf.”

    He also said the 2019 election has the largest number of candidates with over 23,000 candidates competing for 1558 positions.

    Giving details of the number of candidates in order for the Force to make adequate deployment, the INEC Boss said: “We have the largest number of political parties contesting for the 2019 elections. We have the largest number of registered voters participating in the elections and we have the largest number of constituencies in which elections will be conducted. So, we have to safeguard the processes no matter how long it takes.

    “For the presidential election, we have 73 candidates contesting for one position. For the governorship, we have in 29 states for which we have 1068 candidates competing, we have 1094 candidates competing for 109 senatorial seats, we have over 4600 candidates competing for 360 federal constituencies. We have over 14,600 candidates competing for 991 state constituencies, while in the FCT where local government elections will be conducted, there are 808 candidates competing for 68 positions making a total of over 23,000 candidates competing for 1558 positions in 2019. So, this gives you an idea of what we are up to in 2019.”

    He also urged the police to prosecute electoral offenders. “We need to find a way to respond to emergencies because emergencies will arise on the field and there must be a very clear part by which we can continue to work together and Nigerians expect that the violators of our laws must never go scot free in 2019.

    “Arrests were made in the past but prosecutions were not done speedily. The more we prosecute working together with the police, the less our work because prosecution also deters potential breakers of the law.

    Speaking on the essence of the meeting, the Ag. IGP Adamu said: “It was organised for us to know what is expected of us before, during and after the election because the election must be free, fair and credible and police officers must be seen to be neutral and give every party level playing field to do what they are supposed to do.”

    Adamu also disclosed that the Force has identified some flashpoints adding that it might commence the arrest of those who appear to pose threat to the conduct of a free and credible election.

    On the allegations that some governors are recruiting thugs ahead of the election, he said: “We are warning the thugs that if they are recruited, they should desist from it but if they decide to engage themself and work for any politician to create mayhem, we will not allow them. We are already in the field monitoring these group of people and if they don’t stop, we will take on them before the election. We will arrest them and prosecute them before the election.”

    Adamu while assuring that the elections would be free and fair stated that a two-week capacity building training has commenced for officers in the 12 zonal headquarters as part of preparations for the elections.

    He said: “A capacity building training on democratic policing and elections security management for police officers is currently on-going. The training is designed to hold across the 12 Police Zonal Headquarters starting from today 21st January 2018 to 8th February, 2018.

    “I assure the nation and the international community that the Nigeria Police Force shall coordinate effectively with other complementary security agencies, and collaborate efficiently with the leadership of the INEC in guaranteeing a safe and secure space for the citizens to freely exercise their electoral franchise.”

  • INEC trains 2666 corps members in Niger

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the general  training of 2666 corps members in Niger state.

    The Corps Members are to act as Electoral officers in the forthcoming elections in Niger State.

    Mr. Frank Ngwu led the team of INEC trainers and they were surported by the pilot Corps Trainers.

    Read Also: INEC trains staff to detect, counter fake news

    The Corps Members were warned against any electoral misconduct adding that any act of indiscipline will be punished accordingly.

    Corps members were provided with the election manual, which includes the rules of engagement of the electoral process and comprehensive lessons on the details of the corps members duties.

  • NYSC tasks corps members on credibility

    Mr Dahunsi Muhammad, the Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Zamfara, has charged corps members serving in the state to ensure credibility during the upcoming general elections.

    Muhammad gave the charge in Tsafe on Thursday while speaking at the training of corps members on elections organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He said that the NYSC was highly committed toward ensuring free, fair and credible elections in the country.

    “Therefore, we should work up to expectations, we must prove the confidence reposed in us by Nigerians,” he said.

    Read Also: Obiano rewards outstanding NYSC members

    He emphasized the need for corps members to be apolitical and protected the integrity of the NYSC during the conduct of the elections.

    “You should consider your participation in the election as carrying out a national assignment; therefore you should work in line with the code of conduct guiding the polls,” he added.

    He said punitive measures would be meted out on any corps member who contravened any of the Electoral Acts.

    “You should take this training seriously and put your best to replicate our previous records in the 2011 and 2015 general elections,” he said.

  • 2019: INEC publishes Kashamu-backed Ogun PDP candidates’ list

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday laid to rest the controversy over the list of candidates for Ogun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the February 16 and March 2nd, 2019 elections.

    In the final list of Senatorial and House of Representatives candidates published by the Commission on its website, www.inecnigeria.org, the electoral body listed the names of candidates submitted by the Engr. Adebayo Dayo-led Ogun State PDP Executive as candidates of the PDP for the National Assembly election scheduled for 16th of February, 2019.

    The Dayo-led Ogun State PDP Executive is the structure supported by the lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu, who also doubles as the Ogun State PDP governorship candidate.

    For the senatorial candidates, the list has Apostle Solomon Abiodun Sanyaolu as the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District; Engr. Sosanwo Adeola Ayoola for Ogun East Senatorial District and Honourable Odunjo Odunleye Abiodun for Ogun West Senatorial District.

    For the House of Representatives candidates, the list has Barrister (Mrs.) Lanre-Balogun Abimbola for Abeokuta North/Obafemi-Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency; Showunmi Olusegun for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency; Sunmonu Monsuru Olusegun for Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency; Kojeku David Olusola for Egbado North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency; Ajose Suru for Egbado South/Ipokia Federal Constituency; Adesina Olufemi for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency.

    Read Also: INEC to engage 14, 000 adhoc staff

    Others are Barrister Taiwo Kabir Shote for Ijebu Ode/Odogbolu/Ijebu North East Federal Constituency; Honourable Adekoya Adesegun Abdul-Majeed for Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency and Honourable Lawal Alaba Isiaka for Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency.

    Reacting, Senator Kashamu described the development as “victory for resilience and the Rule of Law”, saying there was “no victor, no vanquished”.

    He said with the publication of the final list of candidates by INEC, it was incumbent all lovers of the party to close ranks and work to deliver Ogun State for PDP.

    “Like I said recently, we are members of the same family. We may have had our differences in the past.

    “At the end of the day, it is the party that wins; not any individual or group. We have to come together and work to deliver Ogun State for PDP in all the elections.

    “As the governorship candidate of the party, my doors are wide open. I am willing, able and ready to work with all – in the overall interest of our Party and people.”

    Kashamu commended INEC and the judiciary for standing firm on the side of justice and the Rule of Law.

    He wondered what “our democracy would have been without the judiciary which is the last hope of the common man and an upright electoral umpire”.