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Tag: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

  • Anambra poll: INEC trains staff on violence mitigation

    Anambra poll: INEC trains staff on violence mitigation

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) has commenced the training of its officers on the application of Election Mitigation and Advocacy Tool ( EVMAT ).

    The training, being conducted in Awka,  capital of Anambra, is in preparation for the Nov. 18 governorship election in the state.

    INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, made the disclosure in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Osaze-Uzzi said the training was organised by The Electoral Institute (TEI), training and research arm of INEC.

    He said the training was aimed at developing the capacity of the participants to deploy violence reduction mechanisms to minimise electoral risks during the governorship poll.

    The statement quoted the Acting Director-General of TEI, Dr Sa’ad Idris, as saying that proper application of EVMAT was key in reducing risk of violence during election.

    Idris said the training was geared toward equipping the participants with the necessary skills to effectively administer EVMAT in their respective local government areas.

    “The standardised EVMAT offers unique opportunities for all stakeholders in the electoral process to effectively prevent and mitigate election violence.

    “The instrument possesses higher predictive power that can help appreciate main risk factors through early warning that may inform proactive response.

    “INEC in recent past has deployed the EVMAT instrument in a bid to test the pulse of various players in order to accurately predict and advise on actions to be taken by those responsible for securing elections.

    “The effective application of this instrument will determine the level of accuracy of report and risk factor mapping emanating therefrom,” he said.

    According to Idris, the participants were carefully selected to receive the training before being deployed to the various local government areas to administer the instruments which would be analysed and coded by a data analyst.

    He added that successful risk mapping could only be achieved using accurate data.

    NAN

  • INEC deploys 6,000 card readers in Anambra

    INEC deploys 6,000 card readers in Anambra

    Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) said on Tuesday that it had deployed over 6, 000 card reader machines to ensure smooth conduct of the Nov. 18,  Anambra governorship election.

    Mr Charles Mbanaja, INEC Administrative Secretary in Anambra, made this known in an interview  in Awka.

    Mbanaja said that out of the machines provided 5,000 had been tested and found to be in good working condition.

    The secretary assured stakeholders of the readiness of the commission to provide a level playing ground to in all candidates participating in the election and urged politicians to play by the rules.

    He said INEC had embarked on public enlightenment to sensitise the people on the electoral processes, especially the voting system to address re-occurring cases of invalid votes and other related electoral shortcomings during the election.

    Mbanaja said that the commission had also organised a voters’ education forum, which was attended by stakeholders in the electoral process in a bid to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.

    He called on the people of the state to cooperate with the INEC to ensure that the election was hitch free, free, fair and acceptable.

    NAN

  • Anambra 2017: 8,000 corps members available for poll – NYSC

    Anambra 2017: 8,000 corps members available for poll – NYSC

    The National Youth  Service  Corps ( NYSC ) says  no fewer than 8, 000 corps members presently serving in Anambra will  be available for the conduct of the forthcoming governorship election.

    Mr Ebenezer Olawale, the NYSC Coordinator  in the state,  said this in Awka on Sunday.

    Olawale said the data of corps members in the state had been transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) for planning ahead of the Nov. 18  election.

    He said more corps  members would be moblilised from neighbouring states in case of shortfall.

    “It is no longer news that the NYSC is partnering with INEC in the conduct of credible,  fair and good elections, Anambra’s  case is not different.

    “My office and that of the Resident Electoral Commission have been working assiduously to ensure that corps members participate fully in the exercise.

    “As we all know, corps members are supposed to be non-partisan, they are not from this state,  so we expect them to be fair and they are evenly distributed across the state.

    “We have no fewer than 10,000 corps members in this state but assuming that not all of them will be interested in taking part in the election, we have 8,000 available for this purpose.

    “I have supplied INEC with the data of the available corps members in the state and  where they are not enough,  we shall mobilse from neighbouring states,” he said.

    Olawale also said the NYSC was working with security agencies to ensure the security of  all  corps members.

    He said the corps would soon embark on a tour of the state to sensitise corps members on their expected role in the election as well as  allay their fears over their safety.

    “Very soon,  we shall commence sensitisation visits to my members to ensure that they all participate and allay their fears too because when they do their work well there is nothing to be afraid of.

    “With regards to the security of my members, we have a strong inter-agency collaboration with the police and other security agencies.

    “They have assured us that there would be full mobilisation of security personnel to ensure that NYSC members taking part in the election are safe.

    “Moreover, Anambra is not known for election violence, they prefer to sort out their issues in the law courts rather than resorting to violence.

    “I want to use this medium to call on my corps members to conduct themselves in accordance with  the manner and rules set by INEC; they should be fair  and just to all political parties,” he said.

    NAN

  • ‘Anambra needs change in leadership’

    ‘Anambra needs change in leadership’

    Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, former President of Nigeria Union, South Africa, says Anambra needs a change in leadership to take the state to greater heights.

    He spoke against the backdrop of the governorship election in Anambra which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Nov. 18.

    Anyene told reporters on telephone from Pretoria, South Africa on Friday that the people of the state had the right to choose a leader that would satisfy their yearnings.

    He said that the people should come out on the Election Day and make the choice of candidate to steer the state.

    Anyene said that from analysis, Mr Oseloka Obazee, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate had potential to move the state forward.

    “As Secretary to the State Government, Obazee assisted in the building of a new Anambra State under the leadership of former governor, Mr Peter Obi.

    “Given his experience as a tested administrator, he will deliver because he has the pedigree.

    “The choice of Chidi Onyemelukwe, as deputy gubernatorial candidate is a good combination that will move the state forward,” Anyene said.

    He urged the candidates to focus on issues and expected quality service to the people.

    “The parties and their candidates should talk less on individuals or character assassination. Anambra is matured enough to have credible leaders.

    “They should focus on issues that will impact positively on the masses.

    “ I also appeal to the people to make the right choice by coming out to vote on the Election Day,” Anyene said.

    NAN

  • INEC awaits Court of Appeal decision on recall of Melaye

    INEC awaits Court of Appeal decision on recall of Melaye

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) said it would await Court of Appeal’s decision on latest suit on the recall of Sen. Dino Melaye before taking further steps on it.

    The commission disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday night in Abuja by Mr Solomon Soyebi, a National Commissioner and its Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.

    INEC had in its amended timetable and schedule of activities on the recall of Melaye, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District at the Senate, planned to issue the notice for signatures verification on Tuesday.

    The amendment of the timetable was made pursuant to the order of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    In its judgment in a suit filed by Melaye to stop the recall process, the court dismissed the action and ordered INEC to serve him personally with his constituents’ petition for his recall and all accompanying documents.

    The court directed that the documents must be served on Melaye at least two weeks to the commencement of the exercise to enable him to prepare adequately for the verification.

    Meanwhile, the commission stated that all attempts to serve the senator had been futile as he had made himself unavailable.

    It stated that the Bailiff of the High Court accompanied by INEC officials had visited the office of the Senator at the National Assembly and his residence on six occasions but to no avail.

    The senator’s office was found locked, and the officials were also not able to gain access to him at his residence.

    It added that on resumption of the Senate after its recess, the senator refused to accept service of the documents.

    “The Commission approached the court for substituted service but was directed to make another attempt to serve the senator.

    “When this failed again, the commission returned to the court to pursue the request for substituted service but the court declined jurisdiction as the appeal by the senator had been entered at the Court of Appeal.”

    The commission added that as a result of Melaye’s refusal to accept service of the petition, it had not been able to proceed with the process as earlier scheduled.

    According to it, service of the documents on Melaye has become a condition precedent to continuing the exercise.

    “INEC has therefore decided that in line with its usual practice and in deference to the rule of law, it will await the outcome of the decision of the Appeal filed by the Senator,” it said.

    The commission reiterated determination to faithfully discharge all its constitutional and statutory duties and responsibilities.

    It added that in doing so, it was not only guided by the Constitutional and statutory provisions, but also by the interpretations given by the courts.

    “INEC does not have any interest whatsoever in the outcome of the Kogi West petition for recall.

    “Its interest is limited to ensuring that all electoral activities are undertaken in line with due process and without fear or favour.

    “The commission owes this duty to all Nigerians and is prepared to proceed in earnest once all legal issues are resolved.”

  • Anambra: Group plans debate for governorship candidates

    Anambra: Group plans debate for governorship candidates

    The Human Rights Volunteer Corps has announced plans to organise a debate for all the candidates participating in the Nov. 18 governorship election in Anambra state.

    National Coordinator of the group, Mr Larry Oguego, announced this at a news conference in Onitsha on Tuesday.

    Oguego said that the debate would be organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Election Debate Group ( NEDG ), Justice, Development and Peace Commission ( JDPC ) and some broadcasters.

    According to him, the first leg of the debate will hold on Oct. 26, at the Women Development Centre, Awka, while the second phase will hold on Nov. 3 at Sharon Hall, Onitsha.

    “We have decided to do something different with a peculiar design to change the political conversation.

    “The debate will centre on the detailed manifesto and work plan of each candidate with time frame of implementation which they are expected to present,” Oguego said.

    He said that only candidates, who agreed to sign a social contract form, would participate in the debate, adding that the contract would be reviewed every six months to ensure accountability.

    Candidates of thirty seven (37) political parties are contesting the governorship seat in the state, the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) had announced recently.

  • Anambra poll: Parties sets record, as 37 field candidates

    Anambra poll: Parties sets record, as 37 field candidates

    The November 18 governorship election in Anambra state will be setting a national record in number of political parties participation, it was learnt.

    According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 37 political parties have fielded candidates for the election which is just 45 days away.

    There are 48 registered political parties in the country.

    The number of parties notwistanding, INEC Chair, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the commission is prepared for the election.

    He also noted that apart from the unprecedented number of parries that will be participating in the election, there were no court cases on party candidacy neither is there any party that has fielded two candidates.

    INEC Boss also revealed that electronic transmission of results will not be possible in the Anambra election.

    He however said the innovation will be put to use in the coming Ekiti and Osun polls.

     

  • Anambra guber poll: AD did not submit candidates names before deadline – INEC

    Anambra guber poll: AD did not submit candidates names before deadline – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) has said that the Alliance for Democracy ( AD ) did not submit necessary forms and details of its candidates for Anambra governorship election before the deadline for submission.

    INEC Director of Publicity and Voter Education, Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi disclosed this in an interview on Monday in Abuja.

    The AD had on Wednesday, in a letter written to INEC by its factional National Chairman, Alhaji Ismail Ayodele, said that the names of its candidates were omitted from the list of contestants in the Anambra governorship poll.

     INEC had on Wednesday published list of 37 political parties and their candidates for the Nov. 18 governorship election.

    Osaze-Uzzi added that from the commission’s record the National Chairman of AD was Chief Joseph Avazi, and not Ayodele.

    “The party did not make a submission of the necessary forms and list of their candidates before the close of work on the last day for submission.

    “From our records, Ismaila Ayodele is the National Treasurer of the party, not its National chairman.

    “National Chairman is Chief Joseph Avazi,” Osaze-Uzzi said.

    The party according to the letter listed Nze Valentine Favour Onwuka and his running mate Chijioke Onyekaonwu, as the names of its candidates submitted to INEC for the election.

    The party according to Ayodele complied with Sections 85 and 87 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) in notifying INEC of its primary election held on Aug. 22 in Awka, Anambra State.

    Ayodele said that the primary was monitored by INEC while the party also collected and submitted forms F001 and F002 to the commission.

    “We are therefore surprised that the names of our Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidates did not appear in your published list of candidates for the Election.

    “We urge you to use your good offices to rectify this and ensure that the names of our candidates are included in the list of those contesting the election.

    “We reaffirm our confidence in the Commission and believe that all eligible candidates for the Governorship Election are given the opportunity to participate in it.

    “This is the only way we will deepen our emerging democracy.

    “We look forward to the inclusion of our Party’s Candidates names in your list,” the statement reads.

    NAN

  • INEC: EKiti, Osun guber polls timetable out Thursday

    INEC: EKiti, Osun guber polls timetable out Thursday

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it would on Thursday release the timetable for Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections coming up in 2018.

    The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.

    Yakubu said that INEC had started preparations for the elections in the two states.

    “The end-of-tenure governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states will be conducted next year.

    “In keeping with the commission’s tradition of giving all stakeholders ample time to prepare, the timetable and schedule of activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections will be released on Thursday,” Yakubu said.

    He added that INEC would on Saturday conduct bye-election in Eti-Osa state constituency in Lagos state.

    “Only yesterday, we received the official declaration of vacancy by the Honourable Speaker House of Representatives for the Kware/Wamakko Federal Constituency in Sokoto state.

    “The timetable and schedule of activities for the election would be released on Tuesday.”

    Yakubu said that as part of the preparation for 2019 general elections, which remained 505 days, the commission would continue to explore ways by which all processes associated with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were improved upon.

    He said that so far 2,786,405 citizens have registered in ongoing CVR exercise of which 1,619,513 representing 58 per cent were males while 1,166,892 (42 per cent) were females.

    “In addition, 108,752 unclaimed permanent voters’ cards were collected.

    “The commission has also recorded 132,431 requests for transfer from original places of registration to new locations.

    “We also received 261,429 requests for replacement of PVCs that were damaged, defaced or wrong entries of personal and other details.”

  • Uchendu’s swearing-in, triumph of people’s power – Dakuku Peterside

    Uchendu’s swearing-in, triumph of people’s power – Dakuku Peterside

    Dr Dakuku Peterside, the Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA ), says the swearing-in of Sen. Andrew Uchendu is a triumph of people’s power and resilience over violence.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Uchendu was sworn-in as a Senator to represent Rivers-East Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ).

    Peterside, in a statement on Thursday in Port Harcourt, said that the victory of Uchendu at the tribunal and subsequent swearing-in had put a stop to election manipulation.

    “As Sen. Andrew Uchendu mounted the podium and took oath of office, it has marked the collapse of the manipulation of our electoral system.

    “The swearing-in of Sen. Uchendu also marks real victory of the people’s power and conquest of resilience and determination over violence.

    “I salute Sen. Uchendu for his moment of glory and our leader, the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, for offering leadership that strengthens our resolve, courage and gives hope to ordinary people,” he said.

    According to him, those who celebrated the shortlived victory of electoral manipulation will definitely fear God and also know that there is a limit to which they can manipulate our weak institutions.

    “Sen. Uchendu represents the true spirit of the ‘Riversman’ and the state, and his victory marks a new beginning and never again will darkness becloud our land again.

    “I join all Rivers people and particularly the thousands of young men and women who are ready to go to any length to defend their conviction to celebrate this new era,” he said.

    Peterside, who was the Rivers APC Governorship candidate in 2015, thanked supporters of the party who made necessary sacrifice to be in Abuja to witness the historic swearing-in.

    “I thank those who invested resources to celebrate our brand new Senator in both newspaper publications and various massmedia platforms,” he said.

    The National Assembly Appeal Tribunal for Rivers on Aug. 24 sacked Sen. George Sekibo of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) to issue Certificate of Return to Uchendu.