The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Independent National Electoral Commission

  • INEC discovers ineligible voters in register

    INEC discovers ineligible voters in register

    The Independent National Electoral Commission has queried says some of its senior officials in Taraba State for allegedly registering ineligible voters.

    The illegal voters according to a statement by the Head of Voter Education and Publicity in Taraba state, Fabian Vwamhi has already been expunged.

    The statement read in part, “Following its laid down processes, INEC Taraba office has discovered that some ineligible voters have been registered in the ongoing CVR exercise.

    “This is not only contrary to INEC’s guidelines for registration, but is also a violation of the Electoral Act.

     

  • 2019: INEC boss to RECs: avoid controversies

    2019: INEC boss to RECs: avoid controversies

    Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has urged the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to be firm and avoid needless controversies ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Yakubu, who spoke yesterday at the first consultative meeting between the INEC management and the RECs at the commission’s National Headquarters, Abuja, advised them to be firm on the side of the law and the people as they work towards ensuring free, fair and transparent general elections.

    He warned the RECs on the antics of politicians, who would want to distract them through partisan comments as the polls approach.

    The RECs’ roles, he said, are pivotal to the success of the elections and hence the commission can never be compromised.

    It was the third meeting the commission held within the last 48 hours with stakeholders.

    The commission on Monday met with the media and the civil society organisations (CSOs).

    The RECs are responsible for coordinating INEC activities at the state levels.

    He said: “As we approach the 2019 general elections, I wish to draw your attention to the necessity that you stand firm. Be very firm on the side of the law and on the side of the people of Nigeria, who deserves nothing less than free and fair elections.

    “We should not be distracted, especially by partisan comments from any quarter. As the 2019 elections draw closer, there will be attempts to draw the commission into needless controversies. You must not descend into the arena.”

     

     

  • INEC will cancel election in any troublesome ward – REC

    INEC will cancel election in any troublesome ward – REC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) says it will cancel elections in wards with irregularities, Prof. Francis Ezeonu, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo, said elections in areas where ballot boxes were seized or where voting was marred by any violence would be voided.

    The electoral commissioner said this on Friday while carrying out sensitisation campaign in Aboh Mbaise Local Government area of Imo.

    He said INEC was prepared for free and fair elections devoid of violence and intimidation and urged stakeholders to cooperate with the commission to achieve this objective.

    “INEC will not accept results in areas where ballot papers or boxes are carted away by hoodlums or any group or individuals. Election in that area will be cancelled.

    “What INEC needs is cooperation from members of the community.

    “If INEC does not receive cooperation of people in the communities, things will not be okay. I advise politicians and stakeholders to play by the rules and play good politics,” he said.

    Ezeonu reiterated the commitment of INEC to conduct credible polls in the fourth coming general elections.

    He urged politicians to always ensure their followers enjoyed dividends of democracy to pave way for their re-election.

    The electoral commissioner advised the people of Aboh Mbaise to ensure that all eligible voters in the area got their PVCs and went out and vote during election.

    He said election in Nigeria would no longer be business as usual, adding that INEC was tightening its ropes against all aspects of rigging.

    Ezeonu promised that the state INEC would ensure that all eligible voters registered through provision of more registration machines and re-visiting places where people were yet to be captured.

    Read Also:  Council of State endorses appointments for NPC, INEC, JSC

    Earlier, Mr Clement Archibong , the Electoral Officer in Aboh Mbaise, said the commission had registered a total of 6,311 prospective voters since registration was taken to the electoral wards as ordered by the commission .

    He, however, said that the local government had 2,820 uncollected permanent voters cards and called on stakeholders to carry the message to their various communities for the owners to come and take them.

    Mrs Esther Emeruche, the Technical Committee Chairman of Aboh Mbaise, called on INEC to be an unbiased electoral umpire and should not be party to rigging by announcing results in violent areas.

    Some stakeholders, who consisted of traditional rulers, representatives of political parties, youth, women and town union leaders, commended INEC in the state on the sensitisation and the assurance of credible elections.

    They advised INEC against bringing in faulty registration and card reader machines for registration and for elections, saying that faulty machines were means of election rigging.

    They also wanted INEC to revisit areas where people were yet to be captured to have more registered voters.

    They called for continuous publicity and enlightenment on the voter registration exercise and collection of PVCs.

    Eze Emmanuel Mad, a traditional ruler in Aboh Mbaise, expressed gratitude to INEC in the state and urged it to fulfill all its promises as well as ensure it conducted credible elections come 2019.

    Mr Mike Iheanetu,a  member representing Aboh Mbaise State Constituency, advised the people of Aboh Mbaise against political and voter apathy.

    He enjoined them to go out, register and obtain their PVCs, saying it is their power to vote and elect good leaders.

    NAN

  • Under-aged voting: INEC sets up 8 member investigation panel

    Under-aged voting: INEC sets up 8 member investigation panel

    …Panel to turn in report in two weeks

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set up a eight member committee to investigate the alleged underaged voting in the recent Kano state Local Government Election.

    The Committee which has two weeks to turn in its report has Engineer Abubakar Nahuche, a national Commissioner as Chairman.

    Other members of the committee are: Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a national Commissioner, Barrister Kassim Geidam Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adamawa state, Yakubu Duku, Electoral Operations Department, Mrs. Rukayat Bello Voter Registry Department, Paul Omokere ICT Department and Mr. Jude Okwuonu P&M Department, Secretary.

    The Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu announced the composition of the panel yesterday when he received in audience Leadership of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) at the Commission’s headquarters.

    Yakubu said the committee shall focus solely on the allegation of under-aged persons on the voter register.

    The committee he said among other things is to ascertain if the voter register requested by the KSIEC was actually used in the council poll.

    As part of the terms of reference, the committee is to investigate the widespread report that persons below the statutory age of 18 years voted using INEC’s register.

    The committee he said is also expected to engage with stakeholders on issues related to the use of the voter register in the election.

    At the end of its work, the committee is expected to make any other recommendations which in its opinion are relevant to its assignment.

    He stressed that since both bodies have constitutional mandate to conduct elections, the committee is not investigating the conduct or outcome of Local Government election by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC).

    Besides, he said issue of under-aged voting has given cause for the review of the aspect of the collaboration between the Commission and the SIEC.

    He said: “INEC will continue to improve on our processes and procedures. We are totally committees to the task of strengthening our electoral process. Where we have cause to review aspects of our collaboration, we will not hesitate to do so. One such area is the alleged incidence of under-aged voting in the recent Local Government election in Kano state. We promised Nigerians that the matter will be fully investigated and a committee will be set up for this purpose headed by a national commissioner with Resident Electoral Commissioners and staff from technical departments of the commission as members.

    For the purpose of clarification, the committee is not investigating the conduct or outcome of the Local Government election by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission. These are outside the constitutional and legal responsibilities of INEC. Rather, the committee shall focus solely on the allegation of under-aged persons on the voter register.

    On the relationship between INEC and the forum of SIEC, Yakubu regretted the none consistency in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties in 2012.

    This he blamed on paucity of funds and the high rate of turnover of SIEC Chairmen and Commission members.

    “We believe that consistent collaboration with SIECs and the knowledge gained through the regular conduct of Local Government elections are invaluable to enhancing the quality of elections at that level.

    “Regrettably, both the processes and outcomes of Local Government elections have become issues of heated discussion among Nigerians,” he added.

    While noting that the existing MoU needs to be reviewed as a matter of urgency, he however assured the forum of the commission’s readiness to partner with SIECs.

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Forum, Justice Igbozurike Akomas (rtd) said the visit was to reawaken and strengthen the tenets of the MoU so as to achieve the core objectives of conducting free, fair and credible elections at all levels.

    Akomas also solicited for the support of INEC towards SIECs achieving financial independence.

    He said, “We wish to solicit the continued cooperation of INEC in working towards SIECs becoming more efficient in discharge of their constitutional duties. Today any person who visits the INEC website sees a clock counting down to the 2019 General Elections. It is a reflection of how INEC legal framework has given her capacity and independence to carryout long term plan towards election. This we believe is also achievable for SIECs if INEC supports the struggle of SIECs towards financial independence. “

     

  • KOWA party advocates legislation for political party registration

    KOWA party advocates legislation for political party registration

    The KOWA Party has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to approach the National Assembly for legislation for political party registration.

    Mr Mark Adebayo, the National Secretary of KOWA, told the Newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday that it was unrealistic for INEC to continue to register more parties on daily basis.

    According to him, I do not think we should have more than 10 political parties in this country.

    “We in KOWA strongly think that INEC cannot continue registering political parties; asides the fact that it is too expensive for the commission to go round the 36 states and FCT to monitor party congresses, it is unrealistic to have 52 political parties.

    “Also, about 100 have so far applied for registration, we cannot continue like this. There has to be a way to limit the number of political parties in the country.

    “There is urgent need for INEC to approach the National Assembly, there has to be legislation on the present number of political parties that we have,’’ Adebayo said.

    The scribe said that proliferation of political parties was the reason manifestoes of almost all the parties were alike saying it has become just a `written verbatim’.

    He urged INEC to set minimum standards for registration of political parties disagreeing with a situation whereby political parties met requirements of law, gets registered and go home to sleep.

    Read Also: KOWA Party to hold supplementary state congress in Lagos

    “Political realities are different from freedom of association; your freedom of association should not lead you to having parties that you will not be able to monitor or sustain.

    “You are free to associate, but every family or street does not need to form a political party. It will destroy our democracy,’’ he said.

    The KOWA scribe however, suggested the need for INEC to introduce a pamphlet that would carry names of all registered political parties instead of going to print a long ballot paper that could lead to voter apathy.

    According to him, there has to be a way for people to spend the barest minimum time at the polling booth.

    The news men reports that there are 68 registered political parties in Nigeria at present.

    More associations have applied to INEC to be registered as political parties.

    NAN

  • 2019: Election budget ready in 7 days – INEC Chairman

    2019: Election budget ready in 7 days – INEC Chairman

    Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday said that the 2019 General Elections budget would be ready in seven days.

    Mahmood disclosed this in his in an address of welcome at a Two-Day 2019 Election Project Plan (EPP) Implementation for the senior management staff of the commission in Lagos.

    “It is exactly a year today to the 2019 General Elections scheduled for Feb. 16, 2019, the commission has developed a strategic plan and programme of actions (2017-2021), in full consultation with stakeholders.

    “In order to implement the plan, the commission then developed detailed activities and assigned specific responsibilities and time lines for the 2019 general elections under the Election Project Plan (EPP).

    “There is no time to waste; the 2019 General Elections are already around the corner. These are the last activities before the conduct of the general elections.’’

    He said “we have finalized and validated the election project plan, thereafter, finalize work on the election’s budget for 2019, this will be ready next week.

    “Part of the successful implementation of the election plan is funding and the commission is not unaware that Nigerians are anxious to know the cost of the 2019 General Elections.

    “The commission believes in optimal utilization of resources which is dependent on proper planning.

    “With the validation of EPP workshop, having concluded and validated the strategic plan and plan of actions, work on 2019 elections budget will be concluded next week

    “Immediately after the validation, the budget will be presented to the appropriate authority for consideration and funding,’’ the chairman said.
    He said that the commission would continue to take all necessary steps to ensure that Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) were given necessary support to implement EPP.

    Mahmood urged RECs to mobilise all members of staff of the commission to enable them prepare to play their respective roles to ensure the hitch-free general elections.

    According to him, activities ranging from the assessment of the current election infrastructure, acquisition and deployment of sensitive and non-sensitive materials would take place as specified.

    Mahmood stated that the objectives of the 197 activities of EPP include: “harmonizing the activities and needs of all departments and directorates of the commission into an implementable plan for the 2019 elections.

    Read Also:  INEC takes voter education to public schools in Bayelsa

    Others he said include “Organising the 2019 general elections in line with the highest global professional standards to deliver cost effective but high quality general elections in 2019.

    “Ensure that all stakeholders are carried along and create a level playing field for all candidates and political parties in administering the 2019 general elections

    “Also to ensure accountability and responsibility of all INEC staff in the conduct of 2019 general elections”.

    Mahmood said that each of the 197 activities of EPP responded to specific actions and tasks to be carried out within a specified time line.

    He called for diligent and meticulous monitoring, close supervision and sustained of the EPP for understanding and adherence to time line.

    On the concern in certain quarters about the possible prevalence of ineligible registrants on voter register, Mahmood said the commission was equally concerned and worried.

    The INEC boss also said that the recent reports of violation by underage person, following the Kano Local Government Election were deeply disturbing.

    “We wish to assure Nigerians that the matter will be fully investigated and we will share the findings of the investigation with the public.

    “I wish to assure Nigerians that voter register, nationwide, will be purged of any possible ineligible registrants,” he said.

    According to him, the investigation becomes necessary because the credibility of an election is drawn from the credibility of voter register.

    He noted that eligibility for registrations include citizenship, residence and mandatory attainment of age of 18 years.
    Mathmood said between July and December, 2017, 3, 978,682 were registered afresh nationwide.

    He also disclosed that 135, 127 unclaimed Permanent Voter Cards were collected and 166,073 requests made for transfer of PVCs while the commission received 334,086 requests for replacement of PVCs.

    In terms of distribution by state, the INEC boss said that Rivers recorded the highest number of voters, followed by Delta and Lagos while Kwara, Gombe and Ondo recorded the lowest.

    On the ongoing voter registration, Mahmood assured that only legally eligible citizens would be screen and registered, saying INEC has 1446 registration centres nationwide.

    He said that the commission had deployed additionally Direct Data Capturing machines, staff and resources nationwide to address the challenges people faced in exercise.

    Presenting the 2019 EPP report, Prof. Bolade Eyinla said that the reports harmonised the activities and needs of all departments, units and directorate of INEC into implementing the plan for the general elections.

    Eyinla is the Technical Adviser to INEC Chairman.

    He further said his committee was inaugurated in May 2017 and was informed by success of the EPP in 2015, which centralised planning for the election.
    “It is important that all hands are on deck to deliver more credible elections in 2019.
    “The plan is to ensure that the 2019 elections will be conducted in line with the highest global standard and to deliver cost efficient but high quality elections.

    Eyinla said that all state offices, led by RECs, designed and established their Election Monitoring Support Centres, structured to monitor and support the implementations of EPP.

    Mr Shalva Kipshidze, Country Director, IFES said the EPP was developed by INEC with the support of IFES to enhance electoral integrity and good governance.

    National Electoral Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, Administrative Secretaries, directors, Heads of Departments among other senior staff of the commission attended the workshop.

    The workshop was facilitated by INEC’s international partners (the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) and International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).

    NAN

     

  • Sequence of Election Unconstitutional, In Bad Faith – Group

    Sequence of Election Unconstitutional, In Bad Faith – Group

    Buhari Support Organization (BSO), Enugu State Chapter has condemned in its entirety the “unconstitutional amendment of Section 25 of the 2010 Electoral Act;” by both the Senate and House of Representatives.

    The group said the amendment no doubt infringes upon the constitutional powers vested on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

    “We view the amendment as one done in bad faith; hence erosion of INEC powers an electoral umpire which had already issued sequence and order of 2019 general elections – National Assembly/President, and State Assembly/Governor elections.

    Therefore, we are at a loss and yet to locate the economic, patriotic or any valid reason for infringing on the Constitution which in the Third Schedule, expressly bestows INEC with the powers to: – organize, undertake and supervise all elections to the offices of the President and Vice President, the Governor and Deputy Governor, and to the membership of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly of each State of the Federation.

    Read Also: ‘Unconstitutional  restructuring can tear Nigeria apart’

    The fact and the law is that sequence of elections is an integral component of organization and supervision of elections, which are the primary functions of INEC. This is why since 1960, neither the 1960 parliament, the 2nd Republic nor the 3rd Republic National Assembly had ever inserted the sequence of elections in our Electoral Act. We stand to be contradicted”, the group argued.

    The group commended the Senators and House Members who opposed the unconstitutional act, especially the only APC Senator from the South East, Distinguished Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu.

    The BSO maintained: “It’s our considered view that obstacles or booby traps should not be planted to  block President Muhammadu Buhari from firming the solid foundation he is laying in the provision of critical infrastructure – RAILS, ROADS, AGRO & POWER (RRAP) projects.

    Accordingly, we call on Mr President to veto the Bill and Distinguished Senators and House Members to support the veto. For if there were valid or altruistic reasons behind the unnecessary tampering with the sequence published by INEC, the National Assembly should have truly posited bottom-top model that of – the House of Assembly, the Governorship, the National Assembly and last the Presidential”.

  • INEC, EFCC partnership will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy

    INEC, EFCC partnership will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy

    Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Yobe, Alhaji Umar Kukuri, said partnership between Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

    Kukuri disclosed this in an interview with the news men in Damaturu on Friday, at the backdrop of collaborative meeting between INEC and EFCC on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that excessive use of money in politics had denied Nigerians of good hands for national development.

    According to him, the partnership between both agencies will check excessive use of money during elections and eliminate investors in politics who see it as business rather than a call to serve.

    “The partnership is expected to sanitize the use of excessive money, and this will give opportunity to credible candidates with national interest but lack resources to buy votes, to win elections” he said.

    Read Also: INEC  seeks EFCC’s collaboration on vote buying, campaign funds

    The chairman described as “unfortunate’’ unchecked cases of politicians besieging polling units with money or food to buy votes during elections.

    “It is very sad that some politicians nearly institutionalized the corruption of buying votes both in cash and in kind to win elections.

    “The infamous stomach infrastructure politics recorded in previous elections in parts of the country where rice bags bearing party logo and pictures of candidates were shared to voters on election queues was quite disturbing.”

    He commended INEC and EFCC for the partnership to fight corruption in electioneering so as to build Nigeria’s democracy.

    Kukuri called on all political parties to support the fight against corruption in the electoral process “for clean and acceptable elections and growth of democracy in Nigeria’’.

    NAN

     

  • 2019: INEC to deepen engagement with stakeholders for credible polls

    2019: INEC to deepen engagement with stakeholders for credible polls

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos on Thursday pledged to deepen its engagement with stakeholders, for credible elections in 2019.

    Mr Sam Olumekun, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lagos gave the assurance at a one-day workshop on ‘Experience Sharing on the 2015 General Election’, held at the INEC office in Lagos.

    The News men report that the commission’s Lagos office organised the workshop for its management staff and stakeholders across the state.

    It was aimed at engaging the workforce in the analysis of its strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, as a guide to shaping its electoral activities in the 2019 elections.

    Olumekun said: “It is said that experience is the best teacher, and so it behooves us to learn from our past mistakes and successes, so as to attain a more beautiful future.

    “It is important for us to take stock, in an open and honest manner, of the activities of the past.

    “It is, therefore, important for us to interrogate the past, see where we missed it, where we didn’t do well and derive policies that will help us move ahead.

    “We must deepen our engagement with critical stakeholders to ensure successful 2019 general elections

    “I charge you to strengthen and deepen engagement with stakeholders and not wait till the last day,” he said.

    Read Also: INEC seeks collaboration with NIGCOMSAT for e-results

    Olumekun said the commission must take the lead in demonstrating the integrity of the electoral process to the stakeholders.

    On the challenges facing the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), the INEC REC urged the staff to rise to the occasion and improve the management of the exercise.

    In his remark, the immediate past REC in the state, Mr Akin Orebiyii, said the state was lucky to have Olumekun as his successor, describing him as a thorough and proactive professional.

    Orebiyii reiterated the need for robust engagement with stakeholders to ensure successful elections.

    “INEC doesn’t conduct its elections alone. INEC works with stakeholders such as security agencies, National Orientation Agency, Political Parties and Community Development Association (CDAs).

    “Others include the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the media, election observers, market women, the youth, transport unions, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

    “If you have them (stakeholders), more than 50 per cent of the challenges would have been taken care of. There is need for confidence building between INEC and its stakeholders.

    “We need to be open to them and ensure education and training for political parties and their agents,” the immediate past REC in Lagos said.

    He urged INEC staff members to respect and build a robust, cordial relationship with all stakeholders for success in 2019.

    Orebiyii highlighted some challenges faced in the 2015election to include mix up in voter registration and various allegations of hoarding PVCs, protests, among others.

    He urged the staff not to sweep any issue under the carpet, but to be familiar with their wards and peculiarities.

    Orebiyii said the 2019 elections would be a different ball game because so many things had changed, but urged the commission to deploy wisdom and experience to surmount emerging challenges.

    The former INEC boss urged the commission to always have backups for every critical material — human and non-human.

    He advised the commission to disseminate information through community leaders, traditional rulers and religious rulers, who must be carried along.

    Some of the officers, who shared their experiences highlighted card reader failure, mix up in voter’s registers, PVCs, negligence of ad hoc staff and poor statistical skills of some collation officers, among others, as part of challenges they faced in the 2015 elections.

    Mr Joshua Adelusithe, the Electoral Officer in Lagos Island, told NAN that the training was apt and would prepare the staff well to tackle whatever challenges that might arise in the 2019 elections.

    NAN

  • CVR: INEC solicits stakeholders’ support in Niger

    CVR: INEC solicits stakeholders’ support in Niger

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) on Thursday solicited the support of stakeholders towards mobilising eligible residents to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

    Prof. Samuel Egwu, INEC Resident Electoral Commission (REC) in Niger made the appeal in an interview with the News men in Minna.

    He said active participation of stakeholders, especially traditional and religious leaders, would greatly assist the commission in capturing eligible voters.

    Egwu explained that INEC was currently rotating its personnel across the state to ensure that it registered all eligible residents.

    He said the personnel would also attend to voters seeking to transfer their voting units from where they were originally registered to other locations among others.

    Read Also:INEC  seeks collaboration with NIGCOMSAT for e-results

    “We have also reached out to leaders of political parties, development associations and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to fully mobilise their eligible members to register,” he said.

    Egwu also called on the mass media to initiate more enlightenment programmes that would help educate residents to get registered to enable them elect credible leaders during the 2019 general elections.

    The news men report that similar exercises were ongoing in other states of the country.

     NAN