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Tag: Independent National Electoral Commission

  • INEC confirms electoral materials hijack in 4 C/River councils

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Cross River has confirmed the hijack of electoral materials in four local government areas of the state.

    The local government areas are: Abi, Bakassi, Obubra and Etung.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Frankland Briyai, confirmed the development shortly after monitoring the voting process at some polling units in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South.

    He said that report of hijack at Yakurr Local Government Area of the state was yet to be confirmed, noting that the commission would record zero scores in all areas where materials were hijacked.

    “We have had cases of hijack of materials today. I got a call on hijack of materials in Abi, Bakassi, Obubra and Etung Local Government Areas.

    “In Yakurr Local Government Area, I got a call concerning hijack of materials but I am yet to confirm that.

    “I have said it before, if they deliberately refuse to make use of the card reader by hijacking electoral materials, the affected areas will score zero.

    “Every Cross Riverian and politician is aware of this.’’

    He, however, expressed satisfaction with high turnout of voters in some areas and applauded voters for their peaceful conduct during accreditation and voting.

    “The security agents were doing their work accordingly in all the areas we visited and I must commend them for that,’’ he said. (NAN)

  • Imo guber candidates score INEC high

    Governorship candidates of the various political parties in Imo State have expressed satisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies over the conduct of the governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    The candidates unanimously affirmed that there was significant improvement in the conduct of the election compared to the Presidential and National Assembly election, especially in the early arrival of voting materials and orderliness at the polling units.

    The candidates including Uche Nwosu (Action Alliance), Ikedi Ohakim (Accord Party), Ifeanyi Araraume All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), among others also lauded the turnout of voters, which they said underscores the commitment of the people to electing their leaders.

    Nwosu who cast his vote, alongside his wife at his Eziama Obire Polling Unit 004, at exactly 9.48am, expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the election.

    He also commented security agencies for the prevailing peace across the state.

    Nwosu said; I am satisfied with the voting process. You can see I voted with my wife. So far the Card Readers are working well. I will win; Action Alliance will form the next government in Imo.”

    Former governor of the state and the governorship candidate of Accord Party, Ikedi Ohakim, also confirmed that there was obvious improvement in the elections.

    He said that the early commencement of voting was a great achievement recorded by INEC, compared to the previous election.

    According to him, “there is improvement in today’s election, materials arrived early and there is peace across the state, except for pockets of skirmishes but is not yet uhuru”.

    Meanwhile there were reports of shooting and snatching of ballot boxes in some parts of the state.

    Security operatives on election duty also arrested five fake Policemen and two soldiers in Ideato South Council Area of the State.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Dasuki Galadanchi, who disclosed this to The Nation, also said that some armed hoodlums who invaded a Polling Unit in Oke Uvuru Counci Area were arrested with stolen ballot papers.

  • Oyo speaker commends INEC

    Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olagunju Ojo on Saturday commended the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) for the early arrival of electoral materials and officials for the Governorship and House of Assembly election.

    Ojo who spoke with newsmen after casting his vote at his polling booth, Ward 8 inside Ahoro Dada Primary School, Ahoro Dada, Oriire South LCDA, Ogbomosho noted that the early arrival is an improvement on the presidential and national assembly elections which held a fortnight ago.

    He however lamented the apathy showed by voters in not showing up early yoncast their vote, adding that the late arrival of electoral materials and officials in the last election could have been responsible.

    Read Also: Man caught with human skull in Oyo

    He said, “I commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for the peaceful conduct of today’s Governorship and House of Assembly Elections

    “The exercise has been hitch-free at least in my polling booth and going by reports I heard. I think its an improvement on the last election.

    “However, I am not too satisfied on the low turnout of the voters. The experience of the presidential and national assembly election could have been responsible anyway. We can only enjoin our people to go out and cast their votes.”

  • Hamzat hails exercise, looks forward to victory

    Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat on Saturday scored the Independent National Electoral Commission high in Epe, describing the election as free and fair.

    Hamzat spoke moments after casting his vote at about 10.30am, at his ward4, unit 2, Oke Balogun, Epe, polling unit.

    He said democracy is worth celebrating, urging the people to come out enmasse and vote for partiescand candidates of their choice.

    Hamzat who expressed happiness at the orderliness of the Governorship/house of assembly elections in Epe, expressed the hope that peace would be experienced throughout the state.

    He saluted all progressives and patriots who paid the supreme price to ensure that Nigeria has a sustainable democracy, adding that the sacrifices of people like the late pa Alfred Rewane, and Dr Beko Ransome Kuti, should not be allowed to be in vain.

    He urged Lagosians to vote for progress and development adding that with what he HSS seen so far, he has no doubt that his party will be victorious.

  • Observer hails INEC, security agencies’ preparedness for guber polls

    An accredited election observer group has commended the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for Saturday’s governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections in Enugu state.

    The observer group under the aegis of Congress of Civil Society Organisation in Nigeria, hailed the level of preparation by INEC towards ensuring a credible and transparent election in the state.

    The group disclosed this in a statement issued by its Chairman, Moses Ebahor and its Secretary, Chidi Chielo, in Abuja on Friday.

    It also commended the readiness of electorate in the state for the elections particularly in voters awareness and the number of permanent voters card (PVC) issued by INEC.

    The statement reads: “As INEC Accredited Election Observers we were able to ascertain the level of the preparedness of INEC towards ensuring credible and transparent election in Enugu State especially in providing a level playing ground for all political parties to participate.

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is resolute, transparent and committed in conducting credible, free and fair election in Enugu State, hence providing a level playing ground for all political parties in Enugu State. They are seriously disseminating information that will lead to credible election across the Local Government Areas in Enugu State.

    Read Also: INEC distributes sensitive materials to LGs in Ekiti

    “The level of voters awareness and mobilization by INEC for the election is very encouraging as they are seriously committed to voters education. The electorates in Enugu State are fully ready for the election as over 70% have collected their PVCS and wish to use same for the election.

    “We were also able to ascertain the security situation in the state ahead of the elections. The various security agencies in Enugu State should put more effort in ensuring that area boys or political thugs are not found within the polling centres.

    “The state Government and the various security agencies in Eungu State have been able to set a formidable security structure that guarantees the safety of lives and property during and after the election in Eungu State.

    “Hence, it is our earnest advice that they should be professionals in the discharge of their duties.

    “It is indeed very remarkable to conclude that INEC is fully ready for the election in Enugu State comes 9th March, 2019.”

  • Polls: INEC to issue certificate of returns next week

    •Says material ‘ll be at RACs today •Complete deployment to LGAs

    Winners in the last National Assembly elections will be issued with certificate of returns Thursday next week, the Independent National Electoral Commission has said.

    This is as the commission said it has fully deployed voting materials to all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the country.

    Disclosing this at a meeting with security chiefs, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu also said the Commission has effectively tackled the challenge of logistics.

    He posited that Materials for the election have been delivered to all States and the FCT.

    He further added that movement of materials to the Local Government Areas will be completed yesterday (Thursday ), while all materials and relevant personnel will arrive at the Registration Area Centres (RACs) today . Yakubu who was beaming with confidence also assured that going by the arrangement on ground, all polling units will open at 8.00 am nationwide.

    He said: On Saturday 9thMarch 2019, Nigerians are once again going to the polls to elect Governors in 29 States, 991 members of Houses of Assembly in all the States of the Federation, 6 Chairmen as well as 62 Councillors for the Area Councils in the FCT. A total of 1,082 candidates will be elected by citizens across the country. “Learning from the experience of the Presidential and National Assembly elections held two weeks ago, the Commission has effectively tackled the challenge of logistics.

    “Materials for the election have been delivered to all States and the FCT. Movement to the Local Government Areas will be completed today. By tomorrow, all materials and relevant personnel will arrive at the Registration Area Centres (RACs). With this arrangement, we are confident that all polling units will open at 8.00 am nationwide.

    “In addition to elections into 1,082 constituencies nationwide, the Commission will conduct supplementary elections in 14 States of the Federation covering 7 Senatorial Districts and 24 Federal Constituencies. Elections in the affected areas were disrupted mainly by acts of violence involving ballot box snatching, abduction of INEC officials, over voting and the failure to adhere to regulations and guidelines. The number of registered voters in the polling units involved in each constituency is more than the votes received by the candidate with the highest number of votes. Supplementary elections must therefore be conducted to determine the winners. “Consequently, the Commission decided to conduct the supplementary National Assembly polls on Saturday alongside the Governorship and State Assembly elections. Full details of the constituencies involved have been communicated to stakeholders in the affected States and will also be available on our website for public information later today. Similarly, the list of candidates that emerged winners in the Senatorial and House of Representatives’ elections held on Saturday 23rdFebruary 2019 will be available on our website later today. “

    On collection of certificate of returns, he said “For Senatorial Districts and Federal Constituencies in which winners have already emerged, the Commission will issue their Certificates of Return next week. “

    Explaining reason for the delay in issuing their certificate Yakubu said most of them were involved in preparation for tomorrow elections.

    According to him “Preparations for the elections holding this weekend into 1,082 constituencies require the full attention of the entire Commission. We reckoned that the elected candidates are also busy campaigning in their constituencies for the remaining elections. The Certificates of Return shall be presented at the International Conference Centre, Abuja “

    According to the arrangement, the Senators elect will have theirs in the morning at 10am while members of the House of Representatives elect will have their in the afternoon , precisely 2pm.

    INEC boss also noted that Certificates of Return for Governors and Deputy-Governors-elect, Members of State Houses of Assembly-elect and Chairmen and Councillors for the FCT shall be presented in each State of the Federation by the Supervising National Commissioners and the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on a date to be announced next week.

     

     

  • INEC to issue certificates of return next week

    Winners in the last National Assembly election will be issued with certificates of return Thursday next week, the Independent National Electoral Commission (IENC) has said.

    This is as the commission said it has fully deployed voting materials to all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the country.

    Disclosing this at a meeting with security chiefs, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu also said the Commission has effectively tackled the challenge of logistics.

    He posited that Materials for the election have been delivered to all States and the FCT.

    He further added that movement of materials to the Local Government Areas will be completed Thursday, while all materials and relevant personnel will arrive at the Registration Area Centres (RACs) Friday.

    Yakubu who was beaming with confidence also assured that going by the arrangement on ground, all polling units will open at 8.00 am nationwide.

    He said: On Saturday 9th March 2019, Nigerians are once again going to the polls to elect Governors in 29 States, 991 members of Houses of Assembly in all the States of the Federation, 6 Chairmen as well as 62 Councillors for the Area Councils in the FCT. A total of 1,082 candidates will be elected by citizens across the country. “Learning from the experience of the Presidential and National Assembly elections held two weeks ago, the Commission has effectively tackled the challenge of logistics.

    “Materials for the election have been delivered to all States and the FCT. Movement to the Local Government Areas will be completed today. By tomorrow, all materials and relevant personnel will arrive at the Registration Area Centres (RACs). With this arrangement, we are confident that all polling units will open at 8.00 am nationwide.

    Read also: Guber poll: MPN candidate steps down for el-Rufai

    “In addition to elections into 1,082 constituencies nationwide, the Commission will conduct supplementary elections in 14 States of the Federation covering 7 Senatorial Districts and 24 Federal Constituencies. Elections in the affected areas were disrupted mainly by acts of violence involving ballot box snatching, abduction of INEC officials, over voting and the failure to adhere to regulations and guidelines. The number of registered voters in the polling units involved in each constituency is more than the votes received by the candidate with the highest number of votes. Supplementary elections must, therefore, be conducted to determine the winners.

    “Consequently, the Commission decided to conduct the supplementary National Assembly polls on Saturday alongside the Governorship and State Assembly elections. Full details of the constituencies involved have been communicated to stakeholders in the affected States and will also be available on our website for public information later today. Similarly, the list of candidates that emerged winners in the Senatorial and House of Representatives’ elections held on Saturday 23rd February 2019 will be available on our website Friday. “

    On collection of certificates of return, he said: “For Senatorial Districts and Federal Constituencies in which winners have already emerged, the Commission will issue their Certificates of Return next week.”

    Explaining reason for the delay in issuing their certificate Yakubu said most of them were involved in preparation for tomorrow elections.  

    According to him “Preparations for the elections holding this weekend into 1,082 constituencies require the full attention of the entire Commission. We reckoned that the elected candidates are also busy campaigning in their constituencies for the remaining elections. The Certificates of Return shall be presented at the International Conference Centre, Abuja”

    According to the arrangement, the Senators-elect will have theirs in the morning at 10am while members of the House of Representatives elect will have their in the afternoon, precisely 2pm.   

    INEC boss also noted that Certificates of Return for Governors and Deputy-Governors-elect, Members of State Houses of Assembly-elect and Chairmen and Councillors for the FCT shall be presented in each State of the Federation by the Supervising National Commissioners and the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on a date to be announced next week.

  • INEC issues certificates of returns next week

    Winners in the last National Assembly elections will be issued with certificates of returns Thursday next week, the Independent National Electoral Commission has said.

    This is as the commission said it has fully deployed voting materials to all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the country.

    Disclosing this at a meeting with security chiefs, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu also said the Commission has effectively tackled the challenge of logistics.

    Read Also: Kidnapped INEC adhoc staff released- Police

    He posited that Materials for the election have been delivered to all States and the FCT.

    He further added that movement of materials to the Local Government Areas will be completed yesterday (Thursday ), while all materials and relevant personnel will arrive at the Registration Area Centres (RACs) today . Yakubu who was beaming with confidence also assured that going by the arrangement on ground, all polling units will open at 8.00 am nationwide.

  • Poll: INEC insist on use of Smart Card Readers

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has insisted that the Smart Card Readers will be deployed in the Saturday polls.

    INEC is conducting elections governorship elections in 29 states of the Federation and the 36 states assemblies and also the council polls in FCT.

    The commission in a statement signed by Festus Okoye, National Commissioner, in-charge of Information and Voter Education also denied the allegation of selective use of smart card readers in the last election.

    The statement reads: “The general public and all officials engaged for the elections are hereby informed that the Commission is not reconsidering the use of these Smart Card Readers which has greatly improved the credibility of our elections and instilled a high level of public trust In them.

    Read Also: We’ll probe INEC on polls’ shift, says senator

    “To clear any doubt or ambiguity. We wish to state that the deployment and mandatory use Smart Card Readers in next Saturday’s elections will not only be uniform but also universal. and the provisions of the Regulations and Guidelines will be strictly and vigorously enforced All Stakeholders are to note and be guided accordingly please.”

    The commission explained further “Since the conduct of the February 23. 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections. there have been allegations from certain quarters that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was selective in its use of Smart Card Readers (SCRs) in its conduct of the electrons. These allegations have led to speculations that INEC may be forced to jettison their use in the March 9, 2019 Governorship, State Houses of Assembly and Federal Capital Area Council elections. ”

    It therefore added, “INEC hereby states categorically that the allegations are absolutely false and the speculations are without any basis whatsoever. The use of the Smart Card Readers is not only mandatory but its deliberate non-use attracts the sanction of possible prosecution of erring officials in accordance with the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of elections. This is in addition to the voiding of any result emanating from such units or areas. as was done in the Presidential and National Assembly elections of February 23, 2019. “

  • 63 card readers missing in Bayelsa, says INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) in Bayelsa has raised the alarm over its missing 63 card readers in the state.

    The commission appealed to persons in possession of the card readers to return them before Wednesday ahead of the House of Assembly election scheduled for Saturday.

    The commission said it discovered the missing item after the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    Speaking on Tuesday in Yenagoa, Head of Department, INEC Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Wilfred Ifogah, said the card readers were found missing in Brass, Sagbama, Southern-Ijaw, Nembe and Yenagoa local government areas.

    Ifogah explained that one smart card disappeared in Brass ward 6 unit 19; 24 in Nembe, ward 1, 4, 12 and 13 while 24 were not found in Southern-Ijaw, ward 1, 2, 3, 12, 15.

    He said; Eight are missing in Sagbama ward 1 unit 5 and ward 6 unit 3 while in Yenagoa, a total of six are also missing in ward 1, 11 and 16 respectively.

    “Yes, about 63, card readers are missing. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) has issued a statement that those involved should return it to a point where it will get to INEC on or before Wednesday”.