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  • INEC distributes sensitive materials for Saturday bye elections

    INEC distributes sensitive materials for Saturday bye elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said all sensitive materials for the conduct of Saturday’s bye elections in 12 States have been distributed.

    National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun who disclosed this in a statement said all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been configured for the elections.

    He also disclosed that about 17 political parties have nominated 637 candidates for the 68 seats (6 Chairmen and 62 Councillors) for the area council election scheduled for February 2026.

    The statement reads: “The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Thursday 14th August 2025. Among other matters, the meeting discussed the final preparations for bye-elections, the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and the publication of the personal particulars of candidates for the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “On Saturday 16th August 2025, bye-elections will be held in 16 constituencies across 12 States of the Federation, involving two Senatorial Districts in Anambra and Edo States; five Federal Constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun and Oyo States; and nine State Constituencies in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (2), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba and Zamfara States.

    “As Nigerians are aware, these bye-elections were caused by the resignation or death of serving members of national and State Houses of Assembly. Similarly, the court-ordered re-run election in Onitsha South 1 State Constituency of Anambra State and the Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State will be held simultaneously with the bye-elections.

    “All non-sensitive materials for the election have been delivered to the States. Election technology, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been configured for the election.

    “The recruitment and training of ad hoc staff as well as security and logistics arrangements have been concluded. The final consignment of sensitive materials will be delivered today as scheduled.

    “The Commission wishes to remind political parties and candidates that campaigns end at midnight today, Thursday 14th August 2025.

    “With less than 48 hours to the opening of polls, the Commission reiterates its appeal to all those involved in the bye-elections as political parties, candidates, voters, party agents, observers and the media to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law, regulations and guidelines. Doing so will ensure seamless processes.”

    On the resumption of nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), Olumekun said “the CVR will resume on Monday 18th August 2025 nationwide with the online pre-registration of voters.

    “The physical or in-person registration will follow a week later at the 811 INEC State and Local Government offices across the country on Monday 25th August 2025.

    “The list and locations of the centres, including dedicated telephone numbers for citizens in need of assistance can be obtained from our website and other online platforms. The active CVR Locator will also go live on Sunday 17th August 2025.

    Read Also: Fed Govt unveils skills drive to empower 20m youths by 2030

    “During the CVR, citizens will also have the opportunity to transfer their registration within a State or to other States of the Federation. Similarly, damaged or lost PVCs will be replaced as provided by law.

    “It needs to be re-emphasied that the CVR is only open to Nigerian citizens who are 18 years or older and who have not registered before as double or multiple registration is a punishable offence under the law”.

    The statement said further that 17 political parties will participate in the area council elections in the FCT scheduled for February, 2026.

    It said “Following the conclusion of party primaries for the Area Council election in the FCT, seventeen (17) Political Parties uploaded their candidates’ nomination forms by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday 11th August 2025 when the dedicated portal automatically shut down.

    “In line with the provision of Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission will on Monday 18th August 2025 publish the personal particulars of candidates by displaying copies of their Form EC9 along with all the accompanying academic credentials and other documents submitted by them, in all our offices in the six Area Councils in the FCT.

    “The 17 parties participating in the election nominated 637 candidates for the 68 seats (6 Chairmen and 62 Councillors) in the FCT.

    “We appeal to Nigerians to scrutinise the documents. Any aspirant who participated in his/her party primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by a candidate is false can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.

    “The final list of candidates will be published on 22nd September 2025 which is at least 150 days before the day of the election in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 7 on our Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

    “The FCT Area Council election is scheduled for Saturday 21st February 2026. We will continue to update Nigerians on all our activities.”

  • By-election: INEC distributes sensitive materials in Edo

    By-election: INEC distributes sensitive materials in Edo

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distributed sensitive materials to local government areas where by-elections are expected to hold on Saturday.

    Political parties and civil society representatives were present at the Benin branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria from where the sensitive materials were distributed.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, who spoke to journalists said it was important to invite political parties who indicated interest to contest in the by-election.

    Read Also: By-election contest hots up in Oyo, Ogun, Edo, Anambra

    Prof. Onuoha said the political parties expressed satisfaction with the processes.

    “The exercise, so far, has been seamless and we are good to go. The sensitive materials will move from here to the seven local government areas”.

    He said adequate security has been provided to score the sensitive materials to their destination.

  • Bye-elections: David Mark urges INEC to conduct free, fair, credible polls

    Bye-elections: David Mark urges INEC to conduct free, fair, credible polls

    National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain impartiality and transparency in the nationwide bye-elections scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025.

    In a goodwill message to ADC candidates contesting Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly seats, Mark urged INEC to conduct a process that would restore public trust in the electoral system.

    The ADC is fielding candidates in bye-elections across Anambra, Edo, Oyo, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Niger, and Ogun States.

    Describing the ADC as a “child of necessity” born from a genuine desire to offer Nigerians an alternative and better governance, the former Senate President appealed to voters to give the party a chance to prove its worth.

    Read Also: 2027: Group accuses David Mark of hijacking ADC for political relevance

    Mark reminded INEC that “all eyes are on the Commission” to correct past mistakes that have damaged its public image, adding that a truly free, fair, and credible election could help redeem its reputation.

    He commended ADC candidates for their courage and commitment, urging them and their supporters to obey electoral laws while staying alert against manipulation or intimidation. 

    He also called on security agencies to provide a level playing field for all contestants and ensure the will of the people prevails without interference.

  • Ending PVC disenfranchisement

    Ending PVC disenfranchisement

    Sir: Despite all the catchy jingles and social media buzz by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, during election seasons urging citizens to “go out and vote,” the ugly truth is that millions of citizens who tried to heed that call were actively locked out; not by apathy, but by design. Their PVCs, the golden tickets to democratic participation were trapped in bureaucratic limbo, never printed or simply made impossible to collect. Mine could not be accounted for. I had requested for a transfer and it has taken three election cycles and now going on the fourth and nobody can tell me where exactly where my card is! 

    This experience is far from unique. Across Nigeria, millions of citizens have their votes trapped in storage, locked away in gloomy and drab rooms in INEC offices spread across the country; some stuffed in ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags. The logistical and bureaucratic inertia that defines PVC distribution and collection has become a silent, insidious form of institutional disenfranchisement.

    While millions of voters are at risk of this disempowerment, certain groups face disproportionate barriers viz:

    Persons with disabilities (PWDs) who more often than not struggle to make long-distance trips to INEC offices, only to be turned away or told to return later. Women, particularly those in caregiving roles or informal trade, are forced to choose between securing a means of survival for their families or embarking on such long and uncertain journeys certain queues. For subsistence / petty traders, and small to medium small business operators, a day away from the market or business is could mean a day without income. Hawkers, laborers, casual workers – simply cannot afford the luxury of repeated trips, unpredictable delays, or bureaucratic hostility.

    Young and first-time voters: often the most disillusioned, are quick to withdraw when faced with such administrative barriers. Many may never return.

    People in high-intensity and very demanding jobs with little or no wiggle room for bureaucratic uncertainties.

    This exclusion is not merely procedural. It is structural and systemic; and it undermines the very essence of our democracy. And this is speaking to the challenges in the urban centres. It is then left to the imagination of the reader the challenges to be surmounted in the rural areas and Internally Displaced Settlements. This crisis is not without solutions. INEC can fix this, and it doesn’t require a constitutional amendment or electoral overhaul. It simply requires empathy, innovation, and political will.

    What exactly does INEC do all year round? Why does it wait until a few months before elections to activate the typical Nigerian Fire Brigade–style voter registration and PVC distribution system which it tags “Continuous Voter Registration” with millions forced into a chaotic rush for access to what should be their fundamental democratic right?

    Read Also: Nigerians react as Prophet Funfeyin’s Ministry responds to alleged mockery

    PVC collection and Continuous Voter Registration in Nigeria should not be seasonal. It should be routine. Just as banks now print ATM cards instantly and update them on-site, INEC should modernize its systems. INEC in collaboration with NIPOST achieve remarkable things if they explore institutional partnership, cooperation and collaboration.

    According to INEC’s own data, over 6.7 million PVCs were uncollected as of the 2023 general elections. That is equivalent to the voting population of several West African countries lying dormant in INEC’s storerooms. In Lagos alone, over 900,000 cards were uncollected. These are not just plastic cards. These are potential votes. These are voices in storage.

    It’s time we stopped normalizing this. Access to the Permanent Voter Card should be just as routine as applying for a national ID, a driver’s license or a passport. Democracy should not hinge on narrow registration windows or limited collection centers with sluggish staff and outdated systems.

    When institutions make it hard to participate, they enable distrust. And when they consistently under deliver on the most basic functions of democratic inclusion, we risk fostering a generation of disillusioned citizens; not by rhetoric, but by lived experience.

    The road to full democratic participation must be wide, smooth, and inclusive; not riddled with institutional potholes. As 2025 beckons, will INEC dare to do things differently? Will it heed this call to begin to place the people’s PVCs in their hands now?

    If democracy means anything, it must begin with ensuring that every eligible and willing citizen can hold their PVC; and use it. INEC must act. The time to unlock these votes and deliver them to the people is now.

    •Aliyu Bala Aliyu, Abuja

  • Bye-election: INEC to deploy 2,062 poll officials, 574 BVAS machines for Ibadan North

    Bye-election: INEC to deploy 2,062 poll officials, 574 BVAS machines for Ibadan North

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyo state, on Wednesday said no fewer than 2,062 poll officials will be deployed for the conduct of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, slated for August 16.

    This, as the Commission facilitated the signing of the Peace Accord by all the contestants for the seat at an event held at the Collaboration Centre of the Commission, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Speaking at a press briefing held shortly after the official signing of the Peace Accord, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), INEC, Oyo State, Dr Adeniran Rahmon Tella, disclosed that 512 Polling Units with 272,196 registered voters are expected to participate in the upcoming Bye-election.

    He added that about 217,980 people have so far collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    He disclosed that the Commission has configured a total number of 526 Bimodal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) machines with additional back-ups of 48 BVAS Machines for the upcoming election.

    According to Dr Tella, the election will be conducted across 12 Registration Areas/Wards and would affect border areas including: Sango/Eleyele/Apete/Ijokodo, Beere/Oje/Odoye, Mokola Axis/Adamasingba Axis, UI/Agbowo/Agbowo Express and Gate/Basorun/Ashi.

    The Oyo REC said, “There will also be restriction on movement in 12 Registration Areas/ Wards in Ibadan North Federal Constituency which are: Ward I (Islamic Mission Primary School, Odoye) Ward II (St Stephen Primary School, Inalende), Ward III (Salvation Army Primary School Yemetu), Ward IV (Methodist Primary School, NTA), Ward V (Ikolaba High School, Ikolaba), Ward VI (St Gabriel Grammar School, Mokola), Ward VII (St Louis Grammar School, Mokola), Ward VIll (Chesire High School, Ijokodo), Ward IX (C&S New Eden Primary School, Mokola), Ward X (Immanuel College Primary School, Samonda) and Ward XII which is (Methodist Primary School, Bodija) respectively.

    “There are 512 Polling Units with 272, 196 registered voters expected to participate in the upcoming Bye-Election. However, about 217,980 have so far collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). A total number of 2,062 Poll Officials will be employed for the coming election.”

    He said further, “The Commission has configured a total number of 526 Bimodal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) Machines with additional back-ups of 48 BVAS Machines for the upcoming election. All these are expected to be activated on the day of the election.

    “In other words, the use of technology will be deployed through the use of the BVAS Machine and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) for uploading of results on Election Day.

    “We have been engaging the Transport Union in the State on our Vehicular needs for the election. We have activated and domesticated the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the Commission and the Transport Union with the aim of meeting the needs of the Commission in the upcoming election.

    “In the light of the above, adequate vehicles will be provided for the movement of Polls Officials and materials with Security personnel to Registration Area Centres (RACS) on the eve of the election and from the RACs to Polling Units on Election Day.”

    “A total of 2,062 Poll Officials will be employed for the coming election. Please note that, collection of PVCs for the upcoming Bye-Election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency will not be possible until the resumption of the CVR exercise. The implication is that only those with their PVCs will be eligible to participate in the upcoming Bye-Election.

    Read Also: INEC commences process for 2026 Osun guber election, warns against vote-buying, hate speech

    “The Electorate should therefore come out en masse to exercise their franchise between 8:30 am to 2:30 pm on the day of the election.

    “The Commission has configured a total number of 526 Bimodal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) Machines with additional back-ups of 48 BVAS Machines for the upcoming election. All these are expected to be activated on the day of the election. In other words, the use of technology will be deployed through the use of the BVAS Machine and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) for uploading of results on Election Day

    “We have been engaging the Transport Union in the State on our Vehicular needs for the election. We have activated and domesticated the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the Commission and the Transport Union with the aim of serving the needs of the Commission in the upcoming election.”

  • INEC commences process for 2026 Osun guber election, warns against vote-buying, hate speech

    INEC commences process for 2026 Osun guber election, warns against vote-buying, hate speech

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the process for the 2026 Osun state governorship election fixed for August 8, 2025.

    The Nation recalls that INEC had on May 27, released the timetable and the schedule of activities for the 2026 Governorship Election for Osun state.

    Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, addressing political parties, heads of security operatives agencies, newsmen and other stakeholders, on Wednesday, charged them to imbibe a positive spirit in achieving success for the 2026 gubernatorial election.

    He said, “We are here to kick start the process of the 2026 Governorship Election in Osun State. Let me inform you now that as we speak, the notice of the 2026 Governorship Election for Osun State has been duly posted in all the 30 local government offices, including the Area office at Modakeke. With this notice, all activities that will culminate in the 2026 Governorship election in Osun State have commenced.

    “The conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, will start on the 24th day of November, 2025 and end on the 15th day of December, 2025.”

    Agboke stated that the primaries is to enable political parties democratically nominate candidates for the election as required by section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, adding that the submission of forms EC9 (personal particulars of candidates) and EC9B (Names/list of nominated candidates), online at the nomination portal of the commission at 9 am on the 15th day of January, 2026 to 6 pm on the 9th February 2026.

    The REC implored all the political parties and other stakeholders to follow the timetable for the 2026 Governorship Election for Osun State with a view to tracking the various activities contained therein.

    “Copies of the timetable shall be made available to the political parties at this meeting in a short while. The 2026 Governorship election shall be conducted on the 8th day of August, 2026.”

    He noted that provisions have been made to ensure that people with disabilities are not disenfranchised by making available Braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses and assistive listening devices.

    Highlighting the electoral statistics of Osun state voters as contained in the commission’s database as at 31st day of July, 2025, he said Osun has a total of 1,954,800 registered voters, while 1,594,006 Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) have been collected, with 360,794 remaining uncollected.

    “We have 332 Registration Areas/Electoral Wards and 3,763 polling units.”

    He said the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) would be used to accredit voters for the election.

    He tasked youth, politicians and political parties to shun violence, refuse to be used as agents of destruction, fake news and other electoral malpractices.

    “Let me also appeal to political parties and other major stakeholders that the menace of vote buying and violence cannot be ignored in our electioneering processes.

    “I appeal to you all to rise to continue to support INEC Osun state to deliver a credible election. INEC alone cannot deliver a peaceful and successful election. In togetherness, we shall all achieve the desired outcome of our election. Let me assure you all here today that INEC shall ensure a credible process in the upcoming 2026 Governorship election. Your vote will count.

    “We shall do the right thing at all times. We shall ensure we do our best to ensure your vote counts. Let me state the unwavering commitment of INEC in Osun state to transparency, fairness, and professionalism.”

    Read Also: INEC begins continuous voter registration nationwide Mon.

    Speaking about the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), he said, “The exercises will start on the 18th day of August, 2025, with online registration. By this, the prospective registrant will visit www.cvr.inecnigeria.org to supply the necessary information about himself or herself. Thereafter, he or she will generate a slip to take to the INEC local government office within his place of residence.

    He explained that on the 25th of August, 2025, the registrant will visit the local government office for his or her biometrics.

    “We all must equally be vigilant to prevent foreigners from participating in the CVR.”

    The Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mr Victor Akande, charged political parties to join INEC in advocacy for a free and fair election process. 

  • INEC begins continuous voter registration nationwide Mon.

    INEC begins continuous voter registration nationwide Mon.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will start the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) across the country on August 18 in preparation for the 2027 general election.

    The exercise will take place at the various ward registration centres nationwide.

    INEC has released the list of about 811 registration centres across the country for the exercise, which is expected to be conducted in three phases.

    According to the commission, online pre-registration will open on August 18 via its dedicated portal: cvr.inecnigeria.org for pre-registration activities.

    It announced that physical, in-person registration will begin a week later, on August 25, and will take place across all local government area offices and designated registration centres across the country.

    INEC stressed that the exercise will hold from Mondays to Fridays, starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m. daily.

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    “Your votes start with registration. Don’t miss your opportunity to register,” the commission urged Nigerians.

    Phase One of the exercise, which begins on August 18, will end on December 10, with the display of the register scheduled to take place between December 15 and 21.

    Phase Two is expected to begin on January 5, 2026 and will end on April 17, 2026, while the register will be displayed between April 20 and 26, 2026, for claims and objections.

    The Third and final phase is scheduled to start on May 4, 2026 and end on August 17, 2026, while the register is to be displayed for claims and objections between August 24 and 30, 2026.

    The commission recently concluded the CVR in Anambra State ahead of the governorship election in the state. But those who could not register during the period of the exercise in the state are expected to participate in the nationwide CVR.

  • INEC commences CVR August 18

    INEC commences CVR August 18

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded arrangement for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as part of preparation for the 2027 general elections. 

    The exercise is scheduled to commence on August 18, 2025 will take place at the various ward registration centres across the country. 

    The Commission has however released the list of about 811 registration centres across the country for the exercise expected to be conducted in three phases. 

    According to the commission, online pre-registration will open on August 18 via  dedicated portal: cvr.inecnigeria.org for pre-registration activities. 

    The commission also said that physical, in-person registration will begin a week later, on August 25, and will take place across all local government area offices and designated registration centres across the country.

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    According to INEC, the exercise will hold from Mondays to Fridays, starting at 9:00 am and ending at 3:00 pm daily.

    “Your votes start with registration. Don’t miss your opportunity to register,” the commission urged Nigerians.

    Phase one, which begins on August 18, will end on December 10 with the display of the register scheduled to take place between 15th and 21st December. 

    Phase two is expected to begin on 5th of January 2026 and end on the 17th of April, 2026, while the register will be displayed between 20th and 26th of April, 2026 for claims and objections. 

    The third and final phases are scheduled to commence on May 4, 2026 and end on August 17, 2026 while the register is to be displayed for claims and objections between 24th and 30th of August 2026.

    The commission recently concluded the Continuous Voter Registration exercise in Anambra state ahead of the governorship election in that state. 

    However, those who could not register during the every in Anambra state are expected to participate in the nationwide exercise. 

  • Johnny urges INEC to stand by report on Ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency

    Johnny urges INEC to stand by report on Ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, High Chief Michael Johnny, has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to stand firmly on its report on the concluded fresh ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.

    Johnny, gave the advice on Sunday in Warri, while reacting to comments made by an Itsekiri chief, Ayiri Emami.

    Johnny, Agadiwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, warned that the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) cannot be intimidated or blackmailed into tampering with the delineation field work reports already concluded in Warri Federal Constituency.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser NSA and the Inspector General of Police, will never interfere or compel the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) to compromise its integrity and reputation as the Electoral Umpire was determined to stand by its reports on the fresh Ward delineation as presented to the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri stakeholders..

    “ I want to believe that my friend, Ayiri Emami did not acknowledge the existing laws and constitution when he said INEC should have gone back to the Supreme Court, to do what exactly?

    “ Commendably, as a law-abiding agency, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, in full compliance to the Supreme Court judgement swung into action immediately.  The practical field work carried out by INEC was purely on areas, communities and population. And the outcome confirmed that Ijaws were majority in Warri Federal Constituency. Even the Itsekiri cannot dispute this fact”

    “Contrary to the false claim by Ayiri Emami that INEC conducted the fresh Ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency on projected census, there is nothing like “ Projected Census” in the Electoral Act or National Population Commission NPC. The Ayiri Emami’s allegations against INEC over allocation of Wards, was not true and entirely misleading, as INEC has no power to allocate Wards, rather INEC worked with facts and  the reality on ground.”

    Read Also: INEC yet to recognise Mark-led ADC exco

    According to Johnny: “ Ayiri Emami should know that it is not the fault of INEC that Itsekiri are minority in population. The  Ijaws we are majority because we marry more wives and produce more children”

    He explained that the fresh Ward delineation is not in any way an existential challenge to our Itsekiri brothers and neighbours in Warri Federal Constituency as claimed or wrongly insinuated by Ayiri Emami. 

    “ It is important to state that the Itsekiri have no local government created for them alone. The  Itsekiri shares Warri North Local Government with the Ijaws, the Itsekiri shares Warri South West with the Ijaws and likewise the Itsekiri shares Warri South with the Urhobo and Ijaw, which made up the Warri Federal Constituency. Therefore, in the Warri Federal Constituency, the House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats are not exclusively for only the Itsekiri as Ijaws and Urhobos were also entitled to the elective positions”

    *Maybe I should also educate or remind my friend, Ayiri Emami that Federal Constituencies or State Constituencies were not created for ethnicity.

    “ It just happened that Burutu, Bomadi and Patani were distinct Ijaw Federal Constituencies and State Constituencies. The Warri Federal Constituency and State House of Assembly seats are for the Ijaws, Urhobos and Itsekiri people in the Warri Federal Constituency. We must embrace the fact and move forward”

    “ I urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NSA, IGP and the leadership of  Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to ignore Ayiri Emami’s outburst and  allegations against the commission and its officials who conducted the Delineation field work”

    The ex-chairman of Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC will not go back on the field work reports on fresh Ward Delineation; the exercise was thoroughly conducted.

    “ Nobody should blackmail INEC, the  electoral umpire had done the needful and corrected the political anomaly in Warri Federal Constituency. INEC had successfully implemented the Supreme Court judgement on fresh Ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency”

    “ As rightly mentioned by Ayiri Emami that there will be no fight over the fresh Ward Delineation, the Ijaws and I, Chief Michael Johnny do not want to fight as well.But I can say that Itsekiri and Ijaws of Gbaramatu in Warri South West have a common enemy which is “ UNDERDEVELOPMENT”. This is what we should focus on to address and lay a solid foundation for peace and development for the future generations”

    He further noted: “ The Gbaramatu man is not responsible for the underdevelopment in Itsekiri land, and the Itsekiri man is not responsible for the underdevelopment in Gbaramatu land. We must have this in mind. In conclusion, I urge my friend and brother, Ayiri Emami to leave INEC alone and allow the Commission to do their constitutional work unhindered on the fresh Ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency.”

    The Ijaw leader said the perceived intimidation and blackmailing of INEC must stop henceforth.

  • INEC to engage NASS on clear provisions for voting right for inmates

    INEC to engage NASS on clear provisions for voting right for inmates

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to engage with the National Assembly on the need to provide a clear legal provision on the rights of Nigerians serving jail terms in Nigeria correctional centres to vote during elections in the country.

     Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu who disclosed when the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche visited the commission said after the legal framework,  specific issues that may arise in the course of implementation can addressed. 

    The INEC boss said: “As you are aware, election is a process governed by law. Working together, we can seize the opportunity of the ongoing electoral reform for a clear legal provision that will specifically cover citizens serving time in our correctional facilities.

     “Doing so will also clarify the provision of Section 12(1)[e] of the Electoral Act 2022 on voter registration, a precondition for voting in elections, which restricts the exercise to a Nigerian citizen who “is not subject to any legal incapacity to vote under any law, rule or regulations in force in Nigeria”. 

    “There are various interpretations as to whether this provision relates to inmates on death row, those serving life sentences or those convicted for treason. Our immediate task is to engage with the National Assembly for a clear legal provision on inmate voting. Thereafter, we can address the specific issues that may arise in the course of implementation.”

     Prof. Yakubu said the commission was aware of the  voting right for inmates of correctional facilities who, at the moment, do not vote during elections and are therefore disenfranchised.

     He said “we are aware that the right to vote is a human right which cannot be taken away from a citizen on account of time being served in a correctional facility. In many parts of the world, including some African countries such as Ghana, Kenya and South Africa where our officials observed elections, inmates exercised the right to vote.

     “The Commission is aware of the judgements of the Federal High Court in Benin delivered on 16th December 2014 and the Court of Appeal, also in Benin, delivered on 7th December 2018 pertaining to the right to vote by five plaintiffs awaiting trial.

    Read Also: INEC seeks legal backing for prisoners’ voting rights

     “Based on the combined provisions of Article 25 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (1966) and Section 25 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) on citizenship, the court affirmed the rights of plaintiffs who were inmates awaiting trial to vote in elections. 

    “However, the judges ruled that the right  to vote is only excisable when asserted as it is a choice to be exercised voluntarily by a citizen and not a duty to be imposed by force of authority.

     “You may recall that in recognition of this situation, the Commission had several discussions with the correctional service on how inmates who wish to register and vote in elections can do so. We even set up a joint technical committee to review all the issues involved and advise on the way forward. 

    “You availed us of data on the locations and types of federal correctional facilities nationwide. You also provided us with statistics on the various categories of inmates, the majority of whom are on remand awaiting trial and who may actually be registered voters.

     “For our part, we raised the issue of access to the correctional facilities for voter registration, creation of polling units and voter education. On behalf of stakeholders and for transparency, we also brought to your attention concerns about access to your facilities for observers and the media.

     “Political parties also want to know if they will be allowed to campaign in the correctional facilities and appoint polling agents on election day. We believe that working together with you and the stakeholders, we can address these concerns.”

    Prof Yakubu said the Commission appreciates the role of civil society organisations that have interfaced with INEC and NCoS in their consistent advocacy for inmate voting in Nigeria, especially Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO). 

    He said “We welcome the positive disposition of the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on electoral matters on issues of inclusivity in our electoral process.

     “I wish to reassure the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service that we are united with you in our shared determination to extend voting rights to inmates of our correction facilities. A meeting like this goes a long was in reaffirming our resolve in this regard.”

     The Comptroller General of Nigeria Correctional Centre, Sylvester Nwakuche highlighted the status of inmates in the country whom he said are often overlooked in the democratic process in the country, 

    He said that out of over 81,000 inmates in the country’s correctional facilities, more than 69 percent are awaiting trial and are, under the law, presumed innocent, saying those convicted still have some rights that have not been taken away from them.

     He drew attention of the commission to existing court judgements and a recent resolution of the National Assembly which reaffirmed the voting rights of inmates, stressing the need for practical implementation.