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Tag: Inec

  • INEC distributes 1.2m PVCs

    INEC distributes 1.2m PVCs

    THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State yesterday said it had distributed a total of 1,201,073 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to registered voters.

    Its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Olusegun Agbaje, said this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure.

    He added that 344,006 PVCs were yet to be collected and urged those yet to collect theirs to do so before the end of distribution.

    “It is important to stress at this juncture that only the PVCs would be used to vote during the governorship poll, while the smart card readers would be used for accreditation of voters,’’ Agbaje said.

    He added that selling of PVCs or manipulation of the card was a grievous offence punishable under the law with fines and/or prison term.

    The REC urged the electorate to have confidence in INEC, assuring that the commission would remain unbiased, neutral and fair to all.

    Deputy Chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mr. Fatai Adams said politicians had become more aware that violence did not count.

    Adams advised politicians to play the game according to the rules to ensure peace in the state during the election.

    Similarly, Chairman of KOWA Party Mr. Olanrewaju Atanlogun, urged INEC to tackle the inadequacy of polling units to ensure that no one was disenfranchised.

    Atanlogun, who is also the state Deputy Chairman, Conference of National Political Parties (CNPP), added that INEC should look into the security situation in the riverside areas.

    On her part, Chairperson, Humanitarian Activities Department of Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Ondo State chapter, appealed to parents to check their children’s involvement in the election.

    According to her, the children of politicians were in other locations enjoying themselves, while other people’s children were being used for violence.

  • INEC: refusal of party agents to sign result sheet does not invalidate poll

    INEC: refusal of party agents to sign result sheet does not invalidate poll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said yesterday that the refusal of some political party agents to sign the Edo governorship election result sheet did not invalidate the poll.

     INEC National Commissioner in Charge of Publicity Solomon Soyebi said in Benin  that the validity of an election is stipulated in the Electoral  Act and Election Guidelines.

    He said that the concluded Edo election was in line with the Electoral Act.

     ”The refusal of any party agents to sign the result sheet does not in any way invalidate the declared result of the election,” Soyebi said.

     The agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Democratic Party (YDP) refused to sign the result sheet.

    Soyebi praised Edo residents for their peaceful conduct that allowed the election to be peaceful and concluded in one ballot.

     ”This is one of the few elections that we have conducted with minimum violence,” he said.

     Soyebi said that the people of Edo had set the pace for peaceful election and mass turnout of voters in the country.

     He hoped that such a standard would be sustained.

     The INEC commissioner said the high number of cancelled votes and the inability to use the card readers remained one of the major changes in the election.

  • BREAKING: PDP rejects Edo election result

    BREAKING: PDP rejects Edo election result

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday morning distanced itself from the results of the gubernatorial election announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    In a press conference held at its governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s Ugbo Raod residence in Benin City, PDP said the results being announced by INEC, which indicates the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Godwin Obaseki was in a comfortable lead, were predetermined fabrication.

    At the briefing were the state chairman, Dan Orbih, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Ize-Iyamu and Henry Duke Tenebe. Orbih said the official results from INEC were at variance with the result collected by their agents at the polling units, insisting that the PDP was the winner of the election. He claimed that from the results available to them, the PDP won the election with at least 30,000 margins.

    “It was too early to pass comment yesterday (Wednesday) without reports from agents. We have since received reports from party agents across 192 wards and all polling units in Edo State. The results being announced by INEC are not true reflection of the election.

    “INEC started the process of announcing results in the election at their headquarters in Benin. They suspended the announcement at some point and promised to continue this morning.

    “We took time to look at results from our agents and independent observers. From the results, PDP clearly won the APC in all the local government areas of the state with a minimum of 30,000 votes. But, we have compared them with INEC’s figures and observed there is a wide difference between the figures from party agents and independent observers with INEC’s

    “The result by INEC has confirmed our statement less 48 hours to the election that the Edo State Governor was telling his party members and leaders that they have written the results of the election. Everything the PDP said is playing out.

    “INEC disregarded results from various polling units. Decided to announce the one they wrote before election was held. While we continue to study this results still coming in from riverine areas, we are going to reject the result currently announced by INEC officials.

    “Even areas we won, they have removed most of the votes with claims that card readers did not function in those areas. I wonder what the incident forms are meant for. They were supposed to address such problems. But in this instance, it is convenient for INEC to cancel all the results in areas we won.

    “INEC should take full responsibility for malfunctioning card readers. What they are doing at the INEC is in line with what we said before election. All INEC officials are working in collaboration with Edo State Government who has taken pains to go into INEC office for no cause.”

    Similarly, Ize-Iyamu condemned the results being released by INEC, accusing the commission and security agencies of connivance with APC, describing the outcome as a rape of democracy. The PDP candidate raised serious allegations against the ruling party, claiming that Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s government spent not less than N3billion to buy votes at polling units.

    He said: “Contrary to claim that PDP brought in 8,000 militants, the election showed that PDP are law abiding and did not involve in illegality. The delays in announcing official result by INEC was in order to announce predetermined fabricated results.

    “The Figures being announced by INEC do not represent the massive turnout. We have told our agents to bring all the results issued at the polling units. We do not want to rely on the messages they sent. In the next three or four days, will have complete record. From findings, it is clear a lot of manipulation has taken place.

    “At George Idah Primary School, thugs came in, shot into the air and carted away election materials. Till now he has not been apprehended nor declared wanted. At Ward 10 Ikpoba Okah, APC thugs carted away materials. At Ohrionwon LGA, a PDP agent was arrested on the instruction of INEC because she complained about illegality.

    There were over 300 non-Nigerians, whose names were put in the register at Ohrionwon to vote. We wonder why non-Nigerians would be allowed to vote in Edo election. At Etsako East, security agencies were shooting and driving people to perfect rigging plan.

    “The results being announced by INEC were obtained by fraud and use of arms, ammunitions. There was no election at Etsako Central. Materials were seized. We talked about it, condemned it but yet, the results were accepted.

    “The arrest of the journalists I invited from Abuja to cover the election was clearly an orchestrated plan to ensure PDP does not only lose the election but wouldn’t have the evidence of malpractices.

    “INEC used the same result sheet whose serial numbers were disclosed on September 8 before the postponement of the election. These same result sheets were deployed to bring in fake results. Ballot papers and sensitive materials have been thump printed and shifted into the government house since two days.

    “INEC has failed, connived and in conjunction with security agencies, betrayed the confidence of Nigerians. What transpired in Edo is rape of democracy. Everyone is aware that Edo government spent not less than N3b to purchase votes at polling units. PDP does not have that kind of resources at its disposal.

    “A night before the election, APC members were caught with 3,000 PVCs and N15m but nothing happened to them. Within INEC, we have got calls from people who said we should protest the manipulation. Dissatisfied with outcome.”

  • Edo election: Collation of results begins Thursday – REC

    Edo election: Collation of results begins Thursday – REC

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo, Mr Sam Olumekun, says collation of results for the governorship election in the state would commence on Thursday.

    Olumekun disclosed this in Benin on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with a National Commissioner and two Resident Electoral Commissioners at 11.20 p.m.

    He, however, did not give reasons for the shift in date for the exercise.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the decision to commence the collation on Thursday could be traced to the late arrival of results from the 18 local government areas of the state.

    A Correspondent of NAN who visited INEC office in Benin reports that security was tight while movement to the area had been restricted to only accredited officers and staff.

    At the INEC office, party agents, Journalists and election observers were seen waiting for the commencement of collation of results from the local government areas.

    A source close to the commission told NAN that those waiting for the collation had the option to wait or come back on Thursday for the exercise. 

  • PDP candidate Ize-Iyamu lauds INEC

    PDP candidate Ize-Iyamu lauds INEC

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, yesterday expressed confidence that he will win the eklection, after casting his vote in his hometown ward in Orhiomwon.

    He voted shortly before his kinsman, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, cast his own ballot in a neighbouring community.

    Ize-Iyamu, who arrived at Unit 26, Ward 5, Iguododo, Orhiomwon Local Government Area, at around 9:40am, was ushered to the head of the queue of voters for his accreditation, after which he cast his vote, at about 9:53am.

    His ward had 881 registered voters and a majority of them were at the unit for the exercise.

    Speaking to reporters afterwards, Ize-Iyamu praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the efficiency of the card readers in his ward and commended the voters for the ‘massive’ turnout.

    He said: “I’m happy that at least in my place the card reader has worked. So, with what I’ve seen here I’m impressed, even though because of network difficulties I’ve not been able to find out what is happening elsewhere.

    “But now that I’ve voted we’ll try and phone other places, to know what is happening. Here, at least, you can see that it’s very peaceful, orderly, the turnout is impressive.”

    On security situation, he said his people were being detained indiscriminately.

    He said: “Well, you know that they have been using these security agencies to harass our people even up till last night, trying to arrest them, detain them on very flimsy excuses, but we’ve also spoken to their superiors, who have assured us that those who are doing so are doing it on their own and they will call them to order. For now, we’re satisfied with that assurance.”

    Ize-Iyamu described the alleged presence of two All Progressives Congress (APC) governors in Benin as worrisome.

    He said: “We’re also aware that the governors of Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode and Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai, are also in Benin, and this is worrisome. If the security agencies can declare restriction of movement even for those in the state, we are wondering why two governors from those states will relocate to our state. We think that their reasons cannot be genuine.”

  • Conduct of Edo election satisfactory – Oyegun

    The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun, has expressed satisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s conduct of the Edo State governorship election.

    Oyegun, who voted at Ward 2, Unit 2 in Oredo local government area at 11: 45 a.m., said: “I am impressed with the conduct of the election so far.

    “The atmosphere has been peaceful and the weather has been very friendly to us all. The voters have been wonderful in their conduct.”

    Oyegun also commended the large turnout of voters, saying: “ the turnout is wonderful and I am pleasantly surprised.’’

    “This is the best turnout so far in years. This is the best so far because I have always voted here.

    “I hope, and it’s presumed that something good is about to happen in the state.

    “It is a sign that the people are beginning to express their democratic rights and that democracy has become totally widespread in the state.

    “It’s peaceful so far because I have been watching events on TV.’’

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyegun described the security arrangement as “lovely and wonderful.”

    “As the National Chairman of my party, it was something that was of grave concern to us all.

    “All the security agencies have given us iron clad assurance that there will not be a major incident,’’ he said.

    On the allegation of money inducement in some centres, he responded: “I have not seen any where I have just voted.’’

     

  • Ensure early distribution of materials, civil society tells INEC

    Ensure early distribution of materials, civil society tells INEC

    As the Edo state governorship election holds today, the Civil Society Situation Room has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure early distribution and deployment of personnel ahead and ensure transparency in the collation process.

    Speaking yesterday in Benin city, the group’s representative, Mr. Clement Nwankwo,  said no fewer than  70 observers are distributed across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

    The situation Room is made up of civil society organisations (CSOs) working in support of credible and transparent elections in the country.

    Nwankwo said a situation where the INEC leadership fails to keep an eye on their staff during the collation process is unacceptable , adding that the Situation room will hold the commission accountable for such acts.

    He expressed satisfaction with INEC guidelines on simultaneous accreditation and voting, adding: “The situation room also notes the statement of the Nigeria Police that it is prepared for the elections and has deployed adequate personnel and materials for the exercise.”

    Nwankwo  called on the security agencies to provide adequate security, be civil in their conduct during the election.” and exercise restraint in dealing with voters. He said they should avoid of intimidation, inappropriate use of force and other acts capable of undermining the electoral process must be observed.”

  • INEC: we don’t envisage any problem

    INEC: we don’t envisage any problem

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it was not envisaging any problem that could lead to an inconclusive election.

    The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, said reports from all quarters have been encouraging, despite the allegations by both parties.

    Oyekanmi also based the confidence of the commission on the assurances from the security agencies that Edo election will be historic.

    He said: “By the special grace of God there shall be no incident that will lead to inconclusive election. We have assurances from security agencies. The Nigerian police has promised to deplore 25000 men and they also have other agencies that are also co tributing men for the purpose of the election and I believe in the new commissioner of  police in Edo, who gave assurances yesterday that they will decisively deal with anybody that tries to engage in any act that is capable of derailing the election in all the 18 local government areas of the state.

    “So far we have not seen any intention of from the political gladiators to cause mayhem. There has been exchanges here and there, allegations and also of that, but we hope that this will not degenerate.

     

  • INEC highly compromised on voter register, says Obaseki’s campaign

    INEC highly compromised on voter register, says Obaseki’s campaign

    • Allegation is untrue, says INEC

    The Godwin Obaseki Campaign Organisation yesterday accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of compromising the voter’s register.

    The group’s Deputy Director-General, Aiyevbekhem Osakwe, spoke with reporters in Benin City.

    According to him, many strange names and faces were seen in the latest voter’s register produced by the commission

    He said: “The latest INEC register is bloated. If you take it and go through, you will be stunned at what you will discover. We have gone through it, scrutinised it and found that there are names that shouldn’t be there.

    “Many names are strange and that confirms the fear that people were actually brought in from outside the state to come and register, with a view to using them to cause mayhem in Edo State.

    “So, we are worried about that. We are telling our people to be very alert and urging security agencies to be on ground to do their job. “people who are not resident in a place shouldn’t be allowed to vote. You must be able to tell the people where you work and where you are resident. So, if our people are alive to their civic responsibility, we would be able to check that phenomenon so that it doesn’t repeat itself.

    “The register was updated before September 10. That was when they had the opportunity to introduce the strange names. I think INEC was highly compromised, not just compromised but highly.”

    Osakwe said he was optimistic that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate would win the election, adding that they were prepared and confident.

    “The results would be heavily in our favour because we have toured the state and spoken to our people. We have also seen the effect. Secondly, the present government delivered largely on its promises.

    “The other party thinks our people are suffering from collective amnesia and they cannot remember how things were. But when we went round, we found out that our people vividly recall how things were. They recall how wicked and degenerate that government was. They have all the information at the tip of their fingers and so, convincing them on the right choice wasn’t difficult.

    “Having traversed the 192 wards on the state, I can say to you that we are confident that we will win.”

    Asked if he was satisfied with the security arrangement, Osakwe answered in the affirmative, adding that security agencies were fishing out aliens and militants brought into the state to cause trouble.

    Reacting to the allegation against INEC, the Head, Public Relations Unit, Francis Ikpefua, said it was untrue.

    He claimed that soft copies of the updated register were handed over to the political parties before the postponement, challenging the parties to identify the aliens and provide proof.

    “They should print the names on the soft copies they were given and compare it with the list on the field. If they find any difference, they should raise alarm. All the parties have been alleging us of one thing or the other. It is impossible for anyone to import aliens into the register. It is also impossible for anyone to hack into it because the software is not even with us. It is in Abuja.

    “It is a political statement. How did they know those who are aliens? Where did they see the aliens? Do you identify aliens by names? Let them bring the aliens so that we can hand them over to Immigration.”

  • Senate to probe decline in electoral systems

    The Senate on Tuesday mandated its committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the activities of the commission in the last one year of its operations.

    The committee is to specially review the performance of INEC in the last one year with a view to ascertaining the factors that may have caused the perceived decline of the electoral system within the period.

    The upper chamber urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately nominate suitable qualified persons to fill the vacant positions at INEC in line with the Constitution to enhance the capacity of the commission to conduct conclusive elections.

    It also asked the electoral umpire to immediately conclude all pending rerun elections in the country.

    The resolutions followed a motion by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, titled: “Inconclusive elections.”

    The upper chamber expressed apprehension over the conduct of 2019 general election if many inconclusive elections were hanging all over the country.

    Apart from inconclusive elections, Ekweremadu, noted that at least 20 states of the federation have no Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) contrary to Section 14 (2) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, (as amended).