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Tag: Inec

  • Credible polls: Stakeholders call for strengthening of SIECs

    Credible polls: Stakeholders call for strengthening of SIECs

    Stakeholders in the electoral process have advocated the reform of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

    They noted that such reform will guarantee the independence of SIECs, along with their financial and administrative autonomy, thereby strengthening their capacity to conduct credible elections.

    Their calls challenge the recent clamour for the scrapping of SIECs and the proposed transfer of their responsibilities to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    It also counters calls for the establishment of an entirely new election management body to replace SIECs.

    They spoke at the 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) in Jos, Plateau State capital.

    The 13th National Delegates Conference of FOSIECON aims to critically analyse the challenges facing SIECs and propose workable solutions to strengthen local election administration.

    The conference is supported by the European Union through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU SDGN) programme.

    Speaking during the conference in Jos, Prof. Samuel Egwu analysed the three major proposals currently under discussion for addressing local government elections.

    Egwu expressed support for the position that SIECs should be retained and reformed.

    He said, “There are three pathways that have been suggested for how to deal with issues around elections at the local government level.

    “One is to say there is nothing wrong with SIECs; all that is needed is reform. That is the position I support.

    “I support the retention and strengthening of SIECs because we operate a federal polity. The imperative of federalism requires us to strengthen local rule, and there is no other way.

    “The second option, which may seem attractive, is to transfer the power to conduct local elections to INEC. While this appears simple, it does not align with the logic of federalism.

    “The third option, which some have proposed, is to set up a new bureau to oversee local government elections.

    However, this proposal has already suffered a premature end on the floor of the Senate. My point, therefore, is to respect federalism.”

    Egwu also pointed out that the conduct of elections in Nigeria is broadly challenging, and that both SIECs and INEC face significant institutional hurdles.

    He said that there was no justification for abolishing one body while retaining the other without addressing the systemic challenges they both encounter.

    Other speakers at the conference, including FOSIECON Chairman Jossy Eze; INEC representative Dr. Oliver Agundu; Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State; and Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, all echoed the call for strengthening SIECs through targeted reforms.

    Eze expressed disappointment that, despite constitutional backing, SIECs are often under pressure to serve vested interests.

    He noted that while there are several bills before the National Assembly seeking to abolish SIECs or transfer their mandates, none appear to address the real issues.

    “It is public knowledge that there are bills currently before the National Assembly, some seeking the abolition of SIECs, others proposing the establishment of new election management bodies, or the transfer of SIECs’ mandate,” Eze said.

    He added: “However, I am unaware of any motion or bill aimed at understanding the challenges facing SIECs or providing reform-driven solutions to strengthen them.”

    Representing INEC, Dr. Agundu encouraged SIECs to view elections not as one-off events but as continuous processes.

    He also called for deeper engagement with civil society organisations and voter education efforts to better inform the electorate.

    Agundu said, “SIECs should not treat the conduct of elections as isolated events.

    “Elections are a process that includes post-election activities. We have observed that many SIECs become active only during election periods.”

    Governor Mutfwang said the real issue was not whether to abolish SIECs but how to improve leadership recruitment and governance efficiency at the local level.

    Read Also: INEC chair lashes out at governors over SIECs

    He said, “The conversation should begin with how we recruit leaders in this country.

    “We must develop a strategy that helps us identify individuals who genuinely have the people’s interest at heart. Bad governance does not just undermine democracy. It leads to underdevelopment and the waste of public resources.

    “Autonomy is masking the real issues. What we need to focus on is efficiency. As someone who has governed at the local level, I believe improving governance at that tier is essential.”

    Governor Sule of Nasarawa State pledged support for whatever reform solutions the conference agrees upon.

    He also offered his state as a pilot for implementing the recommendations.

    He said: “I hope, at the end of this conference, FOSIECON delegates will come up with actionable solutions. Many governors will be willing to support those efforts.

    “I offer Nasarawa State for any pilot initiatives that may be proposed. We have already taken similar steps with our State House of Assembly.”

  • ‘INEC’s commitment to disability inclusion unwavering’

    ‘INEC’s commitment to disability inclusion unwavering’

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State has reaffirmed its commitment to disability inclusion.

    The Head of Unit, Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Eya Vivian, provided this assurance in Nnewi during the “Able to Vote” voter education campaign for Persons with Disabilities organised by TAF Africa. 

    She stated that the commission was dedicated to ensuring that no citizen was left behind in the electoral process.

    Describing voting as a fundamental right that eligible Nigerians must exercise without unnecessary obstacles, Eya, who also serves as Desk Officer for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), recognised the unique challenges such individuals face during elections. 

    “Among the challenges PWDs face are physical barriers such as inaccessible polling units and a lack of special arrangements for voters with various types of disabilities.

    Limited access to voter education materials designed for PWDs and societal attitudes that sometimes discourage participation,” she said. 

    Eya enumerated some steps taken by the Commission to enhance inclusiveness in the electoral process, including the provision of Braille ballot guides to assist visually impaired voters and ensuring priority voting for PWDs and elderly citizens. 

    “We’ve also constructed ramps and made polling units accessible for those with mobility challenges, and we are continuously training INEC officials to provide respectful and dignified assistance to voters with disabilities,” she added. 

    The Programme Manager at TAF Africa, Adeolu Kilanko, stated that the voter education campaign was part of the group’s efforts to entrench disability inclusion in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. 

    Read Also: LP leadership: INEC to seek legal opinion before taking decision

    “What we’re doing today is being supported by the European Union, and the aim is to reduce voter apathy to the barest minimum and promote the mainstreaming of PWDs in electoral processes,” he said. 

    The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, expressed appreciation to TAF Africa for selecting the state for the campaign. 

    He also commended INEC for its efforts thus far in ensuring the inclusion of PWDs, expressing optimism that most, if not all, of his members would participate in the November 8 election. 

    Representatives of the Police and the Divisional Police Officer of the Central Police Station, Nnewi, Udenigwe Chinwuba, assured PWDs of adequate security to ensure their participation in elections. 

    “It’s your right to participate in the election without being intimidated. Our duty is to provide and guarantee adequate security through synergy with other sister agencies,” he said.

  • LP leadership: INEC to seek legal opinion before taking decision

    LP leadership: INEC to seek legal opinion before taking decision

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not made a formal decision regarding the leadership tussle within the Labour Party, following the Supreme Court judgment which nullified the Julius Abure-led executive.

    Similarly, the Commission is yet to take a position on the issue concerning the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    INEC had earlier stated that it was still reviewing the apex court’s ruling on the Labour Party and would announce its official stance in due time.

    Read Also: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to national unity at Vatican Mass

    A check by The Nation revealed that the Commission is still deliberating, with a highly placed source disclosing that legal advice was being sought before any public pronouncement would be made.

    When contacted, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said he was currently on annual vacation and would resume office on Monday.

    He said, “You are aware of the judgement of the Suprem Court on the leadership of political parties. At the time I went on leave, we were still studying the judgement and yes, we are trying to seek legal opinion.

    “As you are aware, INEC is a law abiding organisation and I am sure we will make our position known after getting the legal advice”.

  • INEC releases Anambra guber candidates’ details

    INEC releases Anambra guber candidates’ details

    Ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the personal particulars of candidates for the election.

    This is coming following the conclusion of party primaries and the submission of nomination forms by the 16 political parties ahead of the 6:00 p.m. deadline on Monday, May 12, 2025.

    The Anambra State governorship election will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

    According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (INEC), Sam Olumekun, on Saturday, the personal particulars of candidates were uploaded via its dedicated portal, which automatically closed at the deadline.

    “In line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission has displayed the EC9 forms, academic credentials, and other relevant documents of all candidates and their running mates at its state headquarters and the 21 local government offices in Anambra State.

    “Following the conclusion of party primaries, sixteen (16) Political Parties have uploaded their candidates’ nomination forms for the Anambra State Governorship Election by the deadline of 6.00 pm on Monday, 12th May 2025, when the dedicated portal automatically shuts down.

    Read Also: Nigerian-British elected UK’s youngest Mayor

    “As provided in Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 4 on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, the Commission has published the personal particulars of each candidate and his running mate by displaying copies of the Form EC9, along with all the accompanying academic credentials and other documents submitted by them, at our State Headquarters and the 21 Local Government offices across Anambra State,” the statement read in part.

    The commission has therefore called on members of the public to scrutinise the documents.

    Meanwhile, the INEC has left a window open for aggrieved aspirants who participated in the party primaries, so that they have the right to challenge any candidate’s nomination at the Federal High Court if they believe false information has been provided, as allowed under Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act.

    The final list of candidates will be released on June 9, 2025, in accordance with Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act, which requires publication at least 150 days before the election.

    “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 9th June 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 statement said.

  • INEC publishes list of 16 parties for Anambra governorship poll

    INEC publishes list of 16 parties for Anambra governorship poll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that 16 of the 19 registered political parties in the country beat the May 12 deadline to upload names of their candidates for the November governorship election on its portal. 

    National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun in a statement said the list of the candidates and their running mates has been published at the State headquarters of the commission and the 21 local government areas. 

    He asked Nigerians to scrutinise the list as published and make necessary observation in accordance with the provisions of electoral act. 

    The statement reads: “Following the conclusion of party primaries, sixteen (16) Political Parties have uploaded their candidates’ nomination forms for the Anambra State Governorship Election by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday 12th May 2025 when the dedicated portal automatically shut down. 

    “As provided in Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 4 on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, the  Commission has published the personal particulars of each  candidate and his running mate by displaying copies of the Form EC9, along with all the accompanying academic credentials and other documents submitted by them, at our State Headquaters and the 21 Local Government offices across Anambra State.

    Read Also: Senate confirms five INEC RECs

    “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 9th June 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 Anambra State Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on Saturday 8th November 2025.”

    The Nation learnt that those outside the state who wish to be part the process may have to either travel to the state capital or any of the 21 local government headquarters. 

    It is not yet clear which political parties failed to beat the deadline. 

  • Senate okays five RECs for INEC

    Senate okays five RECs for INEC

    The Senate on Wednesday confirmed five persons for appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration of the report and recommendation of its Committee on Electoral Matters that screened the nominees.

    The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Simon Lalong, presented the report during plenary.

    The Committee formerly chaired by Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Ali had on Tuesday, May 6th, screened the nominees.

    The RECs-designate include Umar Yusuf Garba (Kano), Sa’ad Umar Idris (Bauchi), Chukwuemeka Ibeziako (Anambra), Umar Mukhtar (Borno), and Dr. Johnson Alalibo Simikiem (Bayelsa).

    Read Also: Senate amends Southwest, South south, North central Development Commissions’ Acts

    In his remarks after the nominees were confirmed, Senate President Godswill Akpabio charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President by being dedicated to their jobs upon assumption of office.

    “I believe that with the calibre of nominees that we have confirmed today, the President has again injected fresh and capable individuals into the INEC.

    It is hoped that they would work to enhance the work and electoral processes of the Commission as well as boost its performance,” Akpabio said.

  • INEC engaging NASS on key electoral reforms – Yakubu

    INEC engaging NASS on key electoral reforms – Yakubu

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday revealed that the Commission is actively collaborating with the National Assembly to effect key electoral reforms, including those requiring amendments to the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

    Speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, shortly after witnessing the swearing-in of two new National Commissioners of INEC, Professor Yakubu disclosed that following a comprehensive review of the 2023 general elections, INEC submitted 142 recommendations, of which eight necessitate constitutional or statutory amendments.

    “We are working with the National Assembly on electoral reforms. We reviewed the 2023 general elections on our own, we engaged with stakeholders, and we came out with 142 recommendations. Out of these, eight require constitutional or Electoral Act amendment, and we have discussed these with members of the National Assembly”, Yakubu stated.

    According to him, discussions with federal lawmakers have been encouraging.

    “So far so good, we are happy with our discussions with them, and we are also happy with the speed with which they want to proceed, so that we have some necessary amendments to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

    Professor Yakubu added that two weeks ago, INEC participated in a retreat in Lagos with the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters.

    He said the National Assembly is expected to hold a public hearing before submitting a new electoral reform bill for presidential assent.

    He, however, declined to provide specific details on the planned amendments, noting that the National Assembly would make the formal announcements in due course.

    On the purpose of his visit to the State House, the INEC Chairman explained that he was present to witness the swearing-in of two newly confirmed National Commissioners.

    “As you are aware, the Commission is made up of a chairman and 12 national commissioners drawn on the basis of two commissioners per geopolitical zone,” he said.

    “Vacancies existed for the North-West and the Southeast zones. The Senate screened and confirmed the nominees, and Mr. President today performed the swearing-in. So we now have almost the full complement of the commissioners,” Yakubu said.

    Read Also: INEC prosecuting 774 electoral offenders from 2023 polls – Yakubu

    He noted, however, that one seat remains vacant following the recent death of Major General Abubakar Alkali (rtd), one of the Commissioners.

    Responding to recent media reports and speculation about his purported removal from office, Professor Yakubu dismissed the claims as unfounded and unnecessary.

    “I don’t think we need to waste time on this unnecessary speculation. As far as the law is concerned, and as much as I am aware, I remain the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation under the Constitution, and under the Electoral Act, the Returning Officer for the Presidential election”, he said.

    Yakubu’s appearance at the State House comes amid growing national attention on electoral reforms and the credibility of future polls. 

  • JUST IN: Tinubu swears in INEC commissioners, CCB board members

    JUST IN: Tinubu swears in INEC commissioners, CCB board members

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has just sworn in newly appointed commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) at the State House in Abuja.

    The brief swearing-in ceremony held before the commencement of the ongoing Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    Those inaugurated as INEC Commissioners were Mallam Tukur Abdulrazaq Yusuf, representing the North West, and Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja, representing Ebonyi State in the South East.

    Also sworn in were two new members of the CCB board—Ikpeme Kenneth Ndem from Cross River State and retired Justice Buba Ibrahim Nyaure from Taraba State.

    Meanwhile, President Tinubu is currently presiding over the sixth FEC of this year.

    Read Also: Tinubu is a listening, pragmatic leader — Senator Girei

    Attending today’s meeting are top administration officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

    Also present are the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, among others.

    It would be recalled that the last FEC meeting, held on May 5, approved the ‘Nigeria First’ Economic Policy, aimed at prioritising the use of locally produced goods and services in all government procurement processes.

    Details shortly…

  • Kogi Assembly aspirant urges INEC to conduct bye-election

    Kogi Assembly aspirant urges INEC to conduct bye-election

    A Kogi State House of Assembly aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Joseph Egene, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the prolonged delay in conducting the bye-election for Okura Constituency.

    Speaking to reporters in Anyigba, Egene expressed concern over INEC’s silence despite the expiration of the 90-day constitutional window for organising the bye-election following the death of the lawmaker who represented the constituency, Enema Paul.

    He noted that the seat has remained vacant for nearly five months, leaving constituents without representation.

    Read Also: Kogi Assembly accuses EFCC of assassination attempt on Ododo, Yahaya Bello

    “This delay has thrown the people of Okura into political limbo. We are no longer comfortable with INEC’s silence. The Commission must fulfil its constitutional duty by setting a date for the election,” Egene said.

    He stressed that the absence of an elected representative has denied the constituency a voice in key legislative processes and governance at the state level.

    Egene urged stakeholders, civil society organisations, and concerned citizens to demand immediate action from the electoral body to restore democratic representation in Okura.

    He emphasised that the people deserve to have their voices heard and their rights protected, and called on INEC to act without delay.

  • LP crisis: No recognition for Abure, Nenadi Usman, others, says INEC

    LP crisis: No recognition for Abure, Nenadi Usman, others, says INEC

    None of the four people laying claim to the leadership of troubled Labour Party (LP) enjoys recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the commission clarified yesterday.

    The quartet of Julius Abure; Senator Nenadi-Usman; Lamidi Apapa and the Political Commission of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), have been battling to control the party.

    But the electoral umpire clarified yesterday that it has not given recognition to either the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) or the National Caretaker Committee (NCC), headed by Mrs. Usman.

    The Commission stated that it was still studying the Supreme Court judgment on the leadership crisis between the two factions.

    The apex court had ruled that the leadership squabble is a matter that should e resolved by the party.

    Two days ago, the Festus Abure faction announced the suspension of the only LP governor, Alex Otti of Abia State, Senator Ireti Kingibe and three members of the House of Representatives – Afam Victor Ogene, Amobi Godwin Ogah and Seyi Sowunmi – for alleged anti-party activities.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigeria, others not indebted to IMF

    However, the Caretaker chairman, who rejected the suspension, set up a panel to probe allegations of financial misconduct against the NWC.

    Also faulting the suspension, the LP Caucus in the House of Representatives said Abure was bent on leading the party to extinction.

    A statement by Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, said the electoral agency would make a pronouncement on the leadership crisis in the LP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He clarified that the commission that a final decision on the crises would be taken after diligently studying the court judgment.

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to some media reports claiming that the Commission has recognised certain persons as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP).

    “The reports also inferred that the Commission has restored a particular individual as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), referring to the listings on the Commission’s official website.

    “However, the reports are false and misleading. The Commission has not made any decision in respect of either the LP or PDP.

    “The names of the national officers of the LP had previously been uploaded to our website following a court order, not related in any way to the latest judgement of the Supreme Court.

    “In the same manner, the name of the National Secretary of the PDP on the same website was neither deleted nor reinstated.

    “As a law abiding institution, the Commission is carefully studying the judgement of the Supreme Court on the Labour Party and will communicate its decision to the public in due course.”

    Abure plotting LP’s disintegration, says Reps caucus

    The three LP federal lawmakers accused Abure of plotting the destruction of the party, warning that his activities could lead to disintegration of the platform.

    In a statement in Abuja, Ogene, Ogah and Sowunmi said their purported suspension was “laughable,” adding that it underscores a desperate attempt by a “dethroned emperor” to cling to power.

    In the statement titled: “Our former National Chairman goes mad again, the lawmakers expressed shock that rather than work for the unity of the party, Abure was orchestrating its disintegration to appease external forces driving his actions.

    “The statement reads: “It is now evidently clear to everyone who has followed recent events in the Labour Party that our former national chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, is in a desperate move not to go down alone.

    “It’s utterly absurd that Abure, who failed to demonstrate moral integrity during his tenure as national chairman, now claims the authority to sanction party leaders. Only in Abure’s distorted reality can those with questionable character judge others.

    “In the real world, his Supreme Court-nullified leadership status has reduced him to a self-serving, shameless impostor driven by personal gain. A political party is set up for the specific goal of participating in the democratic process, especially the contestation for power.

    “Since the Peter Obi effect of 2023, what has Abure and his gang of undertakers done to enhance the fortunes of the party? In fact, we challenge him and his cohorts to no one single individual of note that they have attracted to the party since 2023.

    “From Kogi to Bayelsa, Ondo to Edo, what Abure has done is lead the Party to disastrous outcomes. All they have excelled in, is run the party as a criminal enterprise, fleecing aspirants of hard-earned cash in exchange for party ticket.

    “Even in his native Edo, where he was dragged on the floor like a common felon because of disputations over misappropriated delegate funds, the over-bloated and egoistic Abure couldn’t even win his polling unit for the party.

    “Pained of being kicked out of his lucrative position as national chairman, on account of abuse of official malfeasance, Abure and his gang of jesters have resorted to desperate antics in a bid to stay relevant.

    “Which self-respecting national chairman of a political party busies himself running around media houses like a press boy? The last time around, it was announcing the sack and replacement of Hon. Ogene as caucus leader, but when that didn’t work, he has resorted to contriving a fake suspension order.

    “Abure has appointed himself as a willing undertaker for the destruction of the soul of the Labour Party but ironically, he is only supervising the burial plan of his image and integrity as a public servant and political leader. We wish him well.”