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Tag: Inec

  • Prove your innocence in court, INEC tells dismissed REC Ari

    Prove your innocence in court, INEC tells dismissed REC Ari

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has told the dismissed Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC) Hudu Ari to prove his innocence before a competent court of law where he is being tried for allegedly infringing on the electoral process during the 2023 governorship election in Adamawa State. 

    Ari, who is being prosecuted by the commission for electoral offences in a beireifng  in Bauchi at the weekend, said he had evidence that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Aisha Binani, won the governorship election in Adamawa State. 

    The former REC declared Binani winner of the contest when the rerun election was still ongoing before leaving the State, alleging his life was in danger. 

    However, National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee of the Commission, Sam Olimekun (Mni) told The Nation that the commission will not comment on Ari’s allegations because his case is before the court. 

    Read Also: Sack of three INEC RECs, good omen for 2027 election – Arewa Think Tank

    Olimekun said: “In response to your request, our attention has also been drawn to the interview granted by the former REC of Adamawa State, Mr. Hudu Yunusa Ari. There is nothing new in what he said. 

    “In any case, the substantive matter of the 2023 Adamawa State Governorship election has been determined through the appropriate judicial process from the trial Tribunal to the Appeal Tribunal and finally settled by the Supreme Court.

    “The Commission will not comment on the propriety or otherwise of his conduct during the concluding part of the election as the matter is right now the subject of litigation at the High Court sitting in Yola and therefore subjudice.

    “Now that he is back in the country, the right place to prove his innocence and the propriety of his action is by availing himself for the due process of law and not a press conference.”

    The Senate recently approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to sack Ari and two other RECs. 

  • Dismissed Adamawa REC: I have proof Binani won governorship poll

    Dismissed Adamawa REC: I have proof Binani won governorship poll

    • Embattled Yunusa-Ari accuses INEC of suppressing evidence

    The dismissed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, has claimed that he has incontrovertible evidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Aishatu Dahiru (popularly called Binani), won the controversial 2023 election.

    The embattled REC accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deliberately suppressing the evidence he submitted to the commission to prove his claim.

    Addressing reporters in Bauchi at the weekend, Yunusa-Ari alleged that INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the Election Petition Tribunal ignored critical documents that could have changed the election outcome.

    The dismissed REC said he provided official reports and electoral documents detailing massive irregularities to favour Ahmadu Fintiri as the elected governor.

    He claimed that the INEC leadership refused to acknowledge his evidence.

    “They should have acted immediately, but my report was swept under the carpet,” Yunusa-Ari said.

    According to him, INEC’s ICT head in Adamawa State allegedly compromised the election by handing over 20,000 sensitive election materials to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.

    The dismissed REC said the materials were later found in a private home linked to a top government official.

    He also accused the Election Petition Tribunal of refusing to consider his testimony and documentary evidence.

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    “Even an ordinary judge knows that every side must be heard, but they silenced me,” Yunusa-Ari said.

    Recently, the Senate granted the request of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack the suspended RECs of Adamawa, Abia, and Sokoto states over alleged misconduct.

    But Yunusa-Ari faulted his dismissal, claiming that he did not commit any infraction during the election.

    Displaying what he claimed were authentic result sheets and letters sent to INEC, Yunusa-Ari insisted that Binani was the rightful winner and that his dismissal was a plot to cover up the truth.

    Denying the allegations that he took a N2 billion bribe to declare Binani the winner, Yunusa-Ari said it was a smear campaign against him.

    The former REC said he was consulting with his family on his next steps, adding that he was unfairly victimised.

    Yunusa-Ari was suspended on April 17, 2023, after declaring Binani the winner of the Adamawa State governorship rerun election while collation was still in progress.

    The erstwhile REC said he had no regrets about his action, promising to do the same choice if given the chance again.

    According to him, he is on the side of the truth.

    “The dismissal is not my problem. The civil service is governed by civil service rules, procedures, and services,” Yunusa-Ari said.

  • Electoral Fraud: Northern groups applaud Tinubu, INEC over dismissal of three RECs

    Electoral Fraud: Northern groups applaud Tinubu, INEC over dismissal of three RECs

    Northern Groups under the auspices of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Northern Awareness Network (NAN) have commended President Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their firm stance on accountability in the dismissal of three suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from Adamawa, Sokoto, and Abia states.

    The groups, in separate statements, said they believed that such a decision is a bold step towards restoring public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process and promoting ethical conduct among election officials and applauded President Tinubu’s request to the Senate to terminate the appointments of the suspended RECs, as it aligns with their constitutional oversight provisions. They added that this demonstrates a commitment to upholding electoral integrity.

    The AYCF, in its statement signed by the President-General Yerima Shettima, said, the forum acknowledges the INEC’s efforts in upholding electoral integrity, citing the recent conviction of Professor Ignatius Uduk in Akwa Ibom State for electoral fraud during the 2019 elections as a significant victory against election malpractices.

    Shettima said the successful prosecution sets an important precedent and sends a strong message to those who seek to compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, adding that by holding individuals accountable for their actions, the confidence in the electoral system will be restored, and citizens can have faith in the fairness and transparency of future elections.

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    He urged other stakeholders, such as the Directorate of State Security (DSS), the Police, other security agencies, and political parties, to follow suit by enforcing internal disciplinary measures against individuals who engage in misconduct during elections.

    Similarly, NAN in its statement signed by the chairman, Salihu Suleiman, also acknowledged the complexity of disciplinary processes within the INEC and expressed appreciation for the time it took for the suspended RECs to be dismissed, adding that it also recognises that adherence to due process is essential in maintaining the credibility of the electoral system and ensuring that decisions are made fairly and transparently.

    “By taking time to investigate and follow proper procedures, the INEC demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity in its operations, which is crucial for building public trust in the electoral process,” the NAN chairman stated.

  • 774 electoral offenders on trial over 2023 elections – INEC

    774 electoral offenders on trial over 2023 elections – INEC

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu has said that about 774 alleged electoral offenders from the 2023 general elections are currently being prosecuted across the country by the Commission.

    Speaking at the first quarterly meeting with Media Executives on Friday, Yakubu said the prosecution was being carried out through a collaboration between the commission and the Nigerian Bar Association.

    He, however, lamented the delays in the prosecution of electoral offenders due to the absence of the electoral offences tribunal and a definite time frame for such prosecution, leading to a lack of diligent attention from the courts which are saddled with other responsibilities.

    He disclosed that through the collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the commission had already secured the successful prosecution of some electoral offenders.

    Yakubu said one of the areas requiring reform in the electoral process is the prosecution of electoral offenders, saying “Judicial and legislative action in the last few days underscore our effort to deal with offences involving officials of the Commission assigned to carry out designated responsibilities.

    “It also highlights the challenges we face in dealing with electoral offences. The recent successful prosecution of a Returning Officer in Akwa Ibom State is a case in point. The Commission has been diligently pursuing the case which arose from the 2019 General Election.

    “In this particular case, it took nearly six years to achieve the successful prosecution at the trial court.

    “Through our collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), cases involving 774 alleged offenders from the 2023 General Election are being prosecuted.

    “So far, successful prosecutions have been recorded in Kebbi and Kogi states while our collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on vote-buying has yielded similar results in Lagos, Kwara and Gombe states. Yet, many cases are still pending.

    “A major obstacle to the speedy dispensation of justice in this regard is that electoral offences are not time-bound as is the case with post-election offences through the tribunals.

    “Furthermore, they are solely prosecuted by the Magistrate and State High Courts in the jurisdiction where the alleged offences are committed. No priority attention is given to such cases as the courts deal with a variety of other cases.

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

    “Consequently, electoral offences are carried over from one General Election to another which may sometimes affect the diligent prosecution of the cases.

    “It is therefore imperative to renew our call for the creation of the Electoral Offences Tribunal that has a specific jurisdiction and limited timeframe for the speedy dispensation of cases. I urge the media to join in this patriotic advocacy for the good of our electoral democracy.”

    He assured that the commission will continue to partner with the media, especially the NUJ as a critical stakeholder in the electoral process.

    He said, “You may recall that 114 accredited media organisations deployed 721 personnel to cover the recent off-cycle Governorship Election in Edo State while 112 organisations deployed over 700 staff for the Ondo State Governorship Election. We look forward to the same partnership and support in all our forthcoming elections and electoral activities.

    “Already, the Commission has released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Anambra State Governorship election to be held on 8th November 2025. Party primaries begin next month.

    “Political parties interested in fielding candidates for the election shall commence their primaries on 20th March 2025 and end three weeks later on 10th April 2025. At the appropriate time, the Commission will release the details for interested media organisations to apply for accreditation through the online  portal which all of you are now familiar with.

    “Similarly, the Commission has released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) holding on 21st February 2026.

    “However, most of the major activities for the election will be held this year, including party primaries and the nomination of candidates for the 68 constituencies made up of six Area Council Chairmen and 62 Councillors scheduled to hold from 9th – 30th June 2025.

    “In addition to the end-of-tenure elections, there is an increasing number of bye-elections to be conducted. In the last three weeks alone, vacancies have occurred in one Federal Constituency and two State Constituencies caused by the death of serving members.

    “In another State Constituency, the State Assembly declared the seat vacant as a result of absenteeism, following the prolonged absence of the member from sittings of the House in violation of Section 109(1)[f] of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The matter of pending bye-elections is also on the agenda for this meeting.

    “I want to reassure you of our commitment to continuously improve on the electoral process. Every election or electoral activity presents its own unique challenge and an opportunity to learn lessons for improvement.

    “The recent Ondo State Governorship election has been widely acknowledged to be an improvement, especially in the management of logistics and performance of election technology. We will strive harder to ensure the continuous improvement of our elections. However, being a multi-stakeholder responsibility, we appeal for the continuous support of all and sundry, especially in critical areas of reform.”

    President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mallam Alhassan Hahaha stressed the need for the National Assembly to set in motion the processes of creating an electoral offences commission and tribunal so that the responsibility of prosecution will be taken away from the commission

    Represented by the National Secretary, Achike Chude, the NUJ President said “if there is one thing I think some of us have noticed, it is the fact that INEC has always been very, very reluctant when it comes to this pressure on them to prosecute offenders. It is not that they do not want to prosecute offenders.

    “I think it’s part of the reasons why people have been making a case for this electoral tribunal to be put in place, so that they can be free to do what they are very good at doing. We should also encourage the National Assembly to set these things in motion because there are just too many things that they are doing that they shouldn’t be doing.”

  • PAACA lauds Tinubu, INEC for sacking three suspended RECs

    PAACA lauds Tinubu, INEC for sacking three suspended RECs

    …commends INEC’s commitment to personnel discipline 

    The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa (PAACA) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and President Bola Tinubu for terminating the appointments of three suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from Adamawa, Sokoto, and Abia states.

    In a statement on Friday, PAACA Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, described the move as a significant step toward accountability and restoring public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.

    He noted that President Tinubu’s formal request to the Senate to remove Barrister Hudu Yunusa-Ari (Adamawa REC), Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto REC), and Mr. Ike Uzochukwu (Abia REC) aligned with constitutional oversight provisions and reinforced the importance of ethical conduct among election officials.

    INEC had suspended the three RECs in March 2023 over alleged misconduct during the general elections. 

    Yunusa-Ari was accused of usurping the Returning Officer’s role in the Adamawa governorship election and unlawfully declaring results. 

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    Dr. Ali and Mr. Uzochukwu were suspended for dereliction of duty, with Dr. Ali also facing bribery charges.

    Ezenwa, however, explained the complexity involved in the discipline of personnel of the electoral commission, which led to the long delay of their sack after their suspension over a year ago.

    He said: “The decision of President Bola Tinubu to formally request the Senate to terminate the appointments of the three RECS points to the fact that while some Nigerians argue about INEC’s regulatory powers, it is imperative to recognize the constitutional framework within which the commission operates. 

    “It is essential to remember that the suspension of these officials for over a year highlights the complex process required for their removal, which necessitates the combined action of the President and the National Assembly. During this period, these individuals continued to receive full salaries, emphasizing the need for oversight institutions to act decisively in the public interest.”

    He lauded INEC for its commitment to electoral integrity, citing the recent conviction of Professor Ignatius Uduk in Akwa Ibom State. Uduk, a university lecturer, who was sentenced to three years in prison for electoral fraud in the 2019 general election, marking a rare but significant victory in the fight against election malpractice.

    The PAACA Executive Director emphasized that INEC’s internal disciplinary measures set a precedent that should be emulated by political parties and security agencies. 

    He urged these institutions to establish robust accountability frameworks to ensure that personnel who compromise election integrity are held responsible.

    He said: “We also call on political parties and security agencies to emulate INEC which has shown that it can hold its own personnel accountable for their actions. This is a significant step towards restoring public trust in the electoral process.

    “Political parties and security agencies must take concrete steps to hold their personnel accountable for any actions that compromise the electoral process. This includes establishing robust mechanisms for investigating and disciplining errant personnel, which is essential for rebuilding public trust in the electoral system.”

    PAACA also highlighted the need for transparency in appointing new RECs, urging the Senate to confirm only individuals with proven integrity and impartiality. 

    “As we move forward, it is crucial that the replacements for the dismissed RECs are individuals who are impartial and free from partisan interests. The credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process depends on having neutral and competent officials at the helm of election management. We call on the Senate to exercise due diligence in the confirmation process, ensuring that only individuals of unquestionable integrity are entrusted with these critical positions.”

  • INEC prosecuting 774 electoral offenders from 2023 polls – Yakubu

    INEC prosecuting 774 electoral offenders from 2023 polls – Yakubu

    …secure successful prosecution in Kogi, Kebbi

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has revealed that 774 alleged electoral offenders from the 2023 general elections are currently facing prosecution across the country.

    Speaking at the first quarterly meeting with media executives on Friday, Yakubu said the prosecutions are being conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    However, he expressed concerns over delays in the process due to the absence of an electoral offenses tribunal and a defined time frame for such cases. 

    He noted that regular courts, burdened with multiple responsibilities, often do not give electoral offenses the urgent attention they require.

    Yakubu also disclosed that INEC, in partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has successfully prosecuted some electoral offenders.

    He emphasized the need for reforms in the prosecution of electoral offenses, stating that recent judicial and legislative actions highlight efforts to hold INEC officials accountable for their designated responsibilities.

    “It also highlights the challenges we face in dealing with electoral offences. The recent successful prosecution of a Returning Officer in Akwa Ibom state is a case in point. The Commission has been diligently pursuing the case which arose from the 2019 General Election. 

    “In this particular case, it took nearly six years to achieve the successful prosecution at the trial court. 

    “Through our collaboration with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) cases involving 774 alleged offenders from the 2023 General Election are being prosecuted. 

    So far, successful prosecutions have been recorded in Kebbi and Kogi States while our collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on vote-buying has yielded similar results in Lagos, Kwara and Gombe States. Yet, many cases are still pending. 

    “A major obstacle to the speedy dispensation of justice in this regard is that electoral offences are not time-bound as is the case with post-election offences through the tribunals. 

    “Furthermore, they are solely prosecuted by the Magistrate and State High Courts in the jurisdiction where the alleged offences are committed. No priority attention is given to such cases as the courts deal with a variety of other cases. 

    “Consequently, electoral offences are carried over from one General Election to another which may sometimes affect the diligent prosecution of the cases. 

    “It is therefore imperative to renew our call for the creation of the Electoral Offences Tribunal that have a specific jurisdiction and limited timeframe for the speedy dispensation of cases. I urge the media to join in this patriotic advocacy for the good of our electoral democracy”.

    While assuring that the commission will continue to partner with the media, especially the NUJ as a critical stakeholder in the electoral process in general in the best interest of the nation’s electoral democracy. 

    He said “you may recall that 114 accredited media organisations deployed 721 personnel to cover the recent off-cycle Governorship Election in Edo State while 112 organisations deployed over 700 staff for the Ondo State Governorship Election. We look forward to the same partnership and support in all our forthcoming elections and electoral activities.

    “Already, the  Commission has released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Anambra State Governorship election to be held on 8th November 2025. Party primaries begin next month. 

    “Political parties interested in fielding candidates for the election shall commence their primaries on 20th March 2025 and end three weeks later on 10th April 2025. At the appropriate time, the Commission will release the details for interested media organisations to apply for accreditation through the online  portal which all of you are now familiar with.

    “Similarly, the Commission has released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) holding on 21st February 2026. 

    “However, most of the major activities for the election will be held this year, including party primaries and the nomination of candidates for the 68 constituencies made up of six Area Council Chairmen and 62 Councillors scheduled to hold from 9th – 30th June 2025. 

    “In addition to the end-of-tenure elections, there is an increasing number of bye-elections to be conducted. In the last three weeks alone, vacancies have occurred in one Federal Constituency and two State Constituencies caused by the death of serving members. 

    “In another State Constituency, the State Assembly declared the seat vacant as a result of absenteeism, following the prolonged absence of the member from sittings of the House in violation of Section 109(1)[f] of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The matter of pending bye-elections is also on the agenda for this meeting.

    “I want to reassure you of our commitment to continuously improve on the electoral process. Every election or electoral activity presents its own unique challenge and an opportunity to learn lessons for improvement. 

    “The recent Ondo State Governorship election has been widely acknowledged to be an improvement especially in the management of logistics and performance of election technology. We will strive harder to ensure the continuous improvement of our elections. However, being a multi-stakeholder responsibility, we appeal for the continuous support of all and sundry, especially in critical areas of reform.”

    President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mallam Alhassan Hahaha stressed the need for the National Assembly to set in motion the processes of creating an electoral offences commission and tribunal so that the responsibility of prosecution will be taken away from the commission

    Represented by the National Secretary, Achike Chude, the NUJ President said “if there is one thing I think some of us have noticed, it is the fact that INEC has always been very, very reluctant when it comes to this pressure on them to prosecute offenders. It is not that they do not want to prosecute offenders.

    “I think it’s part of the reasons why people have been making a case for this electoral tribunal to be put in place, so that they can be free to do what they are very good at doing. We should also encourage the National Assembly to set these things in motion because there are just too many things that they are doing that they shouldn’t be doing.”

  • Edo poll tribunal: INEC closes case without calling witness

    Edo poll tribunal: INEC closes case without calling witness

    • Okpebholo to open defence Monday

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday failed to call witness in support of its case in the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the outcome of the election.

    INEC lawyer, Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN), had on Wednesday pledged to begin calling witnesses from Thursday after tendering documents, including results of the election, a certified true copy (CTC) of the declaration of the results and a copy of INEC’s Regulations & Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.

    Aliyu also told the tribunal that his client planned to call five scheduled witnesses within five days, as against the 10 days earlier allocated to it.

    He said most of the witnesses would be coming from Benin, Edo State, to testify at the tribunal.

    At the resumed sitting of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal yesterday, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Kanu Agabi (SAN), who spoke for INEC, said his client did not intend to call any witness.

    Agabi said: “My lords, after we left you yesterday (Wednesday), we gave more thought to the matter and came to the conclusion that the sensible thing to do is to close the case of the first respondent, which we hereby do.”

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    Lawyer to the PDP and Ighodalo, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), said he was not surprised about INEC’s decision not to call witnesses.

    Oyeyipo said: “Frankly speaking, we are not surprised and it is well within the right of the first respondent to show such a good discretion. We are not objecting.”

    Lawyers to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and lawyer to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Donald Dewigwe (SAN), said they were not opposed to INEC’s decision.

    Ikpeazu subsequently requested the tribunal to allow his client open his case on Monday, a request the tribunal acceded to and adjourned till Monday.

  • Edo poll dispute: INEC fails to call witness, closes case

    Edo poll dispute: INEC fails to call witness, closes case

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed on Thursday to call witness in support of its case in the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo , challenging the outcome of the election.

    INEC had, on Wednesday pledged to commence calling witnesses from Thursday after tendering documents, including results of the election, a certified true copy (CTC) of the declaration of the results as well as a copy of INEC’s Regulations & Guidelines for the conduct of elections, 2022

    INEC’s lawyer, Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN) told the tribunal that his client planned to call five scheduled witnesses within five days as against the 10 days earlier allocated to it.

    Aliyu said most of the witnesses would be coming from Benin, Edo State, to testify before the tribunal.

    At the resumed sitting of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Thursday, INEC’s lawyer and former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Kanu Agabi (SAN) said his client did not intend to call witness witness.

    Agabi said: “My lords, after we left you yesterday (Wednesday), we gave more thought to the matter and came to the conclusion that the sensible thing to do is to close the case of the first respondent, which we hereby do.”

    Lawyer to the PDP and Ighodalo, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN) said he was not surprised about INEC’s decision not to call witnesses.

    Oyeyipo said: “Frankly speaking, we are not surprised and it is well within the right of the first  respondent to show such a good discretion. We are not objecting.”

    Lawyers to Governor Monday Okpebholo and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and  who appeared for Governor Okpebholo and Donald Dewigwe (SAN) said they were not opposed to INEC’s decision.

    Ikpeazu subsequently requested the court to allow his client open his case on Monday, a request the tribunal acceded to and adjourned till Monday.

    Assessing Thursday’s proceedings, a PDP chieftain and former  ex-Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology in Edo State, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, said INEC not calling witnesses means they could not defend the victory of Okpebholo.

    Ifaluyi-Isibor argued that INEC could not afford to call any witness because they knew they cannot fine anybody to defend what is not true.

    Read Also: Edo poll dispute: INEC tenders results at tribunal

    He added: “The PDP won the election with lawful majority votes, as we have consistently maintained.”

    Meanwhile, APC chieftain and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shuaibu argued that there was nothing unusual in INEC’s decision not to call any witness.

    Shuaibu said from his experience in election litigation, a party chooses his strategy and since INEC felt it was of no use calling any witness, that should not be construed to imply that it has no defence.

    He added: “INEC has done what I expected it to do. It declared results and tendered the results yesterday. And that is all.”

  • Edo poll dispute: INEC tenders results at tribunal

    Edo poll dispute: INEC tenders results at tribunal

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has tendered at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, the results of September 21, 2024 governorship poll it conducted, among other documents.

    INEC’s lawyer, Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN), tendered the results at the resumed sitting of the tribunal in Abuja yesterday.

    He also tendered a certified true copy (CTC) of a document, which he said contained the declaration of the results as well as a copy of INEC’s Regulations & Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.

    Counsel for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo (who are challenging the outcome of the election), Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), said they were not opposed to the admissibility of the three documents in evidence.

    He observed that his clients had also annexed the same documents while presenting their case, to establish their claim that the results of the election were allegedly manipulated by INEC to favour All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate.

    Read Also: INEC, 15 political parties unite to fight vote-buying, electoral violence

    Lawyer to APC’s candidate in the election, now Governor Monday Okpebholo, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and APC’s lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), did not object that the documents be admitted in evidence by the tribunal.

    Justice Wilfred Kpochi, the chairman of the three-member tribunal, said the documents were admitted in evidence and marked accordingly.

    Aliyu subsequently told the tribunal that his client planned to start calling witnesses on Thursday (today).

    He said INEC intended to call its five scheduled witnesses within five days, as against the 10 days earlier allocated to it.

    Aliyu said most of the witnesses would be coming from Benin, Edo State, to testify at the panel.

    Ighodalo was among top politicians who witnessed yesterday’s proceedings.

  • INEC, 15 parties team up to fight vote-buying, electoral violence

    INEC, 15 parties team up to fight vote-buying, electoral violence

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties under the auspices of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have agreed on a blueprint to tackle vote-buying and electoral violence.

    IPAC during its annual political stakeholders’ workshop held in Osogbo, Osun State, tagged: ‘Our Democracy: The Way Forward’, which was attended by chairmen of about 15 parties, warned against electoral infractions.

    Read Also: INEC releases timetable for Anambra governorship, FCT Area Council polls

    Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Mutiu Agboke, said political stakeholders were the ones perpetrating vote-buying and violence during elections.

    He said “They agreed with me that they are the ones perpetrating vote-buying and violence, not INEC.  One of the steps we need to take to stem it is for us to start massive education, which we are starting today. We need to talk to them to be able to understand how to compose themselves and ensure people are better encouraged and not compelled to vote.’’