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  • Akoko by-election: Eight parties battle for Rep seat in Ondo

    Akoko by-election: Eight parties battle for Rep seat in Ondo

    Eight political parties are in the race for Saturday’s by-election for the Akoko NorthEast/Akoko Northwest federal constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

    The political parties and their candidates are the Action Alliance-Aliyu Ajewole, All Progressives Congress (APC) – Ehindero Ifeoluwa, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) – Adesuyi Victoria Alaba and Action Peoples Party, Ajagunla Olanrewaju A, the Labour Party – Abass Arisekola, New Nigeria Peoples Party – Akadiri Mukaila Olusola, Peoples Democratic Party – Olalekan Bada and the Social Democratic Party – Ogunleye Muritala Idowu.

    It would however be a two-horse race between the APC and the PDP.

    A total of 145,755 registered voters are in the federal constituency and the by-election would be held in 23 wards across 329 polling units.

    Further checks showed that 74,564 voters collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Akoko North East, while 71,191 collected PVCs in Akoko North-West.

    The seat was won by the APC candidate, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in last year’s general election. It became vacant following the appointment of Tunji-Ojo as Minister of Interior.

    Read Also: Anambra re-run: INEC distributes sensitive materials

    The spokesman for the Ondo PDP, Kennedy Peretei, told our reporter that the PDP would use the by-election to show the world that the party ‘is alive and kicking in Ondo.’

    “We are going to have victory at the polls. We have written to President Bola Tinubu to ensure INEC and security agents do their work. Let the vote count and the world will know the PDP is strong and popular in this state. The people are angry. They will show their anger against the APC in that election. We are doing House to house campaign to ensure we mobilise voters to the field.

    “For this election, we are going to see a change in the narrative. They will know the difference is clear this time if the APC bank on their previous victories in the area.”

    This is the first election to the conducted under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa since he was sworn-in in December last year.

    The candidate of the PDP hails from Akoko Northeast while the candidate of the APC hails from Akoko Northwest.

    Akoko Northeast has the highest number of votes.

    Certain factors might make APC lose the by-election unless all stakeholders work in unison.

    Some APC aspirants who contested the primary are still peeved over the conduct of the primary.

    Moreover, the Aketi team who are still mourning the death of Akeredolu and not happy with Aiyedatiwa might work against the success of APC in the election.

    What might worked victory for the APC is the achievements of Tunji-Ojo while in the House of Representatives. Moreover, the cooperation of APC leaders in Akoko North East is crucial for the party’s victory.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa who led the party’s campaign rally begged stakeholders of the party to work in unison to deliver victory for the party.

    He said the ruling party could not afford to lose the election, adding that grassroots mobilization was important to security victory for the APC.

    “This is an election that we must all rally and queue behind our candidate on Saturday by ensuring APC wins. Ife Ehindero is our own and he must win.”

  • Anambra re-run: INEC distributes sensitive materials

    Anambra re-run: INEC distributes sensitive materials

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State has distributed sensitive materials to Nnewi North and Orumba North local government areas ahead of the rerun election scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, February 3.

    The distribution exercise took place at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Awka, on Friday, February 2.

    It was supervised by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, and security operatives.

    During the exercise, INEC REC said that the materials like result sheets and ballot papers were received and distributed to the affected areas

    She said INEC had completed 50 percent of their work and was ready for the election while calling on the ad-hoc staff to be proactive to ensure a smooth process.

    The commissioner warned politicians not to act funny in any way as the commission had deployed enough security personnel to provide safety at all the polling units.

    Read Also: INEC excludes  PDP from by-election in Plateau State

    Meanwhile, the state police command said it had deployed enough security in the areas.

    The state commissioner of police Adeoye Aderemi Adeoye, said the reason was to provide adequate security for the electorate as well as officials taking part in the election.

    He announced that the State-established and privately owned security organizations, as well as other quasi-security outfits, were not to be involved in any way with electoral security management.

    Adeoye said the Command was collaborating with sister agencies to provide adequate security throughout the election and beyond.

    He warned politicians to eschew violence and avoid any act that could disrupt the election process.

     He stated that the Command was prepared to deal ruthlessly with political thugs, ballot box snatchers, and other miscreants who might try to cause chaos.

  • INEC excludes  PDP from by-election in Plateau State

    INEC excludes  PDP from by-election in Plateau State

    • Court stops Ebonyi PDP senatorial candidate

    The stage is set for tomorrow’s by-elections into the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats across 26 states.

    Already, sensitive materials have been distributed to the affected polling districts and constituencies by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    However, the commission said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not participate in the election in Plateau North Senatorial District and Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, based on the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

    The court had nullified the victory of PDP House of Assembly members in the state, following the party’s failure to conduct its Congresses according to laid down rules.

    Also in Ebonyi, a High Court in Abakaliki nullified the candidacy of Silas Onu, being fielded by the PDP.

    Apart from Plateau and Ebonyi, states where the rerun will hold are Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, and Cross River.

    Others are Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

    The seats became vacant, following the appointment of the senators and House of Representatives members as ministers by President Bola Tinubu.

    Also, in some states, the reruns were ordered by the court due to irregularities that marred the previous exercise.

    No fewer than 4,567,689 eligible voters are expected to participate in the elections;  2,189,171 voters will participate in in two senatorial districts, four federal constituencies and three state constituencies.

    Also, 2,220,912 voters will participate in the Court ordered rerun into the National Assembly, while 157,606 voters will participate in the elections into Houses of Assembly.

    By-elections will be conducted in two senatorial districts of Ebony South and Yobe East, four federal constituencies in Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo and Taraba and three state constituencies in Benue, Borno and Kaduna states.

    Also, court ordered rerun elections will take place in one senatorial district of Plateau Central, 12 federal constituencies in 10 states and 25 state Assembly seats in 16 states.

    The Federal constituencies where elections will take place are Surelere 1 (Lagos), Yauri/Shanta/Ingaski and Arewa/Dandi (Kebbi), Akoko North East/North West (Ondo), Jalingo/Yorro/Zing (Taraba), Ikono/Ini (Akwa Ibom) and Akamkpa/Biase (Cross River State).

    Others are Nnewi North/Nnewi South and Orumba North/Orumba South (Anambra), Igbo Eze North/Udenu (Enugu), Birnin Kudu/Buji (Jigawa), Igabi and Kachia/Kagarko (Kaduna), Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa (Katsina), Jos North/Bases (Plateau) and Fine/Fune (Yobe) federal constituencies.

    Senatorial elections will hold in Ebonyi South and  Yobe  East, following the resignation of Senator Dave Umahi, who was appointed Works Minister and Senator Ibrahim Gaidam,Minister of Police Affairs.

    At the state level, elections to fill vacant positions in state Houses of Assembly will take place in Adamawa (1), Akwa Ibom (1), Bauchi (3), Bayelsa (1), Cross River (2), Delta (2), Enugu (1), Kaduna (2), Kano (3), Nasarawa (2), Niger (1), Oyo (1), Sokoto (2), Zamfara (1), Benue (1) and Borno (1).

    Only Simon Mwadikwon is facing a court-ordered rerun into the Senate; 12 members of the House of Representatives are also facing court ordered rerun They are Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (PDP-Akwa Ibom), Clement Nwachukwu (APGA-Anambra), Change Nnabuife (YPP-Anambra) and Inyang Lamke (APC-Cross Rivers).

    Others are Dennis Agbo (LP-Enugu), Adamu Yakubu (PDP-Jigawa), Husseini Halloween (PDP-Kaduna), David Umaru (PDP-Kaduna), Mohammed Jamilu (PDP-Katsina), Garba Rabiu Kamba (APC-Kebbi), Musa Agah Avia (PDP-Plateau) and Jajere Buba Mohammed (PDP-Yobe).

    Plateau: PDP won’t participate, says INEC

    However, barely 24 hours to the exercise, INEC said the PDP will not participate in the exercise in Plateau North Senatorial District and Jos North/ Bassa Federal Constituency.

    There were also indications that security agencies have placed Plateau State under watch for the poll while all the parties have been advised to respect the judgment of the Appeal Court on the previous polls in the district and federal constituency.

    Following the fate that befell the PDP, the senatorial by-election may be a stiff contest between Chris Giwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Gyang Zi of the Labour Party (LP).

    Sources said PDP members may vote for the LP in protest against the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

    The appellate court had sacked a former Senate Minority Leader, Simon Mwadkwon, who was declared winner of February 25, 2023 poll by INEC.

    Also, the Court of Appeal invalidated INEC’s declaration of Musa Avia-Agah as winner of the Jos North/ Bassa Federal Constituency.

    Although 11 parties have been cleared by the electoral commission for the poll, the battle may be between the APC and the LP.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Having considered legal advice, INEC has dropped PDP from the ballot in deference to the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which is the final arbiter on disputes from National Assembly poll.

    “The appellate court said Mwadkwon was not validly nominated by the PDP for the election because 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) did not participate in the congress that elected him as candidate of the party for the election.

    “INEC cannot afford to be lawless. Apart from court pronouncement, INEC is not part of any political compromise. Even when INEC met with the leadership of PDP on January 8, 2024, it made it clear that the party will be excluded from the poll. We are standing by this decision.

    “Even this week, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja struck out an application for an order of Mandamus by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to compel INEC to allow it and its candidates to participate in the 3rd February 2024. The judge said the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain election matters, and the applicants did not follow the due process of the law to initiate the matter.”

    It was gathered that security agencies have advised all the parties in the state to respect the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

    Another source said: “As for Saturday by-elections, security agencies have keen interest on the development in Plateau State. We will ensure that all the parties comply with the judgment of the court.

    “We have also advised the stakeholders in the state, especially political parties, to comply with the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court. Any unlawful action will amount to a breach of the security.”

    Ondo:

    Aiyedatiwa begs AkokoAPC stakeholders

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa appealed to party stakeholders to work for the victory of the APC candidate in  Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency, Mr. Ife Ehindero.

    Speaking at a rally held at the Cenotaph in Ikare Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area, he said: “This is an election that we must all rally and queue behind our candidate on Saturday by ensuring APC wins. Ife Ehindero is our own and he must win.”

    At tge rally were Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, Ondo APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin, former Deputy Governor  Lasisi Oluboyo, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, Chief Olusola Oke, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye and Chief Gbenga Ale.

    Ehindero promised to defend the interest of the constituency, if elected, adding:”No doubt, our people want growth and development and I am ready to prioritise their welfare with fresh ideas.”

    Jigawa:

    APC and PDP are mobilising for the poll in Birninkudu/Buji federal constituency.

    APC Chairman Alhaji Aminu Sani Gumel said the party will reclaim the seat which was erroneously awarded to the PDP by the electoral commission.

    He said: “As we are going out to reclaim our seat  we will also ensure full compliance with the electoral act. We will not give chance for any act of violence and any body who dare to cause a breach of peace, we will report.”

    Taraba:

    The Taraba State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mohammed Umar, disclosed that the security of voters and officials is guaranteed during the by-election in Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Constituency.

    He said the election will take place in 658 polling units in the constituency, which is currently affected by banditry and kidnapping.

    Speaking with reporters after the distribution of sensitive materials, Umar said there will be no security hitch.

    He said: “When you talk of this issue of insecurity. At the risk of being unpatriotic,  it is an issue that affects the whole nation.

    Read Also: Tinubu to University unions: prioritise dialogue to avoid frequent strikes

    “The electoral officers in Yorro and Zing testified to us that so far so good, they are comfortable with the security arrangements. The security operatives are there. The citizenry are ready to exercise their franchise”.

    Sokoto:

    The re-run will take place in Yabo/Shagari, and Bodinga , Tambuwal state constituencies respectively.

    The state Administrative Secretary of the Commission,  Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa, said adequate security would be provided to ensure a hitch free exercise.

    She addded: “No fewer than 15 policemen are expected to oversee each polling unit.”

    APC Chairman Sadiq Isah Achida said he was confident that the party’ s candidates will win.

    Also, PDP  Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sanyinnawal, also expressed optimism that it’s candidates will win.

    Ebonyi:

    The Police in Ebonyi State announced the restrictions of vehicular movement from 12 midnight to 6pm on Sunday.

    The restrictions is in five local governments of Ebonyi South Senatorial zone where the by-election will hold tomorrow.

    The local government areas are: Ivo, Ohaozara, Onicha, Afikpo and Edda local government areas.

    Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, said in a statement that security agencies will continue to monitor and enforce security till the election  is over.

    However, a Federal High Court in Abakaliki  nullified the candidacy of Mr Silas Onu, who was fielded by PDP.

    Justice Hyeladziya Ngajiwa said the party failed to conduct a proper congress to produce the three-ad-hoc state delegates  one-man national delegate per local government, who were mandated to vote at the primary

    Seven political parties are fielding candidates for the election.

    They are: All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), APC, LP,  PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Democratic Congress (ADC),New Nigeria Peoples Party,(NNPP) and Action Peoples Party(APP).

    Lagos:

    Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State Prof. Ayobami Salami told reporters that the commission was fully prepared for the election in Surulere Federal Constituency.

    The seat became vacant, following the resignation of Femi Gbajabiamila, who was appointed by President Tinubu as his Chief of Staff.

    Salami said: “We have taken delivery of the sensitive materials today. We are in the last phase of the process of the by-election.We have taken the ballot papers and the results sheet for Saturday.”

    No fewer than 12 parties are fielding candidates for the poll. Also,  121,111 voters are expected to participate in the exercise, according INEC.

    The candidates are: Akinyemi Da-Sliva (Accord),. Kayode Jelili (Action Alliance), Collins Aigbokhaode (African Democratic Congress), Fuad Laguda (All Progressives Congress), Jonathan Ololade (All Progressives Grand Alliance)   Samuel Ekwuruke (Allied People’s Movement), Yinusa Adisa (Action People’s Party), Adeola Adebanjo (Labour Party), Jerry Afemighie (Peoples Democratic Party), Muyiwa Adedeji (Social Democratic Party), Oluwole Austine Brito (Young Progressive Party), and Emereole Anthony (Zenith Labour Party).

    Cross River:

    INEC: our staff will conduct rerun

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof Gabriel Yomere, said sensitive materials have been distributed  into 34 polling units in four local governments.

    He said only INEC staff will conduct the poll, adding that they will be held accountable.

    Enugu:

    Security has been beefed up in Igboeze North and Udenu  Federal Constituency of Enugu State, ahead of the poll.

    The constituency in made up of Igboeze North and Udenu local government areas.

    INEC had fixed the re-run in line with the order of  a Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos, which nullified the election of Mr Dennis Agbo of  the Labour Party (LP), in an appeal filed by the APC candidate, Dr Oby Ajih.

    The Appeal Court ordered a re-run in 176 of 532 polling units, which was less than 30 per cent of the polling units in the constituency.

    Bauchi:

    The Appeal Court ordered the re-run across 42 polling units in four state constituencies-Bauchi Central; Zungur/Galambi, Ningi 1 and Madara/Chinade.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner Mohammed Nura said: “The election will be conducted using BVAS for accreditation, authentication, and result upload to the IReV.

    “So far, BVAS for all the PUs have been configured and ready to be used on the election day while our technical support staff would be at each PU to ensure the device works.”

    Katsina:

    INEC has distributed election materials to two registration areas in Kankara/Faskari/Sabuwa Federal Constituency of Katsina State.

    The election would be conducted in Garagi and Daudawa registration areas in Kankara and Faskari Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the constituency.

    The materials distributed included BVAS, ballot papers, result sheets, voters’ register, among others.

    They were handed over to the Electoral Officers of Kankara and Faskari, Yunusa Audu, and Ahmed Yaluwa, in the presence of security agents, party representatives and the media.

    The state INEC Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Shehu Sa’idu, told reporters after the distribution, that the election would be conducted in 40 poling units of the two LGAs.

    He added that four polling units were in Daudawa registration area of Faskari, while 16 were in Garagi, Kankara LGA.

    The number of Registered Voters in the affected polling units is 10,659, while the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected were 10,652.

    IGP orders restriction of movement

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the restriction of movement from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow in states where by-elections will be conducted.

    Only those on essential duties, including INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media, health workers and fire fighters are excepted,  according to a state by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

    Also, state-owned security outfits and organizations, quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.

    Egbetokun said: “The movement restrictions, including the ban on VIP aides, escorts, and state security outfits, are crucial measures aimed at preventing any undue interference or intimidation during the electoral process. The IGP emphasizes that these restrictions are implemented to safeguard the integrity of the elections and guarantee equal participation for all citizens of the affected states.

    “The IGP urges political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with the electoral laws, as any attempt to disrupt the electoral process or violate the established guidelines will be met with the full force of the law.”

  • INEC says only staff of commission will be use for re-run polls in C’River

    INEC says only staff of commission will be use for re-run polls in C’River

    The Cross River State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, February 1, distributed sensitive materials for the re-run elections holding across 34 polling units within four local government areas in the state.

    The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Gabriel O. Yomere, addressed stakeholders in Cross River State, including political party representatives and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). 

    He announced that only INEC staff would handle election duties due to the limited area of the election.

    He also substantiated his choice of using only INEC staff by saying, he would be able to hold them accountable should anything go wrong.

    The REC gave assurance of the integrity of the sensitive materials received, displayed and distributed adding that BVAS machine will be used and that each machine can served for 72 hours when fully charged. 

    He added that in any unexpected situation of battery rundown or discharge, the commission has accompanied each BVAS with a power bank to recharge immediately.

    Read Also: By-election: INEC takes delivery of sensitive materials from CBN in Lagos

    Flanked by heads of security agencies including the Commissioner of Police in the state, the REC also gave assurance of adequate security arrangements in place for a peaceful conduct of the re-run polls.

    The state chairman of the All Progressive Congress Mr. Alphonsus Eba spoke on behalf of other political parties saying that they will all abide by rules and the law of the land to achieve a peaceful and violence free re run polls.

    He declared that the ruling party will not support any member to perpetrate violence of any sort and as such, if any APC member is found on election duty with any knockout being the least weapon, such a person should be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

  • By-election: INEC takes delivery of sensitive materials from CBN in Lagos

    By-election: INEC takes delivery of sensitive materials from CBN in Lagos

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State on Thursday took delivery of sensitive materials for Saturday’s Surulere Federal Constituency I by-election from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, told newsmen that the commission was fully prepared for the election.

    Salami said: “We have taken delivery of the sensitive materials today. We are in the last phase of the process of the by-election.

    “We have taken the ballot papers and the results sheet for Saturday by-election. It is clear to everyone that we are ready for the election.”

    He said that the commission had invited representatives of political parties and security agencies to witness the exercise for openness.

    According to him, the sensitive materials are secure and intact for every stakeholder to see the transparency of the commission.

    Read Also: INEC begins distribution of materials for Sat. rerun, by-elections

    Salami, who noted that INEC was ready to conduct free, fair and credible elections on Saturday, called for the cooperation and support of stakeholders.

    He noted that the onward distribution of the materials from the state headquarters to the six wards and 258 polling units that made up the Surulere Federal Constituency I would begin on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 12 candidates of different political parties would be contesting in the Feb. 3 election.

    The seat became vacant due to the resignation of the former occupant, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, who after winning, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as his Chief of Staff.

    (NAN)

  • Ebonyi by-election: INEC distributes sensitive materials

    Ebonyi by-election: INEC distributes sensitive materials

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ebonyi state, on Thursday, February 1, distributed sensitive materials ahead of the Ebonyi South senatorial district by-election scheduled to be held on February 3.

    The seat became vacant after President Bola Tinubu appointed Senator David Umahi, who occupied the position, as a minister.

    Representatives of the eight political parties contesting the election and security agencies were at the Central Bank office in Abakaliki, the venue of the exercise.

    INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ebonyi, Pauline Onyeka said that the distribution of the ballot papers was to show that the commission was ready for the by-election.

    Onyeka, who stated that the commission would be transparent in the conduct of the election, urged electorates to come out and vote on Election Day.

    Read Also: INEC begins distribution of materials for Sat. rerun, by-elections

    The REC said that the sensitive materials were being distributed to ensure that no ward or polling unit was omitted or did not get materials for the election.

    She assured of adequate security in all the five local government areas where the election will be held.

    She noted: “We are 99.9 percent ready for the election. We are distributing sensitive materials which 8nvlude ballot papers and result sheets. The Bivas have been configured and moved to the LGAs yesterday.”

    She promised that the election would be free and fair adding that the Electoral Officers for the election have been adequately trained.

    The election will be held in Ohaozara, Ivo, Afikpo, Edda, and Onicha local government areas.

    Eight political parties fielded candidates for the election.

    They are the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Action Peoples Party(APP).

  • INEC begins distribution of materials for Sat. rerun, by-elections

    INEC begins distribution of materials for Sat. rerun, by-elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive materials to some of the 26 states where rerun and by-elections will be held on Saturday.

    INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu revealed this when he led top officials of the commission on a visit to Chief of Air Staff(CAS)  Hassan Abubakar in Abuja yesterday.

    He told Abubakar that because of peculiar challenges, the commission would need the help of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to deliver similar materials to states in the Northeast, Southeast and Southwest where the elections would also be held.

    Yakubu said:  “The elections are holding this weekend. Working with the Central Bank of Nigeria, materials are being delivered to many locations.

    “However, given the size and distance of some constituencies, we seek the support of NAF to expeditiously deliver materials to three locations in the Northeast, Southeast and Southwest geo-political zones of the country.

    “We have already indicated   the specific locations and the tonnage of materials to be airlifted.”

    He commended the Air Force for its cooperation in the area of security and logistics during general and other elections in the past.

    Yakubu explained that in nine out of the 26 states,  “two Senators, four members of the House of Representatives and three members of State Houses of Assembly will be elected in bye-elections to replace members who passed on or resigned their memberships of the National and   Houses of Assembly. “

    Read Also: Ondo public servants accuse Ayedatiwa of extravagant spending

    He added that “in other states, re-run elections will take place at designated constituencies or polling units as ordered by the Election Appeal Tribunals.”

    According to him,  the  rerun polls will be conducted  “to fill vacancies in three senatorial districts, 17 Federal and 28 state constituencies spread across 80 Local Government Areas, 575 registration areas/wards and 8,934 polling units involving 4,904,627 registered voters out of which 4,613,291 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been collected.”

    Yakubu said “in handling such a huge national assignment, the commission cannot do it alone.” 

    He added: “It is in the realisation of this  that the law empowers the commission to seek the support of the security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies in the delivery of materials and the protection of election officials as provided for in Section 27(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.”

    The Chief of Air Staff expressed NAF’s willingness to collaborate with INEC  especially in providing security and assisting in logistics distribution.

    But he reminded Yakubu that INEC had yet to settle outstanding bills for services rendered by NAF in the past.

    “I would like to seize this opportunity to remind the chairman that there are some outstanding bills which are yet to be cleared by INEC. The settlement of those bills will enable us to serve you better,” Abubakar said.

    He pointed out that the relationship between  NAF and INEC is anchored on shared objectives geared towards ensuring that good governance, stability and the rule of law reigned in the country.

    Abubakar added that even though NAF’s C-130s are undergoing maintenance,  “we have other aircraft that can be employed to move sensitive materials.”

    He said: “But the caveat is that we need to move those materials a little earlier due to the capacity of the aeroplanes which we have available.”

  • INEC to deploy 4,000 personnel for Feb 3re-run polls in Kaduna

    INEC to deploy 4,000 personnel for Feb 3re-run polls in Kaduna

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it will deploy no fewer than 4,000 personnel for the conduct of Saturday’s re-run polls and by-election for the State and Federal Constituencies in Kaduna State.

    Malam Aminu Idris, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Kaduna State told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Kaduna.

    Idris said the personnel would include 3,000 drawn from members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and 1,000 INEC members of staff.

    He said: “The commission projects to have about a total 4,000 staff including about 3,000 had hoc staff with the categories drawn from members of the NYSC as Presiding Officers and institutions like the Kaduna Polytechnic while others would include NYSC and INEC staff.

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    “So far, we have started with the recruitment and training of ad hoc staff especially those of Supervisory Presiding Officers then to those of Presiding Officers officers and Assistant Presiding Officers.”

    Idris said strict supervision has been out in place with the presence of the stakeholders including personnel from EFCC, ICPC and other relevant agencies to ensure transparency during the exercise.

     “They will work against incidences of vote buying and other malpractices at the polling units and in terms of being accountable to the law as nobody is immune including INEC staff and corps members .

    “Anyone that contravenes the electoral law in terms of distorting the elections, would face the wrath of the law whether you are an INEC staff, NYSC or even security agent,” he said.

    Idris urged the stakeholders to collaborate to ensure that a conducive environment was provided for the smooth running of the elections and for the voters to be vigilant so that trouble makers will not be allowed to disrupt the process.

    He said: “Party agents should equally take the responsibility as their job should not be left for INEC alone to do so that they report to their respective parties because that is the way to prepare for litigation if there is any need for it.”

    Idris said elections would take place in six constituencies covering seven local government areas including; Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna South, Kudan, Kachia, Kagarko and Kauru.

    “Total polling units in the six constituencies are 1,114, with the number of registered voters that have collected PVCs of about 639,914,” he said.

    NAN reports that INEC has fixed Saturday for the conduct of supplementary polls in 44 constituencies across the county.

    Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman Information Voter Education Committee (IVEC) of INEC, said this in a statement tagged ‘timetable and schedule of activities for bye-elections and court-ordered re-run elections.

    He said: “The commission has approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for conducting bye-elections resulting from the resignation or demise of Members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.

    “These vacancies were declared by the Presiding Officers that is the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly.

    “The vacancies occurred across two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies spanning nine states of the federation.”

  • INEC ready for rerun in 42 polling units in three affected Bauchi LGAs – REC

    INEC ready for rerun in 42 polling units in three affected Bauchi LGAs – REC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed readiness for a rerun in 42 polling units across three affected Local Government Areas in Bauchi State.

    The Commission disclosed that all non-sensitive election materials have been  delivered ahead of the scheduled February 3, 2024, exercise.

     According to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Mohammed B. Nura, the materials have been distributed to the affected local government areas of Bauchi, Katagum, and Ningi.

    He disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting held on Thursday at the Mahmoud Yakubu Conference Hall, INEC, Bauchi.

    Nura added that t the materials has been batched into Registration Areas and Polling Units to ensure that no item for the elections is omitted.

    The REC revealed that the sensitive election materials such as ballot papers, result sheets and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would be transported to the Local Government Areas next week.

    Read Also: Okorie urges INEC to recognise Njoku as APGA chair

    He said: “You may recall that the Court of Appeal nullified the results of 42 Polling Units in four State House of Assembly constituencies of Bauchi, Zungur/Galambi, Ningi and Madara/Chinade within three Government Areas of Bauchi, Katagum and Ningi. 

    “All Political parties that fielded candidates during the 2023 General Election in these constituencies will participate the rerun elections”

    “Therefore, eligible voters must visit their Polling Units with the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) as there shall be no voting without PVC. So far BVAS for all the Polling Units have been configured and ready to be used on Election Day, while our technical support Staff will be at each Polling Unit to ensure the device works well.”

  • Okorie urges INEC to recognise Njoku as APGA chair

    Okorie urges INEC to recognise Njoku as APGA chair

    The pioneer national chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Chief Edozie Njoku as chairman. 

    He said a court judgment has affirmed Njoku as chairman, adding that INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmod Yakubu should obey the order. 

    Okorie said in a statement that INEC was fueling the crisis in the party by denying Njoku recognition. 

    Okorie said if Yakubu cannot obey court orders, he should resign.

    The statement reads: “In a landmark judgment delivered by Hon. Justice M. A. Madugu of the Federal Capital High Court 40, Bwari in Suit no. FCT/HC/CV/4068/2023 on the 9th of November, 2023, the court found Chief Victor Oye (1st Defendant) and Professor Mahmood Yakubu (2nd Defendant) guilty of contempt of court in the matter of the APGA leadership dispute whereupon the contemnors refused to obey the orders of the Court handed down on them on 10th May, 2023. 

    “Hon. Justice M. A. Madugu, in his well considered judgment, affirmed as follows:

    “It is well established in the legal jurisprudence that court orders must be obeyed and respected. Parties to litigation are duty bound to adhere to the directives of the court. Disobedience of court orders undermines the sanctity of the judiciary and the rule of law. The 1st and 2nd Respondents have committed contempt by disobeying the subsisting order of this court made on 10/5/2023, and I so hold. 

    This impunity can not continue. This political insanity has to stop. 

    “The acceptance of candidates by the 2nd Respondent that are products of the congress presided over by the 1st Respondent, Chief Victor Ike Oye, held on 31st May, 2023, in defiance of the order of this court made on 10th May, 2023, is undoubtedly an affront to order of this court under review. 

    “Having established the disobedience of the 1st Respondent and 2nd Respondent to the order of this court made on 10/5/2023, and since the purpose of committal proceedings is to ensure that the orders of the Court are upheld and respected, I hereby adopt a lenient view and order the 1st and 2nd Respondents should purge themselves of contempt within 14 working days effective from today, the 9th day of day of November, 2023. 

    Read Also: Anambra by-election: Security will be tight in communities – INEC

    “Case is hereby adjourned till 29/11/2023 to enable the Respondents to purge themselves of the contempt or face the wrath of the law.”

    Okorie said INEC’s refusal  to obey the judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on 24th March, 2023, which affirmed  Njoku as national chairman, made 

    Otunba Camaru Lateef Ogidan and Alhaji Rabiu Mustapha, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) to approach the FCT High Court for the enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment.

    He said Yakubu nor INEC has appealed against the judgment that found him guilty of contempt of court orders.

    Okorie complained that Chief Victor Oye, on the 28th of November, 2023, managed to secure an order of the Court of Appeal restraining the FCT High Court. 

    He urged the Minister of Justice, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offenses Commission (ICPC), the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Civil Society Organizations and other well-meaning compatriots to demand Yakubu’s resignation.

    He added: “It is not only scandalous but utterly embarrassing and shameful that a contemnor is allowed to remain as the Chairman of INEC that superintendents the elections and democratic process in Nigeria. The impunity and unbridled arrogance of Professor Mahmood Yakubu must be halted now to protect our multiparty democracy.”