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Tag: Inec

  • Abiodun, others get Certificates of Return

    Ogun State Governor-elect, Prince Dapo Abiodun and his deputy Noimot Oyedele-Salako of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday received their Certificates of Return (CoR) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The CoR was presented by INEC Commissioner in charge of Ogun, Ondo and Lagos Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola at the commission’s state headquarters in Magbon, off IBB Boulevard, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital.

    Twenty-six elected members of the state House of Assembly – comprising 15 All Progressives Congress(APC) including the current Deputy Speaker, Kunle Oluomo (APC, Ifo 1), seven from the Allied People’s Movement (APM), three members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a member of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) – also collect their CoRs.

    Adedapo Abiodun pledged to be fair-minded in his approach to governance.

    He expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the party’s National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor Olusegun Osoba and the Ogun electorate for their support that ensured his victory at the poll.

    He noted that the victory was for the good people of Ogun State, pledging that he would not betray the trust and confidence reposed in him as expressed with their votes.

    Abiodun said: “Victory at the poll is neither that of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), nor mine alone. It is indeed the victory for all the good people of Ogun State who, despite the challenges that could have dampened their spirit and prevented them from exercising their civic duties, defied the odds and came out in their large numbers and laid the foundation for this ceremony.

    “You are the real heroes and heroines of this success and democracy. You are the ultimate winners!

    “It is gratifying to note that, almost all my major co-contestants have demonstrated spirit of sportsmanship, congratulated us and even responded to our hands of fellowship.

    “I salute your character, which confirms that your motivation is beyond aspiration for office or personal interests. Our hands of fellowship remain wide open to all.”

    Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Abdulganiyu Raji advised Abiodun to note that election has come and gone with the outcome determined, and so, should run an all-inclusive government that would deliver quality governance to the people.

     

     

     

  • Sokoto loses peaceful conduct of elections record- INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner in Charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, Hajiya Amina Zakari says Sokoto state has lost its record on peaceful conduct of elections.

    Zakari stated this on Thursday at the issuance of certificate of return to the Governor, Deputy Governor and State Assembly members-elect in Sokoto.

    She said that Sokoto state was popular and known to be one of the most peaceful states when it comes to conduct of elections.

    “Although elections in the Northwest has been generally peaceful must especially in Kebbi and Jigawa states. Sokoto state, however, lost its peaceful election conduct that we know the state for.

    “Unfortunately this year we have incidents that led to the loss of lives in Sokoto state, may the souls of the departed rest in peace,” she said.

    Zakari further called on those that lost the contest to try again in the next elections and those that won to work thoroughly in delivering democratic dividend.

    The state Residence Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Musa, reassured his commitment in ensuring a credible election in the state.

    “We promise to ensure free, fair and credible election in Sokoto state and we have successfully achieved such.

    “Therefore, today we have concluded our responsibility after the issuance of certicate of return to all the state’s elected officials and next is the preparation for the 2023 general elections,” he said.

    In his address Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, after receiving his certificate, promised to run a responsive and all-inclusive government in the state.

    Tambuwal, while thanking the people for giving him another chance to serve the state, commended INEC for ensuring free, fair and credible election in the state.

    He commended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders for resisting all attempts of intimidations on them during the election.

    All the 16 out of 30 members elected under the umbrella of the All Progressive Congress (APC) into the state House of Assembly were absent at the event.

    Read also: PDP, APC all square in Sokoto House of Assembly

    Tambuwal, his deputy Alhaji Mannir Daniya and 14 lawmaker elected under PDP have received the certificates.

    List of Elected Assembly Members were:

    1) Aminu Magaji (APC- Dange/Shuni)
    2) Mustapha Abdullahi (APC- Sokoto South 1)
    3)Malami Ahmed (PDP- Sokoto South II)
    4) Sule Romo (PDP- Tambuwal West)
    5) Mode Ladan (PDP Tambuwal East)
    6)Musa Miko (PDP- Tangaza)
    7) Murtala Maigona (APC- Wamakko)
    8) Aminu Achida (APC-Wurno)
    9) Shehu Yabo (APC- Yabo)
    10) Haliru Buhari (PDP- Sokoto North 1
    11) Ibrahim Arzika (PDP- Sokoto North II
    12) Abdullahi Randa (PDP- Tureta)
    13) Umaru Sahabi (PDP- Binji)
    14) Abubakar Magaji (PDP- Bodinga North)
    15) Bala Tukur (APC- Bodinga South)
    16) Altine Kyadawa (APC- Gada West)
    17) Kabiru Dauda (APC- Bada East)
    18) Mustapha Balle (PDP- Gudu)
    19) Bello Idris (APC- Gwadabawa South)
    20) Abdullahi Garba (APC- Gwadabawa North)
    21) Bello Ambarura (APC- Illela)
    22) Habibu Modachi (PDP- Isa)
    23) Abdullahi Mahmud (PDP- Kware)
    24) Abdullahi Zakari (APC- Rabah)
    25) Almustapha Aminu (PDP- Sabon Birni North)
    26) Saidu Ibrahim (APC- Sabon Birni South)
    27) Alhaji Maidawa (APC- Shagari)
    28) Atiku Liman (PDP- Silame)
    29) Isa Harisu (APC- Kebbe)
    30) Faruku Amadu (APC- Goronyo)
    (NAN)

  • INEC presents certificates of return to Tambuwal, deputy, assembly member

    The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) Thursday presented certificates of return to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and his running mate, Alhaji Muhammad Mannir Dan Iya.

    Also presented with similar certificates of return were the 30 state assembly members elect.

    Presenting the certificates, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebib and Zamfara states, Mrs. Amina Zakari said the commission remains committed to the course of ensuring smooth and transparent conduct of elections.

    According to her “we have concluded the 2019 polls exercise, we are looking forward to 2023 with a reminder to Nigerians that sustainable democracy can only be achieved through peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible polls.”

    Zakari urged politicians and political parties to always ensure democratic process dictate the phase of their activities by adherence to INEC guidelines as well peaceful conduct before, during and after elections.

    She however, regretted that Sokoto state which was known for its peaceful electioneering process had in the just concluded polls lost its place due to violence and other wrongs.

    “This is the first time in many years we are experiencing this. I will like to state clearly that narrow lead margin was not the only reason why elections are declared inconclusive but violence and other reasons.

    In his brief remarks, the state REC, Sadiq Musa Abubakar who noted that the journey to the successful conclusion of the elections in the state was not an easy task said INEC was able to deliver a credible and transparent exercise that ensured every voted counted to the last moment when the rerun was conducted.

    However, shortly after being presented with his certificate of return amidst ovation from teeming supporters and well-wishers, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal reassured of his resilience to building a Sokoto state that would symbolise prosperity for the people.

    He said nothing would be left out in the course of transforming the state and its people “we will respect and channel our efforts based on the lofty campaign promises to our people.”

  • Adamawa supplementary election result collation shifts to 8pm — REC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the collation of result of the Adamawa governorship supplementary election will begin by 8 pm on Thursday.

    Mr. Kasim Gaidam, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), confirmed the development to NAN in Yola.

    Gaidam explained that the exercise would begin at the Adamawa Governorship Election collation centre at INEC state headquarters in Yola.

    Gaidam said that reports reaching him showed the election was concluded peacefully and successfully in the 44 polling units in 14 local government areas of the state.

    ” We thank Almighty God that the supplementary election was conducted successfully and the collation of the result will commenced by 8 pm today.

    ” The election results from the affected 14 LGAs and 44 polling units are on the way to the collation centre,” Gaidam said.

    The Commissioner thanked the relevant stakeholders for making the election successful and peaceful.

  • Why we’re withholding Okorocha’s certificate of return – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) on Thursday cleared air on its decision to withhold certificates of return of Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo and three others.

    Mr Festus Okoye, INEC National Electoral Commissioner, Information and Voter Education, said the decision “does not amount to shifting goal post at the middle of a match.“

    He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Awka that INEC only issue certificate to people who genuinely won elections.

    “Issuance of certificates of return is a statutory function of INEC, it is only issued to those who won election and must be done through free will of a returning officer.

    “In the case of Imo West Senatorial zone where Okorocha contested, the Otu-Opi Federal Constituency in Benue, Agayi State Constituency and another in Akwa Ibom.

    “What INEC is saying is that you can’t engage in bad electoral behaviour and expect INEC to reward you with a certificate.

    “Our certificate is only for those who won freely,” he said.

    Okoye said the commission has the right not to issue certificate to such persons as it would amount to abnormality.

    He said INEC action is not targeted at the voters who voted people of their choice but to address excesses of those who wanted to use unconventional means to win elections.

    Read Also: I’m not owing any bank, Okorocha insists

    “Once we have such case, INEC will not issue certificate, but ensure that the right thing is done,” he said.

    He said at the moment that contenders of the positions in all the four affected areas are in court adding that INEC is awaiting for the outcome of the pending matters.

    Okoye said if the court orders INEC to issue certificates of return to the people involved, it would do same.

    He said if a consequential order is made directing INEC to conduct fresh election in the areas, the commission would do same.

  • INEC presents certificate of return to Ogun governor elect

    Mr. Adedapo Abiodun, the Ogun governor-elect, on Thursday received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The certificate was presented to him by INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Prof Abdulganiy Olayinka at the media center of the commission in Abeokuta.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, the state deputy governor-elect, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, had earlier been presented with her certificate during a brief ceremony witnessed by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    Abiodun in his short remarks titled: “A victory for the good people of Ogun state”, promised a fair, just and equitable system, describing the electorate in the state as heroes and heroines of the election.

    He explained the task before his administration is enormous, considering the resources of the state, but assured residents of his readiness with their support to deliver on his promises.

    He appreciated his co-contestants, especially the major ones for demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship and promised to extend hands of fellowship to them.

    “I solemnly pledge that our administration will be fair, just, equitable and inclusive,” he said.

  • Rivers: Lulu-Briggs wants Governorship, Assembly polls cancelled

    Chief Dumo Lulu- Briggs, the Accord Party gubernatorial candidate in Rivers, has called for the cancellation of the March 9 Governorship and House of Assembly elections for lack of credibility.

    Lulu-Briggs made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

    He said that the call was necessitated by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) testimony on the gross electoral misconduct and insecurity that led to cancellation of elections in several polling units in the state.

    The politician said that the subsequent suspension of the process was enough reason to ask for a fresh election in the state.

    “What is most important is the credibility of the electoral process and legitimacy of any government.

    “Remember that on March 9, INEC had issued a press statement that reports from their men on the field indicated that there were wide spread irregularities and violence in substantial polling units and collation centres.

    “That INEC staff was taken hostage and materials, including result sheets were destroyed by unauthorised persons.

    “And that they could no longer vouch for the credibility of the electoral process.

    “INEC having raised such an alarm in this sort of atmosphere, the various party agents went back to their houses,” he said.

    Lulu-Briggs said it was disheartening that INEC was now saying that they have some results they intend to collate and announce, tell me how credible such result could be?

    “Even if they are authentic results, what confidence will the people have in the electoral umpire who kept the acclaimed results without the monitoring of party agents?

    “It’s said that justice should not only be done but should also be seen to have been done,’ Lulu-Briggs said.

    The Accord party candidate said that whatever INEC intended to do outside conducting a fresh election in the state could cause mayhem.

    He said that since INEC openly admitted that they could no longer vouch for the credibility of the process they should conduct a fresh poll to avert crises in the state.

  • INEC presents certificates of return to El-Rufai, 34 lawmakers

    As it presented certificates of return to Kaduna state Governor Nasir El-Rufai and 34 elected house of assembly members in Kaduna on Thursday, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why inconclusive elections has become the order of the day in Nigeria.

    The election management body, noted that though, inconclusive elections did not start with the present commission, it became rampant because elections have become highly competitive.

    National Commissioner supervising Plateau, Niger, Kaduna States and FCT, Professor Antonia Okoosi-Simbine stated while presenting certificate of return to the Governor and the lawmakers.

    According to Professor Okoosi-Simbine, “Our democracy is deepening incrementally having conducted the sixth successive election without an interregnum; there is improved integrity in the electoral system; the elections are becoming more and more competitive and the margin between winners and runners-up are decreasing to the extent that in many instances elections into the Executive and Legislatures are increasingly becoming inconclusive.

    “This explains why the phenomenon of inconclusive elections appears to have Increased. To be sure, it existed prior to the existence of the present commission. We cannot expect less when a few big parties are contesting for power at every level.” He said.

    She also noted that the election was marred by violence through, “a new trend, in which some parties and candidates engaged in violent behavior, including manhandling election duty officials and intimidation of voters, collation and Returning Officers.

    “The Commission views this trend with grave concerns and will continue to work on greater voter enlightenment for mandate protection as well as with the security agencies to curtail this ugly trend.”

    She however advised politicians who felt aggrieved in the just concluded general elections to seek judicial remedy in law court.

    “The commission advises disgruntled persons and parties to feel free to seek judicial remedy where they believe they have genuine case(s) to pursue.

    “Indeed, seeking judicial remedy is not only a part and parcel of the electoral process in Nigeria; it is consistent with the culture of democracy as opposed to resorting to self-help.

    However, the INEC boss called on governor El-Rufai to ensure the people of the state enjoy dividends of democracy.

    “I encourage you to deliver more materials benefits to the diversity of people in Kaduna in order to meet their governance expectations,” she told El-Rufai.

    Shortly after receiving the certificate, El-rufai said in a remark that he would carry everybody along in governance irrespective of political differences.

    He assured of security of lives and property, just as he expressed gratitude to the people for re-electing him to serve them for the second term.

  • Attack on ad-hoc staff dangerous to democracy – INEC

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed worry over cases of harassment, maiming and killing of its ad-hoc staff recorded during the just concluded general elections.

    The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Fetus Okoye stated this Thursday in Awka, during the presentation of certificates of return to 30 newly elected members of the Anambra state House of Assembly.

    He said such attacks on the staff, most of who were corps members, portend great danger to the growth and development of the nation’s nascent democracy.

    Okoye, who blamed the ugly development on desperate politicians, urged them to leave its staff alone and concentrate their efforts on campaigns.

    He said, “The commission is worried at the rate at which ad-hoc staff of the commission are harassed, maimed and killed in the performance of their duties.

    “We are fast approaching a point where parents and guardians will not be willing to their sons and daughters doing their national youth service to participate in the electoral process.

    “Non-participation of our best and brightest, fresh from tertiary institutions will leave the commission with the option of harvesting its ad-hoc staff from sources whose loyalty to the national cause is questionable.”

    Okoye also regretted the illegal and illicit approaches being made by some political parties and their candidates to the various officers recruited by the commission for the exercise.

    “Some of these officers are recruited in strict confidentiality and yet desperate politicians go to the length to find them and corrupt them.

    “To this extent, the commission will carry out internal assessment and audit of its recruitment processes and procedures with a view to better protection of those processes,” he added.

    He restated the commission’s determination in canvassing for the early passage of the electoral offences commission bill at the national Assembly.

    Okoye said, “We must stem impunity in the electoral process by ensuring that those that deliberately and maliciously corrupt the process are proceeded against and punished in accordance with the law.

    Read Also: INEC presents Tambuwal, Legislators-elect certificates of return

    “The absence of robust and clearly defined institutions that will be responsible for arrest, investigation and prosecution of electoral offenders has led to heightened electoral malfeasance resulting in the storming of collation centres and forcing officers to make returns at gunpoint.”

    Congratulating the newly elected lawmakers on their victory, the commissioner wished them well in the task of legislating for the good governance of the state.

    Earlier, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji described the certificates as symbol of the mandate of the people earned during the election.

    He charged the newly elected lawmakers to fulfill the promises made to their constituents during campaigns.

  • Why inconclusive elections are rampant, by INEC

    As it presented certificates of return to Kaduna state Governor Nasir El-Rufai and 34 elected house of assembly members in Kaduna on Thursday, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why inconclusive elections have become the order of the day in Nigeria.

    The election management body noted that though, inconclusive elections did not start with the present commission, it became rampant because elections have become highly competitive.

    National Commissioner supervising Plateau, Niger, Kaduna States and FCT, Professor Antonia Okoosi-Simbine stated while presenting certificate of return to the Governor and the lawmakers.

    According to Professor Okoosi-Simbine, “Our democracy is deepening incrementally having conducted the sixth successive election without an interregnum; there is improved integrity in the electoral system; the elections are becoming more and more competitive and the margin between winners and runners-up are decreasing to the extent that in many instances elections into the Executive and Legislatures are increasingly becoming inconclusive.

    “This explains why the phenomenon of inconclusive elections appears to have
    increased. To be sure, it existed prior to the existence of the present commission. We cannot expect less when a few big parties are contesting for power at every level.” He said.

    She also noted that the election was marred by violence through, “a new trend in which some parties and candidates engaged in violent behaviour, including manhandling election duty officials and intimidation of voters, collation and Returning Officers.

    “The Commission views this trend with grave concerns and will continue to work on greater voter enlightenment for mandate protection as well as with the security agencies to curtail this ugly trend.”

    She, however, advised politicians who felt aggrieved in the just concluded general elections to seek judicial remedy in law court.

    “The commission advises disgruntled persons and parties to feel free to seek judicial remedy where they believe they have genuine case(s) to pursue.

    “Indeed, seeking judicial remedy is not only a part and parcel of the electoral process in Nigeria, it is consistent with the culture of democracy as opposed to resorting to self-help.

    However, the INEC boss called on governor El-Rufai to ensure the people of the state enjoy dividends of democracy.

    “I encourage you to deliver more materials benefits to the diversity of people in Kaduna in order to meet their governance expectations”. She told El-Rufai.

    Shortly after receiving the certificate, El-rufai said in a remark that he would carry everybody along in governance irrespective of political differences.

    He assured of security of lives and property, just as he expressed gratitude to the people for re-electing him to serve them for the second term.