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Tag: Mahmood Yakubu

  • Ekiti Poll: Fayose visits INEC, says he came to express his fears

    Ekiti Poll: Fayose visits INEC, says he came to express his fears

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Wednesday played host to an unusual visitor in person of Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state who paid an unscheduled visit to the INEC headquarters.

    Fayose said he was at the INEC National Headquarters to register some of his fears ahead of the July 2018 governorship poll in his state.

    The governor who spoke to newsmen after an initial decline said the activities of opposition parties ahead of the July election has raised some concerns which according to him are disturbing, and hence the visit to INEC for clarifications.

    He said: “As a public officer, I feel that it is important to express my disfavor on issues that has to do with INEC and some few other concerns and the bragging of some of opposition figures at the centre in respect of the governorship election in July 2018. I said I should come and have an interactive session with INEC and share my fears. INEC is a public place, a public office and any citizen of this nation should be able to ask questions. I have come here to ask questions as it affects July 14 2018 election in my state and as it affects the 2019 general elections.

    We hear a lot of things and we feel it I within our right to ask INEC questions and I was well received by all the national commissioners seated and I express my concern of what I have heard and what have been making the rounds. It was a very useful session, quiet educative.”

    On the take away from the interactive session with the management of the electoral body he said, “so far so good they have been able to allay my fears. I don’t want to sit down there and assume anything. I am a man of action. I am very proactive and I would not take a chance. I felt I should see them and ask questions and I have asked a number of questions and they have answered me. They have gone through the whole process, what to expect from INEC and they promised not to descend. That is assuring and I am satisfied. If I have further issues or questions to ask, I won’t fail to ask. “

    On the party stand on under aged voting, he said, “anyone would be concerned by underaged voting; you will not blame the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for protesting or any party. It is the duty of INEC to equally allay their fears. You see if you are the umpire, the referee, you must not only be neutral but you must be seen to be neutral. It is a shame for you to see people bringing children of four years, five years to register. For our nation, it is a shame. For the level of our democracy it is a shame. Today in the 21st century it is a shame.

    “But you want to believe that INEC said it will look into it, I want to give them the benefit of doubt so that they can look into it and address the Nigerian nation because the bulk stops at Mahmood Yakubu’s table and I am sure he would not want to compromise anything for his name, that is my view. ”

    Read Also: INEC to investigate reports of under-aged voting

  • 2019: INEC seeks NCC, telecom operators collaboration

    2019: INEC seeks NCC, telecom operators collaboration

    The Independent National Commission ( INEC ) has solicited the collaboration of Nigerian Communications Commission ( NCC ) and telecommunications operators for deployment of electronic devices in the conduct of 2019 general elections.

    Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the appeal when he led management of the commission on a visit to NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Prof. Umar Dambatta, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Yakubu said that INEC was planning full deployment for e-collation and transmission of Ekiti and Osun governorship elections later in the year, and for the 2019 general polls.

    He said that time had come to electronically collate and transmit election results from polling units to collation and declaration centres, explaining that doing so would enable results to be transmitted faster and more accurately.

    Yakubu said that while the commission had the software and hardware to do the transmission, it needed to rely on telecommunications operators for the transmission of figures and scanned images of result sheets.

    Towards these, he appealed to NCC, as the the industry regulator, to facilitate a meeting between INEC and telecommunications operators in the country to finalise preparations for the elections.

    He said that the meeting would provide INEC with the combined network coverage map for all operators nationwide, including network strength that could help the commission to deploy e-collation system successfully.

    “Since we shall also be transmitting scanned copies of result sheets, it is imperative to ascertain areas covered by 3Gand 4G networks and by which operator(s) across the country.

    “The objective is also to discuss data security in the course of transmission of results in order to further safeguard the security of the process.

    “The meeting is also imperative to discuss the provision, registration and exclusive use of SIM Cards with special numbers for use in its Smart Card Readers.

    “These numbers should be registered in the name of INEC instead of the current practices of using cards sourced from the open market registered in the personal names of our officials.

    “This will help in the management of database and dataset of the allocated numbers.

    “Doing so will also enable the encryption of information thereby providing additional security in the course of transmitting both data and images,’’ he said.

    Yakubu also called on NCC to facilitate discussion with the operators on ways to enhance cooperate social responsibility to Nigeria electoral process, especially on voter education and publicity.

    “Towards the 2019 general elections, we would like the operators, in collaboration with INEC, to send bulk SMS on imperative of peaceful elections, the collection of Permanent Voter Cards by registered voters.”

    He also called for synergy on directional information on the location of Polling Units for easy access to voters.

    In his response, Dambatta expressed NCC’s reediness to be at the forefront of driving innovations that would improve the electoral process in the country.

    He said that the commission was committed to ensuring and promoting free, fair and credible elections in the country, especially from 2019.

    Dambatta added with ICT there was no need to be at election venue before election could be monitored, saying that today’s telecommunications had made nonsense of distance.

    He assured that there was availability of telecom infrastructure, including 3G networks that would facilitates e-collation and transmission of election results.

    “We will bring to bear our wealth of Information and Communications Technology ( ICT ) and telecoms expertise in 2019 general elections to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

    “This is what we can achieve in 2019,’’ he said, adding that coming together by INEC, NCC and telecom companies to discuss would help to overcome some of the envisaged challenges.”

    He added that there was no better time than now to commence voter education and publicity ahead of the 2019 elections.

    NAN

  • 2019: INEC seeks UN support on capacity building, voter education

    2019: INEC seeks UN support on capacity building, voter education

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) has called for United Nations ( UN ) support in capacity-building and voter-education ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the call during the commission’s meeting with UN’s Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) delegation on Monday in Abuja.

    Yakubu said that the commission would need the support to build capacity of its staff and political parties, and in voter education and general sensitisation.

    Other areas of needs for the elections, according to him, are electoral legal framework, electoral conflict, mitigation and inclusiveness, particularly of women, youths and People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).

    Yakubu commended the UN for its support to INEC and other election management bodies in Africa, through its agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ).

    “Over the years, the UN has been providing critical support to INEC in our efforts to introduce and sustain reforms of the electoral system in Nigeria.

    “The UN agencies such as the UNDP have been of immense assistance to the commission, especially in building our capacity and extending the same support to our numerous stakeholders as well,’’ Yakubu said.

    He said that the commission looked forward to working together with the UN for the consolidation and deepening of democracy in Nigeria.

    The INEC chairman said that the commission had continued to maintain and expand engagements with stakeholders in the electoral process, especially as it prepared for the elections.

    He added that over the last two electoral cycles, 2010 to 2015 and 2015 to 2019, the commission had deliberately and purposefully embarked on far-reaching reforms of the electoral system.

    On his part, leader of the UN delegation, Mr Serge Kubwimana, said that they were at INEC to know the preparation of the commission for the elections and to know areas the UN could assist it.

    “The objective of the visit is to work together to see the context in which the commission has been prepared, and together identify areas where the commission may deem fit to have the UN collaboration as seen in the past,’’ he said.

    Kubwimana, who is in the UN Electoral Assistance Division and Team Leader of NAM in Nigeria, said “in doing so, the UN will look at the overall context – political context, social economic context and human right context’’.

    He added that in conducting the needs assessments, the UN would work with relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, women organisations and People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).

    “Women organisation is also an important aspect of our collaboration to see how we can increase representation of women in politics and also increase number of voters.

    “Security is also important in any given contest,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • INEC chairman warns Anambra staff against electoral fraud

    INEC chairman warns Anambra staff against electoral fraud

    Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday warned the Anambra staff of the commission against involvement in electoral fraud.

    Yakubu gave the warning when he addressed the staff of the commission at the INEC state headquarters Awka ahead of Nov.18 governorship election.

    The INEC boss said that anybody caught in electoral malpractice would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

    “Every INEC worker must ensure that we all achieve our set goal of making Anambra Nov.18 governorship election flawless and historic,’’ he said.

    Yakubu said that Nigerians and indeed people outside are watching INEC in its resolve to make Anambra governorship election the best in the history of the commission.

    “INEC will be holding two elections in Anambra on Nov. 18, the governorship election and the state assembly election for Idemili North state constituency you must discharge your duties diligently.

    “There are many people out there working seriously to see that the commission fails in its commitment to record free, fair and credible election and you must have this in mind.

    “INEC will get rid of you if you do the wrong thing, and you are aware that those caught in the web of such negative act during the conduct of 2015 election are still facing the music’’, he said.

    He said that he had about one month ago provided money and other logistics needed for the smooth conduct of the  election and advised unit heads to work closely with their subordinates.

    “The deployment of materials to local governments will commence on Wednesday this week while the sensitive materials would be shared a day before the election.

    “You must make sure you get to the polling units by 8am on the election to make sure that things work according to plan’’, he said.

    Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, assured the national chairman that staff of the commission  were committed to ensuring a hitch-free election.

    NAN

  • Rate of litigation in political parties worries INEC

    Rate of litigation in political parties worries INEC

    Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday, expressed worry over the high rate of court cases among political parties.

    Yakubu said this at a two-day capacity building workshop for National Officers of political parties in Abuja.

    According to him, the commission has been discussing with political parties on the need for them to entrench internal democracy and ensure inclusive participation across all strata of the society.

    He said the issue of litigation was one aspect that INEC would collaborate with political parties to curb by organising workshops to discuss how to solve the problem.

    “There are so many court cases, even on matters settled by the Supreme Court; the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is very clear.

    “Once there is a pronouncement by the Supreme Court, all citizens are duty bound to obey the judgement until there is another law superseding that by the National Assembly, the Executive or reconsideration by the Supreme Court.

    “But there are matters settled by the Supreme Court that are still subjects of litigation.

    “For instance, the famous Labour Party versus INEC case 2009 says that once an election is nullified on account of candidate’s disqualification, the disqualified candidate cannot participate in the grand election.

    “It adds that the party that fielded a disqualified candidate has also lost its right to field a candidate in the election,’’ he said.

    Yakubu said unfortunately, some political parties’ in spite of the court’s pronouncement, went back to the court on the deformed injunction to apply in the case of accusation.

    The Chairman said a forum would be organised to bring in the legal advisers of political parties to discuss and know what was needed and how to address such issues.

    He said the commission had been in court, adding that that was why the only rerun election in the Anambra Central senatorial district was not conducted before now.

    Yakubu expressed optimism that the planned forum, when in place, would set a perfect atmosphere to get it right ahead of 2019 elections.

    In her remarks, Prof. Anthonia Okoosi-Simbine, National Commissioner, INEC and Chairman Election and Political Party Monitoring Committee said the commission was collaborating with UNDP on capacity building for political parties.

    Okoosi-Simbinealso said INEC’s experience in monitoring parties showed that parties lacked internal democracy in terms of electing party executives, selecting candidates for office and policy formulation.

    She said that there was also lack of transparency in the funding and expenditures of political parties and campaign expenses.

    The national commissioner also identified absence of formal internal mechanisms for mediation, settling disputes and as part of the challenges confronting political parties.

    She said given these challenges, it became imperative to organise the workshop for the promotion of international best practices in political party administration and operations.

    Prof. Mohammed Kuna, Special Adviser to INEC Chairman said the workshop was designed to enhance and deepen the knowledge of democratic principles ideas and practises for political parties.

    Kuna further said it was to provide participants with administrative and organisational skills to strengthen the operations of their parties, in terms of formulation of policies, research skills and mobilisation of members.

    The workshop he said, would encourage parties to develop realistic programmes for their members and the country, to promote inclusive participation and internal party democracy.

    He expressed the hope that the exercise would encourage inter and intra party relationships, enhance the capacity of parties for strategic planning and communication skills.

  • INEC to decide on political associations seeking registration Wednesday

    INEC to decide on political associations seeking registration Wednesday

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it would on Wednesday disclose its decision on political associations seeking to be registered as political parties.

    Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen at ongoing workshop to review INEC’s Communication Policy, on Monday in Abuja.

    Yakubu said the decision would be made public after the commission meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) scheduled for Wednesday in Kaduna.

    “Let me assure Nigerians that under the Electoral Act, the commission is required to register new political parties and the guidelines are very clear for registration.

    “As at last week we received 95 applications for registration as new political parties.

    “At the end of this workshop there is going to be a retreat on Wednesday to review the ongoing voter registration, followed by a meeting of the commission here in Kaduna.

    “There will be a statement on parties after the meeting of the commission,” Yakubu said.

    He added that the commission would on Wednesday also give an update on the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), after the commission’s meeting with the field officers to review the exercise

    “We will do a mid-quarter review after six weeks and the mid-quarter review will come up here in Kaduna and we will issue our statement here after.”

    Yakubu also disclosed that the commission would extend the CVR in Anambra to ward levels ahead of the state governorship election.

    He added that people who registered in the state before the first quarter 2017 would obtain their Permanent​ Voter Cards (PVCs) before the state governorship election.

    “We will soon announce the date for the commencement of the exercise.

    “So those who have registered under the current CVR and those who will register when we devolve to ward level will all have their PVCs ahead of the election.

    “For those who have registered and are going to vote in Anambra, I want to assure them that they will have their cards. It is for those who have done it in the first quarter of this year.”

    On the pending senatorial district election in Anambra, the chairman said that specific date was yet to be fixed for the election as the case was still in court.

    “You know the matter is before the Court of Appeal.

    “A date was fixed, May 30, but at the court, one of the parties prayed for adjournment to June 12 or June 13.”

  • 86 political associations seek registration

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the number of political associations seeking registration as political parties ahead of the 2019 general elections was currently 86.

    The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this known during the commission’s quarterly meeting with leaders of political parties at INEC headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday.

    Yakubu described political parties as important vehicles in the management of the country’s democracy.

    “The number of applications for registration of new associations as political parties now stands at 86,” he said.

    He congratulated the 10 political parties recently re-registered after being deregistered following their performances during the 2015 general elections.

    The political parties, according to him, are Better Nigeria Peoples Parties (BNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Peoples Progressives Party (PPP), Democratic Alternative (DA), National Action Council (NAC) and National Democratic Liberty Party (NDLP).

    Others are Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN), National Conscience Party (NCP), Nigeria Element Progressives Party (NEPP) and the National Unity Party (NUP).

    “The names of these political parties have already been uploaded on our website.

    “But, I will like to appeal to those of them, out of the ten that are yet to open their offices, to do so and immediately notify the commission,” Yakubu said.

    He also congratulated the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on the successful conduct of its election, which he said was useful for the development of the country’s electoral system.

    “I wish to assure you that INEC will continue to partner IPAC.”

    The chairman said that agenda of the quarterly meeting included INEC’s proposed strategic plan for 2017-2021, court judgment on the roles of political parties, violence in the conduct of parties’ primaries and elections generally.

    He also said that internal democracy of political parties, parties’ campaign finances, nationwide continuous voter registration, outstanding Anambra Central senatorial re-run election and presentation on INEC innovations.

    In his remarks, IPAC Chairman, Mohammed Nalado, urged INEC to seek alternatives to deregistration of political parties.

    He also expressed displeasure in INEC for not properly consulting political parties before fixing dates for 2019 general elections.

    Nalado admitted that INEC chairman notified IPAC of the decision, but said that the council did not know whether the information was official or not until it was in the newspapers.

    “We had meeting with INEC chairman, unfortunately we did not understand him whether he was telling us officially or he was just giving us information on how our elections should be done.

    “I hope this issue will be discussed thoroughly here,” Nalado said.

    He affirmed IPAC’s commitment to work with INEC in deepening the country’s democracy.

    Nalado also urged the commission’s new National Commissioners to make their inputs to the development of the electoral system.

    The National Chairman of United Democratic Party (UDP), Mr. Godson Okoye, in an interview with newsmen, said it was disrespect for INEC to fixed date for elections without consulting political parties.

    “We are surprised that dates were fixed for elections that will take place in two years time.

    “I think if that is the official position of INEC, the position of UDP is that it marks some disrespect for political parties from INEC,’’ he said.

     

  • Blame politicians for inconclusive elections – INEC

    The Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Thursday blamed the activities of politicians for the recent inconclusive elections in the country.

    Yakubu said politicians’ desperation to win elections at all cost usually lead to  irregularities and electoral violence with innocent citizens killed and maimed during polls.

    He stated that INEC’s determination not to overlook the infractions in the conduct of elections in line with the tenet of electoral law, was another reason for the development.

    Yakubu, who spoke at a one day civil society/stakeholders roundtable on INEC and inclusive elections organised by the Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (ISDMG), however said  inconclusive elections were not peculiar to his six months tenure in office as INEC chairman or the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, as people were made to believe.

    Represented by the Director of Voters’ Education at the commission, Mr. Oluwale Osaze Uzzy, the INEC chief also advocated a 10-year ban for politicians found guilty of electoral offences from aspiring to any public office.

  • INEC working on Electoral Act amendment – Yakubu

    INEC working on Electoral Act amendment – Yakubu

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it was finalising a comprehensive proposal for constitutional and legal amendments to the Electoral Act.

    The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this during a retreat organized by the Federal House of Representatives’ Committee on Electoral and Political Parties Matters in Abuja.

    According to the commission’s bulletin issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Yakubu said proposal would be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration and legislation in due course.

    He said the proposal for amendment was part of the commission’s efforts to curb electoral malpractices in the country.

    “We are also looking at some of our guidelines and manual to see what changes are needed in the light of recent experience,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Yakubu as saying at the retreat.

    He added that work had also commenced on the commission’s strategic plan for 2017-2021, including the election project plan and the tracking mechanism.

    “This will be concluded by December 2016, well ahead of the general elections in 2019,” he added.