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Tag: Prof. Mahmood Yakubu

  • Under age voting: Committee submits report to INEC

    The committee set up by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the allegations of underage voting during local government elections in Kano State has submitted its report to the electoral body.

    The committee, according to a statement issued by INEC Director of Publicity and Voter Education, Mr. Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi in Abuja, submitted it report to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Friday.

    The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Ahmed Nahuche, told Yakubu that diligent and wide consultations with stakeholders were made by the committee.

    The committee was inaugurated by INEC in February, to investigate the allegation of underage voting which was allegedly  linked to the Voters’ Register in Kano.

    Nahuche said in carrying out the assignment, the committee consulted with critical stakeholders through visitations and interactive sessions.

    He said: “The interactive sessions included Civil Society Organizations, political parties, print and electronic media organizations and security agencies.

    “The committee, in the course of consultation and interactive sessions, received a number of pictures, video clips, reports, documents and presentations from the stakeholders.

    “It immediately embarked on thorough review and analysis of these materials in order to ascertain the actual connection with the LGA elections in Kano.

    “The committee also examined the social media reports of pictures and video clips that triggered the outrage and the alleged participation of underage persons in the LGA elections as a key area of focus for the investigation.

    “The pictures and video clips were thoroughly analyzed by the committee.’’

    NAN

     

     

  • INEC seeks electoral offences tribunal before 2019 poll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the National Assembly and other stakeholders to expedite action on the bill to establish the National Electoral Offences Commission/Tribunal ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    The Commission also disclosed that it recorded 1,080 cases of electoral offences during the 2015 general elections and subsequent bye-elections.

    INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated these in a memorandum he submitted to the Senate joint committee on INEC and the Judiciary on Monday.

    He said 124 of the cases were filed and 60 convictions secured in various courts across the country.

    Yakubu expressed dismay that reports of the Electoral Reform Committee (the Uwais Report) of 2008 and the Post-election Violence (Lemu Report) 2011 have been left to gather dusts on the shelves.

    He said the two reports recommended the establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission/Tribunal to address all forms of electoral violence and impunity that had continued to undermine the stability of the nation’s democracy.

    Yakubu lamented the fact that though INEC has the powers to prosecute, it lacks the powers to effect the arrest of electoral offenders.

    This, he said has continued to hamper effective prosecution of electoral offenders.

    Yakubu said: “While the Uwais Report was transmitted by the executive to the National Assembly in 2010, the White Paper on recommendations of the Lemu Report directed the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minster of Justice to take steps towards the establishment of the Electoral Offences Tribunal.

    “Nearly a decade later, there has been no legislative action on these aspects of the recommendations of the Uwais and Lemu reports, making the present effort by the Senate and the concurrent effort by the House of Representatives a welcome development.

    “The failure to systematically and consistently enforce sanctions has encouraged impunity and the violence that often characterised electoral contest in Nigeria, thereby subverting the will of the people and undermining the nation’s electoral democracy.

     

    “At present, INEC is saddled with the responsibility of prosecuting electoral offender. Section 150(1) and (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) empowered INEC to prosecute electoral offenders through its legal officers or any legal practitioner appointed by it without the powers to arrest and investigate thus depending on the police for this purpose.

    “Without the capacity to make arrest and investigate violations, the prosecutorial role is severely hampered. INEC cannot effectively focus on this role given its other variegated responsibilities under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).”

     

  • Party registration: INEC receives 108 fresh applications

    Party registration: INEC receives 108 fresh applications

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Thursday it has received at least 108 fresh applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.

    The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the disclosure while speaking on “Citizen, Government and Technology” at the ongoing Lagos Social Media Week.

    The Commission had in December last year registered 21 new political parties.

    The registration of the new parties brought the total number of registered political parties in the country to 68.

    Yakubu, who addressed the session via a video call, said the fresh applications were being processed by the Commission.

    He said: “As of Friday, we received at least 108 fresh applications from political associations seeking to be registered as political parties.

    “We have begun the processing and scrutinising the applications and we will register those that meet the eligibility criteria.”

    The INEC chairman said the Commission would continue to register political associations as parties so long as they meet the set guidelines.

    He, however, said political associations which sought registration six months before the general election would be barred from the polls.

    Yakubu said the Commission decided to take the step to ensure that parties had enough time to prepare for the elections.

    He said INEC was glad that out of the 21 parties that were registered recently, four were driven by women.

    NAN

     

     

  • 2019: INEC boss to RECs: avoid controversies

    2019: INEC boss to RECs: avoid controversies

    Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has urged the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to be firm and avoid needless controversies ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Yakubu, who spoke yesterday at the first consultative meeting between the INEC management and the RECs at the commission’s National Headquarters, Abuja, advised them to be firm on the side of the law and the people as they work towards ensuring free, fair and transparent general elections.

    He warned the RECs on the antics of politicians, who would want to distract them through partisan comments as the polls approach.

    The RECs’ roles, he said, are pivotal to the success of the elections and hence the commission can never be compromised.

    It was the third meeting the commission held within the last 48 hours with stakeholders.

    The commission on Monday met with the media and the civil society organisations (CSOs).

    The RECs are responsible for coordinating INEC activities at the state levels.

    He said: “As we approach the 2019 general elections, I wish to draw your attention to the necessity that you stand firm. Be very firm on the side of the law and on the side of the people of Nigeria, who deserves nothing less than free and fair elections.

    “We should not be distracted, especially by partisan comments from any quarter. As the 2019 elections draw closer, there will be attempts to draw the commission into needless controversies. You must not descend into the arena.”

     

     

  • 2019: Yakubu charges RECs to be firm, avoid controversies

    2019: Yakubu charges RECs to be firm, avoid controversies

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has charged the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on the need to be firm and avoid needless controversies ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Yakubu charged them to be firm on the side of the law and the people as they work towards ensuring free, fair and transparent general elections.

    Besides, he also warned the RECs of the antics of politicians who would want to distract them through partisan comments as the polls approaches.

    He also reminded them that their roles are pivotal to the success of the elections and hence the commission can never be compromised.

    He spoke Tuesday at the first Consultative meeting between the INEC management and the RECs held at the INEC National Headquarters, Abuja. This is the third meeting the commission will be holding within the last 48 hours with stakeholders. The Commission on Monday met with the media and the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).  RECs are charged with the responsibility of coordinating INEC activities at the state levels.

    He said, “As I welcome you to this meeting and as we approach the 2019 general elections, I wish to draw your attention to the necessity that you stand firm. Be very firm on the side of the law and on the side of the people of Nigeria who deserves nothing less than free and fair elections.

    “We should not be distracted, especially by partisan comments from any quarter. As the 2019 elections draw closer, there will be attempts to draw the Commission into needless controversies. You must not descend into the arena.

    “Remain focus on the role of serving Nigerians consciously, transparently, committed, doggedly, and always in accordance to the law. Our responsibility to the nation can never be compromised.”

    The meeting with RECs, INEC boss said was to review the activities planned for the coming next year general elections.

    “This meeting is to take stock as we move from planning to implementation of our plans, especially as we move towards the 2019 general elections. For INEC, the Resident Electoral Commissioners are responsible for coordinating the implementation of the commission’s policies and programmes at state levels.

    “Your roles are pivotal to the success of the elections. The feedbacks we receive from you is also essential to the fine tuning of policies and in this way,  this will help the states work in synergy on matters of policies and practice,” he added.

    He also noted that some states have started to respond to the task and responsibilities shared in the last two retreats held by the commission ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Read Also:INEC will not disappoint Nigeria in 2019 – Yakubu

  • Underage voters: PDP asks INEC chair to resign

    Underage voters: PDP asks INEC chair to resign

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu to resign over registration of underage voters, mainly in Katsina and Kano states.

    But the electoral body had defended the action, saying its registration officials in those states were compelled to register minors under threats by community leaders in the areas.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, carpeted INEC for failing to take decisive steps to restore the sanctity of its register, particularly in Kano and Katsina states.

    Rather, the party said the leadership of the commission has continued to offer puerile explanations of plans to investigate the anomaly, stressing that it took concerted outcry by well-meaning Nigerians for the commission to reluctantly accept responsibility for the illegality.

    “As you are aware, the INEC has been indicted for registering and issuing permanent voter cards (PVCs) to millions of underage persons, particularly in Kano and Katsina states.

    “You are also aware that it took a press statement from the PDP and concerted outcry by Nigerians before the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led commission reluctantly accepted responsibility for this illegality.

    “As we speak, the credibility of our electoral process under the current INEC is hugely in doubt.

    The nation was last Wednesday terrified by the commission’s Director of Publicity and Voter Education, Mr. Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, who announced that INEC registered minors because its agents were threatened by members of the communities in those states.

    “By this alarming and unpatriotic statement, INEC under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has completely discredited and disqualified itself and cannot be trusted to conduct a credible, free and fair general elections in 2019.

    “The import of this statement is that INEC under Prof. Yakubu is not firm in its acts and will consequently cave in and accept any form of irregularities once it is put under pressure by members of a voting community.

    “It goes to say that this INEC can readily announce false results, cancel elections, alter polling procedures and allow any irregularities during the 2019 general elections once it is threatened by the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other group for that matter.

    If INEC is afraid of a voting community so much so that after registering minors, it still went ahead to process their data and issue them with valid voters card, then there is no way it can withstand the pressure and threat that we all know will be exerted by desperate APC forces, whose electoral strength, particularly in Kano and Katsina states, is now exposed to be based on underage voters”, the party said.

    The PDP demanded an immediate review of voters register, across the country, particularly in Kano and Katsina and also the revalidation of voters register to eliminate the names of all the minors.

    It insisted that no election must hold in these states until the register is sanitised.

    “In order to achieve this, we demand that the revalidation/sanitisation by INEC must be carried out under the supervision of all political parties, credible associations, reputable NGOs as well as the international community”, it added.

    The PDP also described INEC’s invitation to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (INEC) to help it monitor political parties’ campaign funds illegal and a Machiavellian way of suppressing opposition’s financial contributions and spendings.

    According to the opposition party, the invitation was a plot by the EFCC to detain, defame, intimidate and illegally block bank accounts of opposition members under the pretext of monitoring campaign funds.

    It insisted that only INEC has the statutory duty to monitor campaign funds, stressing that the commission cannot delegate this functions to any other government agency.

    “Nigerians have completely lost confidence in INEC under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and we urge him to take the path of honour and do the needful before it becomes too late”.

    The PDP also alerted the public to what it described as the culture of intolerance in the ruling APC at the centre and across the various states where the party exercises control.

    Citing Tuesday’s demolition of a building belonging to Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi in Kaduna by Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the party said with this trend, properties belonging opposition figures and those perceived to pose threats to the re-election bid of some public office holders in the ruling party are now endangered.

    Detailing instances of such high-handedness in high places, the party said the government of the day was working to foist a fascist regime on the country.

    The party feared that if members of the ruling party could engage in vicious attacks against their fellow members, then it’s only a matter of time before they unleash havoc against opposition figures.

    Continuing, the PDP said, “In Adamawa, the state government has pulled down billboards and signposts belonging to opposition parties while harassing our members and perceived political opponents ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the state.

    “In January this year, Borno state Governor, Kashim Shettima superintended over the demolition of PDP state secretariat in Maiduguri following the renewed popularity of our party in the state.

    “In Kogi, a property belonging to Senator Dino Melaye, who is known for his criticism of the APC derailed government, has been marked for demolition.

    “Today, despite our constitutionally guaranteed freedom of association and speech, Nigerians now live in fear of this intolerant, overbearing, bigoted and dictatorial APC administration seeking to foist a fascist regime on our country.

    “How do we explain or justify the evil plan of the APC-led Federal Government to monitor citizens’ phone calls and social media communication, purportedly to check for hate speeches without any enabling law.

    “We advise the APC government to desist from this planned unconstitutionality, which threatens the very essence of democracy, especially plurality of opinions.

    “It is on this note that the PDP raises a rallying cry to all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations and the international community to rise up and collectively condemn the anti-people actions and proclivities of this incompetent and imperious government, which has brought so much pain to our dear nation”.

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

  • 2019: INEC assures EU, Development partners of credible elections 

    2019: INEC assures EU, Development partners of credible elections 

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured the European Union (EU) and other development partners of the commission’s readiness to conduct more credible elections in 2019.

    The commission therefore sort the support of international partners INEC welcomes the in the areas of voter education and sensitization; training and capacity-building for Commission staff, officials of political parties and security agencies; the promotion of inclusivity with particular reference to women, youths, persons with disabilities and the internally displaced as well as election conflict mitigation.

    Yakubu spoke Thursday in Abuja at the occasion of the formal launch of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project.

    The EU-SDGN support programme, which was conceived under the National Indicative Programme 2014 – 2020 and funded through the 11thEuropean Development Fund (11th EDF) is aimed at consolidating democracy in Nigeria.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu also said that the electoral body will continue to ensure the consolidation of electoral processes as well as the integrity and credibility of electoral outcomes based on the will of the people and the rule of law.

    Assuring EU and other partners, He said, “Once again, let me reassure the EU Delegation to Nigeria that we will spare no effort in improving the credibility of our elections and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. INEC will continue to welcome international election observation missions. The Commission considers the deployment of such missions as an important means of enhancing public confidence and trust in the electoral process. We have already released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2019 General Elections. We hope that interested international election observation missions can commence early planning for the deployment of observers. The Commission is ready to facilitate the process in accordance with our guidelines. ”

    Speaking on the project, INEC boss said “Today’s project launch is unique. I wish to express our appreciation to the European Union Delegation to Nigeria for the formulation of the SDGN Project and it is my expectation that the implementing partners will continue to work in synergy to deliver the envisaged support to all targeted beneficiaries in order to further strengthen democratic institutions and the electoral process in Nigeria. We are all the more excited because the EU-SDGN Project being launched today is expected to be implemented from 2017-2022 which coincides with the implementation timeframe of our Strategic Plan and Strategic Plan of Action 2017-2021.”

    The strategic areas of intervention in the project, including support to INEC, he said were carefully developed in close consultation and collaboration with all relevant election stakeholders.

    He also hinted that while the basic indicators for the project was derived from the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) report on the 2015 General Elections, several national stakeholders made significant input to its formulation.

    He hailed the project describing it as yet another demonstration of EU’s enduring commitment to the promotion of the rule of law, good governance and democracy in Nigeria.

    Yakubu said, “The EU and other development partners have made notable contributions in supporting INEC to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Commission. For our part, we will continue to cooperate and work with the EU, as well as other development partners and all stakeholders, to ensure the consolidation of our electoral processes as well as the integrity and credibility of electoral outcomes based on the will of the people and the rule of law.

    “The Commission will continue to support our partnership with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) which is saddled with the responsibility of implementing EU support to INEC. We will work with all the implementing partners towards promoting credible elections involving the full participation of all segments of society irrespective of age, gender and disability.”

  • 2019: INEC targets 80m voters

    2019: INEC targets 80m voters

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) hopes to have between 80 and 85 million voters registered ahead of the 2019 elections, the Commission chairman, Prof.  Mahmood Yakubu, has said.

    Yakubu, who spoke at the 15th edition of the Daily Trust Dialogue, said the voters register already contains 74 million names.

    He was represented at the event by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Solomon Soyebi.

    The INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi quoted Yakubu as saying the figure is expected to rise to 85 million by 2019 because of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

    He assured Nigerians that only their votes would count in the 2019 general elections and beyond.

    Yakubu noted that there had been a lot of improvement in the electoral process since the current Commission came on board.

    He said INEC was not unmindful of the enormous responsibility of conducting elections in a democracy.

    He said INEC would continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure an all-inclusive process.

    Yakubu stressed the Commission’s resolve to adhere strictly to the timelines provided in the recently released timetable and schedule of activities for next year’s elections.

  • INEC releases timetable for 2019 general elections

    INEC releases timetable for 2019 general elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday released a timetable for the 2019 general election.

    The commission made the timetable public through a post on its official social media handle @inecnigeria noting that the general election is only 402 days away.

    The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu was quoted in the post as saying: ”Today, it is exactly 402 days to the opening of polling units nationwide at 8:00 am on Saturday 16th February 2019.Let us all join hands to make 2019 our best election ever.”

    According to INEC, notice of election commences on August 17th, 2018, quoting Section 30 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) which requires not later than 90 days before the election.

    It further noted that the collection of forms for all elections by political parties for nominated candidates at the commission’s headquarters is scheduled to hold between August 17th and 24th, 2018.

     

  • Our plans for 2019 elections, by INEC, AGF, IGP, Reps

    Our plans for 2019 elections, by INEC, AGF, IGP, Reps

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN), the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris and Chair, House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Mrs. Aisha Dukku Tuesday laid out their agencies plans for the 2019 general elections.

    Yakubu assured that INEC was putting in place all the necessary measures to ensure a successful outing.

    Idris said since Nigerians have hailed the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for a good job during the last Anambra governorship election, it was working to improve on that in 2019.

    Malami said the Executive, having identified areas needing reform in the electoral process, was working with the Legislature to ensure that the necessary legislation were in place.

    Mrs. Dukku disclosed that the House of Representatives was currently working on 12 Bills intended to strengthen the electoral system. She assured that the Bills would be passed into law, and hopefully, assented to by the President before the next general elections.

    Yakubu, Idris, Malami and Mrs. Dukku spoke in Abuja at a National Stakeholders Forum on Elections, put together by a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, led by Clement Nwankwo.

    Yakubu, who was represented by an INEC’s National Commissioner, Adekunle Ogunmola, gave details of the commissions preparations so far and all that were being done to ensure an improved performance at the next general elections.

    Some of such measures, he said, included the early release of the time for the next presidential election and the registration of 21 new political parties.

    Yakubu said INEC intends to register more parties as long as they meet the legal requirements.

    He said the commission was currently in receipt of about 80 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.

    Yakubu said: “We will continue to register parties as long as they comply with the legal requirements. Our hands are tied. There is no way we can stop registering parties. We will continue to register them until the time stipulated in the Constitution.

    “By the time the issue of independent candidate takes off, there will be more problem for INEC. The highest number we have done in governorship election is in Anambra State, with 27 parties,” he said.

    He spoke of the commission’s challenge in prosecuting the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello for the offence of double registration.

    He said although INEC has established that Idris registered twice, it was currently handicapped in moving against him because, as a sitting Governor, Bello was covered by immunity.

    Yakubu said: “The Governor of Kogi State has immunity. There is nothing INEC can do for now. After his tenure, the issue can be revisited.”

    Yakubu ruled out the issues of electronic and diaspora voting. Noting that both issues were yet to be allowed by the nation’s laws.

    Malami, who was represented by the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Legal Matters, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwangwu, said the Federal Government was committed to the reform of the electoral process to enhance its credibility.

    He said the government’s desire for a credible electoral process informed its establishment of the Constitution and Electoral Reform Committee (CERC) headed by former Senate President, Ken Nnamani.

    He said all the recommendations of the committee have been reduced into Bills for the National Assembly to pass into law.

    Malami added: “This government believes that a credible electoral process provides a sustainable basis for the survival of democracy in Nigeria and will do everything possible to support the achievement of this.

    “As part of its effort, the government has given every support to INEC including support to retain its independence and financial autonomy.

    “In addition, the government has ensured that INEC is able to operate as an independent and credible. Election umpire,” Malami said.

    Idris, who was represented by Joshak Habila (a Deputy Inspector General of Police), said the input the police received from all stakeholders in the nation’s electoral process, including the CSOs have assisted the agency a lot.

    He said: “In preparing for the 2019 elections, I can assure you that with this interaction, we will come out better. The Nigeria Police will do all within its powers to ensure a successful elections.

    “I can assure you that our readiness is assured. But our success depends on all the stakeholders, particularly the politicians.”

    Mrs. Dukka, who gave details of the electoral process reform related Bills in the House of Reps, said they would have remarkable effect on the process when passed.

    Some of the Bills, she said, recommend increase in the maximum election expenses to be incurred by candidates; that a court or tribunal should declare the person with the second highest votes winner of an election if it finds that the winner was not qualified to contest; and to outline a procedure for the use of the smart card reader in elections.

    Mrs. Dukku said some of the Bills are also for the establishment of the Nigerian Electoral Offences Commission, and for the establishment of the Electoral Offences Tribunal to be situated in Abuja, with equal status as the High Court and with exclusive jurisdiction to try electoral offences.

    She said there is also a Bill for an Act to ptovide for time frame for the submission of the list of candidates, disclosure of source of funds contributed for political parties and to empower INEC to uphold party primaries where there is a change in the result and related matters.

    She added: “There is also a Bill for an Act to further amend the Section 33 of the principal Act by inserting a provision to enable a party choose the running mate of a nominated candidate who dies before the conclusion of a gubernatorial election to replace the deceased governorship candidate.

    “As both the 1999 Constitution and the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended) regulate the conduct of elections in Nigeria, it is anticipated that the commitee’s report on the aforesaid amendment Bills, which is an infusion of its input and recommendations from various stakeholders, will further strengthen and deliver on such expectations.”

    Mrs. Dukku said he committee was also collaborating with the ad-hoc committee for the review of the Constitution to ensure that consequential amendments relating to elections are addressed to give effect to the affected provisions.

    Earlier, Nwankwo, the Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) said the gathering, an annual event of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, is intended as a platform for stakeholders in the nation’s electoral process to evaluate their preparedness for the general elections.

    He noted that, like Tuesday, those who came into office through the 2015 elections, could hardly believe that their tenure was months away, but have hardly performed to the satisfaction of the electorate.

    Nwanko said it appeared the country was already running late in its preparation for the next electoral season because, in the next seven months, candidates for the various offices would begin to emerge.

    He argued that the country could not afford to waste its precious time on frivolities and that elected leaders must learn to hit the ground running once they assume office.