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  • Fani-Kayode, Omokri, Yakubu, Ugwuanyi, Ikpeazu, others get Senate panel’s nod

    Fani-Kayode, Omokri, Yakubu, Ugwuanyi, Ikpeazu, others get Senate panel’s nod

    • Ndume, Oshiomhole in fireworks

    There was drama yesterday at the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs Room during the screening of Ambassadorial nominees.

    A confrontation between  Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume and Adams Oshiomhole over a procedure tensed up the usually calm atmosphere as former ministers, former governors, ex-lawmakers and top technocrats filed in for screening.

    At  the end, the Committee cleared all nominees, including former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode; ex-Interior Minister, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd.); former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; former presidential aide Reno Omokri; Senator Ita Enang; Senator Grace Bent; and others.

    But it was Omokri’s turn that brought the session to a boiling point.

    The committee had been attending to nominees in batches of five. When Omokri walked in with four career diplomats and after due introductions, Ndume immediately moved a motion and urged the panel to let all five nominees, including Omokri, ‘take a bow and go.’

    The motion had barely landed when other senators, including Adams Oshiomhole, Ned Nwoko, Abdul Ningi and Mohammed Onawo, signalled their desire to speak.

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    Committee Chairman Senator Abubakar Sani Bello recognised Oshiomhole, prompting Ndume to insist that his motion must first be seconded before any comment.

    What followed was a heated verbal exchange that froze the screening for nearly 20 minutes.

    Ndume insisted procedure must be followed.

    Oshiomhole insisted recognition by the chairman superseded everything.

    At one point, Oshiomhole declared:

    “I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there.”

    Ndume fired back:

    “There is a motion on ground. It must be seconded or it dies.”

    Oshiomhole retorted:

    “Then let it die. Allow me to speak.”

    The room grew noisy as senators argued over parliamentary procedure. The Chairman repeatedly appealed for calm.

    When order was restored, Oshiomhole used his floor time to defend Omokri. He described him as a ‘pragmatist’ who had shown the capacity to rise above old political hostilities.

    He said Omokri’s recent actions proved he could “work in the national interest” and deserved support.

    He also praised President Tinubu for appointing nominees who had previously criticised him, saying it showed “large-hearted leadership.”

    The Chairman eventually cut him short:

    “Senator Adams, you’ve made your point very clear.”

    Senator Onowakpo then seconded Ndume’s motion, clearing the path for the batch to take a bow.

    Ningi used his intervention to push for a nominee from his state and emphasised that ‘taking a bow’ was not equivalent to full Senate confirmation.

    Onawakpo supported allowing the diplomats and Omokri to bow and go, arguing that the committee had already established precedent.

    Despite the fireworks, the Committee cleared all nominees who appeared. Others cleared are: Jerry Manwe, Senator Nora Ladi Daduut, Erelu Angela Adebayo, Mrs  Florence Ajimobi, Olufemi Pedro, Ibas Ibok-Ete, Prof. Isaac Adewole, among others.

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele explained that many nominees were allowed to bow and go because they had served in the National Assembly or held senior public offices.

    Following full clearance for all nominees by the committee except Adamu Garba Talba Nangree, who was absent, the Senate may likely confirm the nominees next week.

  • Mahmood Yakubu’s enduring legacy

    Mahmood Yakubu’s enduring legacy

    • By Precious Shuaibu

    When Professor Mahmood Yakubu assumed office as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in November 2015, Nigeria’s democratic system was at a crossroads. Years of manual operations, logistical breakdowns, and allegations of electoral manipulation had eroded public confidence. To many, INEC was a bureaucracy struggling under the weight of its own inefficiencies. But to Yakubu, it was an institution on the verge of transformation — one that could be modernised through innovation, data, and technology.

    Ten years later, as he stepped down — the first INEC chairman in Nigeria’s history to complete two full terms — his legacy is widely viewed through the lens of the digital revolution that took root under his leadership.

    Yakubu on Tuesday handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu as successor on an interim basis. In recognition of decade-long legacy at INEC, President Bola Tinubu conferred upon him the befitting national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.

    As acting chairman, Agbamuche-Mbu inherited an INEC that has undergone one of the most profound technological transformations in its history. Much of that transformation bears the imprint of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose years at the helm redefined how elections are conducted, monitored, and perceived in Africa’s largest democracy.

    When Professor Yakubu assumed office in November 2015, Nigeria’s electoral landscape was mired in challenges — logistical inefficiency, accusations of bias, and a pervasive distrust of official results. Yet, for Yakubu, the task was not just to conduct elections, but to reinvent the machinery that made them possible.

    Over the years, he pursued a vision of technology-driven credibility, anchored in the belief that democracy must rest on systems that are transparent, verifiable, and resilient against manipulation. His leadership style blended academic precision with institutional pragmatism, and his reforms would ultimately turn INEC from a manual bureaucracy into a data-driven agency.

    At the heart of Yakubu’s reforms was the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) — a device that became synonymous with Nigeria’s new electoral era. Designed to authenticate voters using both fingerprints and facial recognition, BVAS addressed one of the country’s longest-standing problems: voter impersonation and multiple voting.

    Read Also: Amupitan’s nomination as INEC chairman gets support

    Replacing the old Smart Card Reader, BVAS added a layer of biometric verification that significantly reduced irregularities. It also transmitted accreditation data electronically, linking the number of verified voters directly to the results uploaded from polling units. This innovation drastically curtailed opportunities for result manipulation and established a digital trail for every stage of the process.

    BVAS was first tested during the Anambra State governorship election in November 2021, marking a cautious but ground-breaking departure from traditional methods. The results encouraged broader adoption. By the time Nigeria held its 2023 general elections, BVAS had become the centrepiece of electoral accreditation nationwide, backed by the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

    Despite isolated technical hitches, BVAS symbolised Yakubu’s commitment to using technology as a bulwark for integrity. It represented the institutionalisation of trust — a message that every vote must count and that every voter must be verified.

    If BVAS strengthened the mechanics of voting, the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) redefined electoral transparency. Launched in 2020, the portal allowed polling unit results to be uploaded in real time and viewed publicly by citizens, journalists, and observers.

    For the first time, Nigerians could monitor their elections live, tracking results as they appeared from even the most remote corners of the country. This digital innovation shattered decades of opacity in the collation process, transforming what had long been a closed-door exercise into a public spectacle of accountability.

    Yakubu often described transparency as “the oxygen of democracy,” and the IReV portal embodied that conviction. Even when technical issues or connectivity gaps arose, the system represented a cultural shift — a move toward open governance in electoral administration.

    Beyond BVAS and IReV, INEC under Yakubu underwent a quiet but sweeping digital overhaul. Several core processes that had once relied on manual inputs were automated. The online candidate nomination portal, for instance, allowed political parties to upload the names and details of their nominees electronically, minimising human interference and reducing disputes.

    Observer accreditation, collation templates, and logistical data management were also digitised. The commission’s adoption of secure digital platforms streamlined its workflow and created a database-driven environment where decisions could be monitored, verified, and audited.

    Another landmark achievement was the institutionalisation of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). The CVR initiative enabled citizens to register or update their details year-round rather than only before elections. This digital inclusion policy broadened the voter base and enhanced the accuracy of Nigeria’s voter register — now among the largest and most comprehensive in Africa.

    To improve operational efficiency, Yakubu also introduced the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC), a data analytics hub that tracked polling activities in real time. Using dashboards and key performance indicators, the EMSC provided field updates that helped INEC identify and resolve problems promptly during elections. This internal digital infrastructure, though less publicised, became one of the most powerful tools of reform — turning INEC into a responsive, data-literate institution capable of rapid decision-making.

    Yakubu’s vision of reform was not only technological but also humanistic. He believed that innovation should promote inclusion and access. Under his leadership, INEC developed systems to accommodate persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

    Tactile ballot guides were introduced for the visually impaired, while new digital mapping techniques allowed INEC to locate IDP settlements and ensure their participation in elections. These efforts underscored the idea that technology in democracy is most meaningful when it empowers the most vulnerable.

    Yet, the journey was not without obstacles. The 2023 general elections exposed the limits of Nigeria’s digital readiness. Delays in result upload to IReV, network disruptions, and logistical lapses fuelled public frustration. Critics accused the commission of overpromising, while supporters defended the reforms as evolutionary rather than instantaneous.

    Yakubu was candid about the challenges. “Technology is not a magic wand,” he said after the polls. “It is an enabler that requires constant refinement.” He maintained that the real value of innovation lies in its ability to provide traceable evidence — allowing every dispute to be resolved on the basis of data rather than speculation.

    Despite the criticism, independent observers, including the European Union and ECOWAS Election Mission, acknowledged that Nigeria’s elections had become more transparent and technically verifiable than ever before.

    Perhaps Yakubu’s most underappreciated legacy was his defence of INEC’s autonomy. Throughout his decade-long leadership, he faced pressure from powerful political interests but consistently emphasised the commission’s neutrality. His tenure preserved INEC’s independence as a constitutional body, even amid heated national contests.

    Under his watch, INEC expanded polling units for the first time in 25 years, regularised the electoral calendar, and professionalised its staff through training in data management, cyber security, and election technology. The cumulative effect was the birth of an institution that not only conducted elections but also evolved as a learning organisation — one that understood its duty to adapt, innovate, and improve.

    Professor Yakubu’s decade at INEC was not without flaws, but it was undoubtedly transformative. He envisioned a commission that used technology not for show, but as a safeguard — a tool to anchor democracy in transparency and verifiable truth. Today, Nigeria’s electoral process stands on a stronger digital foundation. Voter accreditation is more credible, results are more transparent, and institutions are more accountable. The road ahead will require fine-tuning and resilience, but Yakubu’s legacy has already altered the DNA of election management in Nigeria.

    As one analyst put it, “He did not perfect the system, but he gave it a soul — a digital conscience.”

    •Shuaibu wrote from Abuja.

  • INEC to provide supplementary regulations for election declaration, review – Yakubu

    INEC to provide supplementary regulations for election declaration, review – Yakubu

    Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, says the commission is working on supplementary regulations and guidelines to provide clarity in the review of declaration and return at elections, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Yakubu made the disclosure at a regular consultative meeting of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said that the commission was doing this in pursuant to the commission’s power to issue regulations, guidelines and manuals to give effect to the provisions of Electoral Act.

    “As we approach the bye-elections, the off-cycle governorship elections and ultimately, the 2027 general election, the commission is concerned with the various interpretations given to the provision of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 on the review of election results,” he said.

    Yakubu said that the commission was working on a supplement to the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022 to provide clarity on the review of declaration and return at elections.

    This, he said, was in line with INEC’s powers to issue regulations, guidelines and manuals to give effect to the provisions of the Electoral Act and its administration.

    “As soon as the commission takes a decision, perhaps as early as this week, the supplementary regulations and guidelines will be uploaded to our website and other platforms for public information,’’ he said.

    The INEC chairman called on RECs to provide the commission with information on their plans to enhance voter access to polling units by decongesting some of them or in other areas.

    These, according to him, include: cleaning-up of the voters’ register, deepening their engagements with electoral stakeholders at state and local government levels, the management of electoral logistics and election security.

    Read Also: INEC to introduce fresh guidelines for reviewing election declarations, returns

    Yakubu also tasked the RECs to improve their knowledge and intensify efforts in discharging their responsibilities more effectively and efficiently.

    “I wish to remind you that your work does not begin as the general election approaches. You are full-time commissioners.

    “There are policies and procedural issues already determined by the commission which need to be implemented without prompting from the headquarters in Abuja.

    “Some of you are already doing so, but you need to intensify your efforts.

    “You do not need an elaborate conference or workshop to build the capacity of your staff to improve on their knowledge of new policies and practical innovations introduced by the commission to improve electoral service delivery to Nigerians,’’ he said.

    (NAN)

  • By-election: Igbinedion, Yakubu declare interest in Ovia, Edo Central

    By-election: Igbinedion, Yakubu declare interest in Ovia, Edo Central

    Aspirants of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have expressed readiness to participate in the processes leading to the August 26th date for the conduct of by-elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for vacant seats in the National Assembly.

    Barr. Omosede Igbinedion, who is seeking to represent Ovia Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, said the announcement by INEC was a vital step to ensuring that the constituency received the quality representation it deserved.

    Similarly, a PDP aspirant for Edo Central Senatorial District, John Yakubu, said the people have long waited for INEC to conduct the by-election.

    Yakubu, who declared his intention to run for the Edo Central district, said he would run an issue based campaign.

    Barr. Omosede, in a statement issued in Benin City, said she understood the responsibilities and demands of effective legislative representation.

    Read Also: Adeboye declares season of divine economic opportunities for Nigeria

    Omosede said her track record would speak to her capacity, experience and passion for service.

    She said she remained dedicated to championing the interests of Ovia North-East and Ovia South-West, by pushing for infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, education, and security.

    According to her, “In the coming days, I look forward to reconnecting with our people at the grassroots, listening to your hopes and concerns, and working together toward a better Ovia.

    “Let us stand united in this journey. The future of Ovia is bright, and together, we will make it even brighter.”

  • Make haste

    Make haste

    • There’s no time to lose on proposed reforms in electoral framework

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, says amendments are imminent in the electoral law, and he is optimistic the changes will be effected before the 2027 general election. Much, he acknowledges, however, depends on the National Assembly (NASS), but he expresses confidence in the body’s commitment to the task. The electoral chief said his commission was working closely with the legislative assembly to reform the electoral law towards boosting the credibility of Nigerian elections.

    Speaking with journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja at the swearing-in of two new INEC National Commissioners by President Bola Tinubu, last week, he said the electoral body, in conjunction with other stakeholders, had reviewed the 2023 general election and drawn up proposals for improvement in future polls.

    “We engaged with the stakeholders. We came up with 142 recommendations. Out of these, eight require constitutional or Electoral Act amendment, and we discussed this with members of the National Assembly,” he stated, adding: “So far, so good. We’re happy with our discussions with them, and we are also happy with the speed with which they want to proceed so that we’ll have necessary amendments to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

    Yakubu recalled that the electoral commission recently sat down with the NASS committees on electoral matters at a retreat in Lagos to work at the amendments. “Thereafter, the National Assembly is going to organise a public hearing, and it is after the public hearing that a new bill will, at the end of the day, be submitted to the President for assent,” he said. “So, we’re working with the National Assembly on electoral reform. But at this point, I am not going to give you any more details; you will hear from the National Assembly whose responsibility it is,” he added.

    While the INEC boss exuded confidence last week about the pace of work on the proposed reform, he had at the retreat in Lagos on April 28 urged haste on reworking of the electoral law. “I wish to appeal to the National Assembly to expedite action to conclude the electoral legal framework swiftly so that the commission would have enough time for implementation,” he had said.

    Read Also: Wike declare 19 days of project commissioning for Tinubu’s second anniversary

    Among amendments the electoral body requested NASS to work into the law is introduction of early or special voting to allow eligible voters in essential services, election personnel, voters under incarceration, and those in the diaspora or out-of-country to vote during election periods. INEC also seeks amendment in the Electoral Act to establish an electoral offences commission and a political party regulatory agency.

    Besides, the commission seeks a review of Sections 47 (1) and 16 (1, 2 & 4) to modify the stipulation of mandatory use of the permanent voter card (PVC) for elections and allow for the introduction of electronically downloadable voter cards or any other form of ID acceptable to the commission. And it proposes amendments to Sections 48, 49, 71 and 91 of the 1999 Constitution to reserve special legislative seats for women and persons living with disability.

    Members of the current legislature, the 10th NASS, have themselves been working on amendment bills to effect electoral reforms. For instance, both chambers have passed for second reading a bill to amend the 2022 Electoral Act and make electronic transmission of results by INEC mandatory. A version of the bill also proposes holding all elections – presidential, Senate, House of Representatives, governorships and state assemblies – on same day. The bill further seeks to empower INEC to produce a new voter register every 10 years and remove deceased individuals.

    Another bill that’s been passed for second reading seeks to establish an independent authority for registration, regulation and funding of political parties, shifting the responsibilities from INEC to a proposed office of registrar of political parties.

    The catch is, none of these proposals has been processed to the level of being subjected to public hearings. With barely 12 months to the next election year, there are concerns that realisation of the reforms may already have been left too late. Respective committees on electoral matters will have to hold public hearings on the bills before submitting their report for consideration and approval by each chamber. Thereafter, a conference panel will have to be raised for concurrence / harmonisation by both chambers of NASS; after which the final report will be sent for clean-up by NASS bureaucracy, and then transmitted to Mr. President for assent.

    Global best practice stipulates that any law that will govern an election must be in operation not later than six months before that election. Ideally, such laws should even be piloted in isolated elections before the general election. Moreover, the reforms will inevitably necessitate expanded expenditure patterns on the part of INEC and other critical stakeholders that will require advanced budgetary planning and appropriation. All these will have to happen within the next year. So, there is really no time to lose.

  • INEC engaging NASS on key electoral reforms – Yakubu

    INEC engaging NASS on key electoral reforms – Yakubu

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday revealed that the Commission is actively collaborating with the National Assembly to effect key electoral reforms, including those requiring amendments to the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

    Speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, shortly after witnessing the swearing-in of two new National Commissioners of INEC, Professor Yakubu disclosed that following a comprehensive review of the 2023 general elections, INEC submitted 142 recommendations, of which eight necessitate constitutional or statutory amendments.

    “We are working with the National Assembly on electoral reforms. We reviewed the 2023 general elections on our own, we engaged with stakeholders, and we came out with 142 recommendations. Out of these, eight require constitutional or Electoral Act amendment, and we have discussed these with members of the National Assembly”, Yakubu stated.

    According to him, discussions with federal lawmakers have been encouraging.

    “So far so good, we are happy with our discussions with them, and we are also happy with the speed with which they want to proceed, so that we have some necessary amendments to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

    Professor Yakubu added that two weeks ago, INEC participated in a retreat in Lagos with the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters.

    He said the National Assembly is expected to hold a public hearing before submitting a new electoral reform bill for presidential assent.

    He, however, declined to provide specific details on the planned amendments, noting that the National Assembly would make the formal announcements in due course.

    On the purpose of his visit to the State House, the INEC Chairman explained that he was present to witness the swearing-in of two newly confirmed National Commissioners.

    “As you are aware, the Commission is made up of a chairman and 12 national commissioners drawn on the basis of two commissioners per geopolitical zone,” he said.

    “Vacancies existed for the North-West and the Southeast zones. The Senate screened and confirmed the nominees, and Mr. President today performed the swearing-in. So we now have almost the full complement of the commissioners,” Yakubu said.

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

    He noted, however, that one seat remains vacant following the recent death of Major General Abubakar Alkali (rtd), one of the Commissioners.

    Responding to recent media reports and speculation about his purported removal from office, Professor Yakubu dismissed the claims as unfounded and unnecessary.

    “I don’t think we need to waste time on this unnecessary speculation. As far as the law is concerned, and as much as I am aware, I remain the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation under the Constitution, and under the Electoral Act, the Returning Officer for the Presidential election”, he said.

    Yakubu’s appearance at the State House comes amid growing national attention on electoral reforms and the credibility of future polls. 

  • Congress opposes OBJ over calls to sack Yakubu

    Congress opposes OBJ over calls to sack Yakubu

    The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has opposed the recent call by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

    According to a statement issued on behalf of the group by its National Coordinator, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, he said while constructive criticism is vital in the nation’s democratic journey, it is baseless hypocrisy cloaked as patriotism, especially when coming from someone whose own record on governance and electoral integrity is deeply flawed.

    In the statement which reads in part, Uwejeyan said: “It is essential to remind Nigerians of former President Obasanjo’s undeniable role in institutionalising many of the undemocratic practices we are still working to dismantle. As the architect of “do-or-die” politics, Obasanjo not only oversaw but also masterminded some of the most egregious electoral malpractices in Nigeria’s history. His infamous declaration that even Jesus Christ could not conduct a free and fair election in Nigeria is a testament to his cynical view of democracy.

    “In 2003, Obasanjo conducted an election widely regarded as one of the most rigged in Nigeria’s history, securing a second term through brazen manipulation. By 2007, he orchestrated another deeply flawed election to impose a successor, an act that undermined Nigeria’s democratic foundation and credibility. It is, therefore, ironic for the man who perfected the art of writing election results to now claim moral authority on electoral credibility.

    “Obasanjo’s history of state capture and abuse of power is unparalleled. His administration was marked by an intolerance for dissent, exemplified by the military invasions of Odi and Zaki Biam, which left countless innocent Nigerians dead and communities destroyed. He ignored the gruesome murders of political opponents like Chief Marshall Harry and Funso Williams, raising serious questions about his commitment to justice and accountability.

    “This is the same Obasanjo who attempted to subvert the Constitution through a third-term agenda, using tons of cash to bribe lawmakers. He orchestrated the impeachment of governors with minority votes in state assemblies, sanctioned the illegal arrest of a sitting governor (Dr. Chris Ngige), and used state resources to oppress political opponents. His tenure as president remains a case study in authoritarianism, where the rule of law was routinely undermined.

    “The former president’s disdain for institutions did not stop with INEC. He systematically weakened the legislature, removing Senate Presidents and Speakers at will, reducing the National Assembly to a puppet show. His failed bid to oust Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba was another instance of his disdain for democratic norms, involving the open distribution of bribes to legislators.

    Read Also: Again, OBJ talks the talk

    “Nigerians are not blind to the fact that Obasanjo has consistently attacked every leader who came after him, including Presidents Shagari, Babangida, Buhari, Abdulsalami, and Jonathan. Even the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which brought him to power in 1999, was not spared his venom, culminating in the public tearing of his membership card.

    “The state of Nigeria today is in no small part due to the faulty foundations laid by Obasanjo’s administration. His attempts to rewrite history and position himself as a paragon of democratic ideals are not only laughable but also insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians.

    “We, therefore, call on Nigerians to see through Obasanjo’s antics and focus on building institutions that work for all, devoid of personal vendettas or political theatrics. The challenges we face today require collective solutions, not the divisive rhetoric of a man whose own legacy is riddled with contradictions and failures.”

  • Yakubu: over 200,000 PVCs uncollected in Ondo

    Yakubu: over 200,000 PVCs uncollected in Ondo

    Over 200,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVS) remain uncollected in Ondo State, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said yesterday,

    He urged those who want to be part of the November 11 governorship election to go collect their cards.

    According to Yakubu, only the people can determine who their next governor is, and this is not possible without their PVC.

    Yakubu, who spoke at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Elections Security (ICCES) in Akure, expressed delight that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) has been hitch-free. He prayed for sustained peace throughout the exercise.

    The INEC chair also called for sustained peace across the state, noting that elections can only take place in an atmosphere of peace.

    He added: “There are two reasons why we are in Ondo State today. First is to observe the CVR, the progress and challenges. Second is to observe preparations for the governorship election.

    “We have exactly 165 days before the November 16 election. INEC does not only conduct elections, it also conducts electoral activities. The CVR is an electoral activity, and in November we will conduct the election.

    Read Also: Edo 2024: INEC ready for election, says Yakubu

    “We can’t succeed in delivering electoral activities and the elections unless the electoral environment is secured for us and until critical stakeholders a sensitised. That is why in ICCES, you have not only the traditional security agencies, but we have the intelligence agencies, we have the law enforcement agencies, we have emergency services, and other members of ICCES such as the NYSC, the NOA and others.

    “This is going to be the third governorship election conducted by the present Commission in Ondo State. I was here in 2016 and 2020, and by God’s grace, we’ll be here again in November 2024 for yet another governorship election.

    “I must say that the build up to this election has so far been very peaceful, and we hope that working together with the security agencies, we will sustain the peace.

  • Edo 2024: INEC ready for election, says Yakubu

    Edo 2024: INEC ready for election, says Yakubu

    • Okpebholo pledges commitment to infrastructure, healthcare, others

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has promised that INEC is ready to conduct a credible election on September 21.

    He said since it was an off-cycle election, INEC would borrow equipment from neighbouring states to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

    Prof. Yakubu addressed reporters yesterday at the state headquarters in Aduwawa after inspecting INEC’s flooded office. He also monitored the level of compliance with the ongoing 10-day Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).  

    According to him, having previously held credible elections in Edo, the September 21 poll would be devoid of malpractices.

    He promised that INEC’s infrastructure and equipment damaged by the flood would either be repaired or replaced.

    Read Also: President condoles with Jimi Agbaje over son’s death

    The chairman also met with the Federal Ministry of Works who would supervise reconstruction works in the flooded office, while ruling out relocation over perennial flooding of the area.

    “We have been able to recover some vital materials from the flooded state headquarters in Benin City. Whatever we lost and needed to be replaced, will be replaced. We will also ensure that staff welfare is not compromised. The CVR will continue, and it will not be affected by the unfortunate flood,” he added.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Anugbum Onuoha hailed the chairman for his swift response to the flooding, thereby temporarily relocating the commission to the Ikpoba-Okha area office.

    He assured Yakubu of the state office’s determination to deliver on the commission’s mandate.

    Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his commitment to ensuring adequate security, massive infrastructural development to advance economic development in the state.

    Okpebholo also assured people that his administration would provide affordable healthcare, water and food security, value-driven education, economic rejuvenation, in addition to tourism and creative industry.

    The flag bearer pledged to give life to the Edo Diaspora Agency which will boost the participation and engagement of Edo State indigenes abroad.

    He made the pledge during a meeting with the Edo community in Washington DC, United States of America.

    A communiqué issued after the meeting reads: “Senator Monday Okpebholo who informed us of his contributions to the development of Edo State as a citizen and as a Senator representing Edo Central, adumbrated his manifesto which focuses on security, massive infrastructural development to advance the economic development of the state and open it up for massive foreign investments.

    “He also listed affordable healthcare, water and food security, value-driven education, and economic rejuvenation, while not leaving behind tourism and the creative industry in his manifesto of Renewed Hope for the Edo people.

    “Senator Okpebholo also promised to give life to the Edo Diaspora Agency which will ensure the participation and engagement of Edo State indigenes resident abroad.”

  • INEC chairman Yakubu to lead discussion on electoral reforms

    INEC chairman Yakubu to lead discussion on electoral reforms

    The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, will next month lead the discussion on electoral reforms.

    The INEC chairman will feature on a new radio program titled: Electoral Reform Hour organised by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation.

    The executive director of PAACA, Ezenwa Nwagwu, stated that the program would foster inclusive dialogue on electoral reform and constitutional amendment, enhancing public understanding and awareness regarding electoral reform, compile and present citizen-derived recommendations ahead of future elections in Nigeria. 

    Read Also: Edo 2024: APC chairman calls for cancellation of scheduled INEC’s CVR

    In a statement, Nwagwu said: “#ElectoralReformHour will air every Sunday from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Capital FM 92.9 Abuja, and all FRCN stations nationwide. The program will feature stakeholders from the Election Management bodies, State and National Assembly, Civil Society, Nigeria Bar Association, Nigeria Political Science Association, and many others.

    “The maiden edition of the radio program will be aired on the 9th of June 2024 with Professor Mahmood Yakubu chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a guest.

    “The programme’s wide reach ensures that citizens across Nigeria will have access to crucial information about the ongoing electoral reform in the country. Listeners are encouraged to call in, share their experiences, and ask questions during the programme.”