Politics

Ekiti Releases Final List for Gubernatorial Election

By Web News 223

By Amos Ogunrinde

INEC Releases final list of Governorship, Deputy Governorship candidates for June 20 Election in Ekiti State

The Independent National Electoral Commission has released the final list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the June 20 election in Ekiti State.

However, the names of the Peoples’ Democratic party Candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede and his  Social Democratic Party counterpart, David Bankole were missing from the list which have twelve other candidates.

The final list was posted on the INEC notice board at the commission’s state headquarters in Ado Ekiti.

Spokesperson for the PDP candidate, Mr Gani Salau, expressed confidence that Dr Oluyede would still participate, noting that the party has filed two court cases: one seeking a stay of execution/appeal against the court order for fresh PDP primaries, and another requesting that INEC publish Oluyede’s name as the party’s candidate for the governorship election.

Similarly, SDP State Chairman, Ayodele Bamikole, said the party would pursue legal avenues to ensure its candidate is included in the list.

INEC had released a provisional list on December 29, 2025, giving parties until January 12, 2026, to make corrections or substitutions before publishing the final list in line with election guidelines.

The federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti had last week nullified the PDP primary election conducted in November last year which produced Dr Wole Oluyede as its Governorship candidate and ordered the conduct of a fresh primary.

Edited by Taiwo Akinola

Politics

OSSIEC Says LG Election will be Credible

By Web News 318

By Funmi Ojo

The Chairman, Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSSIEC, Mr. Hashim Abioye has assured all stakeholders of their safety, before, during and after the forthcoming local government slated for the 22nd of this month.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the training programme for Adhoc staff recruited for the conduct of the election, Mr. Abioye emphasized the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections throughout the state.

He assured the Adhoc staff that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth electoral process.

The OSSIEC Chairman said the Commission had appointed electoral officers six months before the election, compared to the previous norm of appointing Electoral Officers one month before the election.

He explained that extensive voter education initiatives are being undertaken by the Commission including radio and television campaigns, seminars, and door-to-door sensitization efforts to encourage voter participation.

Addressing security concerns, Abioye assured both the public and electoral officers of their safety before, during and after the polls.

The training program marks a crucial phase in the Commission’s preparation for the upcoming local government elections, as OSSIEC aims to set new standards for electoral conduct in Osun State.

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Foreign

Lebanon Gets New President After Two Years Without One

By Web News 283

Lebanon’s parliament has elected a new head of the country’s armed forces, Joseph Aoun, to be its next president, after going more than two years without one.

According to the report, Aoun’s selection on Thursday was one important step toward addressing a decimated economy and financial system, and to marshal funds to repair costly destruction from a 14-month conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that ended in November.

“It’s long overdue that we need to have a new president,” says Abdul Rahman Bizri, an independent member of parliament and a former mayor who says he voted for Aoun. “We have to start working again to rebuild the public sector and institutions and stability in the country to achieve what people are aspiring for.”

The new president’s to-do list is long.

Aoun vowed in his acceptance speech on Thursday to strengthen the small Middle Eastern country’s weakened state governing capabilities, reform the financial sector and defend Lebanon. It was unclear when Aoun would step down as the head of the military or if he would hold both positions at the same time.

“We will invest in the army to control and secure the borders in the south and demarcate them in the east and north, combating terrorism, implementing international resolutions and preventing Israeli attacks on Lebanon,” Aoun vowed in his acceptance speech. “It is time to invest in Lebanon through our foreign relations rather than betting on external powers to overpower one another.”

He did not name those powers but could have been referencing the rivalry between Iran on one side, which backs the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, and the U.S. and Israel on the other.

Aoun, who is widely perceived in Lebanon as supported by Saudi Arabia and the U.S., also committed “to confirm the state’s right to have a monopoly on bearing arms.” That was likely an implicit reference to Hezbollah, Lebanon’s most powerful armed militia, which as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel must withdraw its fighters and disarm within Lebanon by late January. The ceasefire ended fighting that began in October 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in support of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which attacked southern Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7 of that year.

NPR/Taiwo Akinola

Foreign

Results Trickle in from South Africa Election

By Web News 194

The first results have been announced from what is seen as South Africa’s most closely fought elections since the African National Congress (ANC) came to power 30 years ago.

With results from just over 11% voting districts counted so far, the ANC is leading with 43%, followed by the DA with 26%.

The radical EFF and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) of former President Jacob Zuma are on around 8%.

Final results are expected over the weekend.

Opinion polls suggest the ANC could lose its majority in parliament for the first time in 30 years, forcing it into a coalition.

The ANC has lost support due to anger over high levels of corruption, crime and unemployment.

But it is too early to predict the final outcome.

Wednesday’s election saw long lines of voters outside polling stations late into the night across the country.

One electoral official in Johannesburg told the BBC the queues were reminiscent of the historic 1994 election, when black people could vote for the first time, and which saw Nelson Mandela become president.

Many thousands of people were still waiting to vote when polls officially closed at 2100 local time (1900 GMT) but the electoral commission said they would all be allowed to cast their ballots.

Sifiso Buthelezi, who voted in Johannesburg’s Joubert Park – the biggest polling station in South Africa – told the BBC: “Freedom is great but we need to tackle corruption.”

Change has been a recurring sentiment, especially among young voters.

Ayanda Hlekwane, one of South Africa’s “born-free” generation, meaning he was born after 1994, said despite having three degrees he still doesn’t have a job.

“I’m working on my PhD proposal so that I go back to study in case I don’t get a job,” he tells the BBC in Durban.

But Mr Hlekwane said he was optimistic that things would change.

The queues, like this one in Johannesburg, are said to be reminiscent of the 1994 vote

A record 70 parties and 11 independents were running, with South Africans voting for a new parliament and nine provincial legislatures.

Analysts say this shows that many people are disillusioned with the ANC.

“We are entering the next phase of our democracy, and it is going to be a big transition,” political analyst Richard Calland told the BBC.

“We will either become a more competitive and mature democracy, or our politics will become more fractured.”

The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has signed a pact with 10 other parties, agreeing to form a coalition government if they get enough votes to dislodge the ANC from power.

But this is highly unlikely, with the ANC expected to remain the biggest party, putting it in pole position to lead a coalition if its support does drop below 50%.

It got 57.5% of the vote in the last election compared to the DA’s 21%.

South Africans do not directly vote for a president. Instead they vote for members of parliament who will then go on to elect the president.

So current President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to remain in power.

Former President Jacob Zuma caused a major shock when he announced in December that he was abandoning the ANC to campaign for the new uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), which translates as Spear of the Nation.

Although he has been barred from running for parliament because of a conviction for contempt of court, his name still appeared on the ballot paper as MK leader.

The MK is expected to do especially well in Mr Zuma’s home province of KwaZulu-Natal, where tensions have been high, with some incidents of violence reported during the campaign.

Police and the army have been deployed to polling stations across the country to ensure that voting takes place peacefully, and that ballot papers are not stolen.

More than 27 million people were registered to cast their ballots, including a high percentage of young voters, who could prove decisive.

Artist Njabulo Hlophe, 28, said young people in South Africa tend to get marginalised but, “this is as much our country as our parents… they’re leaving it to us, so someone that really cares about the young people is someone I’m really looking at”.

Support for the ANC is expected to be higher among the older generation.

One 89-year-old woman, Elayne Dykman, told the BBC in Durban she hoped that young people in South Africa did not take their vote for granted.

BBC/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

LG POLL: Suspected Thugs Attack Ibarapa East APC Chairman

By Web News 629

By Olaolu Fawole, Mosope Kehinde

Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC in Ibarapa East local government area of Oyo State, Eruwa, Mr Moses Ojediran was on Saturday morning allegedly attacked by suspected hoodlums at the Oyo state Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC office, Eruwa.

The APC chieftain was said to have been beaten up by the suspected hoodlums following disagreement over alleged attempt by OYSIEC Electoral officer, Mr Tijani Adedokun to sideline the APC during inspection of local government election materials ahead distribution to all polling units.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, Director General APC campaign council, Ibarapa East local government, Mr Moses Kolawole said the party chairman was hospitalized at Awojobi hospital, Eruwa, following the attack led by one Kasali Olatunji.

Mr Kolawole who alleged that he was the target of attack due to his persistent enquiry into the inspection of electoral materials, accused the ruling political party in the state of intimidation.

Meanwhile, when Radio Nigeria Ibadan visited the hospital, it was observed that the APC Chairman was on intravenous fluid drip as at the time of the visit.

When contacted, OYSIEC Electoral Officer for Ibarapa East local government, Mr.Tijani Adedokun denied any form of harassment or assault inside the Secretariat, saying that the political parties might have had their disagreement outside the Secretariat.

Mr Adedokun said the local government election in Ibarapa East was peaceful and seamless.

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Lifestyle

Half-Work Day as Oyo Gears Up for Council Election

By Web News 369

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde has approved the declaration of Friday, April 26, 2024, as a half working day for all public and civil servants in the state.

This is in connection with the local government election slated for Saturday, April 28, 2024. 

A circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, stated that government offices are to close by 12 noon while personnel covering essential services are expected to remain at their duty posts.

The state government, in the circular, enjoined all public and civil servants to go out and exercise their civic rights on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

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Politics

OYSIEC Intensifies Efforts on Attaining Peaceful Election

By Web News 467

… Visits DSS Office, Ibadan

By Nashirdeen Sherifdeen

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), on Monday, continued its effort to attain a peaceful election with a visit to the Department of State Services,  Aleyinloye, Ibadan.

Speaking on the visit, the OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, said the visit was to seek Collaboration with the command so that the electorates will have the confidence to troop out en masse and vote on election day.

He described voter apathy as the greatest challenge and called for concerted efforts among all the security agencies in the state to prevent molestation and harassment on election day.

Olagunju explained that it was important for residents to partake in the forthcoming local government councils election, urging them to see their participation in the poll as a responsibility and duty to be performed as citizens of the state.

He speaks further” The purpose is to further our Collaboration with the security agencies, you recall that we have visited the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, it is also important for us to visit the DSS too to seek their Collaboration for the peaceful conduct of the election, that is why we were there and we are very glad that they have assured us of their Collaboration and assistance in ensuring that election is peaceful and orderly.

“ Before the election, we are going to meet all the security agencies again to further strengthen our measures being put in place, so far, there is no problem 

“ Our message has always been that residents should be assured that the election will be peaceful, transparent, free, and fair, what we want them to do is to  troop out  en masse on the 27th of April, and we assured that their votes will count “

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Politics

LG Election: Oyo CP Assures Residents of Adequate Security 

By Web News 537

-says Citizens should Abide by the Law 

By Nashirdeen Sherifdeen

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP, Adebola Hamzat, On Thursday, said necessary measures will be put in place by the command to ensure a safe and secure environment for residents of the state during and after the Local Government Council election, scheduled for 27th April 2024.

CP Adebola Hamzat, gave the assurance while speaking with journalists shortly after meeting the leadership of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) , who were on a courtesy call to his office, Eleyele, Ibadan.

He explained that attaining a peaceful election requires an inclusive security architecture, noting that the command will work with concerned government and security agencies to ensure the election is devoid of rancor.

CP Adebola, who revealed that the command has enough and better resources and manpower to deploy for the poll, enjoined residents of the state to be part of the electoral process and be law-abiding in their conduct.

He said the visit of OYSIEC was long overdue and promised continuous engagement with the Commission to have a successful election. 

He described local government as the most impactful government in which citizens can enjoy many dividends of democracy.

“We have discussed, we have been able to determine some places that have gaps. We will still discuss further so that the election tentatively put for 27th April 2024 will be successful, devoid of rancour and insecurity” 

“We have enough and better resources, intelligence, we have about 100 patrol vehicles, 20 special patrol units. We will work with the likes of Operation Burst, Amotekun and, if the need be, police officers in sister states because the Nigeria police is one,  and our participation in the election is not negotiable “

Earlier in his remarks, the OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, said the visit was to formally inform the command of the intention of members of the Commission to conduct an election that is peaceful and free of intimidation.

Aare Olagunju noted that the people of the state are always afraid of not being secured on the day of the election; hence, there is a need to collaborate with the command to have a conducive environment, before, during and after the election.

He called on the Command to assist in maintaining law and order across the polling units on the day of the election and ensure no life is lost.

He also sought the cooperation of the command in the signing of undertaking by political parties ahead of the election.

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Foreign

Senegal’s President Bows to Pressure Over Election Delay

By Web News 324

Senegal’s president says the delayed election to choose his successor will be held “as soon as possible” after the top court ruled that his attempt to delay it was unconstitutional.

President Macky Sall has served two terms in office.

On Thursday, the Constitutional Council annulled President Sall’s decree moving the vote to December.

It also voided the contentious bill passed by parliament which had backed the president’s decree.

The move will go some way to restoring Senegal’s reputation as a bastion of democracy in West Africa.

Ever since he announced he wanted to delay the elections two weeks ago – just hours before campaigns were meant to kick off, President Sall has been under immense pressure to reverse his decision.

Now that pressure appears to have yielded results, with a statement from the presidency saying Mr Sall will comply with the court ruling – and will also hold talks with all relevant stakeholders without delay, to hold elections as soon as possible.

The original date was 25 February – so there is not enough time to hold it then.

A new date for the elections has not yet been given, but in its ruling, the Constitutional Council said the president could not stay in power beyond the end of his term on 2 April.

The West African body, Ecowas, France and the European Union all urged Mr Sall to comply with the decision.

Senegal’s judiciary has been praised for exerting its independence, with a leading opposition figure hailing Thursday’s court ruling as “a great day for democracy”.

“We’ve been so ashamed by all this violation of the law and the constitution,” former Prime Minister Aminata Touré told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

Anta Babacar, the only female candidate, agreed.

“We are actually very, very proud of our Constitutional Council and it shows that there is at least a little bit of democracy and justice that’s left in our country,” she said.

There had been strong opposition to Mr Sall’s decision to postpone the elections until mid-December.

Protesters have taken to the streets and opposition politicians have lodged legal complaints against him.

Religious authorities and regional bodies had also called for elections to be held as soon as possible.

However, the disputes that led to the polls being postponed in the first place remain unresolved, including allegations of corruption in the Constitutional Council and objections from opposition figures who had been excluded from the candidate list published last month.

Holding the election using the disputed candidate list could spark renewed unrest and violence by supporters of those barred from contesting, in particular Ousmane Sonko, who has a large and vocal following among young Senegalese. He is currently in jail after being convicted of various offences after prosecutions, which he says are politically motivated.

Most candidates have not been campaigning since President Sall issued his decree earlier this month.

Senegal is considered one of West Africa’s more stable democracies and is the only country in the region never to have suffered a military coup.

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Foreign

Poll Delay: Senegal Court Overrules Macky Sall, Parliament

By Web News 315

The decision to postpone this month’s elections in Senegal is against the constitution, the country’s top court has ruled.

The Constitutional Council annulled both President Macky Sall’s decree and a contentious bill passed by parliament moving the vote to December.

Widespread protests have gripped the West African country, once considered a bastion of democracy in the region.

Opposition figures said it amounted to a “constitutional coup”.

Mr Sall had announced he was pushing the election back because of concerns over the eligibility of opposition candidates.

His proposal was backed by 105 out of the 165 MPs after a fiery debate which saw police remove some opposition MPs from the chamber. A six-month postponement was originally proposed, but a last-minute amendment extended it to 10 months, meaning a new election date of 15 December.

Mr Sall had reiterated that he was not planning to run for office again. But his critics accused him of either trying to cling on to power or unfairly influencing whoever succeeds him.

Opposition candidates and lawmakers, who had filed a number of legal challenges to the bill, will feel vindicated by the court’s decision on Thursday evening.

Khalifa Sall, a leading opponent and a former mayor of the capital Dakar, who is not related to the president, had called the delay a “constitutional coup”, while Thierno Alassane Sall, another candidate, also no relation, called it “high treason”.

The court said it was “impossible” for the election to be held on the original date of 25 February – just 10 days away – but urged authorities to organise it “as soon as possible”.

Mr Sall is yet to react to the ruling. His second term of office expires on 2 April.

While the election could be held before April, the disputes that led to the polls being postponed in the first place remain unresolved, including allegations of corruption in the Constitutional Council and objections from opposition candidates who had been excluded from the candidate list published last month.

Holding the elections using the disputed candidate list could spark renewed unrest and violence by supporters of those barred from contesting, in particular Ousmane Sonko, who is hugely popular among young Senegalese.

Most candidates have not been campaigning since President Sall issued his 3 February decree, hours before campaigns were meant to kick off.

The decision comes on the same day as several opposition politicians and civil society members were released from prison, in what some in the country viewed as a move to appease public opinion.

Senegal had long been seen as one of the most stable democracies in the region. It is the only country in mainland West Africa that has never had a military coup. It has had three largely peaceful handovers of power and until earlier this month had never delayed a presidential election.

BBC/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Foreign

Senegal Boils as Protests Over Poll Postponement Spread

By Web News 329

Violent protests in Senegal against the postponement of presidential elections have spread across the country, with the first fatality reported.

A student died in clashes with police on Friday in the northern city of Saint-Louis, an opposition leader and a local hospital source said.

In the capital Dakar, security forces fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowds.

The 25 February elections were last week delayed by MPs until 15 December.

President Macky Sall had earlier called off the polls indefinitely, arguing this was needed to resolve a dispute over the eligibility of presidential candidates.

Lawmakers later extended Mr Sall’s mandate by 10 months.

Opponents of the move have warned that Senegal’s reputation as a bastion of democracy in an unstable region of West Africa is on the line.

Opposition leader Khalifa Sall, who is not related to the president, earlier called the election delay a “constitutional coup”.

The death of the student in Saint-Louis was reported by Khalifa Sall in a post on social media.

“The hearts of all democrats bleed at this outburst of clashes provoked by the unjustified halting of the electoral process,” he said.

The death was confirmed by a local hospital source speaking on condition of anonymity, and by an official at the university the student attended, according to the AFP news agency.

The Senegalese authorities have not publicly commented on the issue.

The country’s mass protests erupted last weekend. On Friday, demonstrators in Dakar fought running battles with security forces, throwing stones and burning tyres.

President Sall has said he is not planning to run for office again – but his critics accuse him of either trying to cling on to power or unfairly influencing whoever succeeds him.

Twenty candidates had made the final list to contest the elections, but several more were excluded by the Constitutional Council, the judicial body that determines whether candidates have met the conditions required to run.

West Africa’s regional bloc Ecowas on Tuesday pleaded for Senegal’s political class to “take steps urgently to restore the electoral calendar” in line with the constitution.

Senegal has long been seen as one of the most stable democracies in West Africa. It is the only country in mainland West Africa that has never had a military coup.

It has had three largely peaceful handovers of power and never delayed a presidential election.

BBC/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Foreign

Parties Without Clear Majority in Pakistan Election

By Web News 361

With most of the results now declared in Pakistan’s general elections, no political force has a clear majority.

Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan is claiming victory in Thursday’s poll, as independent candidates linked to him have won most seats so far.

But another ex-PM, Nawaz Sharif, says his party has emerged as the largest and urges others to join him in coalition.

There are reports that coalition talks between Mr Sharif’s PML-N party and other groups are already underway.

The final official results are yet to be announced.

In a staunch video message posted on X that was generated using AI, a message credited to Mr Khan said his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party had won a landslide victory – defying what he has called a crackdown on his party.

“I congratulate each and everyone of you for winning the 2024 election… you have made history,” the message said.

Mr Khan is currently in jail having been convicted in cases he says are politically motivated.

The success of the PTI-linked candidates was unexpected, with most experts agreeing that Mr Sharif – believed to be backed by the country’s powerful military – was the clear favourite.

But the PTI is not a recognised party after being barred from running in the election, so technically Mr Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), or PML-N, is the largest official political group.

The political horse-trading has begun in earnest, which means it could still be a while before anyone is able to claim outright victory.

In a speech on Friday, Mr Sharif acknowledged that he did not have the numbers to form a government alone. But addressing supporters outside his party’s headquarters in the city of Lahore, he urged other candidates to join him in a coalition and said he could remove the country from difficult times.

Speaking to the BBC’s Newsnight programme on Friday, Mr Khan’s former special assistant Zulifkar Bukhari said: “Knowing Imran Khan and knowing the ethos of our political party PTI, I don’t think we’ll be making any coalition, forming a government with any of the main parties.

“However, we will be forming a coalition… to be in parliament – not as an independent but under one banner, one party”.

And asked about whether Mr Khan could potentially be released, Mr Bukhari said: “I think the minute we go to the high court and the supreme court we are extremely confident that he will be released, and a lot of the charges – if not all – will be thrown out on legal merit and procedural merit.”

The third biggest party appears to be the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led by Bilawal Bhutto, the son of PM Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated in 2007.

Burzine Waghmar, a member of the Centre for the Study of Pakistan at SOAS University of London, told the BBC that the elections “may well prove to be one of the most divisive and dangerous this chronically unstable, episodic democracy has ever confronted”.

As results trickled in, the UK and US voiced concerns over restrictions on electoral freedoms during the vote.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said the UK urged authorities in Pakistan “to uphold fundamental human rights including free access to information, and the rule of law”.

In a statement, he went on to express “regret that not all parties were formally permitted to contest the elections”.

Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller criticised what he described as “undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly” during Pakistan’s electoral process.

He also cited “attacks on media workers” and “restrictions on access to the internet and telecommunication services” as reasons to worry about “allegations of interference” in the process.

Many analysts have said this is among Pakistan’s least credible elections.

Voters in Lahore told the BBC that the internet blackout on polling day meant it was not possible to book taxis to go and vote, while others said they could not co-ordinate when to head to polling stations with their family members.

An interior ministry spokesman said the blackouts were necessary for security reasons.

Support from the military in Pakistan is seen as important to succeed politically, and analysts believe Mr Sharif and his party currently have their backing, despite their differences in the past.

Maya Tudor, associate professor at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, said the lead taken by Imran Khan’s PTI was “shocking” in the context of the country’s past.

“A win would be remarkable – in every single other election in Pakistan’s recent history, the military’s preferred candidate has won,” Dr Tudor explained.

As many as 128 million people were registered to cast their votes, almost half of whom were under the age of 35. More than 5,000 candidates – of whom just 313 are women – contested 266 directly-elected seats in the 336-member National Assembly.

Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, Maleeha Lodhi, said Pakistan “desperately” needs political stability to address what she described as “the worst economic crisis in its history”.

But, in a hopeful note, Ms Lodhi said Pakistan’s voter numbers show a “belief in the democratic process”.

BBC/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

Court Adjourns Trial of Adebutu over Alleged Vote Buying

By Web News 448

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

A High Court sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital has adjourned the trial of Ogun State Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the 2023 general election, Chief Ladi Adebutu over allegations of vote buying during the poll until next month. 

The Federal government had arraigned Chief Adebutu and nine others over allegations of vote buying during the March 18 governorship election in the state.

The Federal Government alleged that the PDP Governorship candidate ordered through his bank the issuance of N200,000 preloaded ATM verve cards with N10,000 and distributed same on the day of election across the State with the intent of inducing voters.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, the Federal Government’s counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs called three witnesses, including an official of a digital payment company and the witnesses were all cross-examined by the Defense Counsel, Mr Gordy Uche. 

The Prosecuting Counsel later told journalists that they had plans to call more witnesses to prove the case while the defence counsel said, they would be back here to continue with the evidence.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Abiodun Akinyemi later adjourned the case until the 19th and 20th of March March for continuation of hearing. 

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Politics

Electoral Reform: Nigerians to Play Active Role – Senator Alli

By Web News 462

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC- Oyo South) has emphasised the importance of full participation of Nigerians in the ongoing electoral reforms, saying it will foster confidence and ensure widespread acceptance.

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Akeem Abas and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan. 

Alli, the Senate Committee Chairman on Electoral Matters, highlighted the need for active engagement from citizens to shape the electoral process.

This statement underscores Senator Alli’s commitment to ensuring that the voice of every Nigerian is heard and considered in the electoral reforms.

Through this inclusive approach, he aims to build confidence, promote fairness, and ensure the general acceptability of the electoral process.

“Collective efforts of Nigerians is 

crucial in building a transparent and inclusive electoral process that reflects the will of the people.

“By involving the populace, the reforms will gain legitimacy and enhance the credibility of the electoral system,” he said. 

He acknowledged the 2022 Electoral Act as the best Nigeria had so far, saying INEC did better in the 2023 electoral process than what was obtainable in the past.

“The electoral law is very good, but Nigerians have patterned their behaviour to accept or believe only a law or process they were actively involved in its making.

“If people are involved in making the electoral law, they will be confident in the electoral process. This time around, we have already started holding town hall meetings to actualise it,” he said.

The lawmaker said that their plan was to hold the town hall meeting in every zone of the country, adding that with funding, they can conduct the meetings in two or more states per zone.

Alli said that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was the game changer in the last electoral process, adding there was no snatching of ballot boxes like in the past.

“Nigeria is better than so many countries. We will get there, but our people must be ready for the reforms,” he said.

On the clamour for electronic voting, he said that Nigeria can’t do much now due to its stage of development, expressing optimism that the nation will definitely get there.

The lawmaker promised that they would make provision for Nigerians to vote anywhere in the country, particularly in the presidential election.

Alli blamed the lack of accurate data on Nigerians in other countries as a great challenge for diaspora voting, saying there wasn’t any wrong in having Nigerians at embassies vote during elections.

He said that any politician is a reflection of his or her society, calling on Nigerians to embrace attitudinal change for a better society.

The lawmaker said that part of the reforms was to have pre-election matters concluded before the election, while post-election matters are determined before the swearing-in of elected officers. 

“We are also thinking that matters on governorship election be handled from the Appeal Court instead of Tribunal, while that of National Assembly should stop at Appeal Court.

“We can’t also do without discussing the issue of unbundling INEC. People are already clamouring for the creation of Special Commissions and agencies such as the Electoral Offences Commission, ” he said.

Alli said that a committee which has Chief Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Femi 

Falana, SAN and Festus Okoye among others have been established for the reforms.

His call for active citizen participation in electoral reforms signified his dedication to democratic principles and belief in the power of collective action. 

Alli urged Nigerians to engage in constructive dialogue, contribute their ideas, and actively participate in shaping the future of the nation’s electoral system.

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Politics

Supreme Court Decides Kano, 6 other Gov. Disputes Friday

By Web News 345

By Ifeoma Nwovu

The Supreme Court will tomorrow, Friday, deliver judgment on the Kano State governorship election dispute between Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the All Progressives Congress candidate, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna.

This is contained in a notice issued by the apex court to all the parties in the suit.

Also, the apex court will deliver judgment in six other governorship disputes before it.

According to the notice, the court directed that each party should not have more than two lawyers in attendance.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice John Inyang Okoro had in December, last year, listened to the final arguments by the parties concerned and reserved judgment on the Kano case.

The Kano State Governorship Tribunal had sacked Governor Kabir Yusuf and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to withdraw his certificate of return and instead issue same to Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the March 18, 2023 governorship election.

However, not satisfied with the Tribunal judgement, Governor Yusuf had approached the Court of Appeal but the appellate court had while affirming his sack, further held that the governor was not a member of the party as of the time of the election and could not have been said to have been properly sponsored for the election.

Edited by Olaolu Fawole

Politics

BREAKING: Tribunal Orders Rerun of Kaduna Guber Polls

By Web News 952

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kaduna has declared the 2023 governorship election in Kaduna state inconclusive.

According to report from Vanguard correspondent, the tribunal, during its resumed proceeding on Thursday, in a split decision of a ratio of 2:1, declared the election inconclusive and directed that a supplementary election should be held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within 90 days.

The 3-man panel led by Justice Victor Oviawe therefore ordered a rerun of election in 24 polling units in seven wards of four local governments consisting of 16,300 registered voters.

The verdict was announced via Zoom after the judges shunned the physical hall.

Recall that the petition was filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Isah Mohammed Ashiru.

PDP’s Ashiru is challenging the election of Uba Sani as the Governor of Kaduna State on the grounds of alleged irregularities and electoral fraud, saying that its Candidate (Isa Mohammed Ashiru) won the election.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

Tribunal Verdict: Judicial Sustenance of Mandate, Says Oyebanji

By Web News 371

By Amos Ogunrinde

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petition Court which upheld his February 25 election.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, described the judgment as “solid and detailed” and “a judicial sustenance of the mandate given to the clear winner of the presidential poll”.

He also hailed the judiciary for upholding the truth, stressing that the judicial affirmation of President Tinubu’s election has confirmed the choice of the majority of Nigerians who elected the All Progressives Congress presidential flag bearer as President of the country.

Mr Oyebanji pointed out that the Tribunal verdict had laid every doubt on the validity and authenticity of the presidential result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to rest and served as a proof that democracy and the rule of law are becoming firmly rooted in Nigeria.

According to the Governor, the latest judicial seal on Tinubu’s legitimacy will make Nigeria command more respect in the comity of nations as a beacon of hope for democracy in Africa and a model to other countries of the world.

Mr Oyebanji, who sat through the period of the judgement on Wednesday in Abuja, hailed the Presidential Election Petition Court  for patiently and painstakingly looking into evidence provided by parties to the suit, before arriving at the verdict.

He said the painstaking handling of the matter by the court had further enhanced election dispute jurisprudence in the country.

The Governor praised the judges for their hard work, industry, perseverance and for acting as impartial arbiters who only arrived at their final decision based on the evidence before them and did justice to all the petitions.

Governor Oyebanji urged Nigerians to rally support for the President to succeed in the onerous task of leading the country to economic prosperity. 

The Governor appealed to the opposition parties and their presidential candidates who lost at the Presidential Election Petitions Court to join hands with Asiwaju Tinubu to move Nigeria forward.

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Politics

Tribunal Verdict: Atiku, PDP to Address World Press Conference Thursday

By Web News 410

The Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate during the February 25, 2023, presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, will today address a world press conference.

This is coming after the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal threw out his case and upheld the victory of President Bola Tinubu.

The PUNCH reports that Atiku and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, rejected Wednesday’s judgment of the tribunal affirming the election of Tinubu.

The Legal Adviser to the Labour Party, Kehinde Edun, vowed to challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court.

Also, Atiku’s Lead Counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, said he had received instructions from his client to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.

He said “The judgment has been delivered but we have not received justice. Luckily, the law has given us leverage to go on appeal to the Supreme Court. We have instructions from our clients to go to the Supreme Court. The struggle continues.”

The PEPT, which began sitting at 9.40 a.m. at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, ruled that the petition filed by Atiku and Obi, and their parties had no merit and unanimously upheld Tinubu’s electoral victory in the February 25 presidential election.

The five-member panel took turns to dismiss the petitions presented by Atiku and Obi against the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission on March 1, 2023.

The judgment was delivered by the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Haruna Tsammani, assisted by other members of the panel-Justices Stephen Adah, Monsurat Bolaji-Yusuf, Moses Ugo and Abba Mohammed

Not satisfied by the ruling, Atiku, who is a former Vice President, alongside the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagun, said they will be addressing a world press on the development.

The conference billed to hold at the NEC Hall, located on the ground floor of the PDP National Headquarters,  will start by 2:30 pm

The invite sent to journalists by the party’s National Director of Publicity read, “Hello Gentlemen of the Press, good evening.

“This is to invite you to a press briefing to be addressed by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun and PDP Presidential Candidate, H.E. Atiku Abubakar, GCON.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

OYSIEC Targets 70% voters’ participation in 2024 LG Election

By Web News 480

By Nashirdeen Sherifdeen

The Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, on Sunday, revealed  that the Commission is targeting  achieving 70 percent registered voters’ participation in the next Local Government Councils’ Election.

Olagunju, while featuring on a live radio program in Ibadan, hinted that voters’ turnout during the 2021 local government councils election in the state surpassed the previous ones.

He explained that the achievement was an indication that narratives surrounding the conduct of council polls in the state would be a thing of the past if relevant stakeholders play their parts accordingly.

Olagunju maintained that achieving the desired result in election conduct requires a gradual process, noting that the state had been able to move from the era of interim administration at local level to democratic administration.

Olagunju noted that 18 registered political parties in the state have shown interest in participating in the forthcoming election.

He lauded the political parties for handling their primaries peacefully.

His words: ”We did our best during the local government council elections  conducted in 2021, election is a process and there is room for improvement” 

“On record, the percentage of voter participation in local council elections held previously, stance at 12%,16%, 18% and 21 percent.

“The Commission had 29.6 % in 2021 when we conducted the election, though  not the best but an indication that we are getting there in terms of election participation, the good thing is that the government has been able to eliminate interim government at the local government.”

Olagunju added: “Our goal is to have  70% voter by 27th April 2024, which is the date for the next local government councils election in the state, residents are urged to have trust and confidence in the commission and vote on election day.

“Things are improving, recently, the commission observed primaries of some political parties, this was different from the past, the process went peacefully and successfully.

“This is the spirit I want all the political parties and electorates to take to the election so that the election can be peaceful and credible .

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Politics

INEC to Conduct Election into Two Federal Constituencies in Oyo

By Web News 533

By Mosope Kehinde

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Oyo State will conduct Supplementary Elections into two Federal Constituencies in the state this Saturday. 

They are Oluyole and Ibadan North East/ Ibadan South East.

INEC residents Electoral Commissioner in Oyo state, Dr Adeniran Tella made this known in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday.

Dr. Tella listed the affected Polling Units in Oluyole Local Government Area including Abbey Technical (RA02/U 001) and IDC School Olurinde (RA07/U 001). At the same time, that of Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Local Government Area is lle Aborisade Compound (RA07/U 017), Atipe Junction I (RA07/L 011), Govt. Secondary. School Orita Aperin (RA07/U 018), CAC Grammar School Oniyere I (RA07/U 001), Queen of Apostle, Oluyoro III (RA09/U 030) and Falana Mobil Station II (RA12/U 032)

Dr. Tella further stated that the supplementary elections in the eight affected Polling Units became necessary due to the malfunctioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the last held Presidential/National Assembly Elections on Saturday 25 Feb. 2023 in the state.

The REC however, enjoined the electorates in the affected Polling Units to come out en mass to vote for the candidates of their choice with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) on Saturday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, adding that adequate security of lives and property have been guaranteed by the security agencies in the affected areas

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News

Osun Update: Residents Await Results with Eagerness

By Web News 1186

By Funmi Adekoya

As residents of Osun State await the result of the State Assembly Election, candidates in the election have been urged to accept the outcome.


Speaking with Radio Nigeria while expressing his view on the Election, member House of Representatives- Elect, Mr Bamidele Salam made the call.


Mr Bamidele Salam who observed that, the election was peaceful, commended INEC officials for comporting themselves as well as security agencies for doing their job well.


He, however, lamented low voter turnout, which he noted was as a result of the state not having governorship election unlike other states.


In a separate interview, former Speaker Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salam who commended the Electoral body for peaceful conduct of the election urged the candidates not to see politics as a do or die affair.

However, at Ward 10 and Ward 6 in Olaoluwa local government many voters complained of being disenfranchised due to faulty BVAS.


One of the INEC Adhoc staff, who confirmed the situation said they were still waiting for another BVAS as at the time voting ended.


Places visited by Radio Nigeria crew included Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, Ejigbo, Iwo and Ola-Oluwa local government areas, while in Osun West Senatorial District recorded a peaceful electoral process.

Politics

INEC Shifts Governorship, State Assembly Elections

By Web News 559

By Ogochukwu Okoronkwo

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has postponed the Governorship and State Assembly elections from the 11th to 18 of March 2023.

A statement signed by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, indicated that the postponement followed Wednesday’s ruling by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (EPT) on the reconfiguration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) used for the Presidential election held on 25th of February.

“Nigerians would recall that on 3rd March 2023, the Presidential EPT had given an ex-parte order for some political parties to inspect materials used for the Presidential election, including the forensic inspection of over 176,000 BVAS used in the election which are located in INEC LGA offices across the country”.

”The Commission approached the Tribunal to reconsider the order, given that the BVAS Systems were to be deployed for the Governorship and State Assembly elections and that the lack of a clearly defined timeframe for the inspection could disrupt the Commission’s ability to conduct the outstanding elections.” the statement read in part.

It further explained that, while the ruling of the Tribunal makes it possible for the Commission to commence the preparation of the BVAS for the Governorship and State Assembly elections, it came far too late for the reconfiguration to be concluded.

“It is necessary to ensure that there is adequate time to back up the data stored on the over 176,000 BVAS machines from the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on the 25th of last month and then to reconfigure them for the Governorship and State Assembly elections. This has been the practice for all elections.”
It, however, reiterates that the Commission will continue to grant all litigants access to the materials they require to pursue their cases in court”, the statement adds.

The Commission also reassured all political parties and candidates that the data from the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be backed up and available in INEC cloud facilities, including the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
It added that Political parties can apply for Certified True Copies of the backend data of the BVAS and the results on the BVAS will continue to be available on the IReV for interested parties to access.

It directs the Political Parties to continue with campaigns until midnight of Thursday 16th of this month; that is 24 hours before the new date for the election.

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Politics

March 11 Election: Tegbe Canvasses Support for Makinde

By Web News 401

By Iyabo Adebisi

The Oyo South Senatorial District Candidate of the People Democratic Party, PDP, at the just concluded election Chief Joseph Tegbe has urged his supporters to put the disappointment of last weekend behind them and ensure the reelection of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Speaking at a meeting with members of his campaign council and his supporters, Chief Tegbe called for the overall success of the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming governorship and state house of assembly elections.

A cross-section of Chief Tegbe’s supporters at the meeting.

He described Governor Makinde as a statesman who prioritized the development of the state and the welfare of the people in his first term, leading to many milestones achieved in the past four years. 

Chief Tegbe admonished the good people of Oyo State people not to be intimated to vote for politicians, who are only desperate to win elections, but rather to vote for good governance in the 11th March governorship and the house of assembly election.

The Oyo South PDP senatorial candidate, however, noted that his team had started taking the necessary steps required to correct every anomaly in the National Assembly election to reclaim his mandate. 

Members of the Chief Tegbe Support Group from various zones of the state took turns to eulogize the Ibadan Mogaji and restated their commitment to his cause.

They affirmed their readiness to double their efforts next weekend, as directed by their principal, Chief Tegbe.

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Culture

Olu of Igboora Urges Residents to Sustain Peaceful Conduct

By Web News 758

By Maxwell Oyekunle 

The Olu of Igboora, His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye has once again advised the people of the ancient city to continue to maintain the peaceful ambience as the election progresses.

The Monarch stated this in an interview with a Radio Nigeria election monitoring team who paid him a visit at his palace.

Ọba Titiloye urged people to go about exercising their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner. 

He added that people should ensure they vote for candidates who are capable of delivering on their promises and also men and women of proven integrity. 

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Politics

Impressive Turnout of Voters in Ogun

By Web News 483

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

A large turnout of voters was witnessed at Obantoko Ward 7, Unit 1 and 2, Ward 6, Unit 10 in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State as accreditation and voting took place simultaneously.

Voters, who spoke with Radio Nigeria, said the exercise had been peaceful so far and the BVAS was working effectively.

Security personnel were on the ground at all areas visited, while fewer security roadblocks were noticed around the axis. 

The situation was the same at Itoku, Ward 11 Unit 19 Bata 1 and 2 in Abeokuta South, with a large turnout of voters going through accreditation and voting simultaneously while electoral officers had earlier removed some posters of political parties displayed at the polling unit.

Similarly, the turnout of voters was impressive at polling units visited in Iperu Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

Accreditation and voting started early at Iregun Ward 3 Polling Unit 3, and Ita-Osanyin Ward 3, Polling Unit 2.

Men and officers of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, EFCC as well as the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA were seen at various polling units visited.

 In the Yewa South Local Government Area of the state, the turnout of voters was impressive, but the voting witnessed a hitch due to faulty BVAS.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, the Presiding Officer at Ward 1 Unit 9, Mr  Akinniyi Abayomi said the relevant authorities had been notified to address the issue of faulty BVAS.

Some of the voters, who claimed to have been in queue very early in the morning,  expressed disappointment over the delay and urged the INEC to promptly do the needful.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission in Ogun State has reiterated the commitment of the commission in ensuring that all votes count in the ongoing general election in the State.

According to the electoral umpire, no eligible voters who have come out to cast their ballots will be disenfranchised.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Niyi Ijalaye stated this while monitoring elections at some polling units including, Ward 1, Unit 14, Egunrete, Ikenne, which is the polling booth for the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

Also visited were the polling units of the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun Ita Osain Ward 3, Unit 2, Iperu Remo and Wesley School, Ward  5, Unit 4.

Mr Ijalaye commended the people of the state for comporting themselves in an orderly manner while casting their votes, especially giving special consideration to pregnant women, the Elderly and people living with a disability.

In Ogun State, today’s election is expected to produce 3 senators and 9 members of the House of Representatives.