Politics

Osun REC Warns Against Divisive Rhetoric in Campaigns

By Web News 109

By Mojisola Oladele

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has demanded strict compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026, from all political actors during campaign activities.

Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dr Mutiu Agboke, issued the call during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo.

He asserted that political rallies are an essential democratic component, allowing parties to present their visions and voters to assess candidates.

“Campaigns are not merely ceremonial displays of strength; rather, they are constitutionally and legally recognised avenues for presenting policy alternatives and manifestoes to the electorate,” Dr Agboke stated.

He emphasised that electioneering campaigns are integral to democratic practice and should not devolve into mere popularity contests.

“As we approach the campaign season, it is imperative to emphasise that all political activities must be conducted strictly in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, 2026, INEC Regulations and Guidelines, the Peace Accord framework and relevant security advisories,” the Osun REC said.

Dr Agboke stressed that campaigns must focus on educating voters about party ideology, mobilising support through persuasion, and strengthening democratic participation.

He urged political parties to centre their rallies on substantive policy issues rather than “rhetorics capable of inciting division among residents.”

In his remarks, Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Gotan—represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Ademola Adebayo—stated that INEC requires maximum stakeholder support to organise a credible poll.

Election campaigns by political parties in the state will commence on 11th March.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Politics

Ondo Former Deputy Governor Wins PDP Ticket

By Web News 394

By Abiodun Akinluwa/Olumide Abudu

Ondo State former Deputy Governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi has won the governorship election primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP held at International Event Centre, the Dome ahead of the November 16th Guber poll. 

Mr Agboola Ajayi polled two hundred and sixty four votes to defeat other six aspirants. 

Announcing the results, the Chairman of the PDP Primary Election Committee and the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo said Mr Agboola Ajayi polled the highest number of lawful votes cast.

Mr Ewhrudjakpo noted that six hundred and twenty one delegates were accredited and voted as well while six delegates were absent. 

Out of the total votes cast, two votes were voided.

The Committee Chairman commended the conduct of the delegates and the aspirants in the election processes. 

Other aspirants votes recorded are as follows, former Member of the House of Representatives, Mr Kolade Akinjo polled one hundred and fifty seven, Chief Sola Ebiseni polled ninety nine votes, Deolu Akinwumi polled sixty four votes, Chief Bamidele Akingboye scores twenty four votes, John Ola Mafo polled nine votes and Deacon Bosun polled two votes.

Responding to his emergence, Mr Agboola Ajayi commended the transparent process of the primary election and promised to work with other aspirants to ensure victory for the PDP in the November 16th Governorship Election. 

The primary election was witnessed by the Ondo State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, Accredited observers and security agencies. 

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Politics

BREAKING: Tribunal Orders Rerun of Kaduna Guber Polls

By Web News 957

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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Security

Guber Poll: Police, Stakeholders Hold Security Meeting

By Web News 629

By Abisola Oluremi

About two hundred stakeholders from the 33 local government areas of Oyo state on Tuesday converged on the state headquarters of the Nigeria Police force, Eleyele, Ibadan, for a security meeting ahead of Saturday’s election.

State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Williams, solicited the support of the stakeholders, who were mostly students, politicians, traditional and religious leaders at ensuring a violence-free election.

CP Williams allayed the fears that some unscrupulous elements were already in the state to disrupt the election.

In a goodwill message, the Okere of Saki, Oba Kahlid Olabisi suggested an increase in the number of security personnel at collation centres.

Also, the State Director of, the National Orientation Agency, Mr Kayode Odedokun stressed the need for the electorate to cast their votes correctly so as to make their votes count.

The Are Mogaji of Ibadan land, Alhaji Asimiyu Adepoju advocated the need for prayers ahead of Saturday’s election and urged the police to rid all polling units of people selling alcoholic drinks.

In a message, the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde assured the people that a credible election would be held.

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Politics

Osun Guber Poll: Stakeholders Call for Orderliness

By Web News 448

Former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Lai Olurode, has cautioned politicians in Osun state against fomenting crises during the July 16 governorship election.

Professor Olurode gave the warning while addressing Journalists in Osogbo, at a Peace Summit “Omoluabi convergence” organized by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Osun State chapter, for governorship candidates to address some stakeholders in the state.

He said elections should not be seen as do or die affairs, warning that causing a breach of peace over an election may truncate democracy.

“There would be other elections if they lose this time, tomorrow, they can win, but if they destroy the state because they lost an election or raise false alarms, false allegations there would be no state for them to do anything again.”

In his address, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, Professor Abdulganiy Raji, said the Commission can only sensitize people and politicians against vote selling and buying, “INEC has no power to arrest those indulging in the act”.

Professor Raji, however, urged people not to sell their votes, saying involvement in that may lead to the emergence of incompetent leaders.

In his remark, the President, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, said NIPR as an image-maker wants political gladiators in Osun to maintain the peaceful image identified with the state during and after the election.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, NIPR Osun State, Mr. Ademola Adesoji, had explained that the summit was to encourage politicians to ensure peace in the state by signing a Peace charter by all political parties.

Funmi Adekoya