Politics

Adeleke Emerges Accord Party Candidate for 2026 Osun Election

By Web News 346

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Accord Party for the August 8, 2026 election in the state.

Governor Adeleke clinched the ticket at the party’s primary election held in Osogbo, the state capital, with participation from 150 accredited delegates drawn from the 30 local government areas of Osun State.

Announcing the result, Secretary of the Electoral Committee, Alhaji Abdulazeez Salaudeen, declared Adeleke winner after he secured 145 votes, while five votes were declared void.

Following the announcement, National Chairman of the Accord Party, Mr. Maxwell Ngbudem, presented the governor with a Certificate of Return, officially affirming him as the party’s candidate for the 2026 governorship election.

In his acceptance speech, Governor Adeleke expressed gratitude to party leaders, delegates, and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, describing the victory as a renewed call to service and a reflection of the party’s unity.

He reaffirmed his commitment to people-centered governance, pledging to deepen reforms, strengthen public institutions, expand economic empowerment, and accelerate infrastructural development across the state.

Governor Adeleke called on party members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2026 election, stressing that collective effort would secure victory at the polls.

He commended the electoral committee for its transparent conduct and lauded delegates from all 30 local government areas for their active participation, noting that the overwhelming support reflected trust in his leadership.

The primary election was supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alongside party observers.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Politics

Rerun: Oyo APC Urges Electorate to Honour Tinubu by Voting Shadipe, Lam-Adesina

By Web News 503

By Oluwakayode Banjo

As relevant stakeholders warm up for this Saturday’s supplementary election in some polling units in two federal constituencies in Oyo State, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has expressed optimism that it would emerge victorious urging the electorate to honour the president-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by voting its candidates at the poll.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared April 15, 2023 as the date for the conduct of fresh elections in two polling units in Oluyole Federal Constituency as well as three each in both Ibadan North East and Ibadan South East local government councils which make up another federal constituency following reported infractions which necessitated the inability of INEC to declare winners in the February 25 presidential and national assembly elections.

The leadership of Oyo APC, in a communiqué issued after an extended Executive Committee Members meeting held on Wednesday at the Oke-Ado State Secretariat of the party, reiterated support for Mrs Tolulope Akande-Shadipe and Mr Dapo Lam-Adesina who are seeking to represent Oluyole and Ibadan North East/South East federal constituencies for second term respectively, “because the two candidates remain the best option as representatives of their people at this time”.

“The duo share similar attributes of competence, experience and responsibility, unlike the candidates of the PDP and other parties in the contest. It is in this regard that we are urging voters in the affected polling units to go for the best and reject those who would only go to Abuja to warm the bench. We also urge the electorate to be mindful of the fact that voting the candidates of the APC would further cement the confidence which Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has developed in them as he prepares to start reciprocating the gesture as soon as he is sworn in on May 29”.

In the communiqué, stakeholders also passed a vote of confidence on the Isaac Omodewu-led State Executive Committee, “which delivered the biggest winning votes for the president-elect, delivered the three Senatorial and eight House of Representatives seats”.

“We make bold to eulogize all the leaders, stalwarts and loyalists of our Progressive party for the yeoman’s job which they did before, during and after the general election. We single out the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, for his rare demonstration of courage and statesmanship as he forged ahead in spite of all odds to make a loud statement as a democrat and dogged fighter”.

“Meanwhile, we kick against the surreptitious moves being made by some unscrupulous political jobbers to twist facts and present themselves as the facilitators of the electoral feat recorded for the APC on February 25 with a view to getting juicy appointments and patronage from the president-elect. Also, we would like to use this medium to announce that the doors of our party are open to people from other political parties to come on board while nobody would be discriminated against whether as a new or returning member.” the communiqué read.

The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by all state executive committee members as well as chairmen, secretaries, women and youth leaders of the party from across the 33 Local Government Councils in the state.

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Politics

Ekiti INEC Begins Preparation for Assembly Supplementary Election

By Web News 391

By Amos Ogunrinde

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it has commenced preparation in earnest for the smooth conduct of the April 15 supplementary election in Ido/Osi Constituency 1 of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, EKHA.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Professor Ayobami Salami made this known in Ado-Ekiti while presenting Certificates of Return to twenty-five lawmakers-elect for the assembly.

Professor Salami who announced that the supplementary election would take place in three polling units, sought the support of stakeholders in the area to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, while congratulating the lawmakers-elect on their victory urged them to justify their mandate by impacting positively on their constituents.

He described the just concluded House of Assembly Election in Ekiti State as the most successful in the country as a result of the cooperation of all the stakeholders.

“The House of Assembly poll went well and I must commend the support and cooperation of everybody in the state”, Prof Salami said

Speaking on behalf of others, the Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Hakeem Jamiu representing Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency.

Two applauded the electoral body for conducting an acceptable House of Assembly poll.

Mr Jamiu noted that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, made rigging and other irregularities difficult during the election.

The Deputy Speaker told the gathering that Ekiti State had six female lawmakers-elect, which is the highest in the history of the country in any State House of Assembly in Nigeria.

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Politics

INEC Trains Over Ten Thousand Ad-Hoc Staff in Ekiti

By Web News 652

By Amos Ogunrinde

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Ekiti State says, over ten thousand ad-hoc staff and corps members have been trained in readiness for the 2023 general election.

The INEC Head of Voter’s Education and Publicity, Mr Temitope Akanmu who made this known to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, said the commission was ready for the polls.

Mr Akanmu said the trained ad-hoc staff comprised Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers, Supervisory Presiding Officers and Registration Areas Technicians.

According to him, the electoral body would deploy a minimum of two thousand, four hundred and forty-five, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BIVAS in the polling units across the state.

INEC Head of Voter Education and Publicity announced that the electoral body had taken delivery of the sensitive materials while the non-sensitive ones had also been distributed to the sixteen council areas.

Mr Akanmu made it clear that the commission had carried out aggressive voter education on the need for the electorate to participate actively in the exercise and also to be peaceful in their conduct. 

The INEC spokesperson added that 789,318 permanent voter’s cards had been collected out of about one million registered voters in Ekiti, saying that about 200 thousand voter cards had not been collected. 

Radio Nigeria also spoke to a cross-section of voters in Ekiti State on their level of readiness to participate in the polls.

They, however, called for adequate security to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.

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Politics

North-West, South-West Top 93 Million Voter Register List

By Web News 711

*Lagos has 7,060,195 voters, Kano 5,921,370, Kaduna 4,335,208

*INEC rules out postponement, says no going back on poll timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday released the final list of voters that will cast their ballots in the elections, with the North-West and South-West having the lion’s share of the 93.4 million eligible voters.

Presenting the voter register at a meeting with leaders of political parties at the INEC headquarters, Abuja, the commission’s Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said the number of registered youths was 37,060,399.

In November 2022, the commission published the preliminary register of voters across the 774 local government areas on its website to enable eligible voters to confirm their details, as well as for Nigerians to report ineligible persons captured in the register.

Yakubu said the commission received more than 53,000 objections to the register, after which the ineligible voters were removed.

He stated, “After the cleaning-up of the data from the last continuous voter registration exercise, 9,518,188 new voters were added to the previous register, resulting in the preliminary register of 93,522,272, which was presented to Nigerians for claims and objections as required by law.

“At the end of the period for claims and objections by citizens, the commission received 53,264 objections from Nigerians to the prevalence of ineligible persons on the register by age, citizenship, or death. These names have been verified and removed from the register.”

According to the figures released by the commission, the North-West geopolitical zone has the highest number of registered voters with 22,255,562.

As of the 2019 elections, the North-West had 20.15m voters. However, the latest report released by INEC showed that over 2m new voters registered during the recently concluded continuous voter registration.

The South-West, which in 2019 had 16,292,212 registered voters, now has 17,958,966, having added 1,666,754 new registered voters.

The North-Central, which had 13,366,070 registered voters in 2019, now has 15,363,731.

The electoral body figures also show that the South-South has 14,440,714 registered voters. The region boasted 12,841,279 registered voters in 2019.

 On the other hand, the North-East currently has 12,542,429 up from 11,289, 293 voters it had in 2019 while the South-East has 10,907,606 up from 10,057,130 registered voters it had in 2019.

By gender, men surprisingly dominate the voter register at 49,054,162 (52.5 per cent) while the figure of female voters stands at 44,414,846 (47.5 per cent).

Lagos, Kano lead

Further breakdown by states showed that Lagos has the highest number of registered voters with 7,060,195, followed by Kano with 5,921,370 and Kaduna, 4,335,208.

Others include Abia, 2,120,808; Adamawa, 2,196,566; Akwa-Ibom, 2,357,418; Anambra, 2,656,437; Bauchi, 2,749,268; Bayelsa, 1,056,862; Benue, 2,777,727; Borno, 2,513,281; Cross River 1,766,466; Delta, 3,221,697; Ebonyi, 1,597,646; Edo, 2,501,081; Ekiti, 987,647; Enugu, 2,112,793; FCT, 1,570,307; Gombe, 1,575,794 and Imo, 2,419,922.

Other states are Jigawa, 2,351,298; Katsina, 3,516,719; Kebbi, 2,032,041; Kogi, 1,932,654; Kwara 1,695,927; Nasarawa, 1,899,244; Niger, 2,698,344; Ogun, 2,688,305; Ondo, 1,991,344; Osun, 1,954,800; Oyo, 3,276,675; Plateau, 2,789,528; Rivers, 3,537,190; Sokoto, 2,172,056; Taraba, 2,022,374; Yobe,1,485,146; and Zamfara, 1,926,870.

For the age group, registered youths (18-34) were 37,060,399; Middle aged (35-49) 33,413,591; Elderly (50-69), 17,700,270; old (70+) 5,294,748.

The INEC chairman assured Nigerians that the commission was not contemplating postponing the general elections.

Yakubu also stated that the timetable for the election had not changed, assuring that the elections would hold as scheduled.

He stated, “Following the display of the voter register nationwide and the conclusion of claims and objections by citizens, a new national register of voters has been compiled.

“In short, at no time in the recent history of the commission has so much of the forward planning and implementation been accomplished 44 days ahead of a general election.

“Therefore, the commission is not contemplating any adjustment to the election timetable, let alone the postponement of the general elections.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday 25th February 2023 while governorship and state assembly elections will hold two weeks later on Saturday, 11th March, 2023.

“The repeated assurance by the security agencies for the adequate protection of our personnel, materials and processes also reinforces our determination to proceed. The 2023 general elections will hold as scheduled. Any report to the contrary is not the official position of the commission.

“As a further affirmation of the commission’s readiness to conduct the 2023 general elections as scheduled, the final register of voters has been compiled. You would recall that for the 2019 general elections, Nigeria had a voter population of 84,004,084.

“After the cleaning-up of the data from the last continuous voter registration exercise (June 2021 – July 2022), 9,518,188 new voters were added to the previous register resulting in the preliminary register of 93,522,272, which was presented to Nigerians for claims and objections as required by law.

“Consequently, the register of voters for the 2023 general election stands at 93,469,008.’’

He said the soft copy of the complete register would be presented to each political party, adding that it was organised by state, local government, ward and polling units.

The soft copy of the breakdown and analysis would be uploaded to the INEC website and social media platforms shortly, Yakubu explained.

INEC pledges

Assuring the nation of INEC’s readiness to conduct a transparent and credible exercise, he said, “I would like to reiterate our commitment to transparent, credible and inclusive 2023 general elections.

‘’We will continue to take every step to protect the sanctity of the votes cast by citizens and to deal with infractions, including the arrest and prosecution of persons that attempt to perpetuate illegality at polling units on election day, be they under-aged voters or vote buyers.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

Stay away from fraudulent acts – Osun REC to Corps Members

By Web News 459

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned corps members who will be participating in the conduct of the 2023 elections against fraudulent acts during the election.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC in Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke gave the warning during a sensitisation training for corps members at the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Orientation Camp in Ede, Osun State.

Dr Agboke who noted that the electorate sees corps members as innocent citizens who cannot compromise urged them not to take bribes from anybody to favour any political party.

He explained that sensitisation became imperative to prepare the corps members for the task ahead of them.

Dr Agboke advised the corps members, who will be working as Presiding Officers during the election, to make themselves available for all the training by INEC to enable them to understand their role in the election.

Speaking on the collection of Permanent Voter Cards, PVC, by residents of Osun State, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, said over 400,000 voter cards are ready for collection.

He called on the people to visit the INEC centres to collect their PVCs without which they will not be allowed to vote during the election.

Funmi Adekoya

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Security

INEC Solicits NSCDC’s Support for Hitch-Free General Elections

By Web News 516

In preparation towards the 2023 general elections, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Oyo State, Dr Rahman Tella has solicited the support of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC for a secure and safe atmosphere. 

Dr Tella stated this during a courtesy visit to the State Commandant of NSCDC at the command’s headquarters, Agodi Ibadan, Mr Michael Adaralewa at ensuring that people’s lives and properties were safe before, during and after the elections. 

Dr Tella sought the continued support of the NSCDC in the protection of INEC offices, election equipment, personnel and other materials meant for the coming general elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner expressed the readiness of the commission to conduct credible elections in 2023 and used the medium to sensitize the command on how the equipment meant for use during the election works.

He stated further that sensitization programmes for the electorates were already on nationwide for them to have a hitch-free exercise. 

Responding, the State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Oyo State, Mr Micheal Adaralewa commended the INEC REC for his visit and promised a strong working relationship with the commission to collectively rebirth the story of elections in Nigeria. 

He noted that the corps was ready to support INEC as it was part of national assets which was their mandate to protect. 

The NSCDC boss further assured the REC of the corps’s commitment to providing 24-hours security coverage at the commission’s office both at the state headquarters and local government areas respectively.

Rasheedah Makinde

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Lifestyle

INEC Oyo State Wins NAFOHEADS Quiz

By Web News 648

Representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Oyo State have emerged winners of the quiz competition organized by the National Forum of Heads of Federal Establishment, NAFOHEADS with 90 points.

The Nigeria Postal Service, NIPOST, came second followed by Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB clinching the third position.

The three agencies emerged winners out of the eleven that participated in the competition.

Addressing the gathering, local organizing committee chairman, Dr Adewuni Stephen said the quiz competition which before now drew participants from schools was modified to capture civil servants while quiz content reflected civil service rule and current affairs.

In an interview, the acting Chairman, NAFOHEAD, Pastor Mrs Omolara Esan said the forum could not hold its annual event three years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pastor Mrs Esan explained that the forum was confronted by financial constraints urging agencies in the state to live up to their financial obligations to the forum.

The event which featured a health talk enabled executives to hold their Annual General Meeting, AGM, where the activities of NAFOHEAD were reviewed.

Rotimi Famakin

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Politics

Osun REC Visits Police, NSCDC, DSS in Osogbo

By Web News 778

The newly deployed Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,  in Osun State, Doctor Mutiu Agboke has paid a familiarization visit to major security formations in the state, with an appeal to them for synergy to secure the property of the commission.

The REC who visited the Police State Headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC and the Directorate of State Security all in Osogbo, said adequate security was key to providing an enabling environment for Nigerians to exercise their franchise in the next year’s general election.

Doctor Agboke told his hosts that with the introduction of technology into the Nigeria election management system, outcomes of elections would reflect the wish and aspirations of the people.

“It’s just about 100 days to the general election. I want to assure you that the commission is fully prepared. The recent attacks in Osun and Ogun States would not prevent the commission from organising a free, fair, credible election.”

“I urge all politicians to go to the people with good manifestoes. The era of election rigging is gone for good. The people’s vote is the only determinant of who wins the election. Our politicians should also steer clear of vote buying because it’s criminal. We all have roles to play in bringing sanity into our political space”.

He said solicited effective collaboration between the security agencies and INEC to ensure that hoodlums were not allowed to derail Nigeria’s democratic adventure.

Dr Agboke charged the security outfits to confront the challenge of vote buying by arresting its perpetrators during the election.

In a response, Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Faleye Olaleye expressed concern over the recent attack on the INEC office in Ede South Local Government and charged the commission to be proactive in protecting its facilities.

Mr Olayeye noted that from the series of calculated attacks on INEC facilities, there existed a fifth columnist who did not want the forthcoming election to hold, hence the need to join hands to defeat them.

The Police Commissioner assured INEC that the Inspector General had given marching orders for the compulsory protection of INEC materials and personnel nationwide.

It was the same message of assurance at the headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC at Oke Ayepe in Osogbo, where the state commandant, Mr Agboola Sunday said the service remains committed to its mandate of protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure.

My Sunday said the NSCDC was preparing for the next year’s election.

“If you notice some people in black uniform while you were coming to this office, they are our men. We are already training them for the election. We have a directive from above to do so. So we are preparing”.

Similarly, at the office of the Department of State Security, DSS, the Osun State Director, Mr Bankole Alade assured that the service would not rest on its oars to ensure the security of Nigerians before, during and after the election.

Adenitan Akinola

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Religion

Former Oyo REC Urges Nigerians to Desist from Ethnic, Religious Bias

By Web News 984

Only leaders with balanced knowledge, intelligence, courage and clear disposition can deliver the much-desired dividends of good governance to Nigerians.

The immediate past Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Oyo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke gave the advice while delivering a lecture titled “Attaining Our Dream Nationhood: Nurturing the Youth for Decent Leadership” on the occasion of the annual state lecture commemorating Nigeria’s 62nd independence anniversary by The Muslim Congress, TMC Oyo State in Ibadan.

Dr Agboke, who pointed out that there was a need for Nigerians to know the true character of future leaders before attaining leadership positions, stressed that Nigerian youth, especially Muslims must possess good leadership qualities to take their rightful positions in governance.

While affirming that accepting Nigeria’s destiny as a multi-religious state with over 200 ethnic groupings was important for peaceful co-existence and a better nation, the former INEC REC in Oyo state urged Nigerians to desist from ethnic segregation and religious discrimination.

He tasked the youths to provide leadership in voter education, saying there would be no room for result manipulation or rigging during the coming 2023 general elections.

Dr Agboke called on well-meaning Nigerians and politicians to be more organized and to reduce the suffering of the masses.

In another lecture on the topic “Engendering Morality and the Sanctity of Life: The Islamic Model, the Grand Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organisations, OIC, Lagos state, Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shaafi’ maintained that nepotism is anti-Islam and called for unity of purpose among Muslims and other Nigerians to foster national development.

Sheikh Shaafi’ advised youths against cybercrime and other criminal activities, noting that adherence to Islamic tenets was a panacea to value restoration and challenges facing Nigeria.

The Islamic scholar, who enjoined parents to instil values in their children, advocated a review of the education curriculum for value reorientation and improved welfare packages for teachers.

He also advised Federal Government to find a lasting solution to lingering insecurity and economic hardship.

Earlier, the chairman on the occasion, Dr Munir Durojaye said the event was a good step to addressing challenges facing Nigeria and in fulfilment of Muslims’ responsibility for societal reformation.

 In an address, the TMC National Ameer, Alhaji Abdulwasi’ Bangbala read by Oyo State Wali, Alhaji Daud Oladosu said that the annual state lecture was to inculcate good values in youth and purge Nigerians of primordial sentiments and brainstorm for policy direction.

In a goodwill message, the All Progressive Congress, APC senatorial candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr Yunus Akintunde hinted that his ambition was to work for upgrading of Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo and the only College of Surveying, Oyo to university. 

Dr Akintunde promised to ensure that constituents enjoy the results of purposeful representation in the Red Chamber.

Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Abdurahman Abduraheem represented by the Permanent Secretary (Inspector General of Education, Oyo state), Mrs Faoziyah Oluokun said the state government reintroduced the teaching of Civic and Religious Studies in schools for value restoration.

Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Kayode Odedokun represented by Deputy Director and Head, Planning Research and Strategy, Mrs Ajolayo Akande commended the TMC for organizing the programme in view of its significance to national development.

The event which had the theme “Restoring Our Pristine National Values” was attended by Oyo state Deputy Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal represented by Mr Zakariyyah Kunle-Sanni, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakr Agbotomokekere represented by Imam Hassan Onibiyan, religious and traditional rulers as well as Islamic organizations across the state.

Nofiu Busari     

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Politics

Voice of people living with disabilities should be heard – Stakeholders

By Web News 490

A political scientist, Dr Gbade Ojo says there is a need for people living with disabilities to be included in governance.

 He stated this at a colloquium held in Ibadan.

Dr Ojo who was the special adviser on political matters to Late Governor Ajimobi of Oyo State believed that democracy should be all-inclusive and not restricted to certain groups of people.

Similarly, the Spiritual Founder, Shafaudeen in Islam Alhaji Sabit Olagoke condemned in strong terms the non-inclusion of people living with disabilities in governance.

Alhaji Olagoke explained that in developed democracies segments of society such as people living with disability are not excluded in the political process.

On his part, Administrative Secretary, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mr Biodun Onkate-Amosun, said the commission was committed to ensuring that all marginalized groups including persons with disabilities were engaged in the electoral process.

The programme convener, who is the Assistant National Secretary, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mr Yusuf Olatunji said the programme was borne out of the need to ensure an all-inclusive democratic system for all without any form of bias.

Lilian Ibomor

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Politics

Ogun Declares Tuesday Work-Free For PVCs Registration

By Web News 386

As Independent National Electoral Commission,  INEC will end Continuous Voter Registration on July 31st 2022, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has declared Tuesday, 26th July 2022 as a work-free day for PVCs registration in the State.

In a Statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, the Governor said that the public holiday would give workers the opportunity to travel to their wards, local government areas and constituencies to perfect their Permanent Voters Registration.

While pointing out that the role of PVCs cannot be over-emphasized, Governor Abiodun also said that workers who had either lost their cards or were not registered would seize the opportunity to do the needful to enable them to participate in the next general election.

The Governor urged all eligible adults to seize the opportunity of the holiday to search for their Registered Voter Cards, fill out the claims and objections forms and transfer the PVCs where necessary.

Bolanle Adesida

 

 

 

Politics

Adequate knowledge of the Electoral Act will aid journalists – INEC

By Web News 503

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, wants media professionals in Osun State to study the new electoral act ahead of the July 16th governorship election in the state.

The Commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye stated this at a workshop organised for journalists in Osun State on the new innovation in the conduct of elections and the legal issues surrounding the new electoral act held in Osogbo the state capital.

Mr. Okoye said having adequate knowledge of the electoral act would enable journalists to perform their roles professionally and efficiently.

The INEC National Commissioner who hinted that the new electoral law would be the commission’s guiding principle in the conduct of the Osun State governorship election urged journalists to be fair and objective in their reportage.

While enlightening participants on the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System, BIVAS, and its usage the INEC Head of Department on ICT/VR, Mrs. Olufunke Toki hinted that BIVAS would prevent sharp practices during the election as it must first recognize both the face and fingerprint of every voter before he or she will be allowed to vote.  

In his remark, the Osun State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr. Wasiu Ajadosu noted that the workshop would equip journalists with the rudiments of electioneering in line with the new electoral law.

Some of the topics discussed during the workshop were technological innovations by INEC with emphasis on BIVAS and its usage, the electoral Act 2022, and the elections among others.

Abiodun Adeoye

Politics

Lawan’s Senatorial Hope Dims as INEC Recognises Machina

By Web News 415

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed Bashir Sheriff Machina as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Yobe Zone C Senatorial District.

The Electoral Umpire’s position was contained in a legally admissible Certified True Copy (CTC) of its report for the June 23, 2022 primary election.

The name of the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, was not mentioned in the report.

The APC leadership had submitted Lawan’s name as the party’s candidate for the election.

Mr Machina rushed to the INEC office in Yobe State to obtain a certified true copy of the primary election, as the commission monitored the primary

In a copy of the document, Mr Machina scored 289 out of the 300 votes cast by the delegates.

The INEC National Commissioner on Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, had cleared the air on the controversies surrounding the Yobe North Senatorial primary.

Speaking on a television programme, Mr Okoye advised aggrieved aspirants to obtain a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the election result from the commission.   

Pressure to relinquish ticket

Mr Machina has claimed that Senator Lawan, who ran in the APC presidential primary, did not participate in the senatorial primary.

Although Mr. Machina acknowledged that he was under pressure, he insisted that he would not give Senator Lawan the ticket.

Abdullahi Lamino/Tony Okerafor

Politics

Materials required for PWDs to vote available – INEC

By Web News 430

As part of preparations for Osun State governorship polls, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has reiterated its commitment to regular training of personnel in order to address issues relating to Persons with Disabilities, PWDs during the election scheduled for July, 16th.

The Acting Director, Gender and Inclusivity Department, INEC, Abuja, Mrs. Lakunuya Bello Stated this during a Programme in Osogbo. 

Mrs. Bello said relevant materials required for all categories of PWDs to vote on the Election Day had been made available by the Commission so that none of them would be disenfranchised. 

While responding on the topic Importance of PWDs Political Participation as Candidates and Voters, the Special Adviser to Osun Speaker, Mr Kehinde Onitiju urged politicians to support PWDs in various capacities of need. 

Also, another participant, Mrs Funmilayo Abdullahi, who bemoaned the negative attitudes of some members of the public towards PWDs during elections called on INEC to sensitize the public to desist from such discouraging attitudes.

Earlier in a remark, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Abdulhganiyi Raji, said soon all its offices would be designed for easy access for persons with disabilities and encouraged them to participate and take active roles in politics. 

Professor Raji added that according to statistics given by the United Nations,15 percent population of the world are PWDs, in other words about 30 million people in Nigeria are PWDs, hence their active participation is germane to the success of the polls.

Mojisola Oladele

Politics

No Thaw in Oyo APC Crisis as Court Adjourns Sitting

By Web News 637

The last might not have been heard of the leadership crisis in the All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo State as the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan adjourned sitting on a case filed before Hon. Justice Uche Nma Agomoh till Tuesday 21st of June.

The case for hearing on a matter brought before it by a chieftain of the party in Oyo state, Alhaji Kayode Adanla was against the national leadership of the party, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Oyo State chapter of the APC, state chairman of the party and five others as co-defendants.

The suit marked FHC/IB/CS/56/2022 is asking the court to among other things look into the controversies surrounding the election, appointment, and composition of executive members of the Oyo State chapter.

Also, the appellant filed an application for an order of injunction restraining the respondents, particularly the 3rd, 6th, 7th & 8th respondents from parading themselves as chairman and members in Oyo State pending the determination of the substantive suit.

In her ruling, Hon. Justice Uche Nma Agomoh said that the court would determine the jurisdiction or otherwise to entertain the matter.

The claimant/applicant, Alhaji Kayode Adanla is approaching the court to determine whether the first defendant along with his officials was right to have removed his name from the list of validly elected officials of the party from the state Congress of APC held at the Liberty Stadium on the 30th of October, 2021, where he claimed to have been unanimously elected and returned as the state organizing secretary of the party in the said election.

Mosope Kehinde

Politics

INEC Seeks Stakeholders’ Support on Voter Education

By Web News 471

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC seeks the support of stakeholders in the education of Voters ahead of the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State. 

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Adeniran Tella made the call at a Voter Education Implementation Workshop for Electoral Officers held in Ado Ekiti. 

Dr Tella, who said the commission could not achieve its mandate without the support of concerned stakeholders, noted that the workshop was part of INEC’s preparations for ensuring a successful poll. 

He pointed out that the workshop would afford the INEC staff, most especially those in charge of voter education to sensitise the electorates.

In their remarks, the Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA in Ekiti State, Mrs Olawumi Famuyiwa and the State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr Rotimi Ojomoyela promised to complement the efforts of the commission. 

Also, the state Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mrs Mary Chikezie called on INEC to put into consideration the security of corps members who would participate as ad-hoc staff in the election.

Amos Ogunrinde

Religion

Integrity is Key to Credible Election in Nigeria – Sheikh Mohammed Usman

By Web News 718

Integrity is a vital prerequisite for a credible election come 2023.

A foremost Islamic cleric, Sheikh Mohammed Usman, popularly known as Sonnu-Sheu stated this while delivering the 4th Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Oyo state with the topic “Roles of Citizens Toward the 2023 General Elections at the commission’s collation centre, Ibadan.

Sheikh Usman who read from Quran 6, Verse 135, emphasized the need for political parties and godfathers, the media, the electorate and the electoral umpire to play their roles as custodians of trust and be mindful of repercussions for wrongdoings.

The cleric, while describing Ramadan as a month of reformation, noted that INEC in Oyo State had demonstrated its resolve to maintain the standard of an unbiased umpire, calling on Nigerians to desist from mortgaging their future for inducements from politicians, and youths to shun violence and security agencies to be professional during the election period.

Chairman on the occasion, a professor in the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, UCH, Ibadan, Talhatu Hamzat highlighted trustworthiness, integrity, ability to convince others and intelligence as attributes that Muslims should exemplify according to prophetic teachings in governance and electoral process.

In a remark, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo state, Dr Mutiu Agboke noted that peace in the state was due to fairness on the part of the commission, calling on members of staff to always fear Allah in the discharge of their duties in the overall interest of INEC and national development.

In a goodwill message, former INEC National Commissioner, Chief Bayo Oyero advised the Electoral Officers and other officials to make contentment their watchwords and shun inducements to compromise their statutory duties.

The mother of the day, who is the Head of Service, Oyo State, Alhaja Amidat Agboola represented by the Permanent Secretary, Service Matters, Alhaji Nafiu Oladeinde, urged Nigerians to be the change that all citizens desired for Nigeria.

Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West, MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Yahya stressed that every citizen is a guardian of Allah’s trust, which shall be accounted for in the sight of Allah on the last day, hence the necessity to do the right thing at all times.

Highlights of the programme were Quranic recitation and special prayers for INEC on a successful general election in 2023, and peace and progress for Nigeria.

Nasrudeen Sherideen

Politics

4th Quarter CVR to commence next Monday – Agboke

By Web News 684

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says the fourth and last quarter of the Continuous Voter’s Registration, CVR will commence on Monday, 11th April 2022 and last till 30th June 2022.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke made this known during the stakeholders meeting on CVR and its devolution to the ward level at INEC Collation Centre, Ibadan.

Dr Agboke explained that the devolution of CVR to the 351 wards in the state following the expansion of voter access to polling units was to allow Nigerians who have not registered to enrol and those who want to change locations or replace defaced or damaged PVCs.

He gave assurance that all pending PVCs would be available before the 2023 general elections, noting that the commission has concluded work on the Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and Election Project Plan for 2023 polls.

Dr Agboke confirmed that INEC has resolved the wrong siting of newly converted polling units between Ogbomoso North and Surulere Local governments.

Speaking on behalf of other security agencies, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mrs Ngozi Onadeko represented by Mr Ademola Ajakaye promised adequate security of lives and property before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.

Oyo State Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Dr Olukemi Afolarin stated that deepening democracy and the need to move Nigeria forward was a collective task while calling on religious leaders to disseminate information on the necessity to collect PVCs and ensure peaceful conduct at all times.

The chairman of, Inter-Party Advisory Committee, IPAC in Oyo State, Apostle Dare Ojo promised that political actors would play the game according to rules for a better outcome in the next general elections.

A representative of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mrs Roseline Oniyide appealed for the provision of guides and amenities for special people to make it easier for them to vote on election day.

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere represented by Ustadh Hassan Ameen and a representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Oyo State, Bishop Daniel Oluwajimade pointed out that the pulpit has always been used to sensitize the congregation on the importance of participation in the electoral process. 

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke paid a courtesy visit to the Olubaban of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun to celebrate his recent installation and keep him abreast of INEC’s activities, as well as soliciting the intervention of traditional institution for a repeat of success in 2023.

Responding, the Olubaban of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, observed that there was the need for all and sundry to do the right thing, irrespective of political affiliations to have credible and peaceful elections in 2023.

Sherrifdeen Nasirudeen

Politics

 INEC Decries Voters’ Apathy in Ogun

By Web News 734

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Ogun State has expressed worry over low participation of voters.

The new Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr. Niyi Ijalaye made this known at the INEC’s headquarters in Abeokuta while speaking with chairmen and secretaries of political parties.

Mr. Ijalaye noted that the level of voters participation at every election year in Ogun State was rapidly declining.

He pointed out that during the last Continuous Voter Registration exercise in the state, one million, one hundred and twenty-six thousand, two hundred and forty-seven Permanent Voter Cards were printed from which over half were not collected.

Wale Oluokun

Politics

Non-Assent To Electoral Act Bill Could Cause Crisis – PDP

By Web News 579

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed disappointment over the non-assent to the electoral act amendment bill by President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the situation as a grave danger to the nation’s democracy.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Debo Ologunagba said the situation could trigger a political crisis in the country.

The PDP spokesman drew the attention of Nigerians and the international community to the development and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to do whatever it takes to stand with Nigerians by using electronic means to ensure a free and credible election.

The president had earlier explained that he withheld assent to the bill due to Section 84 which provides for only direct primary for getting party candidates in elections, a section that has now been amended by the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, the PDP has constituted campaign councils for Cross River, Ondo and Imo States bye-elections.

Victorson Agbenson

News Analysis

Promoting Inclusion of Women, Youths, PLWDs in Nigeria’s Political Process

By Web News 1709

Over the years, mainstream media played a pivotal role in information dissemination to the public, upon which decision of the people is formed about a particular subject.

The media has played important role in influencing the opinions and attitudes of its viewers and listeners, as the choice of words of news stories and images on a particular group of people speaks volumes about the public perception and inform their belief about such.

During the elections, women are the most visible and in the forefront of leading songs with different types of uniforms to eulogize aspirants and candidates in elections who are often their male counterparts, while most women who contest political posts are manipulated and frustrated out from the race by the male stakeholders who mostly hold key party positions.

Similarly, youths who should be an element of peace and development are usually portrayed by the media as objects of thuggery while the people with disabilities have low or even no representation because of limitations of their physical appearance making them the most ostracized during elections, either as voters or candidates.

However, the inclusion of women, youths and people with disabilities in the electoral system will undoubtedly create a just, fair and equitable society, promote peace and enhance human cohesion.

To achieve this, it behoves on broadcast media to go out of their comfort zones to hear and air the views of these groups over that of the majority who govern the system.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as an election umpire has set machinery in motion especially for people with disabilities through the provision of magnifying glasses, braille papers and special voting queues. 

These should adequately be monitored and publicized for the people with disabilities to have more confidence in the capacity of INEC and serve as an encouragement for them to participate in future elections.

Pieces of evidence abound that the opportunities provided by INEC to incorporate people with disabilities in the electoral process are still faced with some challenges.

For example, during the last governorship election, the EC30C Form provided for people with disabilities was not adequately utilized by ad-hoc staff because of complaints of inadequate time resulting in some polling units recording zero for people with disabilities.

The broadcast medium being the most accessible to the larger population should put INEC on its toes in ensuring that adequate provision was made in the process to allow this category of people exercise their franchise.

It is also important that media organisations give more coverage to women and youths by promoting policies and programmes that would give spaces for equity in social development.

The media should desist from derogatory phases that could further lead to injury on the emotions and interests of this group of people.

It is also believed that the extension of polling units across the country would further improve participation of women, youths and people with disabilities but the media has a duty to hold the electoral body responsible regarding the implementation of its policies not only on paper but in reality for the benefit of the people.

Olufisoye Adenitan

Politics

Oyo INEC To Use New Strategies To Contact PVC Registrants

By Web News 1985

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says it will incorporate call and text messages into the strategies to contact people who have not collected their Permanent Voters Card, PVCs.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke made this known at the stakeholders meeting Ibadan/Ibarapa Zone at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

Dr. Agboke who stated that Ibadan North local government has the highest number of uncollected Permanent Voters Card, PVCs said the commission would always relate with political parties and not factional groups to create awareness about Continuous Voters’ Registration, CVR, which is a prelude to elections.

He emphasized the need for Nigerians to complete their registration process at various INEC local government offices after the online pre-registration exercise.

The Electoral Officer, Ibarapa East Local Government, Mr. Adedapo Aderibigbe while speaking on behalf of all INEC electoral officers in Oyo State said the forum was part of the commission’s voters’ education programme to ensure credible elections in 2023.

In their goodwill messages, member representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, Mr. Abass Agboworin, member representing Ibadan North State Constituency 2, Mr. Adebayo Babajide and chairman, Ibadan North West, Alhaji Ramon Adepoju promised to mobilise people in their constituencies to register and collect their PVCs, urging religious leaders to always remind adherents to perform their civic responsibility.

The Divisional Police Officer, Ashi, Ibadan, Mrs. Rose Okonkwo restated that the police and other security agencies would continue to be partners in progress in the electoral process.

The highlight of the programme was a drama to sensitize Nigerians on the importance of registration, collection of PVCs, avoid double registration and transfer of voting.

Sheriffdeen Nasirudeen

Lifestyle

CVR: Delta NSCDC Commandant Charges Residents On Their Civic Duty

By Web News 1101

Delta State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Mr. Iskilu Akinsanya, has restated the readiness of the NSCDC to partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the ongoing nationwide continuous voter registration exercise.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, DSC Emeka Okwechime, in Asaba, the state capital.

Commandant Akinsanya advised residents who have attained the age of eighteen, and those without a permanent voter card to participate in the voter registration exercise to avoid late hour rush.

The statement noted the initiative was part of the corporate social responsibility of the force geared towards mobilizing the populace for the significant exercise.

Commandant Iskilu Akinsanya also stressed that the NSCDC is a people-friendly security outfit and urged the public to feel free to visit any of its stations with verifiable information that could lead to the arrest of criminal elements in the state.

Oghenero Eghweree

Politics

CVR: Physical Registration Begins July 19th – Oyo INEC

By Web News 751

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says the commission has dedicated www.cvr.inecnigeria.org and www.cvr.inec.gov.ng as portals for the ongoing online Continuous Voter Registration, CVR.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Mr. Mutiu Agboke who made this known at a news conference at the commission headquarters, Agodi, Ibadan, explained that the online CVR was to reduce overcrowding at registration centres in compliance with Covid-19 protocols and in with security situation in the country.

Mr. Agboke also confirmed that the commission would begin physical registration in all the commission’s office beginning from 19th July this year across the state and local government offices for the benefit of those who cannot use online platforms.

He urged people to use the period of the CVR to visit INEC offices for their yet to be collected Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner added that there are 6,390 polling units and 111 registration centres in Oyo state, following conversion of polling points to polling units.

Sheriffdeen Nasirudeen