Tag: INEC

Senator Barau Urges Tinubu to Advocate for INEC Supervision of Local Government Chairmen Elections
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Senator Barau Urges Tinubu to Advocate for INEC Supervision of Local Government Chairmen Elections

In a call to action, Senator Barau Jibrin appeals to President Ahmad Bola Tinubu to champion the reinstatement of the authority of Local Government areas in Nigeria. An important aspect of this restoration, as highlighted by Senator Barau Jibrin, is the transfer of Local Government Chairmen Elections oversight to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC). This move aims to empower them with decision-making and implementation capabilities. During a discussion on a motion focusing on the revival of local government autonomy in Nigeria, the Deputy Senate President pointed out the prevalent issue of state governors exerting control over Local Councils through various mechanisms. Reflecting on the past, Senator Barau Jibrin remarked, “When INEC was responsible for conducting Local Governme...
The suspension of Adamawa REC, Yunusa Ari, results in a court-issued arrest warrant
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The suspension of Adamawa REC, Yunusa Ari, results in a court-issued arrest warrant

An arrest warrant has been issued by a high court in Adamawa State against the State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Hudu Yunusa Ari. Issued by Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan on Wednesday, the warrant instructs the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately arrest and produce Yunusa Ari in court to face trial on three counts. This development followed an application by the Adamawa State Government, filed on April 16, 2024. The charges against Ari include unlawfully declaring the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Aishatu Ahmed Binani, as the winner prior to the completion of result collation for the election. Representing the complainant, Leonard Nzadon, informed the court about the applicatio...
‘Peter Obi speaks on the crucial role of an impartial judiciary’
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‘Peter Obi speaks on the crucial role of an impartial judiciary’

An advocate for the sanctity of the legal system, during the Justice Anthony Aniagolu’s Memorial Lecture at Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu, Mr Peter Obi expressed his belief in the critical role of an unbiased judiciary in upholding justice. Reflecting on his past experience, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the upcoming 2023 general election shared how he had personally benefited from the integrity of incorruptible judges. Recalling a tumultuous electoral dispute in Anambra State, Obi revealed, "I endured a prolonged legal battle where justice prevailed in my favor, despite facing challenges along the way." Highlighting the significance of independent adjudicators, he emphasized, "The judiciary played a pivotal role in restoring my mandate and upholding the rule of...
‘God used Wike as a tool, not to make Fubara governor’ – APC chieftain Eze
Politics

‘God used Wike as a tool, not to make Fubara governor’ – APC chieftain Eze

Chief Eze C. Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, and member of the APC Legacy Projects Media Team, has stated that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is not in conflict with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. In addition, he praised President Tinubu for wisely distancing himself from the dispute between Fubara and the Federal Capital Territory Minister. Eze suggested that Fubara did not owe his position as Governor of Rivers State to Wike but was rather an instrument used by God for that purpose. He emphasized that those who criticize Fubara do not fully understand his character, as the current governor is on a divine mission unlike his past self. According to Eze, the actions taken by certain individuals were orchestrated by Go...
A Court Order for APC and INEC to Submit Their Defense in a Lawsuit Seeking Aiyedatiwa’s Removal as Candidate in Ondo Governorship Election
Politics

A Court Order for APC and INEC to Submit Their Defense in a Lawsuit Seeking Aiyedatiwa’s Removal as Candidate in Ondo Governorship Election

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to present their defense in a lawsuit that seeks to disqualify Aiyedatiwa as the APC's gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming November election. In a time-sensitive matter, the judge ordered the three defendants to submit their respective defenses within the legally stipulated timeframe. This directive came after the APC claimed to have requested the transfer of the case from Abuja to Ondo State by writing to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. During the proceedings on Tuesday, APC's lead counsel Tayo Oyetibo informed the court about the request for the case to be move...
Judgment Reserved by Tribunal in Kogi Governor Election Dispute
Politics

Judgment Reserved by Tribunal in Kogi Governor Election Dispute

Reserving its decision, the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, located in Abuja, heard the petition brought by the Social Democratic Party, SDP, and its governorship candidate, Murtala Ajaka, challenging the election victory of Governor Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress, APC. During Monday's session, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the APC, and Ododo urged the court to dismiss Ajaka's petition, asserting that it was incompetent and lacked merit, as presented by their legal representatives Kanu Agabi, Joseph Daudu, and Emmanuel Ukala in their final written statements. Ajaka's counsel, Pius Akubo, countered Ododo's assertions, requesting the tribunal to reject Ododo's arguments and support theirs. After hearing all part...
Judgment Pending in Dispute Over Kogi Governor Election
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Judgment Pending in Dispute Over Kogi Governor Election

The Tribunal for the Kogi State Governorship Election, which is located in Abuja, has not yet delivered its judgment on the petition brought forward by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate Murtala Ajaka, challenging the election victory of Governor Usman Ododo from the All Progressives Congress (APC). During Monday's session, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC, and Ododo urged the court to dismiss Ajaka's petition, claiming it was incompetent and lacked merit. Lawyers representing them, namely Kanu Agabi, Joseph Daudu, and Emmanuel Ukala, made this argument while presenting their final written arguments. On the other side, Ajaka's counsel, Pius Akubo, requested that the tribunal reject Ododo's submissions and uphold their own arguments. A...
IPAC Urges Political Parties to Reassess Pricing of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms
Politics

IPAC Urges Political Parties to Reassess Pricing of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms

During the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s second regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has advocated for a review of the costs associated with expression of interest and nomination forms within political parties. IPAC Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, emphasized the need for this adjustment on Monday. Expressing disapproval of the prevalent politics characterized by bitterness and a 'do-or-die' mentality, Dantalle warned that such behaviors could erode the progress of Nigeria's democracy. He urged politicians to uphold democratic principles, ethical standards, and avoid any rhetoric or actions that could destabilize the constitutional governance. Highlighting the issue of exorbitant fees for expression of inte...
Deadline Set by INEC for Submission of Names for Ondo State Gubernatorial Election
Politics

Deadline Set by INEC for Submission of Names for Ondo State Gubernatorial Election

Political parties vying in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election have until May 20, 2024 to submit the names of their candidates, as announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC). During a consultative meeting with political party leaders in preparation for the 2024 Edo and Ondo States governorship elections, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, revealed this deadline on Monday. Yakubu emphasized the importance of parties finalizing and submitting the names of their candidates before the specified date, as there will be no provision for an extension of the deadline. This deadline marks the closure of the portal for candidates participating in the forthcoming Ondo governorship election as stated by the INEC Chairman. In his address, Yakubu pointed out, "Turning to...
Concerns over Conduct of Edo and Ondo Elections by INEC – IPAC
Politics

Concerns over Conduct of Edo and Ondo Elections by INEC – IPAC

There is a strong focus on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure the gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States are conducted fairly, credibly, and inclusively, as stated by the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle during the second regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja. Emphasizing the importance of this responsibility, Dantalle expressed the expectation for INEC to deliver elections that instill confidence in the electoral system, especially through effective preparations, the use of functional BVAS, and real-time result uploads on the IReV portals. He also highlighted the role of IPAC in mobilizing voters in both states to actively participate in the electoral process, stressing the need for...