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2023: INEC Budgets N239bn For Poll Materials, Presidential Run-off

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The Independent National Electoral Commission will spend not less than N239.2bn on procuring voting materials and vehicles that will be used in the 2023 general election.

This is according to the 2023 General Election Project Plan that was launched by INEC in Abuja on Thursday.

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The commission stated that N239.2bn, which constitutes 78.44 per cent of its N305bn budget, would be spent on 10 critical items which included ballot papers, operational vehicles, ballot boxes, allowances of ad hoc workers, printing of result sheets, logistics and procurement of accreditation devices.

Also included in the N239.2bn budget is the N27.1bn set aside by the commission for possible run-off elections, including the one for the presidential poll.

Run-off elections are conducted in the event that there is no clear winner in a general poll.

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A breakdown of the document, 2023 General Election Project Plan,  shows that the highest single component will be the procurement of accreditation devices which will gulp N105.2bn. This also constitutes 34.51 per cent of the total election budget of N305bn.

READ ALSO: INEC Clears Air On Postponing 2023 Elections

The allowance for ad hoc workers, who will be more than one million people, is pegged at N23.7bn while N23bn was set aside for election logistics expenses which include the movement, deployment and retrieval of men and materials for the elections.

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INEC will also spend N20.6bn on the printing of ballot papers and N12.7bn on the procurement of non-sensitive materials. The commission set aside N9.5bn for the printing of result sheets, N7.8bn for the procurement of ballot boxes and a separate N5.39bn for the same purpose. The electoral body will also spend N3.9bn for the procurement of operational vehicles.

In a diagram illustrating a comparative analysis of the 2019 and 2023 general election budgets, INEC noted that while N189bn was set aside for the previous elections, the 2023 general election would gulp N305bn.

It noted that while the country had 84 million registered voters in the last elections, it would have about 100 million voters next year. Also, while 119, 973 polling units existed last year, the next elections would have 176, 846 polling units. It noted that while the average cost per voter was $7.38 in 2019, it had dropped to $5.39 per voter.

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Meanwhile, the commission on Thursday said that no amount of security challenges would stop the conduct of the 2023 general election.

The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this during the public presentation of the 2022-2026 strategic plan and the 2023 Election Project Plan in Abuja.

Yakubu’s assurance came barely days after elder statesman, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), called on the country to set up an interim national government next year instead of holding an election. He proposed that the interim government would birth a new constitution after which elections would take place.

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Others had also expressed fears over the security situation in the North-West and the South-East which could scuttle the elections.

READ ALSO: INEC In Dilemma Over Prosecution Of 1.1million Multiple Registrants

However, the INEC chairman said no amount of security challenges would stop the conduct of the 2023 general election.

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The commission also said that about one million electoral officials, both regular and ad hoc staff, would be deployed to 176,846 polling units in 8,809 Wards and 774 Local Government Areas in the country.

He said, “As you may be aware, the election will be conducted for 1,491 constituencies nationwide made up of one presidential constituency, 109 senatorial districts, 360 federal constituencies, 28 governorship elections and 993 state constituencies.

“The election will involve an estimated one million electoral officials (both permanent and temporary or ad hoc staff) deployed to 176,846 polling units in 8,809 Wards and 774 Local Government Areas across the country. The election will be governed by a new Electoral Act 2022, which contains many progressive provisions that will enhance the capacity of the commission to conduct elections and manage the electoral process better.

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“We have carefully listened to the demand of Nigerians for seamless processes, particularly with regard to enhanced voter education, better distribution of voters to polling units, quality training of election personnel, the functionality of electronic devices, improved logistics, prompt commencement of polls, and availability of assistive devices for persons with disability at polling units and greater transparency in result management.”

Yakubu said the commission was aware of the security challenges and their impact on the electoral process, noting that it would continue to engage early and intensely with the security agencies to ensure the safety of our personnel and materials, accredited observers and the media and, above all, the voters.

“Clearly, these are challenging times but we are determined that elections must hold in 2023. However, this is a shared responsibility. INEC plays a critical role but the commission alone cannot deliver the elections we all desire. I, therefore, appeal to all Nigerians to join hands with us in ensuring that we make a success of the process”, he said.

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He added that the activities in the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2023 general election are firm and fixed, adding that all stakeholders are advised to take this into consideration in planning their activities.

READ ALSO: Ronaldo Still Running At 37 – Pastor Ibiyeomie Identifies Problem Of Nigerian Footballers

The Country Director of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, Seray Jah, who was represented by IFES Deputy Director, Obaje Ukeh, said the foundation was ready to continue its support to INEC for the success of the forthcoming elections.

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Jah said the five-year plan and the election project plan act as a road map that will provide focus and guidance for INEC to succeed in achieving its mandate by ensuring seamless conduct of the 2023 general election.

Also speaking, the National Security Adviser and co-chairman of Inter-Agency Consultative Committees on Elections Security, Babagana Monguno, who was represented by Sanusi Galadima, assured Nigerians and development partners of the commitment of security agencies to protect lives and property at the polls.

The chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yabagi Sani, pledged the support of IPAC to ensure smooth conduct of the 2023 general election and commended INEC for its efforts towards improving the country’s electoral process.

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He said, “Today, we have witnessed yet another very significant development in the commendable efforts of INEC to fine-tune the operations of the electoral process in Nigeria for greater service delivery.

“It is also an occasion of manifestation of the unfolding trend of the application of science, technology and proactive prognosis, planning and solutions to challenges and situations even before they manifest.

He said the project plan was a reflection of efforts at critical assessment and reappraisal with a view to improving on strategies and conduct of transparent and acceptable elections in Nigeria.

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INEC always prepares for run-off, first presidential ballot may not produce winner – REC

Explaining the commission’s preparations for run-off elections, the  Niger State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof Sam Egwu, in an interview with one of our correspondents,  said in every election, INEC always prepared for a run-off poll.

He said, “In every election, INEC prepares for a run-off and it will not be different for 2023. It’s because for presidential and governorship (elections), it’s possible to win majority votes without meeting geographical spread.

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“It is possible not to produce a winner in the first ballot because, aside from your majority votes, you have to get 25 per cent in at least two-thirds of the local governments for governorship and two-thirds of the states for the presidential.

“So, potentially, in every election, you can have a run-off; so, there’s always a preparation in case there is a run-off. Before, the law said you had to do the run-off within seven days. But the amendment to the constitution in 2010 now makes it 21 days.”

Also, the INEC National Electoral Commissioner for information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, in an interview with The PUNCH, explained, “The framers of the Nigerian Constitution envisage a President with a national mandate. Based on this supposition, a President must be elected by a majority of the Nigerian people and the President must also enjoy a sizable geographical spread.

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“Premised on this, a candidate for an election to the office of the President shall be deemed to have been elected where there being more than two candidates for the election he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and he has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the states in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

READ ALSO: Edo Guber: INEC Cautions Politicians On Use Of inflammatory Languages

“In default, there shall be a second election (which in popular parlance is called a run-off), which shall be conducted within twenty-one days of the result of the election. The conditions for the second election are adumbrated in Section 134 of the Constitution.

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“The commission plans for the main election and the second election. The Commission cannot begin fresh planning for a second election when the announcement of results and reverse logistics for the main election will take almost two weeks.  The commission has always prepared for the second election with the main election since the return to civil democratic rule.  No national commissioner has the ability to predict the future or the outcome of any election. This commission will continue to plan and plan well and plan strategically.”

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Akwa Ibom Commissioner Resigns After Gov’s Defection To APC

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Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Ini Ememobong, has formally resigned following Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress

In a Facebook post on Friday, Ememobong explained that his resignation was in accordance with the Governor’s directive that any political appointee unwilling to join the APC should step aside.

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“Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign,” he stated.

Ememobong, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, emphasised that his decision was guided by his principles and long-standing opposition to the APC.

READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Man For Allegedly Macheting Wife To Death

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While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn. My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long-standing opposition to that political platform, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors,” he said.

He made it clear that his resignation does not reflect any personal disagreement with Eno.

This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries (Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port),” he wrote.

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I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.”

READ ALSO: EFCC Arrests Ex-Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, For Alleged N700bn Fraud

In his statement, Ememobong expressed gratitude to both the governor and his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

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“Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for appointing me into his cabinet. Our very special appreciation goes to Mr Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration,” he said.

Reflecting on his career in public service, Ememobong said he is proud of his contributions as he appealed for understanding.

Ememobong added, “Given another opportunity, I will do more.”

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“I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding,” the commissioner concluded.

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VIDEO: Moment Tinubu Observed Akwa Ibom Gov’s Defection To APC

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, observed the official defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, via a televised broadcast.

A video shared by the official APC account on X.com (formerly Twitter) captured the President watching the live transmission on TVC News.

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The caption read: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, observed Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State defect from the PDP to the APC in the early hours of today.”

Eno made an official announcement of his defection on Friday at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.

READ ALSO: Governor Eno Endorsed For Second Term As He Doubles Ward PAs’ Salary To N500,000

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The governor said the decision followed “three months of wide consultation” with critical stakeholders across the state.

Eno expressed his gratitude to the PDP for their support during his tenure, stating that it was time for him to make a progressive move.

APC has also formally welcomed the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, following his defection to the ruling party.

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In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party’s National Working Committee expressed delight at Eno’s decision, describing it as a significant boost to both the party and the people of Akwa Ibom.

Photo/Video Credit: PUNCH

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US-based Mathematics Professor Joins Osun Gov Race

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A United States of America-based Professor of Mathematics, Rafiu Durodoye, has joined the race for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, promising to focus on education and quality healthcare delivery if elected governor.

Durodoye, an indigene of Osogbo, Osun State who was accompanied by many supporters, earlier met the members of the State Working Committee of the APC at the party’s State Secretariat in Osogbo on Wednesday.

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Prof. Rafiu Durodoye
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Durodoye expressed hope that APC would provide a platform for him to contest the poll.

READ ALSO: Osun APC, PDP In War Of Words After Adeleke, Tinubu’s Meeting

“I am Professor Rauf Durotoye, a Professor of Mathematics at Dallas College for 37 years.
At this point in my life, I have to contribute my quota to the development of Osun State.

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“I want to donate my knowledge, experience and wealth to the development of our youth. Our youth have no future, no mission, no goal, it is very sad.

“So I have to donate everything that I have in order to make Osun, not only a great state but also a model state that others will learn from in education, health care delivery, science and technology and economy empowerment, I can do it,” Durodoye said.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Hosts Gov Adeleke, Deji Adeleke, Davido In Lagos

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Commenting on the state of affairs in Osun APC, he commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola for providing leadership for the party in Osun.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu, for the effort to stimulate the economy, saying the direction he is leading Nigeria will end in self and sustained growth.

Asked about his chances to get an APC ticket, the university don said, “I am very hopeful that the party will give me the ticket. I am here to provide service. No quality education in the state, we have to do something about it.”

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Already, the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, a security expert and lawyer, Mr. Dotun Babayemi and the chairman, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, have announced their interest in the APC ticket for the August 8, 2026 Osun governorship poll.
(PUNCH)

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