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Buhari’s Refusal To Sign Amended Electoral Act, Ambush Ahead Of Presidential Primaries – Reps

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The leadership of the House of Representatives has called on political parties to ignore the delay by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to assent to the amendment made by the National Assembly to the Electoral Act 2022, which gives recognition to statutory delegates.

The lawmakers, who described the possible withdrawal of assent to the amendment bill by the President as an “ambush” ahead of the presidential primaries, asked parties to go ahead and approve statutory delegates based on their respective constitutions.

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The Senate and the House had, in a record time, passed an amendment to the Act to recognise statutory delegates at primaries, congresses and conventions of political parties.

The lawmakers particularly amended Section 84(8) of the Act to provide for automatic or statutory delegates, ahead of the forthcoming party primaries, from where candidates would emerge for the 2023 general elections.

READ ALSO: Amended Electoral Act Not Signed Yet —Presidency Sources

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Recall that the National Assembly, on May 13, transmitted the bill to the President for assent.

However, Buhari had yet to sign the amendment bill into law as of 7pm on Saturday, over one week after the National Assembly passed and transmitted the legislation to the Presidency.

The Majority Leader of the House, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, alleged that some persons within the ruling All Progressives Congress and the government were misleading Buhari on the amendment.

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Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, Ado-Doguwa said, “Some people are trying to mislead the innocent old man in the name of constitutional democracy to which they have no knowledge at all.

Declining assent to the amended clause of the Electoral Act on statutory delegates would amount to a calculated design to ambush the presidential primaries come 30th May/1st June 2022, which I believe Nigerians will not accept.”

Also speaking, the Deputy Minority Leader, Toby Okechukwu, “Trying to short-change and ambush is not necessary. The parties had already made provisions for statutory and ad-hoc until there was a notice of that omission. So, it is actually trying to fulfil what the parties had already arranged for.”

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The President on Saturday evening returned to Abuja after concluding a two-day condolence visit to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

READ ALSO: Electoral Act: Supreme Court Joins Rivers In Buhari, Malami’s Suit

Buhari, who departed Abu Dhabi at about 1:30pm on Saturday, landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 4pm, alongside members of his delegation.

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In Abu Dhabi, he condoled with the new President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, over the passing of the former leader, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, debunked online reports that the Electoral Act had been signed by the Presient.

In a similar vein, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, House of Representatives, Umar El-Yakub, said “He (Buhari) couldn’t have signed it (Electoral Amendment Bill) yesterday because he was out of the country and he couldn’t have signed already because he’s just entering the country.”

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PUNCH.

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2027: Bauchi Speaker Responds To Call To Join Guber Race

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The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Suleiman, has responded to those calling him to declare interest in the 2027 governorship race, saying it’s not the right time considering the fact that a lot of works are to be done.

Recall that Bauchi State Coalition of Youth and Civil Society Groups, during a press conference held earlier this week, urged the Speaker to consider contesting for the top seat, citing his experience and achievements in public service.

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Responding to the call in a statement made available to INFO DAILY, the Speaker, who appreciated the confidence reposed in him by the coalition, however, maintained that governance and the fulfillment of his current mandate remain his immediate priority.

READ ALSO: Bauchi Speaker Knocks Wike Over Threats To PDP Governors, Wants Security Agents To Take Action

While we sincerely appreciate the compliments and support expressed by the Bauchi State Coalition of Youth and Civil Society Groups, we believe that now is not the appropriate time to declare interest in any political position, including the 2027 gubernatorial race,” he said.

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He added, “This is not the time. There is still a lot to do. Our primary focus at this moment is on representation and governance, serving the interests of our constituents faithfully.”

The Speaker stated that when the time is right to pursue such political ambitions, it would be done transparently and in consultation with party leaders, political allies, and the people of Bauchi State.

READ ALSO: NYSC Urges Bauchi Governor To Reconstruct Collapsed Camp Fence

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We hold a mandate entrusted to us by our constituents, and it is our duty to act in their best interests,” he noted.

He urged the coalition and supporters to continue praying and supporting his efforts in delivering impactful governance.

Our commitment remains to serve with integrity and to prioritize the welfare of our constituents above all,” he said.

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Atiku, El-Rufai Coalition Seeks INEC Registration For New Party

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The National Opposition Coalition Group, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission for the registration of a new political party—the All Democratic Alliance.

The application, dated June 19, was acknowledged by INEC on Friday, signalling the coalition’s determination to float a new platform instead of aligning with any existing political party.

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The formation of ADA, backed by some other key political heavyweights, including former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats and former aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo, seeks to capitalise on mounting public dissatisfaction and political realignments to stop President Bola Tinubu at the next poll.

READ ALSO: Atiku, Obi Arrive Abuja For Consultative Group Meeting

The application comes just a few days after INEC warned political groups that no amount of pressure or public sentiment would override the need for strict compliance with constitutional and electoral guidelines.

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The commission reiterated that party registration remains a rigorous constitutional process—not merely a political declaration.

With Thursday’s application, the national opposition coalition has now put an end to weeks of speculation about whether it would revive a dormant political platform or launch a fresh one altogether.

READ ALSO: Trump Orders Mass Layoffs At Voice Of America, Other US-funded Media

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A copy of the application letter, obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, was jointly signed by the association’s Protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Rickets, and Protem National Secretary, Abdullahi Elayo.

The letter partly read, “We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission, requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance, as a political party.

“This is a sequel to the decision taken by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration.

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READ ALSO: Troops Engage Terrorists In Fierce Gun Battle To Repel Gwoza Invasion

“The name of the party shall be All Democratic Alliance with ADA as our acronym and ‘Justice for All’ as our slogan.”

The coalition also submitted relevant documents, including the party’s constitution, manifesto, logo, and minutes of its foundational meetings.

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The party’s symbol prominently features a maize (corn), which the applicants say represents abundance, resilience, and sustenance—core ideals they hope to promote.

We have further attached our manifesto encompassing details of our party ideology and our constitution providing the legal framework that defines our identity, structures, and organisation,” the letter continued.

 

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Rivers LG Administrator Appointed By Ibas Resigns

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The administrator of the Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Goodluck Ihemnacho, has resigned.

Ihemnacho is one of the administrators appointed by the state Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), for the 23 LGAs of the state.

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The resignation was contained in a letter dated June 20, 2025, addressed to the state sole administrator and obtained by our correspondent.

In the letter which has flooded the social media space, Ihemnacho said his resignation was informed by his desire to return to the private sector.

READ ALSO: Rivers Women Walk Out On Ibas’ Wife, Chant ‘We Want Fubara’

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The resignation letter partly read, “I humbly write to your noble office to convey to you my resignation as the administrator, Ahoada East LGA.

“My sincere gratitude goes to the government of Rivers State and the good people of Ahoada East for finding me worthy to serve as Ahaoda East LGA from 11th day of April 2025 to 20th day of July 2025.”

Meanwhile there are speculations that Ihemnacho resigned to pave the way for him to contest the forth-coming LG elections in the state, though this has not been verified.

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