Politics

Edo Poll: Golden Opportunity For INEC To Redeem Its Image, CSO Tells Yakubu

Published

1 year ago

September 20, 2024

A group, Edo State Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO), yesterday, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to use the September 21 Edo State governorship election to write the name of the commission in gold by conducting a free, fair and credible poll in the state.

The group, through it Coordinator General, Comrade Omobude Agho, disclosed this while addressing Journalists on “Edo State 2024 governorship election and matters arising in Benin City.”

He said anything fall short of a free, fair and credible election would further discourage people from exercising their franchise in the nearest future.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission, must not further discourage genuine voters by their actions or inactions in this Saturday’s Edo state governorship election.

“Tomorrow Saturday 21st September 2024 presents another golden opportunity for the commission to redeem its image.

“The INEC chairman, Professor. Mahmud Yakubu must give Nigerians the assurance of purpose to further trust our electoral processes going by previous questionable and controversial outcome of elections conducted by INEC.

“The continuity of this democracy in Nigeria going forward, rests on his shoulders as head of the commission.

“An umpire must be neutral, just, fair and trustworthy to earn the confidence of the people”, Agho added.

Comrade Agho, while commending the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun for temporary putting a ban on the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), said that the police and other security agencies must be above board in this election.

He maintained that they must truly give protection to citizens and not look away at distressed calls.

According to him: “They must not be seen as being partisan by their activities.

“They must do everything within their powers to protect and defend our democracy.

“They must strongly adhere to the respect for human rights and the dignity of persons throughout this election period”,.

He also called on the the citizens of the state to come out en-mass for the election. “Your PVC is all you need to cast your vote, that PVC is your ultimate power and your fundamental human right.

“Do not mortgage or sell it for any amount whatsoever.

“And as citizens, vote without selfish emotions, sentiments, hatred or coercion. Your vote should be well informed with consideration to your future and that of your children.

“Our young men must see themselves as honourable citizens of the federal republic of Nigeria and should not allow themselves to become willing tools in the hands of self serving politicians to be recruited or employed only during electioneering period like this to serve as thugs, armed with guns and other dangerous weapons for the purpose of ballot snatching or destructions of same for a one-time-off meal.”

Related Topics:#edo poll Edo Guber EDOCSO

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Politics

PDP Crisis: INEC Rejects Turaki-led NWC

Published

5 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

According to INEC, its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

The electoral body further noted that it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

Politics

Govt That Fails To Protect Its Citizens Has No Business Remaining In Office – Kwankwaso

Published

5 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking the political will to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Kwankwaso spoke on Tuesday in Kano while unveiling 2,000 operatives of the Kano State Neighbourhood Security Network.

He urged President Tinubu to “rise to the occasion and truly act as the Commander-in-Chief” in addressing banditry and other security challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s military “remains one of the most gallant in the world,” having served in international peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Liberia, and other conflict zones.

However, he said the armed forces are not being adequately supported to perform optimally.

“Today, many innocent Nigerians are being killed, while the perpetrators walk freely as if nothing happened. The government must apologise to Nigerians for its laxity in the fight against insecurity,” he said.

Kwankwaso, who once served as Minister of Defence, added: “When I was Defence Minister, I knew the capability of the Nigerian military. They are courageous and professional but need clear direction, support, and political will to do the needful.”

He stressed that Nigeria’s armed forces had historically ranked among the best globally and urged the government to equip them properly to change the current security situation.

Kwankwaso also said that if elected president in 2027, he would recruit over one million additional military personnel to strengthen national security.

“Any government that fails to protect the lives and property of its citizens has failed woefully and has no business remaining in office,” he declared.

He further called on the Federal Government to integrate community-based security initiatives, like the Kano Neighbourhood Security Network, into the national security system to boost morale and improve intelligence-driven operations against criminals.

Politics

ADC Announces Temporary Closure Of Secretariat

Published

5 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The African Democratic Congress, ADC , says it has temporarily closed its National Secretariat as part of the end-of-year break.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said full operations are scheduled to resume in the New Year.

According to the statement, the secretariat will close on December 23, 2025, and reopen on January 5, 2026.

The party, however, said essential skeletal services will remain available throughout the period, while all other official activities at the National Secretariat will be suspended to allow staff and party officials observe the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“This is to inform the public that the African Democratic Congress National Secretariat will close for the year on 23rd December 2025 and will resume full operations on 5th January 2026.

“During this period, only skeletal services will be available, while all other official activities at the Secretariat will be temporarily suspended,” the statement said.

The party thanked its members, partners and supporters for their continued loyalty and cooperation throughout the year, noting that their support remains critical to the growth and stability of the party.

The ADC also said it is committed to its ideals and to democratic engagement as it prepares for activities in the coming year.