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Groups Fault INEC On Planned Manual Transmission Of Bayelsa Guber Results

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A Coalition of Pro-democracy Organisations in Nigeria, has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s plans to transmit the results of the Nov.11 Bayelsa governorship election manually.

The group said this in a statement jointly signed by Mr Olufemi Lawson, the National Secretary, Campaign for Democracy (CD) and Mr Atani John, the Niger Delta Democratic Vanguard in Lagos on Friday.

The Coalition of Pro-democracy Organisations in Nigeria is an amalgamation of groups committed to ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in the electoral process.

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The coalition said that it took the decision to challenge INEC plans after a stakeholders meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

READ ALSO: Bayelsa Poll: Sylva Loses More Loyalists As Seibarugu Dynasty, Supporters Dump APC

It said that planned manual transmission of results for the governorship election, was an attempt at allowing desperate politicians to manipulate the will of the electorate during the election.

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The group said that it believed that the integrity and credibility of any election depended on the transparency of the electoral process, including the accurate and timely transmission of results.

“Electronic transmission of results is a vital component of ensuring the authenticity and fairness of elections, and its abandonment would undermine the trust of the electorate, Nigerians and the international community in the electoral process.

“The use of technology in the transmission of election results has proven to be a valuable tool in reducing electoral fraud, promoting accountability, and delivering more accurate and timely results to the public.

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“It enhances the transparency of the electoral process and minimizes the potential for manipulation or tampering with results at various stages.

READ ALSO: Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu, 22 Others To Experience 48-hr Heavy Rainfall – NiMET

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“We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider its proposal and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in the Bayelsa State Governorship Election.

“We call on INEC to ensure that the electronic transmission of results is not only maintained but also improved upon to guarantee the credibility of the electoral process,” the group said.

It said as critical stakeholders, it was committed to monitoring the Bayelsa Election closely, adding that the coalition would continue to advocate for transparency, fairness, and the highest standards of integrity in the electoral process.

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The group called on all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations, and the international community, to join hands in safeguarding the integrity of this critical election.

It urged the people to rise and safeguard democracy, and avoid the a rape of democracy.

The INEC Balyesa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mr Obo Effanga had on Wednesday stated that the results of the state governorship election would be transmitted manually.

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APC Leaders, Tinubu/Shettima Group Call For Wike’s Removal As FCT Minister

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A coalition of leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC), operating under the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), has issued a strongly worded open letter, calling for the immediate removal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing alleged insubordination, anti-party activities, and threats to national unity.

In the open letter dated 7 January 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the groups accused Wike of actions they described as incompatible with his continued stay in the cabinet of an APC-led government.

The letter, jointly signed by leaders of the two groups, was made public on Wednesday as members staged a peaceful rally at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. The groups said the rally was part of a broader mobilisation to “defend party integrity, democratic values and the Renewed Hope Agenda” of the Tinubu administration.

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The signatories—Dr. Emeka Okoro, Dr. Adekunle Balogun, Ibrahim Yusuf, and Abdulkareem Isiaka—who described themselves as loyal supporters of President Tinubu, said their decision to speak out was driven by what they termed “egregious misconduct” by the former Rivers State governor, warning that silence could endanger party unity and national stability.

READ ALSO:[BREAKING] Fubara Vs Wike: Tension As Rivers House Of Assembly Suddenly Resumes Plenary

Central to their grievances were allegations that Wike, who is not formally registered as a member of the APC, had launched sustained attacks on the party’s national leadership.

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They cited remarks allegedly made by Wike during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on 5 January 2026, where he reportedly accused the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, of interfering in Rivers politics for personal gain.

According to the letter, Wike’s comments, including a warning that those meddling in Rivers affairs would “get their fingers burnt,” amounted to intimidation and a direct insult to the APC National Working Committee. The groups said such statements undermined the authority of the party leadership and violated the discipline expected of a serving minister.

The coalition also accused Wike of working against the APC-led government in Rivers State, alleging that he had persistently attacked Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom they described as the party’s duly elected governor in the state. They claimed Wike had publicly ridiculed Fubara’s leadership, questioned the legitimacy of his emergence, and openly suggested that his election should be reversed in 2027.

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READ ALSO:BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Gov Fubara

The letter partly read: “Wike’s ongoing vendetta against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, our duly elected APC Governor in Rivers State, is nothing short of political sabotage. He has repeatedly mocked Fubara’s leadership, called his emergence a ‘mistake’ to be corrected in 2027, and accused him of betrayal and incompetence. These attacks have escalated in recent weeks, with Wike touring local governments to incite division and undermine Fubara’s administration.

“As a serving minister in an APC-led government, Wike’s actions amount to anti-party activities that weaken our hold on Rivers State—a key battleground for the APC’s future electoral success. How can we trust a man who actively works against our own governor while enjoying the privileges of your administration?”

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They argued that such conduct amounted to political sabotage and anti-party activity, especially coming from a minister in an APC administration, warning that it could weaken the party’s foothold in the strategically important Niger Delta state.

The groups also accused Wike of making statements they said posed a direct challenge to presidential authority and national security. They pointed to remarks attributed to him suggesting that “nobody can enter Rivers State,” which they interpreted as an attempt to declare the state a no-go area for perceived opponents.

READ ALSO:Fubara: Mistakes Of 2023 Will Not Be Repeated In 2027 – Wike Vows

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Describing the comments as a veiled threat, the groups warned that such rhetoric could inflame tensions in the Niger Delta and embolden lawlessness. They argued that any suggestion of restricting access to a Nigerian state was an affront to the President’s authority as Commander-in-Chief.

The APC leaders further criticised Wike for allegedly admitting to controlling “two political parties” while serving as a minister, describing it as a clear conflict of interest and a violation of party ethics.

They warned that retaining Wike in the cabinet could plunge the APC into avoidable crises ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging President Tinubu to act decisively.

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The groups also announced plans to extend their protests nationwide, vowing to mobilise rallies across states and local governments until the Minister is relieved of his appointment.

While calling for swift action, the signatories urged the President to demonstrate that no individual is above the party or the country, even as they reaffirmed their support for Tinubu’s leadership and re-election bid.

 

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BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Gov Fubara

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The political situation in Rivers State shifted again on Thursday as members of the State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Oduh.

At a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.

READ ALSO:FULL LIST: Approved Physical Verification Centres For CDCFIB 2025 Screening

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The notice, which was endorsed by 26 lawmakers, accused the governor of actions allegedly in violation of the Nigerian Constitution.

Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on the governor within the next seven days.

During the same sitting, the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read the notice of allegations and gross misconduct leveled against Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh.

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[BREAKING] Fubara Vs Wike: Tension As Rivers House Of Assembly Suddenly Resumes Plenary

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Rivers State House of Assembly will resume plenary today, bringing forward its earlier scheduled return date of January 26.

According to DAILY POST, the sudden resumption comes amid the ongoing political rivalry between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

READ ALSO:Fubara: Mistakes Of 2023 Will Not Be Repeated In 2027 – Wike Vows

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Recall that majority of the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are loyal to the FCT Minister, who have sworn to work against Fubara in 2027.

Tension arising from the power struggle between Wike and Fubara has created uncertainties and anxieties in the oil rich Niger Delta state.

Details to follow…

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