Politics

‘How INEC Sold Nigerians A Dummy During 2023 Elections’

Published

3 years ago

August 11, 2023

The People’s Democratic Party has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, of selling a dummy to Nigerians when it promised far reaching improvements to the electoral process using technology ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Damagum said thiis in Abuja, on Thursday, while receiving in audience a delegation from the Kukah Centre led by its Executive Director, Atta Barkindo.

According to the party, it gave the electoral management body the benefit of the doubt by making plans based on the promise that it would provide a level playing field for all parties and candidates to compete for votes.

In his remarks during the event, Damagum said, “It was a free and fair election that made PDP lose power in 2015 but since these people came into power, they have been making promises that never see the light of the day.

“Let’s take the recent election for instance. All the modifications and electoral transformation, technology-driven and whatever; we were very sure it was a genuine thing, without knowing they were selling a dummy to us.

“We relaxed and we were caught sleeping. We won an election that was manipulated. However, the party is mindful of following the legal process. That is why we still have relative peace in the country today because everybody knew what happened. We will continue to seek redress through the constitutional process.”

He explained to the delegation that the PDP‘s symbolic umbrella was providing a shade for smaller opposition political parties to also thrive as part of its contribution to the development of democracy.

Damagun said, “Our democracy is developing. Smaller parties are springing up and they had some of their members elected recently.

“During the internal election at the National Assembly, we were able to carry them along. You can see the Labour Party, the New Nigeria People’s Party, and so on. During the election, were able to carry them along and conceded to them some deputy positions.

“If we wanted to take all the minority seats, we would have done so because we are more than them in number, but we conceded two seats to them each.”

He, however, explained that although individuals elected into the various minority positions in the National Assembly elections, those elected were made aware of the fact that they may have their respective personal interests, the interest of the party remains supreme.

He said, “We have told them clearly. You know when you are electing a leader, there are so many interests. They may have their personal interest and what have you but while they may be doing this, the position of the party is supreme.

“They should be able to carry other smaller parties along. Very soon, you will start hearing noises from the National Assembly from the way they are going now,”

National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Umar Bature who also spoke during the event said the party has always promoted the principle of inclusiveness to give vulnerable groups such as persons living with disabilities and women, a genuine sense of belonging.

Bature said, “We gave them waivers on the purchase of forms. The Governor of Akwa Ibom is an albino (Damagum chips in). In fact, one of our governors said every vice chairman of a local government must be a woman.

“These are some of the things we encourage. We expected the youths to take advantage of the opportunities here rather than just sit down and type on the computer,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Barkindo told the PDP, NWC that he and members of his team were at the party’s national secretariat to discuss ways of improving internal democracy, enhancing pluralism as well as ensuring equity in the nation’s political system.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba and the Acting National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo were on the PDP team.

Members of the Kukah Centre on the delegation included: Program Manager, Esrom Ajanya, Communication and Research Director, Mackit Rendep, Stephen Klanzama, and political expert, Emeka Diru.

VANGUARD

Politics

Peter Obi Meets US Consul General, Hopes For Credible Polls In 2027

Published

10 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi on Tuesday held a meeting with United States Consul General, Mr Rick Swart.

Obi made this known via his X handle.

He said “This morning, in Lagos, I met with the U.S. Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where we discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship. We focused on promoting credible elections in Nigeria, ensuring they are free from interference, and fostering a space where all political parties, especially opposition parties can thrive, and contribute.

“We also discussed trade and business opportunities between our countries. Accompanying me to the meeting was Dr Adefolaseye Adebomi Adebayo.

“The discussion was very productive, and we are hopeful that, moving forward, Nigeria’s elections will be even more credible and transparent.”

Politics

BREAKING: 17 ADC Reps Follow Join NDC

Published

16 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

About 17 African Democratic Congress, ADC, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

This was disclosed by Speaker Abass Tajudeen on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

Tajudeen also announced the defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Lawmakers who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.

Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.

This comes barely a day after former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.

Obi and Kwankwaso have pledged to continue their pursuit for a better Nigeria in the NDC.

Politics

JUST IN: Why I left ADC For NDC With Kwankwaso – Peter Obi Opens Up

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has given reasons why he resigned from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, alongside a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a long post on X on Monday, Obi insisted it was not out of anger or ambition.

Rather, he said the move is a continuation of the quest to build a new Nigeria.

Obi wrote: “Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother, Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian.

“As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading.

“Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain.

“I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process. I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.

“As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political parties. Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer.

“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is rising. Hunger is widespread. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.

“Our decision to join the NDC is therefore not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, where public resources are managed responsibly, where institutions function independently, and where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status, can live with dignity, security, and hope.

“I remain committed to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. The task before us is bigger than any individual or political party. It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation.

“I thank Nigerians, especially our youths and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the enormous challenges confronting the country. I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right.”