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Ondo Poll: Yiaga Africa Releases Pre-election Statement, Predicts Low Turnout, Others

Published

11 months ago

November 14, 2024

Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring civil society organisation in Nigeria has predicted low turnout of voters in the Saturday November 16, 2023 governorship election in Ondo State.

Yiaga Africa, however, predicted a peaceful election during the Saturday governorship election in Ondo State.

“Yiaga Africa observed the pre-election environment, and reports indicate that Ondo experienced a relatively peaceful pre-election environment. Security concerns leading up to the election in Ondo State have remained low,” Yiaga Africa added.

In a pre-election press briefing in Akure on Thursday, Ezenwa Nwagwu, Chairman, 2024 Ondo Election Mission of Yiaga Africa, attributed the anticipated low turnout to voter apathy, economic concerns, thuggery, cultist activities, among others.

“There are concerns about low voter turnout. Several factors contribute to this, including voter apathy, economic concerns, and the influence of political thuggery and cultist activities. These issues can discourage citizens from participating in the electoral process, leading to a lower-than-expected turnout,” he added.

He continued: “As election campaigns intensify, some party supporters become less tolerant and engage in physical and verbal altercations to assert dominance. There has been a concerning rise in political thuggery and the activities of cultists. These actions threaten the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of voters.”

Speaking further on the pre-election campaign, Yiaga Africa said its “assessment revealed that the campaigns were more of a clash of political heavyweights than a competition of ideas and issues, with money playing a prominent role.”

He continued: “Yiaga Africa pre-election assessment revealed that the campaigns were more of a clash of political heavyweights than a competition of ideas and issues, with money playing a prominent role.

“The allegations of election rigging between the political parties and the conversation of new rigging tactics remain topical in the pre-election phase.

“The defining issues in the pre-election phase indicate a worrying trend in elections in Nigeria and demand a review of the approach to engaging and assessing the electoral process.”

Yiaga Africa, while appealing to Ondo electorate to conduct themselves peacefully during the election as they have been doing before, urged security agents to play by the rule.

“We call on voters in Ondo to encourage peaceful behaviour, discourage violence or intimidation and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities,” Yiaga added.

The civil society organisation, therefore, called on all stakeholders to collaborate to make the Ondo State election a model for other off-cycle elections, showcasing our collective commitment to democracy and peaceful coexistence.

News

IPF Commends Tompolo’s Commitment To Security In Delta, Nigeria

Published

2 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has commended High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his remarkable commitment to improving security in Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

In a press statement by its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the IPF described Tompolo’s gesture towards Delta Security Trust Fund as a demonstration of his firm commitment to promoting peace, security, and progress in the atate, Niger Delta and Nigeria.

The group’s leadership lauded Tompolo’s philanthropic efforts, which according to them, portrayed his dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the country.

Recall that Tompolo promised continued support for the Delta State Security Trust Fund after making a handsome donation at the event held at the government house yesterday.

“The unprecedented donation and firm commitment to peace and security in the country by High Chief Tompolo are shining examples of his leadership and dedication to the development of Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

“We commend him for his vision and generosity, and we urge others to follow his footsteps in supporting initiatives that promote peace and security in Delta State and Niger Delta region.

“High Chief Tompolo’s support will go a long way in enhancing security measures in Delta state and contributing meaningfully to the overall development of the country,” the statement reads.

News

University Suspends Students’ Union Over Controversial ‘Gender Swap Day’

Published

5 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The management of Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, has suspended the Students’ Union Government (SUG) indefinitely following allegations of misconduct during the recently concluded 2025 Students’ Week celebration.

The decision came after photos and videos from the event’s controversial “Gender Swap Day” surfaced online, sparking outrage from members of the university community and the general public. The university said the activities violated its values, dress code, and moral standards.

In a statement signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the management described the incident as “regrettable and disappointing,” noting that some students’ actions were inconsistent with the institution’s core principles.

An emergency management meeting held on Monday, October 13 reviewed the incidents and blamed poor supervision and coordination by the current SUG leadership for the disorder that occurred during the week-long celebration.

As part of the resolutions reached, the SUG has been suspended indefinitely to pave the way for a complete restructuring of student leadership and representation. The university also announced plans to introduce a new framework promoting accountability, discipline, and inclusiveness among student leaders.

“Students who were involved in actions that misrepresented the university’s image will face disciplinary action,” the statement read.

“Those whose behavior involved criminal acts have been arrested and will be handed over to law enforcement for further investigation.”

In response, the SUG led by Victor Mishak Abednego, tendered an official apology to the university management, expressing regret over the embarrassment caused by the event and promising stricter adherence to university rules in future activities.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence and moral integrity, warning that such conduct will not be tolerated in any future student-organized events.

News

Fire Ravages Residential Building In Oyo

Published

6 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

Photo: File copy

Properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed in a fire incident that ravaged a residential building in Oyo, Oyo State.

The incident occurred at Aladota, Oke-Olola Area in Oyo around 9 am on Wednesday.

The chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident.

In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday, Akinwande said that officers of the agency were immediately mobilised to the scene once they were informed.

“The fire incident was as a result of a spark from electricity which ignited combustible materials and set the room ablaze. No casualty was recorded. The agency was able to save properties worth millions of naira,” he said.