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Timetable: INEC Talks Tough As 18 Parties Fail To Conduct Primaries

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The Independent National Electoral Commission has vowed not to extend the June 3, 2022 deadline for primaries even as The PUNCH observed on Monday that none of the 18 political parties had conducted their presidential primaries three weeks to the deadline.

A document obtained from INEC on Monday showed that the Accord Party scheduled its primaries for June 2 while the Action Alliance fixed its own for June 3.

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The African Action Congress is also expected to hold its own on June 3 while the African Democratic Congress and the Action Democratic Party will hold theirs on June 1 and May 30 respectively.

READ ALSO: 2023: INEC Rejects Extension Of Deadline For Party Primaries

The All Progressives Congress will complete its presidential primary on June 1; the All Progressives Grand Alliance will conduct its primary on June 1 while the Allied Peoples Movement will conduct its primary on May 30.

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The Action People’s Party slated its primary for May 27, the Boot Party will conduct its own on June 3, Labour Party on June 3 and the New Nigeria People’s Party on June 1 and 2.

The National Rescue Movement fixed its Presidential primary for June 1 and 2, the Peoples Democratic Party will hold its own on May 29, the Peoples Redemption Party will conduct its primary on May 28, and the Young Progressives Party will hold its own on June 1 while Zenith Labour Party will hold its primary on June 1.

The PUNCH learnt that the Social Democratic Party, which had fixed its primary for May 14,  failed to do so.

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Sources told our correspondent that parties had fixed their presidential primaries for the last minute in order to carry out negotiations and also lobby INEC.

A PDP chieftain said, “What many of these smaller parties usually do is to hold their primaries very late in order to adopt the candidate of one of the big parties. They use this to get funding. Also, because everyone is still lobbying INEC for an extension of time, everyone is trying to push their primaries towards the deadline just in case INEC obliges.”

Meanwhile, the PDP has again postponed its governorship primary, for the third time this month.

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The opposition party had first fixed its governorship primary for May 21 and then extended it to May 23. However, in a fresh letter dated May 16 which was addressed to INEC, the party indicated that it would now hold its governorship primaries on May 25.

The party also shifted its House of Assembly primaries from May 7 to May 21 while the House of Representatives primary will take place on May 22. The PDP noted that its senatorial primary will be conducted on May 23 as against the initial May 14.

The letter which was signed by the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, read in part, “In the case of the South-East region, due to the sit-at-home order currently observed on Mondays, the Senate primaries will now hold on May 24, 2022, in the South-East zone.”

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Attempts to get a reaction from the National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, proved abortive as he did not respond to repeated calls.

Terminal dates for primaries are firm and fixed, no going back – Commission

In a related development, INEC has said that it is too late to tinker with the schedule of activities for the 2023 general elections.

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Mr Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, stated this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.

NAN reported that Okoye spoke against the backdrop of the two months extension of the deadline for the conduct of the parties’ primaries recently sought by the Inter-Party Advisory Council.

READ ALSO: 2023: Court Restrains CBN, INEC From Stopping Emefiele From Contesting

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According to him, any change in the June 3 deadline will affect other activities for elections.

“The timetable and schedule of activities released by the commission are derived from the constitution, the Electoral Act and the Regulations and Guidelines of the commission.

“The chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made it clear that our timetable and schedule of activities and the terminal date for the conduct of party primaries are firm and fixed.”

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Why INEC won’t accept fresh request by parties to change electoral timetable – Igini

Also in a chat with The PUNCH, Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, said that INEC won’t accept fresh requests by political parties to change electoral timetables including June 3, 2022 deadline for parties to submit their candidates for the 2023 general elections.

Igini noted that the 18 political parties have been in the habit of constant requests for an extension of the deadline for the submission of candidates.

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READ ALSO: Why Political Parties’ Audited Accounts Haven’t Been Published Since 2016 –INEC

He said, “Within the broad outline of the timetable issued, political parties have been making changes and sending letters almost every day shifting dates, venues and time. As disruptive as these changes to our internal workings, these shifts have all been accommodated by the commission to the extent that our staff now work in the field during weekends.

“These changes have been at a huge cost to the commission that deployed staff members to various states from Abuja and within states.

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“If l may observe and ask, why is it that political parties decided to leave out the whole of April that they should have commenced the conduct of primaries? Why is it that some of these parties chose almost the last few days to the end of the month of May for these all-important activities when they know that the submission deadline is the 3rd of June 2022? Haven’t they been hearing and reading the chairman’s consistent refrain of constitutional and statutory timelines are “fixed and firmed” at all stakeholders’ meetings?

“Look, as l have said, changes of venues and time within the framework of the already issued constitutional timetable by the commission, no problems and they have been doing that but a fundamental shift is what the commission has advised against to allow for the certainty of timeline for the 2023 elections otherwise we will continue to shift and shift the timetable.”

PUNCH.

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Politics

Why Nigeria Needs Female President – Presidential Aspirant

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Presidential aspirant, Ada Kate Uchegbu, has revealed why Nigeria needs a female president.

Uchegbu , who is also a journalist and author said this during an interview with journalists over the weekend , according to her , Nigeria is at a breaking point where the country had recycled leaders which according to her had not worked out well.

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She explained that Nigeria deserved a fresh deal for the country to become better adding that African women are among capable leaders in the world to achieve a great development.

The presidential hopeful during the interview seeks support of political parties for female candidates who according to her should and not just be used for diversity optics .

She added that Nigeria‘s political culture will change forever if a woman emerged as the country’s president.

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READ ALSO:2027: You Will Lose 80% Of Northern Muslim Votes If…, APC Forum Warns Tinubu

Uchegbu further stressed that she is aspiring for the presidential seat because of the rise in need for a generational shift in both age and mindset.

When asked if being an author and journalist had shaped her career in politics, Ushegbu stated that as a journalist she had seen how policies affect people’s daily lives adding that investigative work in journalism sharpened her sense of accountability.

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Speaking on the upcoming governorship election in Anambra state , she advised residents of the state to vote for competence and choose a leader who can build.

This challenge of women in governance is not about competence .African women are among the most capable leaders on earth, it’s the structural bias in our political systems. We need political parties to actively support female candidates, not just parade them for diversity optics. The day Nigeria elects a woman president, the continent’s political culture will change forever.

“Nigeria is at a breaking point. We’ve recycled leaders and expected different results—it hasn’t worked. I’m stepping in because we need a generational shift in both age and mindset. My background in journalism, business, and activism equips me to deliver a transparent, people-first government. This isn’t about politics as usual—it’s about resetting the system.

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READ ALSO:Ex-APC Presidential Aspirant Berates NWC, Govs For Endorsing Tinubu

Storytelling teaches you to listen and leadership begins with listening. As a journalist, I’ve sat with market women, security experts, and world leaders. I’ve seen how policies affect people’s daily lives. Writing political thrillers and investigative pieces has also sharpened my sense of accountability—because when you write the truth, you can’t hide from it yourself.

“Anambra must vote for competence, not cash or political godfathers. This election is a chance to set the tone for credible governance nationwide. INEC must guarantee transparency , protect voters from intimidation and choose leaders who can build, not those who only campaign.

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“The glass ceiling is cracking, but it hasn’t shattered. The challenge is not about competence because African women are among the most capable leaders on earth, it’s the structural bias in our political systems. We need political parties to actively support female candidates, not just parade them for diversity optics. The day Nigeria elects a woman president, the continent’s political culture will change forever.

READ ALSO:Why I Plotted President Trump’s Assassination – 50-yr-old Woman

I’m running a grassroots, tech-driven, people-funded campaign. Nigerians are tired of the same recycled manifestos. My strength is authenticity, I have walked with the people, not ruled above them.

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“To reduce insecurity in the country, we must depoliticize security. Banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping thrive because corruption has infiltrated the very agencies meant to protect us. I will launch a national forensic security audit, professionalize the forces, introduce a gender-inclusive rapid response unit, and invest in technology—drones, AI surveillance, and community intelligence networks. If Nigerians feel unsafe, democracy itself is unsafe.

“We’ll declare a state of emergency on security and corruption, launch forensic audits for all ministries, and digitize public spending. I’ll create a ₦500 billion Youth Innovation and Employment Fund because youth unemployment is both an economic and a security crisis.

“Vote with your conscience, not your pocket. Protect your PVC ,it’s your weapon for change. Demand competence, integrity, and vision. If we unite behind the right values, Nigeria’s best days can still be ahead of us,” she concluded.
(TRIBUNE)

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Primate Ayodele Releases Fresh Prophecies On FIRS, FAAN, Others

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The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned some of Nigeria’s government agencies about their activities, including their managing directors and CEOs.

Primate Ayodele, in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, mentioned agencies including NAICOM, NIPOST, FIRS, FAAN, NPA, NCAA, and NIMASA.

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For NAICOM, Primate Ayodele mentioned that the body will come up with policies that will threaten the existence of some insurance companies. He mentioned some companies that should be careful because they will run into debt.

“NAICOM: They will come up with new policies that will threaten some insurance companies and lead to the deregistration of some of them. The following insurance companies must be very careful: Custodian Insurance, AIICO Insurance, Prudent Insurance, Zenith Insurance, Sanlam Insurance, and Staco Insurance. These companies may run into debt, and their shareholders will decline. There will be a new measure coming for insurance companies. There are some policies the regulatory body will make that will not go through.”

READ ALSO:US Desperate To Remove You, Cleric Warns Tinubu

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In NIPOST, Primate Ayodele warned the postmaster general to be careful of having problems.

NIPOST: There will be several reforms in NIPOST, and the post master general must be careful not to have problems. They must also be careful not to run into unexpected debt, and I see them having matters to contend with.”

For FIRS, Primate Ayodele stated that the body will make a lot of differences for the government and detect some manipulation in tax transactions. He stated that the executive chairman will have issues with Cabals which will undermine his efforts despite his plans.

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“FIRS: This body will make a lot of differences for the government and will detect some taxation manipulation and illegal tax transactions. There will be a new method of tax assessment that the government will create. The tax reforms will continue to have issues, but it is very good. People will continue to fight it to destroy the agenda of the government. There will be a way of taking taxes from everyone, including market women; everything will be taxed in the country, and I see it extending to churches, too. The chairman will have issues with the cabals despite the good works.”

READ ALSO:Police Arrest Cleric Over Alleged Defilement Of Underage Girl In Osun

For FAAN, Primate Ayodele warned the MD to be careful of removal from office. He stated that some people will try to corrupt the system by mismanaging funds. He mentioned that the body will play a good role in the security of the airport and that some airlines will be sanctioned.

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“FAAN: There will be training of the staff, and they must be careful so that the MD will not be removed. Some people will want to corrupt the system, and there will be mismanagement of funds in the agency. FAAN will play a good role in airport security, but they will have issues with some other agencies. I see some staff being laid off. FAAN workers will want to protest, and I see some airlines sanctioned.”

For NPA, Primate Ayodele stated that the MD will be accused of fraud and indicted with some documentation. He warned the body to be careful against a fire incident.

“NPA: There will be a lot of misconceptions in the body as some workers will be involved in malpractices and corruption. There will be reforms in the body, but there will be mismanagement. The MD will be accused of fraud, and they will indict him with some complicated documentation. Let us be careful against fire incidents in the NPA.”

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READ ALSO:Edo Will Regret, See Hard Times If… – Primate Ayodele Warns

Likewise, for the NCAA, Primate Ayodele warned the DG to be careful of problems. He also stated that there will be a protest and a gang-up against the managing director.

NCAA: Their instrument will get damaged, and the DG must be careful so that he won’t be removed or have problems. They will come up with a new airport policy. There will be a new protocol in the NCAA. The MD must be careful of a gang-up; they will fight him because of his commitment.”

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Furthermore, he warned of corruption in NIMASA.

NIMASA: They must be careful because the activities of their personnel will expose a lot of ghost workers, and there will be corruption. The body will go into a new contract on our waterways. NIMASA will generate a lot of money for the country, but it won’t be utilized well. There will be sentiment and nepotism in NIMASA. The MD will be troubled because they will politicize the body.”

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2027: You Will Lose 80% Of Northern Muslim Votes If…, APC Forum Warns Tinubu

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The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has warned President Bola Tinubu that dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2027 presidential election could cost him 80% of northern Muslim votes.

The forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, advised Tinubu to maintain the status quo and retain Shettima, citing the success of their ticket in the 2023 election.

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Zazzaga argued that those calling for Shettima’s replacement didn’t vote for Tinubu in 2023 and won’t vote for him in 2027, even if he drops Shettima.

“Those that are calling on President Bola Tinubu to change Vice President Kashim Shettima, basing their agitation on the Muslim-Muslim ticket, if you check, you will notice that in 2023, most of their communities voted for Peter Obi of the Labour Party,” he said.

READ ALSO:Crisis Rocks Sokoto APC As Defunct CPC Bloc Alleges Marginalisation

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The APC Forum also countered claims that the Muslim-Muslim ticket would lead to losses in the Middle Belt, pointing out key positions held by prominent Middle Belt Christians in the APC government, such as APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

The Muslim-Muslim ticket will not affect President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the Middle Belt… We can guarantee that Tinubu will get 90 percent of the votes from the North-Central,” the statement read.

Zazzaga further accused some individuals of seeking Tinubu’s defeat in 2027, saying, “The truth is most of these people are not Tinubu’s supporters, they don’t really want him to win reelection in 2027.”

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READ ALSO:Prove You Are Not Terrorist Organisations, Falana Challenges APC, PDP

He also warned against alienating northern Muslim communities while focusing on northern Christians, stating this approach could backfire.

The APC Forum’s advice to Tinubu, NIGERIAN TRIBUNE gathered, is to stick with the winning formula from 2023.Online newspaper subscription

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We advise Mr President not to gamble with the 2023 election. President Tinubu will lose 80 percent of northern Muslim votes if he decides to change Shettima,” the statement stressed.

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