By Our Correspondent

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has disclaimed a statement by the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging that the Commission removed the party’s validly nominated candidates for certain State House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra and Benue States and replaced them with unauthorised names.

INEC in a statement issued and signed by Mohammed Haruna, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, described the allegations as unfounded and urged the public to disregard it.

According to the statement, “Candidate nomination is, by law, the exclusive responsibility of political parties. INEC has no legal authority to select, insert, or substitute a candidate for any party. Monitoring a party’s primary is a statutory oversight function only and confers no power on INEC to choose or impose a candidate.

“Ahead of the 2027 election, all 22 registered parties designated two technically trained officers to handle their nomination process, following training organised by the Commission. Thereafter, the portal access codes were issued directly and in person to each party’s National Chairman, and not by proxy.

List of candidates were generated for each party as submitted by the party jointly signed by the National Chairmen and National Secretaries of the party, making the submission in Form EC9 series (A-G). Therefore any claim that the Commission independently uploaded or altered candidate information is unfounded and ununtrue.l

“As a matter of fact, the Commission has in its possession, Form EC9E where these candidates were listed and submitted to the Commission duly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the party”, the statement said.

The Commission therefore, said it remains committed to transparency, accountability and providing a level playing field for all stakeholders in the electoral process.

By David Owei , Bayelsa

Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr Peter Akpe, has urged political office holders in the eight local government councils to see their positions as an opportunity to serve the grassroots and prepare for higher responsibility in public service.

Dr Akpe gave the charge on Tuesday at an enlarged meeting with chairmen, principal officers and members of the legislative arms, political secretaries and supervisory councillors of the councils at his office in Government House, Yenagoa.

He advised members of the legislative arms not to treat politics as a profession, imploring them to avoid infighting and to cooperate with their chairmen to make impact at the third tier of government.

According to him, if office holders regard their current assignments as a test for greater opportunities, serving the people well will not be difficult.

He said as representatives of the people at the grassroots, they should use their offices to deliver dividends of democracy that would help secure victory at their polling units and wards in the 2027 general election.

The Bayelsa number two man noted that delivering their polling units was not just about the interest of party candidates, but a personal obligation needed to sustain the system they all belong to.

Dr Akpe also urged them to play active roles in the forthcoming 30th anniversary of the state’s creation by sensitising people at the grassroots to participate in the “Bayelsa at 30” celebrations.

His words: “Every leadership position or political appointment you occupy is an examination you must pass. We want to know what you have done with your stay in office.

“I tell people that every political office is a privilege and an examination we all need to pass and stand a brighter chance of being entrusted with higher responsibility in public service.

“Your position is not to fight or make trouble with your respective chairmen. If there are issues, you bring them up using the right channels for us to address them.

“Loyalty is about one captain and his crew. You cannot have a different agenda from the captain and the crew. Few of us are still struggling to key into the direction the ship is taking.

“You cannot be in these positions and fold your hands. You are the people at the grassroots. So do everything to boost your social and political influence at that level. Your office must bring political dividends to the system.

“Take this as a personal matter to deliver your polling units genuinely. I want you to know that the forthcoming election transcends the flag-bearers; it is about us. You have to bring something to the pool.”

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s Office, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Treasury and Accounts, Mr Timipre Seipulu, and chairmen of the eight local government councils, among others.

By Our Correspondent

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has called for greater transparency and accountability in public leadership, faulting attempts by political office holders to prevent the release of records relating to their past, particularly educational credentials.
Obi, in a statement on his official social media platform, expressed concern over what he described as an “embarrassing” situation where a sitting President would seek to stop a foreign court from releasing documents concerning his history despite the public interest attached to such records.
The former Anambra State governor said responsible leadership requires the courage and humility to confront one’s past, explain areas of concern and accept responsibility where necessary.
“Leadership, in my humble view, demands the courage and humility to confront one’s history — to acknowledge mistakes, provide candid explanations where questions arise, and, where necessary, apologise and seek forgiveness,” Obi stated.
He argued that the strength of leadership is not weakened when leaders admit past shortcomings, but rather enhanced when they demonstrate honesty, accountability and a willingness to make amends.
According to him, issues surrounding educational background, especially foundational records such as primary and secondary school credentials, should be addressed through openness and credible explanations rather than prolonged legal battles.
“Nigerians deserve clear, credible and verifiable explanations, especially when such had been submitted in the past,” he said.
Obi expressed concern about the message such controversies send to young Nigerians, particularly millions of students aspiring to build a better future, stressing that the highest office in the country should reflect the values of integrity, transparency and ethical conduct.
The NDC candidate noted that imperfections are part of human existence, but maintained that true character is demonstrated by the willingness to acknowledge mistakes, apologise where necessary and place national interest above personal ambition.
He questioned the commitment of Nigeria’s political class to prioritising the country’s long-term interests over individual aspirations.
“When will our political class fully appreciate that individual ambitions are temporary, while the nation endures?” Obi asked.
He added that while political offices are occupied for limited periods, the standards and values established by those who occupy them have lasting implications for future generations.
Reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria, Obi said he had never sought citizenship of another country despite opportunities to do so, insisting that the country’s integrity must remain above personal considerations.
“Nigeria is greater than any one person, and the integrity of the Republic must always come before the interests of the individual,” he said