Politics
Edo polls: INEC has no preferred candidate – Yakubu ….Wants stakeholders to contribute quota towards credible polls
By George Mgbeleke
As September 21 Edo state governorship election, draws close, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed readiness and strong commitment to conducting a free fair and credible election in the state.
The INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, who gave this assurance in Benin City on Tuesday, after assessing the level of readiness by the staff the commission in the state, said INEC was not a political party and did not have a candidate in the election.
He said the responsibility of chosing the next governor of Edo state rested entirely in the hands of Edo voters, assuring all registered voters in the state to come out en masse to vote for the party and candidate of their choice.
He added that the commission would always protect the integrity of the process and uphold the choice made by the electorate.
Prof Yakubu who visited three local governments – Oredo, Egor and Ikpeoba Okha- expressed satisfaction with all the levels of preparation at the INEC offices as well as the two centres visited for the mock accreditation exercise, said the commission was good to go.
“My assurance to everyone in Edo state is, on the part of the commission, we keep saying this. INEC is not a political party therefore we don’t have a candidate in this election.
“The responsibility of chosing the next governor of Edo state is entirely in the hands of Edo voters and our assurance to all the registered voters in Edo state is to troup out to vote for the party of their choice and the candidate if their choice and the commission will always protect the integrity of the process and uphold the choice made by the electorate.
“We are satisfied with all the level of preparation of our local government offices in the three offices we have visited- Oredo, Egor and Ikpeoba Okha- as well as the two centres we have visited for the mock exercise. I think we are good to go.
He however admitted that there were little logistic issues that needed to be addressed adding that his meeting with the Electoral Officers in the 18 local government areas of the state was aimed at harvesting the issues with a view to addressing them.
“Well, there are little, little issues that we are going to address, like some of the non sensitive materials but with the 11 days to the election, I’m absolutely certain that by the end of this week, we will address those issues.
“But in addition, I’m also going to speak with all the EOs in the 18 local government, not just the local government we visited and this is going to happen on Thursday after the signing of the national peace accord. So I’m going to speak with all the EOs and we will harvest all the concerns.
“That’s why we are here ahead of the elections, so that we can respond to any issues that they may raise.
Prof Yakubu stated that election is a multi-stakeholder activity and appealed to all everyone involved to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
“It has always been the intention of the commission to organise good elections and I’m giving you assurances on the level of preparation. That is why I’m personally here in Edo state and let me seize this opportunity to appeal to other stakeholders as well.
“Election is a multi stakeholder activity including the security agencies, the political parties, the candidates, the observers, even you the media, so you should report us very well”, the INEC chairman said.
By David Owei, Bayelsa
Governor Ademola Adeleke is not defecting to African Democratic Congress (ADC) nor aligning with anybody within the ADC ahead of the 2026 state elections, his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has disclosed.
Responding to media publication and enquiries, the Spokesperson affirmed that Governor Adeleke remains in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is going to win, with wide margins, the 2026 governorship elections on the platform of the PDP.
The statement reads further: “Our attention has been drawn to news reports and media enquiries about the imminent defection of Governor Adeleke to the ADC or alignment with ADC big wigs ahead of the 2026 governorship race. There is no truth in those publications and speculations.
“First of all, we, the PDP Osun, have already adopted and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, so there is no alliance with ADC.
“Secondly, Governor Adeleke has no alliance with anyone in ADC. He remains in PDP, will run in PDP, and needs no alliance with ADC to win with a wide margin in 2026.
“The Osun electorate supports Governor Adeleke because of his impressive performance since he came to office. That good work is still ongoing and Osun people are committed to sustaining the delivery of good governance by re-electing Governor Adeleke in 2026”, the Spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Governor Adeleke urges PDP members to forge ahead with the ongoing strengthening of the party structures across all levels to prepare for fresh victory next year”, the statement from the Spokesperson concluded.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The umbrella body of Ijaw Elders, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has rejected the Bill in the Senate seeking to permanently elevate the Ooni of Ife and Sultan of Sokoto as the exclusive Co-chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council.
The INC said the move would be at the expense of apex traditional rulers from other ethnic nationalities and geopolitical divides.
The Second Vice Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Alabo Nengi James (OON) said, in a statement on Sunday in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government area of Bayelsa State, the proposal is a continuos infringement on Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.
Alabo Nengi James describes the provision of the Bill as unacceptable and against the Rights of the indigenous People across tribes, Religion, Culture and Customs.
He said the Bill should be reviewed to include clauses such as No permanent Chairmanship for Sultan and Oni only must be allowed in the ongoing bill being discussed in the Senate.
He advocates that the National Assembly should allow the National Council of Traditional Rulers to Appoint their Leadership themselves, rotationaly and based on Federal Character.
“Include the Role of Traditional Rulers into the Constitutio and No Traditional Ruler from another tribe or religion is superior to another.”
“The National Assembly should Step down the Provocative and dehumanizing offensive Bill that will cause a serious rift and breach of peace in Nigeria.”
Chief James called the attention of the Senate President, Rt. Hon. Godswill Akpabio, urging him to immediately step down what he termed a “highly insensitive and dangerous bill.”
He emphasized that traditional rulers across the country must be given equal recognition and should be allowed to choose their national leadership through internal mechanisms that reflect rotational leadership and the federal character system.
Niger CP orders arrest ot district head for allegedly masterminding murder of an NYSC member
By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna The Commissioner of Police in Niger State,CP Abdullahi Adamu Elleman,has called upon to as a matter...
Governor Adeleke is not Joining ADC Nor Aligning with Anyone in ADC- Spokesperson
By David Owei, Bayelsa Governor Ademola Adeleke is not defecting to African Democratic Congress (ADC) nor aligning with anybody within...
sledgehammer on a Chief Magistrate, Shariah, Court Judge, senior Registrar others if..Niger NJC threatens Judicial workers
By Uthman Baba- Naseer,Minna As part of measures put in place to instill discipline in the Niger State...
Niger Delta: Bayelsa CDC Chairman Tasks Renaissance On Improved CSR
By David Owei,Bayelsa The Community Development Committee (CDC), Chairman of Elebele Community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa...
Bayelsa Queens chairman hails Gov.Diri for Rewarding Team
By David Owei,Bayelsa The chairman of Bayelsa Queens FC, Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala has hailed Governor Douye Diri for...
2nd Phase Leaders Complete Training on Leadership and Mediation – Gen. Elaye Lauds Otuaro’s Visionary Drive
By David Owei,Bayelsa The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential...
NYSC is cornerstone for national identity-Gov.Diri
By David Owei,Bayelsa The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri has described the NYSC as the corner...
Bayelsa United confirms Coach Ladan Bosso abscondment from duty …writes Secetary-General of NFF
By Amos Okioma Management of the Bayelsa United Football Club has confirmed the abscondment of Coach Ladan Isah Bosso...
Enugu land tragedy: One killed, as victim’s mother grieves, demands son’s body
By Our Correspondent Wailing,panic,fears griped residents of Etiti Central Community, Ngwo, in Udi Local Government, Enugu State,following the assassination of...
AKASSA’s Enduring Contribution to National Sports Development
By Dave Ikiedei Asei In the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, the AKASSA clan played a transformative role...
-
Entertainment1 year agoJubilation galore as Parishioners of CKC Kurudu celebrate their cultural heritage ….FG should exploit our Cultural heritage to unite Nigerians-Rev Fr Dim
-
Law & Crime2 months agoICPC pledges to collaborate with FIDA to end Sex for Marks in tertiary institutions
-
General News1 year agoReps hold public hearing on FMC Ugwuaji Awkunanaw
-
Law & Crime3 weeks ago
Legal practitioner raises alarm over threat to his life by CSP Muhammed Abdulkareem
-
General News1 year agoKugbo Hill Tragedy: Trailer Crushes Car, Kills Four and Injures Several Others in Abuja
-
General News1 year agoCelebration galore as UDA Successfully Elected New Exco ……I will digitalize processes that will raise UDA to greater height -Comr. Okejiri
-
Uncategorized6 months agoBenue govt drags NDIC to Federal High Court over illegal sell of shares …Demands N2.6billion damages
-
Politics1 year ago10th Senate @1: Akpabio’s Leadership Pedigree as Senate President in Focus