By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Senator-Elect, Nasarawa West Senatorial District, Ahmed Wadada, on Monday congratulated Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on his reelection into office.

Wadada, recently elected under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), conveyed his message in a statement in Keffi.

He said the victory of the governor was a testimony of the people’s believe in his capacity and leadership style in the state.

The lawmaker said Sule’s reelection was a reward for the tremendous achievements recorded by his administration in the areas of health, education, infrastructure development, security and youths empowerment.

Wadada advised the governor to justify the confidence reposed in him by the electorate by redoubling efforts towards ensuring that the people of Nasarawa enjoyed more dividends of democracy.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Nasarawa West I congratulate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa, Alhaji Abdullahi Sule on his resounding victory at the just concluded Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

“I also appreciate the electorate in the state for comporting themselves decently and in order, and for exhibiting conduct that indicates that Nasarawa is making progress in its electoral behaviour,” he stated

The two-term member of the House of Representatives commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free, fair, credible and transparent election and the security agencies for ensuring orderliness.

He thanked the people of Nasarawa for keeping faith with their governor, noting that “the people know the person that truly serves them, and have spoken in clear voice and unmistakable terms.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC declared Sule, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the governorship election in Nasarawa state.

Prof. Ishaya Tanko, INEC State Collation and Returning Officer, made the declaration on Monday in Lafia at the state collation centre.

The returning officer said that the APC candidate polled a total of 347, 209 votes to defeat his closest opponent, David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who got 283, 016 votes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Ejike Obeta

By Stephen Adeleye

Two female candidates have been declared winners of the just-concluded House of Assembly elections in Kogi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two female candidates are Mrs Omotayo Adeleye-Ishaya and Mrs Comfort Nwuchola won in Ijumu and Ibaji State Constituency seats, respectively.

Both Nwuchola and Adeleye-Ishaya were candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and were also first females to represent their respective constituencies in Kogi Assembly.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday, the Ijumu Local Government Returning Officer, Mrs Grace Abalaka Haruna, at the result Collation centre in Iyara, said Omotayo Adeleye-Ishaya scored a total of 8,568 votes to win.

The Returning officer added that the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alaga Tokunbo, polled 3,899 while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate got 2,648 votes.

In Ibaji, Dr Suleman Danubian, the INEC Returning Officer for the Local Government, announced that, Mrs Comfort Nwuchola of the APC polled 7,718 votes to defeat the candidate of the NNPP, Peter Egwuda, who garnered 6,737 votes.

Danubian added that the candidate of the PDP polled 4,630 votes to come third.

Meanwhile, Mr Olawumi Jacob of APC has been announced winner of Mopamuro Local Government House of Assembly election.

Prof. Mohammed Suleiman, the Returning officer for Mopamuro, who announced the result in Mopa, said Olawumi polled a total of 4,389 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Jones Olorunjuwon Daniel of the PDP who scored 2,516 votes.

Suleiman added that Mr Olabode Makinde of ADC came third with 1,733 votes.

The next Assembly will be the first time Kogi House of Assembly will have two female lawmakers making laws for the people of the state.

Since the first Assembly in 1992, Kogi House of Assembly has had just three female members, but one at a time. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Vincent Obi

By Angela Atabo

The Civil Society Situation Room, has called for an independent inquiry into the conduct of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria.

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) made the call in their Second Interim Statement on the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on Sunday in Abuja.

The report, signed by the Convener, Ene Obi, and co-coveners Asma’u Joda and James Ugochukwu, said investigation was necessary to unravel the challenges experienced and some irregularities.

Obi said that the Situation Room’s observation and analysis of the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections indicated that there were huge shortcomings with the management of electoral operations and logistics as well as election security.

She said that the elections were characterised by late commencement, insufficient election materials, challenge with upload of results, violence, and vote buying, among others.

“Situation Room notes that Nigeria has again missed the opportunity to deliver on credible elections even at the grassroots level.

“In the light of the serious shortcomings with the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, the Situation Room calls for an independent inquiry into the conduct of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria.

“This independent inquiry should address, amongst other issues, procurement, logistics management and abuse of electoral process by INEC and security officials.

“This is urgently needed to identify challenges and make recommendations towards repairing the damaged credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.”

According to Obi, it is imperative to undertake a national debate to address all these critical challenges that still confront Nigeria’s electoral process.

She said that this, without doubt, would enthrone more transparency and help to build peoples’ confidence in the democratic process.

She said that Situation Room observations indicate a worrying level of voter apathy with the Governorship and State Assemblies polls in an election that should resonate more with citizens.

She added that Situation Room observers reported high prevalence of vote buying across the country.

She said that items given in exchange for votes included clothing items, food items and money, amounts ranging from N500 to N5,000 in cash, transfer or promissory notes.

Obi said Situation Room observers were harassed and obstructed from carrying out their duties and some journalists from AIT, ARISE TV among others, were also attacked.

“The Situation Room also received a disturbing report that 19 INEC ad-hoc staff who were on their way to seven different polling units in Ugbelie Ward 06 in Ideato South LGA of Imo State were abducted by unknown persons.

“There were reports of attack on voting centres in an IDP camp in Uhogwa, Ovia North East LGA of Edo State, by armed hoodlums.

“In addition, there were reports of voter intimidation, disruption of voting and destruction of election materials in polling units visited in Enugu, Imo, Sokoto, Delta, Niger, Gombe, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom and Ogun States.”

Obi said that the  Situation Room called on government to urgently address this persistent issue of election violence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Olukayode Babalola

Alhaji Muhammad Baba-Shehu, Chairman of Keffi Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa state, has praised concerned officials for ensuring there was no security breach during Saturday’s elections in the area.

Baba-Shehu gave the commendation while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Keffi after the state’s Governorship and House of Assembly elections in the area.

He said the success recorded was as a result of the zeal and commitment of security agencies in the area.

The LGA Chairman said officers of the concerned security agencies worked hard to ensure no one carried out any act that would destabilise the peace being enjoyed in the area.

“So far, as the chief security officer of the area, I have not received any report of any breach in security and that is because our security personnel are up and doing.

“All the security agencies in Keffi LG did what they know best and what was expected of them. They were in every corner of the community,” he said.

Baba-Shehu added that the peaceful conduct of the elections in the area was commendable, and lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring the process met Nigerians’ expectations.

“I also have to commend INEC officials because the electoral materials reached polling units in good time and the election process also started early.

So, there was no complaint of delay of accreditation or voting in Keffi,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abubakar Ahmed and Olawale Alabi

By Angela Atabo

The Albino Foundation (TAF-Africa) on Saturday said that braille ballot guide for visually-impaired voters was not available in 75 per cent of the polling units nationwide for the March 18 elections.

Prof. Vincent Anigbogu, Board chair, TAF Africa, said the Foundation expressed worry over the inadequate deployment of assistive tools at the polling units.

Anibogu said that 87 per cent polling units had no magnifying glasses for PWDs with Albinism and 63 per cent had no large font graphic posters for the deaf.

He said that TAF Africa’s observation of the election showed prompt arrival of INEC officials and commencement of polls, however, there were shortage of election material in some areas.

He added that TAF Africa observers reported the accessibility of the polling units at 94 per cent of the polling units while priority voting was observed in 76 per cent of the units.

“Given the emerging issues, TAF Africa’s PWDs Election Hub makes the following recommendations; that INEC should investigate the reason for the inadequate deployment of assistive tools to polling units with registered PWDs which can disenfranchise them.

“INEC should ensure prompt response to the issues raised at the polling units, particularly the shortage of election materials in some polling units.

“Security agencies are reminded of their primary responsibilities to the citizens of Nigeria.

“We expect security agencies to be present at all the polls and ensure the safety of everyone with competence, professionalism and neutrality, especially the violent-prone ones.”

Anibogu said TAF Africa commended the community of PWDs for their show of strength and commitment towards the election in spite of the unfavourable conditions.

He said TAF Africa called on security agencies, INEC, other stakeholders, political parties and their ardent supporters to work together in ensuring that the election was credible and peaceful. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Angela Atabo

Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), has urged Nigerians to maintain peaceful co-existence during and after the Governorship and State Assembly elections in the interest of the nation.

The Foundations’ Executive Director, Dr Arome Salifu said this at an aerobic session held on Saturday in Abuja.

The theme of the aerobic session was, “Mental and Physical Fitness For Development: Say No To Post Election Violence’’.

Salifu said the Foundation was using aerobics to draw the attention of Nigerians, especially the youth to shun violence and embrace peace for national development.

He said the move was necessary because AYGF believed in wellness and fitness, adding, “when people are fit they can be productive and contribute to national development.”

“So today, we are using this aerobics to pass the message of peace to Nigerians that they should not engage in violence regardless of the outcome of the election.

“If they are aggrieved, they should seek legal redress and not take laws into their hands.

“We are also telling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to provoke Nigerians by acts of sabotage.

“Nigerians tried after the presidential election by maintaining peace and we urge them to sustain it after the governorship and state assembly elections.’’

Salifu called on people who might be aggrieved by the election results to go to court, adding “we still have faith in our judiciary that Nigerians will get justice so no need to be destructive.’’

Ms Ramat Haruna, AYGF’s legal adviser, said the event was aimed at creating awareness on the ongoing elections.

“We are telling Nigerians that a physical and mentally fit person should not engage in violence because violence only begets violence and nobody wins at the end of it.

“Nigerians need to come together to make the country a more beautiful and a prosperous nation.’’

Haruna said that by coming together, citizens would make the country a better place by saying no to post election violence and saying yes to peaceful co-existence.

She said that the aerobic afforded people the opportunity to take time off their busy schedules to keep fit.

Ms Elizabeth Aduku, the Foundation’s Communications Officer, said since the organisation was a youth oriented one, it decided to engage youths to drive home its message of peace.

Aduku said that youths should also not allow themselves to be used as willing tools to perpetuate violence.

“We are actually using this as an opportunity to send a message to youths of Nigeria that no one should use them to incite violence after this election.

“Post-election will actually undermine
the democratic processes that we all are trying to build.

“So, say no to post election violence because Nigeria is ours,’’ she said (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ese E. Eniola Williams
 

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has assured Oyo state residents of their safety during and after the governorship and houses of assembly elections.

Mr Michael Adaralewa, Oyo State NSCDC Commandant, gave the assurance during a security patrol at polling units 1 and 2, ward 9, Omi Adio St. Andrew in Ibadan, Oyo state.

He also encouraged the residents to come out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice without fear.

The Commandant said he had observed low voters turnout at most of the polling units visited by his team and other security agencies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that senior officials of NSCDC, Department of State Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Federal Fire Service and the Nigeria Police  Force observed several polling units in the state.

Adaralewa said that some of the polling units visited were  ward 9 polling unit 003 Hope Central Omi-Adio, Ward 9 polling unit 1 and 2 Omi Adio St. Andrew, Ward 10 polling unit 15 and 16 Baptist secondary school, Liberty.

“Oba Akinbiyi model college 2 ward 17, Oba Akinbiyi model college ward 17, ward 10 polling unit 17 and 18, Liberty Stadium road, ward 7 Queen Cinema Dugbe, ward 6 polling unit 6 Adamasingba Okeisu,” he said.

He said that security operatives, election observers and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were available to ensure voters cast their votes peacefully.

The Commandant decried the situation where INEC officials sits idle without voters coming out to exercise their franchise.

He commended those who had come out to vote, adding that their votes would surely count as assured by the Federal Government.

One of the INEC officials, who pleaded anonymity, at Oba Akinbiyi Model College 2 ward 17, said that the electoral team arrived on time but most eligible voters failed to turn up.

A resident of Agodi area in Ibadan, Mrs Mary Segun, said she was happy to have voted for the candidate of her choice without chaos in her polling unit.

She said people failed to turn up for voting because of fear of intimidation by political thugs as witnessed in the past.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Wandoo Sombo

Two Nigerians granted permission to vote using their Temporary Voter Cards, (TVC) have urged Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to obey the court order and allow them to vote in the March 18 governorship and parliamentary elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) recalls that
the Federal High Court, Abuja on March 9, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to allow two Nigerians, Mr Kofoworola Olusegun and Wilson Allwell to use their TVC to vote in the governorship and houses of assembly elections.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu who delivered the judgment said the order was made on the grounds that the plaintiffs had fulfilled all necessary legal requirements to register and had been captured in INEC’s central database and manual, printed paper based record or hard copy format of INEC’s maintained register of voters.

Briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr Victor Opatola wondered why in spite of the judgment, INEC was adamant in not allowing his clients to vote.

“As citizens of Nigeria and the world, we believe in the power of democracy and the importance of every voice being heard through their votes.

“Inspite of fulfilling all legal requirements, including registering to vote, my clients were denied their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), and INEC has refused to comply with the court’s judgment which compels INEC to allow them vote using their Temporary Voter’s Card (TVC); in Kofoworola & Anor v. INEC suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/180/2023.

Opatola said that INEC had filed an appeal against the court’s judgment to mislead the public that the judgment was no longer applicable.

“We have only just received their notice of appeal and application for stay of execution of the judgment and we have five days (starting from today) within which to reply to them and be heard in court.

“It is the law that stay of execution and filing of notice of appeal does not invalidate the existing judgement of Federal High Court in this matter.

“We will respond within time and they would have their day in court to move their motion for stay.”

He, however, held that INEC was mandated by law to comply with the subsisting judgment of court until the appellate court decided otherwise.

“It is also trite law, that the judgment of court is valid until set aside and takes effect immediately upon pronouncement by the court, and that as soon as the court makes the order, that order takes immediate effect.

“It is pure travesty of justice that INEC, the very institution charged with the responsibility of ensuring free and fair elections, has deliberately chosen to disenfranchise millions of Nigerians by refusing to issue them their permanent voter’s card.

“This is even after they have fulfilled all legal requirements and have been issued temporary voter’s cards.

“It is unacceptable that INEC, an institution that is meant to serve the people, has become an obstacle to democracy in Nigeria.

“This is not just a violation of the law, it is a violation of the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens to participate in the democratic process of freely electing their leaders.”

The plaintiffs expressed concerns that even though the right to vote was a fundamental pillar of democracy, this was was being violated.

“Every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity, without any of the distinctions mentioned in article 2 and without unreasonable restrictions:
(a) To take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives;
(b) To vote and to be elected at genuine periodic elections.

“Yet, in Nigeria, we are seeing a gross violation of this right, as INEC continues to willfully disobey a court judgment and disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.

They called on the international community to condemn INEC’s actions and to stand with the people of Nigeria in demanding that it complied with the subsisting court judgment until if it was upturned as it had appealed it should.

They also called on all Nigerians who had been disenfranchised by INEC to unite in a call on INEC to obey court judgments.

“This is not just about an election; this is about the future of our democracy, we cannot allow INEC to undermine the very foundations of our society.

” We must stand together, united in our commitment to democracy, and demand that INEC respect the rule of law and the rights of Nigerian citizens.”

He said should the electoral umpire fail to obey the subsisting judgment when an appeal had not been heard, it would amount to contempt of court.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Alhaji Nasiru Gawuna, the Deputy Governor of Kano State and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the peaceful conduct of the election so far.

Gawuna, who voted at Hali Qur’anic School, Gawuna polling unit at 9:50 a.m on Saturday lauded all stakeholders for a peaceful process so far.

The candidate also prayed for peace, harmony and stability before, during and after election.

The governorship candidate also expressed satisfaction at the turnout of voters at the polling unit.

“The turnout is impressive as you can see that many people are already here to cast their votes,” he said.

He expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious at the polls.
He also commended INEC for correcting some of the issues raised and hitches during the presidential election.

Gawuna was accompanied by his wife, Hajiya Hafsat Gawuna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there is an impressive security presence at the distribution centres provided by a combined team of policemen and NSCDC personnel.(NAN)

NAN also reports that voting commenced in many polling units in some parts of the metropolis at about 8: 30a.m with large turn out of women.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Florence Onuegbu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Saturday said there was no violence in the Governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.

Sanwo-Olu, who is seeking reelection, said this shortly after casting vote at Eiyekole Polling Unit, Ward RA 15, in Lagos Island Local Government Area.

Sanwo-Olu, who arrived at the polling unit with his wife, Mrs Ibijoke, at 10.13 a.m., did his accreditation and cast his vote at 10.18 a.m.

Speaking with newsmen after the exercise, he said the election process should be violence free, urging all to maintain peace

The governor commended INEC officials for being punctual and the voters for the large and impressive turnout, as well as conducting themselves peacefully during the elections.

He also called on more people to come out and cast their votes, without any fear of intimidation.

The governor urged all to continue to preach and to advocate for everyone to have the right to be able to express themselves freely, fairly and transparently.

According to him, election is a time for all to see and to understand that the process is not meant to be a process of violence.

”Election that leads to a democratic process is the best form of a validation of what true democracy should be about. So I want to reiterate again, this contest is about peace, is about progress, is about prosperity for our state, and our country at large.

”I am indeed happy driving here this morning that everywhere in the city looks calm. But there are a few disturbing videos that we have also seen where some parties are doing one or two things, which is not verifiable, so I’m not going to talk about it.

”Truly, really, it is just to say that I’m excited and I’m happy to be here and I want to ask that all of our voters, all of our citizens should remain vigilant. If you see anything, say something.

”Let’s come out and exercise our rights freely, devoid of any form of acrimony or any form of protest or any form of intimidation. That is not acceptable as a government,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by the Chioma Ugboma