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APC, Labour, NNPP Reject Internal Replacements, Call For Transparent INEC Conducted Bye-Elections
APC, Labour, NNPP Reject Internal Replacements, Call For Transparent INEC Conducted Bye-ElectionsMajor political parties in Nigeria have reiterated their call for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue conducting bye-elections to fill legislative vacancies resulting from resignations or deaths, rejecting a proposal by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, advocating for internal party replacements.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Falana argued that electoral votes belong to political parties, empowering them to decide replacements for their representatives who resign or pass away.
However, the Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) insist that INEC is better suited to manage these elections, citing global democratic standards.
Despite concerns from INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu about the financial and logistical burden of bye-elections, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, emphasized that bypassing elections could undermine grassroots representation. He stated, “Democracy is all about representing the people. People must have a say in who stands in for them.”
NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, also rejected Falana’s proposal, describing it as inappropriate.
In contrast, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supports Falana’s suggestion, with its Deputy Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, asserting that allowing parties to fill vacancies could alleviate INEC’s financial strain.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) took a more cautious stance, calling for broader consultations. APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, noted, “Under democracy, things should be done according to the wishes of the majority. This issue should be thrown for wider deliberation and debate.”
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu previously highlighted the challenges posed by bye-elections, noting that since the current legislative assembly began in 2023, 23 vacancies had emerged, necessitating costly, unpredictable elections. He urged legislative reforms to adopt more cost-effective solutions, citing international best practices.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja on Wednesday, Yakubu said, “Over the last one and a half years since the inauguration of the current national and state Assemblies in June 2023, vacancies have occurred in 23 constituencies due to deaths or resignations. The commission has conducted nine bye-elections early last year, with 14 more vacancies emerging since then. These elections are unpredictable, costly, and divert the commission’s focus from broader electoral duties.”
Despite INEC’s concerns, LP’s Ifoh maintained that the commission could reduce costs using existing materials like card readers and digital platforms. He warned that allowing parties to fill vacancies could lead to candidates who lack grassroots support, compromising democracy’s core principles.
Speaking with The PUNCH on the way forward on Wednesday, Labour Party’s Ifoh said, “In most democracies, when there are vacancies, bye-elections are conducted. Democracy is about representing the people. Allowing parties to unilaterally fill vacancies may result in candidates who do not resonate with the grassroots.”
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Bulldozers Roll In! Lagos Crushes Illegal Structures at Oko-Oba Abattoir in Massive Cleanup Raid
The Lagos State Government has ramped up its environmental enforcement efforts with the demolition of unauthorized structures at the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege, following its indefinite closure due to rampant sanitation breaches.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the demolition in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday.
Wahab stated that operatives from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) carried out the removal of structures illegally erected on drainage setbacks within the abattoir.
“As part of the ongoing clean-up, officials of @LAGESCOfficial have begun dismantling illegal constructions built on drainage setbacks inside the Oko-Oba Abattoir,” he wrote.
He explained that the operation was part of a broader initiative to restore environmental order, improve hygiene, and reduce the risk of disease by ensuring unimpeded stormwater flow and proper abattoir waste disposal.
This latest action comes just days after the state government sealed the Oko-Oba Abattoir, citing numerous environmental violations — including improper meat handling, uncontrolled animal waste disposal, and encroachment on public drainage channels.
Speaking during a live appearance on Arise TV on Sunday, Wahab affirmed that the facility would remain shut until all operators comply with prescribed environmental and health standards.
“The condition we found there was appalling,” Wahab lamented. “They’ve consistently ignored our regulations, despite years of engagement and even international trips to expose them to modern practices.”
He revealed that instead of complying, some operators have resorted to slaughtering cattle in an abandoned gas station and on the streets.
According to Wahab, only about 10% of the abattoir’s mechanized infrastructure is being utilized, while most operators continue to neglect basic sanitation guidelines.
President Bola Tinubu on Monday extended warm congratulations to Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, on the occasion of her 55th birthday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined family, friends, and well-wishers in honouring Dr. Elumelu, whom he described as an exceptional physician, devoted wife and mother, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He praised her invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development, especially in healthcare and the empowerment of underserved communities. “Dr. Elumelu has earned widespread recognition for her selfless dedication to saving lives and uplifting women and children across the country,” the President said. Tinubu highlighted her pioneering role at Avon Healthcare Limited and Avon Medical Practice, where she has worked tirelessly to expand access to quality healthcare, particularly for marginalized populations in Nigeria and beyond. He also acknowledged her impactful work as a Private Sector Champion for Immunisation in Africa with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in 2018—a role through which she helped reach over 10 million unvaccinated children across the continent. President Tinubu lauded her dynamic lifestyle, noting her participation in local and international marathons as a source of inspiration for many to adopt healthier habits through exercise and nutrition. He further commended her role on the Board of Heirs Holdings and as a Trustee of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, where she continues to equip thousands of Nigerians with entrepreneurial tools and opportunities for sustainable growth. The President concluded with heartfelt prayers for continued strength, good health, and greater accomplishments in her ongoing service to humanity.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will square off against Portugal’s senior women’s national team in an international friendly match later today in Lisbon, as part of their final preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to kick off in Morocco from July 5 to 26.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The much-anticipated warm-up encounter is slated for 7:00 PM local time (same time as Nigeria) at the Estádio José Gomes, located in the Amadora district of Lisbon.
The nine-time African champions touched down in Portugal on Sunday night after traveling from Abuja via Casablanca. An initial group of ten players and backroom staff made the trip, with former Atletico Madrid forward Rinsola Babajide linking up with the team upon arrival. An additional thirteen players are expected to join the squad at the training base in Portugal.
Today’s fixture comes on the heels of Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Cameroon earlier this month in Abeokuta. Head coach Justin Madugu had overseen several training sessions last week at both the MKO Abiola National Stadium and Turf Arena before the team jetted out to Europe.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has announced a 24-player squad for the upcoming WAFCON. The list features the return of star forward Asisat Oshoala and Saudi-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre. However, the exclusion of in-form striker Gift Monday has stirred reactions among fans and analysts.
Also making the cut are goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi; veteran defender Osinachi Ohale; midfield anchors Halimatu Ayinde, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne; and team captain Rasheedat Ajibade. The attack will be bolstered by Francisca Ordega, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
Following today’s showdown, the Falcons will head to Morocco for another high-profile friendly against regional rivals Ghana on Friday, June 29. The Black Queens have already begun a 14-day pre-tournament training camp in Benslimane.
Nigeria will begin their WAFCON campaign in Group B, where they will face Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. All their group matches will be played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, as they aim to clinch a record-extending 10th continental title.
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