latest
INEC Addresses The Possibility Of Extending The Polling Agents Deadline
INEC Addresses The Possibility Of Extending The Polling Agents Deadline....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has no intentions of extending the October 10 deadline for political parties to submit the list of their agents for polling units and collation centers in preparation for the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo on November 11.
Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, made this declaration in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.
Read Also Nigerians Reactions To Upcoming Burial Of Wizkid’s Mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun
Olumekun emphasized that with less than 72 hours remaining until the deadline, only 55 percent of the expected agents for polling units and collation centers had been uploaded onto INEC’s portal by political parties.
The spokesperson for INEC urged political parties that have not yet complied to do so before the deadline, reiterating that INEC had informed all parties about the opening of its online portal for agent submissions, which began on August 24.
Despite the notifications and subsequent reminders, political parties have failed to substantially comply by submitting their agent lists.
Olumekun stated, “For Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, only 55 percent of the expected total of 189,180 polling unit agents have been uploaded to the designated INEC Portal. Specifically, 29,278 out of the expected 40,372 (72.5 percent for Bayelsa; 51,681 out of 85,644 (60.3 percent) for Imo, and 23,720 out of 63,144 (37.6 percent) for Kogi State have been uploaded.”
He continued, “Similarly, only 25.1 percent of the expected 15,804 Collation Agents in the three States have been uploaded: 1,246 (26.0 percent) out of 4,806 for Bayelsa; 1,638 (27.3 percent) out of 5,994 for Imo, and 1,095 (21.9 percent) out of 5,004 for Kogi.”
Olumekun warned that the portal would automatically close at 12:00 midnight on Tuesday, October 10, with no extensions granted.
Regarding the online accreditation of journalists for the election, Olumekun stated that late applications would not be considered after the October 22 deadline, and manual accreditation would not be available.
He noted that 45 media organizations had applied for online journalist accreditation, which began on August 24 and would conclude on October 22. He encouraged all interested media organizations to apply before the deadline on imap.inecnigeria.org.
Finally, Olumekun expressed INEC’s concerns about the escalating insecurity and violence, including clashes among supporters of political parties and candidates, leading up to the upcoming elections.
He appealed to all political parties and candidates to refrain from making statements or engaging in actions that could incite unrest or jeopardize the peaceful conduct of the election. INEC will continue to closely monitor the situation and collaborate with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a peaceful election in the three states.
The National Vice-Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has maintained that there is no constitutional provision preventing Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, from contesting the Imo West senatorial seat in the 2027 elections while still serving as governor.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Arodiogbu, who also serves as the South-East Co-Zonal Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, made the clarification while responding to arguments questioning the governor’s eligibility.
He cited Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that “the Governor shall not, during the period when he holds office, hold any other executive office or paid employment in any capacity whatsoever.”
According to him, the provision only prohibits a sitting governor from occupying two offices simultaneously and does not prevent the person from seeking a party nomination, contesting or winning another election.
Arodiogbu also referenced Section 68(1)(f) of the Constitution, which requires a lawmaker to vacate his legislative seat upon assuming an executive position.
He argued that the provision recognises the possibility of moving between executive and legislative offices, provided the two positions are not held at the same time.
He said, “There is no constitutional impediment against Senator Hope Uzodinma’s aspiration. The Constitution does not require a sitting governor to resign merely because he desires to contest another election. What it forbids is dual occupancy of offices.
“Should he win the senatorial election, he would resign as Governor before taking the oath of office as a Senator. That is the clear position of the law.”
The APC chieftain further stated that appellate courts, in interpreting Sections 66, 107, 137, 182 and 183 of the Constitution, had held that resignation was only necessary when a candidate was about to assume a new office.
He added that no provision of the Electoral Act imposes a general restriction on a sitting governor seeking election into the Senate.
Arodiogbu also argued that Uzodimma’s tenure, which is expected to end in January 2028, does not constitute a legal obstacle, insisting that any transition would be carried out in accordance with the Constitution after the inauguration of the new National Assembly.
He said, “The law is clear, the Constitution is clear, and the judicial authorities support this position.
“Those peddling the contrary view are either deliberately misinterpreting the Constitution or attempting to create political distraction. Senator Hope Uzodinma remains free to pursue his legitimate political aspiration without any constitutional disability.”
He reaffirmed the APC’s support for Uzodimma as its candidate for the Imo West senatorial seat and urged party members to disregard what he described as speculative legal arguments.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja had, on October 29, ruled that former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, won the APC senatorial primary for the district.
The Imo State Government has indicated that it would appeal the judgment.
Human rights activist and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has vowed that the party will adopt a tougher approach ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Yesufu declared that the NDC would be both refined and rugged, insisting that no group or individual had a “monopoly of madness.”
She warned that the party would not tolerate intimidation or attacks against its members, adding that supporters would stand their ground whenever they were threatened.
Naija News reports that she made the declaration on Thursday following an attack on NDC supporters ahead of the party’s town hall meeting at the Classic Event Centre in the Oregun area of Lagos State.
According to Yesufu, the political campaign was not solely about the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, but belonged to everyone supporting the movement.
She said, “In 2023 we were refined, in 2027 we will be refined and rugged. Nobody has monopoly of madness and anybody wey say him dey crase we go send am go psychiatric hospital. We are not slaves, we are citizens. This campaign is not Peter Gregory Obi campaign, it is our campaign.”
Recall that the NDC town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos State, turned violent after suspected political thugs invaded the venue and attacked party supporters.
According to The Cable, the attackers, who were armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones, disrupted the event and forced participants to flee for safety.
Chairs and other items at the venue were reportedly scattered during the attack.
The incident allegedly left some supporters injured and several vehicles damaged. A journalist covering the event was also reportedly assaulted, while his recording equipment was taken.
The confrontation later spread to Kudirat Abiola Way, disrupting traffic before police operatives arrived and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The Zamfara State Commissioner for Commerce, Tasiu Musa Shinkafi, has died at the age of 50.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Shinkafi reportedly passed away on Wednesday in Kaduna State following a brief illness.
News reports that Governor Dauda Lawal announced the commissioner’s death in a statement issued through his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.
Reacting to the development, Lawal expressed sadness over the loss, describing Shinkafi’s death as an irreparable loss to the state government and the people of Zamfara.
The governor noted that the late commissioner’s contributions to governance, politics and public service would remain memorable.
He said, “With heavy hearts and in total submission to the will of Almighty Allah (T), we received the shocking news of the passing of the Commissioner for Commerce, Tasiu Musa Shinkafi.
“Tasiu’s death is a great loss not only to his family and the state government, but also to the people of Zamfara.
“He will be remembered for his dedication, honesty, and commitment to Zamfara State.
“He served diligently as Commissioner for Youth and Sport before being redeployed to the Ministry of Commerce.
“As a valued member of my administration and a brother in service, his contributions to governance, politics, and public service will be remembered.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and give his family the strength to bear this great loss.”
-
latest1 year ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest3 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment3 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest3 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics3 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest3 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics3 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest3 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp