Politics
Youth Voters Hold the Key: Parties Must Target New Registrants in Edo State Governorship Election
Youth Voters Hold the Key: Parties Must Target New Registrants in Edo State Governorship Election....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
With the Edo State governorship election drawing near, recent data released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reveals that youth make up the majority of new registrants. This signals a clear direction for political parties on where to focus their efforts to secure votes.
The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process, conducted from May 27 to June 9, saw a significant turnout, prompting INEC to extend the registration period. This extension allowed more eligible voters to register and for those who had previously registered to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the 373,030 unclaimed ones held by INEC. The success of this exercise, despite initial concerns from some political parties, has set the stage for a highly competitive election.
A total of 119,206 new voters were registered, with an overwhelming 81.98% of them being youths aged 18-35. This demographic shift highlights the crucial role that young voters will play in the upcoming election, making them a key target for political parties.
In the 2023 presidential election, only 600,395 of the 2,128,051 eligible voters in Edo State cast their ballots. This figure underscores the challenge facing the 17 political parties contesting in the governorship race. To avoid a repeat of voter apathy, parties must engage with these new registrants to ensure higher voter turnout.
The youth have long expressed a desire for greater inclusion in Nigeria’s electoral process, and this election presents them with a significant opportunity to make their voices heard. By voting, they can influence the outcome and shape the future of their state.
Political analyst Igbinobaro Odia emphasized that the election would be won by the party that effectively connects with the masses. He noted that the new registrants are now more aware of their role in the democratic process and are likely to be decisive in determining the election’s outcome.
Echoing this sentiment, Donald Inwalomhe, Executive Director of the Justice Research Centre in Benin City, highlighted that youths and women, particularly in the 18 Local Government Areas, will be pivotal in the election. He also pointed out that the current economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies, could influence voters’ decisions on September 21.
Political parties are already on the ground, canvassing for votes. A key campaigner for one of the leading parties noted that the enthusiasm among youths and rural dwellers is palpable, with many new registrants eager to cast their votes. Women, too, are expected to participate actively, with many motivated to vote for candidates who address their needs.
INEC has assured stakeholders of a fair and peaceful election, emphasizing the importance of adherence to electoral guidelines to prevent violence. The commission will officially publish the voter register on August 20, providing all political parties with the necessary information to prepare for the election.
Military and security officials in Benin Republic have apprehended approximately a dozen soldiers, including the key ringleaders, following a failed coup attempt. Sources revealed that 13 individuals were detained, most of whom are active military personnel, with one former soldier among the suspects.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The arrests came after a group of officers, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, appeared on national television on Sunday morning, claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon and dissolved all state institutions. The officers asserted that they had seized control of the government.
The presidency, however, confirmed that President Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are restoring order. Authorities described the coup attempt as the work of “a small group” with limited reach, adding that the city and the country remain secure.
Regional bloc ECOWAS has condemned the attempted takeover, describing it as a serious and unacceptable challenge to the democratic will of the people. In a statement issued in Abuja, the Commission called for strict adherence to the country’s Constitution and praised the efforts of the government and the Republican Army in regaining control. ECOWAS warned that the plot’s leaders would be held accountable for any loss of life or property arising from their actions and reaffirmed its full support for Benin, including potential deployment of the regional standby force if necessary.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar met with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan at his residence in Abuja on Saturday. According to reports, Atiku shared the update on his handle on Sunday, noting that the visit followed Jonathan’s recent return from Guinea-Bissau.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
While specific details of their discussions were not disclosed, the meeting is widely interpreted as part of preparatory consultations ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku described the encounter as a pleasure, stating, “It was a pleasure catching up with former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday evening, following his recent return from Guinea-Bissau.”
Separately, Atiku’s Senior Political Assistant, Olarenwaju, attributed the former Vice President’s actions against Jonathan in 2015 to a breach of a gentleman’s agreement. Speaking during an Space discussion titled “APC Must Go,” Olarenwaju explained that his alignment with Atiku was motivated by a broader vision for Nigeria’s progress. He said, “Most of the answers I’m going to give tonight are not just based on my deliberations with Atiku, they are based on my desire for a better Nigeria. At the end of the day, if Nigeria is better, my life is better and easier as a Nigerian. So I only find myself with Atiku; in 2015, I didn’t find myself with Atiku, I found myself on the side of Goodluck Jonathan.”
According to reports, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodu’a during a ceremony in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Sunday. The event, held at the Palace Square of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, coincided with the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Senator Tinubu arrived at the palace around 1 PM, greeted with fanfare and stringent security measures. She was received by Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and his council of chiefs. The occasion drew an array of notable dignitaries, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
The installation ceremony proceeded with the attendance of numerous guests, celebrating both the First Lady’s new traditional title and the Ooni’s decade-long reign.
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