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Cashing In on a Secure Election: INEC Chairman Calls for Action Against Vote-Buying in Edo State
Cashing In on a Secure Election: INEC Chairman Calls for Action Against Vote-Buying in Edo State....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a significant move to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged security agencies, particularly the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to target individuals planning to engage in vote-buying on Election Day in Edo State.
During a meeting in Benin, the Edo State capital, with members of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), Yakubu highlighted the importance of collaboration among security agencies. He emphasized that this synergy is crucial to ensuring that the upcoming Edo State Governorship election is perceived as credible and peaceful.
Yakubu underscored the significant threat that vote-buying poses to Nigeria’s democracy. He called for effective strategies to combat this growing concern, stating, “You need to deploy a strategy for combating vote buying. It has been a feature in our elections, and the more INEC improves on the processes, the more some people try to beat the system by buying votes at polling units.”
The INEC Chairman pointed out that the act of vote-buying reflects a deeper issue within the electoral process. “If people are buying votes, it means that the votes are counting,” he explained. “But we can’t allow vote buyers to determine who wins our democratic elections. This is a democracy of the people, by the people, for the people, not a plutocracy open only to the rich.”
In response, Commissioner of Police for Edo State, Nemo Edwin-Iwo, assured the public of adequate security measures before, during, and after the election. He confirmed that the police had reviewed and enhanced their strategy for securing the state. Plans are in place to deploy sufficient security personnel from both within Edo and other states to ensure maximum safety throughout the election process.
CP Edwin-Iwo further emphasized that non-state actors would not be allowed to undermine the electoral process, stating that security agencies have already initiated actions against groups and individuals potentially plotting to disrupt the elections in Edo State.
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
The Presidency has criticised former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership ability and accusing him of failing to manage internal crises within the Labour Party (LP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) on Monday.
Dare argued that Obi did not found the Labour Party and does not have full control over its structure, adding that his handling of party disputes raises concerns about his leadership capacity.
He further alleged that Obi has shown a pattern of moving between political platforms rather than resolving internal challenges, insisting that he “cannot fix” his own party.
Dare said the Labour Party’s internal crisis had been visible for years and questioned Obi’s level of involvement in resolving it, suggesting that he instead left the party amid the turmoil.
He stated that such leadership qualities should be scrutinised given national responsibilities, adding, “You cannot fix your party.”
The presidential aide also addressed claims linking the Presidency to the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting any involvement and insisting the party’s internal issues were not influenced by the federal government.
He maintained that the ADC situation is already before the courts and should be resolved through judicial processes rather than public agitation or political pressure.
Dare urged all parties involved to respect ongoing legal proceedings, stressing that court decisions would ultimately determine the outcome of the disputes.
He added that the government remains committed to respecting the judiciary and warned against attempts to influence public opinion while cases are still being decided.
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