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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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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.
Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.
“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.
He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”
Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.
He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.
“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.
In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.
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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.
Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.
While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.
He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.
The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.
He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.
“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”
The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.
2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.
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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.
The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.
Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.
The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.
Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment
Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.
The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.
According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.
The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.
The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.
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