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The Honorable Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the Commission’s members continued today with its quarterly consultative meeting with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee On Election Security (ICCES) in preparation for the #EdoDecides2024 and #OndoDecides2024 Governorship Elections at the Commission’s Conference Hall in Abuja.

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The National Security Adviser and Co-Chair of ICCESS

The Inspector General of Police
National Commissioners of INEC
Representatives of various Security, Intelligence and Law Enforcement Agencies
Other Members of ICCESS
Secretary to the Commission
Other Senior Officials of the Commission
Members of the INEC Press Corps

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. I am pleased to welcome you all to our second regular quarterly consultative meeting for the year following the first meeting held on Friday 22nd March 2024.

2. However, this is our third meeting this year with the security agencies in the last four months. You may recall that on 23rd January 2024, we met to review the security arrangement for the bye-elections and Court-ordered re-run elections in 26 States of the Federation. I am glad to report that except for two State constituencies in Enugu and Kano States, the elections in 45 constituencies have been concluded without major incidents and winners declared. I wish to place on record my appreciation and that of the co-chair of ICCES (the National Security Adviser) for the proactive measures taken by the security agencies in ensuring the peaceful conclusion of the elections involving 4,904,627 registered voters spread across 80 Local Government Areas, 575 electoral Wards and 8,934 Polling Units.

3. Following consultations with stakeholders, the Commission is remobilising to conclude the outstanding re-run elections in Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State and Ghari (formerly known as Kunchi Local Government Area) for the Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State. Similarly, I would like to inform you of vacancies in four States of the Federation that will necessitate bye-elections in three State Assembly constituencies and one Federal Constituency, as a result of death or resignation of Honourable Members. As soon as necessary preparations are concluded, the Commission will announce the dates for bye-elections in Khana 2 State Constituency of Rivers State, the Bagwai/Shanono State constituency of Kano State, the Zaria Kewaye State Constituency of Kaduna State and the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency of Jigawa State. Again, we look forward to working with the security agencies to secure the environment for peaceful elections.

4. In addition to these bye-elections, the Commission is preparing for two major off-cycle Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. The Edo State Governorship election is holding in the next four months on Saturday 21st September 2024 while the Ondo Governorship election holds in the next six months on Saturday 16th November 2024.

5. There are two activities relating to the forthcoming Governorship elections that we need to draw your attention to. First is the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two States that will enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so. Similarly, those who are registered voters will also have the opportunity to transfer their registration from other States of the Federation to Edo and Ondo States or from one location to another within the States. Complaints about lost or damaged voters’ cards will be considered during the registration period. The CVR will take place simultaneously in the two States from Monday 27th May 2024 to Wednesday 5th June 2024 from 9.00am to 3.00pm daily including the weekend. During the period, uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) from previous registrations in the two States will also be available for collection by registered voters.

6. The CVR will take place at Ward level and our State headquarters. This means that there will be 192 Ward registration centres in Edo State and 203 centres in Ondo State in addition to our State offices in Benin City and Akure, making a total of 397 registration centres in the two States. Each centre will be managed by two officials drawn from our regular staff and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). We need security protection for the registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers and journalists that will cover the exercise. The detailed locations of the registration centres have been compiled in a detailed 28-page document included in your folders for this meeting to guide your operational plans to secure the process.

7. The Commission has published the final list of candidates for Edo following the conclusion of party primaries and the end of the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates as provided in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election. Campaign in public by political parties commenced on Wednesday 24th April 2024 and will end at midnight on Thursday 19th September 2024 i.e. 24 hours before the date fixed for the election as provided by law.

8. I urge you to keep your eyes on the electioneering process with a view to preventing violent attacks or negative mobilisation by political parties, candidates and their supporters during their campaigns. Similarly, the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities such as Radio and Television stations, public buildings for campaigns and rallies or even outdoor advertising through the imposition of excessive fees and levies often result in the breach of the peace. These actions, including the mutual destruction of campaign materials and facilities, violate the provisions of Sections 91 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2022. The security agencies have a duty to ensure the enforcement of the law.

9. Once again, I welcome you all to this meeting. I thank you and God bless.

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Nigeria a crime scene, needs urgent fix – Peter obi

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Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, Peter Obi, has decried the high level of insecurity and hardship across Nigeria, describing the country as a “crime scene” in need of urgent fix.

Speaking during the presentation of a book – ‘Obi: The Political Change Agent’, in Abuja on Tuesday, Obi expressed concerns over the hardship Nigeria citizens are facing, implying that although Nigeria is not officially at war, many citizens live like refugees, both inside and outside the country.

“Today in Nigeria, we’re not officially at war, yet Nigerians are living in IDP camps in their own country. Nigerians are refugees in Chad, in Cameroon. And the only reason is because we don’t have a government that cares for them,” he said.

He cautioned on the current system of the country stating it unsustainable and dangerous, urging Nigerian to actively work hard to detach from what is called a crime scene of a country.

“Some people are dancing while the ship is sinking. When it finally goes down, it will consume everyone rich or poor. I’ve seen this before in places like Beirut and Afghanistan. Crisis does not discriminate,” he warned.

He further criticized the nation’s priorities, pointing out that while government buildings are being renovated and parties thrown, women continue to die during childbirth and millions of children remain out of school.

“We use public resources to paint offices and build mansions, while women die trying to give birth. According to a recent report, one woman dies every seven minutes in Nigeria during childbirth. That’s what we want to dismantle,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor emphasized that many of Nigeria’s problems stem from a lack of leadership and value creation.

“Our leaders in government and business are producing poverty. When people hoard money without creating value, they are fueling poverty. A functional economy must be built on the exchange of real value,” he said.

On currency devaluation, Obi supported the idea but stressed the need to eliminate corruption first.

“Yes, I support removing fuel subsidy, but only after removing the criminality in the system. If we build confidence in the market and clean up corruption, the naira will stabilize. It’s happening in Ghana and Angola, why not here?”

He also lamented the collapse of Nigeria’s infrastructure, citing a trip to Kafanchan where he didn’t see a single trailer transporting goods, a sign, he said, of a broken, unproductive economy.

“Colonial masters built railways to move goods cotton, granite, ginger. Today, they’re gone. We have no trains, no trailers, nothing. And we wonder why people are hungry?”

Obi called for a new wave of leadership, especially in the National Assembly, urging voters to elect leaders who are committed to peace and service rather than personal gain.

“We must not allow people who want to make money from politics. If that’s your goal, you are part of the problem,” he declared.

“This time, we will vote. The votes will count. We will be everywhere.”

Obi ended his remarks by thanking supporters and urging them to remain committed to the cause of national transformation.

Earlier, Professor Sam Amadi, former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), described Peter Obi as the ideal leader to spearhead a necessary democratic revolution.

“A successful revolution is defined by democratic civilization and democratic diplomacy. Peter Obi possesses the profile, pedigree, personality, and passion to lead this change,” Amadi said.

He noted that while Nigeria’s challenges are vast, they can be overcome with the right leadership, commitment and collective sacrifice.

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I’ve been in PDP for 28 years, will dump party to support Tinubu – Atiku’s ally, Segun Sowunmi

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Segun Sowunmi, a former spokesman to Atiku Abubakar, the ex-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has given condition to support President Bola Tinubu.

Sowunmi disclosed that he would defect from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress before supporting President Tinubu.

Featuring on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday evening, Sowunmi said there is a strong possibility that he might leave the PDP.

According to him: “If I’m going to support Tinubu in 2027, by God and everything that is in me, I will leave and join his party.

“I don’t believe in the nonsense that says you are in one party while supporting someone else.

“I don’t have time for pretense, if I’m not there, I’m not there. I have been in PDP for 28 years and most of them don’t even have that record of 28 days.

“If I’m going to leave to support the president, I will damn say that I’m going.

“Why will anyone with sense in his head stay in a party when you are telling them to repair the party.

“I have screamed and shouted that we needed to reform the party. There is a very strong possibility, looking at what is going on in my environment, looking at my state where I come from, looking at my tribe and desire – there is a very strong possibility that I may likely leave.”

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Wike conducts final inspection of major projects in FCT, attributes success to visionary leadership

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As the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) prepares to commission completed infrastructure projects in Abuja this week, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, led a delegation of FCDA engineers, reporters and Contractors on a final inspection tour across several project sites on Monday, 9th June,2025.

Speaking after the inspection, the Minister expressed immense joy and gratitude to Almighty God for granting him the health, strength, and capacity to superintend over the delivery of these vital projects.

He also extended deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and commitment to the development of the FCT under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are highly elated. First, we thank God Almighty for His grace. At a time when people say things are difficult, we have delivered critical infrastructure to the people. This is one of the happiest moments of my life”, Wike said.

The Minister noted that the successful completion of the projects is a testament to the importance of visionary leadership, clear goals, and firm commitment.

“Once you are focused on your objectives and committed to them, results will follow. It is not about having all the resources in the world, but the ability to manage what you have wisely, and politically, that’s what makes the difference”.

He acknowledged the inherent challenges of bureaucracy but emphasized the importance of clear direction.

“You talk about bureaucracy, of course it’s a problem, but again, when you sit down with people and you let them know that this is what you want to achieve and you are not going to accept anything less than that, they will key in”, the Minister stated.

The tour included inspection of the International Conference Centre, now renovated to world-class standards, Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) completed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, as well as the Arterial Road N16, from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway to the Wole Soyinka Way and the 15km OSEX II, connecting Apo and Wasa districts, executed by CGC.

Barrister Wike commended all contractors for keeping to their promises and delivering within the stipulated standards.

“We have personally supervised these projects to ensure compliance and quality. I can confirm that all contractors have done what they were contracted to do”.

On the management of ICC, the Minister announced that the newly developed event centre will be maintained by the same construction company that delivered it. “It will not be handed over to any politician or third party. Maintenance is a major issue in this country, and this time, it will not be business as usual. Anyone who wants to use the facility will pay, and that money will be used strictly for its upkeep and pay Julius Berger”, he said.

He also emphasized that local staff have been trained to manage the technology and operations of the new facilities. “The people working there are Nigerians. There is nothing too difficult in the technology. What matters is capacity-building and supervision”, he added.

The Minister assured residents that operations will commence immediately after the official commissioning this week.

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