Politics

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.

Published

2 years ago

May 16, 2024

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.

Politics

Ireti Kingibe wins ADC FCT Senate ticket

Published

1 day ago

May 24, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe

The African Democratic Congress has formally announced Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe as the party’s flag bearer for the Federal Capital Territory senatorial race on Saturday.

The exercise, which produced clear outcomes across senatorial and House of Representatives contests, saw Kingibe secure a commanding total of 17,535 votes, far ahead of her sole opponent, Mubarak Tijjani, who polled 806 votes.

Declaring the results at the FCT ADC party secretariat, the chairman and returning officer for the senatorial and House of Representatives primary elections, Abubakar Adamu, affirmed the outcome of the exercise.

He said, “Having scored the highest number of votes of 17, 535, and the powers conferred on me as the returning officer for the Senate and House of Representative Primary Elections, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe is declared winner of the election.”

The primary election also produced candidates for the two Federal House of Representatives seats in the FCT, with results indicating competitive but decisive victories across constituencies.

In the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Bala Iyah emerged victorious with 4,937 votes.

He was followed by Yahaya Fatima Goya, who polled 2,015 votes, while Ma’aji Johnson Bello came third with 1,546 votes. Ismaila Ishak Ozigi trailed with 105 votes.

For the Abaji/Gwagwalada/Kwali/Kuje Federal Constituency, Alhassan Salihu who secured the party ticket with a total of 9,016 votes, defeating his only challenger, Khalid A. Haruna, who garnered 2,955 votes.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were present to observe and monitor the conduct and outcome of the primaries.

Speaking after his emergence as the candidate for AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Iyah expressed confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said, “I want to assure you that with this victory I am ready, by the special grace of God, come 2027 election. Because my people are ready for this election.

“As a grassroots politician, I am ready and I have the capacity because I am not just a novice in politics, that is number one.

“And I am a great mobilizer in politics, because it’s been a long time since I’ve been in politics. Since the June 12th election, I started my politics. And I want to tell you, I know the terrain of AMAC/BWARI Federal Constituency.”

He further stated that it’s very simple, because my people love me and they like me to be there. That’s why you can see the victory, the mandate they have given to me. For sure, that day is just a walkover, by the special grace of God.

“And we are ready, not because of the money but because of the acceptance. And because of the good things I have been doing for my people,” he noted.

Politics

After Winning Presidential Primaries, APC Fixes Date To Present Tinubu With Certificate Of Return

Published

1 day ago

May 24, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Sunday receive the certificate of return and flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The presentation is scheduled to take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja following the nationwide collation of results from the APC presidential primary election.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the ceremony will be attended by APC governors, members of the National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee, lawmakers and other party leaders.

The APC had earlier conducted its presidential primary election as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The presentation of the certificate and party flag formally confirms Tinubu as the APC’s presidential candidate for the next election cycle.

President Tinubu had emerged winner of the APC direct primary held across the nation. Tinubu defeated his lone challenger, Osifo Osayamen Stanley.

Speaking earlier, Tinubu described the 2026 APC primaries across the country as proof that the ruling party is allowing its members to fully participate in the democratic process.

The President spoke on Saturday after casting his vote during the APC presidential primaries at Ikoyi-Obalende Ward L2 in Lagos State.

President praised party members for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the exercise. He also commended their participation and commitment throughout the process.

According to him, the primaries have been organised properly from the ward level to the local government stage. He said governors and party officials in different states handled delegate accreditation, membership registration and other electoral activities in an orderly manner.

Tinubu said the process reflected a healthy democratic system within the APC and showed that every member had the opportunity to be part of decision-making at the grassroots level.

Politics

PEACEFUL PRIMARIES STRENGTHEN IMO ADC’S 2027 AMBITION

Published

1 day ago

May 24, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

By Ihezie Dede Walax

The Imo State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has successfully concluded its National Assembly and House of Assembly primary elections, producing credible, capable, and widely accepted candidates for various elective positions across the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The primaries, which were conducted on Thursday, May 21, 2026, across the 305 wards in Imo State, were widely praised as peaceful, transparent, orderly, and credible. Party officials, delegates, stakeholders, and observers commended the exercise for its excellent organization and strict adherence to the party’s constitution and established electoral guidelines.

Following the successful completion of the electoral process, the party officially unveiled its candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives seats in Imo State.

FULL LIST OF IMO ADC NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES

SENATE

* Hon. Vincent O. N. Iwuchukwu — Imo West Senatorial Zone
* Engr. Ofoegbu Uchenna Daniel — Imo East Senatorial Zone
* Barr. Mrs. Ibekwe Nkiruka Imma — Imo North Senatorial Zone

FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

* Amadi Samuel Okechukwu — Owerri Municipal/Owerri North/Owerri West Federal Constituency
* Ogbonna Chukwudi Joseph — Ihitte Uboma/Ehime Mbano/Obowo Federal Constituency
* Iheanyichukwu Emmanuel Egejurum — Onuimo/Isiala Mbano/Okigwe Federal Constituency
* Mbaoma Ikechukwu Callistus — Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency
* Okoro Rex Chikwesiri — Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency
* Anselm Nwoko Ikwu — Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency
* Peters Uchenna Richard — Ohaji Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency
* Bismarck Chike Iheomazuroke Akanno — Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele Federal Constituency
* Kingsley Nnamdi Okwarabizie — Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency

The successful conduct of the primaries has been largely attributed to the effective and purposeful leadership of the Imo State Working Committee, ably led by the State Chairman, Prof. James Okoroma. His commitment to internal democracy, transparency, unity, discipline, and effective coordination ensured a smooth and credible electoral process across the state.

Party delegates, aspirants, and members of the electoral committee commended the leadership of the party for providing a conducive atmosphere that promoted fairness, discipline, peaceful participation, and a rancour free exercise throughout the primaries.

Party leaders further described the exercise as a clear demonstration of the ADC’s growing political structure, organizational capacity, and preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

The party also expressed strong confidence in the competence, experience, popularity, and grassroots acceptance of its candidates, stating that they possess the leadership qualities and political strength required to secure victory in the forthcoming general elections.

Consequently, the ADC called on party members, supporters, youths, women groups, stakeholders, and the general public across the state to remain united and mobilize massive support for all the party’s candidates as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.

ADC — Arise and Shine

Ihezie Dede Walax
DG, Imo New Media