Politics

Niger political parties sign Peace Accord ahead of LG elections

Political parties and candidates participating in the November 1 local government elections in Niger State have signed a peace accord to ensure a credible and violence-free exercise.

The peace accord, facilitated by the Niger State Police Command under Commissioner Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, was signed during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Police Officers’ Mess in Minna.

Those in attendance included representatives of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), government officials, security agencies, and political stakeholders.

Commissioner Elleman emphasized that the police would operate with professionalism, impartiality, and fairness to guarantee a safe environment before, during, and after the elections.

He also urged youths to avoid violence and promote peace.

NSIEC Chairman Mohammed Imam highlighted the commission’s 15-point election guideline, covering the election of 25 council chairmen and 274 councillors across the state’s 4,950 polling units.

IPAC Chairman Isah Makujeri praised both NSIEC and the Police for their cooperation and preparatory efforts, expressing optimism for a peaceful and transparent election.

The peace accord bars the use of religious, ethnic, or inflammatory language, with all parties pledging to adhere strictly to its provisions.

Commissioner Elleman reaffirmed the Police Command’s commitment to maintaining neutrality and credibility throughout the electoral process.

Politics

Fmr. Kwara lawmaker dumps APC for PDP

Former Kwara lawmaker and APC chieftain, Hon. Saheed Popoola, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with his supporters in Offa, citing loss of fairness and justice within the ruling party.

Popoola, who represented the Ojomu/Balogun constituency, said he joined the PDP after “deep reflection” on the direction of the APC.

“I was the first person to contest under the APC platform in 2013. We started the APC with a vision of justice and prosperity, but over time, the party lost its soul. Loyalty became to individuals, not the people,” he said.

He accused Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of poor governance, saying, “We have never seen banditry in Kwara since its creation in 1967 but the current governor does not understand governance.”

He also said the ideals of the 2019 struggle that brought the APC to power had been abandoned.

Receiving the defectors, state PDP chairman Hon. Issa Bawa described Popoola’s return as “a homecoming,” saying it would strengthen the party ahead of 2027.

However, the APC dismissed the defection as insignificant.

“The party won’t miss Saheed Popoola because his presence was never felt. He left long before the last election,” APC spokesperson Waheed Babatunde said, adding that Offa “will remain progressive and support Governor Abdulrazaq in 2027.”

Politics

Anambra guber: INEC extends collection of PVC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the ongoing collection of the Permanent Voter Card, PVC, in Anambra State to November 2, to enable eligible voters collect their cards.

Director, Voter Education and Publicity in the state, INEC, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday in Awka.

“The INEC has approved the extension of the ongoing collection of PVC in Anambra from October 29 to November 2.

“The decision was reached at a meeting of the commission held on October 27, following several appeals from citizens and stakeholders requesting additional time to enable eligible voters to collect their cards,” she said.

Eta-Messi stated that registered voters who have not collected their PVCs are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to do so at the designated collection centres across the 326 Registration Areas (Wards) in the state.

According to her, the exercise covered persons who registered during the recent Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, in the state.

The Director further stated that the collection of the PVCs must be in person, as no collection by proxy would be allowed.

The state governorship election would be held on November 8.

Politics

PDP postpones screening of aspirants indefinitely ahead of 2025 convention

The National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has postponed screening of aspirants for its 2025 elective convention, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 28 indefinitely.

The NCOC Chairman, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, in statement on Monday in Abuja, said that the postponement was due to unforeseen circumstances.

Fintiri noted that a new date would be communicated once fixed.

“The NCOC regrets any inconveniences caused by the postponement. All aspirants and members of our party should note the foregoing and be guided accordingly.

“The NCOC remains committed to delivering a credible, hitch-free 2025 Elective National Convention on Saturday, Nov. 15 to Sunday Nov. 16 in Ibadan, the Oyo capital,” the statement read.