Politics

INEC releases 2023 general elections report

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has released the 2023 General Elections Report.

The commission disclosed this in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in Abuja on Friday.

Olumekun said the election report was reviewed and approved for publication at the commission’s weekly meeting held on Thursday.

He said the publication was done in keeping with the commission’s tradition over the last four electoral cycles, and its commitment to transparency.

Olumekun said the comprehensive 526-page document, structured into 13 chapters and enhanced with 60 tables, 14 boxes, and 10 graphs, offered an in-depth analysis of the election’s key processes, achievements, and challenges, alongside valuable lessons learned.

“The report showcases the election’s unparalleled diversity in party representation, demonstrating significant democratic progress.

“This election saw four political parties winning gubernatorial races, seven parties winning senatorial seats, eight in federal constituencies, and nine in state legislatures, illustrating a broad shift in political representation across Nigeria.

“The report underscores the pivotal role of technological advancements, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), in enhancing electoral integrity and reducing fraud.

“Furthermore, it addresses public concerns about the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, explaining the technical issues encountered during the upload of polling unit results for the presidential election.

“Other aspects covered in the report include logistics, security arrangements, staff recruitment and training, inclusivity measures, and the electoral framework,” he said.

Olumekun said the document had been made accessible on INEC website (www.inecnigeria.org) and social media platforms.

He said the commission would welcome feedback to inform future electoral reforms and improvements.

Politics

Kogi PDP suspends Dino Melaye

The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has suspended former Senator from the state, Dino Melaye from the party.

Melaye was suspended by the PDP exco in Ayetoro Gbede, Ward 1 following his refusal to honour a summon.

The Ward exco explained that Melaye was suspended for anti-party activities and alleged misconduct.

The resolution to suspend the former Kogi West senator was taken by the Ward party executive committee during a meeting in Aiyetoro/Luagba Ward 1 on Friday to review the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate alleged anti-party activities against him.

It was signed by the Ward Chairman, Abayomi Osamika and Ward Yodson Dayo, Secretary.

The resolution reads: “Senator Dino Melaye’s conduct has brought embarrassment and disrepute to the party and his continued membership is no longer tenable.

“Therefore, the Ward party exco hereby suspends Dino Melaye from the Peoples Democratic party, effective and immediately.

“The suspension is in line with provisions of Article 59 (1) of the PDP constitution which empowers the Ward party excos to take disciplinary actions against erring members.”

Politics

Edo Assembly faults IGP over ban on state security outfit

The Edo House of Assembly on Thursday faulted the move by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to ban the Edo State Security Network, ESSN, from polling units in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The Majority Leader of the House, Charity Aiguobarueghian, who addressed journalists in Benin on Thursday said that the security network was established in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

Aiguobarueghian told newsmen in Benin that the security network would continue to protect the people regardless of the IGP’s pronouncement.

IGP had on Wednesday ordered the suspension of the activities of the security network till further notice.

The move, according to the IGP was to ensure transparency in the September 21 gubernatorial election.

Egbetokun, who warned the security network to stay off the polls, said the mandate to secure the election rested solely on the Police.

But Aiguobarueghian told reporters that only a court of law can order the suspension of the Edo security network.

Aiguobarueghian emphasised the importance of ESSN in the provision of security and helping to secure lives and property, especially in the rural areas of the state.

“The Edo State House of Assembly, pursuant to its function and powers as enshrined in Section 4 of the Constitution as amended, had the powers to legislate on maintenance of peace and order in the state.

“Edo State is among the 23 out of 36 states with an internal community police network established to provide security and order,” he said.

Politics

APC confirms participation in Kano LG polls

The Kano State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has confirmed its participation in the October 24 local government elections in the state.

The state chairman of the party, Abdullahi Abbas, made this confirmation on Thursday in Kano.

He said that the party would soon organise its primary elections to pave way for the emergence of candidates for the elections and expressed optimism about the party’s chances in the poll.

According to him, the party was mobilising its supporters to participate in the election across all the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

“We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure our teeming supporters participate in the election”, he said.

He emphasised that Kano State historically was a stronghold of progressive politics and that the party’s political machinery was in motion to secure victory.

The chairman stressed the importance of a level playing ground, urging the state’s independent electoral commission to ensure the smooth electoral process.

He restated the party’s commitment to free and fair elections.