Blaze Engulfs INEC Office in Delta’s Ika North East LGA

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported a fire incident at its Ika North East Local Government Area (LGA) office in Owa-Oyibu town, Delta State. The incident occurred on Monday, December 2, 2024, and attributed to a sudden power surge following the restoration of public electricity. It was disclosed in a press statement on Tuesday that the fire outbreak caused significant damage to several electoral materials stored at the office. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun confirmed that the fire primarily affected the stores section of the office where key electoral items were stored. Among the destroyed items were 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals, as well as assorted materials such as envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets. Despite the scale of the destruction, the Commission assured that no lives were lost and there were no reported injuries. According to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, the fire broke out in the afternoon but did not lead to any fatalities. The incident has already been reported to security agencies and emergency services for a detailed investigation. INEC also extended its appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their prompt response to the emergency. Ika North East LGA, one of the 25 LGA offices in Delta State, plays a critical role in the state’s electoral activities. The area comprises 14 Registration Areas (Wards), 238 Polling Units, and 131,747 registered voters. This fire incident raises concerns about the preparedness and security of electoral materials in the region. Despite the incident, the Commission has expressed committed to taking necessary steps to ensure minimal disruption to future elections. The Commission has vowed to continue working with the relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the fire and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

LP Launches Membership Online Registration App, Sets Congress Timetable

The Labour Party has unveiled an online membership registration app as part of its push to surpass 20 million members before the 2027 elections.  The app, designed for both new sign-ups and membership revalidation, is part of the party’s plan to expand its base ahead of upcoming congresses. LP National Executive Council (NEC) held a virtual meeting on Saturday to discuss these plans, including the announcement of the congress timetable.  Membership revalidation begins immediately, with a deadline set for January 31, 2025.  The app is expected to update the ward registers in preparation for the ward congresses, scheduled to begin between February and March 2025. At the ward level, there will be 17 positions up for election, including chairman, vice chairman, and secretary. READ ALSO: TINUBU ARRIVES BRASIL FOR G20 SUMMIT  Local Government congresses are set to take place between April and May 2025, with 21 positions contested, while state congresses will be held between June and July 2025, offering 29 positions. The NEC also approved the restructuring of the Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, commending the directorate’s success under the leadership of Dr. Marcel Ngogbehei.  Additionally, a new Directorate of International and Diaspora Affairs has been established to manage the growing number of party members abroad. This new directorate will also explore ways for the diaspora to participate in local congresses. The meeting also led to the formation of several committees, including the Electoral Reform Committee, tasked with addressing electoral challenges faced by the party in the 2023 elections.  The committee, led by Hon. Benedict Etanabene, will submit its report within eight weeks.  The Political Education Committee, headed by Rt. Hon. Ativie Elizabeth, will focus on reorienting the public and preparing citizens for active political engagement. PLEASE READ: NEF APPOINTS DR. AMINU ANAS DIRECTOR,PLANNING AND PROGRAMMES

INEC Prepares for Ondo Governorship Poll with Mock Accreditation  

Embarking on the same hollow ritual, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State by conducting a mock accreditation exercise.  The exercise, held on Wednesday, aimed to test the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).   INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, alongside the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, led the monitoring team across several local government areas, including Akure South, Akure North, and Idanre.   During the exercise, BVAS machines were deployed to polling units where eligible voters underwent facial recognition and other verification processes.  The test was conducted to ensure that the machines would function efficiently on election day.   With sensitive materials expected to arrive on November 14, INEC reassured the public of its readiness to conduct a smooth and transparent election.  The commission urged stakeholders, including political parties and candidates, to maintain peace and cooperate fully.   The mock accreditation exercise has been widely regarded as a critical step toward ensuring a seamless voting experience in Ondo State.

Why well Meaning Nigerians Must Support This LGA Election.

By: Amaopusenibo Bobo Sofiri Brown Rivers State is one of over 10 States that had Local Government Caretaker Committees (CTC) in place by July 2024. Many of the States have conducted their LGA elections without undue interference by Abuja High Courts or Police directives. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) whose members were picked and inaugurated by His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in his last days as the recognized Governor of Rivers State, announced in July that the elections would hold on October 5, 2024.RSIEC has since confirmed that every necessary step in the process has been put in place to achieve a free and fair election. Most of the functioning Political parties in Rivers State have come out in support of the LGA elections. This development is a salutary departure from our past experience with LGA elections or any other for that matter. And in a most dramatic and strategic initiative, a coalition of Civil Society groups addressed a Press Conference in Abuja to declare support for the LGA elections. They gave coherent and troubling reasons that suggest very strongly their patriotic effort to expose the monkey hands in Abuja that seem to conjure stormy weather for Rivers State since November 1, 2023,The things happening should show to all Nigerians that Rivers people are largely united in their common desire to make a firm break with the old political environment that was in place up to October 30 2023.It was an environment of “might is right”, oppression and monopoly of our State revenue by a few who surround one Strong Man. It has made our state poorer and kept Rivers people enslaved. For instance, by 1883, at least four City States had sprung up in the Eastern Niger Delta known as Oil Rivers Province then. They were proud centres of indigenous enterprise as international trading hubs in a place some Europeans framed as a dreaded “heart of darkness”.But by 2023 not one of the old City States in Rivers State had any indigenous engineered local economy to feed our people and give them capacity to grow competitive business enterprises, dignity and a decent future.Rivers people who by the 1880s were celebrated in Europe for generating public wealth, who invested in education and enterprise-building through international commercial undertakings in their local economies and widely acclaimed fame for human dignity, have been reduced to beggars who now sleep under flyovers!Is that the life we want for ourselves and our children? Let nobody be faint-hearted about this LGA election. Let’s go forth with the fear of God and commitment to build good governance, not “turn by turn” looting.God said to Moses that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart to fulfill His own purpose.Pharaoh’s stone heart, made the world to know that there is God.Rivers people and Nigerians are going through the same experience today.We will not fear Pharaoh’s well-fed amorphous Army. They threaten and seek to drown us in the Red Sea. The LGA elections is their latest battle field.Pharaoh and his Army live in luxury with gold plated chariots for Judges and Security officials who do Pharaoh’s bidding.They are allegedly paid in handsome currencies, from the looted wealth of Rivers State that for years have kept our State poorer.But God’s words ring true. His judgment will come upon Pharaoh and his Army of oppression and exploitation.Then they will know that Jehovah’s might is the ultimate (Exodus 14 v 4 & 14).See how confused Pharaoh and his Army have become over Rivers State, which they want to control at all cost? They keep failing with every step they take. More Stakeholder groups across Nigeria are joining hands to stand with Rivers people and our Governor, His Excellency Amaopusenibo Sir Sim Fubara!Isn’t God wonderful?I hear people worry about Pharaoh’s next move.We will not fear!For the God of Jacob is our refuge and strength. Let us be still and watch what He will do to Pharaoh (Psalm 46 v 10-11).He has set us free from bondage and will continue to do wonders before the eyes of all Nigerians, as He leads us along. Yes, His name is Jehovah (Joshua 24 v 17-18). Amaopusenibo Bobo Sofiri Brown Manager Public Affairs- East, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), Pioneer Head of PR, later Manager PR & Communication, NAFCON, (a MW Kellogg of Houston JV project)

Edo election ‘sold to the highest bidder,’ says Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata

How I Survived Cancer - Former NBA President, Akpata

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election, Mr. Olumide Akpata, has dismissed its outcome, describing it as a transaction where victory was awarded to the highest bidder. Akpata made the remarks following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to building a democracy that works for all, not just the highest bidder. We continue to envision an Edo State, and a Nigeria, where ideas triumph over Naira, where the collective will of the people shapes our future,” Akpata said. Akpata, who finished third in the election with 22,763 votes, expressed the need for comprehensive electoral reform. He advocated for technology to establish systems that make vote-buying impossible, emphasizing the importance of addressing the socio-economic conditions that drive citizens to sell their votes. “We must also address the root causes that make our people susceptible to vote-selling by creating economic opportunities, improving education, and building a society where citizens do not feel compelled to mortgage their future for immediate gains,” Akpata added. He lamented that the Edo election exposed the harsh reality that politics in the state, and across Nigeria, is often dominated by those with the deepest pockets and the most extensive networks of influence, rather than by ideologies or the will of the people. READ ALSO: http://Rivers APC to sanction Pro-Wike lawmakers for denying defection Condemning the widespread vote-buying, Akpata pointed to the long-term damage the practices have inflicted on Edo’s economy over the past 25 years, fostering an environment where democratic values are routinely undermined. He, however, said despite the election’s outcome, the Labour Party remains committed to upholding the sanctity of the ballot and ensuring that the people’s right to freely choose their leaders is preserved.

It is Okpebholo!

Like a painful delivery that comes after a protracted labour, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the controversial midwife, birthed Sen. Monday Okpebholo, late on Saturday as winner of the Edo State Governorship election. A serving senator of the Federal Republic and candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpebholo scored 291,667 to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 247,274 votes and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) who polled a total of 22,763 votes. This announcement was made late on Sunday by the Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State following the collation of results in Benin City, Edo State. Nigerian Anchor reports that the Edo State Governorship election was held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 in 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), and the APC candidate won in 11 LGAs, followed by the PDP candidate who won in 7LGAs. The outcome of the election is clustered below as follows: 1. IGUEBEN LGA Total Registered Voters 54,549 Total Accredited Voters 15,274 APC 5907 LP 494 PDP 8470 Total Valid Votes 14,989 Total Rejected Votes 278 Total Votes Cast 15,267 2. ESAN WEST LGA Total Registered Voters 113,067 Total Accredited Voters 25,702 APC 12,952 LP 342 PDP 11,004 Total Valid Votes 24,691 Total Rejected Votes 693 Total Votes Cast 25,384 3. OWAN WEST Total Registered Voters 67,076 Total Accredited Voters 24,311 APC 12,277 LP 201 PDP 11,284 Total Valid Votes 23,904 Total Rejected Votes 391 Total Votes Cast 24,295 4. UHUNMWONDE Total Registered Voters 92,169 Total Accredited Voters 20,044 APC 8776 LP 769 PDP 9339 Total Valid Votes 19223 Total Rejected Votes 553 Total Votes Cast 19776 5. OVIA NORTH-EAST Total Registered Voters 177,106 Total Accredited Voters 32,441 APC 13,225 LP 1,675 PDP 15,311 Total Valid Votes 30783 Total Rejected Votes 1312 Total Votes Cast 32095 6. ESAN SOUTH-EAST LGA Total Registered Voters 90,240 Total Accredited Voters 23,390 APC 8,398 LP 98 PDP 14,199 Total Valid Votes 22780 Total Rejected Votes 356 Total Votes Cast 23136 7. EGOR LGA Total Registered Voters 242,266 Total Accredited Voters 35,463 APC 16,760 LP 1,966 PDP 14,658 Total Valid Votes 34022 Total Rejected Votes 1018 Total Votes Cast 35040 8. AKOKO EDO LGA Total Registered Voters 144,379 Total Accredited Voters 54,395 APC 34847 LP 2239 PDP 15865 Total Valid Votes 53547 Total Rejected Votes 331 Total Votes Cast 53878 9. ESAN CENTRAL LGA Total Registered Voters 68,338 Total Accredited Voters 20,580 APC 10,990 LP 418 PDP 8,618 Total Valid Votes 20198 Total Rejected Votes 361 Total Votes Cast 20559 10. ESAN NORTH-EAST LGA Total Registered Voters 106,280 Total Accredited Voters 24,430 APC 10,648 LP 194 PDP 12,522 Total Valid Votes 23,637 Total Rejected Votes 674 Total Votes Cast 24,311 11. OVIA SOUTH-WEST LGA Total Registered Voters 112,091 Total Accredited Voters 23,196 APC 10,150 LP 849 PDP 10,260 Total Valid Votes 21710 Total Rejected Votes 1086 Total Votes Cast 22796 12. ORHIONMWON LGA Total Registered Voters 139,260 Total Accredited Voters 33,196 APC 16,059 LP 556 PDP 14,614 Total Valid Votes 31,559 Total Rejected Votes 1091 Total Votes Cast 32,650 13. OWAN EAST LGA Total Registered Voters 108,252 Total Accredited Voters 34,618 APC 19,380 LP 446 PDP 14,189 Total Valid Votes 34,157 Total Rejected Votes 420 Total Votes Cast 34,577 14. ETSAKO EAST LGA Total Registered Voters 102,754 Total Accredited Voters 35,084 APC 20,167 LP 604 PDP 9,683 Total Valid Votes 30926 Total Rejected Votes 435 Total Votes Cast 31361 READ ALSO: http://You Can’t set Bauchi on fire I Have enough water- Gov Bala Muhammad  mocks Wike 15. ETSAKO CENTRAL LGA Total Registered Voters 59,430 Total Accredited Voters 21,465 APC 11,906 LP 381 PDP 8,455 Total Valid Votes 20,851 Total Rejected Votes 294 Total Votes Cast 21,145 16. ETSAKO WEST LGA Total Registered Voters 186,449 Total Accredited Voters 54,304 APC 32,107 LP 2116 PDP 17,483 Total Valid Votes 52,226 Total Rejected Votes 1,188 Total Votes Cast 53,414 17. OREDO LGA Total Registered Voters 356,242 Total Accredited Voters 64,802 APC 30,780 LP 5389 PDP 24,938 Total Valid Votes 62703 Total Rejected Votes 1339 Total Votes Cast 64042 READ ALSO: money-laundering-efcc-to-investigate-bank-executives 18. IKPOBA-OKHA LGA Total Registered Voters 392,782 Total Accredited Voters 61,437 APC 16338 LP 4026 PDP 26382 Total Valid Votes 48784 Total Rejected Votes 1455 Total Votes Cast 50239

#EdoDecides2024: State REC Rates INEC’s Performance 92%

The Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha has rated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 92% in its performance so far, in the ongoing election process.   Addressing the media during a post-election briefing in Benin City, the REC commended INEC staff, security agencies, and the electorate for their roles in ensuring a largely peaceful and orderly voting process. He highlighted that the commission had worked diligently to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls, attributing the high performance to several factors including enhanced staff training, timely deployment of election materials, and the functionality of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).   “We are pleased that this election, in terms of logistics, voter management, and overall coordination, has been one of the best in recent times. Materials were delivered to most polling units on time, and the accreditation process went seamlessly in over 90% of the locations,” the REC stated.   However, Dr. Onuoha acknowledged that there were still some minor hitches, particularly with late arrival of materials in a few remote areas due to bad roads. He reassured the public that the commission has taken note of these issues and is working towards making improvements in future elections.   The REC also praised Edo State voters for their peaceful conduct during the voting process, urging continued engagement in the political process. He emphasized that the collaboration between INEC and security agencies was instrumental in ensuring a secure environment for voting, with no major security incidents reported throughout the state.   While the 92% performance rating marks a significant success for INEC, Dr. Onuoha reiterated the commission’s commitment to achieving even higher standards in future elections, as part of its ongoing reforms to enhance electoral transparency and credibility in Nigeria.   Collation of Results From results collated so far, within Benin city, PDP leading, APC following while LP comes 3rd

Edo 2024 Guber Update: Voting Begins Amid Tight Security

The 2024 governorship election in Edo State has officially commenced, marked by a significant security presence and varying reports regarding the arrival of INEC officials and voter turnout across different polling units.   INEC Officials Arrive Late at Some Polling Units At 7:43 a.m., INEC officials arrived at Unit 18, Oghede Ward 10, located at Oghede Secondary School on Ekenhuan Road in Egor Local Government Area. Despite the officials’ timely arrival, only a small number of voters were present at the polling unit.   In stark contrast, by 8:39 a.m., Units 7 to 10 in Ward 1 at Ezoti Primary School, Oredo Local Government Area, reported a large turnout of voters. However, INEC officials had not yet arrived. Security operatives were on-site to maintain order and ensure the safety of the gathering electorate.   Smooth Voting Process Amid Low Turnout By 8:51 a.m., voting commenced at Units 19 to 28, Ward 4, Emokpae Primary School in Oredo LGA, where the electoral process was proceeding smoothly. However, at Unit 41, Ward 4, located along Idahosa Lane on Mission Road, INEC officials were present but reported no voters at the polling unit. Staff expressed concerns regarding the absence of security personnel at this location.   Reports from Unit 36, Ward 4 at Evbiemwen indicated that by 9:11 a.m., both INEC officials and security operatives were present, yet voters had not yet arrived. A similar situation was observed at Unit 32, Ward 4, on Ero Street, Wire Road in Oredo LGA, where voting was ongoing under the watchful eye of security personnel, although turnout remained modest.   Continued Presence of Security Operatives By 9:30 a.m., INEC officials finally arrived at Unit 31, Ward 4, Azama Street on Wire Road in Oredo LGA. While security operatives maintained law and order throughout the polling units visited, voter turnout across these locations remained low.   Across all polling units monitored, there was a heavy presence of security operatives both within and around the voting areas, ensuring that the election process proceeded in an orderly and peaceful manner as citizens exercised their democratic rights.   There have also been few incidents of alleged vote buying by some party agents.   As the day progresses, further updates on voter turnout and election proceedings are anticipated.   Security Threats Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Asue Ighodalo has raised an alarm over security threats during the ongoing gubernatorial elections in Edo State. He alleged that the police had arrested a party member in Ward 8 Unit 3. “In Uromi unit 3, one of our supporters was arrested there about an hour ago by men in mufti carrying guns. Nobody should carry guns into a polling unit. That is against the law. But you just see people behaving indiscriminately, oppressing and trying to intimidate our folks,” he said.

Edo 2024 Guber: Impressive Turnout of Voters

The Edo 2024 gubernatorial election has witnessed an impressive turnout of voters across the state today, as residents turned out in their numbers to exercise their civic duties. By 7:15am when reporters visited polling units within ward 12, residents had trooped out early, signaling a strong desire to shape the future of Edo State. People with disability and octogenarians were given preference. Voting in most wards in Oredo LGA is going on smoothly, and the security situation in most polling units visited remain intact and under control. Several civil society organizations monitoring the elections, including YIAGA Africa and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), commended the peaceful conduct and the large turnout of voters. The Edo 2024 election is seen as a critical moment for the state, with three major political parties amongst others vying for the governorship seat in a race that will shape Edo’s political landscape for the next four years.