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LABOUR PARTY ALERTS INEC OF ILLEGAL GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARIES IN ANAMBRA

The Labour Party has alerted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of illegal governorship primaries being conducted by some disgruntled members in Anambra State. In a statement, National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, emphasized that the party has concluded its governorship primaries and submitted the name of its successful candidate to INEC. Ifoh explained that the party followed due process, issuing a 21-day mandatory notice to INEC and conducting ward congresses and primaries on April 1st and 5th, 2025, respectively. Chief Moghalu emerged as the party’s candidate, polling 573 delegate votes to defeat his opponent, Chuma Nwosu, who garnered 19 votes. “The party has also issued a certificate of return to the winner and the party candidate for the November 8, 2025 election,” Ifoh stated. The Labour Party warned against any attempts to disrupt the process, which has been monitored by top INEC officials. Ifoh cautioned that anyone attempting to destabilize the party would face severe disciplinary action. He also called on party members and lovers of democracy to support the party’s efforts to rescue Anambra State from bad governance. Ifoh highlighted the party’s commitment to transparency and adherence to INEC guidelines and the Electoral Act. He noted that INEC has mandated all political parties to complete their primaries by April 10, 2025, in compliance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. The Labour Party is confident in its candidate, citing his impressive track record in both private and public sectors. Ifoh reiterated the party’s commitment to democracy and good governance, urging supporters to rally behind their candidate.

ITSEKIRI PROTEST SHUTS DOWN 28,000 BPD OIL FACILITY IN DELTA STATE

A major oil facility in Delta State’s Warri South-West Local Government Area has been shut down due to protests by the Itsekiri people over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) proposed ward delineation. The facility, which produces 28,000 crude barrels per day, was formerly operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company and is now owned by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings. The protesters, comprising men, women, and youths, stormed the facility with placards, expressing their anger over INEC’s proposal. They claim the delineation amounts to ethnic cleansing and are demanding its withdrawal. According to Amorighoye Mene, Secretary of Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, “We expected INEC to consider the voting strength of the various ethnic groups that comprise the area — the Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw, and other mixed-demographic areas — when delineating the wards and polling units.” The Itsekiri Nation rejected the proposed ward delineation, citing a lack of consideration for historical and legitimate community names. Mene hinted at potential court action against INEC, stating, “We were not allowed to speak or react at the venue of the unveiling, but we have looked at the report given to us and the entire Itsekiri nation completely condemns and rejects the work done by INEC.” The protest may spread to other critical oil and gas facilities, potentially affecting Nigeria’s daily crude oil production. INEC’s proposal follows a Supreme Court judgment calling for fresh delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency.

PRESIDENCY DEBUNKS RUMORS OF INEC CHAIRMAN’S REPLACEMENT

The Presidency has denied rumors circulating on social media that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, has been sacked and replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan. The rumors, sparked by a viral WhatsApp message, were dismissed as “fake news” by O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Digital Media and New Media. In a statement, Senior Special Adviser O’tega Ogra urged the public to disregard the false reports. “Disregard any fake news making the rounds about the replacement of the INEC Chairman,” Ogra said. “Any such announcement will come from the SGF’s office or any other official source.” Ogra emphasized that official announcements regarding changes would come from authorized sources, such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Yakubu is nearing the end of his second tenure, expected to conclude by the end of the year. This development comes amid the circulation of false information on social media, which has been a recurring issue. In December, INEC debunked rumors of Yakubu’s death, describing it as “fake news”.

INEC REJECTS PETITION SEEKING RECALL OF KOGI CENTRAL SENATOR

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the rejection of a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. According to INEC, the petition failed to meet the requirements outlined in Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. Section 69(a) stipulates that for a recall process to be valid, at least half of the registered voters in the senator’s constituency must sign the petition. INEC’s decision suggests that the petition fell short of this threshold, rendering the recall process legally unviable at this stage. The commission’s statement, posted on its official X handle, did not provide further details on the specific shortcomings of the petition. However, it reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes. This development brings temporary relief to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose tenure has been marked by political controversies and power struggles in Kogi politics. Supporters and opponents of the senator are now awaiting further political manoeuvres following INEC’s decision.

INEC CONFIRMS RECEIPT OF PETITIONER DETAILS, NOTIFIES SENATOR IN KOGI CENTRAL RECALL PROCESS

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed receiving the contact details of representatives leading the recall petition of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission disclosed that the petitioners’ address, telephone numbers, and email were provided in a letter dated 26th March 2025 and addressed to the INEC Chairman. National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, stated that the Senator has been formally notified of the petition’s receipt, in line with Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024. “A letter has been written to notify the Senator sought to be recalled about the receipt of the petition and delivered to her official address,” Olumekun said. He added that the Senate’s presiding officer had also been copied, while the notice was published on INEC’s website. Olumekun explained that the next phase involves scrutinizing the list of signatories to verify if the petition meets the requirement of being endorsed by over 50% of registered voters in the constituency. “This will be done in the coming days,” he said, noting that the outcome would be made public and determine the Commission’s subsequent actions. Reiterating INEC’s commitment to transparency, Olumekun assured Nigerians that the process would remain open and fair. “We once again reassure Nigerians that the process will be open and transparent,” he emphasized. The update follows INEC’s initial statement on Tuesday, which acknowledged the petition but noted the absence of petitioners’ contact details at the time. The latest development moves the recall process forward, pending verification of the submitted signatures.

INEC RELEASES VOTERS REGISTER FOR RIVERS STATE LGA ELECTIONS, COMMENDED BY OPPOSITION AND RIGHTS GROUPS

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the voters register for the upcoming Rivers State Local Government Area (LGA) elections scheduled for August 9, 2025. This decision follows a request from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) and is in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 and a recent Supreme Court pronouncement. In a letter dated March 3, 2025, RISIEC Chairman Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli formally requested the voters register and an updated list of political parties from INEC. The letter cited Sections 9(1)(a) and 15 of the Electoral Act 2022, emphasizing the need for these documents to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections. RISIEC also referenced Section 150 of the Electoral Act, which mandates timely preparation for electoral processes. INEC, in its response dated March 13, 2025, signed by Secretary Rose Oriaran, acknowledged RISIEC’s request and approved the release of the Rivers State Register of Voters and the updated list of political parties. The commission directed RISIEC to liaise with its Rivers State office to collect the soft copies of the required documents. The timely release of the voters register has been widely commended by stakeholders, including the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). Both groups described the action as a critical step toward ensuring credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, praised INEC for its prompt response, stating, “With only 159 days remaining before the conduct of fresh local government elections in Rivers State, it is going to be a ‘make or break’ year. I urge the electoral body to take key decisions and actions to pave the way for holding peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections. Simply holding elections is not enough—the credibility, transparency, and inclusivity of the process are what bring legitimacy.” HURIWA, in a statement by its leader Comrade Emma Onwubiko, also lauded INEC and RISIEC for their swift action, which aligns with the Electoral Act. The group emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration to ensure a successful election. “We highly commend INEC and RISIEC for the timely release of the voters register. This swift action has set a foundation for a credible election. However, for this to be achieved, INEC needs to prepare well and take key decisions to ensure a peaceful, inclusive, and credible election on August 9th,” the statement read. HURIWA further urged political actors to campaign freely and adhere to the rule of law while calling on civil society groups to act as watchdogs during the electoral process. The group stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to guarantee a smooth and credible election.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SUBMITS KEY APPOINTMENTS FOR SENATE CONFIRMATION

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Senate to approve key appointments across critical institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In three separate letters addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu outlined his nominations, urging the Senate to expedite their confirmation in line with constitutional and statutory provisions. The President submitted four nominees for appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in INEC. The nominees are Umar Yusuf Garba for Kano, Saad Umar for Bauchi, Chukwuemeka C. Ibeziako for Anambra, and Mohammad I. Ngoshe for Borno. President Tinubu expressed confidence in the Senate’s swift confirmation process, noting that the request supersedes an earlier correspondence. In another letter, President Tinubu nominated Mr. Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi for confirmation as Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), in line with Section 3(1)(b) of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019. Additionally, the President sought the Senate’s approval for the appointment of Prof. Melvin D. Ayogu as a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to complete the statutory composition of the CBN Board, as required by Section 6 of the CBN Act, 2007. President Tinubu emphasized the critical roles of these nominees in strengthening governance, electoral integrity, financial oversight, and correctional administration, urging the Senate to consider and confirm the appointments promptly. “I have confidence in the Senate’s swift confirmation process,” he said. The Senate is expected to review the nominations and conduct screening sessions before making final confirmation decisions.

JUSTICE OR SELECTIVE PUNISHMENT? THE CASE OF PROFESSOR UDUK

Today, Professor Ignatius Uduk of the University of Uyo saw his career, dreams, and reputation crumble as he was sentenced to three years in prison for electoral fraud during the 2019 elections. A man who spent years in academia, earning respect and prestige, has now been reduced to a cautionary tale—a stark reminder that no amount of education can substitute for integrity. But as Professor Uduk prepares to serve his time, where is the politician he tried to protect? Where are those who whispered promises of rewards, those who urged him to bend the rules, assuring him it was just “politics as usual”? They have moved on, still enjoying power, wealth, and influence, while he stands alone—abandoned, disgraced, and forgotten. Interestingly, this judgment also proves one thing: Professor Uduk was not working for the government of the day. If he were, his case might have ended differently. Instead, he has been left to bear the consequences alone, a stark contrast to the usual pattern where those who serve the system are shielded while scapegoats are sacrificed. To Nigerian professors and intellectuals who, despite their exposure and knowledge, allow themselves to be used as tools for political manipulation—are you watching? Are you learning? Or will greed and desperation for a share of the “national cake” continue to cloud your judgment? Electoral fraud is not a victimless crime. It robs people of their right to choose, fuels bad governance, and undermines democracy. And while the perpetrators may think they are untouchable, time always catches up. Professor Uduk has now joined his colleague, Professor Peter Ogban, in prison. Who will be next? Yet, this case also raises deeper questions: Why do some pay the price while others walk free? Why was the Adamawa REC, who attempted to hijack an election on live television, not held to the same standard? Is justice truly blind, or does it see faces before passing judgment? While these questions linger, one truth remains: No matter how long it takes, no matter how smart you think you are, you can never steal or shortchange the will of the people and go scot-free. The weight of justice may be slow, but when it falls, it is crushing. Let this be a warning to those who still believe they can manipulate elections for personal gain. The fate of Professor Uduk is proof that, in the end, the system does not protect its pawns—it discards them. So Sad Ulap Ezekiel Ibok5/01/2025

INEC Debunks Rumors of Chairman Mahmood Yakubu’s Death.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted rumors about the death of its chairman, Mahmood Yakubu. Reports circulating on social media alleged that Yakubu passed away in a London hospital, but INEC dismissed the claims as false. A statement by Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, affirmed Yakubu is alive, healthy, and has not visited London in two years. He recently attended key meetings, including one with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, proving the rumors baseless. INEC reiterated its commitment to combating fake news.