Author: GANUX

 

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday welcomed a delegation of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions on a post-election follow-up and needs assessment mission to Nigeria, two years after the 2023 polls.

 

Speaking at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, Yakubu commended the regional body for its sustained partnership in strengthening electoral processes across West Africa.

 

“It is my pleasure to welcome our guests from the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions who are here to follow up on the implementation of the recommendations made by the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission to the last General Election in Nigeria held two years ago in February and March 2023,” Yakubu said.

 

He expressed appreciation for the presence of the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission of Liberia, Mrs. Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, who led the mission, and the Deputy Chair of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Dr. Bossman Asare.

The INEC boss also acknowledged the Acting Permanent Secretary of ECONEC, Serigne Mamadou Ka, alongside other international experts.

 

Yakubu noted that ECOWAS had made 37 recommendations following the 2023 elections, 13 of which were specifically directed at INEC.

 

The remaining 24 were addressed to institutions such as the National Assembly, Nigeria Police Force, National Broadcasting Commission, NITDA, civil society organisations, Nigeria Union of Journalists and political parties.

“Of the 13 observations specifically addressed to INEC, the Commission has considered all the recommendations that require administrative action to implement while waiting for the conclusion of the ongoing legal review by the National Assembly on aspects of the recommendations that require legislative intervention,” he explained.

 

He assured the visiting delegation that INEC had prepared a detailed response to all the recommendations and made them accessible both online and in hard copies provided to the mission.

 

Yakubu also appreciated the support of development partners.

 

“We welcome to Nigeria Lenny Taabu and Mathias Hounkpe supported by EISA, Emmanuel Kissi supported by IDEA and Michael Agada from the German international cooperation agency, GIZ.

“We look forward to a robust interaction at this meeting in the best interest of our elections and electoral process,” he said.

 

Responding, the Head of Mission and Chairperson of the National Elections Commission of Liberia, Mrs. Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, described the visit as a learning exercise not only for Nigeria but also for other electoral bodies in the region.

 

“This joint post-2023 election follow-up and needs assessment mission to Nigeria is a peer-to-peer review of our presence here during the 2023 elections, but more importantly, the recommendations that we offered, which were outlined in a report of our visit here,” she stated

She explained that the team aimed to assess how INEC implemented the recommendations and to understand how challenges from the 2023 elections were addressed.

 

“We see this mission as a lesson learned, not just for INEC Nigeria, but also for our own institutions, our own election management bodies, because as we know, problems or challenges that are faced by any election management body are often faced by election management bodies throughout our region,” she added.

 

Browne-Lansanah further praised INEC’s support to Liberia’s electoral system.

 

“More importantly, INEC has supported through material sharing with the National Elections Commission in Liberia. Because of your intervention, we now have an ICT room, basically supported by your efforts.

 

“And through ECONEC and its principles and ideals, Nigeria actually responded to our needs. So I want to ask you to give a round of applause for Professor Mahmood and the Commissioners and the team of INEC Nigeria,” she said.

 

She concluded by stressing the need for regional cooperation.

 

“We want to learn what happened, so that we use your expertise in dealing with the problems and challenges to better situate our individual election management bodies and processes. Thank you to all of you, and we wish to have better, sustainable election management bodies throughout West Africa and the world,” she added.

 

The 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kaduna State, John Ayuba, has resigned from the party and joined the African Democratic Congress.

 

Ayuba confirmed his defection on Monday in a telephone interview with PUNCH Online, and in a formal resignation letter addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Ungwan Gaiya Ward in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state.

 

He cited mismanagement and lack of direction at the national level as reasons for his decision to leave the party.

 

“It is with a heavy heart that I write to convey my difficult decision to resign my membership of our erstwhile great party,” the letter read in part.

 

The former deputy governorship candidate accused some national stakeholders of mismanaging the party’s future and engaging in anti-party activities.

 

“I have, over the last three years, watched with great concern the mismanagement of the future of our party at the national level by those who, I fear to say, do not mean well for its future.

“These events culminated in brazen acts of anti-party activities against our presidential candidate in the 2023 general election by highly placed party members,” he added.

Ayuba lamented that months after the general elections, the party had yet to take decisive action on the issues, leaving loyal members demoralised.

 

He noted that his defection followed extensive consultations with his political associates and supporters, stressing that remaining in the PDP was no longer an option.

 

While expressing gratitude to the PDP for the platform and opportunity it provided him, especially the 2023 deputy governorship nomination, Ayuba said it was time to move on.

 

His defection adds to the growing wave of high-profile exits from the PDP in Kaduna and across the country amid post-election discontent and internal wrangling.

 

 

The National Working Committee, Social Democratic Party, has expelled former Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from the party.

 

SDP declared El-Rufai as ineligible to associate with the party in any capacity for the next 30 years.

 

The leadership of the party accused him of falsely parading himself as a party member, manipulating internal processes, and attempting to destabilise the party through unconstitutional actions and deceptive political maneuvers.

 

This was made known in a statement signed and made available to our correspondent by the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, in Abuja on Monday.

According to him, the party’s NWC reached the decision following thorough investigations into El-Rufai’s controversial claims of membership and what they described as “alleged backdoor political activities” which has fueled internal divisions and threatened the party’s unity and ideological integrity.

 

The statement read, ” El-Rufai never registered with the SDP at his ward level as required by the party’s constitution, yet falsely declared on social media that he had joined the party. He further forged documents claiming membership and took photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to reinforce this falsehood.

 

“In line with the Constitution of the SDP, the ideology, manifesto, principles and practices thereof, and in consonance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act pertaining to the exclusive right of a political party to determine its membership, the National Working Committee deliberated on the controversial membership status of Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai from Kaduna State who has in recent months been parading himself as a member of the SDP despite the assertion of the Kaduna State Executives that he has not joined the SDP but has instead been promoting the activities of other political party in the State.

“At the initial stage, this individual Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai was given the benefit of the doubt given his status as an elderly person, a former Minister and State Governor who should know the implications of false representation and impersonation, especially given the fact that he published on his social media handles that he had joined the SDP which led to congratulatory messages from prominent leaders of our party and a letter of support at his request by the National Publicity Secretary.

 

“However upon thorough inquiry, it turned out that the Kaduna State SDP was right and this individual had not joined the SDP. The following facts emerged: Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai failed to register at his Ward as required by the law despite falsely publishing on social media that he had joined the SDP.

 

“El-Rufai devoted so much time to putting up false representation of membership by seeking photo opportunities with the suspended National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam and some leaders of the SDP who assumed that he had joined the SDP in Kaduna State; El-Rufai was confronted by serious eligibility problems given an unpleasant history of intolerance and persecution of the SDP as an opposition party during his time as the Governor of Kaduna State under the APC.”

SDP also accused the former Kaduna governor of aligning with another political party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), while trying to draw the SDP into an unapproved political coalition.

 

SDP said, “Having confirmed that he publicly declared for the ADC and continued to act in a manner contrary to the principles and practices of the SDP, the party has no option but to disassociate and excommunicate him.

 

“Consequently, El-Rufai has been banished and banned from applying to the membership, identifying with the name, insignia, logo, or participating in any affairs of the SDP for a period of 30 years, effective immediately”.

 

The SDP called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant institutions to take note of El-Rufai’s non-member status, warning that he is not authorized to act or speak on behalf of the party.

Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, national patriotism, and principled opposition, the party urged all Nigerians aspiring to join its ranks to do so through lawful and transparent means.

 

“Apparently to run away from his past, El-Rufai proposed an elaborate welcome ceremony at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja but was politely counseled that such a jamboree was not tenable and he should go home to register at his Ward in Kaduna State after passing simple eligibility interview and on boarding process.

 

“Rather than register lawfully with the Ward Executives, this individual simply forged his own documents and self-registered and arrogated to himself “number 001 in the SDP membership register of Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North Local Government Area”, as if the Ward had no single member prior to his purported joining. This is contrary to all existing and updated records of the SDP in Kaduna State.”

 

Recall that El-Rufai recently announced his resignation from the ruling All Progressines Congress and defected to the Social Democratic Party.

 

He cited a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision.

 

 

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress has revealed that state governors are hesitant to join the opposition coalition platform formed to challenge President Bola Tinubu due to alleged intimidation.

 

The ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this known on Saturday during the 3rd Expanded Meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North), held in Abuja.

 

He described the alleged acts of intimidation as a conspiracy against the Nigerian people.

 

On July 1, key opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, APC’s 2023 presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai launched the ADC as a unified opposition platform to confront Tinubu in 2027.

 

Although former Senate President David Mark and former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola were appointed as the party’s interim National Chairman and Secretary respectively, and a few Nigerians have since aligned with the party, no sitting governor has joined.

 

Abdullahi attributed this hesitation to fear, stating that some governors are aligning with President Tinubu to avoid being intimidated.

 

He stated, “We don’t need to particularly target any serving governor. We know that no serving governor will want to come to us now because of the kind of intimidation that they are facing.

 

“We know what they are doing to them. Some of them who cannot jump to their party (APC) are saying we are endorsing their presidential candidate (President Tinubu). No problem.

 

“But what you are seeing is a conspiracy against the Nigerian people. The ADC welcomes everybody, but we are convinced that we are a movement that has the backing of the majority of Nigerians who are not happy with the direction this country is going.”

The ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary stated that the party was not established to serve anyone’s personal ambition and emphasized that it remains free from any form of hijack.

 

The former Minister of Youth and Sport stated, “No, ADC is not going to be hijack. You see, the process for the building of the party ensures that the party does not coalesce around any individual.

 

“And like I repeatedly emphasised, the ADC is not built for anybody’s ambition. ADC is a party that is determined to give a different trajectory to Nigerian politics. We don’t have any predetermined agenda. We don’t have any favourite aspirant or candidate.

 

“We are not having any conversation at the moment. Nobody has ever had any conversation about who will be the party’s flag bearer. We believe that it is too early in the day. Our focus now is to build a political party that is strong enough to deliver on the mission that we have set for ourselves.”

 

Abdullahi explained that the National Political Consultative Group (North) convened the meeting to address and find solutions to challenges facing the Northern region, noting that a similar gathering is planned for the Southern region.

He stated, “As you see, it’s the Northern Consultative Group of the African Democratic Congress. It’s a meeting of our region, the northern region, the north of Nigeria, to discuss situations in the north, especially the issue of insecurity, the issue of how we can strengthen unity in the north.

 

“There are similar meetings in the south, there are similar meetings for the southeast, all coalesced under the African Democratic Congress. So this particular meeting today is for the Northern part of Nigeria.

 

“And like I said, it’s for the purpose of getting briefings from all the states to know what the issues are, what the challenges are, and the progress we are making in terms of building this coalition.”

 

 

 

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has assured Nigerians that the committee has no personal agenda or preconceived opinions to impose on the people.

 

Senator Barau, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, made the remark at the commencement of the North-West Zonal Public Hearing on the Constitution Review held in Kano on Saturday.

 

He explained that the committee is guided solely by legislative ethics, patriotism, and the collective will of Nigerians.

 

“Members of the committee hold no preconceived opinions to impose upon you. We are committed to being guided by the highest ethical standards, open-mindedness, and patriotism.

 

“That is why I implore all stakeholders to provide your input in accordance with these standards, while maintaining the utmost decorum and responsibility,” he said.

 

The Deputy Senate President said that since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, public demands for constitutional reform have remained persistent.

 

In response, the National Assembly has enacted five sets of constitutional amendments, the 1st to 5th Alteration Acts, addressing governance, institutional reforms, and national aspirations.

 

He, however, acknowledged that several pressing national issues remained unresolved and required more than routine legislation.

 

“Many Nigerians believe that our challenges stem not just from the Constitution itself but from our collective attitude towards governance and the rule of law.

 

“Still, as representatives of the people, we are duty-bound to respond to their calls for renewed hope,” he said.

 

Barau stated that the Constitution Review Committee was set up to address these demands and build a broad national consensus.

 

He confirmed the receipt of hundreds of memoranda from citizens addressing key unresolved issues, including electoral and judicial reforms, local government autonomy, traditional institutions, human rights, gender inclusion, and security restructuring.

 

“We have carefully reviewed and translated these memoranda into bills which we now present for your further input and discussion.

 

“We urge you to share your insights with an open mind. This hearing is for all Nigerians, including those who may not have the means to travel to Abuja,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of civic participation, calling it a “vital contribution to shaping our national destiny.”

 

The Deputy Senate President also stressed the need for collaboration among all arms of government and levels of the legislature to ensure the success of the constitutional reforms.

 

“Our work must be harmonised with the House of Representatives and State Assemblies. Additionally, the understanding and cooperation of the executive and judiciary are critical. A law that is not implemented is ineffective by default; we must avoid that.”

 

He expressed appreciation for the attendance of various lawmakers and stakeholders, noting that the process will not end with the hearing but will continue through collaborative efforts to build a consensus that reflects the will of the people.