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PDP rejects Katsina State presidential election result

PDP rejects Katsina State presidential election result
By Zubairu Idris
Rejection
Katsina, Feb. 26, 2019(NAN) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the presidential election result from Katsina State over alleged irregularities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an indigene of the state, polled 1,232,133 votes to beat Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, who scored 303,056 votes in the poll.
Alhaji Salisu Majigiri, the state PDP Chairman, disclosed the party’s position at a news conference on Tuesday in Katsina.
He alleged that there were some election irregularities committed in some local government areas of the state during the poll that were unacceptable to the PDP.
“Like in Kankara Local Government Area, some uncustomised result sheets are used to enter results, even though, they are from INEC, but are not the ones specifically supposed to be used for 2019 elections.
“In other places, there are over voting which we also observed, we are not satisfied with the result, that is why we rejected it and refused to sign.
“We raised objections on these issues during collation, but we are overruled.
“We will also raise these issues in Abuja during the final collation,” he said. (NAN)
ZI/ECN/MST
Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Politics

Poll: INEC gets pat on the back for seamless process so far

Poll: INEC gets pat on the back for seamless process so far
By Reporters
Elections
Lagos, Feb. 23, 2019 (NAN) Some voters have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for living up to its promise so far as most polling units across the country opened for voting on Saturday at 8 a.m, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
At Jebba Street by Herbert Macaulay, Polling Unit 14 Ebute Meta in Lagos State, no fewer than 25 persons already cast their votes while more are on the queue eagerly waiting to take their turn.
The polling agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Advance Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) are on ground to monitor the exercise.
The agents of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Nigeria Peoples Congress (NPC) are also present at the polling unit to perform their duties.
NAN reports that voting commenced exactly at 8 a.m as INEC staff were on hand to attend to the electorate.
Also, the Jebba Street Polling Unit 18 voting commenced at about 8:26 a.m with no fewer than 25 voters on the line to vote and several others already cast their votes, while 30 others were spotted on the queue.
Similarly, at the Kontogora Estate, Gwagwalada polling unit in the FCT, the poll opens at about 8.17 a.m with voters already itching to cast votes.
Also, voters turn-out at the Shadadi Primary School polling unit in Kuje Area Council of the FCT was impressive.
The polling unit opened at exactly 8.10 a.m with voters waiting patiently for the INEC officials to tidy up arrangement for the process to begin.
However, some voters in the Lugbe area of the FCT have expressed concerned with the slow nature of the process in some of the polling units.
Some of the early callers to the Lugbe Market polling unit 010 expressed worry that the commission had yet to deploy personnel and materials at about 8.45 a.m.
Mrs Sandra Nwaike, a voter who spoke with NAN said she was excited to be part of the exercise, adding however that the commission must brace up to the challenge of conduct a free and fair elections.
“I am disappointed after getting to the Lugbe Market polling unit 010, my polling unit early without meeting INEC officials.
“I do not feel good about this,” she said.
Mr Eric Okeredinma, another voter said the electorate are eager but the electoral body is a bit slow, adding “we expect the situation to improve’’.
The situation at Kugbo/Kofar Sarki polling unit in the FCT appears clumsy as late arrival of materials has attracted condemnation from the voters.
Elder Ayoka Donatus, 66-year-old man had complained of his legs having stood since 7 a.m to about 9 a.m without the commencement of the process.
Donatus said that he had to wake up as early as possible to be at the polling station to cast his vote on time.
“My Legs are failing me already. I have been here since 7 a.m to cast my vote and nothing has happened.
“I will continue to wait because this is the beauty of democracy, the voter’s power of choice,’’ he said.
He therefore urged the INEC officials to allow the aged, pregnant women and the physically challenged to cast their votes ahead of others.
However, Mr Cletus Pam, the Secretary-General, Media Development Imitative (MDI), said the process was on course, adding that the electoral body should be given a pat on the back.
He said the isolated hitch-ups identified across polling units were expected in view of challenges of logistics, adding that voters must be patient. (NAN)
Reporters/OMO/MST
Edited by Martins Odeh/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Polls Shift: We expect improved safety, welfare for corps members by INEC – NYSC

Polls Shift: We expect improved safety, welfare for corps members by INEC – NYSC
By Yashim Katurak
NYSC
Abuja, Feb. 19, 2019 (NAN) The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to keep to its pledge of ensuring the safety and welfare of all corps members deployed as ad hoc staff for the general elections.
Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, the NYSC Director, Press and Public Relations, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said the commission had assured the scheme that adequate arrangements had been made for transportation, accommodation and security for corps members deployed for the exercise.
Adeyemi, however, said that the unpleasant occurrences experienced by corps members on the eve of Feb. 16 were against the MoU signed by both organisations.
“The attention of NYSC management has been drawn to uninspiring pictures and tales of woes experienced by many corps members assigned to INEC duties in several states across the country on the eve of the postponed general elections.
“These have been confirmed as authentic situation reports and have since been brought to the attention of the INEC management.
“While these incidents have been adduced to the logistic challenges which INEC experienced, the NYSC wishes to note that the unpleasant occurrences are totally at variance with the spirit of our MoU with INEC.
“We are therefore, currently engaged in discussion with INEC management towards ensuring that these and all other sundry issues bordering on the welfare and security of corps members are quickly addressed and redressed before the rescheduled elections.
“It will be recalled that in the build up to the participation of corps members as ad-hoc electoral staff, the Director-General of the NYSC, Maj.-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure led other members of management on nationwide tour to meet with INEC state officials, heads of security agencies, community and opinion leaders to obtain assurances on the welfare and security of corps members before, during and after the elections.
“In these meetings, NYSC received full assurances on adequate arrangement for transport, accommodation and security, especially at the Registration Area Centres (RACs) throughout the period.
“We therefore expect improved safety and welfare provisions by INEC in the rescheduled elections,” the statement read in part.
She reassured the corps members and the public that the safety, welfare and remuneration for corps members would be provided by INEC as earlier agreed by both organisations.
Adeyemi said that in furtherance to this, INEC has assured the management of the scheme that it has commenced payment of training and feeding allowances to corps members nationwide as well as election duty allowance.
She also assured parents, individuals, groups and other stakeholders that the scheme’s commitment to the welfare of corps members remained unwavering. (NAN)
KRY/KOLE/MST
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Politics

Poll Postponement: IPAC urges INEC to secure distributed sensitive materials

By David Adeoye
Materials
Ibadan, Feb. 16, 2019(NAN) The Inter Party Advisory Commission (IPAC) in Oyo State, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that all sensitive materials distributed before the poll was postponed are secured.

INEC has announced a postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly (NASS) elections by one week due to logistical challenges.

IPAC Chairman, Mr Waheed Oyewole, made this call in his reaction to the postponement of the Presidential and NASS elections earlier slated for Feb. 16.

The chairman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Saturday that the postponement was unfortunate, noting “it is better than to conduct shoddy election that would be full of flaws.

”Imagine that INEC conduct election that many polling units receive sensitive materials very late or incomplete materials.

”The commission took wise decision, but my worry is how the materials that have been distributed to some local government areas will not be tampered with.

”Let the commission in collaboration with the security agencies provide adequate security for the materials so that some unscrupulous politicians do not highjack the materials,” Oyewole stated.

Meanwhile, Mr Paul Igbinsola and Angel Folorunso, the state Chairmen of Accord Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), respectively, had expressed disappointment over the postponement.

They urged the electoral body to brace up for the task and make adequate preparation between now and the new date scheduled for the elections.

Igbinsola opined that the postponement might be an attempt to weaken the opposition parties financially.

He, however, called for calm and urged INEC not to dance to the tune of the ruling government but to remain independent.

On his part, Folorunso said: ”Given the circumstances of security and safety in certain parts of the country, one would like to establish the need for the position of INEC.

”But I will never subscribe to the position on deficit in logistics for a preparation of about four years.

”The government could orchestrate the rescheduling for awkward reason and political realities.

”INEC should do the right thing because all eyes are on Nigeria and the country must get it right.” (NAN)
DAK/OIF/SH

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/ Sadiya Hamza

Health

Nasarawa LGC poll: Ex-LG boss cautions youth against violence

Nasarawa LGC poll: Ex-LG boss cautions youth against violence
NAN-HG-1
Violence
By Awayi Kuje
Keffi (Nasarawa State), March 5, 2018 (NAN) Ahead of the local government elections in Nasarawa, former Administrator of Akun Development Area, Mr Monday Nanza, has called on youths in the state to shun violence.
Nanza made the appeal on Monday while fielding questions from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Keffi, Keffi Local Government Area of the state.
He also advised the youths and people of the state not to allow politicians to use them to foment trouble before, during and after the poll.
Nansa urged the people of the state to always preach the message of peace in order to have a free rancour poll.
NAN reports that the State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) has fixed the local government election for May 26.
“As a politician and a stakeholder, it is our role to continue to preach peace and unity, considering the importance of peace to the socio-economic development of the society.
“It is in view of this, I want to use this medium to advise the people of the state especially the youths to shun violence and not to allow any politician to use them in fomenting trouble during and after the local government poll,” he said.
Nanza also tasked the youth to embrace education and different skill acquisition programmes in order to be self reliant and contribute their quota to national development.
He described education as the bed rock of every society; hence the need for youths to embrace education, adding that knowledge is power, when one is well informed, he or she can move to places beyond his/her locality.
“Youths should channel their energy towards nation building, without the contribution of youths, no nation or society can experience meaningful progress and development.
“This is because youths are the pillar, foundation, backbone, agents of change and vanguard of peace of any nation,” he added.
Besides, he advised the youths to shun corruption, tribalism, nepotism and other negative social vices for the good of the society.
Nanza enjoined them to inculcate good values such as love and patriotism as well as being creative and innovative for the development of the country.
The former council boss further called on the people of the state and Nigerians at large to live in peace and to tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliation.
“Nigerians should be law abiding, respect constituted authorities and support government at all levels irrespective of our background in the interest of peace and national development,” Nanza said. (NAN)
AKW/ELLA/MST
Edited by Ella Anokam/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Politics

Delta poll: Police probe burning of Ughelli North DSIEC office

Poll: Police investigate burning of Ughelli North DSIEC building
NAN-H-3
Investigation
By Edeki Igafe
Warri (Delta), Jan. 7, 2018 (NAN) The Police in Delta say they have begun investigation into circumstances that led to burning of the Delta Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The command’s Spokesperson, Mr Andrew Aniamaka, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday night in Warri.
He also assured that perpetrators would be apprehended soon and brought to justice.
Aniamaka also said that the incident led to the cancellation of the Saturday statewide council election in the area.
He said: “Some thugs set ablaze the DSIEC office in Ughelli North.
“Investigation is already ongoing and I assure you that the perpetrators of the act will be apprehended and brought to book.
“Election could not hold in the local government because of the action,” he said.
Mr Felix Ekure, the Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ughelli North, alleged on Saturday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was responsible for the burning to cover up its perceived atrocities.
“We were informed that election materials were brought to the DSIEC office in Ughelli North on Friday.
“And we mobilised our supporters to the venue to ensure that the materials were protected.
“At the point of distribution, we insisted on seeing the result sheets and other sensitive materials but the DSIEC official claimed that he forgot the original result sheets in Asaba.
“We insisted that he must bring the result sheets before the distribution of materials.
“At that point, PDP thugs started shooting and our boys scampered for safety.
“The PDP thugs then set the DSIEC office ablaze in order to cover up their atrocities,” he alleged.
Reacting to the development, the PDP Chairman in Ughelli North, Mr Lawrence Agbatutu, told NAN on Sunday that the APC leaders in the area allegedly ordered their supporters to set the building ablaze.
“Two days to the election, the APC stationed their boys at the DSIEC office. The leaders ordered their loyalists to burn DSIEC building, it was not the PDP supporters.
“PDP is ever ready for the election, we are not afraid because we did a lot of campaign,” he said. (NAN)
EDI/DOE/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola