The bye-election in Rigachikun, Kaduna State, witnessed tragedy on Saturday when suspected political thugs killed a 40-year-old man, Mansur Shafiu, while attempting to prevent ballot box snatching. Eyewitnesses reported that a thug stabbed Mansur when he tried to intervene. The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the victim was shot in the leg by suspected political thugs who had snatched election materials at Tsohon Garin Rigachikun polling unit. Protests erupted as Rigachikun youths blocked the Zaria-Rigachikun highway, causing gridlock, until the military intervened. The winner of the bye-election, Hussaini Jallo, pledged to ensure justice for the slain supporter and condemned the violence during the election.
Category: Politics
Arrest of Armed Thugs Confirmed in Kano Rerun Election
The Kano State Police Command has officially verified the apprehension of several thugs suspected of being hired to disrupt the re-run election in the Kunchi Local Government Area. Commissioner of Police Usaini Gumel confirmed the arrests and disclosed that the apprehended individuals were found in possession of arms. The suspects, allegedly hired by a politician contesting in the election, were intercepted around the Kunchi/Tsanyawa area, one of the constituencies participating in the Kano State rerun election. Abdulrazaq Muhammad, also known as Mai Salati, informed the police that they were invited by a candidate in the area. The police suspect the thugs intended to lay an ambush on electoral officers transporting election results, prompting further investigation into the motives behind the politician’s invitation. The Commissioner of Police visited the Kunchi/Tsanyawa constituency, where disruptions were reported in ten polling units during the election process.
Tension in Imufu, Enugu as Voters Protest Missing Result Sheets
Imufu community in the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State is gripped with tension as voters express their discontent over missing election result sheets in five polling units with over 6,000 voters. Despite repeated assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about its preparedness for the re-run elections, materials were delayed in several polling units, aggravating the situation.
INEC polling officers, arriving late in many polling units, faced the challenge of not having result sheets, particularly in polling units with a substantial number of voters. The affected polling units in Umuitodo Ward 3, where election result sheets are reportedly missing, include Polling Unit 010 in Okpaligbo, Polling Units 003, 004, and 005 at Central Primary School Imufu, and Umu-Osia polling unit.
William Itodo, the local government chairman and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, lost his polling unit to the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections. Community leader Emeka Madu revealed that the residents are protesting, refusing to vote until result sheets are provided. Police reportedly arrested INEC polling officers in Umu-Osia and Imufu and took them for questioning regarding the missing result sheets.
As of the report, election activities had not commenced in the affected areas. INEC had previously stated its readiness, with over 95% preparation for the re-run elections in two constituencies within Enugu State, as ordered by the Court of Appeal. The deployment included over 700 staff, ad hoc personnel, and 700 armed security personnel for the smooth conduct of the re-run.
Low Turnout and Allegations of Vote-Buying in Kaduna By-Election
The Kaduna by-election held on Saturday in Sabon-Tasha, Narayi, and Maraban Rido witnessed a low turnout of voters in the Chikun Local Government Area. However, areas like Makera and Barnanwa in Kaduna South LGA reported an impressive voter turnout, accompanied by allegations of vote-buying.
Accreditation and voting began around 9:15 am at various polling units, including Kakuri Hausa Gora Street and Kakuri Hausa ward. Despite initial hiccups with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, voting proceeded smoothly after the issue was resolved.
However, allegations of vote-buying surfaced at the Barnawa Market Polling Unit. Party agents claimed that votes were being purchased for amounts ranging from N10,000 to N15,000. A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent, Veronica Okuna, expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, emphasizing the need for vigilance by anti-corruption agencies.
Yusuf Abubakar, another PDP agent, corroborated the claims of vote-buying, expressing disappointment and stating that such practices could jeopardize the democratic process. In contrast, the All Progressives Congress (APC) agent, Aminu Yakubu, denied the allegations, asserting that the party’s supporters were present in large numbers and emphasizing the importance of peace for national development.
Despite the concerns raised by party agents, security personnel from various agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, were present to ensure a smooth and peaceful election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled the by-election as part of supplementary elections in 44 constituencies across the country. The elections in Kaduna covered seven Local Government Areas, with 1,114 polling units and an estimated 639,914 registered voters who collected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Bye Elections Ongoing Successfully In Kano
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By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.
Today’s bye elections across Kyra/Madobi/ Garun Malam, Rimin Gado/Tofa and Kunchi/Tsanyawa state assembly was successful despite the low turnout of voters from opposition sites.
Our correspondent who monitored the elections at Kura, Tofa and Kunchi local government areas reported that the election materials arrived to the polling units affected by the inconclusive polls early while the electorates commenced casting votes as expected and in an orderly manner.
Although the opposition party, APC remained calm where only few voters were keen to participate in the election for fear of harrasament from the members of the NNPP.
Most of the voters told Daybreak News that ” bye elections often becomes in favour of the ruling party especially in the present political dispensation, where they called on the people to remained law abiding for the peace to reign.
INEC Conducts By-elections and Re-runs Across 26 States
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is currently overseeing by-elections and re-runs in 26 states on Saturday. The elections are taking place in 80 Local Government Areas across 575 registration areas and 8,934 polling units.
The participating states include Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, shared that 4,904,627 million voters were registered for the elections, while 4,613,291 million permanent voter cards were collected.
By-elections are being held in two senatorial, four House of Representatives, and three state Houses of Assembly seats across nine states due to deaths and resignations. Additionally, re-runs resulting from court orders are taking place in one senatorial, 11 federal, and 22 state constituencies.
Among the notable elections is the replacement for individuals who resigned to take up appointments in the administration led by President Bola Tinubu. The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. in all 26 states to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
However, tension has arisen in Plateau State due to the omission of the logo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on ballot papers, leading to protests by PDP supporters. The DSS has issued a statement warning against actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order during and after the elections, urging political parties to adhere to the Electoral Act.
IG Restricts Movement in 26 States for Bye-Elections on Saturday
Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive imposing a restriction on vehicular movement across roads, waterways, and transportation routes from 12 am to 6 pm in 26 states conducting bye-elections on Saturday.
Exclusions to the movement ban include essential duty personnel such as Independent National Electoral Commission officials, accredited journalists, election observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, and firefighters. Affected states include Ebonyi, Lagos, Kebbi, Ondo, Benue, Anambra, Delta, and others.
In Lagos, the bye-election in Surelere 1 Federal Constituency was triggered by the appointment of former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented the constituency, as the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.
Furthermore, the Inspector General has ordered a prohibition on security aides to VIPs and escorts accompanying principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centers during the elections.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that the restrictions aim to prevent interference or intimidation during the electoral process and ensure equal participation for all citizens. State-established and owned security outfits, private security organizations, and quasi-security units are also barred from participating in election security management.
The IG urged political parties, candidates, and supporters to adhere to electoral laws, emphasizing that any attempt to disrupt the process will face legal consequences. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The IG expressed confidence that, through collective efforts, the upcoming elections will be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in line with democratic principles.
Four Candidates Withdraw for APC in Kaduna Chikun Constituency By-Election
In anticipation of the upcoming by-election for Chikun Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, four candidates have voluntarily withdrawn from the race to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Jesse Tanko.
The candidates stepping down include Zipporah Bijeh of the Accord Party, David Sunday of Zenith Labour Party, Idris Inuwa representing the Social Democratic Party, and David Batholomew of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Addressing the press in Kaduna on Thursday, Inuwa, the SDP candidate, cited Governor Uba Sani’s leadership qualities and the potential for effective project lobbying and implementation under the APC as reasons for their collective decision.
Inuwa stated, “We entered the contest to represent Chikun for our people to enjoy the dividends of democracy, and among the candidates, we believe the APC candidate can do that. Governor Uba Sani has so far demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to developing the state and carrying everyone along. We need a House member to be in the same political party as the governor for easy enjoyment of the dividends of democracy in our constituency.”
BREAKING: Olaide Adelami Sworn in as Ondo State Deputy Governor
Dr. Olaide Adelami, former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, has officially taken the oath as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa selected Adelami as the deputy governor last Tuesday, and subsequently, his nomination was forwarded to the Ondo State House of Assembly for screening and approval.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the International Culture and Event Centre in Akure on Thursday, officiated by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola.
Further details will be provided as they emerge.
PDP Names Amina Arong as New National Woman Leader
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed Amina Arong from Cross River State as the new National Woman Leader, following the passing of Prof Stella Effah-Attoe in October 2023.
Prof Stella Effah-Attoe, a member of the PDP National Working Committee, passed away after a brief illness. The party has now selected Amina Arong, who holds a Diploma in Banking and Finance and a B.Sc. in Accounting, to complete the remaining term of Effah-Attoe.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP expressed satisfaction with Arong’s intellectual capacity, experience, competence, and vigor in mobilizing women for the party at both state and national levels. The party commended Arong’s longstanding commitment to the PDP, acknowledging her leading roles in mobilizing women and youth groups and conducting party primaries and congresses across the country.
The PDP congratulated Amina Arong and urged her to use her capacity and experience to collaborate with other members of the National Working Committee, ensuring the continued stability, growth, and success of the party.
