Tag: Elections

Atiku Vows to Continue Presidential Bids: “I Will Keep Contesting”
Elections, News, Nigeria

Atiku Vows to Continue Presidential Bids: “I Will Keep Contesting”

Abuja, Nigeria - Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria's former vice-president, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to pursuing the presidency, declaring his intention to "keep contesting" as long as he remains healthy. The 77-year-old veteran politician made this statement during an interview on the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja. Abubakar, who represented the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, will be 81 years old by the next election in 2027. Despite his age, he remains resolute in his ambition to lead Nigeria. “Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy,” Abubakar said, underscoring his enduring political resolve. Having made six attempts at the presidency, Abubakar has been on the ballot as a pres...
Judiciary is the Biggest Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy – Obi
Elections, Judiciary, Justice, News, Nigeria

Judiciary is the Biggest Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy – Obi

Enugu, May 17, 2024 – Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has declared the judiciary as the foremost threat to Nigeria’s democracy, rather than the electoral umpire. Obi made these remarks during his keynote speech at the fifth memorial of late Justice Anthony Aniagolu at Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu. In a candid and critical address, the former governor of Anambra State lamented the current state of Nigeria's judicial system, which he described as being plagued by corruption and inefficiency. "Justice in Nigeria goes to the highest bidder and has become commodified," Obi stated emphatically. "While the judiciary, today, still boasts of a few outstanding judges, there is an undeniable decline in our judicial system. This decline ...
Chad’s President Expected to Win as Country Heads to Polls
Chad, Elections, News

Chad’s President Expected to Win as Country Heads to Polls

Chad braces itself for presidential elections on Monday, with incumbent President General Mahamat Idriss Deby widely anticipated to secure a comfortable victory. Deby ascended to power three years ago following the death of his father, Idriss Déby Itno, who was reportedly killed in combat while battling rebels seeking to overthrow his administration. The elder Deby had governed Chad with a firm grip for thirty years. A career military officer, the current president initially pledged to organize elections within 18 months of assuming office. However, his government postponed the polls, allowing Deby to participate as a candidate for the presidency. Despite assertions from the government that the election would restore constitutional governance, opposition factions express skepticism, vo...
Former NBA President Olumide Akpata to Run for Edo State Governorship
Elections, News, Nigeria

Former NBA President Olumide Akpata to Run for Edo State Governorship

Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has officially declared his intention to run in the upcoming Edo State governorship election, slated for next year. Akpata, who recently joined the Labour Party (LP), made his aspirations known, stating that his entry into the race is driven by the desire to serve the people and that the Labour Party is the only political party he identifies as truly people-oriented. The seasoned lawyer turned politician emphasized his commitment to changing the political narrative in Edo State to ensure that the benefits of democracy reach the people. He expressed concern that, in current Nigerian politics and governance, the interests of the citizens often take a back seat, with politicians seemingly detached from the needs of ...
Opposition in Zimbabwe Demands Fresh Elections Amid Fraud Allegations
Africa, African Development, Corruption, Elections, News, Zimbabwe

Opposition in Zimbabwe Demands Fresh Elections Amid Fraud Allegations

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the opposition party in Zimbabwe, has raised serious allegations of fraud following last week's general election. The party is calling for fresh elections and the disbandment of the electoral commission, accusing the ruling party, Zanu-PF, of manipulating the results. Deputy CCC spokesperson, Ostallos Siziba, addressed the media, stating that his party intended to appeal to the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) to exert pressure on the government to organize new elections. The CCC's leader, Nelson Chamisa, secured 44% of the vote, but he maintains that the election results are inaccurate and tainted by manipulation. While Siziba did not directly reveal whether the CCC would pursue legal action to challenge th...
Army Officers Announce Coup in Gabon, Overturn Election Results
Africa, African Development, Armed Forces, Breaking News, Elections, Gabon, News, Security

Army Officers Announce Coup in Gabon, Overturn Election Results

A group of army officers in Gabon has declared a coup, claiming to have taken power and annulling the results of the recent presidential election. The military takeover was announced on national television by twelve soldiers who appeared early on Wednesday morning. The officers disclosed that the election results were being cancelled, and all institutions of the republic were being dissolved. They also revealed that the country's borders had been closed "until further notice." The move comes after the opposition alleged that Saturday's election, which declared President Ali Bongo as the winner, was fraudulent. Bongo was reported to have won just under two-thirds of the votes, an outcome that was met with skepticism from the opposition. If this coup is successful, it will bring an end t...
INEC Announces Direct Transmission of Kogi State Governorship Results from PUs
Elections, News, Nigeria

INEC Announces Direct Transmission of Kogi State Governorship Results from PUs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed plans to transmit the results of the Kogi State Governorship Election electronically directly from polling units to its server. The decision aims to enhance transparency, eliminate rigging, and curb electoral fraud, according to Prof. Gabriel Longpet, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi. Prof. Longpet shared this information during a two-day media roundtable engagement organized by the Independent Press Center (IPC) in Abuja. He emphasized that electronic transmission of results would prevent irregularities and enhance credibility by maintaining the integrity of the results throughout the electoral process. He highlighted the importance of electronic transmission in addressing issues that typically occur...
National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal Sacks Labour Party Representative
Elections, Judiciary, Legislature, News, Nigeria

National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal Sacks Labour Party Representative

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Asaba, Delta State, has invalidated the election of Mr. Ngozi Okolie, the member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Constituency at the House of Representatives. Okolie, who was declared the winner of the February 25 House of Representatives election in the federal constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been disqualified and removed from his position. The petition challenging Okolie's victory was filed by the immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ndidi Elumelu. Elumelu contested the results, arguing that Okolie was not properly sponsored by the Labour Party and that he did not resign from his position as a public office holder, ...
Femi Gbajabiamila Clashes with Deputy over Control of the House
Elections, Legislature, News, Nigeria

Femi Gbajabiamila Clashes with Deputy over Control of the House

A crisis appears to be brewing in Nigeria's House of Representatives over who presides over the 10th assembly. Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and his deputy, Ahmed Wase, clashed during the plenary session on Wednesday, leading to speculations that the race for the key position is getting messier by the day. The Guardian reported that Wase is eyeing the seat of the Speaker and is a member of the G-7, a group of aspirants who are not comfortable with the zoning arrangement of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Gbajabiamila, on the other hand, had recommended Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu for Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, leading to their endorsement by the APC. The trouble started when Gbajabiamila asked Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Abubakar Fulat...
DSS Raises Alarm Over Plans to Disrupt Handover Ceremonies in Nigeria
Elections, News, Nigeria, Security

DSS Raises Alarm Over Plans to Disrupt Handover Ceremonies in Nigeria

The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm over plans by some subversive elements to disrupt the handover ceremonies in some parts of the country. The DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday, May 25, 2023. The DSS stated that these elements plan to undermine the efforts of the security agencies as well as cause panic among the citizens. The DSS has urged citizens to adhere to the laid down protocols for the events across the country to ensure a peaceful and successful ceremony. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council had announced activities for the Presidential inauguration on May 29, 2023, in Abuja. On the same date, new Governors will also be inaugurated in m...