Tag: inec

Categories
News

2027: INEC Calls For ‘Simple Language’ Version Of Electoral Act

The Independent National Electoral Commission has urged the Nigerian government to clarify the recently amended Electoral Act to ensure it is easily understood by voters.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, explained that what Nigeria needs is a simple legislation on the Electoral Act, written in a simplified language, that will be easy for every Nigerian to understand.

Prof Amupitan made the call at a citizens’ town hall meeting organized by the Civil Society Network on Election Integrity and the Electoral Act, held in Abuja, on Sunday.

The INEC Chairman’s call comes amid the controversy surrounding the real-time transmission of election results, which he said must be clarified, considering that Nigeria is a highly diverse society, especially in its political and electoral landscapes.

He said, “We have gone through the Electoral Act, from the beginning to the end, and we have looked at some of the contentious areas, especially in a country that is highly diverse.

“What Nigeria needs is actually what I call simple legislation, a simple language legislation, whereby it will be possible for every Nigerian to understand and appreciate the provisions of every section.

“Talking about the transmission of the result, when INEC came in, we thought that transmission should be mandated. But let us be sincere about this, the only problem we had is how to define what we call real time.

“For instance, the FCT area council election that just took place, in Kuje, results came out on time in five area councils, but the result from Kabi ward did not come until the following day, Sunday. We could not reach our officers; they were not accessible by phone.

“I don’t see the issue of transmission as a problem; the problem is the adequacy of the network we have.

“You expect that in a place like FCT, you should be able to transmit your results without any encumbrance.

“But we had a situation where it was impossible for us to have a real-time transmission of results because of coverage.”

Categories
News

INEC Announces New Dates For 2027 General Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a new schedule for the 2027 general elections, moving the presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027.

According to the commission, elections for governorship positions and State Houses of Assembly will now take place on February 6, 2027.

Previously, INEC had slated the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly contests were to be conducted on March 6, 2027.

However, the commission reviewed the dates following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the signing into law of the new Electoral Act, 2026.

Categories
News

FCT Polls: INEC Declares Winner Of AMAC Chairmanship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The Collation Officer for AMAC, Prof. Andrew Abue, announced the result at the collation centre, stating that Maikalangu, the incumbent chairman, scored the highest number of votes cast in the election.

According to Abue, Maikalangu polled 40,295 votes out of a total of 62,861 valid votes cast to emerge winner.

“That Maikalangu of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,”he said.

ADC, PDP Trail Behind

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came second with 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 3,398 votes.

Other results announced by the collation officer include:

Accord (A) – 403 votes

Action Alliance (AA) – 108 votes

Action Democratic Party (ADP) – 588 votes

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – 1,111 votes

Allied Peoples Movement (APM) – 122 votes

Action Peoples Party (APP) – 32 votes

Boot Party (BP) – 43 votes

New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – 1,694 votes

National Rescue Movement (NRM) – 73 votes

Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) – 90 votes

Social Democratic Party (SDP) – 2,185 votes

Young Progressives Party (YPP) – 421 votes

Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) – 189 votes

Breakdown of Votes

Abue disclosed that 2,336 votes were rejected, while total votes cast stood at 65,197.

He added that AMAC has 837,338 registered voters, while 65,676 voters were accredited for the election.

Party Agents Hail Process

Reacting to the outcome, the APC Collation Agent, Gambo Babale, described the election and collation process as credible and transparent.

“INEC have done so well. We’ve seen the processes across all the polling units, the ward collation centres and here at AMAC area council collation centre. Everything was done perfectly well,” he said.

“They’ve tried. They’ve done everything humanly possible. I believe this high level of transparency occurred in all the collation exercises that took place in AMAC.”

Babale noted that the PDP won about two ward councillorship seats in Karu and Karishi, which he said reflected the credibility of the exercise.

“That is to tell you the level of transparency that happens in this election,” he added.

He congratulated Maikalangu and expressed confidence that the victory would translate into improved dividends of democracy for residents of AMAC.

The YPP Ward Collation Agent, Abdullahi Ibrahim, also commended the transparency of the process and congratulated the winner.

The result sheets were subsequently signed by party agents of the ADC, APC, APGA, YPP and NNPP present at the collation centre.

Categories
News

2027 Election: We’ve Not Released Timetable, Schedule Of Activities – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly denied reports circulating in some quarters that it has released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election.

The commission stated clearly that this information is false and misleading, adding that INEC has not released any timetable or schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election.

The commission reiterated that it operates strictly within the provisions of the law, citing in particular, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act,  2022 which provides that the Commission shall publish a Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for a general election.

“Any timetable or schedule issued outside this statutory framework cannot emanate from INEC,” a statement signed by Adedayo Oketola CPS/Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, said.

INEC assured Nigerians that the official Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election will be released in due course, in full compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022.

“When released, it will be communicated through the commission’s established and verified channels,” it added

The commission urged the public and the media to disregard the fake reports and always rely on information from INEC’s official platforms for accurate and authoritative updates.

Categories
News

We Won’t Let Those We Accepted From Other Parties K!ll PDP – Wike Tells NEC

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has stated that he and other PDP founding members will not allow politicians who recently joined from other parties to “destroy” the party.

The minister also criticised a faction of the PDP for violating court judgments by conducting what he described as an “illegal convention,” insisting that the party must respect judicial processes if it intends to regain public confidence.

Wike spoke on Sunday during the 104th National Executive Committee, NEC meeting held at his official residence in Abuja. He accused the faction of disregarding two substantive judgments of the Federal High Court, which he said had ruled on the matter, yet they proceeded to hold their own convention and later approached a State High Court seeking recognition.

Wike said: “You went to a State High Court to sue INEC, asking that the convention must take place, and you got an ex-parte order to override judgments of the Federal High Court. How do you disobey two final judgments and still claim leadership?”

He further stated that the same group returned to another court, seeking validation after failing to comply with lawful rulings.

“You had the convention without obeying the court, and now you are back asking a Federal High Court to recognise you. If INEC already recognises you, what exactly are you going to court for?” he asked.

The FCT Minister warned that such actions could jeopardise the future of the party, stressing that leaders must not allow selfish interests to destroy the political platform that has existed since 1998.

“We must not allow our party to die. Leadership requires commitment and honesty, not propaganda. If we don’t respect our own laws, how do we earn respect from Nigerians?” Wike stated.

He called on party faithful to support lawful leadership and unite to rebuild the PDP in line with democratic principles and judicial integrity.

Meanwhile, the NEC of the PDP has been urged to constitute a Caretaker Committee to guide the party forward as the tenure of the current National Working Committee expires tomorrow.

Addressing the 104th meeting of the party, the BoT chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, emphasised that the transition plan aligns with the party constitution and is intended to ensure administrative continuity, unity, and stability across all party structures.

Ohuabunwa said the move is one of several measures designed to consolidate internal reforms, restore confidence among members, and strengthen compliance with the rule of law.

The BoT also highlighted the ongoing establishment of caretaker leadership in certain states and zones, such as Anambra and the South-East, where congresses could not be held earlier, describing these efforts as necessary to prevent leadership gaps and enhance party organisation.

Categories
News

BREAKING: Court Bars INEC From Recognizing Outcome Of PDP National Convention

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an order preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from acknowledging or acting on the outcome of the upcoming 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday while delivering judgment in a suit challenging the legality of the convention.

The judge predicated the decision on the grounds that the PDP failed to comply with relevant conditions and laws for the conduct of such conventions.

The judge held that evidence provided by the electoral umpire and some of the respondents showed that congresses were not held in some states of the federation in breach of the law.

In addition, the court held that the signing of notices and correspondence of the PDP by its National Chairman without the National Secretary violated the law and consequently made such notices and correspondences a nullity.

Besides, Justice Omotosho held that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21 days notice of meetings and congresses to enable INEC carry out its mandatory duty of monitoring such meetings and congresses.

Justice Omotosho held that the failure of the PDP to comply with the law has put the planned convention in jeopardy, and subsequently advised the PDP to do the necessary before going ahead with the election.

He therefore restrained INEC from receiving, publishing or recognizing the outcome of the convention slated for Ibadan, until the law has been complied with.

Categories
News

I’ll Make INEC Truly Independent – New INEC Chairman, Amupitan Vows

Professor Joash Amupitan, the nominee for the chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made a promise to Nigerians.
He vowed to strengthen the independence of the nation’s electoral body if confirmed for the position.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on the Whole on Thursday afternoon for his screening, Amupitan said that his top priority would be to explore constitutional provisions to ensure that the Commission operates as a truly independent institution, free from political or financial interference.
Addressing questions from lawmakers, the professor noted that over the years, the independence of INEC has been undermined by two key factors — financial limitations and a lack of full understanding of the law by both the Commission and other arms of government.
According to him, these challenges have often made the Commission appear dependent on the executive arm, especially in budgetary matters and operational decisions.
He stressed that as the electoral umpire, INEC must have the authority to make decisions without external pressure to maintain credibility in the electoral process.
Amupitan assured the Senators that, if confirmed, he would make full use of the constitutional powers granted to the Commission to safeguard its autonomy and strengthen its institutional capacity.
He further explained that a truly independent electoral body is essential for building public confidence in Nigeria’s elections, adding that he would prioritise transparency, accountability, and technological innovation in INEC’s operations.
While responding to additional questions, Amupitan also expressed his commitment to improving voter education, enhancing electoral logistics, and ensuring that future elections are free, fair, and reflective of the people’s will.
He concluded by saying that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when the electoral umpire operates independently and within the full spirit of the Constitution.
Watch the video here

Here

Categories
News

Peter Obi Demands Stern Punishment For Politicians With Forged Academic Certificate

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has demanded stiffer punishment for certificate forgers.
He spoke in a post on his verified X handle on Monday.
Obi stressed the need to end the era where forgery and deceit are rewarded with power, adding that true leadership must begin with truth.
He lamented that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, makes little or no effort to scrutinize certificates before the elections.
“How do you tell young Nigerians to be honest and upright when those they are supposed to emulate are the least to be emulated because they are criminals and dishonest?
 
“Certificate forgery is a serious criminal offence in all countries of the world. It is one of the most corrupt practices heavily punished.
 
“We are now preparing for the 2027 general elections. INEC have enough time to investigate past complaints about various forms of forgery and false claims.
 
“Our Electoral amendments must include that anyone intending to contest for any public office, whether an incumbent or a new candidate, must submit all academic certificates to the electoral body immediately after party primaries, at least six months before the election.
 
“We must deal with certificate forgery holistically with the seriousness and level of criminality it deserves. Criminal offences should not be dismissed as a mere procedural matter. We must end the era where forgery and deceit are rewarded with power. True leadership must begin with truth,” he wrote.
Categories
News

INEC Has Lost Credibility – Ex-lawmaker Laments

A political activist and civil society leader, Usman Bugaje has slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
According to him, the agency has lost credibility in its duties.
Bugaje made this statement on Monday, while responding to questions in an interview on Arise Television.
“I think everyone is aware that INEC has lost a lot of credibility and it is very important that the institution gains this credibility, otherwise the stability of the country is going to be threatened.
 
“This is because when you have institutions that are not delivering especially a key institution like INEC and if this failure continues it will erode not only confidence in INEC but confidence in democracy itself and when that happens, you know the consequences.
 
“I think there are amendments that the whole country is waiting for. That amendment I think late former president Muhammadu Buhari refused to assent to, which mandate INEC to use electronic tools and to use technology in delivering results is still pending.
 
“Most importantly, why should the president, or whoever is the president of the country be the one to propose who is the head of INEC?
 
“The late Uwais committee made very good recommendations, which have been blocked by those who are interested in manipulating INEC,” he said.
Categories
News

INEC Yet To Confirm Our State Chairmen — ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denied reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and published a list of the party’s state chairmen across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement released on Sunday by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, via his official X account, the ADC national leadership clarified that INEC has issued no such confirmation, either officially or unofficially.

The report, in some sections of the media (not PUNCH), listed what they claimed were ADC State Chairmen, as confirmed by INEC.

Abdullahi described the report as “fake news” engineered to create confusion within the party.

He emphasised that the ratification of state leadership is an internal party process governed by its constitution.

Abdullahi explained that INEC will only recognise submissions made through proper channels after due diligence.

He said, “The attention of the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been drawn to a widely circulated statement titled ‘Coalition Update: INEC Confirms ADC State Chairmen Nationwide,’ which purports that the Independent National Electoral Commission has released and validated a list of State Party Chairmen for the ADC across the country.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission, to the best of our knowledge and verification, has issued no such confirmation, neither officially nor unofficially.

“INEC only recognises what the party submits through the appropriate channels after due process. As of today, no such comprehensive list has been submitted or confirmed by INEC.”

The spokesman reiterated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and discipline, advising stakeholders to remain vigilant against misinformation.

This comes as the party is resolving internal tensions, including a leadership tussle after INEC recently recognised former Senate President David Mark as ADC national chairman.

Recently, the court has summoned Mark and the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, over disputes regarding the party’s leadership changes.

However, ADC has denied claims of a court injunction barring INEC from recognising the Mark-led faction, labelling such reports as additional fake news from “desperate political jobbers.”

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters