Politics
We Can Handle LG Elections If Law Permits, INEC Chairman Declares
By Nathaniel Gana
Thursday 25th July 2024
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has assured lawmakers that the Commission has the capacity to conduct Local Government elections across the country, if the laws are amended to empower the Commission to do so.
He gave the assurance on Thursday 25th July 2024, when he led a team from the Commission to appear before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly complex to brief the lawmakers on preparations for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, scheduled for September and November respectively.
Highlighting some of the positives recorded by INEC, Prof.Yakubu said elections are held regularly in the FCT Area Councils, thereby guranteeing certianty and leaving no room for the appointment of caretaker committees.
The INEC Chairman said the dynamism about the elections could also be seen from the pattern of those who emerge as winners, pointing out that two major political parties currently occupy three Chairmanship seats each in the FCT. He said there has never been a time that one political party won all the seats in the FCT Area Council elections, in contrast to what happens in the Local Government elections conducted in the States.
Commenting on the upcoming end-of-tenure governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, the INEC Chairman assured that the Commission was ready to conduct the elections.
His words: “As we speak, we have 57 days to the opening of polls in Edo state, and 113 days to the election in Ondo state. The Commission is prepared for the elections. I must also say that this particular Commission has a history of having successfully conducted two governorship elections in each of the two states. We conducted the Governorship election in Edo in 2016, September 2020, and by God’s grace we will do so again in September 2024. Also in Ondo State, we conducted the governorship election in 2016, October 2020, and by God’s grace, we will conduct another one on the 16th of November 2024. So, we have a lot of experience in both states.”
The INEC Chairman also disclosed that the Commission has successfully implemented eight out of the 13 activities outlined in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for both states without shifting or delaying any activity.
His words: “Number nine activity in the case of Edo State is the submission of the names of the polling agents by political parties, which according to the timetable, is at the end of this month on the 30th of July.”
On the Commission’s concerns ahead of the elections, Prof. Yakubu noted that despite the challenge of flooding at the Edo INEC State office, the Commission has overcome the slight setback and remobilized for the election.
He however acknowledged a concern raised by one of the Political Parties on the use of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) in the electoral process in the state, but assured that the matter was taken up with the Commissioner of Police who promised to resolve the issues.
PHOTO CAPTION:
R-L: INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, National Commissioners, Dr Baba Bila, Prof. Sani Adam, Mr Sam Olumekun mni, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, Mallam Mohammed Haruna and Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, during the Commission’s presentation before the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja on Thursday 25th July 2024.
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We Can Handle LG Elections If Law Permits, INEC Chairman Declares
Politics
Breaking: Diri Orders Autopsy on Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s Death, Warns Against Politicisation
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Diri gave the directive on Saturday while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Reacting to the incident, the governor condemned what he described as widespread misinformation and speculation on social media, warning against any attempt to politicise the deputy governor’s death.
“I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicise his death. In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the passing of our dearly beloved deputy governor,” Diri said.
“If anyone truly loves him, this is the time to show it. I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on on social media.”
The governor further urged the public to focus on mourning and honouring the late deputy governor, noting that the state government had declared three working days of mourning in his honour.
“If anyone is issuing statements to eulogise him, let it end there. Let us mourn him because Bayelsa State is in a mourning mood,” he added.
Governor Diri also called for unity and love among the people, reminding them of the inevitability of death.
Speaking during the condolence visit, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a committed and dedicated individual who played a key role in the activities of his foundation.
“For me, he was someone my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programs,” Jonathan said, adding that Ewhrudjakpo worked tirelessly in that role, even more than when he served as deputy governor.
The founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has said he will never take part in partisan politics, not for even billions of naira.
He stated that no amount of money, including “$1 billion,” (1.4 Trillion naira) would make him join politics.
Oyedepo made this known during an impartation service at Shiloh 2025 held at the church’s headquarters in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.
He explained that partisan politics is not part of his life’s calling and that is why he has chosen to stay away from it.
In his words: “In 2015, I warned the church that trouble was coming. Didn’t trouble come?
“Partisan politics is off my calling. If you give me $1 billion to join politics, I won’t, because it is off my course.”
The bishop also said the world is in urgent need of God’s intervention because of the times we are living in.
According to him, believers are being trained as an end-time army to bring solutions to national and global problems, similar to what biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel did.
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.
President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.
The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.
President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.
President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025
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