Headline

INEC Had Many Operational Failures – EU Observers

Published

7 years ago

February 25, 2019

Eric

The European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria says the Independent National Electoral Commission had many operational shortcomings on last Saturday’s elections.

The observers also lamented the killing of almost 35 persons on election day as well as the late arrival of election materials at many polling units.

The EU Chief Observer, Maria Arena, who is also a member of the EU Parliament, gave the verdict in Abuja on Monday while presenting a preliminary report on the elections.

She said INEC worked in a very difficult environment and made various improvements, however, “its serious operational shortcomings reduced confidence in the process and put undue burden on voters.”

Arena added that 14 per cent of some essential materials were missing from polling units.

The chief observer said, “The majority of polling units opened extremely late, leaving voters waiting for hours uncertain of when voting would begin. This was compounded by a general lack of public information from INEC.

“As a result, there was confusion and tension, and voters were likely deterred from participating. In nearly 90 per cent of 190 EU observations, agents of the two main political parties were both present. However, important polling procedures were insufficiently followed, and in 14 per cent some essential materials were missing.

“On four occasions, voting continued even when smart card readers malfunctioned. There were evident problems in completing results forms and they were not publicly displayed in half the counts observed, weakening transparency. Positively, in almost all cases party agents received copies.

“Reports from security forces and in the media indicated that between approximately 20 and 35 people were killed on polling day in election-related incidents.”

Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Observer Group has expressed disappointment with the cases of violence which marred the exercise in Rivers, Lagos and a few other places.

The group also lamented the late arrival of election materials which led to delay in the commencement of voting in some areas.

The Chairperson of the group, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, who is also a former President of Tanzania, said this while reading out a preliminary report of the Saturday polls.

Kikwete said the observers visited Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Benin, Enugu and Kaduna

He said, “Election related violence and loss of life, which occurred in a number of places, is deeply troubling. Those responsible should be held accountable. We encourage all political parties to honour their commitments in the national peace accord and reject violence.”

Kikwete added, “Notwithstanding further assurances provided by INEC, there were delays in the distribution of materials, resulting in late opening of polling units.

“Although INEC subsequently authorised extended voting hours for those polling units that had open late, this information was not communicated effectively and not followed by all staff.”

He commended youths especially members of the National Youth Service Corps which served as ad hoc staff of INEC.

Kikwete said notwithstanding the high number of political parties, it was only the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress that were really in the race.

The observer commended the manner in which persons with disabilities were able to vote.

He said they did not witness any cases of underage voting or vote buying.

Kikwete, however, lamented the arrangements of some polling units which made the voting process to open thereby comprising the secrecy of the ballot.

The observer hailed the passage of the ‘Not Too Young to Run’ bill.

He, however, noted that there was a need for youths to be better integrated into the system.

The Punch

Headline

Supreme Court Fixes April 22 for Hearing in ADC Leadership Crisis

Published

15 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Eric

The Supreme Court has scheduled hearing for April 22 in the appeal filed by the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, in relation to the leadership dispute in the party.

Mark’s appeal is against the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his appeal against the September 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja refusing to grant some injunctive reliefs contained in an ex-parte application filed by a chieftain of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba chose the date on Tuesday after granting accelerated hearing in the appeal marked: SC/CV/180/2026.

The court ordered Mark’s lawyer, Jibril Okutepa (SAN) to file the appellant’s brief and serve on Wednesday.

It ordered the respondents to each file and serve on the appellant, a respondent’s brief within three days of being served with the appellant’s brief.

The appellant, according to the court, is to file a reply brief, if needs be, within one day of being served with the respondents’ briefs.

Headline

Amid Denials, ADC Reportedly Secures Rainbow Event Centre As Venue for National Convention

Published

2 days ago

April 13, 2026

Eric

Baring any last minute change, the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National chairman and National Secretary respectively will hold the party’s National convention at the National Rainbow Event Centre in Garki on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has being denied two venues without any cogent reasons despite early arrangements, according to sources.

First, it was alleged that the Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotels, which was initially approached, turned down the ADC request to use it’s facility.

The ADC, having sensed sabotage, has kept the Rainbow Event Center under rap as it’s definite venue.

The last National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party was held at the same venue.

Located adjacent the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters, the event centre will host the second NEC meeting of the ADC and it’s forthcoming national convention.

According to The Guardian’ report, the ADC leadership has communicated the venue to state chapters with the caveat not to escalate it.

The ADC is in a battle of survival against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and has approached the Supreme Court for intervention.

The INEC national chairman Prof Joash Amupitan has suspended recognition of the David Mark-led ADC rendering a leadership vacuum in the party.

INEC said it’s decision was on the basis of an Appeal Court pronouncement that ordered statusquo ante-bellum be maintained.

Reports say that why the venue is being quietly decorated moderately for the event, the ADC intends to fully move in the early hours of Tuesday.

The Guardian

Headline

Shettima Lacks Respect, I Won’t Engage Him, Atiku Responds to VP’s Challenge

Published

2 days ago

April 13, 2026

Eric

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has hit back at incumbent Vice President Kashim Shettima over the latter’s poser over achievements in office, saying he won’t take the challenge because Shettima was disrespectful.

Shettima had reportedly challenged Atiku to provide details of eight projects he executed for the development of Northern Nigeria during his tenure as vice president for eight years, as well as name eight individuals he empowered while in office.

But, speaking in an interview with GTA Hausa podcast, Atiku said he would not engage the vice president on the matter.

“I will not respond to Kashim Shettima because he is disrespectful. I am older than him and I have more experience in governance than he does, so I will not respond to him,” he said.

The former vice president further argued that cultural values in Northern Nigeria discourage younger individuals from publicly challenging their elders in such a manner.

“It is not part of our tradition in the North to disrespect elders. You cannot look at someone who is above you in both age and accomplishments and start taunting him. That is not our tradition, so I won’t engage with him,” Atiku emphasised.