By Ezeocha Nzeh
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Tuesday disclosed that it cleared governorship candidates of 16 political parties, even as it declared that one party failed to meet the timeline for the conduct of its primaries and therefore cannot present a nominee for the Ekiti state governorship election in June.
INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who made the disclosure during his opening speech at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said,
“In the case of the Ekiti State Governorship election, the period earmarked in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for party primaries ended three days ago on 29th January 2022. All 18 political parties served notices for their party primaries to elect their candidates for the election and invited the Commission to monitor them.
“One party adopted the direct method for electing its candidate while 16 parties opted for the indirect method. However, from on our field report, the Boot Party (BP) did not hold its primary election at any venue known to, and monitored by. the Commission. Consequently, we do not expect the party to nominate a candidate for the Ekiti State Governorship election.
“On this note, let me once again warn political parties to strictly adhere to the Commission’s timelines for all activities, including the conduct of primaries and nomination of candidates. These timelines are firm and fixed. No deviation or violation will be allowed.”
Prof Yakubu also disclosed that the Commission has been evaluating the risk to the election using the Election Violence Mitigation and Advocacy Tool (EVMAT) with the aim to identify early warning signals that could assist the security agencies and other stakeholders in devising and deploying appropriate mitigation strategies.
He added that among other areas of concern, the Commission focused on threats specific to geographical locations, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, the issue of hard drugs, presence of insurgents and armed groups, intra and inter-party conflicts, and incidents of hate speech.
Prof Yakubu noted that the FCT Area Councils elections are holding in just 11 days away further stated that in the next few days, the Commission will intensify its engagement with stakeholders, particularly with party leaders and candidates, traditional and religious leaders, transport providers, civil society organisations and the media.
“We will work with all stakeholders to ensure that the forthcoming election is peaceful and our processes credible. That is why this meeting is crucial. Securing the environment is the foundation for a peaceful, well-organised and credible election. This was clearly demonstrated in the peaceful conduct of the recent Anambra State Governorship election. Let us make the FCT Area Council election another shining example of a peaceful election.”
2023: Atiku seek’s IBB’s blessing
Like his counterpart from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, frontline aspirant to the 2023 presidentila election on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has visited former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida in his Uphill resience, Minna, Niger State.
The meetin, which lasted for about an hour, it was gathered may not be unconnected with the Presidential ambition of the former Vice President which he is still making wide consultations on.Atiku, also visited the State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, after his meeting with IBB, told journalist that he was in Government House to pay a sympathy visit with the Governor over the incessant insecurity situation confronting the state, especially in the past few months.
“I only came on a courtesy visit to the Governor and to commiserate with him and people of the state over the incessant Banditry in Niger state.
“I just discussed with the Governor on the insecurity in the state and from what I heard, it is a very serious and pathetic situation and it is most unfortunate,” Atiku declared.
When asked about his Presidential ambition, Atiku said he would make it known when the time comes.
“I have only come on a visit. I will let you know about my Presidential ambition at the appropriate time,” he declared.
