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Nov. 11: “Our Candidates Are Leading”- PDP; Says Rigging Will Be Resisted

November 9, 2023

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has urged the All Progressives Congress, APC, to forget any plan to rig the governorship election coming up this weekend.

Three states, Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi are taking part in the off-season governorship election slated for November 11, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Analysts insist that the election is a two-horse rs e for the two major political parties, which have accused each other of trying to rig the make or mar election for Nigeria’s biggest political parties.

While the APC currently controls Imo and Kogi, the PDP is in firm control of Bayelsa, where tension is currently on the rise due to allegation that the ruling APC is planning to capture power at all cost.

But, the PDP says the APC should forget any plan to rig the gubernatorial election in the three states.

The party made this known in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Thursday.

The PDP has directed its supporters to ensure that they protect their votes to forestall rigging, adding that “anybody, no matter how highly placed” who tried to manipulate the election would incur the wrath of the people.

The party said recent polls indicate that its candidates in the three states are leading.

The statement read in part: “Our Party restates that it will never allow anybody, no matter how highly placed to manipulate the electoral process in the governorship election in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States.

“Our Party states in clear terms that anybody who attempts to rig or manipulate the election in any way may have to deal with the legitimate wrath of the people.

“The PDP specifically cautions Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and his puppet candidate, Usman Ododo, to accept their rejection by the people for their abysmal failure in government and get ready to concede defeat on Saturday.

“The PDP reaffirms that all indices from several Entrance Polls indicate that the PDP candidates are leading and will sweep the governorship election in the three States.

“Any electoral trajectory that does not reflect the clear tide of the Will of the people at the Polling Units will be firmly resisted.

“In Imo State, the PDP confirms that it has received messages and visits from many prominent Imo State citizens, including major industrialists and businessmen wherein they expressed their support for the PDP Candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

“These prominent Imo citizens have also denied their reported support and donation of funds to the APC and its governorship candidate, Governor Hope Uzodimma.

“Of course, no well-meaning citizen of Imo State will lend support to Governor Hope Uzodimma whose administration has wrecked the economy of the State, brought untold hardship to the people and turned Imo State into a theatre of violence, killings and kidnapping.

“Our Party challenges Governor Uzodimma to make public the names of the Imo State citizens he claimed to have donated money to his campaign so that the people can identify the enablers of insecurity and hardship that his administration represents in the last three years.”

Rivers: Fubara Says “My Oga Remains My Oga,” As Wike Storms Port Harcourt

Ayodele Oni

November 9, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

There seems an end to the crisis between Rivers state Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesome Wike, over the control of the State.

Both met on Thursday in Port harcourt at a rededication ceremony for the state Judiciary 2023-2024 legal year during which Fubara affirmed his unwavering loyalty to Wike.

The Rivers State Governor called for peace in the oil-rich state once more and said that the current political turmoil in the state is history.

Rivers State can, according to Fubara, if the players and those who support them, behave peacefully.

“My oga remains my oga. Whatever that has happened is in the past. I have not sent anybody to malign anybody.”

In addition, the Governor issued a warning to those endorsing him to refrain from disparaging his opponents by using foul language, stating that he had given them no permission to do so.

According to him, in trying to attain development, the devil will always attack, but what is most important is to “identify the devil and push it out.”

It was the first time the two politicians, who were the major characters in the most recent political controversy would cross paths in the State’s public eye.

Crisis Looms, As Ogun Students Reject Tuition Fee Hike, Set For Mass Protest

Akinwale Kasali

November 9, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

There is brewing crisis in Ogun State as the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Ogun State Chapter, is set to embark on a mass protest following a hike in the tuition across all Tertiary Institutions in the State.

Over the past week, the Students have been lamenting the hike in their School Fees at a time the nation is going through economic crisis.

The Students alleged that the hike was targeted at forcing many of them out of school and making life difficult for them and their parents.

They urged the State Government to either reverse what they described as “abnormal and killing school fees” within four days or be ready for mass protest during when they would occupy the Governor’s Office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta until their requests are granted.

It would be recalled that students of the Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED, Ijebu-Ode had on Monday, protested the over 100% increase in their school fees, a development that has forced the school to shut down.

Speaking with Journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital on Thursday, the NANS chairman, Francis Adeyanju, kicked against what he described as an “abnormal” increment in the school fees of all the state-owned tertiary institutions.

The NANS Chairman threatened to shut down the State with mass protests if the Government fails to reverse the hiked school fees in the next four days.

Adeyanju who was flanked by the National President of the National Association of the State Students, Kehinde Mathew, described the increment in school fees as an attempt to prevent vulnerable and indigent students in the state from accessing affordable and qualitative education.

Expressing his displeasure, Matthew stated that the “insensitivity of the government towards the plights of students and development of education in the state”.

Adeyanju said, “It is no rumour that the government has almost abandoned tertiary education. This is evident in the current deplorable state of our campuses across the State. Our schools are now filled with decaying infrastructure, inadequate teaching and non-teaching staff, an unconducive learning environment and salaries of staff are being owed.

“Most pathetic is the recent hike in school fees across our tertiary institutions. This is unfair and unacceptable. At Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), returning students are now to pay N180,000 as against N76,500 per session, while new students are now to pay as much as N230,000.

“The school fees of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), have been jacked up from N62,000 to N120,000 for Science students, while nonscience students are to pay between N150,000 to N155,000 as against N55,000.

“For Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, the school fees were increased from N67,000 to N109,000 for indigenous students, while non-indigenous students are now to pay N124,000 as against N77,400. These are just a few examples of the abnormal increment in school fees of tertiary institutions in the State.

“There is no excuse for any government to increase school fees abnormally for whatsoever reason, in as much as we are concerned as progressive-minded Nigerian students’ leaders, we believe the government is at liberty to diversify and seek funds, but tertiary institutions should not be seen as an avenue to source for funds.

“Tertiary institutions should not be seen as an avenue to generate IGR, rather they should be seen as an avenue to prepare the youths for the future, for us to take our leadership positions.

“ We hereby give the Ogun State Government a four-day ultimatum to reverse all increments in state-owned institutions.

“If nothing is done at the expiration of the ultimatum, we will mobilise our students across the State and shut down the state in a mass protest until our demands are met”.

Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi Guber: DSS Warns Against Inflammatory Statements

Adesina Soyooye

November 9, 2023

By Adesina Soyooye

Barely 48 hours to the off-circle elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States, the Department of State Services (DSS) has given a stern warning to individuals and groups against inflammatory statements.

The warning came as tension rose in the three States with groups and politicians making all kinds of allegations against officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and threatening fire and brimstone.

The DSS, also, warned individuals who may decide to engage in “illegitimate acts or conducts inimical to public order”, that they “will be decisively dealt with as dictated by the law.”

The Service said it has observed “rising trends and patterns of incendiary comments by some personalities of influence and representatives of non-governmental entities within and outside the country.”

The DSS said such statements “run against public peace and harmony”, and therefore, urged key political players and their supporters in the affected States to “conform to the rules of engagement and specifically the electoral laws to avert situations likely to undermine the processes.”

Peter Afunanya, the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Department of State Services National Headquarters, Abuja signed the statement.

According to Afunanya the Service has “substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch-free exercises in the affected States.”

The statement reads in part:

“It is strongly believed that a resort to acerbic pronouncements by certain persons will not only heat the polity but set the ground for deep-seethed animosities and divisions among the populace. Also, it serves the country no good if its citizens, whether at home or abroad, demarket or subvert her through misleading and false narratives.

“Similarly, the Service urges key players and their supporters in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States to conform to the rules of engagement and specifically the electoral law during the 11th November 2023 gubernatorial elections in the areas.

“However, individuals or groups that may decide to engage in illegitimate acts or inimical conducts to public order will be decisively dealt with as dictated by the law. Forewarned is forearmed.”

November 11 Governorship Polls In Three States: DHQ Alerts “There Are Fake Soldiers”

Ayodele Oni

November 9, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Defence Headquarters has said that it has uncovered plans by some persons to impersonate the Military by wearing its uniform during Saturday’s governorship election in three states.

It has, therefore, warned trouble makers to “stay away from the November 11 Governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa or face injurious consequences from the military.”

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, gave the warning while briefing newsmen on the operations

of the armed forces as regards the election on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the military is aware of plans by some individuals to dress in military uniform to disrupt the electoral processes in the three states on Saturday.

He said that “for the off season elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states this weekend, here is a message for those who planned to disrupt the process.

“We are aware of your plans to dress in military gear to misled the public. Be assured of injurious consequences should you proceed with those plans. We will not allow our image to be dragged to the mud. You’re warned.”

The director said the military is determined to give the elections the seriousness it deserves, adding that troops and platforms were being moved to locations to reinforce security already in place in those states.

He stated that security agencies are ready to identify and differentiate between real soldiers and the fake ones.

Buba explained that troops had continued to exert pressure on groups that sought to derail any progress toward peace and security in the country.

According to him, it is for these reason the military is inflicting severe damage on terrorists, insurgents and violent extremists through operations across the country.

He added that “accordingly, we are targeting their leadership, infrastructure and foot soldiers. The coordination between air and ground forces is like never seen before and yielding amazing results.

“We are expecting new platforms that would further enhance our capabilities to further root out terrorists and destroy their military capabilities.”

Kabiru Re-elected NPAN President

The Source

November 9, 2023

The Chairman of Media Trust, Publishers of the Daily Trust Newspapers and Trust Television, Mal. Kabiru A. Yusuf, was, on Thursday returned to office as the President of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), for another term.

The election also returned some other officers of the Association, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, Publisher of Business Day was elected Vice President and Mrs Angela Emuwa, the Chairman of Punch Newspapers as General Secretary,

Mr. Fidelis Anosike, who until yesterday was the Assistant General Secretary, was elected Treasurer thus paving the way for tne election of Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene, the Editor – in- Chief of Leadership Newspaper, to fill the vacated seat.

Mrs. Emuwa filled the position vacated by Alh. Mohammed Idris who was recently appointed as Minister of Information and National Orientation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while Mr. Anosike took the position vacated by Mr. Olawale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinatimg Minister for the Economy

Others returned elected were the Deputy President and Publisher of the Guardian newspaper, Lady Maiden-Alex-Ibru, the Publicity Secretary and Group Managing Director of Champion newspapers, Dr. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Ex-Officio member and Past President of NPAN, Mr. Ray Ekpu, Ex.-Officio member and Publisher of Pilot newspaper, Prince Dennis Sami.

The Managing Director of The Telegraph newspaper , Mr. Dayo Aminu, was elected as Ex-Officio member

Mr. Aigbogun’s emergence as Vice President followed an amendment to the Association’s constitution, creating the office of a Vice President which was moved by two Patrons of the Association – Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, Publisher of This Day and Chief Olusegun Osoba.

Speaking after the election, the President, Mal Kabiru noted that the injection of the new officers would further energise the Executive Council in achieving set objectives.

Jonathan Commiserates With Soludo Over Father’s Death

The Source

November 9, 2023

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and the people of the State on the passing of his father Pa Simeon Soludo, who died at the age of 92.

Dr. Jonathan described the exit of the nonagenarian as painful and urged Soludo and his family members to be comforted by the good name and legacies left by his late father.

A statement issued by the former President’s spokesman Mr. Ikechukwu Eze stressed that Dr. Jonathan prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased in a condolence message he personally signed.

The message stated: “Although Pa Soludo exited this world at the age of 92, his exit has obviously thrown the family into a period of grief. The loss of a parent is always a very painful experience, given the supporting roles they play in our personal lives and in the wellbeing of our communities.

“Please be comforted by the fact that Pa Soludo’s good name, legacies and contributions to our country’s development will continue to endure, having nurtured worthy citizens like you and your siblings. May God grant his soul eternal rest and imbue you and your family with the strength of spirit to bear the loss.

“Your Excellency, I extend my deepest condolences to you, your family, and the entire people of Anambra state for this great loss.”

Uzodimma, The Man For The Job In Imo

The Source

November 9, 2023

By Oguwike Nwachuku

On January 15, 2024, the first four years of the Governor of Imo State, Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma will gloriously come to an end. He has been in office for about three years and 10 months now.

But Sen. Uzodimma is in the race again for another term of four years and the election has been scheduled for this Saturday, November 11, 2023 in all the 305 Electoral Wards in Imo State.

The campaigns for Governor Uzodimma’s reelection have ended positively across all the nooks and crannies of Imo State and the signs of his overwhelming victory at the polls are quite glaring. Glaring, because what he has done already are there for every one to see.

The turn out during the campaigns was massive. The reception warm. The excitement unprecedented. The expectations for his victory and continuity in office high. The Imo people spoke loudly through the campaigns and the Governor is grateful for that.

In the main, the people of Imo State are quite hopeful that Governor Uzodimma’s tenure will be renewed in a manner that will depict coronation and suggests they see him as the man for the job in Douglas House for now.

Is it not being said that the voice of men is the voice of God?

From the political class, to the elder statesmen, the market men and women, the youths, the workers, the clergy, the physically challenged, the suckling and even the ones their mothers are still bearing their pregnancy, Governor Uzodimma has acquitted himself creditably to warrant his tenure for renewal.

But make no mistake about it, the great strides he has recorded in Imo State did not come easy as we shall find out shortly.

On assumption of office in January 15, 2020, Governor Uzodimma met a State that was almost buried without a casket, something very strange in a Christian dominated area like Imo.

He did not know where to start the exhumation of Imo State’s body after he discovered the place of her burial, but God led him to start from somewhere with his reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery mantra, the popular 3R that became the symbol of the Shared Prosperity Government of the Governor.

With a dose of courage, Governor Uzodimma put in place the machinery to drive his programmes using the reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery mantra.

As if the decayed Imo State when Governor Uzodimma came on board was not enough challenge, those who swore not to give him a chance to change the Imo narrative began to lay all manner of landmines to frustrate him. But the more the attempts to frustrate him, the more determined he was to make the needed impact and difference.

Simultaneously, he began to work on all the roads within the Owerri capital territory that reduced the State to the citadel of death trap for those traveling by road within.

Before you would say jack, the hitherto impassable Douglas road was fixed with the demolished Eke Ukwu market by a previous administration rebuilt. The Relief Market road where traders were using boat to access was fixed, Chukwuma Nwoha, Dick Tiger road and street and several other city roads in Owerri got the needed attention.

Governor Uzodimma caused public water to run again in Owerri, after many years the source of the water, Otanmiri, was turned into a fish pond by those close to the Governor of a previous administration.

He introduced the balloon technology, a strange but novel instrument with which he dealt a deadly bow to the perennial floods which were major characteristics of the town.

Indeed, within a short period in office, Governor Uzodimma caused Imo State capital to resemble one big construction site, all because he was in a hurry to redeem the State capital from the enormous decay in infrastructure status it had pejoratively acquired.

The landmines which political detractors in Imo State laid for Governor Uzodimma on assumption of office in the form of blackmail, propaganda, slander were monumental.

Happening simultaneously with the sudden outbreak of the global deadly Corona Virus, the #EndSARS# protests, and other state, national and global activities, many thought that Governor Uzodimma would be broken.

But because God’s grace was sufficient, he was not. Instead, he became more boisterous in fixing his eyes on the ball, fully aware that the destiny of Imo State is resting in his hands as God’s instrument.

Let us just cut the long story short.

Imo State under Governor Uzodimma in the past three years and 10 months has witnessed a turn around that baffles even his most rabid critics. Not a single sector has been left unattended to by the government under Uzodimma.

He struck and still continues to strike a harmonious relationship between the three arms of Government – legislature, judiciary and executive – such that a new House of Assembly Complex believed to be the best in Nigeria has germinated in Imo. In the same vein, his government has commissioned several brand new Court Complexes that now makes dispensation of justice, even at the grassroots, seamless.

Roads, youth/ women empowerment, education, agriculture, industry, health, civil service reforms, workers/pensioners welfare, security, et al, are areas Imo people are so grateful to God for sending the person of Governor Uzodimma to them at this time despite the national and global challenges.

Governor Uzodimma’s deliberate efforts to open Imo State up through the major entry points of Owerri-Okigwe, Owerri-Orlu, Owerri- Mbaise-Umuahia roads, the dredging of Oguta Lake up to Orashi to the Atlantic Ocean are indicators of what the drivers of the future economy of Imo State look like.

What of the conversion of the former Federal Medical Centre to the Federal University Teaching Hospital and the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education?

Indeed, there are too many policies with tangible and intangible benefits to the State and it goes without saying that Governor Uzodimma has prepared Imo as a leading digitally governed State, with the Data Centre leading the charge in the automation process for competitiveness.

Everyone is in agreement that our Governor has performed. Everyone agrees that he has remained focused, determined, prepared, to work for Imo. Himself has also not betrayed his MOU with God concerning Imo.

The campaigns across the 10 Federal Constituencies in Imo State that ended on Wednesday say it all about the degree of acceptability of Governor Uzodimma’s reelection. The campaign rallies which turn out was organic signifies the preparedness of both the Governor and the governed to take Imo to the next level.

Key personalities in Nigeria have endorsed Governor Uzodimma’s reelection. Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon Francis Nwifuru, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Minister of Works, Eng. Dave Umahi, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Anoka-Anite, the Minister of Labour and Employment, State, Rt. Hon. Nkiruka Onyejiocha, among others, have said Governor Uzodimma’s reelection means a lot to Imo State, the South East and Nigeria.

They have simply corroborated the deluge of endorsements by Imo people and their friends across Nigeria who know that Governor Uzodimma remains the best bet for Ndi Imo today and that with him in the saddle for another four years, the desire of Imo people for a proper foundation for good governance would have been laid.

May I simply say: Congratulations in advance, Onwa Imo.

Nwachuku is Governor Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser

Imo Guber: Demonstrate Spirit Of Sportsmanship – Bishop Okorafor Tells Contestants, Asks For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

The Source

November 9, 2023

By George Best Okoroh

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, the Rt. Rev’d. Geoffrey Okorafor has charged contestants in the November 11 Governorship Election in the State to embrace peace by demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship.

Bishop Okorafor gave the charge in his Presidential Address at the just concluded First Session of the Tenth Synod of the Diocese which took place at ST. Peter’s Anglican Obibiezenna, Owerri North LGA, Imo State.

He stated that the charge became necessary to advise contestants to eschew violence, stop heating the polity by their supporters, being magnanimous in victory and demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship if one loses. “If you get the mandate of the people of Imo State to be their Governor for the next four years, demonstrate magnanimity in victory. If you lose, demonstrate spirit of sportsmanship. Violence should be eschewed”, he said.

He noted that there can be only one Governor at a time, adding that “if it is not you today, it can be you tomorrow”.

The Anglican Prelate regretted that Nigeria has made itself an object of redicule before the international community, who in return “have resolved to leave us the way we) are”.

Bishop Okorafor, who is also the President of the Synod expressed displeasure at the manner Nigerians are jetting out of the country not to the developed Western world or Asia but to poor African countries; wondering how the system can be corrected when “the present federal cabinet with about forty eight ministers is characterised by ministers out of whom about forty three have cases to answer with EFCC and ICPC”.

He pointed out that the Sit-At-Home order has adversely affected the economy of the South-east with some businessmen in Onitsha relocating to Asaba; those in Aba relocating to Uyo and Port Harcourt” in an effort to save their businesses from collapsing.

He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to observe the rule of law by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that the “IPOB’s agitations are traceable to humiliation, dehumanization, oppression and suppression”.

He commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for the various road projects in Imo State which included the completed Owerri-Orlu Road and Owerri-Okigwe Road, and appealed to him to hasten up the completion of Owerri-Umuahia Road. He also called on the governor to consider the condition of the Nekede-Ihiagwa Road as well as paying pensioners their gratuities as promised by the Governor.

Bishop Okorafor described the Synod theme “Come Unto Me, All You That Labour And Are Heavy Laden” (Matt. 11:28) as “a comfortable word of invitation from the Lord Jesus Christ, our source of joy and relief”.

Reeling out individuals and situations in Bible that Jesus Christ changed their lives and conditions, the Anglican Prelate said that the invitation is for individuals, nations and the entire globe in need of divine intervention. “We live in a state of hopelessness, and fear; people’s faith is waning. Disappointments today stare people in the face”, Bishop Okorafor said.

He added that the comfortable word if adhered to gives joy and rest. The Syod ended with a Sunday Thanksgiving Service.

OPINION: Small Chance for INEC to Save Itself in A Big Way

The Source

November 9, 2023

By Azu Ishiekwene

Elections in Nigeria this year might be nearly over but the war by other means could well receive fresh fire from three state elections this weekend.

The year began with general elections in February and March, and is closing with off-cycle elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi on November 11.

Conducting elections for three governors after the major round of governorship elections in March that covered 28 states, including the legislatures in dozens of states, and the federal elections before that, might ordinarily look easy.

But they are not. These three off-cycle elections are in fact products of either violent electoral outcomes or bitterly fought court decisions. Apart from the post-election chaos that Nigeria has had to deal with, on a good day, each of the three states on their own, is a political cauldron – a nightmare for organisers, participants and observers alike.

Imo special

Of the five states in the South East, for example, Imo is arguably the most violence-prone with widespread reports of random fatal attacks, jailbreaks, attacks on security personnel, police stations and government facilities. Even Governor Hope Uzodimma, the chief security officer of the state, has lived largely behind heavy barricades and moves about like a general in an active war zone.

To be fair, the violence in Imo predates him. It goes back to the years of the farmer-herder clashes; the rise in separatist agitations under MASSOB – a much earlier and far less deadly franchise than IPOB; and then followed by the upsurge in a variety of loose cannons. The situation has been worsened by years of poor governance.

But Uzodimma’s dramatic emergence and his brand of politics appear to have brought a new, more dangerous salience to the violence in the state. If you add the ongoing dispute between the national headquarters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the state government to the mix, then you might understand why this weekend’s election could be a perfect storm.

Labour has vowed to avenge the black-eye its president, Joe Ajaero, received at the hands of security personnel allegedly at the behest of Uzodimma. It has announced a flight ban on the governor and promised to follow up with a ground offensive.

Inside Bayelsa’s creeks

Bayelsa is chaotic in its own way. Though the state managed to survive the turbulence after the forced removal of Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in 2005, its brand of violence has often stemmed from an explosive mix of hostage taking and crude oil politics. A state with some of the country’s most forbidden creeks, Bayelsa is a logistician’s nightmare. It is also a base of former militants ready, able and willing to outspend politicians to secure their political stronghold.

Bayelsa has enjoyed a fairly unchallenged reign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since 1999. A brief intrusion by the All Progressives Congress (APC) came to grief when the Supreme Court ruled that Governor-elect David Lyon could not be sworn in because his deputy filed false documents with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

But with former PDP governor and junior Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva now running on the platform of the APC, power could change hands. Yet, PDP stalwarts still licking their wounds from the defeat in the presidential election, are unlikely to stand idly by and watch the fall of a durable PDP stronghold in the Niger Delta.

Kogi, white lion’s den

The omens in Kogi with its history of political violence — the most horrific in recent times being the 2019 murder of PDP Kogi woman leader, AchejuAbuh, who was burnt to death inside her home — are no less frightening. The ruling APC and opposition parties have continued to trade allegations of violence even days to the election and no arrests have so far been made.

Apart from Kogi where Yahaya Bello is ineligible to contest again, Imo and Bayelsa have incumbents itching to retain their seats.

In a country where incumbency is a rock to be circumnavigated, the records suggest that unseating an incumbent takes more than guts. Among the miserable tally of incumbents that failed a reelection bid, were Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi (2015-2019), RamalanYero of Kaduna (2012-2015), Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi of Zamfara (2007-2011), IkediOhakim of Imo (2007-2011), and current junior Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle (2019-2023). If performance mattered there would probably have been more.

Add to this the huge mutual suspicion of the political players, and the mistrust by the voting public and you might understand why only winners come out of every election season, acclaiming democracy and certifying their victory as the popular will.

Voter apathy

Voter apathy remains a serious concern. According to a Guardianreport on Tuesday, “only about 30 percent of registered voters may decide the outcome in the three states combined.” However, from recent history whether at federal or state elections, 30 percent would be good turn-out.

The presidential election in February recorded 26.7 percent. While other elections are only marginally better, the South East has remained a catastrophically low performer in recent years. The election that brought Anambra Governor Charles Soludo to power two years ago, for example, recorded a historic low turn-out of 10 percent.

If Guardian’s low forecast turns out right, it would be mainly for two reasons. One, the spike in violence in these states in the run-up to the elections, and two, the bitter aftertaste of the general elections held earlier this year. Seven months after the polls, the elections of a number of governors are still being challenged in the courts. Even if the courts existed solely for the pleasure of politicians, there still won’t be enough justice to serve their desperation.

Political campaigns, if they have existed at all, have been a joke. Politicians in the three states where elections would hold have been making scandalous promises ranging from free tickets to European job fares, to promises to turn water to wine.

Voters inclined to go out to vote in spite of these ridiculous offers are concerned for their safety because complicit security services and their political paymasters have refused to punish past perpetrators of violence. There is no indication that it would be different this time.

INEC’s albatross

Yet, more than anyone else, INEC knows that its poor handling of the general elections and their aftermath, could also be a strong reason for voter apathy. Voters won’t come out if, on top of safety concerns, they don’t also believe their votes would count. The commission is once again in the spotlight. It cannot afford to fail.

Again, the commission has promised that polling unit results would be uploaded directly to INEC’s viewing portal even in largely rural states like Kogi and Bayelsa where there are limited communications and electricity infrastructure across large swathes of polling areas. We can’t afford to have another round of excuses this time.

No one wants to hear about glitches, attempted hacking, failing batteries or poor networks. The bulk of the complaints in the last general elections, which later became the subject of litigation, have been about INEC’s competence, credibility and the transparency of the process.

Elections in Edo and Ondo are next, but the three this weekend offer the commission redeeming grace. All said, since the elections would be held in states outside the top 10 in the country’s voter population, they offer INEC one big chance to repair its image.

Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP

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