Home Blog Page 220

INEC Rejects Calls for New Party Registration, Says No Approvals Granted

0

Ahead of the general elections in 2027, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has resisted growing criticism on how it has handled the registration of new political parties.
The electoral authority reportedly stated that adherence to legal and constitutional requirements is non-negotiable.
The commission urged the public to ignore online allegations that it had registered two new parties, the Independent Democrats and the Peoples Democratic Movement, saying in a clear statement on Wednesday that the reports were untrue.

To be clear, no new party has been registered by the commission as of yet. There are currently 19 political parties registered in Nigeria. Through its official 𝕏 handle, INEC said, “Nothing has been added.”

According to INEC, both of the aforementioned political parties were among the 72 deregistered in February 2020, in accordance with Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, after having been first registered in August 2013.

INEC Issues a Warning: “No Registration by Blackmail”
INEC emphasized that the party registration process is a legal, not political, exercise in response to pressure from different political leaders and coalitions requesting registration.

“Groups that applied for registration as political parties should submit authentic, verifiable documents and comply with all requirements for registration instead of trying to blackmail INEC with baseless accusations,” stated Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

According to The PUNCH, he reaffirmed that only submissions that completely comply with constitutional requirements would be accepted, adding that the commission places a higher priority on the caliber of applications than their quantity.

“The number of applicants who can successfully satisfy the criteria for registration is more important than the number of applications that the commission receives,” he continued.

Political stakeholders have accused INEC of purposefully delaying the registration of new parties, which has led to the commission’s stance.

Rotimi Amaechi, a former transportation minister, charged that the INEC chairman was impeding opposition initiatives. He stated on Arise TV: “We wouldn’t have won if the current INEC chairman had served as INEC’s chairman in 2015.” God bless Jega. Jega opened the way for us to register APC, and we met all the registration requirements. The current man would not register you if you complied with all of these requirements.

Seun Kuti, a musician and activist who is the leader of Movement of the People, a political organization based on the legacy of his father, Fela Kuti, also criticized INEC’s actions.

In Nigeria, 72 political parties have been deregistered and no new ones have been registered since 2018. In a statement, Kuti stated, “This harsh restriction restricts citizens’ political choices and undercuts true democratic representation.”

APC leader Salihu Lukman and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal have both expressed disapproval of INEC’s stance.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas Backs APC as Only Path for Nigerians in 2027

INEC Describes Difficult Party Registration Requirements
Oyekanmi described the extensive requirements associations must fulfill in order to obtain party status under the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties in his comments to The PUNCH.

These consist of:

12 months before to the general election, a letter of intent must be submitted.

An administrative fee is paid.

submitting documents online using an INEC-issued access code.

Among the necessary documents are:

The platform and constitution of the prospective party.

proof that the Abuja headquarters is being occupied legally.

a membership list with names, addresses, and contact details.

affidavit from the secretary or chairman attesting to the documents’ legitimacy.

Evidence that the National Executive Committee, which consists of representatives from the FCT and at least 24 states, embodies the Federal Character principle.

“An application will be deemed invalid if it is found at any point during the registration process that the same individuals submitted multiple applications or that any part of the application is fraudulent,” Oyekanmi said.

He promised that within the allotted time, applicants will receive regular updates on the status of their submissions.

INEC emphasized that it will continue to handle all election matters with integrity and transparency and that its actions are strictly governed by the law.

It stated that the commission is still dedicated to following the constitution in every election procedure.

Speaker Abbas Backs APC as Only Path for Nigerians in 2027

0

Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has stated that as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration works to better the country for the welfare of its people, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is still the only practical choice for Nigerians.
In Kaduna State, the Speaker made these statements after a number of members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially defected to the APC under the leadership of Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi, a former director general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The APC was reportedly joined by the former NEMA DG, hundreds of his supporters, and a number of former PDP leaders in Kaduna State.

Abbas said that the former NEMA DG made a prompt and sensible choice when he welcomed Sani Sidi into the APC, highlighting that the ruling party is a safe sanctuary for all politicians committed to bettering the lives of their constituents.
The Speaker said on Wednesday that as more members of the opposition parties switch to the ruling party, the APC will only get stronger.

“Every APC member in Kaduna is celebrating today. I can’t recall instances in the last two years where opposition members have united to support and stand with the APC like this one.

We spent more than three months discussing ways for Sani Sidi to get off the sinking ship with His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State, and myself. Governor Uba Sani has worked very hard to win over Sani Sidi.

Read Also: Idris Questions: ‘Has Shettima Ever Told You He Has Problem With Tinubu?’

Sani Sidi joined the APC because, I want to reassure you, he has witnessed the progress made by Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That you have agreed to join APC makes us glad.

“You are in the proper location. This is a peaceful and fulfilling celebration. You are now an integral part of who we are. Your hands are capable and trustworthy. We guarantee that you will receive the same respect and benefits that are reserved for APC foundation members. The Speaker addressed the defectors, saying, “You will not have any reason to regret this decision you took.”

In a separate statement during the event, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani characterized Alhaji Sani Sidi as one of the state’s top political figures, whose choice to join the APC was made for the advancement of the state, especially his people, and not for personal gain.

I don’t find it surprising that he made the proper choice today. He made this choice for the sake of his people’s progress, not for selfish ends. He’s got enough for himself and is comfortable.

As the Speaker mentioned, we held a number of consultations, meetings, and interactions. His main concern in all of those is Kaduna State’s progress.

Idris Questions: ‘Has Shettima Ever Told You He Has Problem With Tinubu?’

0

Claims that President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are at odds have been denied by the Federal Government, which maintains that the two leaders are still unified and continue to collaborate “perfectly.”
In recent weeks, there has been a lot of speculation about a supposed rupture between the president and his deputy. According to some rumors, Tinubu might think about choosing a different running mate for the 2027 presidential race.
However, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, addressed the issue in an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Wednesday, characterizing the rumors as the result of the public’s imagination.

“This feud exists in the imagination of those who wish to believe that,” he stated. I have witnessed the president and vice president walking side by side in the same room. I am referring to the recent past.

The minister vehemently objected when asked if the president was thinking of dropping Shettima for the upcoming election.

“Who told you that?” he said. Did you hear Shettima’s name initially when President Tinubu received the ticket? The president has the authority to select a running mate.

Kashim Shettima has been his choice. They are collaborating flawlessly. I haven’t noticed any signs that the president wants to fire his vice president.

Political Waters Wet After APC North-East Endorsement
The dispute started when Mustapha Salihu, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-East, openly supported President Tinubu’s 2027 goal without bringing up Vice President Shettima.

Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno State, allegedly led a protest over the omission since it was seen as a blow to Shettima, who is from the area.

Read Also: Policy Dialogue Highlights Need for Purposeful Tax and Economic Reforms

Unverified allegations that Shettima had previously been refused access to the President at the Villa, a claim the government now adamantly denies, added fuel to the rumor mill.

“Not see the President in this country?” Idris asked in response to the report. This situation is not Atiku-Obasanjo. We have a relationship with Shettima and Tinubu. They are doing well and have made great progress.

The Minister further mentioned that Vice President Shettima still represents the President in official settings and has his principal’s complete trust.

“He was representing the President at the banquet hall just yesterday,” he continued. The Vice President speaks on behalf of the President every day of the week.

“Has Vice President Kashim Shettima ever mentioned to you that he and the President are at odds?”

Policy Dialogue Highlights Need for Purposeful Tax and Economic Reforms

0

Abuja Nigeria’s policy and fiscal reforms need to be more deliberate and coordinated, according to prominent economic leaders. Speakers at a high-level discussion on the country’s economic future, including Dr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group; Christian Ebeke, IMF Resident Representative for Nigeria; and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, emphasized both the ambitious measures taken thus far and the areas that require immediate improvement.

“Inclusion in policy discussions without reliable data amounts to little progress,” Dr. Tayo Aduloju emphasized.

The need for data-driven improvements was emphasized by his statement that “we are holding a company, not designing policy.”

Read Also: Nigeria’s Tax System Should Strengthen, Not Distort, Legitimate Economic Activities — Oyedele

The panel recognized recent important actions, calling the elimination of fuel subsidies and the harmonization of several foreign exchange rates “pioneering and unprecedented.”

“Removing subsidies was an unprecedentedly bold move in history.” “It was historically bold to remove historic multiple FX rates, with foregone premiums up to 65-70%,” Dr. Jumoke Oduwole remarked.

The experts did, however, also consider how things might have been done better. Despite an executive order that accompanied the policy changes, which is unprecedented in Nigerian history, they identified implementation problems.

“Where did we go wrong in the first implementation of such a policy that prioritized procurement, usage of goods created in Nigeria, and coordination of the AfCFTA ecosystem and failed to achieve the desired results? One speaker pointed out that while a lot had been going on, there was room for improvement in terms of synergy.

Christian Ebeke emphasized the session’s overarching message in her closing remarks.

He stated that “intentionality and sincerity of purpose are required, whether it is tax and fiscal reforms, bolstering public institutions, or encouraging innovation for Nigeria’s future.”

Although Nigeria has made some daring moves, the conversation made clear that in order to achieve sustainable growth, the country must concentrate on deliberate, well-coordinated changes.

Nigeria’s Tax System Should Strengthen, Not Distort, Legitimate Economic Activities — Oyedele

0

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, emphasized the importance of effective tax policies in promoting legal economic activity and propelling Nigeria’s development. Oyedele offered these statements to stakeholders at a high-level workshop on budgetary reforms and economic sustainability.

Oyedele believes that taxation should be viewed as a social and economic contract between citizens and the government.

“Tax is a socioeconomic contract that states that taxes are the result of economic activity. As a result, government measures, including taxes, must not distort legitimate economic activities,” he stressed.

Read Also: APC Blasts Members for Supporting Makinde: ‘No Excuse for Shameful Acts’

Oyedele added that the process of developing solid policies must go beyond popularity or public emotion.

“Popular viewpoints do not necessarily result in sound policies. Imagine if we had everyone at the table because we want to be inclusive, but we don’t have solid data – we’re not establishing policy, we’re just gathering,” he remarked.

He underlined the significance of credible statistics in ensuring that tax reforms and government policies achieve their intended goals while not damaging the productive sections of the economy.

Policymakers, industry executives, and academics attended the event, which provided a forum for discussions about Nigeria’s fiscal future and strategies for enhancing the country’s tax system while supporting economic growth.

APC Blasts Members for Supporting Makinde: ‘No Excuse for Shameful Acts’

0

APC chieftains who have been praising Governor Seyi Makinde have been characterized by the APC’s Oyo State chapter as self-serving politicians.
The APC reportedly issued this warning after some party members had commended Makinde for acting in what they described as the state’s best interests.
Nonetheless, the party threatened to punish members who backed Makinde in a statement released on Wednesday by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadar, calling the action a disgrace.

Sadare went on to say that all APC members should back the party’s 2027 takeover attempt.

He continued by saying that the party has conducted due diligence and found that certain people still posing as APC leaders are actually employed by the PDP, or People’s Democratic Party.

“But for selfishness and poor orientation resulting from indiscipline and myopia, no reasonable member of the APC would turn himself into a propaganda machine for the current PDP administration, which has mortgaged the future of the unborn generations by wasting enormous resources on frivolities and inanity in the last six years,” he said.

Given the facts that both of the guilty individuals claimed to be the leaders of our great party up to this point, we thought their actions to be extremely repugnant and reckless.

“We’ve done our research and determined that those who pose as APC leaders and continue to work for the PDP have no justification for committing such ignominious acts, but we would engage them as Democrats because some schools of thought believe they were either misinformed or misrepresented.”

‘After 200 Murders, Tinubu Still Sounded Like He Was Canvassing Votes’ – Farotimi

0

Dele Farotimi, a human rights activist and lawyer, attacked President Bola Tinubu’s red carpet reception and speech during his visit to Benue State.
According to reports, Benue, a food-producing state in Nigeria’s North-Central zone, has been under heavy attack by suspected herdsmen for some time.
However, the killings have continued unabated in recent weeks, with no fewer than 160 citizens proven dead in a series of attacks by suspected herdsmen who wreaked havoc in various villages across the state over the course of two months.

During a midnight attack by suspected herders last Friday, hundreds of inhabitants in the state’s Yelewata district were slain, and over 3000 people were displaced. Though the government reported 59 deaths, human rights groups estimated that about 200 people were killed.
Following a barrage of condemnation from opposition arrowheads, President Bola Tinubu paid a visit to Benue on Wednesday and urged service leaders to put an end to the state’s bloodshed and arrest those responsible.

In an interview with Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Farotimi remarked that it would have been preferable if President Tinubu had not visited Benue State than to visit the state and stay unconcerned about the fate of its people.

According to him, Tinubu’s speech was without remorse, as if he were preparing for a campaign rally.

Farotimi said the Tor Tiv V, James Ayatse, was the only person who said anything noteworthy during Tinubu’s visit to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, on Wednesday. Ayatse described the attacks as a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits.

Read Also: Benue Crisis: Citizen’s Open Letter to Governor Alia Goes Viral | Herdsmen Attacks, Salaries, Politics

He stated, “I must say very immediately that it would have been better if the president had not gone.

“The only thing worth anyone’s time was the Tor Tiv’s remarks, which spoke exhaustively about the truth of the situation in the Benue basin and eloquently about the victims’ plight.

“Apart from that, all the president had to offer were glimpses into his preoccupations and the true worries of his advisors and assistants. In Benue, they recognized exactly what was important to the president, so they built the necessary theatre for 2027.

“The deaths of almost 200 people were barely covered; you could have assumed it was a political event.

“The primary reason the state exists is to safeguard the lives and property of its inhabitants. We have almost lost our ability to feel astonished. 200 people were slaughtered, and the President traveled to Benue, speaking as if he were ready for a campaign rally.

Benue Crisis: Citizen’s Open Letter to Governor Alia Goes Viral | Herdsmen Attacks, Salaries, Politics

0

H.E. REV FR HYACINTH IORNEM ALIA, THE GOVERNOR OF BENUE STATE, HIS OPEN LETTER
The Governor of Makurdi, Benue State, His Excellency Hyacinth Alia, Government House.
Respected Governor Alia,
Not vex, Respected Leader, As blood splatters throughout our rural villages and urban streets, it appears that things are not going well for our beloved Benue State, therefore I won’t spend too much time on politeness. I do, however, hope you are well and reading my message.
I am writing as a concerned Benue State resident to share my opinions on four urgent issues that I feel obligated to voice.
1. Regarding our people’s death at the hands of herdsmen:
As Chief Security Officer of the state, with all taxpayer funding under your command and control, you have failed miserably to provide security and compassion for your people. The billions of Naira that Benue State receives each month, together with the substantial security votes, are obviously not being used effectively.
You should address security risks in your state appropriately as a governor rather than playing games of blame. You initially accused foreign mercenaries of being responsible for the frequent attacks, then you claimed that Abuja politicians were responsible, then you claimed that some religious patrons were responsible, and finally, only last week, you claimed that the villages were helping the attackers carry out the horrible attacks. You look completely unfit to run the state because of these stupid blame games. And you can be sure that no one who is directly impacted would want to hear this speech.
Especially in light of the recent Yelwata massacre, which occurred only 40 kilometers from your office, it is astounding that you hardly ever go to the locations of such incidents to get the essential assistance, sympathy, and attention. Relying on resentful Benue youths to protest and draw the federal government’s attention to these outrageous events is not a good way to handle this job. You called for arrest and had to fire several of your aides who took part in the demonstration, so even at that point, it seems you didn’t want it at all.

Read Also: Ghana’s Mahama Offers Citizenship to Anthony Joshua, AJ Breaks Silence on Nigeria-Ghana Feud

As for the attacks that have killed over 600 locals since you assumed office, it is evident that the anti-Open Grazing Prohibition Law, which you overturned through a state altercation, and your incapacity to remain firm in the face of this catastrophe are to blame.
What I would advise:
Oga, get up! Forget about the funfair that accompanied these recent high-profile visits to the state. Arming already-existing vigilante groups like the Livestock Guards or the Benue Volunteer Guards, or creating new community volunteer guards, training them in the use of licensed firearms like Remington pump action guns, and equipping and requiring them to protect their communities.
We know you’re devout since you’re from a religious family, but becoming a state governor involves more than just praying. Telling us to fast, pray, and forgive our adversaries is not the role of government. So that they might work out their forgiveness with God, send them there.
2. Infrastructure: Since yesterday, videos have been making the rounds in the media showing mowers mowing the lawns along Makurdi city highways in anticipation of Mr. President’s arrival. My brother, that is the most incompetent display. Until Mr. President indicated his urgent visit, you and the chairman of the local government left the city in ruins. Okay!
Unfortunately, you also neglected to provide the state with infrastructure. Ignore Makurdi Township’s one underpass under construction and the occasional roundabout renovation or reorganization. Failure is evident when you have been in power for two years and not a single piece of historic infrastructure has been put into service on your second anniversary. Mr. President will not commission any completed projects under your administration while he is here, with the possible exception of a renovated project. It is regrettable.
3. Governance:
You did not lead the state effectively, Your Excellency. It is regrettable that, rather than working with the same organization that brought you to power, your first task a few days after taking office is to destroy it. You seldom ever call meetings for parties or general stakeholders. You can’t do it alone, though. Refrain from purchasing the phony that your chief of staff is trying to sell you in order to undermine Senator George Akume and others. Because of your “I-can-do-it-alone” mentality, the state continues to be besieged by herdsmen who should normally avoid the Benue valley.
4. Pensions and Salaries: You are not performing any better than any other State Governor when it comes to the timely payment of salaries, as allocation to states has increased by nearly 300% since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, while overhead in the majority of states, including Benue State, has remained constant.
Therefore, disregard those who sing praises with gomna, gomna, gomna up and down and concentrate on what you can do to protect the lives and property of Benue inhabitants.
I choose to deliver my point in plain English.
Your Excellency, no vex, before we start demanding for your resignation, I hope to see concrete steps done to solve these urgent concerns.
I appreciate all of your time, patience, and thought.
With all due respect,
Apeh Peterhot, Comrade King, Ofiri-ejorgwu Shrine, Ugbugbu, Owukpa, Benue State.

Ghana’s Mahama Offers Citizenship to Anthony Joshua, AJ Breaks Silence on Nigeria-Ghana Feud

0

Ghanaian president John Mahama has stated his desire to grant Ghanaian citizenship to British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua.
Additionally, in a move that exemplifies both sporting diplomacy and cultural togetherness, the president of Ghana named boxing’s continental ambassador Anthony Joshua.
Joshua made the offer while paying a courtesy call at the Jubilee House in Accra.

Along with other dignitaries, President Mahama, Ghanaian boxing icon Azumah Nelson, and Sports Minister Kofi Adams welcomed Joshua.

President Mahama, who was obviously delighted by Joshua’s arrival and global popularity, commended the former unified world heavyweight champion for his accomplishments and cultural effect.
The audience applauded as Mahama said, “If you want us to give you a Ghanaian passport, we will give you.” He’ll represent us as ambassador. He is the kind of person we need to help transform the lives of youth. We want him to represent boxing in Africa and use that as one of the causes he supports.
A new generation of African boxers may be inspired by Joshua’s involvement, the president said. Following him, there will be a generation of boxers who will transform their home societies and make Africa proud. Ghanaians love you a lot as an icon,” Mahama continued.
Starting on Friday, June 13, Joshua’s trip to Ghana has been jam-packed with media appearances, training sessions, and outreach initiatives.

But his tour also sparked new discussions about Ghana and Nigeria’s long-standing cultural rivalry.

Read Also: Namadi Sambo Breaks Silence, Says He Didn’t Defect to APC

During an honest interview at Jubilee House, Joshua acknowledged that he had not initially planned to visit Ghana because of prejudiced stories he had heard in Nigeria.

Joshua stated, “I really didn’t have any plans to visit Ghana.” “Because, for whatever reason, everyone in Nigeria prioritizes Nigeria over Ghana.” But now that I’m here, I’m staring about as if they’ve been deceiving me.

Laughter and clapping greeted his lighthearted admission, underscoring the longstanding yet playful rivalry between the two West African countries.

Joshua continued by expressing his profound respect for Ghana’s hospitality, infrastructure, and cultural diversity.

He declared, “I’m impressed by your beautiful country, amazing culture, hospitality, the airport, and the organization, and I can’t wait to go back and tell everyone across the world how beautiful this place is.”

Namadi Sambo Breaks Silence, Says He Didn’t Defect to APC

0

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Namadi Sambo, has denied leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The rebuttal, which was made known in a press statement made accessible to Media Adviser Umar Sani, stated that the story concerning Sambo’s defection is a lie intended to deceive the people.
It further stated that the widely distributed photo of Sambo with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, which was used to back up the defection tale, is an old one.

According to the statement, the former Vice President is a devoted and committed member of the PDP and has no plans to join any political party.

The whole statement reads: rebuttal to false claims of defection by Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON
“My attention has been attracted to a widely circulated report claiming that His Excellency, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This assertion is completely untrue and has no support.

“Following numerous calls and inquiries, I have taken the liberty of issuing this formal rebuttal on behalf of His Excellency’s family.” I clearly assert that the narrative is a fabrication, loaded with mischief and intended to mislead the people.

“The photograph confirming this untruth, which shows His Excellency with Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, was not taken recently. It was taken years ago during the Governor’s condolence visit to His Excellency’s home in Abuja following the death of his brother, the late Sani Sambo. The image is now being purposefully distorted to fit a manufactured story.

Read Also: ‘This Madness Has to End’ – Cubana Chiefpriest Calls on Tinubu for Immediate Action

“Moreover, His Excellency is scheduled to attend the commissioning of a 300-bed hospital in Kaduna on Thursday, June 19, 2025.” This project, which he launched while in office, demonstrates his unwavering commitment to public service and Kaduna State’s development. His invitation to see the completion of this legacy project and potentially make some words should not be interpreted as a political endorsement or confirmation of any partisan change.

“For the avoidance of doubt, His Excellency, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, is still a dedicated and committed member of the People’s Democratic Party. He has no intention of joining another political party. The defection narrative is merely a fiction of the authors’ imagination, designed to cause uncertainty and gain cheap political mileage.

“We urge the public and the media to disregard this misinformation and treat it with the contempt it deserves.”