It's important to stay informed about what's happening in the world, especially when it comes to politics and elections.
As you may know, Nigerians are getting ready to elect their next set of leaders for the next four years.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set the date for the election to take place on Saturday, February 25th. All political parties that are participating in the 2023 general election have completed their primaries and any resulting litigation.
While many people may be familiar with the major contenders like Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, it's important to know that there are other candidates as well.
Here is a list of all the presidential candidates and their running mates from 18 political parties:
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima – All Progressives Congress (APC)
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Dumebi Kachikwu and Dr. Malika Sani – African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Bishop Isaac Idahosa – New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
Kola Abiola and Ribi Marshal – Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
Dan Inwanyawu and Ramalan Abubakar – Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
Adewole Adebayo and Nafisa Mohammed Bolori – Social Democratic Party (SDP)
Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed place – Labour Party (LP)
Malik Ado-Ibrahim and Dr. Michael Kasarachi Enyinna – Youths Progressives Party (YPP)
Omoyele Sowore and Haruna Magashi – African Action Congress (AAC)
Hamza Al Mustapha and Chukwuka Johnson – Action Alliance (AA)
Peter Umeadi and Alhaji Abdullahi Koli Mohammed – All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
Yabaji Sani and Pastor Okey Udo – Action Democratic Party (ADP)
Christopher Imumolen and Bello Maru – Accord Party (AP)
Okwudili Nwa-Anyajike – National Rescue Mission (NRM)
Yusuf Mamman Dantalle and Ojei Princess – Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
Sunday Adenuga and Turaku Mustapha – Boot Party (BP)
Osita Nnadi and Isa Hamisu – Action Peoples Party (APP).
It's important to keep in mind that each of these candidates and their parties have their own unique perspectives and priorities for the country.
As Nigerians head to the polls, it's important to research and understand the positions of each candidate and make an informed decision.
Remember, your vote is your voice, so use it wisely!
EFCC Intercepts N32.4m Allegedly Meant For Vote-buying in Lagos
In preparation for the presidential and national assembly elections, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a massive operation to prevent vote trading and other financial malfeasance. And it seems their efforts may already be paying off.
Reports indicate that EFCC operatives in Lagos intercepted the sum of N32, 400,000 (Thirty-two Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira) believed to be intended for vote buying. The anti-graft agency has taken the suspect into custody for further questioning.
The Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has urged all personnel deployed for election monitoring duties to be courageous and not allow unscrupulous persons to undermine the integrity of the elections through financial inducement.
The EFCC has deployed tactical teams of operatives across all states in Nigeria and the FCT to monitor and prevent financial malpractices during the elections.
They have also shared telephone hotlines on social media platforms for members of the public to report any suspicious activities.
If you notice anyone trying to buy or sell votes, you can report it using the EFCC financial crimes reporting App, Eagle Eye, which is available for download on the Google Play or Apple store. Alternatively, you can contact the Commission through their social media handle, @officialefcc or by email, [email protected].
Let's all work together to ensure that these elections are free, fair, and transparent. Your cooperation with the EFCC and other security agencies will go a long way in achieving this goal.
Election: Police Announce Movement Restriction, Ban VIP Escorts
The Nigeria Police Force has announced that there will be a total restriction of vehicular movement during the February 25 elections from 12:00 am to 6:00 pm.
This restriction will be observed nationwide, but it exempts those on essential services such as INEC officials, election observers, ambulances, and firefighters responding to medical emergencies.
The police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who made the announcement in Abuja, stated that the restriction order was part of measures put in place to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive environment for the conduct of the elections.
He further explained that the restrictions would help to ensure proper public order management, safety of electorates, and effective policing. This move was also targeted at preventing hoodlums and criminal-minded elements from disrupting the electoral process.
Mr. Adejobi added that the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, had also barred security aides and escorts from accompanying their principals to polling booths and collation centers during the election.
He warned that anyone found flouting the directive would be severely sanctioned.
According to Mr. Adejobi, only security personnel specifically assigned to election duties are to be seen within and around the designated election booths and centers.
How Cancelled Of Results Can Affect Elections
Elections are like the ultimate party for democracy in Nigeria, where citizens get to dance with their ballots and pick their prom king and queen — their leaders. But imagine this - the DJ just dropped a beat nobody was expecting — cancelled election results. That's right, folks, the results are in, and they're not what we thought they'd be.
But don't worry, let me bring you up to speed on the impact of cancelled results on elections in Nigeria and what can be done to turn the party back around.
When the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cancels election results in certain voting areas for a host of reasons, including violence and electoral malpractice, it has a ripple effect on Nigeria’s electoral system.
First and foremost, cancelled election results call into question the validity of the election and undermine the confidence of citizens in the electoral process. This can lead to disputes, legal challenges, and even violence, as different groups may contest the results and refuse to accept the outcome. For example, the cancellation of votes in certain local government areas of Kano during the state’s 2019 governorship election led to protests and political tension, with different political factions alleging irregularities and fraud.
Not only that, re-running elections can be a tedious and expensive process for INEC and the government funding the agency. It's like throwing a party and having to redo it all over again because the balloons popped or the cake was dry.
It's not only frustrating, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. Not only does it eat up valuable time, but it can also cause disruptions in the political process. Talk about a headache!
Additionally, the failure to address the reasons for election cancellations or postponements can have significant consequences for public trust and stability.
Voters’ uncertainty and anxiety can breed mistrust in the electoral process and the political system more broadly. This, in turn, can increase the risk of violence or other forms of unrest, as citizens become frustrated with what they perceive as an unfair or untransparent process.
So, what's the way forward? To mitigate the impact of cancelled election results, election officials must be transparent and accountable in their handling of the election process.
This includes ensuring that the results reflect the will of the voters, as well as being open about the reasons for any cancellations.
Furthermore, political leaders must act responsibly and respect the outcome of the election, even if it does not align with their preferred outcome.
By upholding the principles of free and fair elections and promoting transparency and accountability in the electoral process, Nigeria can maintain stability and strengthen its democratic institutions. This will ensure that citizens have the confidence to participate in elections and that the results reflect their true intentions.
In conclusion, cancelled election results can have a significant impact on the outcome of a given election, as well as the perception of the electoral process as a whole.
So, let's all work together to ensure that the electoral process in Nigeria is free, fair, and transparent, so that citizens can have confidence in the system and trust that their voices are being heard.
Labour Party’s Logo Missing on Ondo Ballots
The Labour Party in Ondo State is not happy about a recent development that could affect their chances in the upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections.
The party has raised concerns over the omission of their logo on the ballot papers that were sent to the state. This news was received just 24 hours before the elections were scheduled to take place on Saturday.
At a press briefing held in Akure, the state capital, Mr Agbaje Abiodun, who is the party's state secretary, expressed his disappointment and frustration over the situation.
He explained that the omission was noticed on the ballots that were meant for the National Assembly, both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Mr Abiodun went further to say that if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) went ahead with the election as planned without making any amendments, the Labour Party would be forced to challenge their actions in court.
This is a serious matter, as the Labour Party has put in a lot of effort and resources towards campaigning for this election.
In another related development, the Enugu East Senatorial election has been postponed by INEC. This decision was made following the insistence of the Labour Party that their candidate had been assassinated.
This news is quite disturbing, and it is important for all parties involved to exercise caution and follow due process in addressing the situation.
The upcoming elections are crucial for the future of Nigeria, and every vote counts. It is therefore imperative that all parties involved play by the rules and ensure that the election is free, fair and credible.
Let us all hope that the situation in Ondo State and Enugu East Senatorial District can be resolved quickly and peacefully, and that the election can proceed without any further hitches.
This same post can be found in my Blurt account with the same username @olusolaemmanuel
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