Politics

Count Down To April Polls: Mixed Reactions Greet Voting System

Published

15 years ago

March 28, 2011

Five days to the commencement of voting, mixed reactions have continued to greet the decision last week by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adopt the Modified Open Ballot Voting System (MOBVS) for the April 2011 general elections.

Reacting to the development, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and the Progressive Action Congress (PAC) commended INEC for introducing the MOBVS arguing that the pattern would ensure security, accountability and stem electoral malpractices during the elections. In separate interviews, the Aba chapter chairman of CLO, Mr. Ifeanyi Onwuneme and National chairman of PAC, Chief Charles Nwodo said apart from checking irregularities, the system would guarantee the right and independence of voters to secretly make their choice of candidates.

Chief Nwodo, however said that the method could only be successful if INEC officials and other bodies entrusted with conducting the elections did it with integrity and sincerity, noting that the system used in the June 12 , 1993 elections was widely acclaimed the freest election and that the adoption of the modified version would curb election rigging.

The NOA Director in Kaduna, Alhaji Galadima Soba, on Sunday called on Nigerians to ensure a hitch free general elections.

Briefing newsmen in Kaduna, Soba said politics was not a do-or-die affair and that Nigeria should not capitalise on it to express bitterness against one another.

“Political difference is ideal because it brings out the best in us.”

Soba said that political parties were essentially platforms, which people use to achieve political ambitions and “not a licence for violence”.

He called on parents to ensure that their children were not used by “unscrupulous politicians”.

The director said there were institutional mechanism for complaints and redress that politicians were encouraged to explore instead of inciting violence in the society.

Soba said that NOA had embarked on enlightenment campaign to educate Nigerians against violent that could derail the young democracy.

He said the Agency had printed handbills, posters, almanac and flyers containing symbols of the 63 registered political parties to enlighten people on the parties.

He said the materials would enable people to know the party to vote for avoid unnecessary invalidation of ballot papers.

Soba said that the modified open ballot system introduced by INEC would ensure a free and fair election in the country.

He, however, expressed delight at the change of pattern of political campaigns and rallies in some parts of the country, as many candidates had adopted the use of the media.

“Nowadays, many candidates prefer to disseminate their manifestoes through the radio, television and newspapers, and this is a positive development,” he said.

He added that the use of the media had helped immensely in stemming the violence often witnessed during campaigns.

In his view, the chairman of the Kano State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Alhaji Sama’ila Maizare expressed skepticism about the use of the system, describing it as “scary”.

Maizare said that recent developments in the electoral process such as replacement of candidates and the non-registration of some eligible Nigerians due to time constraint, could create hitches for the exercise.

He argued that the system could discourage people from voting because Nigerians often want to keep secret candidates of their choice and that is a negation of democracy.

Meanwhile, INEC has promised to use the Modified Open Ballot System (MOBVS) and streamline security agencies and change any REC found wanting during the elections.

Amieyeofori Ibim

Politics

EFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians

Published

2 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

In what could be described as a proactive measure, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm that some opposition politicians were allegedly plotting to undermine the agency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.

The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.

The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”

The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.

“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.

“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.

“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.

“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.

Politics

Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC

Published

2 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the Labour Party (LP), declaring that he will not follow his former principal, Mr Peter Obi, to any new political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Baba-Ahmed said his political allegiance remains firmly with the LP, the platform on which he emerged as vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He stressed that his future political aspirations are anchored on party loyalty and personal conviction, not shifting alliances.

The former senator representing Kaduna North stated that although he shared a joint ticket with Mr Obi in the last presidential race, he has no intention of joining him following Mr Obi’s recent alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party now being positioned by an opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing journalists at the LP national headquarters, Senator Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he would not take the same political path, insisting that his decision was informed by long-term goals and a clear sense of purpose.

He expressed scepticism about the ADC-led coalition, describing its promoters as “disgruntled politicians” and arguing that the platform does not offer the kind of political vision Nigeria urgently requires.

Senator Baba-Ahmed also reaffirmed his commitment to national service, noting that he remained willing to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at fixing the country and would make himself available for service as the 2027 elections approach.

While acknowledging his past partnership with Mr Obi, he emphasised that political choices must be guided by principles rather than personal relationships.

According to him, his priority is to strengthen the LP and position it as a credible and enduring alternative for Nigerians.

It would be recalled that Mr Obi recently exited the LP and embraced the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to unseat the APC in the next general election.

Politics

Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term

Published

2 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made on during a special stakeholders meeting of the party convened by Governor Diri in Yenagoa, the State capital.

Senator Konbowei Benson, incumbent Senator representing the Bayelsa Central, moved the endorsement motion, and was seconded by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and one time deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi.

The Tide reports that Chairman of the new caretaker committee of the party, Dr Dennis Otiotio, Senator representing Bayelsa East, Chief Benson Agadaga, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, attended the endorsement meeting.

Other attendees were, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samson Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, other stakeholders as well as the ex-officio member (South South) of the APC National Working Committee, Hon. Godbless Diriware.

The Tide also gathered that the meeting was the first expanded stakeholders gathering convened by the governor since becoming a member and leader of the party in the state in October 2025.

In his speech, Governor Diri expressed delight that the State’s APC was one big family which has resolved to work together to deliver President Tinubu for another term in office.

He underscored the need for the members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, humility and rise above politics of bitterness and divisive tendencies for the sake of peace, development and progress of the state.

The governor also urged the members to play by the rules and engage in politics of consultation, stating that those interested in political offices in the next election should shelve their ambitions for now.

“Here we are today in a very big family of the APC. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the old members of the party for the reception accorded me and other Peoples Democratic Party members who crossed over. It was a welcome like no other.

“Political parties are vehicles for development. Let us truly be progressives. Whatever positions you want to contest for, whether governorship, House of Assembly or National Assembly, please put it on hold for now. Power comes from God. What should be uppermost is that we are all gathered here to make sure that President Tinubu returns for a second term”, he said.

In a brief remark, Senator Lokpobiri expressed joy to be part of the meeting and acknowledged that the Bayelsa APC now had one united and indivisible objective to wholly deliver the party for all elective offices in 2027.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr David Lyon, and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare lauded the governor for his maturity, noting that his inclusive governance style would lead the party to achieve its objectives.

Also, the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, commended Governor Diri for uniting all facets of the party’s political leadership in the state, which he noted had been fragmented for over a decade.

Dr Otiotio stated that the purpose of the meeting was to enjoin members and supporters to participate in the party’s electronic membership exercise in order to capture genuine voters.

Meanwhile the stakeholders observed a minute silence in honour of the former Bayelsa West Senatorial District representative in the 5th National Assembly, Senator John Brambaifa, who died on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Abuja.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa