Politics
INEC Concludes Awareness Campaign In Etche.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)has concluded its awareness and voters education in Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas ahead of tomorrow’s legislative elections.
The Public Relations Officer of the commission, Anthonia Imobi who stated this in a telephone interview with The Tide said that the commission had done what it suppose to do to ensure free and fair polls.
Imobi noted that the commission is working round the clock to ensure a hitch-free poll saying that the commission had met with all relevant agencies, stakeholders, community leaders and opinion leaders to streamline the way forward for a successful conclusion of the polls.
INEC had forthnight ago, through its Resident Electoral Commissioner, expressed its willingness to conclude the Etche Constituency 11 and Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency elections.
The Commission in a statement said the elections is for the conclusion of the outstanding 2015 election which could not be concluded during last December re-run polls, following violence that characterized the process.
The statement signed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Rivers State, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak explained that the election would hold in 147 polling units within the 19 Registration areas (Wards) in Etche local Government Area and one Polling unit (Umuogba community) in Omuma Local Government Area.
Ikoiwak appealed to all eligible voters in the affected constituencies and local government areas to go back to their wards and units on the said date to vote for their preferred candidate, assuring the public of a credible and fair conclusion of the election in Etche Local Government Area and that the security agencies have been contacted to provide adequate security on the election day.
The Tide gathered that elections will take place Afara, Igbo 1,2 and 3,Egwi/Opiro and Nihi.
Other communities where the polls will take place in include Odufor, Obibi/Akwukabi,Obite,Ohehi,Ozuzu Ulakwo.
The rest are Igbodo,Akwa/Odogwa,Akpoku/Umuoye, Ndashi, Mba,Owu, while Omuma the poll will be for Umuogba1 community, Afara,Igbo1,2 and 3,Egwi/Opiro,Nihi,Odufor,Ulakwo and Akwa/Odogwa.
Meanwhile, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged the people of Etche and Omuma to be peaceful and orderly during the elections.
The state director of the agency, Mr. Oliver Wollugbom who gave the advice in a statement in Port Harcourt also called on all stakeholders involved in the election particularly, the security agencies and INEC to live above board in the conduct of the election.
He said the Agency expects maximum cooperation from all to have a peaceful elections that the representative that the people desire would be elected.
Former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Usman Alkali Baba, has formally declared his interest in the 2027 Yobe State governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing reported moves within the party to adopt a consensus arrangement.
He made the declaration on Monday in Abuja after submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, insisting that his ambition remains intact and independent of any internal negotiation or agreement to step down.
“I have submitted my nomination form, and I am contesting because I want to continue and improve on where the present governor will stop,” he said.
His entry into the race comes amid growing political discussions within the APC in Yobe State, where some stakeholders are reportedly favouring a former Secretary to the State Government as a consensus candidate ahead of the party primaries.
However, Mr Alkali Baba said he was not part of any such arrangement and had not committed to supporting any aspirant.
“I have not seen where any consensus has taken place. I have not participated in any consensus meeting, and I have not agreed to support anybody,” he stated.
He anchored his governorship ambition on his background in national security and public service, arguing that insecurity remains one of the most critical challenges affecting governance and development in the state.
According to him, strengthening security would create the foundation for economic growth and stability in Yobe.
“Provision of security is the primary objective of government. I have the capacity to do that,” he said.
Beyond security, the former police chief outlined plans focused on agriculture, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, noting that Yobe’s economy requires deliberate reforms to unlock its full potential.
“We want to improve education, agriculture, health, and create employment opportunities for young people,” he added. “Without security, you cannot function effectively or carry out meaningful economic activity.”
Mr Alkali Baba said his decision to join the governorship race was driven by personal conviction and a sense of duty to contribute to the state’s development.
“I feel I have the passion, credibility, and capacity to lead Yobe State as governor,” he said.
The Leader of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has called for strict adherence to transparency and due process in the conduct of All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, warning against what he described as “backdoor consensus” arrangements that undermine internal democracy.
Sen. Bamidele made the remarks on Monday in Abuja shortly after submitting his APC Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the next electoral cycle.
He said while the Electoral Act provides for consensus as a method of candidate selection, such arrangements must be rooted in openness, con-sultation, and compliance with established party procedures.
“Consensus is only valid when it is transparent, inclusive, and in line with the provisions of the law. It cannot be used as a shortcut to bypass democratic participation,” he said.
The Senate Leader, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, explained that the law provides for different modes of primary elections, including direct, indirect, and consensus options, but stressed that none of these exempt aspirants from proper participation at the ward and constituency levels.
He maintained that where consensus fails or becomes controversial, the party must resort to direct primaries to ensure fairness.
“There must be room for everyone who is qualified and interested to participate. Where disagreements arise, the Electoral Act already provides a clear path through direct primaries,” he added.
Sen. Bamidele noted that consensus arrangements have produced mixed results across constituencies, warning that any process perceived as exclusionary could create internal divisions within the party.
He said his own candidacy in Ekiti Central was backed by broad stakeholder support, which he attributed to consistent engagement and performance, adding that no other aspirant had obtained nomination forms in the district.
“Where consensus works, it is because trust has been earned and processes were properly followed. It must never be imposed or manipulated,” he said.
The Senate Leader, however, cautioned against generalising such outcomes, insisting that all aspirants must be given equal opportunity in party contests across the country.
Sen. Bamidele reaffirmed that internal democracy remains critical to the strength of the APC and Nigeria’s democratic system, urging party leaders to uphold fairness in all electoral processes.
“At every level, our processes must be transparent, competitive where necessary, and fully compliant with the law. That is the only way to sustain confidence in our party and democracy,” he said.
He also urged party stakeholders to avoid actions that could erode trust or create unnecessary tension ahead of the elections, stressing that unity within the APC must be built on fairness and adherence to rules.
The Rivers Youth Leaders Assembly has endorsed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term in office.
The Assembly also scored the Governor high for developments in the areas of infrastructure, human capital and healthcare sectors in particular.
The Speaker of the Rivers Youth Leaders Assembly, Prince Tonye Jeminimema, said Governor Fubara deserves the support of Rivers people in view of his excellent performances in all sectors of the state.
Prince Jeminimema said his group rated the Governor high in the areas of infrastructural development, provision of health facilities, human capital development and capacity building for youths in the state.
Prince Jeminimema said this during a courtesy call to his office by The Energy and Maritime Reporters in Port Harcourt.
He said, “The Youths of Rivers State are giving him kudos. We are passing a vote of confidence on the Governor. The Governor will remain in office till 2031
“Youths of Rivers State are solidly behind him. No going back. The entire Rivers youths believe in Governor Siminilaiyi Fubara.
“He is willing to take Rivers State to the next level”.
According to him, “both the youths and the activists in Rivers State, on this day, agreed that Governor Siminilaiyi Fubara will be returned to office for the second term”.
Leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Association, Comrade Martins Giadom, in his speech acknowledged the leadership potentials of Prince Jeminimema, noting that his style of leadership had contributed to the prevailing peace in the state.
Comrade Giadom commended Rivers youths for their peaceful disposition, which he said had led to peace, not only the state, but across the Niger Delta region.
By: Princess Akinyemi & Princess Mmesomachukwu
