Politics
2015: The Imperative Of Voter Education
The Independent Na
tional Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant organisations are not leaving any stone unturned in the quest to boost voter education ahead of the 2015 polls.
To this end, a National Inter-agency Advisory Committee on Voter Education and Publicity (NICVEP), has been set up to beef-up voter education campaign.
According to a recent statement signed by Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzi, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, the members are drawn from 15 organisations.
The organisations are: INEC, National Orientation Agency (NOA), News Agency of Nigeria, Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Ministry of Information, among others.
Osaze-Uzi said that the committee to be headed by the National Commissioner in Charge of INEC Information and Publicity Committee would ensure effective dissemination of information and enlightenment of the electorate for credible elections in 2015.
In order to keep the electorate informed about its activities, INEC recently brought to public domain, timetable for the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and Continuous Voter Registration.
The first phase of the distribution of the PVCs and Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) which started in 10 selected states in May, would be carried out throughout the country in phases.
The states covered under the first phase were: Taraba, Gombe Zamfara, Kebbi, Benue, Kogi, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa
The second phase of the exercise which covers 11 states and the FCT commences from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 27.
The states are: Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Sokoto, FCT, Kwara , Anambra, Ebonyi , Ondo, Oyo, Delta and Cross River
The third phase which commences on Friday, Aug.22 and ends on Sunday, Aug. 31 covers Adamawa, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Imo, Lagos, Ogun, Edo and Rivers
Mr Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, in a statement urged voters to cross-check their names in the displayed voter register.
He also advised those who registered before but did not see their names in the displayed voter register to re-register during the continuous voter registration.
According to Idowu, those who may change location are expected to write to the Resident Electoral Commissioner in their new states of domicile, “well before the election, as no transfer will be approved less than 30 days to the election’’.
For those who lost their cards or whose cards were damaged, he said they should apply for replacement in writing, addressed to the Resident Electoral Commissioner through the INEC Electoral Officer of the Local Government Area where they registered.
INEC is also not relenting in sensitising voters in Ekiti and Osun, ahead of the June 21 and Aug. 9 governorship elections respectively.
Prof. Lai Olurode, INEC National Commissioner in-charge of South West, advised politicians to accept the outcome of the governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti, whichever way the results tilt.
“Politicians must have a positive mindset that they want to go into elections; they must have the spirit of sportsmanship and not the spirit of winning at all cost because what they want to do is for the good of their state.’’
According to him, INEC has been doing a lot on voter education to restrain people from resorting to violence.
The INEC commissioner advised that election campaign should be issue-based and not about personalities, adding that if this was done, violence would be avoided.
The commissioner also stressed need for people not to misplace their voter cards.
He warned against voters selling their cards, adding that quality leaders would only emerge through transparent voting.
Olurode urged security agencies to be alert to their responsibilities, adding that INEC alone cannot secure an electoral process.
“We need the cooperation of every security agent to deliver a credible free and transparent election.
“Security operators must not give in to any compromise under any circumstances; they must be the agent of the rule of law and not the agent of powerful politicians who are not interested in any free election,’’ he said.
Mr Solomon Akaya, National Coordinator, Men and Women of Action Campaign Team, a non-governmental organisation, appealed to NOA and other stakeholders to upscale sensitisation, ahead of the 2015 general elections.
He said that the 2015 elections were crucial to Nigeria’s unity, progress and socio-economic development.
Akaya said that mass participation of eligible voters in the elections would enhance the credibility of the 2015 polls.
“The National Orientation Agency and other government agencies responsible for voter education should begin to sensitise Nigerians on why they should participate in the 2015 elections.
“Mass participation through voting during the elections will be a good indication of how democracy has deepened in Nigeria,’’ he said.
“Elected officials on the platform of a party who decamp to another party while in office are shortchanging the electorate who voted them into office,’’ he said.
On his part, Mr Mike Omeri, the Director-General of NOA, said the agency would partner with INEC to ensure free and fair elections in 2015.
He said that NOA would continue to work with INEC in the area of voter education, adding that their partnership would extend beyond election period.
Analysts want INEC to provide the necessary tools to the National Inter-agency Advisory Committee on Voter Education and Publicity, to enable it perform.
The selected bodies are tested in public enlightenment and will deliver if given the desired backing.
Chijioke Writes from News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Chijioke Okoronkwo
Politics
Makinde Renames Polytechnic After Late Ex-Gov

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has renamed The Polytechnic, Ibadan as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of a late former governor of the State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo.
Dr Olunloyo, who died on April 6, 2025, was the pioneer Principal of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, while he also served as Governor of Oyo State between October 1 and December 31, 1983.
Governor Makinde made the announcement at the state interdenominational funeral service held yesterday in honour of the late former governor at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde said Dr Olunloyo lived an eventful life, adding that his attainment and personality could not be summarised in one sentence.
“He was not a man we could summarise in one sentence. He was a scholar, a statesman, a technocrat, a lover of culture and, above all, a man of deep conviction.
“While giving the exhortation, I was listening to Baba Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu and he said in 1983, Baba became Governor of Oyo State. Though his time in office was brief, his election victory over a popular incumbent remains a powerful testament to the trust people gave him.
“I talked about preserving and digitising his library yesterday [Wednesday] as a mark of honour to Baba Olunloyo.
“Today, we will be giving Baba another honour to immortalise him. He was the first Principal of The Polytechnic, Ibadan; that institution will now be named Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.”
Earlier in his sermon, a retired Methodist Archbishop of Ilesa and Ibadan, Ayo Ladigbolu, described the late Olunloyo as a role model with intellectual inspiration and unassailable integrity.
The cleric said the deceased also demonstrated leadership in most superior quality during his lifetime.
In attendance were the state Deputy Governor, Chief Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; wife of a former Military Governor of the old Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Dupe Jemibewon; wife of a former Governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; and former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi.
Others were the member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon Abass Adigun Agboworin; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Oyo State Exco members; Chairman of Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; Chairman of All Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda; President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Adeniyi Ajewole; religious leaders and family members, among other dignitaries.
Politics
10 NWC Members Oppose Damagum Over National Secretary’s Reinstatement
Ten members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) have countered the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, on the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
The dissenting members, led by the Deputy National Chairman ( South), Taofeek Arapaja, in a joint statement, said no organ of the opposition party could overturn the decision of the 99th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The dissenting NWC members include Arapaja; Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary; Okechukwu Obiechina-Daniel, National Auditor; Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary; Ologunagba; Woyengikuro Daniel, National Financial Secretary and Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, National Treasurer.
Others are Chief Ali Odefa, National Vice Chairman (South East); Emmanuel Ogidi, Caretaker Committee Chairman (South South); Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm, National Woman Leader and Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese, National Vice Chairman (South West).
The group also insisted that contrary to the position of the acting National Chairman, the 100th NEC meeting of the party would be held on June 30 as earlier scheduled.
The statement read: “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a press briefing by the acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, today Wednesday, June 25, wherein he attempted to overturn the resolution of the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which scheduled the 100th NEC meeting for Monday, June 30.
“The acting National Chairman in the said press briefing also reportedly announced that Senator Samuel Anyanwu has been asked to resume as National Secretary of the party contrary to the resolution of the 99th NEC meeting, which referred all matters relating to the office of the National Secretary to the 100th NEC meeting.
“The pronouncements by the acting National Chairman have no foundation as no organ of the party (including the NWC), individual or group has the power to cancel, overrule, veto or vary the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) under the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NEC is the highest decision-making organ of the party, second only to the National Convention. By virtue of Section 31 (3) of the PDP Constitution, the resolution of the NEC to hold its 100th meeting on Monday June 30, is binding on all organs, officers, chapters and members of the party and no organ, group or individual can vary or veto this resolution of NEC.
“Furthermore, the claim by Damagum that Sen Anyanwu has been asked to resume office as the National Secretary of the party is, therefore, misleading being contrary to the resolution of NEC.
“In the light of the foregoing, the 100th NEC meeting as scheduled for Monday, June 30, has not been canceled or postponed.”
Politics
Presidency Slams El-Rufai Over Tinubu Criticism …Says He Suffers From Small Man Syndrome
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has fired back at former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following the latter’s scathing criticism of President Tinubu’s administration and his 2027 re-election prospects.
In an interview on live television, Mallam El-Rufai said it would take a “miracle” for President Tinubu to be re-elected in 2027, citing an internal poll that purportedly shows a 91 percent disapproval rating for the president across key regions in the country, including the South-East and the North. He also claimed that President Tinubu’s disapproval rating in Lagos stood at 78 percent.
Reacting on Wednesday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Onanuga took a swipe at the ex-governor, quoting a harsh assessment of Mallam El-Rufai’s character from former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s memoir, My Watch.
“Nasir’s penchant for reputation savaging is almost pathological,” Mr Onanuga wrote, citing Chief Obasanjo’s words. “Why does he do it? Very early in my interaction with him, I appreciated his talent. At the same time, I recognised his weaknesses; the worst being his inability to be loyal to anybody or any issue consistently for long, but only to Nasir El-Rufai.”
The presidential adviser emphasised Chief Obasanjo’s remarks that Mallam El-Rufai often tries to elevate himself by diminishing others. “He lied brazenly, which he did to me, against his colleagues and so-called friends,” Mr Onanuga continued, quoting the former President. “I have heard of how he ruthlessly savaged the reputation of his uncle, a man who, in an African setting, was like a foster father to him.”
Chief Obasanjo, who appointed Mallam El-Rufai as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory between 2003 and 2007, did not mince words in the memoir, describing Mallam El-Rufai as suffering from “small man syndrome.”
Mr Onanuga’s post is seen as a direct rebuttal to Mallam El-Rufai’s recent criticism and growing opposition role. The former governor is reportedly playing a central role in forming a new coalition to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
In March 2025, El-Rufai officially dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), intensifying speculations about his 2027 political ambitions.
As the political rift deepens, Mallam El-Rufai remains one of the most vocal critics of the Tinubu administration, while Mr Onanuga and other presidential allies continue to push back against what they describe as “reckless” opposition rhetoric.
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
ISOPLOT Has No Legitimacy to Speak for Isoko, INYA Warns
-
News3 days ago
RSG Tasks Farmers On N4bn Agric Loan ….As RAAMP Takes Sensitization Campaign To Four LGs In Rivers
-
Opinion3 days ago
Benue Conflicts, Hope At Last?
-
Business3 days ago
NCDMB Charges Host Community Youths On Relevant Skills Development … As Promoters Handover Oloibiri Oil Museum
-
Sports3 days ago
Ronaldo Renews Stay With Saudi Pro League
-
Features3 days ago
Between EFCC And NDDC: Strategic Alliance For Niger Delta
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
EFCC Praises NDDC’S Performance … Unveils Projects In Bayelsa
-
Politics3 days ago
Makinde Renames Polytechnic After Late Ex-Gov