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January 19, 2024

January 19, 2024January 19, 2024 IFMNEWS

APC Stands Firm: No Automatic Ticket For Aiyedatiwa In Ondo’s 2024 Governorship Race

The prospect of an automatic ticket for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the upcoming November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State has been firmly dismissed by the All-Progressives Congress (APC). This announcement came from APC national spokesman Felix Morka during a monitored program on Thursday.

Morka emphasised the party's commitment to democracy, stating that every aspirant must earn their nomination. Responding to inquiries about whether Aiyedatiwa would be granted the right of first refusal before the party's primary, Morka asserted, "We are a democratic party; we don't give anything to people; people have to justify and earn it."

He emphasised that the decision rests with the party members participating in the direct or indirect primary, and there will be no preferential treatment. Morka added, "We contest, and we compete, and we win whatever it is we can get in terms of representation."

Regarding the possibility of zoning the governorship ticket in Ondo, Morka clarified that such discussions have not occurred yet. "We are yet to engage in zoning. We will explain to the people if and when we do that," he stated.

Aiyedatiwa, the former Ondo deputy governor, assumed the role of substantive governor on December 27, 2023, following the unfortunate demise of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Despite the sombre atmosphere in the state, Aiyedatiwa's progressive ambition for the 2024 governorship poll is evident.

With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) setting the Ondo State Governorship Poll for November 16, 2024, Aiyedatiwa, constitutionally allowed to run for office, could potentially extend his tenure until February 2025 or even longer, depending on the electorate's decision.

The lingering question among political observers in Ondo is whether Aiyedatiwa will actively pursue the governorship in 2024 or choose to step aside by February 2025. The challenge also lies in winning the support of key figures in Akeredolu's camp for a potential electoral victory. Only time will reveal the path Aiyedatiwa decides to take.

December 29, 2023

December 29, 2023December 29, 2023 IFMNEWS

Court Extends Order Against INEC, PDP Over Defected Rivers Lawmakers

Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has extended the interim order stopping the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) from taking any action against the 26 Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected to the All-Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Okorowo extended the order following an application by counsel for the lawmaker, Steve Adehi, who appeared for the Rivers House of Assembly.

He held that based on Order 26, Rule 10 of the Federal High Court, the court had the discretionary power to grant the plea in the interest of justice.

The judge held that he was persuaded by the reasons given by counsel for the lawmakers that granting the order would be better in the interest of justice.

Justice Okorowo subsequently adjourned the matter to January 24 for a hearing. On December 15, he granted the ex-parte motion filed by the 26 lawmakers who dumped the PDP for the APC.

The court had restrained INEC from conducting fresh elections to fill the seats of the 26 assembly members.

It also restrained INEC, PDP, and the House of Assembly from declaring their seats vacant and withdrawing their respective certificate of return pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

December 19, 2023

December 19, 2023December 19, 2023 IFMNEWS

INEC To Conduct Re-Run, Bye-Elections February 2024

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will conduct rerun and bye-elections across the country in February next year to fill existing vacancies in the state and federal legislatures.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, stated this at a meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja.

According to Yakubu, the courts ordered the commission to conduct rerun elections in 34 federal and state constituencies: one in the Senate, 11 federal constituencies, and 22 state constituencies.

He stated that the reruns would be held alongside bye-elections, noting that political parties must conduct fresh primaries within the limited time provided by law.

He added that the commission is looking at the first week of February to conduct the re-run and bye-elections.

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 IFMNEWS

We’ll Make It Mandatory For INEC To Upload Results – Senate

The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters has announced its intention to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish election results online.

Speaking with Channels TV on Tuesday, the committee chairman, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, explained that the existing law does not obligate INEC to upload results, but the committee is actively working on amending the legislation.

Senator Alli stated, "That is one of the things that we are going to do. Under the current law, INEC doesn't need to upload results, that is what the court has said. But as we are going forward, it is going to be mandatory."

In addition to this proposed change, the committee is considering various electoral reforms. Alli mentioned that they suggest the resolution of all pre-election matters before the election and enhancing election technology.

"We looked at elections and election petitions. Regarding legislation about election petitions, we think all pre-election matters are resolved before the election. We are also looking at a situation where election petitions are concluded before swearing in," explained Alli.

The committee is contemplating establishing a specific timeframe for filing and concluding election petitions to prevent individuals from being sworn in while disputes are ongoing. Alli highlighted that this consideration addresses the issue of off-cycle elections, which could have been avoided if election petitions were resolved before the swearing-in ceremony.

Furthermore, the committee is focusing on developing and improving election technology. Senator Alli acknowledged the past disappointment with using the IReV and assured that efforts will be made to ensure that INEC addresses any technological challenges in the future.

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Tag: INEC

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