Politics
2023 Elections: British High Commission Promises to Keep an Eye on Legal Proceedings
2023 Elections: British High Commission Promises to Keep an Eye on Legal Proceedings
By: Our Reporter
The British High Commission in Nigeria has said despite high level of violence during the last Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, it had marked improvement over the earlier Presidential and National Assembly elections, promising to keep an eye on legal proceedings at the court
A signed statement on Wednesday by the
Senior Communications & Public Diplomacy Officer, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the British High Commission, Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, while disclosing that the British High Commission observed the gubernatorial elections on 18 March, sending teams to Benue, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Oyo and Rivers States, said: “We observed improvements around elections logistics by INEC during the gubernatorial elections, particularly when compared to the Presidential elections. More polling units opened on time, there was greater evidence of BVAS and IREV working and results uploaded in real time from polling units and collation centres. These are positive markers to build on for future elections.
“However, there were notable points of concern. Members of our observation mission personally observed violence, and voter suppression in numerous voting locations. We witnessed and received credible reports from other observer missions and civil society organisations of vote buying and voter intimidation, the destruction and hijacking of election materials and the general disruption of the process in numerous states including Lagos, Enugu and Rivers.
“In addition, we observed incidents of harassment of journalists. Freedom of speech and a free press are crucial for a healthy democracy, and journalists must be able to go about their work without being threatened.”
The statement added that: “The UK is concerned by the use of inflammatory ethno-religious language by some public and political figures. We call on all leaders not just to distance themselves from this kind of language, but to prevent those who speak on their behalf from doing so in this way.
“It is a testament to their commitment to democracy that many Nigerians were prepared to vote despite being faced with intimidation and hostility.”
The statement recalled that the UK Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell MP, had said on 21 February, that the UK was prepared to take action against those who engage in or incite electoral violence and other anti-democratic behaviours, noting that the action could include preventing people from obtaining UK visas or imposing sanctions under human rights sanctions regime.”
The statement revealed that collation of relevant information is currently undertaken, with a view to taking action against some individuals.
@We urge any party or individual who wishes to challenge the process or outcome of the elections to do so peacefully and through the appropriate legal channels. We will be observing the course of legal challenges made,” the statement further said, insisting that: “The 2023 elections are not only important to Nigeria and Nigerians, but to Africa and the world as a whole. As a long-term partner, the UK is committed to strengthening the ties between our countries and peoples, including by supporting democratic development.”
2023 Elections: British High Commission Promises to Keep an Eye on Legal Proceedings
ADC Moves to Break APC Grip on Borno as Durkwa, Bulama Fugu Lead 2027 Political Battle
By:Michael Mike
In what appears to be the strongest opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections in Borno State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled heavyweight senatorial, House of Representatives and State Assembly candidates in a direct challenge to the long-standing dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party’s emergence of former APC governorship aspirant Idris Mamman Durkwa for Borno South, alongside Bulama Fugu and Babagana Zanna, signals what political observers describe as an ambitious attempt to dismantle APC’s political stronghold in the state.
The ADC consensus primaries held in Maiduguri produced candidates expected to confront some of Borno’s most influential political figures, including Senator Ali Ndume, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan.
The opposition party said its strategy is built around presenting “credible alternatives” capable of capitalising on growing public frustration over insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges across the state and the country.
ADC Organising Secretary, Mohammed Bolori, disclosed that about 25 State Assembly candidates and eight House of Representatives candidates were affirmed through consensus by party stakeholders, describing the move as part of broader efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure before 2027.
The development is expected to intensify political rivalry in Borno, particularly in Borno South, where Senator Ndume recently secured fresh endorsements from APC stakeholders and Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Musa Askira.
Bolori, while criticising the APC-led administration over worsening hardship and insecurity, assured supporters that ADC candidates would prioritise security, economic recovery and social welfare if elected.
With governorship primaries and additional House of Representatives contests still ahead, political analysts believe the ADC is positioning itself for what could become one of the fiercest electoral contests in Borno’s recent political history.
ADC Moves to Break APC Grip on Borno as Durkwa, Bulama Fugu Lead 2027 Political Battle
Guber 2027: Wali emerges APC candidate for Yobe
Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, fcan, mni, has emerged as the gubernatorial candidate for your state following the primary election held in Yobe state ahead of the 2027 general election.
Baba Mallam Wali won the election with the landslide victory where he defeated his two opponents, Hon. Bashir Shariff Machina and Engr. Mustapha Mai Hajja.
The affirmation exercise culminated in the final collection of results at the headquarters of the three senatorial districts in the state, where party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters had converged.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and members of the media monitored the process across the wards and at the collation center.
Speaking to Newsng after the primary election, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, mni, thanked party members and supporters for what he described as an overwhelming show of confidence and love.
He further expressed gratitude to his supporters for the love and solidarity shown toward him and also praised the crowd for remaining committed and conducting the primary election peacefully during the procession.
Guber 2027: Wali emerges APC candidate for Yobe
Buni wins the Yobe East senatorial seat
By: Yahaya Wakili
The executive governor of Yobe state, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, has won the Yobe East senatorial district primary election.
And Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai has won the Yobe South Senatorial seat. While Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan GCON, the longest-serving senator, has won the Yobe North Senatorial seat, respectively.
Senator Musa Mustapha moved a motion for endorsement of His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni CON as the sole APC senatorial candidate for the Yobe East Senatorial District.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Lawan Shettima Ali in line with the provisions of our laws.
“I am truly grateful to our political leaders and constituents for the opportunity given to me to serve in the Nigerian Senate,” Senator Mustapha said.
He maintained that Governor Mai Mala Buni and I have always agreed on everything that we have to do to make our state better, and he is the one that will take over from me.
“With his track record of performance, the Yobe East senatorial election has already been won by Governor Buni, inshallah, and I don’t think there is anybody today with the political capacity to even come near him in the upcoming elections.
Buni wins the Yobe East senatorial seat
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