Politics
Defeated Borno APC Senatorial Aspirant Alleges Imposition of Candidates, Irregularities
Defeated Borno APC Senatorial Aspirant Alleges Imposition of Candidates, Irregularities
By: Michael Mike
Southern Borno Senatorial Aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Idris Durkwa has expressed shock over alleged imposition of candidates on delegates in the primary in the senatorial district.
Durkwa who lost the primary to incumbent senator, Ali Ndume during Saturday’s primary, In a press statement he personally signed and made available to our journalists in Maiduguri, said the entire processes beginning from the state House of Assemblies, House of Representatives and the Senatorial primaries in Borno South were marred with irregularities.
The statement read: “Gentlemen of the Press, as you are aware on the happenings that have characterized the All Progressives Congress, APC primaries in Southern Borno Senatorial District.
“Worrisome is that, the whole exercise in the zone, beginning from the House of Assemblies, House of Representatives and the senatorial primaries were not conducted in a free and fair atmosphere, as it were marred with irregularities and imposition of candidates at the detriment of the electoral Act and democratic participation.
“You all know that, I am a very loyal member and a stakeholder of our great party who have contributed immensely to its growth and development.
“Gentlemen, this was not the first time, I am contesting for a position on the platform of the APC. You may recall that in 2018, I contested for the position of the Governor of our dear State, and was short changed in the process by the powers that be during the primary election which produced the incumbent Governor Babagana Umara Zulum as candidate.”
He added: “As a patriotic citizen who believes in one Nigeria, and the concern I have for my good people in Southern Borno, I offered myself again, to aspire for the Senatorship in 2022 on the same platform of the APC, with the sole intention of salvaging my people from the bondage of poverty, lack of social infrastructures, poor educational system, bad road network, agricultural decay and injustice due to poor representation.
“Unfortunately, another set of gang up against my aspiration just like in 2018 primaries, became glaringly from the day of my screening before the screening panel of the party. You may wish to know that in 2018, I was screened and cleared to contest for the gubernatorial primaries. However, I was declared not qualified to aspire for the Southern Borno senatorial race by the panel without giving any constitutional reasons to back my purported disqualification.
“It took all my teaming supporters by surprise when they heard of my disqualification, but the truth manifested itself, as I was later cleared and declared fit to aspire by the party’s Screening Appeal Panel.
“As I prepared to set in motion, and mobilized my teeming supporters, political associates and friends for the campaign proper, an assassination attempt was laid on my entourage last Sunday, 22nd May, 2022 at about 9am by yet to be identified gunmen who laid ambush on us along Maiduguri- Damaturu road, in between Jakana and Mainok villages.
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“In that ambush, two policemen in the entourage were gunned down on the spot, with several others sustained gunshot injuries. Besides, my personal vehicle was shattered with over 12 bullets, after setting ablaze one of the vehicles. Although, these killers are yet to be fished out by security agencies, I thank God and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased police officers, and May Allah comfort their families.
“More so, I am worried that a day to the primaries, hundreds of security personnel were mobilized by the State Government to Biu town who also took part in aiding the whole process at the detriment of delegates from exercising their franchise. Be that as it may, I have already make up my mind not to be used as scapegoats to shade people’s blood because of politics, as the blood of any Southern Borno person is worth better than any other interest.
“Unfortunately, I watched all the processes with keen interest and dismay that even before the senatorial primaries, the House of Assemblies and House of Representatives primaries were characterized with irregularities and imposition of candidates against the wishes of the people.
“Worst still, it is on record that at last hour, there were changes in the Delegates’ list from all the nine (9) local government areas of southern Borno by the powers that be with importation of some people or outsiders being used as delegates who affirmed candidates of their choice at the detriment of other Aspirants and their supporters.
“Surprisingly, was a text message I received from Governor Babagana Umara Zulum a day before the party primaries, which I concluded that, the governor who was supposed to be neutral, has already taken side against my aspiration and the wishes of Southern Borno people. The governor’s text read as follows…….’Good morning my brother. I came back from Abuja yesterday and we have decided to provide support for the incumbent Senator Ndume to emerge as the candidate. However, power belongs to Allah and he gives to whom he will. Where feasible, please accept our decision and if not feasible, I hold no grudge against you. Thank you’.
“But with my determination to represent my good people of southern Borno, I decided to move on with my ambition to contest, despite all odds that herald my aspiration.
“Contrary to the Electoral Act 2022 Provisions, where the party is to hold a Special Congress in the Senatorial District with Delegates voting for Aspirants of their choice in a designated centre, unbelievably, we noticed that the exercise were perpetuated to be held separately in each of the nine (9) local government areas under the full supervision of officials appointed by the Borno State Government with high degree of impunity without the presence of the electoral committee.
“With these unwholesome developments, I wish to categorically state that; the whole process is a charade, as the outcome has already been undemocratically predetermined, which infringed on my constitutional Right. It has also impede on the 2022 Electoral Act Provisions.
“I therefore urge my teaming supporters to remain calm and be law abiding, as I continue with consultations on the way forward to come up with a critical position to seek for redress.”
Defeated Borno APC Senatorial Aspirant Alleges Imposition of Candidates, Irregularities
Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father
By: Yahaya Wakili
President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid a condolence visit to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Northeast Youth Forum, Haruna Adamu Sardaunan, over the passing of his beloved father, Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, at Potiskum.
During the visit, President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan, prayed for the repose of his soul.
Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, urged his son, Haruna, to draw strength from his father’s memory and continue along the path of dedicated services to our people.
Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, until his demise, was the chairman of the Yobe State Hunters Association.
Senator Lawan extended his deepest condolences to Haruna and his family and prayed that Allah (SWT) grants them the fortitude to bear this great loss.
“May the soul of Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama rest in Aljannatul Firdaus Amin, Sardaunan prays.
Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has called for the prosecution of those that were involved in electoral fraud in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State
A statement on Thursday by the NGO Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said:
“it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable. The government must be unequivocally reminded that its foremost duty is to serve the interests of the citizens, not to facilitate or condone actions that silence their voices.”
Mamedu said: “For over 15 years, ActionAid Nigeria has been consistent in her work around electoral processes in Nigeria including observing elections in the 36 states and FCT, although not physically present to observe the just concluded Edo State governorship election, we stand firmly in solidarity with our fellow Civil Society organisations and partners who have reported significant irregularities throughout the electoral process. This election has been marred by serious allegations of manipulation and rigging, as thoroughly documented by multiple civil society groups within the state. Disturbing accounts of disruptions at collation centers, including intimidation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and attempts to manipulate results contrary to established electoral provisions, have raised profound concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
“We recognise that INEC has acknowledged reports of result tampering and has pledged to investigate any proven violations but their track record in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections has been severely undermined by persistent accusations of inefficiency, manipulation, and undue political influence. While the investigation is a step in the right direction, it is important that these investigations translate into swift and effective action.
“Also, beyond the investigation, it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable.”
He added that: “The time has also come to critically reassess INEC’s role in our electoral system. When an institution entrusted with safeguarding democracy continuously falters, we must explore alternatives. Nigerians deserve an electoral body that is genuinely independent, transparent, and accountable. There is a need to reform INEC as a commission in order to make it more efficient, effective and accountable in carrying out its mandate as an electoral umpire.”
Mamedu said: “A comprehensive electoral reform in Nigeria is urgently needed. First, there must be a complete overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a more transparent, accountable, and independent body, free from political influence and led by individuals of proven integrity.”
He called for more roles for civil society organisations and international observers in Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that: “Civil society organisations and international observers should play a more significant role in observing elections, ensuring that their recommendations are taken seriously, with mechanisms in place for swift action against misconduct.”
He added that: “The adoption of more robust electoral technologies, such as biometric voting systems and real-time result transmission, is crucial to minimizing fraud.
“Security personnel must also be deployed impartially to prevent violence and intimidation, ensuring that party agents, the media, and observers have full access to maintain electoral integrity. It is essential to incorporate technologies like the BVAs and IREV into the Electoral Act.
“The judiciary must uphold its role as the guardian of democracy, prioritising electoral cases with swift, evidence-based verdicts. Any officials found complicit in electoral fraud must be held accountable, necessitating comprehensive reforms in the judicial sector to ensure just outcomes.”
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa
By: Michael Mike
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has extended his warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa on his election as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. In a congratulatory message, Ize-Iyamu praised Idahosa’s victory as a reflection of his dedication to public service, noting that the people of Ugboko in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Idahosa’s maternal hometown, are particularly proud of his achievement.
Ize-Iyamu highlighted that Idahosa’s success represents not only his hard work but also his deep connection with the aspirations of the people of Edo State. He expressed confidence in Idahosa’s ability, alongside Governor-elect Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to drive significant progress in the state, given his wealth of experience and passion for development.
He further prayed for wisdom, strength, and courage for the newly elected leaders as they take on the challenges ahead, emphasizing the hope that Edo State would experience peace, unity, and prosperity under their leadership. Ize-Iyamu also expressed optimism about the positive impact the duo would have on the advancement of Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
Ize-Iyamu wished Idahosa success in his tenure as Deputy Governor and looked forward to the transformative leadership he would bring to Edo State.
Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa
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