Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cease conducting by-elections, arguing that they lead to unnecessary and wasteful spending.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana emphasized that since electoral votes belong to political parties, the replacement of elected officials due to death or resignation should not necessitate a by-election.

He suggested that political parties, rather than INEC, should be responsible for filling such vacancies by nominating new candidates.

Falana proposed that the National Assembly amend the Electoral Act to allow political parties to replace elected officials who lose their positions through death, resignation, or impeachment.

The lawyer referenced legal precedents to support his argument, quoting Section 221 of the Nigerian Constitution, which he said affirms that elections are won by political parties, not individual candidates.

He also cited the 2008 Supreme Court case Amaechi vs. INEC & Ors, where the court ruled that elections are fundamentally about political parties, not independent candidates.

Furthermore, Falana pointed out a previous instance in which Mr. Boni Haruna became the governor of Adamawa State following the resignation of Atiku Abubakar, a decision that did not require a by-election.

He criticized INEC’s handling of the death of Kogi State’s Governor Audu Abubakar, noting that the electoral commission’s decision to conduct an additional election following Abubakar’s death deviated from the law.

Many residents of Okitipupa, a town in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, have expressed their lack of confidence in the electoral process following the apathy witnessed during Saturday’s local government elections in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that turnout was notably low, with many citizens choosing to go about their daily routines instead of participating in the polls.

In some areas, shops remained open and private vehicles, as well as motorcycles, were seen on the roads while others stayed indoors.

Several residents expressed disillusionment with the electoral system, stating that their votes no longer felt meaningful or impactful.

Some attributed their disinterest to the lack of positive change despite their past participation in elections, as they continue to face economic hardships.

Segun, a commercial driver at the Okitipupa New Garage, stated he had lost faith in the electoral process.

“What have we gained from all the elections we have participated in? Nothing but untold hardship and hunger. I no longer have interest in the process,” he said.

Charles Ikuedowo, a commercial motorcyclist, echoed similar sentiments, saying the country’s widespread hunger made it difficult to focus on elections, as survival remained the priority.

Madam Felicia Akingbaso, a beverage vendor, criticized politicians for making empty promises during campaigns and disappearing after securing votes.

She urged the government to prioritize the welfare of residents, emphasizing that tangible benefits from democracy were the key to re-engaging the electorate.

Yetunde, a charcoal dealer, also described voting as a futile effort, further underscoring the widespread frustration among the community.

Many residents believe that meaningful change will only come when the government addresses economic concerns and delivers on its promises.

The Enugu State chapter of the Labour Party has expressed its approval of the Court of Appeal’s judgment affirming Barrister Julius Abure as the legitimate national chairman of the party.

In a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE by Dr. Barr. Casmir Agbo, the party’s state chairman, the Labour Party commended the Court of Appeal for its decision in two separate appeals—Senator Esther Nenadi Usman & others vs Labour Party (CA/Abj/CV/1232/2024) and INEC Vs Labour Party & others (CA/Abj/CV/2024).

The Appeal court ruled that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to determine the leadership of the party, as the suit in question was incompetent.

It declared the matter a mere academic exercise, upholding the High Court’s November 2024 judgment as legally sound and well-reasoned.

Dr. Agbo described the ruling as a vindication of the rule of law and praised the integrity of the judicial process.

He further emphasized that the decision marked an important step in the pursuit of justice for the party.

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has shared the story behind his rise to office, crediting his unwavering faith in God for his success and earning him the title of ‘miracle governor’.

Speaking at the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area Annual Day of Thanksgiving in Sampou, Diri recalled how he turned down an offer to perform rituals in 2020 as part of his bid for the governorship.

According to the governor, a senior citizen had invited him to Abuja and suggested that he carry out certain rituals to secure the position, but Diri refused, relying solely on his faith in God.

At the time, he was challenging the results of the November 2019 governorship election in the Supreme Court.

The senior citizen, who had brought marabouts from Senegal for the rituals, demanded a refund of the $10,000 spent on their travel after Diri rejected the proposal.

Diri emphasized that his belief in God’s guidance led him to turn down worldly offers and trust in divine intervention.

He encouraged politicians to learn from his experience and place their trust in God rather than human assistance.

The governor also praised the people of Kolokuma/Opokuma for their continued support, highlighting the significant development in the area under his leadership.

He expressed gratitude to Apostle David Aggrey, the head of the Royal House of Grace Church, for initiating the Thanksgiving Day, which is now legally recognized in the local government.

In his sermon, Apostle Aggrey stressed the importance of recognizing God’s role in their lives, especially as the younger generation may not fully understand the hardships their elders endured.

He also commended Governor Diri for the ongoing development in Bayelsa and thanked the people for re-electing him for a second term.