Political parties in Enugu State, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the Labour Party (LP), raised serious concerns on Saturday regarding the absence of crucial result sheets at various polling units during the Enugu local government elections.

According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), tensions flared when officials from the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) arrived at polling stations after 9:40 a.m. without result sheets, a key document for the voting process.

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At polling units 008, 020, 003, 002, and 001 in Christ Church, Enugu South Council, party agents from APC and LP refused to allow voting to proceed, demanding that the missing result sheets be provided before any election could begin.

One Labour Party agent, speaking anonymously, revealed, “All materials were delivered except the result sheets. The Supervisory Presiding Officer claimed she had the results but would only present them later in the day for the Presiding Officer to record the scores.”

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An APC agent echoed the same concern, insisting, “No election will take place without result sheets being available.”

The Acting Chairman of APGA in Enugu State, Mr. Ekene Uzodimma, highlighted similar issues in Awgu Ward Nine, where election materials arrived late and without the required result sheets.

By 11 a.m., many polling units in the ward had not yet received any materials.

In Trans-Ekulu Ward, APGA Councillor Mr. Okeke Fidelis confirmed that no election materials had reached his ward.

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Another APGA collation agent, Uche, reported being blocked from entering the collation center at Enugu North Council Area, with only PDP agents allegedly being granted access.

APGA’s chairmanship candidate in Udi Council Area, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ochi, reported significant delays as many polling units in the area were still awaiting the arrival of election materials by mid-morning.

NAN’s observations at multiple polling units in Enugu South revealed a low voter turnout, potentially influenced by the disorganization and absence of key materials.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has emerged victorious in his polling unit during the ongoing Edo State governorship election.

At Ward 10, Polling Unit 1 in Etsako West Local Government Area, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, garnered 403 votes, while Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed to get just one vote. Surprisingly, Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party failed to make an impact, with no votes recorded in his favor. Instead, the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate claimed one vote.

Oshiomhole cast his ballot at the polling unit, securing a solid lead in the race.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun uploading results from the ongoing Edo State governorship election to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

According to the portal, 3,540 out of 4,519 polling unit results have been uploaded, marking a progress rate of 78.34 percent.

Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State, had earlier assured that the election results would be transmitted electronically.

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In an interview with Arise Television on Saturday, Onuoha explained that the only potential challenge to the electronic transmission of results was poor network connectivity.

However, he emphasized that contingency measures had been put in place to address any disruptions.

He also highlighted the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to verify the identity of voters and determine the total number of voters at each polling station.

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“You know that we have 4,519 polling units across the 18 local governments, and so far we have deployed 4,622 BVAS to the various local governments. And we also have a backup of 660 BVAS,” Onuoha stated.

He went on to say, “We have trained operators for the BVAS. They are ready. The BVAS will accredit the voters, to determine the total number of voters at that polling unit. After accreditation, voting will commence. Once the votes are counted, the results will be uploaded to our IReV.”

Onuoha concluded by reassuring the public that the election would be conducted in a transparent manner. “Rest assured that we’ll conduct an election that we can call our own,” he added.

In the ongoing Edo governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed to secure a single vote at Unit 03, Ward 1, Uwessan, Esan Central Local Government Area, where Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, cast his vote.

Before voting, Okpebholo confidently declared that the PDP would not receive any votes at his polling unit.

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“PDP or whatever will not get one vote here because this is my home and my people love me,” he had boasted.

However, when the votes were counted, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP garnered one vote. Okpebholo led the results with 102 votes, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party and Ighodalo each received a vote.

Following the results, Okpebholo praised INEC’s conduct during the election. “What I’m seeing here is like a testimony that INEC is getting it right,” he stated.

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When asked about the security situation during the election, the APC candidate dismissed concerns of unrest, saying, “I know that everything they are saying about security – this, that – is ‘hyping’. I mean nothing is happening. You can see! Nobody is fighting. No knockout, no stick of matches. So is just for people to scare people away from voting.”

He further criticized the actions of the current Edo governor, claiming, “You know Obaseki wanted to cause fire in Edo state but by the grace of God everything is moving perfect.”

On the eve of the election, the APC had confirmed Okpebholo as their candidate in the race.

With past elections in Nigeria marred by violence, controversies, and logistical challenges, all eyes are on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and other security agencies as Edo State heads to the polls today for its 2024 governorship election.

The expectation is that these agencies will ensure a credible and peaceful process amidst concerns from political parties and civil society groups.

Frontline contenders

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo has accused the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) of leveraging federal power and police influence to gain an upper hand in the election.

The PDP has raised alarms over the arrest of its members across the state and called on the Inspector-General of Police to release those arrested and halt what it considers harassment of its supporters.

The party also demanded the redeployment of the Edo State Commissioner of Police and the Resident Electoral Commissioner due to their alleged ties to former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike.

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On the other hand, the APC has demanded the arrest of individuals involved in the killing of a police officer during the campaign period.

The party insists that those responsible are still walking free, even as it claims the police are arresting innocent individuals.

Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, has raised concerns about possible violence in eight Local Government Areas (LGAs), citing the tense political climate and economic hardship as contributing factors.

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The group also highlighted the likelihood of voter inducement and vote-buying.

INEC is under pressure to deliver a credible election, especially following criticism of its handling of past polls. Several off-cycle governorship elections in states like Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi in 2023 were marked by irregularities.

The commission has promised to conduct a transparent process, but questions remain about its ability to deploy materials on time, manage logistics, and ensure that votes are counted fairly.

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As voters in Edo cast their ballots, both INEC and the security forces must ensure that the election proceeds without incidents of violence, intimidation, or manipulation.

The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit on Friday aimed at replacing 27 lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly, who were alleged to have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Lifu ruled that the lawsuit, filed by the Action Peoples Party (APP) and marked as FHC/ABJ/CR/978/2024, was statute-barred, as it was submitted outside the 14-day window allowed by law after the alleged defection, which took place on December 12, 2023.

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The APP had filed the originating summons on July 12, 2024, seeking declarations from the court regarding the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seats of the defected lawmakers vacant and to conduct by-elections.

The plaintiffs contended that INEC’s failure to hold by-elections was unlawful and unconstitutional, asking the court to direct the commission to conduct elections within seven days to fill the vacant seats.

However, Justice Lifu concluded that the suit was initiated eight months after the cause of action arose, rendering it statute-barred.

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He characterized the action as a “gross abuse of the court process,” noting that similar cases regarding the alleged defection had already been adjudicated by other judges in the Federal High Court.

Previous judgments, including those by Justices James Omotosho and Donatus Okorowo, had rejected requests to replace the lawmakers, citing insufficient evidence of defection.

Justice Lifu referred to Justice Omotosho’s ruling, which had prohibited INEC from declaring the lawmakers’ seats vacant and from conducting any fresh elections.

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Since the earlier judgments had not been overturned or appealed, they remained binding.

Justice Lifu remarked that it would be inappropriate for him to act as an appellate court over the same matter and thus dismissed the suit based on three key grounds: it failed on merit, was statute-barred, and constituted an abuse of court process.

Out of the 29 defendants listed, INEC, the PDP, and the 27 lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule, were represented, with 14 lawmakers present in court to observe the proceedings.

Henry Odili represented the plaintiff, while Ken Njemanze (SAN), Dr. Joshua Musa (SAN), and B. F. Folorunsho represented various defendants.

There is ongoing turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as calls for the replacement of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum intensify, revealing deepening divisions among the PDP Governors’ Forum.

A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, speaking anonymously to DAILY GAZETTE, indicated that alongside Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Damagum enjoys the backing of at least four governors: Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.

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While Enugu and Zamfara state governors, Peter Mbah and Dauda Lawal, remain neutral, seven other PDP governors are advocating for Damagum’s ousting.

This faction is led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, and includes Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.

According to the source, “Oyo State Governor Makinde leads three other governors who are friends of Wike, and they are backing Damagum to continue in his acting role.”

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Since Damagum took over after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court-ordered removal, he has faced increasing scrutiny and calls for resignation from party leaders.

Tensions escalated when Damagum and other NWC members supported Wike’s controversial Rivers State PDP Congresses and postponed the National Executive Committee meeting from September 26 to October 24.

The conflict between Wike and the current Rivers State Governor intensified on August 24, as other PDP governors expressed support for Fubara, calling for a review of the Rivers State Congresses.

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In response, Wike threatened on August 31 to disrupt activities in the governors’ states if they continued to meddle in Rivers State affairs, which prompted the PDP Governors’ Forum to label his threat as irresponsible on September 3.

Wike has stood firm, stating he will not retract his threat concerning actions in PDP states.

While hosting five NWC members in Bauchi, Mohammed dismissed Wike’s threat and suggested that the North Central region would propose Damagum’s successor.

In a display of support for Damagum, Makinde assured him on Wednesday of the backing from his group to help reposition the PDP.

“I am glad that the National Working Committee of our party is here. Let me say it clearly that we are 100 percent in support of the Damagum-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition the party,” Makinde declared.

The source further noted that Enugu and Zamfara state governors remain indifferent to the leadership crisis.

He remarked, “Wike is not alone. He enjoys the support of the PDP governors and other party stakeholders. Makinde has always been Wike’s close friend; governors of Taraba, Plateau, and most surprisingly, Adamawa State are with them.”

Fintiri, the Adamawa State governor, publicly expressed his support for Damagum on X, stating, “Solidly in support of Amb. Umar Damagum as National Chairman of @OfficialPDPNig! His leadership has restored public confidence, and we are confident he will steer the party to greater heights.”

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The North-East caucus of the PDP has officially endorsed Damagum’s leadership, with Fintiri emphasizing that he should complete former Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure unless the court rules otherwise.

He urged party members to respect the court’s decision, stating, “The performance of the party in the North-East region during the 2023 elections was unprecedented at all levels.”

Conversely, Osun State Governor Adeleke publicly opposed Damagum, asserting that the party must adhere to its Constitution regarding succession.

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“I stand by the Constitution of our great party, which clearly spells out the succession procedure in case of the exit of an elected chairman,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Chairman Adolphus Wabara, held a closed-door meeting with the PDP caucus in the National Assembly on Thursday.

Wabara described the discussions as peaceful, following a similar meeting with Wike on Tuesday.

The PDP BoT convened this latest meeting to gauge sentiments regarding the party’s challenges and to encourage calm, as well as to propose recommendations for resolution.

Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has affirmed that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is gearing up for the 2027 general elections by strengthening its state chapters across the country.

Kwankwaso, who was represented by a three-man delegation during a visit to the NNPP state secretariat in Osogbo, Osun State, said the party is determined to establish itself as a major player in Nigeria’s political landscape.

According to a statement by Osun NNPP Chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, the delegation, comprising Dr. Rahila Aliyu Mukhtar, Dr. Muhammad S. Khalil, and Alhaji Abdusalam Abdulateef, conveyed Kwankwaso’s message.

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The national leader expressed optimism about the party’s progress in various states, particularly Osun, and stressed their readiness for the challenges ahead.

The statement quoted Kwankwaso as saying, “I am pleased with the reports coming from states, especially Osun. We are fully aware of the challenges ahead of us in 2027, but we are prepared. Nigerians have begun to see through the intentions of current leaders, who continue to spread poverty and plan to manipulate voters with crumbs again in 2027.”

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He further emphasized that the NNPP is committed to the welfare of the masses and has begun mobilizing support nationwide.

“We are equipping our state offices and providing vehicles to facilitate movement. Strengthening our state chapters is a priority for the party,” Kwankwaso added.

Osun NNPP chairman, Odeyemi, praised Kwankwaso for prioritizing the welfare of his supporters and assured that the party leadership in Osun would continue to work hard to recruit more members and build a stronger party.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has deployed operatives across all local government areas in Edo State to combat vote buying during the governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, revealed that the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, emphasized the commission’s dedication to safeguarding electoral integrity.

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He pledged to protect voters from financial inducement as they exercise their voting rights.

The statement read, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has deployed operatives to all local government areas in Edo State to address voter inducement during the September 21, 2024, governorship election. The EFCC is committed to upholding electoral integrity by shielding voters from financial manipulation in the democratic process.”

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Olukoyede reiterated that vote buying is a criminal offense, warning that the commission would not tolerate it in any election.

He added, “The EFCC has consistently played an active role in monitoring electoral processes nationwide, in line with its mandate to combat economic and financial crimes. Our operatives are on the ground to monitor the elections closely. We aim to ensure voters cast their ballots freely and fairly, without any financial inducements. Vote buying is a financial crime, and the EFCC will not allow it to take place anywhere.”