The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed optimism that the upcoming Ondo State Governorship Election scheduled for November 16, would be a successful exercise.

He believes the election will be fair and transparent, having learned valuable lessons from previous elections, including the recent governorship election in Edo State.

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Yakubu made these remarks on Monday during his visit to the INEC state headquarters in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.

He stated, “We have learnt a lot of lessons not only from the last election but also from previous elections. Basically, there are two challenges: the first one is logistics for the election, so that polling units open promptly on election day. The second one is result management, and my assurance to voters in Ondo State is that they are going to see fast improvement in these two processes.”

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“We have received positive reports from our state office in Akure, but we decided also to come for readiness assessment. So, we are here basically to look at what is happening, and the good work that the state office has done,” he explained.

He indicated plans to engage with various stakeholders, saying, “We are going to meet with the stakeholders including political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and security agencies, and we are also going to meet with our staff to assess our readiness.”

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Yakubu added, “We will be here for a few days. One of the activities we are also going to observe is the mock accreditation of voters, which will take place in 16 polling units across six local government areas in the three senatorial zones of the state.”

He added that the team would meet with stakeholders on Thursday, and the next day, the National Peace Committee would invite all stakeholders for the signing of the national peace accord.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has sworn in the 17 newly elected local government chairmen, following their election last Saturday.

He urged them to lead their LGAs with the vision of “Abia first” and to continue the socio-economic transformation of the state.

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The elected chairmen include: Timothy Iheke for Aba North (ZLP), Anyanwu Obilor for Aba South (ZLP), Okereke Ezearo for Arochukwu (ZLP), Uwabunkeonye Bassey for Bende (ZLP), Dr. Anthony Nwaubani for Ikwuano (ZLP), Innocent Uruakpa for Isialangwa North (ZLP), Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu for Isialangwa South (ZLP), and Chinedu Ekeke for Isukwuato (ZLP).

Others include Maxwell Nwadike for Obingwa (ZLP), Eleanya Oju-Kalu for Ohafia (ZLP), Chidi Christian Agu for Osisioma (YPP), Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara Ugwunagbo for Ugwunagbo (YPP), Chibunna Akara for Ukwa East (ZLP), Pastor Dike Nwankwo for Ukwa West (ZLP), Smart Ihuoma for Umuahia North (ZLP), Chinwendu Enwereuzo for Umuahia South (ZLP), and Sunday Afuruike for Umunneochi (ZLP).

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In his address titled, “Development and A New Philosophy of Leadership,” Otti emphasized the importance of addressing the fundamental issues affecting communities.

He stated, “While you may have emerged from different political platforms, the agenda remains the same: Abia first. We have since laid the marker at the state; my expectation is that you will run with the vision and continue the work of the socio-economic transformation of Abia from your various LGAs.”

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He added, “Your task is to solve the basic problems that have bedevilled our people in the various communities for ages. Access to water, basic health and education services, effective maintenance of Truck C roads, and quick response to security threats in your local communities should rank very high in your order of priorities.”

Otti urged the chairmen to ensure that “our people should be able to see the impact of your leadership in the next six months through measurable improvements in the living conditions of the people, especially women, youths, and the vulnerable in the various localities.”

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The Abia State Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) had presented Certificates of Return to the newly elected chairmen on Sunday.

Professor George Chima, Chairman of ABSIEC, encouraged the chairmen to support the good work Governor Otti is doing in the state, highlighting the need for holistic representation and good governance.

After the swearing-in, Chinedu Ekeke, the Mayor of Isuikwuato, spoke on behalf of the other chairmen, assuring that they would align their efforts with Otti’s vision for the state.

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in the newly appointed Ministers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Following the ceremony, President Tinubu emphasized that “Economic recovery is on the horizon,” and noted, “We have a good path to realize our dreams, and it is not just for us; it is for our children and grandchildren.”

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He acknowledged the ongoing challenges but affirmed that efforts to re-engineer and retool Nigeria’s economic path are in progress.

The President urged the new Ministers, stating they have been “called upon to join the team to rescue this country.”

This swearing-in follows President Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle on October 23, during which he dismissed five Ministers and appointed seven new ones.

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The Senate confirmed the new appointees on October 30.

The newly sworn-in Ministers include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Additionally, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole has been appointed Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Idi Mukhtar Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.

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On Sunday, youths from the 19 Northern states gathered in Kaduna for a Northern Youth Summit, where they collectively vowed to advocate for a new political platform in the 2027 general elections.

Organized by the National Youth Alliance (NYA), the summit featured various speakers emphasizing the need for unity and support for young candidates seeking key positions in the next general elections.

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Both organizers and attendees attributed the country’s current economic challenges to a lack of innovative ideas from existing leadership.

Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, President of the NYA, expressed concern that the current political leadership is disconnected from the hardships faced by citizens.

“The NYA is a movement that has attracted youth from all the political parties, with the sole aim of birthing a new Nigeria that will work for all.”

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He highlighted the diverse representation at the summit, noting, “As you can see, they came here in numbers for what they believe in, as patriotic Nigerians, they are yearning for change that will put Nigeria on the right pedestal.”

Ambassador Abbas also addressed the challenges faced by the movement, including threats he and others are receiving from the old politicians, saying it will not deter him from using all legitimate means available in ensuring that things are done right in Nigeria.

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In addition, the movement condemned the prosecution of minors for alleged treason, calling it “inhumane and a complete violation of the Child Rights Act.”