Politics
INEC commends ICPC, NSCDC roles ahead Osun guber poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, has attributed the success achieved in the fight against vote buying to the strategic role played by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission, ICPC.
Mrs Babalola also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in reducing election violence, which has enabled peaceful electoral processes.
The Osun INEC boss made this revelation as she continued her courtesy visits to the two agencies on Tuesday in Osogbo.
She appealed for intelligence sharing between the agencies and INEC as the commission prepares for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Mrs Babalola described the ICPC as one of the critical stakeholders in the electoral process, noting that its role in preserving the integrity of elections remains visible and widely acknowledged.
She added that the commission was aware of the role played by the ICPC in the success of previous elections, saying, “Through your vigilance and intervention, you have contributed visibly to maintaining transparent and credible elections.”
The REC revealed that the ICPC had been at the forefront of combating vote buying through various programmes, which have significantly reduced the menace.
“We believe that vote buying requires reorientation and not just arrests. As we prepare for the next governorship election, it is important to stress that the fight against vote buying is a collective effort,” she said.
She urged sustained collaboration, stating, “In this regard, we ask for more collaboration between INEC and ICPC. We encourage ICPC to continue to deploy strategies that will address both the root causes and manifestations of vote buying in our electoral process.”
Mrs Babalola assured that INEC remained committed to upholding professionalism in the discharge of its constitutional mandate to ensure credible and corruption-free elections.
Responding, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Prince Yusuf Olatunji, acknowledged that INEC plays a vital role, stressing that credible elections are the bedrock of democracy.
He noted that INEC often receives both praise and criticism depending on electoral outcomes, adding that the ICPC remained committed to strengthening its partnership with the electoral body.
Olatunji disclosed that vote buying extends beyond direct monetary exchange, alleging that permanent voter cards were being traded for empowerment schemes in some local government areas of the state.
“Vote buying starts long before election day. We need to do our best, and there must be synergy among stakeholders,” he said, urging INEC to intensify public enlightenment campaigns.
During her visit to the NSCDC, Mrs Babalola commended the corps for its strategic role in election activities, stating that its relevance and contributions could not be underestimated.
“Your agency has demonstrated outstanding responsibility in protecting INEC materials and personnel, thereby ensuring a peaceful atmosphere within the electoral space in Osun,” she said.
She called for increased collaboration and enhanced security coverage of INEC facilities before, during and after the August 15, 2026 poll.
In his response, the Osun State Commandant of the NSCDC, Igbalawole Sotiyo, said the corps had consistently partnered with INEC by deploying personnel to offices across the 30 local government areas, particularly during the recent Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
He assured the REC of continued cooperation, noting that the NSCDC, as an institution rooted in democratic principles, fully understands the importance of credible elections.
Sotiyo added that the NSCDC national headquarters was prepared to reinforce the Osun Command and collaborate with other security agencies ahead of the poll.
“Be rest assured that the NSCDC will give you maximum support to ensure that the coming election is hitch-free,” he said, warning that any individual or group that contravenes the Electoral Act would face the full weight of the law.
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Politics
2027 presidency: ‘Everyone running against Peter Obi not Tinubu’ – Sam Amadi
Director of the Abuja School of Social Thought and Politics, Sam Amadi, has said candidates are running against the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, President candidate, Peter Obi and not President Bola Tinubu.
Amadi said the 2027 election is the most farcical election in Nigeria’s history.
Posting on X, Amadi wrote: “Everyone is running against @PeterObi for the presidency, not against the incumbent president @officialABAT.
“This is the most farcical election in Nigeria’s history. And some self-proclaimed intellectuals and technocrats are fully immersed in the illogic.”
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, LP, will be running again in 2027.
He will be facing the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu; African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar; who are the leading contenders in the election.
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Politics
‘Voters rewarded performance’ – Yilwatda reacts as APC wins Ekiti, dominates bye-elections nationwide
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the Ekiti State Governorship Election and the party’s impressive performance in the recent bye-elections across the country as a clear vote of confidence in the APC, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Yilwatda stated that the outcome of the elections demonstrates that Nigerians are able to distinguish between temporary economic challenges associated with reforms and the long-term benefits of responsible governance, economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional renewal being championed by the APC at both federal and state levels.
In a statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, the Special Adviser to the National Chairman of APC, Yilwatda said, “The overwhelming victory recorded by our great party in Ekiti State and our remarkable success in the bye-elections across the country represent a powerful endorsement of the APC’s governance philosophy.
“These results affirm that Nigerians appreciate leadership that prioritises development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people.
“The people of Ekiti State have once again demonstrated that performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics. Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s resounding re-election is a reward for visionary leadership, inclusive governance, prudent management of resources and visible developmental achievements across the state.”
Governor Oyebanji of the APC was declared winner of the Ekiti Governorship Election after securing a commanding victory across the state, reaffirming the confidence of the electorate in his administration and the APC’s developmental agenda. The party also recorded significant victories in five of the six bye-elections conducted across various states of the federation.
Yilwatda’s statement noted that the Ekiti result has further strengthened the APC’s narrative that performance-based governance remains electorally rewarding, even amid difficult economic transitions.
He said, “The Ekiti election has become a national reference point. It confirms that when governments deliver tangible results in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and social development, citizens respond with renewed trust and overwhelming electoral support.
“This victory sends a clear message that governance, not propaganda, remains the most effective route to political legitimacy. The people of Ekiti have spoken loudly and clearly in support of continuity, stability and progress.”
The APC National Chairman described Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji as one of the most compelling governance success stories in contemporary Nigeria, citing sustained investments in road infrastructure, rural development, human capital advancement, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, workers’ welfare and ease of doing business.
He said the administration has successfully built broad-based political consensus while maintaining a strong focus on development outcomes, thereby creating an environment of stability and accelerated progress.
“Ekiti today stands as a shining example of how APC governments are translating public trust into measurable development outcomes. The state’s progress under Governor Oyebanji provides a practical demonstration of our party’s commitment to people-centred governance,” he stated.
Yilwatda further stated that the election outcome should be viewed within the broader national context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is gradually laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive and globally competitive Nigerian economy.
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Politics
Kano by-election signals weakness of NDC as mushroom political movement – Gov Yusuf
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has described the outcome of the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency by-election as a sign of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to him, the governor said the large voters turnout and peaceful conduct of the election showed that residents still support the APC and its policies.
Gov Yusuf stated that the election was conducted in a free, fair and credible manner, reflecting the true wishes of voters. He praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for successfully organising the poll and commended security agencies for maintaining peace throughout the exercise.
According to the governor, the conduct and outcome of the election have strengthened public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He congratulated the APC candidate on the victory and urged him to focus on delivering effective representation for the people of the constituency.
Yusuf said the result demonstrated that the APC remains a strong political force in Kano State and is positioned for further electoral success in the future.
The governor also criticised the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for not presenting a candidate in the by-election, describing the party as “a mushroom political movement with no visible grassroots structure.”
He added that the party stayed away from the contest because it feared defeat and lacked the support needed to challenge the APC.
Yusuf maintained that the by-election exposed the weakness of opposition groups in the state and highlighted the growing acceptance of the APC among Kano residents.
He assured citizens that his administration would continue to implement projects and programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people.
The governor also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda, over what he described as the party’s success in recent by-elections across the country.
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