President Muhammadu Buhari had during the Eighth Senate with Dr. Bukola Saraki as Senate President sent the names of the six INEC National Commissioner-nominees to the upper legislative chamber in October, 2016 for approval. Our plan is to conclude the ongoing consultations and the actual work on the Polling Units in earnest so that the new locations will be made public for eligible registrants to choose where they wish to register and vote on election day. "We are also expecting that the Electoral Bill amendment will be signed, and if that happens, INEC would have a document to guide it through, even in the off season before the 2023 general elections. In Africa, which produces only 5% and consumes 4% of global plastic, growing population and urbanization are, Download logoThe humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) remains critical, with more than half the population, 3.4 million people, requiring assistance and protection, the top UN aid official in the country said on Monday. We operate from Cape Town, Dakar, Abuja, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Washington DC. Only a few states are still outstanding. Engr. The re-nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, is expected to hand over to one of the remaining six national commissioners whose tenures have not lapsed. In attendance at the meeting were National Commissioners; Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Barr. AllAfrica is a voice of, by and about Africa - aggregating, producing and distributing 600 news and information items daily from over 100 African news organizations and our own reporters to an African and global public. The Senate on Wednesday confirmed seven nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari as National Electoral Commissioners of Nigeria's electoral umpire, INEC. In the same way, Nigerians are expecting that president Buhari will take a similar and decisive courageous step to solidify the emerging success of his tenure in the Electoral arena by bequeathing to the country a legacy of appointment of persons with proven integrity into the independent National Electoral Commission. "However, the gains of the giant stride would vanish if people of proven integrity and impeccable character are not appointed into the management board of the commission to ensure the realization of the President's assurance to conduct the best election in 2023. You can see that the Edo and Anambra States off-season elections have been applauded by Nigerians and the international community as being credible. However, he lamented that none of the witnesses was in court for domestic reasons, pleading with the court to bear with him while applying for an adjournment of his defence. Already, a vacuum has been created by the resignation of one of the national commissioners, Engr. Must INEC continue to have a technical glitch even in their own case? He said the Forum complained that the nomination started from Taraba (2003 - 2008), Adamawa (2008 - 2015) and Gombe (2015 - 2021) and it was now the turn of Taraba State to produce the nominee . (AFRICAN EXAMINER) - The tenure of five national commissioners will end by the first week of December. We note the fact that not all the political parties conducted primaries in all the constituencies, submitted the particulars of candidates that emerged from valid primaries or substituted their candidates after fresh primaries within 14 days as provided in Section 33 of the Electoral Act. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the list of candidates for the presidential elections includes Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He assured Nigerians signing up to serve as ad-hoc staff in the 2023 general election of adequate safety. This is just as stakeholders have advised the president not to only appoint credible replacements for the retiring Commissioners, but to also sign into law the Electoral Act Amendment Bill transmitted to him earlier this month by the National Assembly. The Senate on Wednesday confirmed seven nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari as National Electoral Commissioners of Nigeria's electoral umpire, INEC. Allow observers to call to their attention any irregularities. The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd. There is palpable tension in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over a possible replacement of six national commissioners by President Muhammadu Buhari, next week. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct. It is now a matter of historical record that amidst the security challenges in Anambra State, the Commission conducted the Governorship election at a time of stringent calls by stakeholders for its postponement. "To make this possible, there are two critical matters for the attention of the President as a final task that will cement his efforts and contribution to democratic consolidation in Nigeria. The Senate President, in his remarks after the nominees were confirmed, congratulated them while noting that the 2023 General Election would be a baptism of fire to test their efficiency. Although, the affected officers are in their first term of five years and could be re-appointed for another final term of five years, there are fears that they may not be re-appointed. President Buhari, who was first elected into office in 2015, would exit on May 29, 2023, after he must have completed two terms of four years each, but there are still fears whether he would live up to his promises of ensuring a credible electoral process. It was gathered that the notice from the Mai Mala Buni-led caretaker leadership is in line with the demand by the Electoral Act as INEC officials are expected to monitor the exercise. The board is expected to have 12 members- two par geo-political zone. President Buhari, who was first elected into office in 2015, will exit on May 29, 2023, after he must have completed two terms of four years each. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct. It was established in 1998 shortly before Nigeria's transition from military to civilian rule. Updated April 18, 2023 FILE: INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu All National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday had a closed-door meeting at the. Stakeholders have also called on President Buhari to ensure that square pegs are put in square holes in the appointment of the new commissioners. He said the election was a serious exercise in Nigeria to be left in hands of competent and serious-minded citizens which President Muhammadu Buhari eventually forwarded to the Senate. While five of the Commissioners would serve out their terms by early December, the remaining one had resigned his appointment after the 2019 general elections in the country. Although Iwu's first term in office is expected to end next year, a covert jostle for the chairmanship of the commission has started, with the outgoing INEC . Next week, the tenure of INEC national commissioners representing the South-East, South-South, However, supporters of the government said there is no cause for worry judging from the conduct and outcomes of the Edo and Anambra governorship elections as in the two elections, the President directed the INEC and the security agencies to ensure that the process was hitch-free without interference from any quarter. Click the button below to view Election Results View Confirm Your Polling Unit Click the button below to confirm your Polling unit Click Here Directions to Polling Unit Click the button below to get directions to your polling unit. The newspaper is a public trust dedicated to the pursuit of truth and reason covering a range of issues from breaking news to politics, business, the markets, the arts, sports and community to the crossroads of people and society. He added that security agencies areas were working to degrade the security threats in different parts of the country. Please try again later. We hope that the trajectory would continue but everything will depend on the type and quality of people he will appoint as national commissioners to fill the vacant positions. [And] for us in the National Assembly, we will always be there for INEC because we believe that it is in the interest of Nigeria and our citizens to have free and transparent elections to determine the leadership of this country at all levels.. He recalled that at end of the process, the personal particulars of all nominated candidates were displayed in their constituencies nationwide as provided by Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act. President Didnt Goof On Credible Poll Statement. He pledged that the National Assembly would support the electoral body to ensure the conduct of free and transparent elections in 2023. Major General A. The Senate had in November, 2016, approved the nominees while President Buhari thereafter administered oath of office on the Commissioners in December, 2016, for a five-year tenure which ends next month. "Already about six National Commissioners at INEC will be retiring by first week of December, this will create a big vacuum especially as the national commissioners have been discharging their responsibilities creditably. Mr Yakubu said cumulative experiences of the new commissioners in diverse fields would strengthen the work of INEC especially in the area of reforming the electoral process and the conduct of free and credible elections. 1. Those confirmed are May Agbamuche-Mbu (Delta- South-south), Mohammed Haruna (Niger - North-central, National Commissioner), Ukeagu Nnamdi (Abia - South-east, National Commissioner) A. Most Nigerians expect that just like former President Goodluck Jonathan did that earned him a place of pride in the nations electoral history, President Buhari may want to earn his place in the Electoral pantheon. Security agencies are also working to degrade the security threats in different parts of the country. The confirmation of the nominees on Wednesday followed the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on INEC. The Chairman of the Commission and National Commissioners are building a professional, independent and ethical Commission that will be the pride of the Nigerian people., 18 September 2022 | Similarly, with the recent declaration of vacancy by the Delta State House of Assembly, I wish to assure the people of Isoko North State Constituency that the timetable for the bye-election to fill the vacancy in the State House of Assembly will be released before the end of this week, Professor Yakubu disclosed. Professor Yakubu, explained that the meeting would review the engagements with stakeholders on the proposed expansion of voters' access to Polling Units as well as preparations for the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, among other things. Although she had told the Senate committee on INEC that she quit politics in 2019 and that she was no longer partisan - a claim which turned out to be false, she was, however, rejected by the Senate in July 2021. The security agencies have the responsibility of ensuring election security under the leadership of the Nigerian Police. This Senate has confirmed National Commissioners and Resident Commissioners before. Photo; FACBOOK/INECNIGERIA. (Prof.) Rhoda H. Gumus (Bayelsa) National Commissioner Others were Prof. Rhoda H. Gumus (Bayelsa South-South, National Commissioner); Mr. Sam Olumekun (Ondo South-West, National Commissioner); and Olaniyi Olaleye Ijalaye (Ondo South-West, Resident Commissioner). Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, speaking on behalf of Abia Senators commended the president for recommending an Abia citizen who worked at the INEC for 34 years as a National Commissioner. 13.Alhaji Ahmad Makama (Bauchi). Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. We expect nothing less than excellence from our electoral body," Mr Lawan said. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Already, a vacuum has been created by the resignation of one of the national commissioners, Engr. The task ahead is challenging but it is also a national call to service. Lawyer to All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Godwill Dike, has confirmed that the party has filed complaint before the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Port Harcourt regarding the March 18, 2023 governorship poll. We hope that the trajectory would continue but everything will depend on the type and quality of people he will appoint as national commissioners to fill the vacant positions. The political parties have the responsibility to ensure that campaigns are conducted within the confines and ambit of sections 91-97 of the Electoral Act. Lawan noted that the Senate is in need of leaders like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor to push the country forward. INEC Chairman: Iwu Maurice Iwu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is interested in another term in office. "Such appointees ought to have a lot of public regards that will not tarnish the image of the President and his already established record of integrity while being very competent. Currently, there are 11 national commissioners on the board. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. There is palpable tension in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over a possible replacement of six national commissioners by President Muhammadu Buhari, next week. All rights reserved. His words: These are young men and women at the prime of their lives and we want them to be safe and continue to contribute their quota to nation building.. Other Management staff of the Commission in attendance were; the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the Director General (DG) the Electoral Institute, Dr. Saad Idris, and other Directors of the Commission. The Commissioners had earlier been sworn in by President Muhammadu Buhari. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso of New Nigeria Party (NNPP), Sowore Stephen of the African Action Congress (AAC ), Kachikwu Dumebi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and 12 others with their running mates. 7. The sources further said the recent signing of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was a clear testimony to the possibility that President Buharis biggest and most enduring legacy may be institution-building rather than the physical infrastructures that his aides have belabored. Mr Festus Okoye, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of, the Information and Voter Education Committee, on Tuesday in Abuja, said that INEC at its regular weekly meeting held on Tuesday approved the final list of candidates for the polls. AllAfrica is a voice of, by and about Africa - aggregating, producing and distributing 600 news and information items daily from over 100 African news organizations and our own reporters to an African and global public. 2. The INEC Chairman made the call during the Commission's second quarterly meeting with RECs in Abuja. The efforts of the president in strengthening the institution was nearly rubbished by the nomination of one of his aides Ms. Lauretta Onochie, but the situation was redeemed by the National Assembly that rejected the nomination as a result of national outcry. 14th December 2021. At the same time, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, administered the oath of office on a new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC . He said: The conduct of the election is a process that involves so many organisations and agencies. "These appointees have been confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and therefore, the appointments are with immediate effect," Adebiyi . To address comments or complaints, please Contact us. Another credible source at INEC said, Despite fears already being expressed by critics of the Buhari government on the possibility of the President providing a free space for credible elections considering that he is also a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), there is an assurance for no cause to worry. He also said the commission was conscious and mindful of the constitutional imperatives of conducting elections at times and periods circumscribed by the constitution. Speaking on the insurance cover for electoral officials, Okoye said the commission would ensure the over one million ad hoc staff and electoral officials who would participate in the general elections. The two elections were in Magama/Rijua Federal Constituency of Niger State and Kafin Hausa State Constituency in Jigawa State. What if I cannot find my Temporary Voter's Card. It also conducted six Area Council Chairmanship elections; 62 Councillorship elections and one Ward bye-election in the Federal Capital Territory. We have reached the critical stage in our preparations and we are confident in our processes and procedures and we are confident that the 2023 election will be free, fair, transparent and inclusive, he added. To make this possible, there are two critical matters for the attention of the President as a final task that will cement his efforts and contribution to democratic consolidation in Nigeria.The first is to assent to the reformed Electoral Act Amendment Bill that has the prospect of changing the narrative of Nigerian elections in a positive direction given that INEC innovations are safeguarded and protected statutorily. Those confirmed include Mal. The APC national caretaker body has written the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to notify it of the upcoming exercise. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates for the 2023 national elections. July 5, 2022 No fewer than twenty state Resident Electoral Commissioners are set to retire as their tenure will start expiring with effect from Wednesday, 6 July. The first is to assent to the reformed Electoral Act Amendment Bill that has the prospect of changing the narrative of Nigerian elections in a positive direction given that INEC innovations are safeguarded and protected statutorily. The tenure of five national commissioners will end by the first week of December. The Commission is conscious of and mindful of the constitutional imperatives of conducting elections at times and periods circumscribed by the constitution. "The nominees for National Commissioners include Mohammed Haruna (Niger State, North-Central), May Agbamuche (Delta, South-South), Kenneth Nnamdi (Abia, South-East). The Senate has confirmed seven nominees appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission. 3. I wish to remind the States that are yet to make their submissions to do so by the end of this week. Following the Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) report on confirmation of the appointment of National Commissioners, the Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nominees in accordance with the relevant provisions of the constitution. Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox. Next week, the tenure of INEC national commissioners representing the South-East, South-South, North-East, North-Central, and South-West will lapse. The general elections will be conducted for Presidential,. The confirmation of the nominees on Wednesday followed the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on INEC. "The people to be appointed should be capable, credible, and distinguished Nigerians from the different geopolitical zones where these vacancies have to be filled. As the 2023 general elections draw near, especially with presidential campaigns commencing on September 28, 2022, there had been concerns in some parts of the country by the electorate, some stakeholders and observer groups as to the negative effects the pervasive insecurity may have on the conduct and outcome of the election. He disclosed that the Committee received a petition from the Taraba Elders Forum against the nomination of Maj. Gen. A. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Buhari had sworn-in the six national commissioners at the State House, Abuja. Buhari mourns former Senator Ben Bruces mum, Boko Haram: Expect shift from terrorism to peace in coming months Buhari to North-East, Kaduna governorship election: PDP submits voter registers, INEC forms to tribunal, 2023 Elections: INEC breaks silence on allegations by observers, others, All principal officers of 10th Senate [Full list], INEC closes defence in Obi/LP petition, tenders documents, Emmanuel Ogebe: Daniel in the lions den How PDP closed INECs defence in three hours, May God punish Yakubu Charly Boy curses INEC chair. On the basis of this, the Commission conducted the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections and averted the constitutional challenge that would have accompanied the indeterminate cancellation, postponement or rescheduling of the election. December 30, 2021 2023 : Anxiety in INEC over exit of Commissioners with civil society background, proven integrity Igini, Sadiq, leave 2022 We 're losing our credible officials-INEC. The President, who is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, has a responsibility to ensure that the armed forces act professionally and ethically, especially on election-related duties. However, less than 10% of the worlds annual plastic production is recycled. In a post via his Twitter handle, Okonkwo claimed the electoral commission might have had a technical glitch, leading to the absence of its witnesses. 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Gaya said most of the nominees are accomplished Nigerians who have contributed to the national economy in their various fields of endeavours. INEC also gets the support of the National Assembly through appropriations and, therefore, it would have no reason not to perform. Those at the inauguration of the commissioners were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan and Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila amongst others, PM News added. 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In the two elections, the President directed the Independent National Electoral Commission and the security agencies to ensure that the process was hitch-free without interference from any quarter.