Politics
EU Report On 2023 General Election Sparks Disagreement
The European Union’s report on Nigeria’s 2023 general election has caused a rift between the presidency, the Labour Party, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
While the government questions the report’s credibility, the LP accuses officials of attempting to save face while the CSOs have emphasized the importance of addressing the election’s shortcomings and implementing the EU’s recommendations.
The presidency, the Labour Party (LP), and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) hold conflicting opinions regarding the European Union’s (EU) report on the 2019 general election submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
LP Accuses Government Of Saving Face
The LP responds to the EU report by accusing government officials of trying to protect their reputation rather than addressing the election’s flaws.
CSOs Call For Acknowledgement Of Gaps
CSOs, including Transparency International (TI), the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), have urged the government to accept the EU report’s recommendations and acknowledge the gaps in the election process.
CSOs, represented by Awwal Musa Rafsanjani, highlight the alignment between the EU report and the observations made by local CSOs, stressing that the EU officials had been present in the country before the general elections.
They emphasize the need for INEC and the government to take the EU’s recommendations seriously to address the gaps identified.
Historical Precedent And Election Challenges
Rafsanjani cites former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s acknowledgment of gaps in the election that brought him to power as an example. He also references the numerous court cases related to the 2019 election, suggesting that the existence of these cases signifies underlying issues.
CSOs Urge Government And INEC To Study Reports
The CSOs through their leader, Awwal Musa Rafsanjani advised the government and INEC to thoroughly study both the CSOs’ and the EU’s reports, making necessary amendments to improve the credibility of future elections.
Failure to address the identified gaps, Rafsanjani said could lead to decreased public participation in the electoral process.
IPAC Chairman Stresses Judicial Decision
Yabagi Sani, the National Chairman of the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), acknowledges the government’s right to express its opinion on the EU report.
However, Sani, who spoke with Elanza News, emphasizes that the ultimate judgment lies with the court system, which will determine the credibility of the election.
Labour Party Condemns Government’s Response
The Labour Party criticizes the government’s attempts to discredit the EU report and considers it a feeble attempt to save face after the election. The party asserts that the EU report is just one of many submissions by international observers who viewed the election as flawed and unrepresentative of the majority.
LP Stands Firm On Election Rigging Allegations
The LP maintains its position that the 2019 election was heavily rigged in favor of the APC and its candidate. They argue that the government’s response is an afterthought aimed at concealing the obvious manipulation. The party urges the judiciary to deliver justice impartially for the sake of the nation and future generations.
INEC’s Independence Questioned
The LP highlights its concerns about INEC’s perceived lack of independence, claiming that the commission’s actions are influenced by the government’s wishes.
They emphasize the importance of the judiciary in upholding justice and restoring the trust of the Nigerian electorate.
“In light of the divergent views and criticisms surrounding the 2023 general election, it is crucial to consider the steps needed to ensure future elections are independent and credible,” the party said.
Strengthening Electoral Institutions:
Efforts should be made to enhance the independence and transparency of electoral institutions like INEC. Implementing reforms that bolster their credibility and ensure impartiality is essential.
Electoral Reforms: Identifying and rectifying the gaps in the electoral process is vital. Stakeholders should engage in constructive dialogue to review existing laws and regulations, seeking ways to improve transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.
Civic Education and Voter Awareness: Promoting civic education programs that educate citizens about their rights, the electoral process, and the importance of active participation can help create an informed electorate.
International Observer Missions: Collaborating with international organizations, such as the European Union, to conduct comprehensive and impartial observer missions can provide valuable insights and recommendations to enhance the credibility of future elections.
Strengthening Judicial Independence: Upholding the independence of the judiciary is crucial for ensuring that election-related disputes are adjudicated impartially. Continued efforts should be made to safeguard the judiciary from external influence.
Public Confidence-Building Measures: Governments, political parties, and electoral institutions should prioritize measures that foster public confidence in the electoral process. This can include transparent communication, regular updates on electoral reforms, and proactive engagement with civil society organizations and the media.
By addressing these areas, Nigeria can work towards conducting elections that reflect the will of the people, enhance democratic values, and strengthen the country’s reputation both domestically and internationally.
The EU report on Nigeria’s 2023 general election has sparked differing opinions among the presidency, the Labour Party, and CSOs.
While the government questions the report’s credibility, CSOs emphasize the importance of addressing the identified gaps.
The LP accuses the government of attempting to save face.
Elanza News reports that even though the CSOs want a crucial focus on reforms and measures that enhance the independence and credibility of electoral institutions, promote civic education, and strengthen the judiciary, the presidency is unwilling to accept the election was faulty.
“Only by addressing these aspects can Nigeria ensure independent and credible elections that truly represent the will of the people,” the CSOs said through their leader, Awwal Musa Rafsanjani.
The Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, has levelled serious accusations against the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, claiming he has attempted to utilise the party’s platform to incite insurrection in Nigeria.
In a recent appearance on News Central, Arabambi dismissed Obi’s assertions that he won the last presidential election, further igniting the ongoing internal disputes within the party.
This statement follows a significant decision made by the faction of the party led by Peter Obi, who recently announced the indefinite suspension of several notable members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT), and Senator Darlighton Nwokocha (Abia Central), citing alleged anti-party activities.
The announcement came after an emergency meeting of the faction’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held in Abuja, where members reviewed the findings of a five-member Disciplinary Committee established the week prior.
Chaired by Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, the committee included National Secretary Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim and three other senior party officials, tasked with investigating the misconduct allegations against those suspended.
Following what they termed “exhaustive deliberation” and in accordance with the Labour Party Constitution, the NEC ratified the committee’s recommendations.
Other members suspended with immediate effect include Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.
Arabambi expressed disbelief at the audacity of Otti and Obi, stating, “How can Alex Otti and Obi claim to be chairman and secretary? They even have the nerve to write to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) as chairman and secretary to convene a NEC meeting.”
He referenced specific sections of the party’s constitution, asserting, “Section 82(1) stipulates that such letters must be signed by the national chairman of the party, and Section 12 clearly states that any association wishing to register as a political party must have its own constitution. Furthermore, Section 3, number 222 of the Constitution forbids caretakers from managing the affairs of a political party.”
Arabambi went on to criticise the party’s leadership, saying, “They brought in Dr. Doyin Okupe; now they have turned to Nenadi Usman.” He alleged that Usman has an unresolved matter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dating back to 2015, adding, “Obi is synonymous with associating with corrupt individuals.”
He continued, “They claim to be nationalists, but they are nothing but intruders — people intent on setting Nigeria ablaze. Peter Obi and others do not love Nigeria; they require the platform to unleash chaos for political insurrection.”
Arabambi concluded, “They assert they were robbed in the 2023 election, but I am here to tell Nigerians through your station that were not rigged. The individuals Peter Obi relied upon were responsible for our electoral misfortunes.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday warned against the creation of a one-party state, saying any nation that must practice it must do so carefully and with a well-planned process and projected outcome.
He stated this in Abuja while paying tribute to the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, at a memorial lecture and day of tribute.
Jonathan warned that any attempt to bring about a one-party state through political machinations to soothe only personal aspirations will be detrimental to the country.
The former president also called on the family of the late former federal commissioner to, among other things, set up a yearly memorial lecture in his honour to continue to push his ideas and what he stood for, which is a united, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.
On his part, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, lamented that the labour of our heroes past was already in vain.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted the endemic poverty in rural areas, the state of insecurity, and the rising cost of living.
He maintained that the labour of people like Pa Edwin Clark had not paid off, as the sacrifices people like Pa Clark made were in vain today.
The chairman on the occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said that the task of ensuring that Nigeria remains united and indivisible must be ensured by all, as the nation could only make progress if national interest was put before any personal interest.
… Abure’s faction suspends Gov Otti, Kingibe, others
By Abubakar Yunusa
A faction of the Labour Party (LP) led by Julius Abure has suspended Alex Otti, governor of Abia state, and Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the federal capital territory (FCT), indefinitely.
The suspension was announced in a statement released by Umar Farouk Ibrahim, LP national secretary, on Wednesday.
Other members who were suspended are Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi.
On May 2, the Abure-led faction inaugurated a five-member disciplinary committee headed by Ayo Olorunfemi, the party’s deputy national chairman, to investigate some members over alleged anti-party activities.
Announcing the report of the disciplinary committee, Farouk said the national executive “rarified the recommendations of the panel”.
The LP scribe said the suspended members will no longer act for and on behalf of the party.
Farouk said Nenadi Usman, chair of the LP caretaker committee, was omitted from the list because she is not a registered member of the party.
“By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party,” Farouk said.
“All concerned institutions including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC and security agencies among others are to take note.
“It will surprise Nigerians and party faithfuls that the name of one Nenadi Usman was conspicuously omitted from the list of the suspended members of the party.
“First, we have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party being not a card carrying member of the Party.
“We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
“We will therefore not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party.”
The national secretary said the party’s leadership had said it was not interested in any coalition of opposition parties.
Farouk said the initiators of the coalition “lack the capacity, the character and competence to midwife such a political arrangement”.
The LP is currently divided into two factions; one is led by Abure while the other is being controlled by the caretaker committee under the leadership of Usman.
Earlier, the caretaker committee constituted a panel chaired by Kingibe to probe Abure over allegations of corruption, misappropriation of party funds and anti-party activities.
Speaking at the press conference, Usman accused Abure of “persistently parading himself as national chairman of the party despite being removed” by the supreme court.