Connect with us

Politics

NSA warns against any attempt to disrupt Edo, Ondo elections

Published

8 months ago

on

The National Security Adviser (NOS), Nuhu Ribadu, has warned against any attempt to undermine or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

Ribadu, represented by a Director in the Office of NSA, gave the warning during an Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICESS) organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ribadu, who noted pockets of violence for inter- and intra-parties struggles in the two states, said that any attempt to disrupt elections would be treated as an assault on the nation’s democracy.

“Given the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in Edo in particular, the NSA, who doubles as the co-chair of ICCES, has warned that any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls, will be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values.

“We want to reassure you that President Bola Tinubu’s  administration is committed to a peaceful conduct of elections, and is particularly unwavering in his commitment.

“Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness. We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal.

“The law enforcement agencies, are on higher alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls,” he said.

Ribadu who assured voters in the state of government’s determination to protect them, encouraged them to vote confidently and promptly report any suspicious activities or threats to the authorities.

ALSO READ:  Muslim community lays foundation of 5,000 capacity ultra-modern Mosque in Kogi

“To our security forces and election officials, your dedication and integrity are crucial. As the guardians of our democracy, you must ensure that every ballot is protected and every voter feels safe and the sanctity of the election is upheld,” Ribadu said

In his remarks, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, tasked security agencies on vigilance and maintaining peace in Edo and Ondo state.

Yakubu, who is also co-chair of ICCES, also tasked political actors on peaceful conducting saying electioneering campaigns by political parties is usually a time of concern and anxiety about security as political parties canvass for votes.

“I urge political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain the peace as we approach the election day and beyond. Party and campaign spokespersons should tone down the negative rhetoric.

“For the security agencies, this is the time to be more vigilant. You should leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections.

“Already, concerns have been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes.

“With just 37 days to the Edo State governorship election and 93 days before voters in Ondo go to the polls, we should continue to work together to ensure that the training of election officials, logistics for the movement of personnel and materials, polling and collation activities are not disrupted in any way.

“I must also add that in doing so, all your personnel should continue to abide by the code and conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty,” Yakubu said.

ALSO READ:  2027: Ganduje receives Nwoko into APC, vows to take over Delta

Egbetokun , represented by Commissioner of Police in-charge of Elections, Lanre Ogunlowo, he said that the Nigeria Police was putting in place all measures required to ensure peaceful conduct of the two elections.

He that the Police would be coordinating with all other security agencies to ensure that voting in these elections were peaceful and orderly.

“We take cognisance of the challenges that usually comes with elections and all resources are being deployed.

“At the moment, we have compiled set aside officers from Police and other security agencies that will partake in the election. And to that extent, we just want to assure that we will do all we need to do.

“The issue of non-state actors especially disrupting or attempting to interfere with the electoral process will completely not happen.

“If they are not constitutionally involved in the process, they are not supposed to be found during the voting process.

“We will continue to do what is expected of us in the two states and Nigerian at large.

”We will ensure that a that  their votes count and we will have cause to give thanks to INEC and other participants during and after the elections,” he said.(NAN)

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Politics

Ndume To Tinubu: Buhari’s Support Is Crucial

Published

2 hours ago

on

April 12, 2025

By

….He remains adorable figures in the north

Senator Ali Ndume has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be worried if ex-President Muhamamdu Buhari is not on his side.

Speaking during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, the lawmaker said although Buhari has just one vote, he remains an adorable figure in Northern Nigeria.

Ndume spoke after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar led key opposition figures to Buhari’s residence in Kaduna, on Friday.

The senator said he was also planning a visit to Buhari.

He said, “Buhari’s followership has diminished naturally because it is different when you are not in power and after spending like eight years in power. Of course his popularity, everything has diminished, it is natural, but you can’t write him off especially with the Northern masses. The followership of Buhari has been occultic. You cannot explain it.

“If Buhari is coming here now, you will see people rushing to see. Everybody including those in the vegetable market will rush here. Buhari is still with the Talakawas

“Tinubu should be worried if Buhari is not on his side. Every number counts and Buhari has one vote. Tinubu should also be worried about my position. Because I have one vote for him. He does not have a vote for me.”

Elanza News learnt that there were concerns over the potential exit of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc from the APC.

This was amplified following a recent meeting between former Buhari and APC governors.

The visit, which took place on Monday in Kaduna, was initially perceived as a routine courtesy call but has since sparked speculation about its deeper purpose.

ALSO READ:  Court of Appeal Affirms Martins Amaewhule as Rivers Assembly Speaker

It was gathered that the governors reportedly sought Buhari’s intervention to halt defections from the party, particularly by key members of the CPC bloc.

The governors’ appeal reportedly arose from growing concerns about potential defections ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defunct CPC, a key bloc within APC, remains highly influential, with Buhari regarded as its central figure.

There are fears within APC that the exit of this bloc could spell disaster for the party on a national scale.

The Monday meeting took place amid a wave of defections by Buhari’s allies from APC to SDP. Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai was the first to publicly announce his departure, claiming he had secured Buhari’s blessing before leaving the party.

Several former ministers who served in Buhari’s cabinet are also reportedly finalising plans to join the SDP, and in Buhari’s home state of Katsina, numerous APC members have already defected to the SDP.

The CPC, founded in 2009, merged in February 2013 with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to form what is now known as the APC.

Elanza News gathered that the governors feared Buhari’s enduring cult-like followership in the North could become a major liability for APC if he backs his CPC associates. His bloc vote, they feared, could be catastrophic for the party in 2027.

It was gathered that the governors specifically urged Buhari to dissuade his CPC associates from leaving APC. However, the former president reportedly declined to make any such commitment.

ALSO READ:  Federal Government Files Six-Count Charge Against Nine Individuals Regarding Akpabio Impeachment Rumor

While reaffirming his loyalty to APC, he insisted that others must be allowed to make their own political choices—a principle he said he has upheld throughout his political career.

Meanwhile, Buhari has said he remains a committed member of the ruling APC.

In a statement by Garba Shehu, his spokesman, Buhari was quoted to have said after Wl-Rufai’s defection, he would never turn his back on the APCy that gave him the platform to become Nigeria’s number one citizen.

Continue Reading

Politics

‘No vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027,’ ex-lawmaker declares

Published

17 hours ago

on

April 11, 2025

By

A two-term former Lagos State House of Assembly member, Sir Jude Idimogu, says there will be “no vacancy” in Aso Rock come 2027.

Idimogu, who represented Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II between 2015 and 2023, made the declaration in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

He was reacting to the recent announcement by an opposition group, which vowed to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Idimogu, who is also the deputy leader of Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ndigbo, Lagos State, and APC member, said no alliance between opposition leaders could pose a significant threat to Tinubu’s re-election.

The former lawmaker described the coalition of opposition politicians against the second term aspiration of the president as nothing but an exercise in futility.

He noted that the ruling party had a strong leadership and grassroots support that would propel the party to victory in 2027.

Idimogu maintained that the president deserved a second term because he was building a legacy of sustainable development.

“In Nigeria, power is being rotated between the North and the South, so I believe it is the turn of the South to complete their eight years in office.

“So there is no vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027 and I am appealing to all the Northerners in the party to support the president to complete his eight years.

“Regarding the coalition, I can tell you, there is really no political gang-up that can unseat Tinubu in 2027,” he said.

Idimogu said that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda was yielding positive results, hence he did not see the prospect of any opposition candidate reeling out anything better than his.

ALSO READ:  Christmas: Matawalle Calls For Peace

“I don’t know which of the candidates will come out today and reel out a policy that is better than what the administration of Tinubu is doing.

“This is because Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda is yielding positive results and we can see improved power supply.

“Our naira against the dollar is now gradually appreciating with the restoration of the naira-for-crude deal, and the export drive,” he said.

The ex-lawmaker also noted that the prices of food items were gradually reducing in the market with the implementation of favourable policies to increase farmers’ outputs.

“So I will give it to him (Tinubu). In two years’ time, I will be one of those that will quickly champion his re-election in 2027,” he said.

Idimogu advised the people behind the coalition to instead join hands with the president in the interest of the country. (NAN)

Continue Reading

Politics

I’m committed to rebuilding, growing Labour Party, Usman assures party leaders

Published

1 day ago

on

April 11, 2025

By

The acting National Chairperson of Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, has assured party members and supporters of her commitment to rebuilding and growing the party for future victory.

In a message of appreciation to members and leaders of the party after Wednesday’s NEC meeting in Abuja, Usman assured that a new Labour Party would come out of the crisis which had now been settled by the Supreme Court.

“Yesterday (Wednesday) marked a significant moment in the life of our great party, the Labour Party, as the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting and Stakeholders’ Interactive Town hall convened in Abuja.

“It was a gathering filled with purpose and clarity, and I was truly honoured to be present among eminent leaders and committed stakeholders — including my dear elder brother and grand leader, H.E Mr Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed,” she said.

Usman also acknowledged other leaders of the party in attendance, including the leader of NEC, Gov. Alex Otti, the Deputy Governor of Abia, Ikechukwu Emetu, LP members of the National and State Assembly members as well as representatives of NLC and TUC, leaders of Obidient Movement and other patriotic Nigerians.

She described the meeting as both timely and necessary, as the stakeholders worked collectively to fortify the foundations of the party, build unity and refocus on its enduring mission — building a New Nigeria that works for all.

Usman, a former Minister of Finance, said she was humbled by the resolution passed at the NEC meeting, appointing her as the acting national chairperson to lead the party during the period of transition.

ALSO READ:  2027: Ganduje receives Nwoko into APC, vows to take over Delta

She also said that a formal visit was paid to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where the Supreme Court judgment affirming the legitimacy of the party’s leadership transition was presented and the outcome of NEC proceedings communicated.

“This is more than a procedural step — it is a demonstration of our collective commitment to due process, internal democracy and the transparent governance that the Nigerian people rightfully expect from us.

“I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to all members of the Labour Party, the leadership of the NLC and TUC, the Obidient Movement and every Nigerian who continue to believe in this movement.

“To our leader and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, your steadfastness and integrity continue to inspire millions.

“I reaffirm my commitment to the values and vision that define the Labour Party — a party of the people, for the people.

“Now is not the time for distraction or division. Now is the time to build, with unity, courage and a deep love for our country,” she said.

Usman said together, she and other stakeholders would continue the journey of hope, while pledging to serve with diligence, openness and unwavering focus on shared goals.

NAN

Continue Reading