Politics
EU Mission Criticizes INEC, Reports Violence, Vote-Buying During Gov Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria has received criticism from the European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria 2023 for its handling of the electoral process.
In a preliminary statement, the Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission, Barry Andrews, stated that Nigerians were eager to participate in the democratic process but had become disillusioned due to failures by the political elite and INEC.
Andrews noted that INEC had not lived up to expectations, and that the hunger for democracy in Nigeria had been lost as a result.
Andrews said, “Throughout the mission, we saw that Nigerians have a great appetite for democracy and are keen to engage in various civic activities. However, in many parts of the country, their expectations were not met. Many were disappointed and we witnessed voter apathy that is in part, a clear consequence of failures by political elites and, unfortunately, also by INEC.
“Public confidence and trust in INEC were severely damaged on 25 February due to lack of transparency and operational failures in the conduct of the federal level polls.
“Up until the postponement, INEC continued to abstain from providing information, limiting its communication to a few press releases and ceremonial statements and hence failing to address public grievances and rebuild confidence in the electoral process.
“From 11 March onwards, despite compressed timeframes, INEC introduced various corrective measures to render a timely delivery of electoral materials, efficient use of election technologies, and ensure prompt publication of result forms, some of which were effective.
“Positively, INEC introduced some corrective measures ahead of Saturday’s polls, allowing a timely delivery of sensitive materials and improved use of election technologies, yet the institution continued to lack transparency.”
Andrews, reported that the March 18 elections experienced fewer issues with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System compared to the February 25 elections.
The governorship election result forms were uploaded and made available for public scrutiny, with online access ranging from 62 to 97 percent depending on the state.
This is a significant improvement compared to the presidential election results, where only a quarter of the result forms were visible at the time of declaration. As of midday on March 19, voters could access a majority of the governorship result forms online.
He, however, added that despite these improvements, “Polling on Election Day was disrupted by multiple incidents of thuggery and intimidation of voters, polling officials, observers, and journalists. Lagos, Kano, and other states in the southern and central parts were the most affected. Unfortunately, there were many casualties and fatalities. Vote-buying, also directly observed by EU EOM observers, further detracted from the appropriate conduct of the
elections.”
The second preliminary report of the EU EOM Nigeria 2023 supplements the first report issued on February 27. The mission has been present in Nigeria since January 11 and will continue to observe post-election developments.
The EU EOM will present and publish its final report, including recommendations for improving the electoral framework in the next few months.
The United Kingdom’s (UK) Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme (ETAS) for visitors from many additional countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, became operative on Wednesday.
It was gathered that the system comes with the objective of tightening border security would allow eligible travellers to enter Britain with pre-travel authorization.
The cost implication of the ETAS, according to the AFP would be £10 per head and permits stays of up to six months within two years.
The initiative was first introduced in 2023, beginning with Qatar.
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In 2024, it was expanded to include five Gulf countries but would now be covering citizens from approximately 50 more nations, including Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several Caribbean territories.
It was gathered that travellers required to use the system can apply via an app. The applications for the newly added countries opened last November.
By April, the scheme is expected to extend to European Union (EU), countries and other territories. From March 5, travellers in these regions can begin applying for ETAS.
The system applies to visitors transiting through the UK, as well as to children and infants.
However, British and Irish citizens, residents, and those holding passports from British-overseas territories are exempt.
In addition, it does not alter requirements for countries that already require a visa for UK entry, such as China and South Africa.
However, London’s Heathrow Airport had opposed the scheme, on the grounds that its rollout already reduced the number of passengers transiting through the UK, a clear indication that the policy made the country “less competitive” and harmful to economic growth.
This development parallels Europe’s forthcoming ETIAS system, which is expected to begin later this year.
The EU’s version will cover visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 countries, including the UK, and will cost seven euros for three years of access.
According to government data, the US, Canada, and Australia collectively account for around six million visitors to the UK annually.
The UK government views the ETAS as a crucial step in strengthening its border security measures.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has called on party members in Kano State to prioritize unity as they prepare to reclaim political control from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Speaking at the 8th and 9th APC Members Kano State House of Assembly Forum dinner on Monday, Ganduje, represented by the APC Chairman in Kano, Abdullahi Abbas, urged members to focus on collaboration to achieve their political ambitions.
Highlighting the importance of solidarity, Ganduje stated, “Unity is the only way forward for us; it’s our only option to achieve our goals. God has already intervened in our situation.
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“The current government is distorting the state; we are just waiting for the right time. The next election will be like shifting a hen from its eggs.”
He also criticised NNPP leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, downplaying his influence in Kano politics.
“I am always surprised when Rabiu Kwankwaso claims he has the people’s support. I swear to God, if not for the issues that caused some of us to leave, he wouldn’t have won any election in the state. This time, he will see. Those who supported him are already disappointed and regretful.”
Ganduje expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to reclaim the state, adding, “I assure you, we are done with Kwankwasiyya. Even the governor is unaware of all that is happening.”
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, also stressed the need for party cohesion, assuring members of the APC’s strong position.
“What we need in Kano now is unity. The issue of the election is not a concern. If elections were held today, we would have no reason to fear. The loss we experienced was God’s will. Let us pray and work together in unity,” Ata said.
Criticising the NNPP-led administration, Ata noted, “We must strive to reclaim Kano because the state is not in the right hands. Nobody is benefiting from the leadership. I appreciate the president for prioritising Kano. For example, when other states received 250 housing units, Kano received 500 units.”
The Chairman of the Forum, Abdul’azeez Gafasa, commended the honorees for their service to the APC and reiterated the importance of party unity.
“Our leaders have worked hard to bring us together,” he said, pledging the forum’s commitment to progress and mutual support.
The event, which celebrated notable APC members, including former House Speakers Rt. Hon. Kabiru Rurum, Rt. Hon. Hamisu Chidari, and Rt. Hon. Yusuf Atta, underscored the party’s resolve to reclaim Kano in the next elections.
Edo State’s local government councils have been plunged into chaos, with three chairmen facing impeachment proceedings amid accusations of violence, unconstitutional actions, and political interference.
The affected councils — Uhunmwonde, Orhionmwon, and Owan East — are witnessing escalating tensions that threaten governance and stability.
In Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, tensions escalated on Tuesday when gunmen allegedly attacked bystanders, leaving several injured.
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The council chairman, Kenneth Adodo, accused the attackers of being policemen sent from the Edo State Government House.
“The people who came to shoot were policemen from the Government House,” Adodo alleged.
The incident followed moves by councillors to impeach the local government leadership, intensifying concerns about safety and order in the area.
Leadership Dispute in Orhionmwon
In Orhionmwon Local Government Area, councillors impeached the Leader of the House, Hon. Daniel Osariemen, on Wednesday, replacing him with Hon. Chuks Isan.
The impeachment was reportedly an attempt to preempt a suspected plot by Osariemen to oust the council chairman, Hon. Newman Ugiagbe, and his deputy, Midwest Ogbebor.
Osariemen later led a group of unidentified individuals to seize the council secretariat in Abudu, where he declared himself acting chairman.
Ugiagbe, in a statement issued by his press secretary, Roy Osariemen, dismissed the action as illegal.
“The action in Abudu is illegal. I remain the chairman of the Orhionmwon Local Government Area,” Ugiagbe asserted.
In Owan East, Chairman Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri has described his impeachment as unconstitutional and vowed to challenge the process in court.
Addressing journalists in Benin City on Thursday, Okodo-Kadiri outlined several irregularities, including the absence of a seven-member investigative panel as mandated by the Edo State Local Government Law of 2000 (amended in 2002).
He also alleged that the councillors used an unofficial mace during the impeachment and that two of the councillors who participated had been suspended for gross misconduct.
“The process violated the provisions of the law,” Okodo-Kadiri said. “The governor alleged that council chairmen embezzled ₦50 million meant for salaries, but this claim lacks merit. Monthly salary expenditures far exceed ₦50 million, and salaries were paid up to November. If funds were misappropriated, where is the proof? Our bank records are clear, and no salaries are owed.”
Okodo-Kadiri further criticized the lack of due process in reinstating the suspended councillors. “Their participation rendered the proceedings invalid. My office was never notified of their reinstatement,” he added.
The embattled chairman vowed to seek redress through the judiciary. “I trust the courts to restore justice and uphold the rule of law,” he said.
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