Connect with us

Politics

We Will Print 187 Million Ballots For 2023 Presidential Poll – INEC

Published

on

How BVAS Will Affect 2023 Elections - INEC

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, 187 million ballots will be printed in total for presidential poll.

Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, informed the public of this on Friday.

According to the Commission, there are currently 93.5 million registered voters in Nigeria, an increase of 9,518,188 from the 84,004,084 voters on the previous voter list.

Okoye, who spoke at a Roundtable with Bureau Chiefs/Editors in Abuja, stated that 93.5 million ballots will be used for the presidential election on February 25, 2022, and the remaining 93.5 million ballots will be utilized in a run-off election if there is a tie. He claimed that states will face the same restrictions.

The National Commissioner asserted that because it would be challenging to find printers on short notice and that logistics would be an issue, the Commission chose to print 187 million ballots for the presidential elections.

Okoye said, “As of today, 18 political parties will participate in the 2023 general election and the law has outlined how candidates will emerge and how a presidential candidate will emerge in Nigeria. Because of the limited time on the Commission and by the law; in case a candidate does not emerge from the first ballot, the Commission prints ballots for run-off elections (second election) when we are printing ballots for the main election. In other words, if 93million Nigerians are on the ballot for the presidential election, we will print 93million ballots for the first election and at the same time, print 93million ballots for the run-off election in case a winner does not emerge from the first ballot.

“If at the end of the day, there is no runoff, when election petitions are disposed of, the Commission will destroy the 93million ballots printed for the runoff. This is because the law gives the Commission just 21 days within each to engage in reverse logistics and conduct a runoff election in case there is no winner.

“Moreover, as of the time of the conduct of the Presidential election, the governorship elections and State Assembly elections are still pending. So for the governorship election, the Commission will print at least run-off ballots for four governorship elections in case we have challenges in terms of a winner not emerging in the first ballot in some of the states of the federation.

“Explaining how a president emerges and the conditions that may necessitate a second election, Okoye said “Section 134 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is the fundamental law of the land makes it mandatory that before anyone can be deemed to have been elected as a president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that candidate must secure the highest number of votes cast at the election and must also secure a quarter of the votes cast in two-thirds of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. It is mandatory.

“Now, if no candidate secures this highest number of votes and the mandatory threshold, the constitution says we must have a second election within a period of 21 days. Not all candidates are going to participate in this second election. 18 candidates will be on the ballot for the first election. If no candidate emerges from the first ballot, only two candidates will contest in the second election.

“The constitution has made it very clear that two candidates will be on the ballot one amongst the candidates who scored the highest number of votes at the election. The second candidate that will be on the ballot will be; one of the remaining candidates who have a majority of votes in the highest number of states. The constitution did not say that one who came second will be in the second election.

“The Commission is prepared for the second election if the situation arises taking into consideration the fact that it will be difficult to engage in reverse logistics and then begin to look for printers to print 93million ballots before we start thinking of how to move them to the states, local governments, wards, and polling units.

“We will print a ballot for the main election and a ballot for the runoff election at the same time. That is what the Commission will do.”

3 Comments
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
3 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Book of Ra
4 months ago

575785 589199Enjoyed reading this, very very good stuff, thankyou . 815005

sultangames.stroitelnye-lesa.kz

844599 78556I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, finest both for the body and the mind. 965221

บาคาร่าเกาหลี

57394 245288Its excellent as your other articles : D, regards for posting . 484813

Politics

“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

Published

on

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

Continue Reading

Politics

Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

Published

on

There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.

The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.

However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.

ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition

Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.

He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.

As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.

 

Continue Reading

Politics

Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

Published

on

The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.

The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.

SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja

Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.

He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.

The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.

The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.

Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.

The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

3
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x