Tag Archives: 2023

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

SERAP seek ICC’s probe into “growing cases of pre-election violence”

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to “promptly seek authorisation from the ICC Chamber to commence an investigation into the situation in Nigeria in relation to the growing cases of pre-election violence, which if not addressed may escalate and lead to post-election violence in the country.”

This petition was signed by the SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, following reports of election-related violence in several states including Lagos, Rivers, and Kaduna states.

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The petition dated 11 February, 2023 was sent to Mr Karim Khan, QC, Prosecutor, ICC.

Over 4,000 cases of violent attacks and 11,000 fatalities were reported across the country between 1 January 2022 and 3 February 2023 alone.

The petition, read in part: “SERAP urges you to seek authorisation from the ICC Chamber to commence an investigation into the situation in Nigeria in relation to election-related violence that may be committed during and after the elections scheduled for February and March 2023.

“SERAP also urges you to identify the suspected perpetrators of election-related violence and those individuals who bear the greatest responsibility for encouraging or facilitating these crimes, and to ensure their effective prosecution by the ICC.”

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“These are not isolated acts, but part of growing cases of election violence, thus constituting crimes against humanity.”

“Seeking authorisation from the ICC Chamber to commence an investigation in relation to election-related violence that may be committed after the general elections is consistent with Article 53(1)(a) of the Rome Statute which allows investigation into ‘a crime which has been or is being committed.’

“SERAP notes that the Prosecutor has consistently relied on the provisions of Article 15 of the Rome Statute and Regulation 49 of the ICC to investigate cases of election-related violence in other countries, including Cote d’Ivoire and Kenya.

“The requested investigation is neither frivolous nor politically motivated. Cases of election-related violence are rarely investigated by the Nigerian authorities. Nigerian authorities are unwilling or unable genuinely to carry out the investigation or prosecution.

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“As a result, suspected perpetrators and those who encourage or facilitate their crimes continue to enjoy impunity. Victims continue to be denied access to justice and effective remedies.

“The escalating cases of election-related violence in Nigeria meet the requirements of the Rome Statute and provide reasonable basis for you to promptly commence an investigation, particularly given the gravity of these cases and the interests of victims.

“It is necessary to ensure that any request for authorisation covers investigation into ongoing and continuing election-related crimes during and after the elections, especially given the volatile political environment in the country and the entrenched impunity for these crimes.”

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2023 General Elections, Politics Today

President Buhari to unveil police vehicles, others for 2023 elections.

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President Muhammadu Buhari will on Monday unveil new equipment acquired by the Federal Government to improve the capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force on crowd control and other operations ahead of the general elections.

Buhari, according to a statement issued on Saturday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, will unveil the equipment at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

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He said the equipment includes a total of 127 operational vehicles such as Toyota Hilux Pick Up vans, Zahab Classic Pick Up vans, Mikano Rich-6 Pick Up vans, anti-riot water cannons, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Jeeps, Toyota Coaster buses, Toyota Hiace Ambulances, Mikano Trucks, and Crowd Control Barriers Vehicles.

READ ALSO: 2023 elections: Buhari orders tight security around Nigeria’s borders

The statement read: “Similarly, a large catchment of arms, ammunition, riot control agents such as tear gas, tasers, stun guns, pepper sprays, bulletproof vests, helmets, and other personal protective equipment procured by the police will also be unveiled by the president.

“The IGP has expressed the eagerness of the NPF to ensure a safe and secure environment for law-abiding citizens to express their franchise at the 2023 general elections.

“He also warns all intending troubleshooters to be wary as the police have been adequately trained and equipped for strategic deployment before, during, and after the elections for the enforcement of extant laws regulating the conduct of elections in Nigeria; and strengthening the general security and public safety across the length and breadth of Nigeria.”

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

‘Emi Lokan a personal agreement between Buhari and Tinubu’ – Adebanjo claims at LP’s Lagos rally.

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The leader of the pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, on Saturday, alleged that the popular “Emi Lokan” chant by the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was the outcome of his succession agreement with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The former Lagos State governor came up with the term which means “it’s my turn” at a meeting he held with APC supporters in Abeokuta, Ogun State, before the party’s presidential primary in June last year.

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At the event, Tinubu stunned Nigerians by declaring that Buhari would not have won the 2015 presidential election without his support.

However, Adebanjo, who addressed the Labour Party supporters at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, the venue of the party’s final presidential campaign rally, stressed that the term did not represent the interest of the Yoruba people.

READ ALSO: ‘Tinubu deceiving himself if he thinks northerners will vote for him’ —Pa Adebanjo

The elder statesman is a major supporter of LP’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

He declared his support for the former Anambra State governor last year and stressed the need for the South-East to produce the country’s next president later this month.

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Adebanjo said: “The one who said ‘it is my turn’ is his agreement with Buhari.

“Emilokan didn’t say it is the turn of the Yoruba. Emilokan’s agreement with Buhari was that when Buhari leaves office, he will take over. (But) were you there when he said that?

“I said before that if Obi does not come in as the president, forget Nigeria. The northern elders now say I want to impose Obi on them. No! They want to impose a northerner on us, and we said no.”

Politics Today

Military dismisses claims on planned disruption of 2023 elections, coup.

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The Nigerian armed forces on Saturday dismissed claims that some of its officers met with one of the presidential candidates in this month’s election with a view to disrupting the poll and causing havoc in different parts of the country.

The presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 25, while the governorship and State House of Assembly polls will take place on March 11.

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There are fears of unrest in many parts of the country over fuel and naira scarcity.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau, the military described as unfounded the rumours that plans on how to oust the present civilian government and throw the country into a constitutional crisis were perfected at the said meeting.

The statement read: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria notes with dismay the story being peddled around by some unscrupulous elements alleging that some military officers met with a presidential candidate with the aim of disrupting the general elections and setting the country on fire.

“The wicked and very malicious propaganda indicated that a so-called Thursday meeting is plotting a coup d’etat to establish unconstitutional order.

READ ALSO: US reiterates neutrality in 2023 elections, advocates full participation of Nigerians

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is disheartened that even politically exposed persons can denigrate themselves into joining agents of destabilisation and violence in making false claims just to heighten tension in the polity.

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“It needs to be stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is a professional military that is loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic and will never be part of any evil plot against our democracy.

“Besides, the Military remains apolitical and neutral in the current political process and will not engage in the alleged shenanigans. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will never be part of any ignoble plot to truncate our hard-earned democracy.

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“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby warn that those who engage in fabricating and spreading unfounded misinformation will be invited by the appropriate law enforcement agencies to substantiate their claims.”

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

Tinubu has no advantage, prepare to accept defeat – Keyamo to PDP, LP others.

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One of the spokespersons for the Tinubu, Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, has claimed his presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, has no ruling-party advantage in the forthcoming election.

Keyamo also said the opposition should be prepared to accept defeat in good faith.

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His statement was contained in a post on his verified Twitter handle on Sunday.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment said the opposition had assumed the Naira redesign policy was targeted at Tinubu.

He wrote, “Since the opposition assumes that the NAIRA redesign policy is targeted at @officialABAT by the ‘powers-that-be’, it’s safe to assume that they now agree that BAT has no ruling-party advantage in this election. In that case, let them be prepared to take their defeat in good faith.”

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

2023: Buhari makes fresh demand from university staff.

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday charged university administrators that would be engaged with different support services in the 2023 general elections to uphold a high degree of professionalism.

Speaking at the weekend at the 36/37 combined convocation of Bayero University Kano, Buhari insisted that his administration would provide a level playing field for the smooth implementation of the electoral process in Nigeria.

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He said, “I urge those who’ll be involved in the elections to play their roles with the usual dignity and transparency for which our academics are very well known.

“There’s no doubt that the participation of academics and other staff of universities in our country’s general elections over the years has lent more credibility and respectability to Nigeria’s democratic processes.”

The president, represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, also called on all Nigerians to work for the success of the elections to help move Nigeria forward.

Buhari also enjoined Nigerian universities to make sure that the quality of their graduates measures up to world standards

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

2023: Obi fumes over attack on his supporters in Lagos rally

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The Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reacted to the recent violent attacks on his supporters by suspected thugs in Lagos State.

Obi condemned every form of violence and political thuggery and the incessant attacks on his ‘Obedient’ supporters.

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𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 reported the attack on Obi’s supporters in Lagos.

Recall with 𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 that the Labour Party, LP, held its presidential campaign in Lagos on Saturday.

His statement was contained in a post via his verified Twitter handle on Saturday.

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Obi called on the security forces nationwide to protect those exercising their fundamental rights of free speech and assembly.

He said, “As we go into the final stretch for the 2023 elections, I call on all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation or tendency, to eschew violence. I condemn any form of violence and political thuggery; and especially the incessant attacks on my Obedient supporters.

“I call on the security forces nationwide to protect those exercising their fundamental rights of free speech and assembly. Our civic space must not shrink further.”

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

Nigerian military responds to ‘Atiku meeting, coup plot’

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The Armed Forces of Nigeria has condemned the allegation that some of its officers met with a presidential candidate over the 2023 election.

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode alleged that the Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and top military personnel met.

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A rebuttal Saturday evening by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Acting Director Defence Information, denied the military was involved in a plan to disrupt the general polls.

The spokesperson said the “wicked and very malicious propaganda indicated that a so-called Thursday meeting plotted a Coup d’etat to establish unconstitutional order”.

The Armed Forces expressed dismantled that “politically exposed persons can denigrate themselves into joining agents of destabilisation and violence in making false claims just to heighten tension in the polity”.

The director stated that the military is loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic and will never be part of any evil plot against democracy.

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The Defence Headquarters maintains it remains apolitical and neutral in the current political process and will not engage in shenanigans.

“Those who engage in fabricating and spreading unfounded misinformation will be invited by the appropriate law enforcement agencies to substantiate their claims.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will never be part of any ignoble plot to truncate our hard-earned democracy,” the statement added

2023 General Elections, Education Today

While all schools are to be shut ahead of 2023 elections, FG list schools that should be left open.

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Nigeria government on Thursday ordered the closure of universities for students to participate in the 2023 general election.

Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) gave the directive in a letter addressed to universities’ vice-chancellors and directors.

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NUC Deputy executive secretary (administration), Chris Maiyaki, said the directive takes effect from Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

Maiyaki noted that the directive was based on a directive from Nigeria’s education minister Adamu Adamu.

“As Vice-Chancellors of all Universities and Director/Chief Executive of Inter-University Centres are quite aware the 2023 General Elections have been scheduled to hold on Saturday February 25, 2023, for the Presidential and National Assembly, and Saturday March 11, 2023 for Gubernatorial and State Assembly, respectively.

“In view of the foregoing and concerns expressed on the security of staff, students and properties of the our respective institutions, the Honourable Minister of Education, Mal. Adama Adamu has following extensive consultations with the relevant security agencies, directed that all Universities and Inter-University Centres be shut down and academic activities be suspended between 22 February and 14th March, 2023.”

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The suspension of academic activities comes days after the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) asked President Muhammadu Buhari to shut down all tertiary institutions until after the February 25 and March 11 elections.

NANS vice-president Akinteye Babatunde stressed that the shutdown would allow students to obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).

“The office of the NANS vice president (external affairs) calls on the federal government of Nigeria to immediately close all tertiary institutions temporarily to afford students the opportunity to collect their PVCs from their local government Areas and vote in the forthcoming elections,” Babatunde said.

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

Group calls for all elections to hold same day.

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A group operating under the aegis of The Compatriots on Friday called on the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to allow elections hold simultaneously on the same day.

The socio-political group believes that the option would save the nation from the existential threat to lives and properties in the country.

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A statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the group and former Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, which he sent to 𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘’ known Media in Abuja, cautioned Nigerians against provocative utterances and urged citizens to be committed to ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in the few days before the election.

“We strongly believe that there is merit in considering the option of holding all the elections in one day.

“While acknowledging that this will pose some challenges to the management of the elections, we consider it a safer option in the light of potential consequential threats to security,” the statement reads.

The group further expressed worries about the preparation and timelines of the elections, adding that challenges threatening the smooth conduct of elections must be promptly handled.

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They insisted that the elections must be held against all odds in a fair and credible manner.

According to the group: “All actual and perceived threats to the elections must therefore be handled promptly and decisively. Current difficulties facing citizens represent threats to the elections.

“Rhetoric and statements which inflame passions should be avoided by all. In particular, comments that suggest that the democratic elections must end with their candidate’s victory should be condemned.”

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

Political elites’ crude self-interest threat to 2023 election – Olawepo-Hashim.

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has warned that the self-interest of key political stakeholders is a threat to the 2023 general election.

The former presidential candidate said this was evident in the way primaries of the major parties were conducted. He lamented that the purchase of party delegates like onions and tomatoes, ethnic and religious sentiments were responsible for some choices made by parties.

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Olawepo-Hashim, who said these in a statement by his media office on Wednesday, said the two major parties, the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had approached the election based on narrow self-interests rather than national interest, adding that the third major candidate lacks the depth in political economy, national security and international relations to confront the myriad of issues facing Nigeria.

He said this was the reason there was no cohesion in their campaigns. He stated that each presidential candidate leads a faction while another is against the flagbearer. He said examples were the G-5 Governors of the PDP who have refused to support Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC, who has alleged that some forces in the presidential villa are working against his success at the polls.

Olawepo-Hashim said Nigerians driven by public good would be looking for candidates who fit their definition of something good and not necessarily minding their political parties.

He added that Nigeria would be lucky to have a President that would form a government of national unity and bring the nation together.

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

Rev. Joseph Hayab reminds FG of “free and fair elections”

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The Country Director, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, GPFN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, has enjoined Nigerians to join hands to halt electoral violence in the 2023 elections in whatever form it appears.

He lamented that the record of attacks on security and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, facilities in some parts of the country is a manifestation of election-related violence, saying that it appears to be on the path to overtaking the heights electoral violence has reached and needs to be stopped.

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Speaking at the formal inauguration of Kaduna State and mediation working committee in Kaduna on Thursday, the Country Director said, “Without being pessimistic, the record of cases of attacks on security and INEC facilities in some parts of the country, a manifestation of election-related violence, appears to be on the path to overtaking the heights electoral violence has reached and needs to be stopped. It is, therefore, rational that we join hands with intensive efforts to halt electoral violence in the 2023 elections in whatever form it appears.”

He added that it needs to be emphasized that while the long-awaited 2023 general election is here, what is essential is for Nigerians to swing into action towards ensuring all forms of electoral violence are mitigated in Kaduna State and beyond.

Sadly, he opined that electoral violence, as records have shown, has increased in Nigeria, with twice as many elections-related fatalities in 2022 compared to 2019.

According to him, the onerous task ahead is to work to safeguard a violence-free election and mitigate triggers to electoral violence in Kaduna State, given the sad history of massive losses associated with election violence.

Hayab enjoined the members of the committee to see their inauguration as an opportunity to serve on the Kaduna State Peace and Mediation Committee, KSPMC, which requires a high level of commitment and sacrifice.

He noted that electoral violence is an issue of grave concern to every well-meaning and peace-loving Nigerian because, as seen over the years, it is potent with colossal impact with a high propensity to take diverse forms, spread and escalate beyond politics.

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He explained that it is known to deepen ethnic, religious and regional grievances, thereby setting the stage for more conflict if not allayed. He added that it was why they must not relent in their efforts to stop violence associated with elections.

Hayab stated that Kaduna has recorded violence associated with elections recently but has a high potential for mass mobilization, as reported by INEC.

He expressed delight that there is an increase in voter registration indicative of growing interest in electoral participation, particularly by the young, who are regrettably the chief weapons often engaged in committing electoral violence.

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

Eleven commissioners dump PDP for APC in Sokoto as Tinubu begins rally.

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No fewer than eleven commissioners in Sokoto State have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The development followed an announcement by the state’s Deputy Governor, Manir Muhammad Dan Iya, resigning his membership in the main opposition party.

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𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 had reported that Muhammad made the disclosure in a letter directed to the PDP Ward Chairman of the Kware Ward, Kware Local Government Area of the State.

Reports of the defection hit the media a few hours before the presidential campaign rally of the ruling party.

The APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, are expected to land in the state for the campaign rally on Thursday.

The defectors are expected to be officially received into APC by President Muhammadu Buhari during the rally

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

2023: Sokoto deputy governor resigns from PDP.

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The Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan Iya has handed in his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leadership.

The Walin Sokoto, in a letter dated 8th February 2023 and addressed to his Ward Chairman in Kware, Kware Local Government said he was notifying the Party leadership of his resignation.

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The letter sighted by 𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 was titled “Letter of Withdrawal from the Peoples Democratic Party.

It read, “I write to notify you of the withdrawal of my membership from the Peoples Democratic P’arty (PDP) with effect from 8th February 2023.

“I appreciate the opportunities given to me, which made me serve in various capacities under the PDP.

“Accept my best regards.”

This is coming in just a few hours to the All Progressives Congress, APC’s mega rally in the state

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

Bayero predicted, prayed that I would be Nigeria’s President – Atiku tells Emir of Kano.

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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has reminded the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, that his late father, Alhaji Ado Bayero, had told them while on a visit to the Palace that he (Atiku) would be president.

“We were on a courtesy call to the palace sometime while I was the Vice President of Nigeria, than late Emir Ado Bayero said he saw among us somebody who was going to be President and who would bring greatness to Nigeria,” Atiku said.

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Atiku Abubakar added that the late Emir Ado Bayero didn’t stop at that. He also went ahead to pray that the President he saw would bring sanity to Nigeria and improve its socio-economic standard.

He said he believes he is the person mentioned by the late Emir Ado Bayero which is why it became imperative for the sitting Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero to follow suit and pray for him to achieve the dreams of the late Bayero.

Atiku Abubakar, who is in Kano on his presidential campaign, was at the Emir’s palace on a courtesy call, with his entourage, including his vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa

Gossipals

Portable dares Psquare to revive ‘dead career’ as fight over Peter Obi gets dirtier. (Video)

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Zazu Zeh crooner, Habeeb Okikiola aka Portable, has thrown his weight behind Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, in his ongoing war of words with Peter Okoye of the PSquare fame.

The problem started when Kuti described the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as an opportunist with nothing to offer Nigerians in a post on Wednesday. Watch Video Here

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The post immediately led to a messy war of words with Peter Okoye, who is a major supporter of the former Anambra State governor.

The other half of the PSquare music dynasty quickly fired a salvo at Kuti on his Twitter handle. Watch Video Here

He wrote: “Dude just erased his father’s history. You said only the people of Nigeria can save Nigeria. Is PO and the rest candidates, not Nigerian people? Shame! Shame! Shame!!!”

READ ALSO: Talentless, Grammy nominee in trenches: Seun Kuti and Peter Okoye clash over Obi on social media

In another post, Okoye insisted that afrobeats singer was nothing without the “Kuti” in his name. Watch Video Here

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As the social media war raged on with many celebrities weighing in, Portable jumped into the matter in his usual controversial manner and threw his weight behind Kuti.

He blasted Peter for daring to insult the Anikulapo-Kuti family name. Watch Video Here

In a video he posted on his official Instagram page, Portable challenged Peter and his brother, Paul, to revive their dead career

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

INEC probes endorsement of post criticising Peter Obi on Twitter.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into the circumstances that led to the endorsement of a post that criticised the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on its Twitter handle.

An unknown person on INEC’s official Twitter account – @inecnigeria, had clicked “like” on a post in which Seun Kuti, the son of late afrobeat maestro, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, criticised the LP candidate.

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Kuti had in an interview with an online platform, Mic On Podcast hosted by Channels Television’s Seun Okinbaloye described the former Anambra State governor as an opportunist that can’t deliver Nigeria.

The commission had come under fire following the incident with many accusing it of partisanship.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, INEC reassured Nigerians of its neutrality in the election and promised to deal with anyone behind the act.

The commission has already unliked the post.

READ ALSO: 2023: INEC, NSA allay fears of insecurity during elections

The statement read: “The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to a post on its Twitter handle, liking a post relating to one of the 18 presidential candidates.

“The Commission is an independent electoral body and does not have a preference for any candidate or political party. The Commission assures all Nigerians of its neutrality and will conduct a general election that is free and fair to all. The allegiance of the Commission is to the people of Nigeria.

“In the meantime, the Commission is investigating the circumstances that led to the liking of the said post and will take appropriate disciplinary actions if an infraction is established.”

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

2023: “… We are putting it on hold” Obasanjo speaks on election amid fuel, naira scarcity.

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday expressed hope that this year’s general elections would take place as scheduled despite the current situation in the country.

Obasanjo, who spoke when members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) visited him at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said the elections are of great importance to the international community, and as such Nigerians cannot take it less seriously.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed February 25 for the presidential and National Assembly elections while the governorship and State House of Assembly polls will take place on March 11.

There are insinuations that the commission would postpone the elections over the fuel and naira scarcity in the country.

Obasanjo said: “We cannot take it (election) any less important than those people from the international community.

READ ALSO: 2023: INEC reassures Nigerians on conduct of elections amid fuel, cash scarcity

“We are in an interesting period in Nigeria. In less than three weeks, we will be going to the poll. I hope nothing will intervene against that. In less than three weeks, we will be electing a leader that will pilot the affairs of Nigeria for the next four years from May.

“And all of us in Nigeria, again, as I have said to you early this morning, I have been in Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire from the beginning of the week. I can tell you that they are as concerned about what happens in Nigeria as every Nigerian should be.

“Last night before I left Abidjan, President Ouattara (Alassane) told me the position in West Africa that Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire are vying for and he said to me, ‘well, we are putting it on hold until after Nigeria’s election.

“So even for them, Nigeria’s election is of importance. And I believe that for us who are directly involved, we cannot take any less important than those people.”

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

We no longer want an unstable man’s stadium – Atiku camp blasts Wike.

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The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday, turned down the approval by the state governor, Nyesom Wike, to use the Adokiye Amesiamaka Stadium, Igwurita-Ali, Port Harcourt, for its presidential campaign rally.

Recall with 𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 that Wike, who fell out with Atiku following the outcome of the party’s primary election last year, had denied giving the approval for the venue.

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However, while speaking at the PDP governorship campaign rally at Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, the governor announced the reapproval of the facility.

Reacting to the latest approval, the spokesperson of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council in Rivers State, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, said the Atiku campaign was no longer interested in the facility.

The spokesperson, who spoke during a radio programme in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said the Council could not take Governor Wike by his words.

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According to him, “We learnt that yesterday he (Wike) announced that the stadium has been restored and that he has rescinded his decision.

“But let me state this very clearly, the Presidential Campaign Council of Atiku is no longer interested in Governor Wike’s greek gift.

“The said stadium that he revoked for reasons that he gave based on intelligence. May I ask, has he reversed those intelligence report?”

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

2023: Sack me if I fail to perform – Peter Obi to Nigerians.

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, has given a reason Nigerians should sack him if elected president in the upcoming presidential election.

Obi said Nigerians should sack him and his running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, if they take the country in the wrong direction.

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Speaking at the Support Group Conveners Conference in Abuja, Obi cautioned against voting for politicians who impoverished 95 million Nigerians.

To this end, Obi urged Nigerians to reject the old political order that brought about poverty and debt.

He urged Nigerians to take ownership of the country from the old political order.

He assured Nigerians of his commitment to the New Nigeria Project, stressing that “This is your project.”

Obi enjoined Nigerians to demand accountability from public officeholders to stem the tide of corruption.

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Stressing that “We can make Nigeria work,” Obi said: “Myself and my running mate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, As drivers whose duty will be to take Nigeria to a destination of peace, unity and progress if elected as president and vice-president respectively in the coming February, 25th general elections, ‘sack’ me and my running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed whenever we are found to be taking Nigerians in the opposite direction.”

He decried the high poverty rate in the country, insisting that Nigeria had no reason to be counted among the poor nations of the world.

“All our country has produced in the last ten years is poverty. In 2012, the number of Nigerians who are poor was about 65 million. Today, it is about 95 million. And those who caused it are asking to be given more years. To do what?” He asked.

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

2023: Labour Party campaign director, others dump Peter Obi for Atiku.

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A Director of the Labour Party presidential campaign council in Bauchi State, Alhassan Bawu, on January 31 dumped the party for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Bawu, who addressed journalists at a media briefing in Bauchi, said all the LP leaders, including the zonal and national officers in the North-East, had joined the PDP to support the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the February 25 election.

He said: “Without an iota of doubt, we believe the LP is not strong enough to win a single seat in the North-East.
“We are officially declaring that all the North-East executives of the Labour Party are defecting to PDP to support Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
“We don’t want to waste our votes, and we want to use this time to mobilise votes to who has the capacity to win the election.”

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

LP alleges plot to blackmail Obi with fake video.

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The Obi-Datti presidential campaign organisation on Monday raised an alarm over alleged plots by an unnamed political party to blackmail the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, with a fake video documentary ahead of this month’s elections.

In a statement issued by its Head of Media, Diran Onifade, the council alleged that the party in connivance with a presidential aide has concluded plans to launch the multi-million-naira documentary titled: “Killer Punch,” to spreading lies about Obi.

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It described the plot as an exercise in futility.

The statement read: “Having failed in all their plans to win the February 25 election, and seeing their campaign derailing on all fronts, an opposition party, its spokesperson and a presidential media aide are set to release a video they term ‘Killer Punch’.

“Already, they have been releasing snippets of the documentary on social media, without getting any attention, as people already know about their desperation to drag down Obi, who they rightly know, is far ahead.

“These documentaries of lies and falsehood, which they have fabricated to portray Mr. Obi as a drug peddler, killer and sexual pervert among other innuendos in their fertile imagination.

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“We will continue to be amused over the desperation to search for faults on the presidential front runner, and their apparent frustration, of not finding any.

“But as Election Day draws nearer, and the reality of their impending defeat heightens, their anger and frustration are also on the rise.”

“We at the Obi-Datti Media Campaign Office have all the details of their machinations, including some anti-Obi persons, already contacted for a role in the so-called ‘Killer Punch’ documentary’, and also the release of N500m for this failed smear campaign.”

2023 General Elections, Politics Today

Tinubu calls for calm, alleges opposition using fuel, naira scarcity to disrupt elections.

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All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has alleged that opposition political parties and enemies of democracy are taking advantage of the current scarcity of fuel and new naira notes to scuttle the forthcoming elections and cause strife in the country.

Tinubu, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, said Nigerians must fight the plots and protect the country’s democracy.

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The twin crises of fuel and cash scarcity had thrown Nigerians into unprecedented hardships, with some commercial banks accused of hoarding the new notes.

There were also reports of protest in different parts of the country as a result of the frustration resulting from the naira redesign policy recently announced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Speaking on the situation in the country, the former Lagos State governor sympathized with Nigerians and called for calm.

He said: “This is a challenging period in the life of our country when our people are made to stay on the line for hours to get fuel and even get their own money from the banks.

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“I empathize with Nigerians across the country, especially the poor masses who have been made to bear the brunt and pains of the CBN naira policy and fuel scarcity the most.

Read also: PDP alleges Tinubu mopping-up cash for vote-buying as naira scarcity persists

“While the government continues to work to solve these problems, let’s stay calm, maintain the peace and continue to shun and avoid any act capable of causing civil unrest and disharmony.

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“What the opposition and enemies of democracy want is to create a state of national siege and tension that can disrupt the coming general election and create an atmosphere of strife in our country.

“We must say no to them. We must be resolute and stand firm to protect our democracy by ensuring we hold our elections in a peaceful and orderly manner. I am in this race to bring renewed hope and prosperity to all Nigerians.

“There are no challenges that will be difficult for us as a people to surmount when we stand in unity of purpose.”

Politics Today

INEC speaks on plot to manipulate BVAS.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) claimed on February 1 that some politicians in the country are plotting to manipulate the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) ahead of next month’s elections.

The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, stated this when he featured on Channels Television’s programme, Sunrise Daily.

He said: “There are some politicians who want us to open the brain of the BVAS [machine] so they can see inside the BVAS [machine], to see how it functions and for them to also see whether there’s a possibility for them to clone it or manipulate it and the commission will not do that.”

Politics Today

‘Peter Obi may be the third force but he is struggling’ – PDP’s Dele Momodu.

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dele Momodu, believes that though the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi may be seen as an emerging third force in Nigerian politics, the former Anambra State governor is struggling to make any impact.

Momodu who made the assertion on Tuesday on a Channels Television’s special election programme, “The 2023 Verdict”, acknowledged that Obi does not have the national appeal to sway voters in every part of the country.

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Momodu noted that Obi, though popular on social media, is “struggling because a presidential race is not a marathon and takes time to build bridges.”

“Usually, in many countries, you have two mainstream political parties and candidates,” Momodu, himself a former presidential aspirant, said.

“In the case of Nigeria, now we seem to have a third force, the fourth force is not doing much. And who are the leading candidates? Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Lagos and Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State,” Momodu said.

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“I’m a democrat, I will not disparage anybody. He, Obi, is a third force but how forceful is that third force is the question,” he said in answer to a question on the chances of the LP flag bearer.

According to the veteran journalist turned politician, the only presidential candidate with such a national appeal is Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and the only one who has what it takes to reposition the country.

“If Peter Obi is struggling, then the number four would have to struggle more. He is definitely struggling. A presidential race is a marathon; it is a long-distance race, it takes time to build up,” he said.