OF INEC GOVERNORSHIP LIST, THE RIVERS

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BOLAJI AFOLABI

Somehow, a seemingly straight forward case, described by some legal minds as one that will not have any effect on the candidacies for Governorship positions in the February 2027 general elections, attracted unusual focus. In fact, it generated a national frenzy that it became the topic of discourse in major television and radio stations around the country. The newspapers and social media did not take the backseats, as they were awash with opinions and stories about the case. As expected, the Supreme Court’s judgement on the INEC versus Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) case which upheld the validity of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026 increased the tempo and tenure of controversies. Political parties, politicians, analysts, social activists, and others became emergency authorities in jurisprudence as varied, and in most cases biased interpretations were given. Some lawyers joined the fray as they confidently reeled out names of Governorship candidates whose nominations would be affected by the judgement.

Despite the informed advisory of a few dispassionate minds, the position advanced by the earlier group gained momentum among people. It became the trending topic in public discourse at formal and informal gatherings. Some took it notches higher. Convinced that INEC was going to obey, and comply with the judgement, the names of some governorship candidates in some States were mentioned as those who would not survive the electoral body’s action. From their projections, a few candidates of the All Progressives Congress, (APC); African Democratic Convention, (ADC); National Democratic Convention, (NDC); Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Gombe, Enugu, Kebbi, Kaduna, Rivers, Kano, and other States would fail the inquisition.

The October 10th release of INEC’s final list of governorship candidates for the February 2027 general elections was greeted with mixed feelings and reactions. Some people, in anger described it as one riddled of ambiguity and absurdities deserving explanations. The exclusion of Alhaji Aminu Gwarzo of the NDC from the list of candidates for Kano State was routinely discredited and painted as an attempt to deny the party the chance of winning the governorship election. Also, that of PDP’s Ladi Adebutu for Ogun State attracted flaks and vilification on INEC, as party faithful and supporters are wondering what criteria was used to edge out someone that has remained a consistent card carrying, and active member of his party for years. In the midst of all these, the confirmation of Rep. O.K Chinda as the APC candidate for Rivers State became an instant subject of discussion.

Though a few, vocal people generated unnecessary fuss, the majority of people in the oil-rich state applauded INEC’s decision. In criticizing INEC for the inclusion of Chinda in the list, a few vehemently argued that he did not meet the threshold of the electoral umpire as it relates to the relevant Section of the Electoral Act. The judgement states that political parties are required to submit their membership register to INEC at least 21 days before any primary election, congress, or convention. It also affirmed that only individuals whose names appear in those duly submitted registers are eligible to vote or stand for election in such internal party processes. It also provided clear and precise jurisprudence for the conduct of party primaries, and who qualified to participate. One is tempted to ask, what and where did INEC erred?

Varied reports and comments by credible sources clearly show that the brouhaha was uncalled for. The hullabaloo is best described as gas flaring, and gaslighting; that cannot stand the spirit and letters of the Electoral Act 2026. That the purveyors sustained the skewed advocacy, winning converts by confusing and deceiving some people is the height of irresponsible propaganda and deception. That they concocted no-truth, misinformation, and mudslinging – for political reasons and whatever purpose – calls for serious condemnation and public pillorying. Can these despicable and nebulous recourse to tongue foolery, lies, and innuendos impact positively on our democracy? Can the younger generation pick impactful and enduring lessons from these under-the-table theatrics?

By the way, Chinda, unperturbed by the shenanigans of those who are still groaning over the INEC list, has stayed focus, on the bigger picture – to emerge the 5th Governor of Rivers State in the 4th Republic. Like a battle-ready combatant, he is marching ahead; in quick and fast pace. From reports, Chinda has been consistent and intentional in bridge-building and consensus-building initiatives across the State. Also, the multi-decorated legislator, who will gross 16 years of unbroken representation in the House of Representatives has embarked on consultations with different groups and associations. Not one to abandon responsibilities, Chinda’s empowerment programmes for the people is ongoing. It should be reiterated that, many of these initiatives has been regular since 2011, when he first got the electoral franchise of his people.

In the past few weeks, the people of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency and its environs have benefitted from some of these fortune-changing and status-lifting initiatives. It includes the empowerment of hundreds of small business owners; which is a yearly empowerment initiative with beneficiaries drawn from the entire 17 Wards of the Federal Constituency. In many ways, the initiative which is anchored on Chinda’s “I Win U Win” campaign template, is in sync with his passion and commitment towards strengthening the enterprises of people, and building sustainable livelihoods.

Conscious of the significance of education towards uplifting standards and promoting personal growth, the yearly Mathematics Teachers Enhancement Training and Distribution of Science Teaching Equipment & other Materials held for two days. Aware that investing in teachers, particularly those in Mathematics and the Sciences will impact on the future of children and youths, the programme will deepen knowledge, sustain transfer of knowledge, create opportunities for academic growth, career development, and educational transformation. At the end of the programme, many teachers and students from different secondary schools were given maths and science teaching kits; donations of various science equipment to schools, as well as the distribution of quality school bags and a few other items to students.

Back to the INEC governorship list. It is a few days away from the close of he October-ending window for submission of complaints by aggrieved persons and parties. Many people are hopeful that the electoral umpire will look at the merits of every appeal and re-consider the candidacy of some candidates. Nigerians, particularly students of politics, chroniclers of history, the media, and analysts would like to witness the unravelling of some developments that may be litmus tests for our democracy. For instance, the impending “rub-a-dub” political contest between APC’s Solomon ‘Yayi’ Adeola, and the PDP’s Ladi Adebutu in Ogun State would be interesting. How about Kwankwanso’s quest to confirm “ownership” of Kano State politics, through the “enthronement” of Gwarzo – the NDC candidate?