News
Edo Guber: INEC set for collation, but disturbed by insecurity
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it was set to commence state-level collation of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State but disturbed by insecurity.
The Commission, however, said that it was deeply disturbed over report from its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state of a threat to INEC office in Okpoba-Okha local government area on Saturday, resulting in a stampede in which one of its officials was injured.
INEC also expressed worry over the overnight presence and demonstrations by some political actors and their supporters at its Head Office in Benin City, the state capital, ahead of the commencement of final collation of election results.
INEC National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, stated these in a statement on Sunday morning.
He said the actions were uncalled for and nobody should disrupt the process at any stage and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness.
“Following the conclusion of voting yesterday, the Commission activated the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal and uploaded the Polling Unit results in earnest. The same results have also been collated from all the 192 Wards.
“Similarly, collation has been concluded in most of the Local Government Areas and the designated officials are already at the collation centre in Benin City or on their way. We are set to commence State-level collation.
“However, the Commission received a deeply disturbing report from our Resident Electoral Commissioner of a threat to our office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area yesterday, resulting in a stampede in which one of our officials was injured.
“We are similarly disturbed by the overnight presence and demonstrations by some political actors and their supporters at our State Head Office ahead of the commencement of final collation. These actions are uncalled for. Nobody should disrupt the process at any stage and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the collation of result will proceed as provided by the Electoral Act 2022 and our regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections. There is a mechanism for redressing complaints during collation, including the power to review results declared under duress. The Commission will not hesitate to invoke such powers where necessary.
“Accredited party agents, observers and the media should be granted unimpeded access to all collation centres. The Commission calls on the security agencies to continue to maintain the same vigilance and professionalism that led to the peaceful conduct of the election as we conclude the process,” INEC National Commissioner stated.
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has extended warm wishes to Nigerian workers as the country marks the 2025 edition of International Workers’ Day.
Kalu praised workers across various sectors for their commitment and resilience, describing them as the engine that keeps the nation moving. He acknowledged their sacrifices and unrelenting drive, especially during tough economic times.
In his message, he highlighted the efforts of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu to improve the welfare of public servants. He referenced the National Assembly’s prompt backing of the new minimum wage as a sign of the government’s seriousness about workers’ wellbeing.
The Deputy Speaker appealed for continued patience and understanding from Nigerians, noting that the ongoing economic reforms, while challenging, are designed to bring long-term relief and prosperity.
Kalu also called for unity, and said the country can only overcome its present difficulties if citizens and leaders work together in good faith.
He therefore urged workers to keep the faith and remain steadfast in their duties, assuring them that brighter days are on the horizon, and wished Nigerian workers a peaceful and fulfilling May Day celebration.
The Osun State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has received thousands of decampees from the All Progressives Congress and other political parties into its fold.
The decampees, who are mostly from the Omisore Youth Support Forum (OYSF) joined the party at a ceremony held at party secretariat in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, on Wednesday.
The were received by the Chairman of the PDP in Osun, Hon. Sunday Bisi, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuff and other party leader.
While receiving the decampees, Bisi renamed the group as Adeleke Youth Support Forum (AYSF) as they declared their support for Adeleke’s 2026 re-election bid.
One of the leaders of the decampees, Mr Francis Fasogbon said they were “inspired by the good governance delivered by Governor Ademola Adeleke”.
Hon. Dennis Agbo, representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives, has resigned from the Labour Party (LP) and defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Addressing aa gathering in his ward, Ezzodo, Agbo cited his admiration for Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mba’s performance, as the reason for his decision.
“I acknowledge Governor Mba’s outstanding work, and I believe it’s essential to support him,” Agbo said. “As a federal legislator from Enugu State, I’m joining hands with him to provide a link between the state and federal government, promoting the good work he’s doing to uplift our state.”
Agbo, who was elected on the LP ticket, expressed his desire to work with Governor Mba, citing the governor’s vision and achievements since his inauguration in 2023.
He also emphasized that the internal crisis and division within the Labour Party was part of the factors influencing his decision to leave the party and return to PDP.
The lawmaker invited his supporters and members of Labour Party to a formal ceremony marking his transition to PDP, scheduled for May 1, 2025, at the PDP State Secretariat in Enugu.
-
Metro14 hours agoGunmen storm University of Benin teaching hospital, kill doctor
-
Metro15 hours agoFCTA destroys 601 motorbikes over violations
-
News6 hours agoAlleged money laundering: EFCC produces Aisha Achimugu in court
-
News15 hours agoJust in: FG declares tomorrow public holiday
-
News8 hours agoJUST IN: Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu Rtd, dies at 84
-
News10 hours agoSAD! Professor’s son takes own life inside varsity staff quarters
-
News8 hours agoTinubu hails Dangote’s World Bank appointment
-
News14 hours agoFull list: FG approves N110bn to rehabilitate medical schools 18 institutions