Politics
Why Nigeria needs electoral reforms that respect citizens’ choices – Gov Mutfwang
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has advocated a comprehensive and transparent electoral reforms that respect and uphold the electoral decisions of citizens, rather than deferring to election tribunals to determine election outcomes.
He also expressed optimism that a transparent, unambiguous, and fraud-free leadership selection process would yield credible leaders through free and fair elections.
Mutfwang stated this at the annual colloquium with the theme “Electoral Judicial Reforms: Imperatives for Nigeria’s Democracy, Governance, Leadership, and Selection Process, “organised by the Haske Satumari Foundation in Central Business District-Abuja.
The governor, who gave the keynote address, titled: ‘The Imperatives for Electoral and Judicial Reforms’, highlighted the numerous challenges facing the electoral process, including voter intimidation, violence, and irregularities that compromise election credibility.
He emphasised the necessity of, “electoral and judicial reforms that would strengthen democracy and citizen participation.
Mutfwang further noted that the judiciary has a vital role in maintaining electoral integrity.
“I will like to call for sweeping judicial reforms to foster a fair, efficient, and independent judicial system that prioritizes citizens’ fundamental rights and respect for the choice they make during elections”, he maintained.
He pointed out the judiciary’s duty is to ensure legal compliance, especially in pre-election matters, and criticised the Plateau scenario for its blatant disregard for judicial precedents and stare decisis principles.
“Electoral reforms are crucial for preserving electoral process integrity and legitimacy, building public trust in democratic institutions, and ensuring free and fair elections.
“The success of these reforms hinges on political will, stakeholder engagement, and robust implementation and enforcement to effect real improvements in the electoral system.”
Alfred D. Skari, Chairman of the Haske Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to humanitarian activities, promoting peace and unity, and supporting families who have lost their breadwinners and means of livelihood.
The panel included former House of Representatives members, Hon. Beni Lar, Hon. Dachung Bagos, Alh. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, Chairman IPAC among others.
Politics
Party Crisis Escalates: PDP NEC Meeting Delayed for the Fourth Time
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has once again postponed its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was scheduled for November 28, 2024.
This marks the fourth delay in holding the party’s 99th NEC session, raising questions about the party’s internal coordination amid its ongoing crisis.
The announcement came through a public notice signed by PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, in Abuja. According to Anyanwu, the rescheduling is to allow party leaders to attend the funeral of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, wife of Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno. The funeral will run from November 27 to 29, 2024.
“At its meeting on Wednesday, the National Working Committee (NWC) considered the funeral programme of Mrs. Eno, which coincides with the scheduled NEC meeting. Recognizing the importance of commiserating with Governor Eno, the 99th NEC meeting will now be held on a date to be announced later,” the notice stated.
This latest delay follows a series of postponements since August, with the meeting initially rescheduled for September, then October 2, and subsequently November 28. The repeated deferrals have fueled speculation about deeper challenges within the party.
The NWC expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the change, urging NEC members to stay informed of the new date. As the PDP navigates these turbulent times, party stakeholders are closely watching to see how the leadership addresses the lingering crises.
Politics
PDP Govs Say Party Reviewing Ondo Poll, Fault Edo Election
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reviewing the outcome of the Ondo governorship election.
This is according to the PDP Governors’ Forum which met in Jos, the Plateau State capital on Saturday.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had won the election by a landslide to earn a four-year ticket to the Government House in Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State.
But governors of the PDP in a resolution reached after its meeting accused the APC of manipulation during the exercise which took place last weekend with the party taking a distant second.
“Meanwhile, we are still examining the documents on the Ondo elections where the APC manipulated results after openly buying votes,” Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state who is the chairman of the forum said.
“The forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to look into our electoral laws to make it difficult for institutional sabotage of the will of the people.”
Last weekend’s poll in Ondo came about two months after the governorship election in neighbouring Edo State which the PDP governors described as a “rape of democracy”.
“The forum notes with concern the rape of democracy in the Edo governorship elections. It is clear to everyone with a conscience that INEC manipulated results in favour of the APC candidate, when in fact, the majority of the lawful votes were won by PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo,” he said.
The governors also advocated that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party should call for a NEC meeting by the first week of February 2025.
This, the PDP governors said, is to allow for more consultations with stakeholders of the party towards addressing the lingering leadership crisis in the main opposition ruling party.
Politics
Hardship: PDP Governors seek review of governance policies
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, has sought a review of the economic policies of the Federal Government, to ameliorate the current economic hardship in the country.
This was part of its 8-point communique issued at the end of its deliberations during its forum, held on Saturday in Jos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau hosted the governors with party executives and other stakeholders in attendance.
Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Forum and governor of Bauchi State, who read out the points, empathised with the masses over the current economic crunch.
Mr Mohammed called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, find ways of cushioning the effects of its policies or have a review.
“The forum expresses empathy for Nigerians suffering from economic difficulties and calls for a review of Federal Government’s policies to improve citizens’ welfare,” he said.
Similarly, the party addressed issues confronting its unity and called for more collaboration among members.
“The forum has emphasised the need for unity within the party, addressing concerns about divisions among its members.
“It expresses a commitment to maintaining the party as a trusted platform for democratic governance.
“The forum’s discussions reflect a strong commitment to party unity and addressing internal divisions while also focusing on the broader socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians.
“The forum aims to position the PDP as a proactive and responsive political entity in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
“The party is also making a clear call for action regarding electoral integrity and governance, emphasising the need for reforms to ensure fair representation and accountability
“The party acknowledged recent tragedies such as the demise of the First Lady of Akwai-Ibom, and also expressed gratitude for local hospitality reinforcing the party’s connection to the electorate.
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