Politics
Buhari to INEC: You’ve no reason not to be ready for elections in 2023
Buhari to INEC: You’ve no reason not to be ready for elections in 2023
President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his avowed determination to ensure the conduct of free, fair and transparent national elections, whose outcome would be largely accepted to the contestants.
Malam Garba Shehu, the president’s media aide ln a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the president made this position known in Washington DC, USA, at an interactive session entitled, “A conversation with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria’’.
The president said: ‘‘Since 2015, the conduct of our elections continues to steadily improve.
”From the 2019 general elections, the by-elections and the off-season elections in Edo, Ekiti, Anambra and Osun States were conducted in largely improved contexts to the satisfaction of contestants and voters.
‘‘That is what we hope for in 2023. Through the observatory roles of the international community, the credibility of the elections can be further enhanced to make the acceptability of the outcome to the contestants and political parties a non-issue.’’
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On democracy in West Africa, Buhari said Nigeria would ‘‘aggressively work together to improve the quality of governance in the West African sub-Region, where the survival of democracy, is currently challenged.’’
He said that this could be done through targeted investments that can enhance dividends of democracy and creations of robust means of livelihood for the people as well as promote accountability and transparency by the political class.u
Buhari said:”I call on all of you here present, to continue to partner with us and our electoral body, for the needed collaborative efforts which are critical to deepening and stabilising democracy in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.
‘‘The recent reversals witnessed in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea are most unfortunate indeed and ECOWAS continues to effectively remain engaged with these countries.
“This is in order to restore democracy to all the Member-States of ECOWAS as indeed the entire African Continent.’’
Buhari thanked Amb. Johnnie Carson, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and his team for inviting him back to the Institute after the last visit in 2015.
The president recounted his outing in 2015, shortly after he assumed office, wherein he spoke extensively on the vision and the focus of his administration in the three critical areas of security, economy and fighting corruption.
He said: ‘‘I am therefore, exceptionally pleased today, that this stage which served as my opening act has once more presented itself as the curtains are almost being drawn, for the opportunity to share experiences and discuss the last seven and half years.
‘‘When I met you in 2015, I was not unaware of the enormous domestic and international goodwill that I attracted.
“Although I am a converted democrat, and not your run of the mill politician and therefore, less inclined to engage in double-talks.
‘‘My Advisers may not be happy with me in this regard. I am however, measured in speaking but always certain that the truth I shall speak and this has huge consequences in a political space wherein this is an exception rather than the norm.’’
While responding to a question on the readiness of INEC to conduct the 2023 elections, the president said ”INEC is ready because I made sure they were given all the resources they asked because I don’t want any excuses that they were denied funds by the government.”
Buhari to INEC: You’ve no reason not to be ready for elections in 2023
News
Atiku, Fubara Arrive Benin for PDP’s Edo Gubernatorial Campaign Finale
Atiku, Fubara Arrive Benin for PDP’s Edo Gubernatorial Campaign Finale
Ahead of the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial elections, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains, including 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, have arrived in Benin for the party’s campaign grand finale.
Joining Atiku is Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, both of whom are in Edo to bolster support for the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, ahead of the September 21 election.
https://www.facebook.com/Ochuwa24news/videos/1082744683272955
The grand finale rally, set to take place in Oredo, Benin City, marks the PDP’s final push to secure victory in the closely watched gubernatorial race.
National
Peter Obi Dismisses Claims of Accepting 2027 Vice Presidential Role
Peter Obi Dismisses Claims of Accepting 2027 Vice Presidential Role
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has refuted claims that he agreed to become a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 elections. The former Anambra State Governor addressed the issue via a series of posts on his official X account on Saturday, accusing certain groups of misinterpreting his recent interview.
Obi emphasized that his remarks during the News Central TV interview had been deliberately distorted by propagandists, and he reiterated his unwavering commitment to the Labour Party and Nigeria’s progress.
https://www.facebook.com/Ochuwa24news/videos/820328146751630
Clarifying his stance, Obi stated, “I am not focused on 2027 when Nigerians are grappling with hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other urgent challenges.” He noted that he is open to partnerships, but only with individuals whose intentions align with advancing the country, not capturing state power.
Obi further stressed that his priority is to address pressing national issues, including bringing millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms and combating poverty. He categorically denied any agreement to serve as a vice president, saying, “For the avoidance of doubt, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone.”
Despite the rumors, Obi reaffirmed his dedication to Nigeria’s development, insisting that true progress can be achieved without necessarily holding political office.
News
Support Group Intensify Door-to-Door Campaign to Boost Okpebholo’s Visibility to Secure Victory Ahead of Election
Support Group Intensify Door-to-Door Campaign to Boost Okpebholo’s Visibility to Secure Victory Ahead of Election
By P. Ikodor
In a dynamic effort to galvanize voter support for the upcoming election in Edo State, the Edo Transformation Ambassador Support Group is intensifying its engagement in an ambitious door-to-door campaign across the cities and nooks and crannies of Edo State. This grassroots initiative is designed to foster direct connections with voters, provide them with detailed information about their candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy Rt. Hon. Denise Idahosa and address any concerns or questions they might have; and also let voter know that ‘Edo of our dream is possible’
The campaign, which kicked off weeks ago, involves a team of dedicated members of the group, volunteers which cut across the 192 wards in the state and campaign staff canvassing neighborhoods from dawn until dusk for support. Their mission is to ensure that every household has the opportunity to hear about Sen. Monday Okpebholo and the vision he has for the communities and the state in general.
“Our goal is to engage with voters on a personal level,” said the Director General of the group, Hon. Felix Akhabue (aka Joefel). “We believe that face-to-face interactions are incredibly powerful. They allow us to share our candidate’s message directly and listen to the issues that matter most to the people.”
The door-to-door campaign includes basically to canvass support for Okpebholo and distributing informational brochures, answering questions about the candidate’s platform, and assisting voters with any election-related inquiries. Additionally, volunteers are equipped with materials to help people register to vote and find their polling places.
The campaign’s strategy reflects a broader trend among their candidates as they seek to connect with constituents in a more personal and impactful way. By engaging directly with voters, the campaign aims to build stronger relationships and support and increase turnout at the polls.
https://www.facebook.com/Ochuwa24news/videos/820328146751630
Sen. Monday Okpebholo (akpakomiza), who is running for Governor of Edo State under the platform of All Progressive Congress APC, expressed enthusiasm about the campaign efforts. “I am thrilled to see such dedication from my team and supporters,” Okpebholo said. “This direct engagement is crucial to understanding the needs and aspirations of our people.”
As Election Day approaches, the Transformation Ambassador Support Group remains focused on their mission to secure victory for APC through unwavering commitment and community outreach. The campaign plans to continue its door-to-door efforts until the final hours before the polls close.
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