Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: inec

  • APC fixes late-March 2026 convention date and releases congress timetable nationwide

    APC fixes late-March 2026 convention date and releases congress timetable nationwide

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-20 16:00:00

    As detailed by Punch, the APC has released a timetable for ward, local government, state and zonal congresses, culminating in its national convention scheduled for March 25–28, 2026.

    The schedule outlines e-registration, form sales, screening, appeals and delegate selection steps, positioning the party for internal elections and leadership refresh.

    With 2027 politics in view, the congress timeline will shape control of party structures and delegate lists, often determining which factions dominate.

    APC’s official channel posted a “TIMETABLE FOR NATIONWIDE CONGRESSES,” while Kemi Filani also reported the party “has published its schedule” ending with the March 2026 convention.

    Echotitbits take:
    Watch for disputes over delegate lists, court cases challenging congress outcomes, and how closely the party follows INEC-facing rules to avoid a legitimacy crisis after convention.

    Source: Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/apc-fixes-march-2026-for-national-convention/)
    Punch 2025-12-20

  • Ondo CVR Adds 18,045 New Voters Ahead of December 10 Cutoff

    INEC in Ondo State said 18,045 new voters registered between August and December 2025 during the first phase of Continuous Voter Registration. The state REC urged political parties and civil society to intensify mobilisation.

    The commission also encouraged eligible residents to collect unclaimed PVCs and complete transfers or corrections promptly.

    2025-12-09

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-09

  • Oyo Court Removes INEC From PDP Convention Suit

    An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan struck out INEC from a suit challenging the PDP’s plan to hold its elective convention in the state, agreeing that the federal agency must be sued at the Federal High Court.

    The case continues against remaining defendants, with the ruling likely to influence how parties structure future litigation involving national institutions.

    2025-12-08

    The Nation

    2025-12-08

  • INEC Fixes February 18, 2023 for Next Presidential Poll

    INEC Fixes February 18, 2023 for Next Presidential Poll

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Thursday announced February 18, 2023 as the date for the 2023 presidential election.

    INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, who officially announced this in Abuja on at the inauguration of the House of Representatives Committee on 1999 Constitution Review, said there are just about 854 days left to the 2023 general elections.

    Yakubu charged the lawmakers to ensure a timely review of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act to help improve the country’s electoral process.

    The commission boss said in it usual practice, elections have to take place in the second week of February of each election year and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to credible polls through the use of various technology the commission has adopted in conducting elections.

    In his remark at the event, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, described the constitution review as an important step to “identify those areas where the laws of our land have not lived up to expectations” and fix the gaps accordingly.

    Gbajabiamila said the committee, headed by the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase, should also consider the expectations of different interest groups among Nigerians.

    Inaugurating the committee at the National Assembly, the Speaker said the House is determined to come up with a constitution that addresses most of the current challenges facing the country.

    “Mr Chairman, Honourable Members of this Committee, I do not envy the enormous amount of work you have in front of you. However, I know you have an abundant capacity to execute this important assignment and deliver on our joint commitments to the Nigerian people.

    “I encourage you during this assignment to seek out and listen to as many voices as possible. Engage with as many interest groups as possible, reject misinformation, document the stories of our people, consider their expectations.

    “Let the work you do demonstrate that this House of Representatives is fully capable of reflecting the most urgent concerns of the Nigerian people and acting in their best interests. I am confident that you will act judiciously and produce for the consideration of the House of Representatives, a quality report we can implement expeditiously,” he said.

    The Speaker said the House is commencing the “constitution review process at a time of great and ongoing upheaval in our country.

    “New challenges emerge daily from every corner. Some of these challenges are of our own making, and others, we could not have foreseen or been prepared for.

    “Whichever may be the case, the Nigerian people look up to us as government to proffer solutions that work, to do the heavy lifting of writing a new constitution, one better suited to our current aspirations and reflecting our vision of the future.”

    He said when the House updated its Legislative Agenda two months ago, one thing that was made abundantly clear during the preparation of the document was that “the answer to many of our development questions lies in the pages of a new Nigerian constitution.”

    “When you ask me what the state of our nation is, the honest answer is this: we are in a fight for the very survival of our country and the continuation of the Nigerian project. Recent global developments have exposed all our systemic weaknesses so that we can no longer pretend to ourselves that things are on an even keel and slow progress is enough to get us to where we ought to be yet are still so far away from.

    “This 9th House of Representatives has since committed to the cause of reform. Our commitment must neither waver nor wane on the matter of thoughtful and fair overhaul of our nation’s constitution.

    “The reality of our current circumstances and the now certain knowledge that only we can save ourselves imposes on us an obligation to act with greater determination and all the urgency this moment calls for.”

    Noting that “the ongoing evolution of our nation’s democracy requires of us that we continually review and update the rules of our engagement,” Gbajabiamila said: “Every election season exposes significant gaps in the process that if left unaddressed, threaten our democracy.”

    For this, the Speaker noted, the House would, through the constitution review process, ensure electoral reforms that would address the challenges in the electoral system.

    “Electoral reforms are not a party-political issue, they are a matter of loyalty to an ideal that is greater than the party to which one belongs to, or the personal ambitions we may each hold.

    “Electoral reforms are a matter of our nation’s future, and the process of setting out systems and protocols for managing how we choose our leaders and representatives begins with the Constitution. We must keep this in mind as we begin this process.”

    On the #EndSARS protests going on for over a week in parts of the country, the Speaker said: “In addition to whatever other changes that may be caused by these protests, they have exposed the stinking underbelly of our nation’s policing system.”

    With that, he said: “We now understand better why our federal police is often unable to effectively respond to the localised manifestations of insecurity across the different parts of our country.

    “The simple truth is that we have a police that doesn’t have the trust of the people, and a policing system that doesn’t make for productive partnerships between the police and the communities they serve. However, for those of us who are out there, we must be careful not to lose the plot.

    “The Inspector General of Police has heard you and he has spoken. The House has spoken, even before now, and continues to speak. The President has been unequivocal and spoke clearly. It is now time to sit back and see what happens.

    “I believe the hand of God is on this nation. The point has been made, and the government in all its layers has responded. Let us sit back and see if the government does what it has committed to do. Which I have all assurances, and as your Speaker I pass these assurances on to you.

    “Honourable colleagues, overcoming our overwhelming national security challenges now requires of us all that we be willing to accept new approaches and consider novel ideas. Neither the security institutions nor political leaders can afford to hold on too tightly to a status quo whose frustrating limitations are painfully evident, whilst reflexively rejecting innovations that may improve our fortunes if properly implemented.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Edo Guber Poll: Uzodimma Rejects Election Results, Accuses INEC of Colluding with PDP

    Edo Guber Poll: Uzodimma Rejects Election Results, Accuses INEC of Colluding with PDP

    Imo State State Governor and Deputy Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo State governorship campaign council, Hope Uzodimma, has rejected the results of Edo State governorship election.

    The governor made this known when he arrived Imo State Government House Owerri on Sunday morning after the election which took place on September 19.

    Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu


    Uzodimma, in his assessment, alleged that the entire process in Edo State was marred by irregularities from officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who sabotaged the system, making it difficult for APC votes to count.

    He described the conduct of INEC officials in Edo State governorship election as “shameful”

    The governor also thanked APC governorship candidate in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, for his resilience and doggedness.

    Buhari Congratulates Obaseki as PDP Tells President to Sustain His ‘Newfound’ Democratic Credentials


    He also assured that APC is already gathering evidence to proceed to yet to be constituted Edo State Election Petition Tribunal any moment from now with the confidence that the party would get judgement in due time.

    Uzodimma, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, urged all APC faithful and supporters to remain calm and law abiding, alleging that what happened in Edo State is “a sabotage to our hard-worn democracy in Nigeria.”

  • Nigerians in Diaspora Mentoring Corp congratulates Obaseki

    Nigerians in Diaspora Mentoring Corp congratulates Obaseki

    Nigerians in Diaspora Mentoring Corp has congratulated the newly elected Governor of Edo State Dr.Godwin Obaseki and appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for proving that election in the country can truely be free, fair and with global merit defending democracy.

    “As we all followed and monitored to the point that The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), today, declared the candidate of the opposition party to the President, of Peoples Democratic Party as the winner of the governorship election in Edo 2020”

    Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    “It gives us stakeholders joy and confidence that when the will is inherent , good governance can be delivered and this should be a catalyst to maintain it going forward” according to the group.

    Speaking about the results, in a Press Release, Mentoring Cmdt Alistair of NIDMECORP added, “We would like to congratulate all Edo citizens home and abroad for advising their electorates to maintain peace, cast and defends their votes until the final whistle. It is also commendable that security forces were able to show neutrality as much as possible whilst the National Electoral Commission did what is always expected of them for the sake of the country and not to the calls and dictates of others”

    Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu

    “Finally,we are using the occasion to call on NASS and the Presidency to speed up the electoral reform process and utilise the e-reporting of votes directly which impacted positively on Edo State election. Nigeria and Nigerians will be the winners in this democractic practises. INEC as umpire should consider re-registring other parties to deepen the freedom of polical association by all stakeholders most especially including diaspora votings.”according to him.

    Buhari Congratulates Obaseki as PDP Tells President to Sustain His ‘Newfound’ Democratic Credentials

    ” This too will lead to citizen’s becoming more empowered in process of politics, voter’s rights and democratic divided.,”, he said.

    It will be recalled Governor Obaseki of PDP clinched victory with 307,955 votes against Osagie Ize-Iyamu of APC who garnered 223,619 in the gubernatorial election held Saturday as announced by INEC.

  • Obaseki Says Edo People Supported Him to Defeat Godfatherism

    Obaseki Says Edo People Supported Him to Defeat Godfatherism

    Obaseki Says Edo People Supported Him to Defeat Godfatherism

    . Ize–Iyamu: I’m Studying Election Results

    Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has celebrated his victory at the Saturday governorship election in the state, saying the collective will of the people made it possible for his triumph over godfatherism.

    Obaseki defeated his closest rival, Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polling a total of 307,955 votes against APC’s 223,619 votes.

    Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu


    He commended the people of Edo State and supporters of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for their display of immense courage and support in the face of threats, intimidation and brutalisation as he emerged victorious in the Saturday gubernatorial election in the state.

    Obaseki praised President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders who participated in the conduct of the gubernatorial election for ensuring a free, peaceful and credible poll in the state.

    However, Ize-Iyamu has also commented on his electoral defeat, saying he’s studying the results along with other party members and would announce the next line of action soon.

    Buhari Congratulates Obaseki as PDP Tells President to Sustain His ‘Newfound’ Democratic Credentials

    Obaseki, in his appreciation message in Benin City on Sunday, said: “The great people of Edo State have spoken. They have spoken loud and clear. We thank God Almighty and give Him all the glory for this victory.

    “Thank you, President Muhammadu Buhari, for defending our democracy and allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to perform their constitutional functions without interference.

    “INEC and the security services have shown to Nigerians and the world that they are capable of conducting free and credible elections.

    “Words fail me in saluting our teeming supporters who displayed immense courage in the face of threats, intimidation and brutalisation. The collective will of Edo people made it possible for this triumph over godfatherism.

    “I am eternally grateful to my party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and my brother governors not only for giving me the umbrella during my political storm but for the hard work which has brought me back to office.

    “Our success has reinforced my belief that there is nothing we cannot achieve as a people if we pull forces together and collectively call on God for support.

    “I reiterate that working with my Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, we are committed to Making Edo Great Again. Thank you for your support.”

    Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    But, speaking on his electoral loss, Ize-Iyamu appreciated his supporters for enduring what he described as many evils including being prevented from exercising their franchise during the Saturday governorship election in Edo State.

    According to him, “I hereby thank and appreciate my teeming supporters, who have had to endure many evils including being prevented from exercising their franchise, for their support and determination during the election process.

    “I assure you all that I am studying the results along with other party members and will announce the next line of action soon.

    “God bless you all.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Buhari Congratulates Obaseki as PDP Tells President to Sustain His ‘Newfound’ Democratic Credentials

    Buhari Congratulates Obaseki as PDP Tells President to Sustain His ‘Newfound’ Democratic Credentials

    President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated the winner of the Saturday Edo State governorship election, Godwin Obaseki, and urged him to show grace and humility in victory.

    The President commended the election process in Edo State which led to Obaseki’s victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    This was coming as the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) celebrated the party’s victory and congratulated the people of Edo State on the re-election of their choice leader.

    Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu

    The party implored Buhari to sustain his “newfound spirit of ensuring that the people are allowed to freely choose their leaders at all elections.”

    PDP described the victory as historic, noting that it served as a strong, viable and unambiguous lesson to leaders, saying Ondo State governorship election is the next target of the party.

    Speaking on the outcome of the election as announced by INEC, Buhari said: “My commitment to free and fair elections is firm, because without free and fair elections, the foundation of our political and moral authority will be weak.

    Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    “I have consistently advocated for free and fair elections in the country because it is the bedrock of true democratic order.

    “Democracy will mean nothing if the votes of the people don’t count or if their mandate is fraudulently tampered with.”

    The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, commended the people of Edo State, the parties, candidates and security agencies for conducting themselves responsibly.

    Also, speaking on its victory at Edo State guber poll, PDP commended the courage of the people of the state for resisting what it described as antics of the enemies of democracy.

    PDP said: “Our party celebrates the resilience and courage exhibited by the people of Edo state in resisting the antics of the enemies of democracy, who, as vote buyers, patrons of lions and tigers, as well as beguilers, attempted to take over the political space of Edo state.

    Edo Guber Poll: Tinubu, Obaseki taunt each other

    “We rejoice with the Edo people for helping to reset the political culture of our nation by casting their votes, protecting the votes, ensuring that their votes counted and following it, ‘bumper-to-bumper,’ to the final point of declaration.

    “Our party commends traditional institutions, faith-based organizations, youth groups, market women, artisans, community associations, trade unions, traditional leaders and other stakeholders in Edo state for standing up for their state during her critical moments.

    “On account of the reverberation of this victory across the length and breath of our country, the PDP implores President Muhammadu Buhari to continue in this newfound spirit of ensuring that the people are allowed to freely choose their leaders at all elections.

    “Our party states this in our belief that in spite of his administration’s failure in other spheres of life as well as in previous elections, if Mr. President can continue to toe this new line of allowing for electoral uprightness, history will be beckoned to be kind to him.

    Edo: PDP Supporter Boasts Obaseki’s Achievements Will Be Rewarded At Saturday Poll

    “To the ‘political godfathers,’ this election must serve as a loud lesson that power belongs only to God, which He confers through the people; and that no matter how an individual strives to lord it over others, the will of God, through the people, will always prevail.

    “Our party also notes the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof. Yakubu Mahmood in ensuring that Edo election was conducted in a manner that was largely adjudged to be free, fair, transparent and credible. Nigerians hope that what we have witnessed in Edo state will not be an off-season procedure in the commission. We demand that this credible process applies to all our elections.”

    The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, applauded “the use of virtual portal by INEC to upload results directly from the polling unit, the base of our election, which made it impossible for electoral violators to hijack this electoral process.”

    “It is our hope in PDP that this new found image of INEC will gather more thresholds in future elections, particularly the October 10, 2020 Ondo governorship election.

    “We however call on INEC to strengthen its processes, particularly in the area of card readers, to forestall the type of delays witnessed in accreditation of voters.

    “Our party also notes the improvement in the activities of our security agencies compared to past elections. We hope that our security organs will continue in this stead in future elections.

    “The Edo election has indeed shown that credible elections are possible in our country if we play by the rules,” the party said.

    PDP also applauded the international community for their keen observation of the electoral processes as well as profiling of those who are bent on undermining our democracy and making free and fair elections appear impossible in Nigeria.

    “We urge the international community and all lovers of democracy not to relent in providing necessary advisory to our leaders on the conduct of our elections,” the party noted.

    PDP restated its support for the actions taken so far by the United States and the United Kingdom in restricting electoral violators from visiting their countries, urging “them not to restrain on further sanctions against such individuals for their sinister roles in our elections.”

    The party also appreciated the Chairman of its National Campaign Council and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for providing the right leadership that led to the victory in Edo State.

    It commended the party National Chairman, Uche Secondus; Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Chairman of South-south PDP Governors’ Forum and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; as well as all PDP governors, National Assembly caucus, elders, leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of the party for their efforts in this election.

    Edo Guber Poll: Oba of Benin Tasks Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu on Peaceful Election

    PDP appreciated the candidate of APC, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, “whose participation in this election helped to deepen our democracy and enabled the people to make their choice. We invite him, in the spirit of sportsmanship, to congratulate his brother, Governor Godwin Obaseki and join him in the onerous task of leadership in the general interest of all Edo people.”

    The party thanked the media, the civil society groups and all Nigerians across board, for showing more than a passing interest in ensuring that the wish ofThe the people of Edo State for a credible and transparent election prevailed, saying: “We do not take your efforts in this regard for granted.”

    PDP assured of “a continuous partnership with all critical stakeholders in our collective desire to recreate a nation that will continue to be our pride.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu

    Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu

    Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defeated Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure another four-year term as governor of Edo State.

    Obaseki was returned elected after scoring highest number of votes in the Saturday poll, said the Returning Officer for Edo State governorship election, Akpofure Rim-Ruke.

    He said the incumbent governor secured 307,955 of the total votes, 84,336 more votes than his closest rival Ize-Iyamu, who got 223,619 votes.

    [Leaked Video] PDP to Buhari: Pull in Gambari, Oshiomhole for Questioning

    The announcement by the returning officer was coming after the collation of the results from all the 18 local government areas of Edo State where the election was conducted.

    Obaseki won in 13 local government areas, while Ize-Iyamu won in five local government areas of the state

    More than 12 political parties fielded candidates for the election, but the election was keenly contested between PDP and APC.

    Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    Ironically, Obaseki ran against Ize-Iyamu four years ago. The former was elected on APC platform after defecting the latter who ran on the platform of PDP. Obaseki decamped to PDP earlier this year after being denied APC ticket owing to intra-party politics.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Edo Guber: 1.7m Eligible To Vote, 483k Ineligible – INEC Document Reveals

    Edo Guber: 1.7m Eligible To Vote, 483k Ineligible – INEC Document Reveals

    There are indications that out of 1.72 million persons that are eligible to vote in the Sept. 19, Edo governorship polls, 483,796 eligible voters will not participate in the election, records at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reveals.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), an INEC document titled “Delimitation of Edo State”, shows that the ineligible voters in Edo is on account of failure to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    READ ALSO:

    Edo PDP “Reveals” Why Tinubu Made a Broadcast, Alleges Lagos LGA Chairs Paid ₦300M

    The INEC document indicated that as at August 2018, the consolidated figure of registered voters stands at 2,210,534, while only 1,726,738 collected their PVCs, showing that Edo has 18 Local Government Areas, with 192 Wards and 2,627 polling units.

    A further breakdown of the registered voters figure in the document shows that the male accounts for 1,159,325 (representing 52 per cent), while 1,051,209 are female (or 48 percent).

    Similarly, from the total registered voters, the youth (18 – 35 years) account for 50 per cent (1,105,338); Middle Aged (36 – 50 years) account for 29.1 per cent (643,551); and Elderly (51 – 70 years) has 15.99 per cent (353,508).

    Eligible voters classified as the Old (70 years and above) account for 4.89 per cent (108,137).

    READ ALSO:

    Aide Dumps Akeredolu Less Than A Month To Ondo Guber

    Further distribution of registered voters in the three senatorial districts of the state shows that Edo South has the highest figure of 1,281,414: the North with 564,122: and Central senatorial district has 364,998.

    NAN reports that Edo South has seven council areas; the North has six while Central has five Local Government Areas.

    According to the number of collected PVCs, Oredo zone has 240,197; Ikpoba-Okha is 214,882; Egor has 158,817; Etsako West has 128,188 and Akoko Edo with 115,343.