INEC'

INEC Warns Political Parties Against Frequent Changes in Primary Election Dates

Published

2 years ago

March 19, 2024

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cautioned political parties against the frequent changing of primary election dates, citing disruptions and costs incurred. INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the need for parties to adhere to proposed dates and modes of primaries for optimal resource deployment.

The warning came during the first regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja. Yakubu highlighted the upcoming Ondo State governorship primary elections, urging parties to maintain consistency to ensure certainty and efficiency in the electoral process.

He also addressed issues of acrimonious primaries and the emergence of multiple candidates, stressing the need for parties to avoid unnecessary litigations and disruptions. Additionally, INEC revealed that only six out of 16 political parties interested in the Edo governorship election had uploaded candidate details, urging parties to adhere to the Commission’s schedule to avoid last-minute rush and ensure successful nomination of candidates.

In his address during the first regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, expressed concern over the recent trend of frequent changes in primary election dates by political parties.

He emphasized the disruptive and costly nature of such changes and urged parties to adhere to their proposed dates and modes of primaries to ensure efficiency and optimal resource deployment. Yakubu specifically referred to the upcoming Ondo State governorship primary elections scheduled to commence on April 6, 2024, cautioning against last-minute adjustments that could undermine the electoral process.

Yakubu highlighted the need for political parties to conduct primaries without acrimony and avoid the emergence of multiple candidates, which often lead to unnecessary litigations and disputes. He urged parties to find solutions to these challenges to streamline the electoral process and minimize disruptions.

Moreover, Yakubu addressed the issue of parties granting waivers to candidates who recently defected from other political parties, leading to conflicts and legal disputes. He emphasized the need for parties to adhere to the rules and regulations governing candidate nominations to prevent unnecessary legal battles that drain resources and time.

Regarding the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, INEC revealed that only six out of 16 political parties that expressed interest had uploaded details of their candidates on the Commission’s portal. Yakubu urged parties to adhere to the Commission’s schedule and avoid last-minute rush to ensure successful nomination of candidates within the stipulated timeframe.

Overall, INEC’s message underscored the importance of stability and adherence to electoral timelines by political parties to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process.

Abuja Reports

All Eyes on INEC as 1.68m FCT Voters Elect Six Chairmen, 62 Councillors

Published

2 months ago

February 20, 2026

Editor

By Patrick Idowu

No fewer than 1,680,315 registered voters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are set to vote across 2,822 polling units tomorrow to elect six Area Council chairmen and 62 councillors.

A total of 570 candidates are contesting for chairman, vice-chairman and councillorship positions under 17 political parties cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The elections will be held in Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali Area Councils.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed at a stakeholders’ meeting that 106,099 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were collected before the February 10 deadline.

He added that 89 observer groups and 700 journalists from 72 media organisations have been accredited.

According to him, 11,873 polling officials, alongside supervisory and technical staff, will be deployed, while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be used in all polling units. The commission has also arranged vehicles, motorcycles and boats for logistics.

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has announced a restriction of movement from 6am to 6pm on election day.

In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said only essential and accredited election personnel would be exempted. She added that security operatives, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, DSS and NSCDC, have been deployed to ensure a peaceful poll.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged officers to maintain professionalism and provide adequate security at polling units and collation centres.

2027 General Elections

PDP Blasts Senate Over E-Transmission Clause

Published

2 months ago

February 11, 2026

Editor

By Olokuta Rofiat

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Senate’s decision on electronic transmission of election results, describing it as a “backdoor plot” capable of undermining electoral transparency.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, the party faulted the Electoral Act amendment, particularly the provision allowing manual transmission of results where electronic upload fails.

The PDP argued that while the Senate approved electronic transmission, retaining manual alternatives creates loopholes that could be exploited to manipulate results.

It said Nigerians had demanded strict real-time electronic transmission from polling units to boost credibility and reduce post-election disputes, warning that any clause that weakens the requirement could erode public confidence.

The party urged the National Assembly to adopt a clearer and stronger provision during the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Senate’s position has continued to draw mixed reactions from political stakeholders and civil society groups.

INEC'

FCT Polls: INEC Urges Voters to Confirm Polling Units Early

Published

2 months ago

February 11, 2026

Editor

By Patrick Idowu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to use its digital platforms to confirm their polling units ahead of the Area Council elections scheduled for February 21.

The INEC Administrative Secretary for the FCT, Mrs. Abimbola Oladunjoye, gave the advice in Abuja on Monday, warning voters not to wait until election day before locating their voting points.

According to her, voters who are unsure of their polling unit details can visit voters.inecnigeria.org and enter their information to view their polling unit and directions.

She added that those who know their polling unit name or code but are unsure of its physical location can use the Polling Unit Locator Tool on pula.inecnigeria.org, where they can select the FCT, ward and polling unit to get directions.

Oladunjoye also said voters can use inecnigeria.org/location to access Google Maps directions by inputting polling unit details.

She further noted that INEC will paste the register of voters at every polling unit four to five days before the election to assist residents.