₦airaland Forum

Putindbutt:
He didn't start?, sorry you're not used to success, Peter Obi failed you as Gov & as your leader. I know and many sane Nigeria know that infrastructure can be built in two years, it's not a rocket science. But it's a mystery to supporters of a man whose eight years was a complete failure in Anambra.

Rashduct4luv:
Sympathy you say?

He went to Benue. Is that not sympathetic enough to you?

He moved security forces over there!

What else do you all need bobloco?

Putindbutt:
Which failure?, The man that's going from one state to another commissioning projects?. You think everyone will be bitter & negative oriented like una.. dey play.

Rashduct4luv:


Make Obi go sit down Jare!

Which kind politics is he playing with people's life?

Abegi!

Putindbutt:
That neuroticism is true because he told us he receives advise from a mad man. If he doesn't focus his energy on negative criticisms, how will he feed and constantly oil his headless mob machinery?.

Peterobiisathie:
Bobloco Owobokiri
The trend continues.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has told a coalition of political groups seeking to register a new party ahead of the 2027 general elections that no amount of public pressure or blackmail would override the need for strict compliance with constitutional and regulatory requirements.

The electoral body questioned the coalition’s compliance with key legal and procedural requirements, warning that party registration was not merely a political declaration but a constitutional process governed by strict guidelines.

INEC also denied reports circulating online, claiming the registration of two new political parties – the “Independent Democrats” and the “Peoples Democratic Movement.”

Several opposition members had recently accused the electoral body of refusing to register new political parties, raising concerns about the inclusiveness of the electoral process.

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, accused INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, of blocking the registration of new political parties.

Speaking on Arise TV earlier in June, Amaechi praised former INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, for ensuring a transparent electoral process that led to the All Progressives Congress registration and eventual victory in 2015.

He said, “The current chairman of INEC, if he were the chairman of INEC in 2015, we would not have won.

“That’s an important point. May God bless (Attahiru) Jega. Because the ground rules were clear. The current chairman of INEC can only be compared to Iwu.

“When we were to register APC, Jega opened the door and we complied with the registration requirements. He got APC registered. The current man, if you comply with all these, he would not register you.”

The Movement of the People, a political group inspired by the legacy of late Afrobeat singer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, also sought registration from INEC as a political party.

In a statement issued by its Protem Chairman and musician, Seun Kuti, the group said, “Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive when the political space is continuously restricted.

“Since 2018, no new political party has been registered in Nigeria, while 72 existing parties have been deregistered. This severe restriction limits citizens’ political choices and undermines true democratic representation.”

Other coalition leaders, including a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and a chieftain of the APC, Salihu Lukman, had blamed INEC at different events over non-registration of political parties ahead of the 2027 election.

Reacting to the allegations, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, dismissed the claims as unfounded and stressed the importance of compliance with the commission’s regulations.

Oyekanmi told The PUNCH on Monday that the commission was focused on the quality of applications rather than the quantity, emphasising that only those applicants who fully met the established criteria could be successfully registered.

He noted that it was more accurate to speak of successful applications, as some groups may withdraw their applications during the process.

According to him, applicants received regular updates from INEC regarding the status of their submissions within stipulated timelines.

“Rather than trying to blackmail INEC with unfounded accusations, groups that applied for registration as political parties should submit authentic, verifiable documents and comply with all the requirements for registration.

“The number of applications that the commission receives is not as important as the number of applicants that can successfully satisfy the criteria for registration.

“It is thus more appropriate to talk about successful applications than the number of applications, since in any case, some applicants or associations may even withdraw their applications along the line.

“Applicants also receive constant communication from the commission about the status of their applications in line with the stipulated timeline,” Oyekanmi explained.

He said the conditions for political party registration were outlined in the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.

“The conditions for applying for registration as a political party are contained in our Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.

“Among other things, an association seeking registration shall submit its letter of intent along with its proposed name, symbol and acronym not later than 12 months before a general election.

“If approved, the association shall make payment of an administrative fee as determined by the commission.

“Upon receipt of the evidence of payment, an access code shall be issued to the chairman or secretary of the association for the download and submission of some forms and documents within 30 days,” the CPS said.

Explaining further, the Oyekanmi noted, “Some of the documents to be submitted to the commission include: constitution of the proposed political party; proposed manifesto of the political party; title deed, tenancy agreement or other evidence of lawful occupation of its headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory; register of members of the association, which includes their names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and an affidavit by the national chairman or national secretary of the association, confirming the authenticity of the information and contents of the documents.

“Upon receipt of the online application and the accompanying documents, the commission proceeds to evaluate the application and documents to ensure that they meet the legal and administrative requirements for further processing.

“Now, where at any stage of the registration process, it is discovered that the same set of persons submitted more than one application, or that any aspect of the submission is false, such an application shall be invalidated.

“It is important to state that in verifying the claims of an association, the commission shall ascertain whether: the National Executive of an association reflects the Federal Character principle which requires that members of the National Executive Committee must come from at least 24 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory; the constitution and manifesto of the association comply with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022; the name, acronym, motto or symbol do not offend the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended): the proof of identity of each member of the national officers of the association, indigene certificate confirming that members of the national executive committee are indigenes of the States indicated against their names in Form EC15A(1) comply with the requirements.”

Debunking the news of party registration in a statement issued via its X handle on Wednesday, INEC described the report as false and urged members of the public to disregard it.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the commission has not yet registered any new party.

“The current number of registered political parties in Nigeria is 19. Nothing has been added,” INEC stated.

INEC also addressed the history of the two political groups mentioned in the fake report.

“It will be recalled that both the ‘Independent Democrats’ and ‘Peoples Democratic Movement’ were registered as political parties in August 2013.

“However, they were deregistered in February 2020 in accordance with Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the commission explained.

The commission emphasised its commitment to transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions in all electoral processes.

“We urge the public to disregard the said report,” it said.

Former Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi has tackled President Bola Tinubu over his visit to Benue State, stressing that the president “chose optics over empathy.”

Obi accused Tinubu of wearing a celebratory attire to Benue State instead of a mourning cloth.

Latest series of attacks in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State left about 200 people killed.

The attacks have been linked to armed herders interested in Benue lands.

Yesterday, Tinubu visited the state and promised to tackle the crisis.

Reacting, Obi said the condolence visit of the president was turned into a carnival.

Posting on X, he wrote: “What has happened to our compassion as a People?

“We pleaded that the President should show leadership and visit Benue and Niger States in the spirit of deep national mourning, to offer compassion and solidarity to families torn apart by the senseless massacre of over 200 innocent Nigerians in Benue State and flooding that killed similar number in Niger State.

“But what we saw in Benue visit was instead of a solemn, reflective visit, a display that would have been more befitting for the commissioning of reconstructed Enugu-Makurdi highway, a critical road connecting South and Northern Nigeria which had become impassable for years.

“The President arrived not in mourning cloth but in celebratory agbada attire, like it was an occasion for joy.

“Even more heartbreaking is the role of the State. Rather than been in mourning mood and weeping declared a public holiday, not for reflection or prayer, but to organize fanfare. Schools were shut down. Children who should be mourning their slaughtered classmates, and parents were instead lined up under the rain, rehearsed to sing and dance for the President. In what kind of country does this happen?

“We have tragically arrived at a point where condolence visits have become carnivals. A time that should be marked by silence and solemnity is now polluted by banners, music, and rehearsed spectacles. Precious Nigerian lives have been lost, yet we’re clapping, singing, and organizing processions, as though this were a campaign rally.

“This is not how any compassionate nation behaves. The energy, resources, and logistics poured into this charade could have gone into food supplies, temporary shelters, medical aid, school support, and trauma counselling for grieving families. Instead, we chose optics over empathy.

“Look elsewhere: When President Ramaphosa visited Mthatha after the floods in South Africa, there were no drums. No staged crowds. No rented cheers. Just presence, silence, and action.

“When Prime Minister Modi went to the site of a crash, no one lined up to welcome him. He came, he mourned, he acted. That is what leadership looks like in moments of pain.

“We must ask ourselves: What kind of people have we become?

“Enough of this culture of impunity. We are not at war yet our nation is bleeding, and we are clapping. It is not only insensitive, it is dangerous.

“Let us not forget: These were human beings, children, mothers, fathers whose blood cries out for justice.

“When very sad incidents like this turn to campaign or festival, our Nation Losing Its Soul. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO”

agulion:
Tinubu has absolute nothing to offer, he seems confused like Iranian leader

Putindbutt:
When someone has a different political views from yours, to you, it is biased but we do see how Fergie openly pushes pro LP/Peter Obi agenda but nobody is bullying or harassing him. Why not learn to accommodate people 's opinion, not everybody will sleep on the same bed with you. I asked you again, show us any counter proof to his claims of you have any, he supported his claims with a proof. Show your own counter proofs and stop bullying him. There's no rules that forbuds moderators from being political.

Putindbutt:
Are you saying the same for Fergie that's a supporter of Peter Obi?, is Fergie also planted by Obidients on this forum?. Someone gave a factual proof of the man being dismissed as a spokesman to the former vice president and you're here kicking without providing any counter proof. It is this attitude of fascism by the headless mob, that no contrary opinions are allowed except for whatever appeals to your shallow sentiments.

Mynd44:
I have seen this but months ago, Umar Sani was disowned by the former Vice President as his spokesperson publicly so…..

ariesbull:
When you are done ...go and conduct your own research

DeLaRue:
A person is indisposed if they are unwell / sick.

As the Secretary is not sick, you can’t claim he is indisposed.

The PDP should just recognise the authentic Secretary whose term in office will lapse in October, and stop running helter-skelter.

ubimagos:
Rest, you are not the first to loss an election and it is not as if there is light at the end of the tunnel for you. You have been tested and you failed your people, so rest!

Obaofaba:
God bless Reno Omokri, he's one of the few critics I admire the most.

What I don't know is how the President won him to his side.

benuejosh:
Anyone who truly loves Nigeria and thinks well for this country will know Tinubu means well.

StUriah:
She is from that region that are giving Nigeria a bad name.

She's not a Yoruba. She definitely changed her name to get a free passage.

madridguy:
Using health facility is not a must... The major important thing is to hear the cry of the baby and see mama baby alive.

aswani:
I believe he is yet to move into his newly built or refurbished VP house in Abuja because he fears it is bugged.

That clear lack of trust needs to be dealt with. If he can prove there are bugs then let him come out and show it.

No strong leader will tolerate such potential treachery.

Peterobiisathie:
Tinubu that defeated Ipob terrorists will defeat these criminal herdsmen IJN

Freetech:
The same Obi under whose numerous youth perish with corpse floating on Agulu river has now become security experts.

Then as a governor he had no idea but he's professional in advising Nigeria government. Tueh

Wonders shall never end

favor914:
Maybe you are imagining the Federal Republic of Nigeria to be Cambodia, abi na Vietnam?

Go & hustle to prosper your life, your prosperity is your personal achievement.

Akpakomiza2:
You speak so carelessly. Why would kwankwaso sabotage him, to gain what? Kwankwaso will deputize him and deliver Kano bloc votes that will bury the useless coalition. The only implosion I am seeing is in PDP, Lp and coalition

JagabanBorgu:
Maybe you should go to the societies where those elections were carried out to get the answer to ur question.