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Presidential/NASS Poll: Kwara CNPP Condemns Non Use Of Card Readers
By Steve Oni, Ilorin.
Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Kwara state has decried and petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over non-use of card readers in most polling units during the last presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday, the state chairman of the CNPP, Alhaji Adebayo Lawal, said that only 20 percent of the 486,254 voters who voted during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections in Kwara state were validated by card readers, adding that many of those who voted did so manually.
The CNPP has, therefore, urged INEC to ensure that only those verified and authenticated by card readers are allowed to vote in the forthcoming Governorship and State Assembly elections as stipulated in the electoral act.
The group lamented that card readers malfunctioned during the last elections in most units across the state, adding that the development resulted in alleged over voting and use of unclaimed PVCs by agents of a certain political party to vote during the elections with approval of INEC officials.
CNPP said: “This is clearly against the initial guideline given by INEC that only voters accredited through card readers would be allowed to vote, and that any voting not verified and authenticated by the card readers would be declared null and void.
“It is also disheartening to note that agents of opposition political parties, who protested that card readers were not being used for voting in their respective polling units were harassed by security officials.
“The election we had in Kwara was a charade, flawed and discredited exercise. The CNPP, therefore, cannot welcome the outcome of such elections as the true choice of the people. The results did not reflect the wishes of the vast majority of the electorate in Kwara.
“For the forthcoming governorship and State Assembly elections, we insist that only those vierified and authenticated by card readers only must be allowed to vote in the elections as stipulated in the electoral act. Therefore, if the card readers at a polling unit are not working, INEC officials at such polling unit should request for functioning card readers in replacement, and if there is no provision for that, elections in such polling unit must be suspended. Only voters accredited through card readers must be allowed to cast their votes.
“We were glad to hear an INEC Federal Commissioner say on national TV yesterday morning that the usage of card readers is sacrosanct and that no manual voting would be allowed during the governorship and state assembly elections. This is a welcome development and we hope INEC ad- hoc staff will conform to this guideline.
“More importantly, INEC should correct all the observed inadequacies witnessed during the presidential and national assembly elections and must ensure that such indiscretions are not repeated during the governorship and state assembly elections.
“Furthermore, the CNPP in Kwara State condemns in strong terms the use of state power through the security agencies including the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) along with even the NDLEA by the APC-led Federal Government to intimidate and silence members of the opposition parties in the State. Several members and supporters of the opposition parties, especially the PDP were picked up and detained by security operatives few days before the last election. This is unfortunate and undemocratic.
“As we gradually approach the governorship and state assembly elections on Saturday, 9th March, 2019, we in unequivocal terms warn against the repeat of such senile and barbaric arrest and detention of members and supporters of the opposition parties. This is in the interest of the peace pact signed by all parties participating in the election.
“We also caution against the militarization of the March 9 governorship and state Assembly elections as it was done during the presidential and national assembly elections, where heavy security officials were deployed in quantum to intimidate and suppress voters particularly in areas considered to be the strongholds of the opposition parties. We will not tolerate this act of impunity in the forthcoming election.
“We are not in doubt that we have well trained security forces, but we are urging them to demonstrate that professionalism for the entire world to see through being civil, impartial and non-partisan. They should stick to the main role of the security agencies during elections which is to provide security. They must not allow themselves to be used by any political party to carry out unholy acts during the elections either to harass or disenfranchise voters.
“The CNPP remains committed to doing everything possible to ensure the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in Kwara State. People should be allowed to freely choose whoever they want to lead them, without fear or favour, and their wishes must be respected.
“To this end, we want INEC to remain impartial and provide a level playing field for all political parties. Officials of the electoral body and the field staff must not become willing tools in the hands of some undemocratic agents and some unscrupulous policians to scuttle the electoral process and subvert the will of the people. History and posterity will judge us all.”
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Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo Felicitates APC National Chairman @ 58
Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, Deputy National Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has joined party leaders and members nationwide in celebrating the APC National Chairman on the occasion of his 58th birthday.In a goodwill message, Hon. Kumo described the Chairman as a visionary leader whose commitment to democratic ideals and party unity has been a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians. He noted that the Chairman’s leadership has been marked by resilience, inclusivity, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that have strengthened the APC and consolidated its role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.“At 58, our National Chairman exemplifies the finest qualities of statesmanship. His dedication to building consensus, fostering unity, and advancing the cause of good governance has left indelible marks on our party and our nation,” Kumo stated.The APC Deputy National Financial Secretary emphasized that the celebrant’s leadership style has been defined by integrity and courage, guiding the party through challenging times with wisdom and foresight. He added that the Chairman’s ability to inspire confidence across diverse political and social groups has ensured that the APC remains a beacon of hope for Nigerians.“As Chairman, you have demonstrated uncommon vision and fortitude. Your stewardship has strengthened our internal structures, enhanced our democratic processes, and positioned the APC as a party of progress and inclusivity. We celebrate you today not only as a leader but as a patriot whose contributions continue to shape the future of our country,” Kumo said.Hon. Kumo, who also serves as Chairman of the ITF Board of Trustees, highlighted the Chairman’s role in mentoring younger politicians and promoting policies that encourage national development. He noted that the Chairman’s emphasis on unity and service has created a culture of trust and collaboration within the APC, ensuring its continued relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.“As you mark this milestone, we pray for renewed strength, wisdom, and fulfillment in your continued service to our party and our country. May the years ahead bring greater accomplishments and enduring peace,” Kumo concluded.The 58th birthday celebration of the APC National Chairman has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum, underscoring his influence and the respect he commands as a leader. His contributions to the growth of the APC and the deepening of Nigeria’s democracy remain a source of inspiration to party members and citizens alike.
News
EFCC Returns N125m Recovered From Alleged Land Fraud to Lagos Businessman
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned N125 million recovered from a suspect in an alleged land fraud case to a Lagos businessman, Akinsewa Akiode.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, saying the money was handed over to Akiode on Thursday by officials of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 in Ikoyi following the conclusion of investigations.
According to the EFCC, the investigation followed a petition by Akiode, who alleged that Olufemi Fashehun collected N125 million from him for the purchase of a 550-square-metre property at No. 10, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos.
The businessman reportedly discovered after completing the transaction that the property had been involved in litigation since 2011, a development he alleged was concealed from him before the sale.
The EFCC said its investigation established that Fashehun had previously received several court processes, including injunctions restraining him from developing the property, but allegedly failed to disclose the ongoing legal dispute before receiving the payment.
Akiode subsequently lost both the property and structures he had begun developing on the land, prompting him to petition the EFCC for intervention.
Following its investigation, the commission said it recovered the full N125 million from Fashehun and refunded the money to Akiode through Sterling Bank drafts.
The recovery is part of a series of restitution efforts by the anti-graft agency. Earlier, the EFCC returned N108 million recovered during an investigation into an alleged fraud involving two former employees of Greenwich Planet Sun King Nigeria Limited.
In October 2025, the commission also handed over three houses, two vehicles and N1.1 million recovered from a convicted fraudster to one of his victims in Ibadan after a Federal High Court ordered the assets forfeited.
Speaking during the latest handover, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Bawa Kaltungo, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to investigating economic and financial crimes, recovering proceeds of illicit activities and ensuring restitution to victims where possible.
The EFCC did not disclose whether criminal charges had been filed against Fashehun in connection with the alleged transaction.
News
Jigawa Police Arrest Suspects, Recover Tricycle, Motorcycles, 11 Phones
The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested several suspects in connection with alleged theft, shopbreaking and possession of suspected stolen property across the state.
The arrests were made during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted by police operatives in different parts of Jigawa, resulting in the recovery of a tricycle, two motorcycles and 11 Android mobile phones.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Lawal Shi’isu, said operatives attached to the Maigatari and Malam Madori Divisions arrested three suspects allegedly found with stolen Royal and Boxer motorcycles.
The suspects were identified as 30-year-old Abubakar Ya’u and 28-year-old Aminu Ya’u, both residents of Dantanoma Quarters in Gumel Local Government Area, and 25-year-old Abdullahi Bala from Garbagar Village in Guri LGA.
The police also arrested 31-year-old Anas Nuhu from Jobe Village in Dawakin Tofa LGA of Kano State. He was allegedly found in possession of a tricycle with registration number MDB 478 QE and Union number GWL 1842, which police said was suspected to have been stolen from a park in Tofa LGA.
According to the command, Nuhu confessed during interrogation to stealing the tricycle. The case has subsequently been charged to court, while investigations into the other cases have been completed and the suspects arraigned for prosecution.
In a separate operation, police arrested 18-year-old Mamman Adamu of Tutiyari Village in Kirikasamma LGA following a report of a shop burglary in Birniwa.
The suspect was allegedly linked to the theft of 11 Android mobile phones, all of which were recovered by the police.
The command said Adamu also confessed to the alleged offence and would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, commended the officers involved for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to help prevent and combat crime across the state.
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