Author: Gabby

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially set up its campaign committee for the upcoming governorship election in Ekiti State. This development marks a significant step in the party’s preparations for the poll.

In a statement shared on its verified X account on Saturday, the party outlined the committee’s responsibilities. These include coordinating campaign activities, rallying support across Ekiti, engaging key stakeholders, and spreading the party’s vision to all communities in the state.

The ADC congratulated all appointees serving on the committee, expressing trust in their abilities, commitment, and dedication to ensuring a successful campaign. The party emphasized its focus on offering Ekiti residents credible leadership, accountable governance, and a promising future.

“Together, we remain focused on providing the people of Ekiti State with credible leadership, responsible governance, and a brighter future,” the statement read. “Congratulations to all members of the Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Committee.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Federal Capital Territory has taken a proactive step by organizing a training session for its employees focused on data protection and compliance. This initiative aims to bolster the security of voter information and sensitive official documents.

Held on a Saturday, the one-day workshop at the INEC FCT Conference Hall targeted staff involved in managing voter data. The session covered critical aspects of data protection laws and the legal responsibilities that come with handling such information.

Representing the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Administrative Secretary Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye emphasized the need to update personnel on current regulations and the serious consequences of data breaches. She encouraged participants to leverage the program to enhance their skills and maintain high standards of integrity and accountability in public data management.

The training comes in the wake of a controversy where confidential voter details of Nollywood actor Emeka Ike, a House of Representatives aspirant, were allegedly accessed from INEC’s portal using valid staff credentials and leaked without authorization. This incident, which involved Lere Olayinka, an aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, raised alarms about internal security protocols.

Data protection expert Mr. Anthony Abodunrin Oni, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Human Resources Management, facilitated the workshop. It delved into the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, data protection rights, core principles, and practical guidelines for handling official records. Through group activities and real-world case studies, participants explored legal and ethical duties related to data security, including password management, access controls, secure filing, and prompt breach reporting.

Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has stirred controversy by asserting that an Atiku Abubakar-led administration would fundamentally represent Fulani dominance. In a Facebook post over the weekend, Lawal, who recently parted ways with the African Democratic Congress due to alleged primary irregularities, argued that his warnings about Atiku’s potential presidency have triggered a wave of insults and threats from Fulani communities across Nigeria.

Lawal drew a parallel between Atiku’s candidacy and President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, noting that Tinubu’s administration is widely perceived as a Yoruba presidency—a label that many Yoruba people embrace. He suggested that Atiku’s presidency would carry a similar ethnic connotation, though he criticized the aggressive backlash he has faced for highlighting this viewpoint.

“Pointing out the hazards of an Atiku presidency for the nation does not equate to disrespecting the entire Fulani race,” Lawal wrote. “If the Fulani community chooses to interpret my remarks as an insult, that is their prerogative. We live in a free society.” His comments have ignited debate about ethnicity and leadership in Nigeria, drawing both support and condemnation.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Oluwole Oluyede, has launched a scathing attack on the All Progressives Congress (APC), labeling its primary election as the most poorly conducted in democratic history. Speaking on Arise Television on Saturday, Oluyede described the APC as deeply fractured and incapable of providing effective governance.

According to Oluyede, the primary process exposed the internal chaos within the APC, further weakening the party’s standing in the state. He argued that the PDP remains a formidable force despite the APC’s attempts to dismiss its relevance. ‘The APC mistakenly believed we were extinct, but we have proven our existence and unity,’ he stated.

Oluyede also criticized the performance of the current APC administration under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, calling it the worst in Ekiti’s history. He contrasted it with past PDP governments, which he claimed were more effective. ‘People are fed up with an administration that has accomplished nothing meaningful. Even without a challenger, Governor Oyebanji would lose to himself,’ Oluyede asserted.

Public commentator Mahdi Shehu has voiced alarm over what he perceives as escalating political desperation in Nigeria following the conclusion of party primaries. In a Saturday post on X, Shehu criticized political parties for a lack of transparency and rising tensions among members.

Despite the completion of primaries, many parties have yet to release their final candidate lists, a delay Shehu finds dubious. “All parties’ primary elections are over, yet the final lists are being withheld and treated as if they are in a casino room,” he remarked.

He noted that the disputes and rejections trailing the primaries indicate that many politicians still struggle with democratic processes even after 25 years of civilian rule. “Even after 25 uninterrupted years of democratic governance, politicians in Nigeria are still learning the ropes,” he added.

Shehu also highlighted what he termed extreme power hunger, observing that some politicians are willing to switch parties or form unlikely alliances just to secure tickets. “Extreme desperation for power at all cost is increasing, judging by the behaviour of party members after losing tickets,” he said.

He further pointed out that politicians who once criticized certain parties are now flocking to those same platforms. “Some characters are moving from one political party to another looking for cheap tickets, including parties they once demonised,” he stated. Former rivals are now forming convenience-based alliances—strange bedfellows driven by a desire for power.

Shehu warned that the real impact of these developments will become clearer as the election period progresses. “The realities will manifest before, during and after the general elections,” he said. “Democracy is in visible danger with the way politicians are displaying dangerous desperation.” He concluded that while the current situation may seem uncertain, time will reveal its full effect on Nigeria’s political landscape.