APC Ward Elders, Leaders, Executives Commit To Strengthen Party's Political Prosperity

Oshimili South LGA's Ward Six elders, leaders and executives loyal to the All Progressive Congress (APC), today, Friday, expressed their sworn commitment and renewed determination towards their party's political prosperity.

The above was made manifest during an enlarged monthly meeting of the party, where their ward's elders, leaders and executives shared thoughts, ideas and new perspectives towards strengthening the party within the ward.

Kindly watch this multimedia clip below to find out from first hand experience what their views and perspectives at the meeting were. 

Okonta Emeka Okelum's Multimedia Production For Asaba Post Media Solutions. 

https://youtu.be/c_X-GVmxW2M?feature=shared

Climate Change: Foundation Distributed Economic Tree Seedlings To Stakeholders

 

The Engr Chief Chukwuemeka Chukwurah Green Energy Foundation (ECCCGEF) delivered economic trees to religious and community development stakeholders for planting and nurturing purposes.

The exercise was part of the foundation's this year's labour day celebrations.

Parish priest of St. Patrick Catholic Church Westend Asaba; Diokpa Umuezei Quarters, Asaba; Diokpa Ugbomanta Quarters Asaba; Diokpa Umuagu Quarters; Asaba, Diokpa Ogbe; Ogbe-Udala Village, Asaba and Diokpa Umuaji Quarters, Asaba.

Making this information available today, Thursday, to Itah Di Na Ahaba, the foundation gave out 12 economic tree seedlings to the above-mentioned stakeholders.

Diokpa Umuonaje Quarters Asaba, had earlier two weeks ago received their own share of economic tree seedlings.

Economic tree seedlings shared to stakeholders today, were effected via a pro bono approach, seedlings distributed were Avocado; Native Pears; Oranges; Guava; Shawashop; Mango; Coconut; Cashew nut and Cherry tree seedlings, each stakeholders got 12 economic tree seedlings.

According to the foundation's Chief Executive, Engr Chief Chukwuemeka Chukwurah, reached out to other major funding partners for the project's sustainability.

Since the rains are here, ECCCGEF encourages all stakeholders to be involved in planting and nurturing of trees, to combat effects of climate change; flooding; temperature rise; drought; cyclone; wild fires and health issues will drop drastically, if we all join hands in these mitigation and adaptation measures to reduce vulnerability and creat resilience to current climate change crisis. 

Banks, cooperative societies, and finance houses should fund stakeholders to patronise Renewable Energy Solutions to power their houses and businesses. We commend Fidelity Bank Nigeria for their initiative in this direction. 

The carbon (footprint reduction ) market in our country is still in embryo. The Federal Government via Federal Ministry of Environment and National Climate Change Commission should speed up the processes of Developing our home grown Carbon Market. This includes the verification, auditing and pricing mechanisms of carbon footprint reduced by tonnes of CO2 equivalent captured or forgone by green energy utilization, Engr Chief Chukwurah suggested.

In addition, The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with our Universities and Research Institutes, should throw their weights locally in global efforts at developing and commercialising Direct Air Capture and Direct Ocean Capture gadgets . 

This will go a long way to encourage genuine environmental activists to authentically commercialise their efforts. The extant global carbon market is cumbersorne and greatly favors the developed countries, he emphasized.

There are vital novel gadgets that simulate photosynthesis in reducing carbon emitted into the atmosphere and in the Oceans. The pathway and engagements may be strenuous but they are thrilling and worthwhile. 

Nonetheless, with support and participation from all stakeholders, more could be achieved for a Total Quality Environment for Mother Earth.

Happy May Day and Worker's Day.

https://youtu.be/5zk1AHjL9AQ?si=Etj0JwQIHtesQtN8

Election Integrity: How Free and Fair Are Nigerian Elections?

 

Introduction

Election integrity is the cornerstone of any democratic society. Free and fair elections ensure that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the leadership chosen to govern them. However, in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous democracy, concerns about electoral fraud, violence, and institutional weaknesses have repeatedly raised questions about the credibility of elections. This article examines the state of election integrity in Nigeria, analyzing key challenges, recent developments, and recommendations for improvement.  

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous democracy, has held regular elections since its return to civilian rule in 1999. These elections are expected to reflect the will of the people, but the lingering question remains: How free and fair are Nigerian elections?

Historical Context of Nigerian Elections

Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, elections have been marred by allegations of rigging, voter intimidation, and logistical failures. While some progress has been made—such as the introduction of biometric voter accreditation (BVAS) and the electronic transmission of results in the 2023 elections—significant concerns remain.  

According to the Electoral Integrity Project’s (EIP) 2023 Global Report, Nigeria ranks poorly in electoral fairness, scoring below the global average in areas like voter registration, campaign finance transparency, and media bias. The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has also highlighted issues such as vote-buying, insecurity, and judicial interference in election disputes.  

Key Challenges to Free and Fair Elections in Nigeria  

1. Electoral Violence and Insecurity  

Election periods in Nigeria are often characterized by violence. The 2023 general elections, for instance, saw attacks on polling units in Lagos, Rivers, and Kano states, with reports of thugs disrupting voting and intimidating voters. The CLEEN Foundation reported over 200 incidents of election-related violence during the polls.  

2. Vote-Buying and Corruption

Vote-buying remains a major threat to election integrity. A 2023 report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) revealed that political parties and their agents openly engaged in financial inducements to sway voters, particularly in rural areas.  

3. Logistical and Technical Failures  

Despite the introduction of BVAS by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), technical glitches and delays in uploading results in the 2023 elections fueled mistrust. Opposition parties, including the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused INEC of compromising the process.  

4. Judicial Influence on Election Outcomes Nigeria’s judiciary has played an increasingly controversial role in determining election winners. The 2023 presidential election petition tribunal and subsequent Supreme Court ruling upholding President Bola Tinubu’s victory sparked debates about judicial impartiality.  

Progress and Reforms 

Despite these challenges, some improvements have been recorded:  

BVAS and IReV: The use of technology has reduced over-voting and manual manipulation.  

- Increased Voter Awareness: Civil society organizations like Yiaga Africa and Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) have enhanced voter education.  

* Legal Reforms:

The 2022 Electoral Act introduced measures to improve transparency, though full implementation remains weak.  

Recommendations for Strengthening Election Integrity

  

1. Enhanced Security Measures: The government must ensure adequate security to prevent violence and voter suppression.  

2. Strict Enforcement of Anti-Corruption Laws: INEC and anti-graft agencies should clamp down on vote-buying and financial inducements.  

3. Judicial Reforms: The judiciary must demonstrate impartiality in election disputes to restore public confidence.  

4. Civic Education: Continuous voter education is needed to empower citizens to resist manipulation.  

5. International Oversight: Partnerships with organizations like the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS can provide independent monitoring.  

Conclusion 

While Nigeria has made some strides in improving its electoral process, significant gaps remain in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. Strengthening institutions, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of transparency are critical steps toward restoring trust in Nigeria’s democracy.  

The 2027 elections present another opportunity for Nigeria to prove its commitment to electoral integrity—but only if lessons from past failures are genuinely addressed.  

References

- Electoral Integrity Project (2023)  

- Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) Report (2023)  

- CLEEN Foundation Election Security Report (2023)  

- International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Nigeria Assessment  

- Yiaga Africa’s Election Observation Reports  

Comrade Okonta Emeka Okelum is an online journalist covering governance, democracy, and electoral reforms in Nigeria.