Skip to main content

INEC MUST PROTECT ITS INDEPENDENCE: INEC Under Pressure From Presidency To Return Zakari To Operations

 Image may contain: 1 person, flower and close-up
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is under pressure from some strong political players in the presidency to return the National Commissioner on Health and Welfare, Mrs Amina Zakari, to her former operations beat from where she was posted last week by the National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, THISDAY learnt at the weekend.

THISDAY sources said at the weekend that INEC had come under intense pressure to return Zakari, a relation of Buhari to operations, which is the engine room of election management of the commission.

Zakari and four other national commissioners had reshuffled by Yakubu last week after leaders of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Senate President Bukola Saraki, marched on INEC and Police Headquarters, protesting the handling of the governorship election in Osun State last month.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, had defeated the PDP’s Senator Ademola Adeleke after a controversial run-off that international and local observers carpeted for what they called undue interference by security forces.

Zakari, who had been variously accused of skewing election processes in favour of the ruling APC, obviously on account of her relationship with Buhari, was particularly accused by the PDP of turning the tables against it in Osun State.

The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Osun, Oyo and Ogun States, Mr. Adedeji Soyebi, also got caught up in the web of the protest and was posted to the commission’s electoral institute.

But THISDAY was told that the presidency had been uncomfortable with the postings, coming few months to the general elections and want them reversed.

INEC sources told the newspaper, however, that it’s National Chairman, Yakubu, is resisting the pressure but wondered how long he would hold his ground.


The commission’s reaction was not available last night as calls to the phone of the chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, did not go through.
-Thisday

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

FEDERAL ALLOCATION TO THE TWENTY FIVE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN DELTA STATE IN 2023

Below Is The Federal Allocation To The Twenty five Local Government Areas in Delta State In 2023: Aniocha North:  ₦2,631,989,064.8 Aniocha South:  ₦2,847,788,192.94 Bomadi:               ₦2,491,779,057.87 Burutu:                 ₦3,367,885,422.51 Ethiope East:      ₦3,178,376,209.24 Ethiope West:     ₦3,226,505,207.54 Ika North East:   ₦3,279,681,589.37 Ika South:            ₦3,117,284,050.15 Isoko North:        ₦2,968,741,529.30 Isoko South:       ₦3,372,633,698.8 Ndokwa East:     ₦2,766,813,948.49 Ndokwa West:   ₦3,108,983,376.16 Okpe:                    ₦2,750,960,811.06 Oshimili North:  ₦2,683,889,807 Oshimili South: ₦2,890,887,684.18 Patani:                 ...

OBOREVWORI: How Not To Glorify A 'One Chance' Governor - By Zik Gbemre

It is appalling how, in desperation to sustain its thieving hegemony over the Delta State Government since 1999, the Delta PDP had the audacity to impose the weakest, most uninformed contender, a local champion, as Governor over a state replete with accomplished men and women of immense capacity. Given this unenviable privilege, one would have expected the fortunate placeholder governor, Sheriff Oborevwori—whose only election campaign manifesto was pledging to improve on the failed leadership of Ifeanyi Okowa, his predecessor—to engage creative minds and individuals of proven integrity to assist him in making a difference. Rather than doing the needful, Oborevwori has worsened matters by electing to engage the same spent leaders, deadwood, and gluttons that have gained prominence in running the state down over successive administrations. The result has been a government of mediocre officeholders competing to run the state for their pockets at the detriment of the populace, under a gove...

MOMENT OF HONOUR: Ughelli Agog As Ovie Omo-Agege Arrives Home

It was a day of honour for Obarisi Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, and Delta State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, as the people of Delta State came together from all ethnic nationalities to collectively celebrate and honour him. The grand reception in the ancient city of Ughelli was historic, marking the recognition of a distinguished Deltan who has brought great honour to the state and its people. Obarisi, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege arrived Osubi Airport flanked by Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Hon. Eric Oharisi and Hon. Evance Iwhurie. The streets of Ughelli came alive with jubilation as the former Deputy Senate President and his entourage drove into town. It was a historic moment, characterized by the beating of drums, vibrant displays of cultural pride, and an overwhelming sense of camaraderie among the people. The air filled with chants of joy, and the atmosphere electric with excitement—all painting a ...