…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
The Umaru Bago-led government of Niger State has announced the dissolution of the State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC).
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, on Monday in Minna, the capital city, it was stated that the electoral officials have been relieved of their duties, effective from May 29.
The statement further directed the members of the commission to hand over all state government property in their possession to the most senior Director immediately.
This action follows the Niger State House of Assembly’s decision on September 27, 2022, to sack Alhaji Baba Aminu, the Chairman of NSIEC, over alleged misconduct.
Obaze Warns INEC against Manipulating IRev Results
In a recent press statement signed by Diran Onifade, the spokesperson for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign, Oseloka H. Obaze, the Campaign Manager, has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against tampering with IRev, specifically regarding the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to Obaze, intelligence received by the campaign office suggests that INEC is allegedly under pressure to manipulate the results of certain states, including the FCT, to favor the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obaze claimed that their source revealed that INEC is tampering with the machines used in the election to adjust the FCT results, giving the APC candidate the required 25% threshold that he initially did not obtain, which is being challenged at the Presidential election tribunal.
While the manner in which the Electoral Commission can brazenly carry out such actions is unclear, Obaze warned that INEC and the ruling APC should not underestimate the adherence to the rule of law and due process by Nigerians and the Obidient Movement.
He cautioned that any attempt to pour salt into the wound inflicted on Nigeria’s electorate would be courting disaster.
Obaze reminded INEC that attempting to manipulate the results is akin to beating a dead horse and that the public’s confidence in the commission has long been eroded, regardless of the authenticity of reports.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the dissolution of the State Independent Electoral Commission in Niger State and the warnings against INEC’s alleged manipulation of results will impact the political landscape and electoral processes.