Connect with us

News

FCT polls: Yiaga Africa Releases Preliminary Report

Published

on

Spread the love

A civil society organization, Yiaga Africa, has released its preliminary report on the 2026 Federal Capital Area Council Elections held on Saturday.

 

 

The civic group reported that vote buying was witnessed at various polling units in the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, conducted elections for the position of chairman in the six area councils of the FCT, as well as for 62 councillorship seats.

Yiaga Africa said it deployed trained and duly accredited roving observers to systematically monitor the conduct of the elections.

It said that its observers were deployed by 7:30 a.m. and covered polling units across the sixty-two wards of the FCT, with their mandate including observing key aspects of the voting process, including opening procedures, accreditation, voting, and counting.

Yiaga Africa said it observed that the election was conducted in a largely peaceful atmosphere, adding that voters who presented themselves at polling units were afforded the opportunity to exercise their franchise without widespread disruption but added that notwithstanding this enabling environment, voter turnout was generally low, with most polling units recording poor turnout.

It said that logistical challenges adversely affected the timely commencement of polling, particularly in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, where delays in the deployment of personnel and materials contributed to late opening in several locations.

It added that the relocation of certain polling units coupled with inadequate and untimely communication of these changes to voters generated confusion and may have resulted in voter disenfranchisement saying that such administrative lapses have significant implications for electoral access and public

On its preliminary findings, the election watch agency said: “Yiaga Africa observers reported a delayed commencement of polling in several polling units, primarily attributable to logistical inefficiencies and, in some instances, election security–related challenges.

“As of 9:00 a.m., set-up activities were still ongoing in the majority of polling units observed, indicating that essential preparatory procedures had not been completed within the timeframe prescribed by electoral guidelines.

“In the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), particularly in Wuse and Gwarinpa wards, several polling units opened significantly behind schedule. Observers noted that polling officials were still arranging materials and organizing the voting environment as at 9:00 a.m., with accreditation and voting commencing only after 10:00 a.m. On average, across the sampled polling units observed, accreditation and voting began at approximately 10:00 a.m.

“Consistent with the Commission’s guidelines, critical election materials including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and the voter register—were deployed in the polling units observed.

“However, in Polling Unit 004, Wuse Ward, Zone 2 Primary School, the voter register was not initially available and was only produced after observers raised concerns and voters objected. In addition, essential voting materials were absent in certain locations. Voting cubicles were not observed in PU002 (Ward 09), PU006 (Ward 01), and PU012 (Ward 10) in Abaji
Area Council. Furthermore, an ink pad required for the voting process was reportedly missing in one polling unit observed.

“Observers reported instances in which voters were reassigned to newly created polling units without prior or adequate notification. While Yiaga Africa acknowledges INEC’s efforts to notify affected voters via SMS, many of these messages were delivered on Election Day, with some received hours after polling had already commenced. The lack of timely and effective communication generated confusion at several polling locations, as numerous voters spent over an hour attempting to ascertain their designated polling units.

“In multiple instances, this administrative shortcoming contributed to congestion and
overcrowding, thereby undermining orderly queue management and potentially
discouraging voter participation.

“The observation further revealed significant disparities in voter distribution within the same polling locations. Such pronounced imbalances raise serious concerns regarding the coherence, and reliability of the Commission’s polling unit expansion and voter redistribution framework.

“Closing of Polling Unit before the official 2:30pm: Observers reported some polling
units closing the polling process before the official 2:30pm close time. While some
polling units experienced poor voter participation, the guideline requires the polling unit to remain open until 2:30pm or the last person on the queue votes.

“Security Deployment and Observer Access: Yiaga Africa observed heavy security deployment in certain locations, which, in some instances, impeded the movement of accredited election observers and restricted access to polling units. Observers further noted that the heightened security presence created barriers for citizens attempting to
access polling units to exercise their right to vote.

“Vote buying: The persistent menace of vote buying once again manifested during the election. Yiaga Africa observers documented incidents of vote buying at polling units, underscoring the continued vulnerability of the electoral process to monetary inducement.

“Despite prior assurances and directives issued by INEC to security agencies to identify and apprehend both vote buyers and sellers, these illicit practices reportedly continued in several locations.”

News

Tinubu Storms Ogun, Commissions Airport, Airline, and Major Infrastructure Projects

Published

on

Spread the love

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will tomorrow embark on an official visit to Ogun State, as the Gateway State prepares to witness the commissioning and inspection of a sweeping array of landmark projects—an indication of its bold stride toward infrastructural transformation, economic expansion, and improved service delivery.

 

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the President’s itinerary reflects a comprehensive showcase of strategic investments cutting across critical sectors.

At the forefront of the visit is the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport, Iperu—an ambitious project designed to position Ogun State as a major aviation and logistics hub in Nigeria. Within the airport complex, President Tinubu will also commission two newly acquired aircraft under Gateway Air, marking the official takeoff of the state’s aviation initiative in partnership with ValueJet.

Further underscoring the airport’s economic potential, the President will witness a cargo operations showcase facilitated by SAHCOL, signaling readiness for full-scale logistics and freight activities. In addition, a number of strategic assets will be commissioned at the airport, including 1,000 electric bikes under the state’s EV mobility initiative, 80 security vehicles to strengthen safety architecture, and a fleet of agricultural tractors aimed at boosting food production and supporting farmers.

Beyond the airport, the President will commission the Ilishan–Iperu Airport Road, a vital link connecting the new aviation hub to surrounding communities and enhancing accessibility. He is also scheduled to inspect the Nigeria Customs Service Village and commission the Forward Operating Base (FOB) building, reinforcing border security and trade facilitation.

The visit will further feature the inspection and commissioning of the Gateway Aviation Village, a complementary development designed to support the state’s growing aviation ecosystem.

In a symbolic and strategic move, President Tinubu will commission the reconstructed “Old Ibadan Road” (Sapade–Ilishan Road), which will be officially named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Expressway—an arterial route expected to significantly boost connectivity and commerce within the region.

Rounding off the visit is the inspection of the Sagamu–Benin Concrete Road, a major federal infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation efficiency along one of Nigeria’s busiest corridors.

Collectively, these projects reflect the vision of the Ogun State Government under Dapo Abiodun to build a modern, economically vibrant, and well-connected state. The President’s visit not only marks the unveiling of these transformative initiatives but also reinforces the synergy between federal and state governments in driving sustainable development.

Continue Reading

News

Friendlies: Super Eagles To Face Poland, Portugal In June

Published

on

Spread the love

Fresh from defeating one FIFA World Cup-bound team, Iran, and drawing with another, Jordan, in Antalya, Turkey, three-time African champions Nigeria are looking forward to an exciting summer, with fixtures lined up against Poland and World Cup-bound side Portugal during the FIFA window for friendly matches in June.

The Nigeran Football Federation’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, confirmed on Thursday that the clash with Poland will take place at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3.

The encounter with Portugal is scheduled for June 10, with the venue to be announced in the coming days.

The game against the Seleção das Quinas — the nickname of Portugal’s senior men’s team — will serve as the hosts’ final match before they travel to the Americas for this summer’s FIFA World Cup finals, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Super Eagles are also scheduled to defend their crown at this year’s Unity Cup Tournament in London, set to take place from May 26 to 30.

Continue Reading

News

Insecurity: Our Efforts Are Paying Off- Tinubu

Published

on

Spread the love

Amid the security challenges confronting the nation, President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians that concerted efforts are yielding breakthroughs.

The President gave the assurance in a statement he personally signed to mark the Easter celebrations.

He said the season reminds the citizens of the significance of Easter and the message it embodies— of sacrifice, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.

“For us in Nigeria, the essence resonates with our current realities as we navigate a period marked by economic strain and security challenges, even as determined efforts are underway to address them,” Tinubu said.

“No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace. To other parts of the country also enduring one form of insecurity or the other, rest assured that concerted efforts are already yielding breakthroughs.”

The Commander-in-Chief also assured Nigerians of a safer and more secure nation, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

He acknowledged that, despite the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, challenges to national security have persisted.

Tinubu however said his administration is making available the necessary resources and strengthening foreign partnerships to enable security agencies to deal decisive blows to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.

“Despite the good efforts of the administration and the gallant efforts of our men and women of the Armed Forces who leave behind their families to confront the evil actors in our land, challenges to our security have remained.

“However, my administration continues to make resources available and forge foreign partnerships to enable us to deal decisive blows to the agents of terror and banditry,” he said.

Tinubu noted that following his condolence visit to Jos, Plateau State, where he commiserated with victims of the recent deadly attack, security chiefs had given strong assurances of progress, while international support was also mobilised to reinforce Nigeria’s response.

He further assured residents of other parts of the country facing one form of insecurity or another that concerted government actions are beginning to produce results, urging citizens to support lawful efforts, remain united, and reject forces that threaten the country’s collective peace and stability.

“On Thursday, I was in Jos to commiserate with people of Plateau State, share in their grief, and offer reassurances of better days to come. The leaders of the nation’s security institutions have given strong assurances of progress. We have also sought and are receiving assistance from outside our shores.

“I am reassured that the citizens appreciate our efforts. I will continue to remind us of the imperative of unity and oneness. No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace,” Tinubu added.

The President’s Easter message comes hours after his visit to Jos, the Plateau State cpital, where he met families of the deadly attack that left at least 28 people dead, and many others injured.

“To the victims, there is nothing I can give you, whether in billions of naira, but I can console you and promise that this experience will not repeat itself,” Tinubu said.

He also offered condolence to the woman who was seen in a viral video holding her dead son after the attack.

“I know your pain; I saw in the video how you held on to your son and felt the agony in your heart.

“Only God can give you joy and comfort. No amount of money can compensate for your loss. As a government, we will do our best to support and comfort you,” he told her.

 

Tinubu consoled residents and families of victims of Sunday’s deadly attack in Jos on Thursday April 3, 2026

 

Tinubu said the best solution for Jos is to restore the city to the way it once was, as residents remember and grew up knowing.

He also noted that the government was elected on the promise of peace and prosperity, pledging to restore peace to Jos rather than merely offering condolences.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2026 TheColumn NG