The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has made significant changes to its list of candidates for the upcoming general elections, dropping former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and 25 other National Assembly candidates. These adjustments were announced in a formal letter sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), signed by the APC's National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru. The decision followed a review of the findings from the Primary Election Appeal Committee, which assessed the outcomes of the party’s internal primaries held in May. As a result, nineteen House of Representatives candidates—victorious in those primaries—were removed and replaced, affecting several states including Kogi, Abia, Benue, Taraba, Ondo, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, and Ebonyi.
The revised candidate list includes notable substitutions in key constituencies. In Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi took the place of Aro Samuel Bamidele. In Abia South, Edinburgh Uchenna Erondu replaced Prince Paul Ikonne. In Benue North East, Emmanuel Memga Udende succeeded Suswam, while Titus Tartenger Zam replaced Benjamin T. Aber in Benue North West. Other replacements included Mohammed Kabir Bello being substituted by Shuibu Isa Lau in Taraba North, and Taiwo Fasoranti giving way to Adeniyi Adegbonmire in Ondo Central. In Ondo North, Gbenga Elegbeleye was replaced by Olajide Ipinsagba.
Across the House of Representatives, numerous changes were implemented. In Benue State alone, five federal constituencies experienced shifts, with Dickson Tarkighir replacing Ikper Chris Terfa in Makurdi/Guma, and Sesoo Ikpagher stepping in for Livinus Tsar Adzor in Vandeikya/Konshisha. Additional changes occurred in Taraba, Niger, Kwara, and Ondo States, where new names were introduced to fill the vacated spots. These modifications reflect the APC’s effort to align its candidate selections more closely with the recommendations of the Primary Election Appeal Committee, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements set forth by the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines.
While the APC’s focus has been on refining its candidate list, another major political development unfolded in Ekiti State, where the governorship election was deemed credible and transparent by a coalition of human rights organizations. Observers from the Nigerian Human Rights Community, led by Martins Adeleke, Fred Ojinika, and Abubakar Ahmed, concluded that the June 20 election met international standards of fairness and integrity. They attributed this outcome to improved electoral processes, including the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and electronic result transmission, which enhanced transparency and reduced opportunities for fraud.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC secured victory in all 16 local government areas, receiving 319,224 votes compared to 40,533 for his main rival, Dr. Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, and 12,872 for Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress. The observers credited the APC’s success to its robust grassroots campaigns, strong organizational structure, and the advantages of incumbency. Despite these positives, the coalition emphasized the need for further electoral reforms, including provisions for special voters such as journalists, healthcare workers, and security personnel, and called for increased voter participation through better civic engagement strategies.
The human rights groups also acknowledged the professionalism of INEC officials, particularly the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, and his team, praising them for maintaining transparency throughout the election process. However, they raised concerns about the relatively low voter turnout, urging political parties and INEC to enhance voter education initiatives. Overall, the coalition reaffirmed its belief in democracy as the best form of governance and encouraged continued efforts to improve Nigeria’s electoral framework.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the APC’s candidate revisions and the successful Ekiti State election underscore the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s political environment. With the general elections approaching, attention will remain focused on how these developments influence the broader electoral strategy and public perception of political legitimacy.
4 reports
The PunchIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 905 days agoHuman rights organizations in Nigeria observed the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State and concluded that it was credible, free, and fair, meeting international standards. The election was monitored by over 200 observers, who noted the absence of violence and irregularities compared to past elections. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, won all 16 local government areas with 319,224 votes, defeating opposition candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress. Observers credited APC's success to grassroots campaigns, strong political organization, and incumbency advantages. They also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for implementing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and improving transparency. However, they called for further electoral reforms, including provisions for special voters like journalists and healthcare workers.
Bias read (Center): While the article highlights the success of the ruling APC and praises INEC's improvements, it does not present a clear ideological slant. The focus remains on factual observations and recommendations for reform, with balanced acknowledgment of both the election's strengths and areas needing change.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Factuality is very high as the article presents detailed observations from reputable human rights organizations and includes specific data like vote counts and observer numbers. Objectivity is strong as it remains neutral, presenting findings without overt political slant.
The PunchIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 752 days ago NDIC takes over 46 delicensed microfinance banksThe Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has taken control of 46 microfinance banks after the Central Bank of Nigeria revoked their licenses. This action was carried out under specific sections of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020 and the NDIC Act 2023. The move has caused concern among depositors and financial experts, who warn of potential disruptions to local credit systems and negative impacts on vulnerable groups such as small business owners and farmers. The NDIC has emphasized that it will follow proper procedures to ensure the orderly closure of these banks and the distribution of insured deposits. Officials have urged the public to avoid unauthorized transactions involving the closed banks' assets.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the situation, including statements from the NDIC and warnings from financial experts. There is no evident bias toward either the regulatory actions or the concerns raised by affected parties. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the procedural aspects and
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): Factuality is high as the article accurately reports the NDIC taking over 46 delicensed microfinance banks based on the Central Bank's revocation of licenses. It cites specific laws and quotes official statements, aligning with cross-source consensus. Objectivity is moderate as it presents both the
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 752 days agoThe All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria's ruling party, has removed several candidates from its final list for the upcoming election, including former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and 24 others. The decision was made by the APC's National Working Committee (NWC) based on the findings of the Primary Election Appeal Committee. The changes affect both senatorial and House of Representatives positions across multiple states. Nineteen House of Representatives candidates who won the party's primary elections in May were also replaced. The updated candidate lists were officially submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The replacements include new names in various constituencies, reflecting the party's internal review process.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the APC's decision to remove candidates based on an internal committee's report, without overtly criticizing or praising any individual or faction. It provides factual information about the changes and their implications without adopting a clear ideological stance. The framing,雖
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): Factuality is high as the article accurately reports the APC dropping several candidates based on the Primary Election Appeal Committee's report. Objectivity is slightly lower due to the potential bias in reporting the decision without providing full context on why these specific individuals were re
The PunchIndependentCenter2 days ago Morning recap: APC, INEC face Senate list showdown, presidency hit by fake agency scandal, CBN revokes 46 bank licences, other top storiesThis article covers multiple political and regulatory developments in Nigeria. The All Progressives Congress (APC) is at risk of clashing with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over discrepancies in its senatorial candidate list following recent primary election results. Meanwhile, the Presidency faces criticism after the prosecution of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, accused of running a fraudulent agency and forging presidential appointments. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked licenses of 46 microfinance banks due to regulatory violations, effective July 1. Other updates include police promotions approved by the Police Service Commission and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar appointing Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson.
Bias read (Center): The article presents multiple political and regulatory developments without overtly favoring any particular side. It reports on disputes between political parties and institutions, legal actions against officials, and regulatory decisions without clear ideological slant. While some topics are highly
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