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Ncfront Third Force Movement decries vote buying in Ekiti Elections

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**urges INEC not to disenfranchise voters

The National Consultative Front, NCFront, promoters of the Third Force Movement has condemned in strong terms the high level of vote buying and cash inducement which characterized the seemingly peaceul and fairly well coordinated Ekiti State elections.
There were widely reported cases of agents of the three major political parties that participated in the Saturday 18th June 2022 Gubernatorial election in Ekiti, namely APC, PDP and SDP, unashamedly and openly engaging in vote buying and cash inducement of voters and security operatives without fear or regard for possible sanctions.
The political movement is demanding a proper investigation of reported cases of this malfeasance while calling for adequate sanctions to curb the ugly trend.
A statement issued by Ncfront Spokesperson
Dr Yunusa Tanko said the group which held its Strategic Review Meeting of key Leaders and Stakeholders of the Movement on Tuesday, 21st June 2022 at the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), Victoria Island, Lagos warned that vote buying could ultimately mar the outcomes of the 2023 general elections despite commendable improvements in the electoral process hitherto achieved by INEC.

The meeting which was both virtual and physical, was chaired by the National Leader of NCFront, Prof Pat Utomi and attended by the National Secretary, Mr. Wale Okunniyi; the Southwest Chairman – Mr. Lanre Adenuga, the Lagos State Chairman – Mr. Adeniji Adegboyega and many other eminent personalities

Others included Mr. Akin Braithwaite, Mr. Kunle Olatunji, Pastor Funke Awolowo, Mrs. Ifeka Ebere, etc.

The group called on INEC to pay urgent attention to and decisively take steps to ensure that vote buyers and sellers as well as those who sponsor and enable them are arrested and promptly prosecuted.

“It is worrisome that in spite of widespread reports and criticisms against vote buying and monetary inducement of voters and security personnel in previous election, INEC has not taken any notable bold steps to bring offenders to justice.
“Such attitude could be misinterpreted as acceptance, collaboration or helplessness on the part of INEC if not confronted urgently and drastically.

Among other measures, NCFront Third Force Movement suggested the deployment of intelligence enabled technology, training of electoral and security personnel and other reliable evidence gathering methods in order to bring an end to this dangerous trend. “Vote buying and electoral bribery rob the electorate of the chance to select right leaders and give undue advantage to those who have looted our treasuries and held the nation corruptively captive.

“The group also expressed concern over the pains and challenges being experienced by huge crowds of enthusiastic and patriotic adult citizens who are daily trooping out to INEC offices to get registered for their Permanent Voter’s Cards.
“While it sees the massive turn out of these Nigerians as encouraging, it questioned the inadequate deployment of registering machines and personnel to locations close to the people and particularly on work free days for convenience.”

INEC should take advantage of the opportunity of offers of accommodation and financial support by public spirited Nigerians to ensure all eligible voters are registered and given their PVC.lIf 2023 elections would be free, fair, transparent, credible and a true reflection of the will of the Nigerian people. “INEC must leave no stone unturned in registering voters and delivering their PVCs to them. The meeting frowned at past experience where INEC claimed to have had in its warehouses, but in wrong places, millions of uncollected voter’s cards, thereby depriving millions of eligible voters the opportunity to vote because their cards were not found in the rightfully designated collection centres.

NCFront plans to publish a website where Nigerians who have registered for PVC but could not collect their cards would register and interact with INEC officials until they receive them. The websites would be accessible to the voting public, INEC and all electoral process monitoring teams. The group says it must not be business as usual where INEC gives the government and people an impression that all is well whereas millions of interested voters are disenfranchised, frustrated and denied their right to vote.The Third Force Movement also resolved to strengthen its working relationship with Leaders of the Labour Party, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, the Peter Obi Campaign Organisation and other Stakeholders. Furthermore, he said, NCFront is determined to see through to fruition ongoing alliance talks with formidable political parties and movements in order to achieve its primary objective of rescuing Nigeria from those who have held it captive in the last 23 years with deception, political bigotry, cluelessness and arrogance.
“We must take back Nigeria and place it on the path of genuine peace, unity, progress and development wrapped in equity.

The Leadership of NCFront Third Force urged its members worldwide to remain steadfast and work hard for the success of its adopted Mega Party, the Labour Party, not only for the success of HE Mr. Peter Obi in the presidential elections but also work massively for the success of the party at the gubernatorial, senatorial, federal house of representatives and state houses of Assembly elections.

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Obidient Movement Gears Up for 2027, Strengthens Unity

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Obidient Movement Logo

Following a successful Advisory and Directorate Committees meeting held recently, the Obidient Movement has reaffirmed its commitment to a united, strategic, and value-driven political future.

The meeting, described as a milestone gathering, brought together key stakeholders and leaders within the movement to solidify strategies for the 2027 general elections.
Central to the discussions was the vision of ensuring competent, value-based leadership, with a strong emphasis on supporting Peter Obi and like-minded leaders who embody the movement’s ideals of integrity, good governance, and accountability.
Participants at the meeting underscored the importance of organisation, coordination, and active participation in driving the movement’s objectives.
The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the need for structure, outreach, and grassroots mobilisation to sustain the momentum ahead of the next election cycle.

Following the deliberations, members left with a renewed sense of purpose, fully aware of the responsibilities ahead.
National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko
expressed confidence in the movement’s direction, thanking those who have taken up leadership roles in various directorates and advisory councils.

“We deeply appreciate all those who have accepted appointments to serve in different capacities. Their contributions will be critical in shaping the movement’s future. We also salute the millions of Obidients across Nigeria and beyond who tirelessly advocate and mobilise for a better country. Your dedication is the heartbeat of this movement,” Dr. Tanko stated.
Continuing, he said eith renewed energy and focus, the Obidient Movement is set to expand its structures nationwide, ensuring greater coordination and effectiveness.
According to him, the movement will also empower supporters with the tools needed to actively participate in governance and political processes as well as sustained mobilization at all levels, to reinforce the push for transformative leadership in Nigeria.

Dr. Tanko urged all supporters to stay engaged, participate actively, and remain steadfast in their commitment to the movement’s cause.
He emphasized that a new Nigeria is within reach, but only through collective action and perseverance.
Finally, Tanko encouraged all Obidients to stay informed, join local chapters, and contribute to the shared vision of a better Nigeria.
For further updates and participation, he urged supporters to reach out via Obidient.unification@gmail.com.

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2027 Elections: SDP’s Agunloye Calls for Ideology-Driven Alliances, Not Just Power Grabs

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Olu Agunloye

National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Olu Agunloye, has warned that alliances must go beyond mere power-seeking and instead be rooted in principles, ideology, and national development.
This is coming as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections with political coalitions and realignments taking center stage once again.
In a thought-provoking paper titled “The Tikanga for Alliances and Coalitions for Good Governance and Life More Abundant,” released in Abuja on Monday, Agunloye examined Nigeria’s history of political coalitions—highlighting their successes, failures, and the urgent need for a new approach.
Dr. Agunloye traced the failures of past alliances, including, the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) of 1964, formed out of political expediency, lacking a unifying ideology.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 successfully unseated the ruling party in 2015 but failed to deliver long-term national development, leaving Nigeria struggling with insecurity, poor infrastructure, and economic challenges.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP 2018) despite signing a memorandum to support a joint candidate, it lacked a clear roadmap before the 2019 elections.

The National Consultative Front (NCF 2021) aimed to form a mega-party for the 2023 elections failed to implement its strategy within INEC’s timeframe.
Looking ahead to 2027, Agunloye urged political stakeholders to move beyond short-term electoral victories and instead adopt a structured, principle-based approach to coalition-building.
He emphasized that alliances should prioritize national security, social justice, and economic prosperity over personal ambition.
“Political partnerships must be built well in advance of elections, with clear strategies for leadership, policies, and campaign execution.
“Coalitions should not be a dumping ground for defecting politicians but a platform for individuals and groups genuinely committed to Nigeria’s progress.
“A blueprint for governance must be established before seeking electoral victory to prevent post-election chaos.”

Dr. Agunloye suggested that the SDP, under its current leadership, has the necessary structure to support a well-planned alliance.
However, he stressed that other political platforms could also contribute to building a coalition focused on national transformation.

“Nigeria does not need to reinvent the wheel,” he stated, urging stakeholders to learn from past coalition mistakes and work towards a grand alliance that prioritizes governance over politics.

As the 2027 elections approach, the critical question remains, will political leaders embrace a new, ideology-driven alliance or repeat the cycle of failed coalitions?

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Ex-LP Treasurer Rejects Abure’s Igbo Presidency Push, Advocates Merit-Based Leadership

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Oluchi Oparah

A former National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Oluchi Oparah, has distanced herself from the position of the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, on the path to an Igbo presidency, insisting that Ndigbo must secure the presidency through merit, not ethnic sentiment.
Oparah’s reaction follows Abure’s recent statement at a South-East Labour Party rally in Abuja, where he reiterated the party’s commitment to supporting the Igbo for the presidency in 2027. According to Abure, the LP had zoned its 2023 presidential ticket to the South-East to “wipe the tears” of the region, urging Igbo leaders to realign and consolidate their political strength ahead of the next election.
However, Oparah, in a statement issued on Sunday, strongly disagreed with Abure’s approach, warning that framing the presidency as an ethnic entitlement rather than a merit-based contest could hurt Ndigbo’s chances.
“The notion that Ndigbo can only achieve the presidency by exploiting tribal and regional sentiments is not only misguided but also detrimental to our collective progress as a nation,” she said.
She pointed to the performance of Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections as evidence that an Igbo candidate can gain nationwide support based on competence, integrity, and vision, rather than ethnic affiliation.
“Obi’s success was not built on ethnic sentiment but on his impressive credentials and performance record, which still speak for him today. If not for certain electoral irregularities, he could have secured the seat for the betterment of all Nigerians,” Oparah argued.

She further criticized Abure’s rhetoric, stating that it undermines the principle of national unity and meritocracy.
“Rather than promoting an ethnic-based campaign strategy, Ndigbo must focus on building a coalition of support across different ethnic and political groups. The presidency of Nigeria should be won based on competence, vision, and leadership, not sentiment,” she said.
Oparah urged political leaders to prioritize a unifying national agenda over ethnic considerations, warning that emphasizing tribal politics could alienate potential allies and weaken support for an Igbo candidate.
As the race for 2027 begins to take shape, her remarks signal a growing debate within the Labour Party and the wider political landscape over the best approach for the South-East to attain national leadership.

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