Chimamanda Adichie writes Biden not to recognise Tinubu as president-elect – Newstrends
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Chimamanda Adichie writes Biden not to recognise Tinubu as president-elect

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2 years ago

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A Nigerian novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, has written to the US President Joe Biden, alleging that the process of Nigeria’s last presidential election was deliberately manipulated.

She expressed dissatisfaction over the process of the presidential election conducted on February 25 and urged the US President not to recognise Bola Tinubu, winner of the election, as Nigeria’s president-elect.

The famous essayist has been a strong supporter of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

In the letter to Burden, she said the election was full of discrepancies and irregularities which were all shunned by the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC).

“Since the end of military rule in 1999, Nigerians have had little confidence in elections. To vote in a presidential election was to brace yourself for the inevitable aftermath: fraud,” she said.

The letter also read, “Elections would be rigged because elections were always rigged; the question was how badly. Sometimes voting felt like an inconsequential gesture as predetermined “winners” were announced.

“A law passed last year, the 2022 Electoral Act, changed everything. It gave legal backing to the electronic accreditation of voters and the electronic transmission of results, in a process determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The chair of the commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, assured Nigerians that votes would be counted in the presence of voters and recorded in a result sheet, and that a photo of the signed sheet would immediately be uploaded to a secure server.

“When rumours circulated about the commission not keeping its word, Yakubu firmly rebutted them. In a speech at Chatham House in London (a favorite influence-burnishing haunt of Nigerian politicians), he reiterated that the public would be able to view “polling-unit results as soon as they are finalized on election day.

“Nigerians applauded him. If results were uploaded right after voting was concluded, then the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has been in power since 2015, would have no opportunity for manipulation. “Technology would redeem Nigerian democracy. Results would no longer feature more votes than voters.

“Nigerians would no longer have their leaders chosen for them. Elections would, finally, capture the true voice of the people. And so trust and hope were born.

“By the evening of February 25, 2023, that trust had dissipated. Election workers had arrived hours late, or without basic election materials.

“There were reports of violence, of a shooting at a polling unit, and of political operatives stealing or destroying ballot boxes. Some law-enforcement officers seemed to have colluded in voter intimidation; in Lagos, a policeman stood idly by as an APC spokesperson threatened members of a particular ethnic group who he believed would vote for the opposition.”

INEC and Electronic Election

Adichie said the INEC chairman, despite promising a free and credible election, hastily announced a winner without investigating reports of irregularities recorded during the polls.

She said the elections were not only rigged but also insulted the intelligence of Nigerians as there was no legal action to issues of evident manipulations reported.

“Most egregious of all, the electoral commission reneged on its assurance to Nigerians. The presidential results were not uploaded in real-time.

“Voters, understandably suspicious, reacted; videos from polling stations show voters shouting that results be uploaded right away. Many took cellphone photos of the result sheets. Curiously, many polling units were able to upload the results of the house and senate elections, but not the presidential election,” she said.

“No one was surprised when, by the morning of the 26th, social media became flooded with evidence of irregularities. Result sheets were now slowly being uploaded on the INEC portal, and could be viewed by the public. Voters compared their cellphone photos with the uploaded photos and saw alterations: numbers crossed out and rewritten; some originally written in black ink had been rewritten in blue, some blunderingly whited-out with Tipp-Ex. The election had been not only rigged but done in such a shoddy, shabby manner that it insulted the intelligence of Nigerians.”

INEC Shunned Red Flags

“As vote counting began at INEC, representatives of different political parties—except for the APC—protested. The results being counted, they said, did not reflect what they had documented at the polling units. There were too many discrepancies,” she added.

“It seemed truly perplexing that, in the context of a closely contested election in a low-trust society, the electoral commission would ignore so many glaring red flags in its rush to announce a winner. (It had the power to pause vote counting, to investigate irregularities—as it would do in the governorship elections two weeks later.)

US Response Must Not Be Business As Usual

Adichie said it was shocking that the US state department congratulated Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s president-elect.

The Nigerian novelist asked Biden to uphold his stance on the need for a true democracy, adding that congratulating Tinibu would be endorsing the illegitimate process that produced him as president.

“I hope, President Biden, that you do not personally share this cordial condescension. You have spoken of the importance of a “global community for democracy,” and the need to stand up for “justice and the rule of law.” A global community for democracy cannot thrive in the face of apathy from its most powerful member,” she added.

“Why would the United States, which prioritizes the rule of law, endorse a president-elect who has emerged from an unlawful process?

“This Nigerian election was supposed to be different, and the US response cannot—must not—be business as usual.

“Congratulating its outcome, President Biden tarnishes America’s self-proclaimed commitment to democracy. Please do not give the sheen of legitimacy to an illegitimate process. The United States should be what it says it is.”

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2027: Southern Kaduna group rejects El-Rufai, supports Tinubu

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2 hours ago

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March 14, 2025

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

2027: Southern Kaduna group rejects El-Rufai, supports Tinubu

The Southern Kaduna Support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the president of block votes in future elections, citing his administration’s support for the region.

The group’s pledge comes in response to the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and his reported efforts to form a coalition against the current administration.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Dr. Joseph G. Ibrahim, and Director of Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Victor Bobai Mathew, the group said President Tinubu’s emergence has changed the fortunes of Southern Kaduna.

“With President Tinubu’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of Governor Uba Sani, we have witnessed transformational policies that have given us renewed hope for a more secure and prosperous future,” the statement read.

The group stated that Tinubu’s appointment of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff was a demonstration of trust in the people of Southern Kaduna.

“This appointment is a testament to our region’s contributions to nation-building and a strategic move toward ensuring security and stability,” it noted.

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Among the key infrastructural and security interventions credited to the Tinubu administration was the approval and construction of a military barracks in Samaru Kataf, which the group described as a “game-changer.”

“For years, Southern Kaduna was plagued by insecurity, making life unbearable for farmers, traders, and families. This permanent security presence will deter attacks, enhance safety, and restore confidence among our people,” it stated.

In the healthcare sector, the group lauded President Tinubu for approving the establishment of a Federal Medical Center in Kafanchan, describing it as a major milestone that would improve healthcare services, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and enhance the well-being of residents.

Education was also a focal point of the group’s commendation, as it celebrated the approval of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.

“For decades, Southern Kaduna was marginalized in education development. This institution will provide quality education, skill development, and create employment opportunities for our youth,” the group stated.

The group further credited President Tinubu’s leadership for improving security, allowing farmers to return to their lands, and fostering an economic revival in the region.

“The proactive security strategies by the Nigerian Armed Forces, led by General CG Musa, have ensured that farmers and business owners can operate without fear.

“With improved security and infrastructure, Southern Kaduna is experiencing a business revival. Traders, entrepreneurs, and investors now have the confidence to expand their businesses, leading to job creation and economic prosperity,” it added.

Expressing confidence in the government, the group reaffirmed its commitment to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that supporting the party at both state and federal levels was a demonstration of unity, patriotism, and commitment to national progress.

The group also praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for his dedication to the development of Southern Kaduna, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and security.

“His collaboration with General CG Musa has yielded significant gains. We will continue to stand by him to ensure that he completes his good works for the state,” the group assured.

 

2027: Southern Kaduna group rejects El-Rufai, supports Tinubu

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El-Rufai given 48-hour ultimatum on NNPP crisis comment

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1 day ago

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March 13, 2025

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai

El-Rufai given 48-hour ultimatum on NNPP crisis comment

The leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai over comments he made on the crisis rocking the party.

The NNPP condemned the former governor’s remark at the Social Democratic Party’s headquarters that the present government is responsible for the crisis rocking the opposition party.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the factional national chairman of the NNPP, Oginni Olaposi said El-Rufai lacks knowledge of the party workings and its challenges.

Also describing El-Rufai’s comment as unfounded, Olaposi urged the former governor to tender an unreserved apology to the NNPP or face legal action for such defamatory comment.

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He further asked the former governor to make efforts to find out from Rabiu Kwankwaso, the details of the crisis within the NNPP.

“We shall ask Mallam Nasir El Rufai to ask his friend (Kwankwaso) to answer the following questions before the allegations of interference or sponsorship by the federal government can be substantiated.

“Was it the federal government that asked Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to go to Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam in February 2022 to prostrate and beg for NNPP’s platform in the company of Buba Galadima, Senator Hunkuyi, and others?

“Was it the federal government that asked Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to insult the founder of NNPP, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam?

“Was it the federal government that asked Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to institute a case against the leadership and founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) at the Kano State High Court to challenge his expulsion?

“Was it the federal government that stopped Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf from appearing before the disciplinary committee set up by the party for internal resolution of crisis within NNPP?” Olaposi queried.

El-Rufai given 48-hour ultimatum on NNPP crisis comment

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Defection: Sack Ned Nwoko from Senate, PDP tells court

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1 day ago

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March 13, 2025

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Senator Ned Nwoko

Defection: Sack Ned Nwoko from Senate, PDP tells court

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sued the Senator representing the people of Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, over his recent defection to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the PDP prayed the court to declare vacant the Senator’s seat for leaving the party.

The PDP in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/454/2025, and filed through its Counsel, Dr. Ayo Asala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged the court to immediately order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye-election to fill the vacant position.

The originating summons dated February 27, 2025, had Nwoko, the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Independent National Electoral Commission as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants.

PDP also prayed the Court to direct Nwoko to return all salaries, allowances and other emoluments he received as a Senator from the date he defected from the PDP to the APC.

In the originating summons, PDP is asking the court to determine if Nwoko ought to have vacated his seat, having defected to another party after being sponsored by the PDP at the polls.

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The plaintiff sought the following reliefs; “A declaration that the 1st Defendant, having defected from the plaintiff being the political party(People’s Democratic Party) that sponsored him and on whose platform he was elected as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to another political party which is the All Progressives Congress (APC), ought to have vacated his seat in the said National Assembly with immediate effect by virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999(As Amended).

“A declaration that the 2nd and 3rd Defendants are under constitution and legal duties by virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999(As Amended) to declare the seat of the 1st Defendant as a Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly vacant , the 1st Defendant, having defected from the plaintiff being the political party that sponsored him and on whose platform he was elected as a Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to another political party,being the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“An order declaring vacant the seat of Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly currently occupied by the 1st Defendant and directing the 1st Defendant to with immediate effect, vacate the said seat by Virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999(As Amended). The 1st Defendant having defected from the plaintiff being the Political party(People’s Democratic Party)that sponsored him and on whose platform he was elected as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to another political party namely, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“An order of this Honourable Court directing the 1st Defendant to immediately vacate his seat as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly,having defected from the plaintiff being the political party that sponsored him as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to another political party to wit, All Progressives Congress (APC).

“An order of this Honourable Court directing the 4th Defendant to immediately conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat of the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon declaring the seat vacant.

“An order this Honourable Court to directing the 1st Defendant to return all salaries, allowances and other emoluments received by him as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly from the date he defected from the plaintiff to another political party to wit,the All Progressives Congress (APC).” the PDP added.

Defection: Sack Ned Nwoko from Senate, PDP tells court

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