Politics
PDP Tasks Kwara Electoral Commission on Credible Elections
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) to ensure a level playing field for all political parties participating in the forthcoming local government elections across the state’s 16 councils.
Key Highlights:
- Statement from PDP: The PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, issued a statement in Ilorin, Kwara State’s capital, emphasizing the need for fairness in the electoral process. The statement was made available to Punch on Sunday.
- Party Representation: PDP Chairman Babatunde Mohammed and Secretary Abdulrahman Kayode represented the party at a KWASIEC-organized meeting with other political parties on Friday.
- Concerns Raised: The PDP expressed worries about a perceived alliance between KWASIEC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They questioned the impartiality of KWASIEC, citing behavior by APC Chairman Mr. Sunday Fagbemi, who allegedly overstepped his bounds during the meeting.
- Commitment to Elections: The PDP declared its readiness for the elections and did not request any changes to the election timetable previously released by KWASIEC. The party emphasized its commitment to a transparent and timely electoral process.
- Local Government Administration Issues: PDP highlighted concerns about the current administration of local governments, criticizing the imposition of Transition Implementation Committee chairmen by the Governor in 2019.
- Nomination Form Fees: The PDP agreed with suggestions from other parties on the affordability of nomination form fees. They proposed that the fees should not exceed N50,000 for councilorship and N200,000 for chairmanship.
- Call for KWASIEC Independence: The PDP urged KWASIEC to maintain its independence and ensure a fair electoral process, stressing the importance of integrity in democratic processes.
- Appeal to Party Members: The PDP called on its members, stakeholders, and Kwara electorates to uphold democratic principles and work towards free, fair, and credible local government elections.
APC’s Response:
APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi denied any dealings with KWASIEC, stating he had not visited the Commission’s office or contacted its members. He emphasized his right to express views on public matters and reiterated the APC’s focus on maintaining peace and preventing thuggery during the elections.
- Accusations Against PDP: Fagbemi accused the PDP of attempting to frustrate the election process, citing unnecessary questions posed by the PDP chairman during the meeting. He suggested that some opposition parties might plan to go to court to stop the election.
Conclusion:
The PDP’s call for a fair electoral process and KWASIEC’s independence highlights the ongoing concerns and preparations for the upcoming local government elections in Kwara State. Both parties have expressed their positions, emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
President-elect Donald Trump has named Chris Wright, an oil and gas executive, to head the US Energy Department. Wright, the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, is known for his scepticism regarding climate change and is expected to advance Trump’s agenda of increasing fossil fuel production.
Trump praised Wright in a statement, describing him as a “key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace.” The president-elect also announced that Wright will serve on a newly formed Council of National Energy, which aims to guide the United States toward energy dominance through deregulation and encouraging private sector investments.
In related news, Trump’s campaign revealed that Will Scharf, one of the president-elect’s personal lawyers, will become the assistant to the president and White House staff secretary. Trump highlighted Scharf’s legal expertise, referring to him as a “highly skilled attorney who will be a crucial part of my White House team.”
Scharf notably represented Trump in a Supreme Court hearing on presidential immunity, where the court ruled that Trump was partially immune from prosecution for actions taken during his presidency. In his new role, Scharf will manage key documents, including reports and briefings for the president.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is set to visit the Amazon rainforest later today, where he will engage with Brazilian indigenous leaders. This visit underscores his administration’s commitment to environmental and conservation efforts on a global scale.
President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled two significant appointments as he prepares for his return to the White House in January. Elise Stefanik, a 40-year-old New York Congresswoman, has been confirmed as Trump’s choice for the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Additionally, Trump has appointed Tom Homan, 62, to be his “border tsar.” Homan previously served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first term.
This move comes as the Republican Party inches closer to securing full control of Congress. The GOP has already captured a majority in the Senate and is three seats away from winning the House of Representatives. The Republicans currently hold 215 seats, while Democrats have 210. Control of the 218-seat majority in the House would grant Republicans significant legislative power, including initiating spending bills and launching impeachment proceedings.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to announce Homan’s appointment, saying, “Tom Homan will be in charge of our Nation’s Borders (‘The Border Czar’), including… the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security.” Trump emphasized Homan’s role in deportation efforts, adding, “Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.”
President Joe Biden has invited President-elect Donald Trump to the White House for a meeting in the Oval Office next week. This tradition of sitting presidents welcoming their successors has been observed for decades, though it was notably absent in 2020 when Trump did not extend the invitation to Biden.
These meetings typically focus on the transition period and key considerations for establishing a new administration. During their sessions, outgoing and incoming presidents often discuss both domestic and foreign policy and emphasize a smooth transition of power.
In 2016, President Barack Obama hosted Trump and later said they agreed to collaborate for the good of the country. Similarly, when President George W. Bush met President-elect Obama in 2008, they talked about economic and security matters, while Laura Bush and Michelle Obama explored the White House grounds.
This upcoming meeting between Biden and Trump marks a significant step as the nation prepares for the presidential transition.
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