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Reps thrash compulsory voting bill after public outcry

The Speaker said that the decision followed “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders” across the country.“

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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn a bill he sponsored to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians.

The bill, co-sponsored with Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to enforce compulsory voting as a means of deepening democratic participation.

In a statement issued Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker said the decision followed “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders” across the country.“

From the outset, the bill was introduced with the best of intentions—to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout,” the statement read.

Citing global examples, the speaker noted that compulsory voting has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent in countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, with similar practices adopted in Argentina and Singapore.

However, he emphasised that Nigeria must pursue democratic reforms that reflect its unique context and public sentiment.

“Lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and any reform must respect individual freedoms,” Speaker Abbas stated.

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PDP Reacts to Secretariat’s Closure: It’s an attempt to muzzle opposition

Meanwhile, the party and other alleged defaulters got a reprieve last night, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention with a 14day grace for them to put their documents in order.

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PDP acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, has described the seal-off of the party’s secretariat as an attempt to stifle democracy and muzzle the opposition.

He blamed the action on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government and warned that the PDP would not be intimidated.

“I want to tell you—and I’m sure you already know—that our national office has been sealed. This is the height of irresponsibility by this government. If they’re encouraging it, we won’t take it lightly,” he told journalists after a caucus meeting of the party.

they can come and arrest all of us. We are ready. But we totally condemn this. It is unacceptable, and we won’t tolerate it. They are trying to undermine democracy, and they will have us to contend with. This meeting will continue here tomorrow at 10 a.m.”

“As you can see, we’ve adjourned our meeting till tomorrow by 10. We’ve set up a small committee that will report back to us in the morning,” he added. “We’ll properly brief you once the meeting concludes.”

Meanwhile, the party and other alleged defaulters got a reprieve last night, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention with a 14day grace for them to put their documents in order.

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PDP Internal Wranglings: Wike Pulls Out Of Peace Agreement

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory , Nyesom Wike, has confirmed his decision to pull out of all agreements previously reached to resolve the crisis in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement on Sunday, singned personally by the Minister, he vowed to continue to fight on until justice is served.

Wike pointed out that the party’s problems stem from dishonesty and lack of trust among its key stakeholders, citing non-adherence to agreements reached as the bane of the party.

He specifically mentioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, accusing him of being the chief culprit of recent developments in the party that seem to undermine the recoliation efforts

The Minister cited several instances where agreements were breached, including the summoning of a meeting of South-East leaders to recommend the adoption of Ude Okoye as Secretary, and the attempt to have the Deputy National Secretary act as National Secretary.

Wike also mentioned the recent zonal elective congress in Jos, which was aborted due to a dispute over the signatory to the invitation notice.

He expressed disappointment that despite efforts to resolve the crisis, Makinde and others continued to violate agreements.

The Minister noted that he has worked tirelessly for the survival of the party and has contributed substantially to the election victory of some of the governors, but has not had reasons to make any personal demands from them.

He added that he had hoped that there would be trust among major political actors in the party but observed that since they have refused to stop playing games, he has decided to opt out of the peace agreement.

The PDP crisis has taken a new turn with the Minister’s decision to pull out of all agreements, leaving the party’s future uncertain.

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Tinubu Declares Nigeria is a one-party State, “I’m expecting more defections to APC “

“Before I speak, I just need to tell those saying that the one-party system is not good; it’s one party ruling and driving the aspirations of Nigerians. “

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PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, confidently declared that he is expecting more members of opposition political parties to join the All Progressives Congress, APC, before the 2027 general elections.

The Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, and the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party adopted him as the sole candidate.

Speaking at the National Summit of the APC, with the theme: “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey so far’ held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu said it’s one party that is ruling and driving the aspirations of Nigerians.

“Before I speak, I just need to tell those saying one party system is not good, it’s one party ruling and driving the aspirations of Nigerians.

Where do they stand?“You don’t blame a people bailing out of a sinking ship when there is no life jacket. I am glad about what we have and I am expecting more to come. That is the game.

” We are in a constitutional democracy. Don’t forget that freedom of movement and association are not criminally punishable. Welcome to the progressives. Sweep them clean.”

Speaking on his endorsement, he said: “We will lead you on to that promised land. The resuscitation of the Nigerian economy is on course, the hope is standing before you, take it on.

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