Yenagoa, Nigeria | AFP | Nigeria’s ruling party on Monday won the key oil-rich state of Bayelsa, the electoral body said, a sign of President Muhammadu Buhari’s growing influence in opposition strongholds. Forty-five candidates had taken part in the gubernatorial election on Saturday which was marred by sporadic violence, including killings, …
Read More »Quest for joint Opposition candidate dominates DP block retreat
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The need for a joint opposition candidate dominated the DP block retreat that ended yesterday in Kalangala District. The Block is an alliance comprising the Democratic Party, People’s Development Party-PDP and the Social Democratic Party. The group which has been in a retreat at …
Read More »Money fuels fights within Opposition
Why Mao, Besigye, Bobi Wine cannot work together Kampala, Uganda | IAN KATUSIIME | Of all declared candidates for the 2021 presidential election, Norbert Mao appears to be crafting the most interesting strategy so far. The President General of the Democratic Party (DP) has for over two years been engaged …
Read More »Questions over Mao, Bwanika coalition
Abed Bwanika is a mainstay on the Uganda presidential election ballot and 2021 will be no exception. Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | What motivates him in spite of failing to score even 1% of the vote is unknown. However the three time presidential candidate with his party, People’s Development …
Read More »Nigeria vote tensions rise as counting suspended in volatile state
Port Harcourt, Nigeria | AFP | Nigeria’s election authorities announced the suspension of activities in volatile opposition-held Rivers State on Sunday citing violence and threats to its staff, as tensions rise in the wake of closely-watched regional elections. Counting is continuing across the country after Saturday’s elections for governors in 29 …
Read More »Nigeria’s Buhari looks to consolidate at state polls
Lagos, Nigeria | AFP | Nigerians on Saturday voted for a second time in a fortnight in governorship and state assembly elections, with heightened concerns from observers of violence and an increased military presence. Elections for governors are being held in 29 of Nigeria’s 36 states, for all state assemblies, plus …
Read More »Outcry in Nigeria over election ‘militarisation’ ahead of next ballot
Lagos, Nigeria | AFP | Rights groups have gone on the offensive over the deployment of the military in Nigerian elections as a new polling day looms. With elections due on Saturday for governors in 29 states and local assemblies, campaigners say the military cast a dark shadow over last month’s …
Read More »Nigeria’s Buhari wins re-election as opposition vows court battle
Abuja, Nigeria | AFP | Muhammadu Buhari was on Wednesday re-elected Nigeria’s president after a delayed poll that angered voters and raised political temperatures, but the opposition immediately vowed to challenge the “sham” result in court. It was the second victory at the ballot box for Buhari, a one-time military ruler who was first elected …
Read More »Buhari scores first gains as concerns mount over Nigeria vote
Abuja, Nigeria | AFP | Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari scored early gains on Monday in his bid for re-election after dozens died in weekend violence and monitors voiced concern about polling-day problems. The 76-year-old candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party won 57 percent of the vote in the southwestern state of Ekiti, …
Read More »Nigeria’s Buhari promises security for rescheduled election
Abuja, Nigeria | AFP | President Muhammadu Buhari vowed Friday on the eve of troubled elections that Nigerians would be able to vote in security, despite a week-long postponement and violence in the north of the country. In a televised address, Buhari promised “adequate security measures are in place” for the ballot. “You will be …
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