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Kaduna LG elections: How postponements, violence, ballot snatching, others marred exercise

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5 years ago

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The Kaduna Local Government elections have come and gone, but residents have said that the experiences, setbacks, gains and lessons learnt will linger on for a while.

The elections which held on Sept, 4 2021, was postponed three times.

The poll which was earlier scheduled to hold on May 15, 2021, was postponed to June 5, 2021. The postponement followed a series of complaints from stakeholders that, they were not given the mandatory 90- day notice before the commencement of the election.

The Acting Chairman of Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM) then, Alhaji Ibrahim Sambo said, ” the commission was forced to postpone the poll over the non-availability of nonsensitive materials for the poll.

“The non-sensitive materials includess; batteries to power the Electronic Voting machines (EVM).”

Again, the KADSIECOM postponed the elections from June 5, 2021, to August, 14, 2021.

The reason, according to the chairman of the commission, was that the machine batteries were still being expected.

She told stakeholders on August 2, 2021, about another postponement of the Local Government Elections. This time, Kaduna State Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM) Chairman, Mrs, Saratu Dikko-Audu apologised to all the stakeholders at the commission’s headquarters in Kaduna that the election had been postponed to September 4, 2021.

She said, ” We had earlier informed you that, we had to postpone the election that had been slated for 5th June 2021 to 14th August, 2021 because our machine batteries were still being expected.

” Although the batteries had arrived a day ago, the 12 days remaining to conduct the election was inadequate. The Commission needed to install the batteries in 6000 units of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

” We also need to install the software, upgrade the machines, test them, train our ad-hoc staff (about 16500), on the operation of the new system, then conduct voters’ education.”

Reacting to the postponement, PDP’s Danjuma told newsmen that, the postponement may not be unconnected to the “looming fall of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)” in the state should the election hold now.

According to Danjuma, “it is unfortunate that an electoral body like KADSIECOM will be postponing an election for up to three time over a flimsy excuse

Recall that the elections previously scheduled for August could not hold, as it was again, postponed to Sept 4, 2021 for the third time.

At the commission’s headquarters in Kaduna in August, the Chairman, Mrs. Saratu Audu announced that, ” may I announce to you that the election is now scheduled for September 4, 2021.

She said, ” I am glad to inform you that the long awaited batteries finally arrived SIECOM yesterday.”

But Kaduna PDP secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Wusono rejected the date, saying the party was not comfortable with the postponement.

He said then, that, ” At our last meeting, they requested that we should suggest a date for the election, but we rejected it, because we knew that, they are not serious people.”

However, prior to the September 4, 2021 Local Government Elections in the state, the KADSIECOM then, announced on September 3, 2021 that it postponed the elections of four local government areas; Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Zagon Kataf, and Chikun LGAs.
The Commission chairman, Mrs. Saratu Audu-Dikko, in a statement on September 3, 2021 said the postponement was due to security reasons.

She said the elections in the four local government will now hold on September 25.

“I have been reliably informed by security architecture within the State, that security reports within the State would make it impossible to peacefully conduct the Local Government Councils election in a number of local government areas.

“Consequently, in order to protect lives and property, including those of our staff and materials, we have had to suspend election in a number of local government areas,” she said.

She urged politicians and citizens of Kaduna State, to conduct themselves in a manner that would ensure peaceful election.

“KADSIECOM, on its part, is committed to conducting an election that is free, fair, credible and non-violent,” she promised.

Reacting to the postponement of elections in four local government areas of Kaduna state, Mr. Abraham Alberah Catoh, State Publicity Secretary of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in a statement on Thursday evening said, PDP, wonders, “why the Commission has decided to deceive the aspirants into believing that elections would hold in their respective Local Governments, only for the SIECOM to postpone the elections in those Local Governments just a few hours to the election, knowing fully well about the security challenges in the state.”

According to him, it was just yesterday(Wednesday) that the State Independent Electoral Commission deployed sensitive and non-sensitive materials to those Local Governments.

“The Commission has the security information before embarking on these distributions. We see the hands of Esau but the voice of Jacob in all of these,” the statement said.

The party described as absurd for the Commission to have told the citizens that it was due to the escalation of security situation in those places.

“We condemn in its entirety, the arbitrary rescheduling of the Local Government elections the fourth time.

“We call on the KAD-SIECOM to sit up and do its job without external interference from contrived “security reports” that were tele-guided by vested interests from the ruling party,” the statement said.

It called on PDP members to remain calm, and be prepared to vote for all the Councillorship and Chairmanship candidates across the remaining 19 Local Government Areas of the State.

The elections which was characterized with snatching of over 41 electronic voting machines and voter apathy, was finally held in all the 19 local government areas of the state on September 4, 2021.

It was reported that several voting machines were snatched by hoodlums in Giwa and Igabi local government areas of the state.

The chairman of Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, Mrs. Saratu Audu-Dikko who confirmed the development said, ” 30 EVMs were carried away at Kwarau in Igabi Local Government, while two machines were destroyed. Nine voting machines were also destroyed in Panhauya, Giwa local government.

” The hoodlums also carted away election materials and assaulted the driver and staff of the commission conveying materials,” She narrated.

In most voting centres, turnout was reportedly low, as residents/voters were scared of attack.

However, the elections results which had since been announced, showed that the APC won both Chairmanship and Councilorship positions despite challenges that characterised the election.

Culled from the Daily Post Nigeria

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Education

Professor Josephine Onyido Earns Prestigious Nigerian Academy of Education Induction

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5 days ago

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September 26, 2026

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University of Port Harcourt scholar will be inducted into Nigeria’s apex education academy in Abuja, marking another milestone in a career spanning teaching, research, leadership, mentorship and advocacy

HOUSTON, TEXAS — Professor Josephine Azuka Onyido, an accomplished scholar and academic leader at the University of Port Harcourt, will be inducted into the Nigerian Academy of Education on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in recognition of her contributions to the advancement of education.

The ceremony, scheduled for the Conference Hall of the National Commission for Colleges of Education in Abuja, places Onyido among scholars recognized for sustained contributions to education, research, and academic development in Nigeria.

A Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Port Harcourt, Onyido has built a career encompassing teaching, research, administration, mentorship, curriculum development, and institutional service.

She described the forthcoming recognition as both an honor and a renewed obligation to education. “I receive this recognition with profound gratitude and humility. My journey in education has always been driven by the belief that scholarship must extend beyond the classroom and contribute meaningfully to society. This induction is not simply a personal achievement; it strengthens my responsibility to continue advancing quality education, mentoring future scholars, and promoting opportunities for women and girls. I am deeply grateful to my family, colleagues, students, and everyone who has been part of this journey.”

Onyido earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English), a Master of Education, and a Ph.D. in Sociology of Education. She is also a permanent member of the University of Port Harcourt Senate. Her scholarly record includes more than 90 journal articles, book chapters and Sociology of Education Made Easy, a textbook developed to make concepts in the discipline more accessible to students.

Much of her research examines the intersection of education and society, with particular emphasis on gender, women’s empowerment, educational development, social justice and the rights of women and girls. Her work advocates translating academic research into policies and practices that expand educational opportunities and strengthen human-capital development.

Beyond research, Onyido has occupied several academic leadership positions. She served as Acting Head of the Department of Educational Foundations from 2021 to 2023 and has worked as the Departmental Coordinator of Postgraduate Programs, the Anti-Plagiarism Coordinator, the Academic Adviser, and the Editor of the Port Harcourt Journal of Education Studies.

Her influence also extends beyond her university. She has served as an external examiner for several institutions and has participated as a resource person for the National Teachers’ Institute, the University of Port Harcourt, the Centers for Higher Education and Sandwich Programs, and the National Universities Commission verification exercise.

Internationally, Onyido represented the Niger Delta Development Commission at the African Women in Leadership Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, expanding her engagement with issues of women’s leadership, empowerment, and social transformation.

She belongs to several professional organizations, including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, the Association of Sociologists of Education of Nigeria, and the International Association for Gender Equity.

Her academic and community work have earned numerous recognitions, including the Millennium Development Ambassador Award, Lecturer of the Year, Outstanding Project Supervisor, and Professional Service awards.

Yet Onyido’s story also reaches deeply into heritage and service. She is the great-great-granddaughter of King Josiah Constance Ockiya, MINGI VII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom and Supreme King of Brass. Her great-grandfather, Rev. Daniel Ockiya, translated the Bible into the Nembe language.

A committed Catholic and Jerusalem pilgrim, she has also served in church and community leadership positions and was recognized by the Catholic Women Organization of the Port Harcourt Diocese as a “Quintessential Woman.”

For Onyido, the November 4 induction represents more than another distinction on an extensive academic résumé. It recognizes a career built around an enduring principle: education achieves its greatest value when knowledge is transformed into opportunity, service, and social progress.

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Houston

PCNI Elevates Chief Dr. Emmanuel Opara to Patron in Historic Ihiagwa Investiture

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5 days ago

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September 26, 2026

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Sugar Land People’s Club leaders celebrate their First Vice Chairman’s December 22 investiture, describing the honor as recognition of leadership, scholarship, service, and commitment to the enduring ideals of the People’s Club

HOUSTON, TEXAS — All roads will lead to Ihiagwa, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, on December 22, 2026, as members, associates, and well-wishers of People’s Club of Nigeria International gather for the Patronship Investiture of Hon. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Uzoma Opara, First Vice Chairman of the Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI).

The ceremony will mark another milestone for the Sugar Land branch, historically recognized within the organization as its First International Branch, and will elevate one of its senior officers into the distinguished circle of PCNI patrons.

Since its inception in 1971, the People’s Club of Nigeria has developed into an international social and philanthropic organization with branches in Nigeria, the United States, and Europe. Its tradition emphasizes fellowship, community service, and the principles of Love, Unity, and Service.

Within that tradition, patronship carries significance beyond a ceremonial title. Patrons are expected to serve as senior advisers, custodians of institutional values, and respected voices in sustaining the organization’s heritage and direction. The recognition is traditionally associated with sustained service, leadership, and commitment to the Club and society.

For Opara, the honor also recognizes a professional life extending far beyond community leadership.

An academic and technology specialist, Opara’s scholarly interests span cybersecurity, digital and media forensics, artificial intelligence, and Agentic AI. His research includes digital forensic investigation, incident response and threat analysis, memory analysis, advanced-adversary containment and intrusion detection, including applications of Python programming.

His work also engages with memory forensics and investigative technologies, as well as the offensive and defensive dimensions of cybersecurity, commonly characterized as Red Team and Blue Team operations.

Opara is a Fellow of the International Information Management Association (FIIMA) and serves as an Associate Editor of the Journal of International Technology and Information Management (JITIM).

Reflecting on the forthcoming investiture, Opara described the recognition as a responsibility rather than simply another distinction.

“I receive this honor with profound gratitude and humility. Patronship represents a responsibility to protect the values that have sustained People’s Club for generations: love, unity, service, and genuine fellowship. Whatever we achieve professionally becomes more meaningful when we use our knowledge, experience, and resources to strengthen our communities and create opportunities for others. I look forward to serving the Club at an even greater level.”

Grand Patron of SLPCNI, Hon. Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu, said Opara’s elevation reflects the leadership qualities expected of those entrusted with preserving the organization’s legacy. “Chief Dr. Opara represents the combination of intellectual accomplishment, community service, and organizational commitment that the People’s Club should continue to encourage. Patronship is not merely about recognition; it carries an obligation to guide, support and protect the institution. We are proud that another leader from our Sugar Land family has earned this important honor.”

Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman of SLPCNI, said the investiture demonstrates the depth of leadership within the Sugar Land branch. “This is a proud moment for Sugar Land People’s Club. Chief Dr. Opara has distinguished himself through service, scholarship, and dedication to our organization. His investiture strengthens our branch while reinforcing our connection to the national and international People’s Club family. We congratulate him and look forward to celebrating with him in Ihiagwa.”

The December gathering is expected to draw PCNI leaders, patrons, members, family, friends, and community representatives from Nigeria and abroad. Beyond the pageantry of the ceremony, however, Opara’s investiture carries a broader institutional message: leadership within the People’s Club is ultimately measured by service.

On December 22, Ihiagwa will host the celebration. But for Sugar Land, the occasion will also be a celebration of one of its own—a scholar, technology professional, and community leader entering a new chapter of responsibility in the People’s Club tradition.

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Houston

Membership Surge Continues as Dr. Nkem Ugwu Joins People’s Club

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2 weeks ago

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September 20, 2026

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Following a successful induction ceremony, the First International Branch continues to attract new members drawn to its tradition of friendship, service, culture, and community

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS — The Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI) is continuing its membership expansion following its recently concluded induction ceremony, with Dr. Nkem Ugwu becoming one of the latest community members to join the organization.

Ugwu, a Sugar Land resident originally from Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, is an entrepreneur and mother of three sons, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother. She describes service to others, family, and community engagement as important parts of her personal and professional life.

Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu addressing the September Conference of the Sugar Land PCNI

Her membership comes on the heels of the branch’s successful bi-annual induction ceremony, during which 16 new members were formally sworn in by PCNI National President Atty. Fidelis Onyebueke. The celebration attracted national leaders, patrons, and members representing branches from across the People’s Club network.

Photo from left: Hon. Chief Sir Michael Okeke; Hon. Anaeto Okakpu “Oranwezuluaku”; Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu; Hon. Dr. Nkem Ugwu ; Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman; Hon. Chief, Sir Basil Mbuba; Hon. Chief Sir Dr. Uche Egbuchuam “Akudo World Wide.”

Ugwu said joining the organization provides an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships while contributing to its mission.

“I am truly excited and honored to join the prestigious People’s Club of Nigeria International, Sugar Land Branch. I look forward to getting to know fellow members, building lasting friendships, and becoming actively involved in this vibrant and welcoming community. I am especially drawn to the Club’s tradition of fellowship, service, and mutual support, and I hope to contribute my experience, energy, and passion for serving others to its continued growth.”

Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu welcomed Ugwu, describing continued interest in membership as encouraging for the historic First International Branch.

Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe and Hon. Ndidi Chidume

“When people of accomplishment and community spirit continue to identify with our organization, it tells us that the values upon which People’s Club was built remain relevant. We welcome Dr. Ugwu and look forward to the experience and fellowship she brings to our family.”

Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman, said the branch’s recent induction helped showcase an organization that continues to combine Nigerian cultural heritage with community engagement in Houston.

“Our successful induction created tremendous enthusiasm, but our focus goes beyond ceremonies. We are building a stronger organization rooted in friendship, responsibility and service. Dr. Ugwu’s decision to join reflects that continuing momentum.”

One of the meeting hosts, Hon. Professor Keih George, introduces the co-meeting hosts.

Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe said the branch remains interested in individuals prepared to participate actively in its programs and fellowship.

“Membership is about belonging, but it is equally about participation and contribution. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ugwu and other prospective members who share the principles and aspirations of People’s Club.”

For SLPCNI, the growing interest following its induction represents another chapter in the evolution of a branch with a special place in the organization’s history.

And for Ugwu, it marks the beginning of a new journey—one centered on friendship, community, and service.

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