Nigeria's Election Controversies and Vaccine Approval: Key Updates

Strategic Insights -

Governor David Umahi accused his own family of conspiring against him to vote for Peter Obi in the presidential election, attributing the Labour Party's votes to protest against the ruling APC and PDP. Meanwhile, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo emphasized that Nigeria can overcome ethnic and religious prejudices, which are critical factors in building a united nation. In other news, the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal granted an ex-parte application by the Labour Party's candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, for a substituted service of his petition on the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) granted provisional approval for the R21 Malaria Vaccine, which is 75 per cent effective in preventing malaria in children aged five to 36 months.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor David Umahi accused his family of conspiring against him to vote for Peter Obi in the presidential election, attributing the Labour Party's votes to protest against the ruling APC and PDP.
  • Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo emphasized that Nigeria can overcome ethnic and religious prejudices, which are critical factors in building a united nation.
  • The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal granted an ex-parte application by the Labour Party's candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, for a substituted service of his petition on the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
  • The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) granted provisional approval for the R21 Malaria Vaccine, which is 75 per cent effective in preventing malaria in children aged five to 36 months.
  • Senator Aisha Binani filed a motion ex parte before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking a judicial review of INEC's administrative decision regarding the Adamawa Guber election.
  • The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) staged a protest on Monday, calling on INEC to continue collating results.

Statistics:

  • 97% of the population in Nigeria is at risk of malaria infection.
  • Malaria transmission occurs throughout Nigeria, with the duration of transmission ranging from year-round in the south to three months or less in the north.
  • In 2020, Nigeria accounted for an estimated 55.2% of malaria cases in West Africa.
  • The R21 Malaria Vaccine has an efficacy rate of 75% in preventing malaria in children aged five to 36 months.
  • Over 20 lawyers are listed to represent Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour in his petition against Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Sources:

  • Channels Television
  • Vanguard
  • The Guardian
  • NAFDAC press conference
  • 2021 World Malaria Report
  • Ghana's Ministry of Health
  • World Health Organisation (WHO)