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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has emphasised the need for a Nigerian Constitution that effectively serves every segment of society.

Speaking at a retreat of the House Committee on Constitution Review, which he chairs, Kalu said Nigerians are yearning for a Constitution that empowers local governments to deliver essential services, streamlines electoral justice, strengthens fiscal federalism, ensures women’s full participation in governance, and promotes accountability at all levels.

He noted that, in line with the House’s commitment to producing a people-centered Constitution, a distinguished panel of constitutional lawyers, scholars, and policy analysts has been assembled to guide the committee’s deliberations.

According to him, the experts will provide comparative insights and help the lawmakers navigate the complex legal and political issues involved in the Constitution review process.

He said, ‘The work we do here in Enugu over the next few days will define the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy for the next generation.Will we be remembered as the Assembly that empowered local governments, thereby bringing governance closer to the people? Will we be remembered as the Assembly that shattered the glass ceiling and guaranteed women’s full participation in public life? Will we be remembered as the Assembly that restored public confidence in our electoral system?

‘These are not rhetorical questions. They are moral and political imperatives that demand our immediate and decisive action. Therefore, as we commence our deliberations, I urge us all to be guided by three principles’.

He maintained that in discharging its responsibilities, the Committee must have a unity of purpose; legislative discipline and national interest as guiding principles, saying ‘We represent different constituencies, different parties, and different ideologies.

‘But on the issue of constitutional reform, we must speak with one voice. The amendments we propose must command broad, bipartisan support if they are to succeed. Let us focus on what unites us, not what divides us.

‘Constitutional amendments are not ordinary bills. They require meticulous drafting, rigorous scrutiny, and careful sequencing. We must resist the temptation to overload the amendment agenda with contentious or politically divisive proposals. Our focus must be on achievable, high-impact reforms that enjoy widespread public support.

‘Every decision we make here must be guided by one question: What is best for Nigeria? Not what is best for our party, our region, or our personal ambitions, but what is best for the over 200 million Nigerians we were elected to serve.

‘The Constitution we are reviewing is the social contract that binds us together as a people. It is the promise we make to each other about the kind of country we want to build.

‘Let the work we do here in Enugu reflect our commitment to that promise. Let us leave Enugu with a clear, actionable roadmap for constitutional reform: one that empowers local governments, guarantees women’s representation, strengthens electoral integrity, and deepens our federal democracy.

‘Let us leave Enugu ready to build the consensus necessary to secure passage of these amendments in the National Assembly and in State Houses of Assembly across the Federation.And let us leave Enugu inspired by the knowledge that we are engaged in a historic endeavour: one that will shape Nigeria’s destiny for generations to come’.

Enugu state Governor, Peter Mbah emphasised on the need to have a diligent Judicial, police and other reforms that will attend to the needs of the Nigerian people for speedy justice delivery.

Represented by the Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, the governor said if implemented, reforms intended in the proposed amendments and new bills in the ongoing exercise, will go along way in addressing the socio-political, security as well as economic challenges affecting the country.

He stated that whenever Nigerians discuss inclusive governance, a few thoughts run around what they discuss eveng among parliamentarians, in media, politicians, those in the academies and almost all classes of Nigerians.

According to him, one thing that is consistently discussed in the country is describing Nigeria from the perspective of geopolitical sense.

He said, ‘The last time I checked, I wasn’t certain that there was constitutional liberties to it. But it’s almost clear that in all our national conversations, in political conversations, in development conversations, in all our conversations, the concept of the fact that geopolitical zones are taking root in our subconscious conversations has come to me.

‘So, I was wondering, will the parliament think it’s worth it to begin to capture the concept of geopolitical zones in our constitution? Because it can happen that we need the framework for a robust and inclusive government and governance, as I’ve seen on page 51 of your material reform.

‘And if you think that’s worth it, to be part of our constitution and make it a formal conversation and break the rules, then it could be the framework that would drive the next thing I want to talk about, which is federal character. First of all, the concept of federal character has been won by the elites. Some, of course, were politicians.

‘When you want to complain that we’ve not had access to public and political appointments at the federal level, we begin to read out all sorts of data about fairer character. How people get disadvantaged, how certain ministries go to certain parts of the country and not fairly distributed.

‘But, have you also tried to interrogate, why is it that those of us who complain about federal character from the perspective of political appointment and access to political jobs, we don’t see them as you look at fairer character from the perspective of national budget.

‘Those of us who are politicians seek opportunities at the centre, we are not getting it. We begin to raise all hell about fairer character. But, we don’t do the real work of seeing how the national distribution of free infrastructure cuts across dialectical and enforcing policies’

Gov. Mbah said the Committee needs to do more in those area Judicial and police reforms to address the various outcries about the problems affecting the Judiciary and the Police as regards justice delivery and fighting crimes.

‘But, it really doesn’t matter that in the long run, if you don’t go after proper policing, it doesn’t matter if it’s the state police, federal police, local government police, you will still be running around in circles.

‘And, I will add one thing. For those of us who are allies, you will know that the content and context of investigation in this country is essentially detention and extraction of professional weaknesses.

‘Suspects are routinely detained, high jail, and some tortured, some not tortured, but put under arrest to confess or say nothing. And, for those of us who have a privilege to visit police detention facilities, like the police cells, the police offices, those cells, where our statistics are held, are what I call instrumental constructing to us.

‘There is none of us here, in this room, that will be detained in any of the police cells in this country for three hours, and you will not accept a crime you don’t commit.Because, they are all inhuman condition.

‘So, while we look at a legislative framework that will create state police, it’s also good to look at the police Act and see if parliament will assist in developing operational guidance that have a balance of facts to admit crimes they do not know, or to just want to offer bribe to police people to leave.

‘But, in addition, I want to link that up to judicial reforms, which I also saw in the document. I want to look at an approach where parliament will work with the judiciary, to develop a framework where we have magistrates on call. In all our medical facilities across this country, doctors are on call.

‘If a patient comes in at 2am and understands that the patient is on call, they call the doctor and he comes. We should actually begin to think of having magistrates on call, so that it becomes the responsibility of the magistrate to determine whether someone should be held in a medical facility or not.

‘So, if someone has been arrested, and a lawyer is seeking to bail that person, he goes to the magistrate or to the deputy of the city, presents his case before the magistrates, who looks at the facts, who makes the decision, if proper authorities are provided for bail.

‘And if it’s who wills that it’s not safe to release that person, he can order, even if it’s on a Saturday, that the person be transferred to a prison near the police station. What that does is that police will now take a possible and final evidence to prosecute crime.

‘Because most of the times that suspects are detained for so long that they will be punished, who are these others going to court? Because most of the times the evidence they have are weak.Lawyers are able to get those suspects released’.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chairman’s Cup recorded another milestone yesterday as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the highly anticipated football tournament was officially inaugurated at the party’s State Secretariat in Ikeja.

The event formally set the stage for the maiden edition of the state-wide youth football competition, designed to promote unity, discover emerging talents, and deepen grassroots engagement across Lagos’ 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The inauguration ceremony, attended by party leaders, youth representatives, and sports enthusiasts, was hailed as a visionary initiative of Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, the APC Lagos State Chairman, for uniting the party’s youth base under the theme ‘One Party, One Spirit, One State.’

Dr. Bamigbade emphasized that the Chairman’s Cup goes beyond football, describing it as a strategic tool for unity and inclusivity at the grassroots level.

He said, ‘This tournament will give every local government and LCDA a sense of belonging. We are using football as a bridge for peace, unity, and youth empowerment.’

In his remarks, the LOC Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the committee and pledged to deliver a transparent and impactful tournament.

‘We are ready to make history with this event. Our goal is to unite the 57 councils under one APC spirit while discovering new football talents that will make Lagos and Nigeria proud,’ Olowa stated.

The APC Lagos State Chairman’s Cup will feature Under-18 and Under-20 categories, with cash prizes, awards, and special football development opportunities for outstanding players and teams.

From Epe to Badagry, Ikorodu to Surulere, and across the mainland and island, excitement continues to build for what promises to be a historic tournament in Lagos grassroots football.

Convener of the tournament, Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, while addressing journalists after the inauguration, announced Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa as Chairman of the LOC.

Other notable committee members include Hon. Sam Egube, Hon. Yemi Alli, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert, Hon. Adedeji Temitope, Hon. Mrs. Kemi Ogunyemi, Hon. Tobun Abiodun, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, Hon. Bamidele Yusuf Sulaimon, Hon. Mrs. Bada Abolanle Samiat, Hon. Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, Hon. Muibi Alade Folawuyo, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo Alogba, Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe, Hon. Akeem Dauda, Hon. Adebayo Olasoju, Hon. Adeola Adetoro, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Hon. Oluwafemi Daniel Odunayo, Prince Bolarinwa Alade, Mr. Abayomi Adelakun, Hon. Idris Balogun, Hon. Lanre Sanusi, Hon. Abiodun Jimoh Isola, Hon. Yisa Abiola Jubril, Hon. Abdulganiy Obasa, Hon. Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, Hon. Bola Oladunjoye, Hon. Bukola Adedeji, Hon. Wale Raji.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have traded words over the performance of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa since his assumption of office.

While PDP accused Aiyedatiwa of failing to address the suffering of citizens despite the huge federal allocations and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) accruing to the state, APC dismissed the claims as spurious and politically-motivated.

Speaking yesterday in an interview on Radio Nigeria (Positive 102.9 FM Akure), monitored by The Nation, the PDP Chairman, Dupe Aisida, described Aiyedatiwa’s government as ‘cosmetic’ and ‘failing in leadership.’

Aisida alleged that residents across the 18 local governments were groaning under poor governance and lack of tangible development by the current administration.

He lamented the absence of new infrastructural projects and decay of existing ones.

‘Governance is not a game. We’re talking about the lives of millions of people. If anybody is in power, it is for us to tell them when they’re not getting it right. If they’re doing well, we commend them,’ Aisida said.

‘Politics aside, it is our duty to tell the government – it’s our money. We are all taxpayers. Whatever comes in belongs to every indigene of this state. We must ensure the government remains on its toes and spends the money judiciously.

‘If you really want to know whether the government is doing well or not, just talk to ordinary people on the streets. The truth of the matter is that the government needs to sit up.’

The PDP chair noted that the state capital, Akure, had ‘never been this dirty,’ alleging that state resources were being channelled into projects that did not reflect the needs of ordinary citizens.

He faulted Aiyedatiwa administration’s decision to build new apartments for political office holders, while citizens grappled with soaring rents and housing shortages.

Aisida also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the recent teacher recruitment, citing reports of fake appointment letters and extortion of applicants.

‘This government must sit up. People are suffering, and they need solutions, not window dressing,’ he said.

In a swift reaction, APC described the allegations as false and misleading.

The party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the governor had introduced several palliatives, farmer empowerment programmes and market stabilisation interventions to cushion economic hardship on residents.

He maintained that projects in health, education, agriculture, security and road infrastructure were ongoing across the state, dismissing PDP’s description of ‘cosmetic governance’ as a baseless attempt to discredit visible progress.

‘Clinics are being rehabilitated, schools supported and contractors are at work on bona fide projects across the state. These are measurable, verifiable investments – not cosmetics,’ he said.

On allegations of neglect in Akure, the APC spokesman said sanitation and road rehabilitation efforts were ongoing and challenged the opposition to provide verifiable instances of neglect for immediate action.

Otaloro also defended the provision of official accommodation for public officers as a cost-saving measure, reiterating the government’s commitment to affordable housing schemes for citizens.

Responding to the teacher recruitment controversy, he described the exercise as a well-received initiative, insisting that claims of fake letters and extortion were ‘irresponsible.’

He, however, assured citizens that a verification mechanism was in place and pledged to investigate any credible report of malpractice.

The Arewa Think Tank (ATT), a prominent Northern socio-political and policy advocacy group, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Professor Joash Amupitan as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued by its convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the group described Amupitan’s appointment as ‘a strategic and commendable decision’ that entrusts the nation’s electoral institution to a man of proven integrity, competence, and intellectual depth.

‘The Arewa Think Tank extends its profound congratulations to Professor Joash Amupitan on his well-deserved appointment,’ the statement read. ‘Professor Amupitan brings with him a formidable wealth of experience and an exceptional grasp of constitutional law and electoral administration-qualities indispensable for leading INEC at this critical time.’

Yakubu said the appointment represents a major boost for the credibility and independence of Nigeria’s electoral system, noting that Amupitan’s leadership is expected to ‘reinvigorate public confidence in the nation’s democratic process.’

‘At this pivotal moment in our democratic journey, Professor Amupitan’s leadership is poised to strengthen the integrity of INEC,’ the statement continued. ‘We urge him to prioritize electoral transparency, technological innovation, and the uncompromising enforcement of impartiality across all electoral activities.’

The ATT further expressed optimism that Amupitan’s tenure would mark a new era of professionalism and accountability within INEC, aligning with national aspirations for credible elections.

Reiterating its support for the new INEC boss, the group pledged to collaborate with relevant institutions and civil society to advance electoral reforms and democratic stability.

‘We assure Professor Amupitan of our collaborative support as he undertakes this vital national assignment,’ Yakubu stated. ‘The Arewa Think Tank remains committed to strengthening democratic governance, promoting transparency, and deepening the foundations of our great nation.’

The group described the appointment as a reflection of President Tinubu’s commitment to credible elections and democratic consolidation, urging Nigerians to rally behind the new INEC Chairman in the discharge of his duties.

Actress Mercy Johnson has penned a touching tribute to her goddaughter, actress Regina Daniels, in celebration of her birthday.

In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Johnson expressed how emotional she becomes whenever she tries to put her love and admiration for Regina into words.

She described Regina as one of her own children and expressed deep affection and pride.

‘You already know how overwhelmed I get when it comes to you. I have no words as I always get emotional each time I need to talk about you. You and my kids own my heart,’ she wrote.

‘I truly understand love and sacrifice since all five of you came into my life and gave it meaning. I love you so much. Heaven knows I wish you well. I love you with every fiber in me, Gina-you are my very own flesh. Happy Birthday, child. Love you always.’

An international businessman and Chairman of Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF), Hareter Babatunde Oralusi, on Thursday joined Osun State 2026 guber race within All Progressives Congress(APC).

Oralusi who was a guber candidate of Action Alliance(AA) in 2014 but later joined APC, declared his intention in his hometown, Ile-Ife, assuring to prioritise welfare.

He charged the youths to use his ambition to reclaim their destiny by enthroning accountability, transparency and prosperity in advancing Osun State forward, adding that ‘Our resources must serve the people not the privileged few.’

Oralusi boasted that if he emerged as the candidate of APC, he would end the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke and enthrone progressives ideology in the state in 2026.

‘I will align my programme with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to move Osun State Forward. Today, Nigeria is at the dawn of a new era. Under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, we are witnessing the birth of a New Nigeria – a nation grounded on progressive governance and innovation.’

He emphasized the need for Osun State to complement the federal government’s national reforms with local initiatives that would transform the state into a productive, modern, and prosperous state that contributes meaningfully to the New Nigeria agenda.

The 54-year-old business tycoon declared that ‘the era where godfatherism must give way to a new dawn of accountability, transparency, and shared prosperity.

He lamented over statistics of unemployed youths in Osun State, assuring that he would bring idea that will create job and make life meaningful for residents of the state.

‘I want to assure our youths that I will tackle unemployment. Currently, 85% youths are unemployed in Osun State, it is alarming, but if elected I will tackle this menace.’

He also promised innovative solutions to governance challenges.

Oralusi’s entry adds to the list of APC aspirants seeking to challenge the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2026.

The mood in Abuja is electrifying. As Prof Mahmood Yakubu bows out as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the air in political circles is thick with speculation and scepticism.

Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), his successor, will not only inherit Yakubu’s innovations but also his burden. He will take charge of an institution both praised and criticised harshly: one that has reshaped how Nigerians vote, and how they doubt.

Amupitan should guarantee that by 2027, the ballot will not only count but be believed.

‘We don’t just need a referee,’ says youth activist Aisha Abdullahi in Kano. ‘We need a credible one. It’s not the voting that hurts; it’s watching results vanish between the polling unit and Abuja.’

From reform to relapse

The introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) once raised hopes of transparency. Yet when the system stuttered in 2023, with slow uploads, missing results, and unexplained ‘technical glitches’, those hopes quickly vanished.

‘Technology doesn’t build trust; people do,’ notes Ezenwa Nwagwu, convener of the Say No Campaign. ‘The next INEC chairman must understand that credibility isn’t just about machines-it’s about management and communication.’

Integrity and independence

Nigeria’s electoral history has always revolved around one question: trust. Political analyst and former INEC director Prof. Okey Ibeanu puts it bluntly: ‘You can have BVAS, IReV, and 10 acronyms after that, but if the leadership of INEC is not seen as neutral, everything else falls apart.’

The single most vital quality Nigerians now demand of the incoming chairman is unquestionable integrity-whether it is Amupitan, with his legal gravitas, Liman, with his judicial discipline, or Olurode, with his insider experience.

‘The individual must be de-tribalized, honest, and independent,’ says Austin Aigbe of the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network. ‘He must understand the system and withstand pressure from any quarter.’

Paul James, Election Manager at Yiaga Africa, adds: ‘The next INEC chairman should embody integrity, independence, and a commitment to credible, inclusive, and transparent elections.’

Yakubu, to his credit, survived intense political pressure and completed two election cycles-the first chairman to do so since 1999. Yet his tenure was marked by accusations of inconsistency, especially after the 2023 polls. ‘He tried to be fair,’ says an INEC insider, ‘but fairness isn’t only about doing right-it’s about being seen to do right.’

Public perception of neutrality has become INEC’s biggest test. The next chairman must fiercely safeguard it.

Beyond technology

Under Yakubu’s leadership, INEC adopted BVAS and IReV, which were an upgrade of the Smart Card Reader introduced in 2015. However, their failures in 2023 exposed persistent weaknesses: poor connectivity, untrained ad-hoc staff, and opaque communication.

‘INEC cannot keep treating election day like a surprise party,’ says Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director. ‘You can’t test new technology on the day of the match. The next chairman must plan, test, train, and communicate.’

Kenya’s 2017 presidential election, annulled due to irregularities in digital result transmission, compelled the election management body to introduce more reforms. ‘Nigeria can learn from that,’ Itodo adds. ‘Technology must be transparent, not mysterious.’

For this to happen, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must nominate a man or woman of integrity. ‘He once criticised Jonathan for delaying reforms,’ Aigbe recalls. ‘Now the ball is in his court.’

The logistics labyrinth

Few institutions in Nigeria face logistical challenges as complex as INEC’s, which must deploy materials, staff, and security across 176,000 polling units in a single day. Under Yakubu, there were visible improvements: early procurement, new polling units, and better coordination. Yet 2023 revealed familiar lapses: late commencement of elections and missing materials in several states.

‘People blame technology,’ says former INEC commissioner Dr Amina Zakari, ‘but sometimes the issue is a bad road, a missing truck, or a local security scare. Logistics involves more than just transportation; it also requires strategic intelligence and planning.’

For 2027, Nigerians expect a chairman with not only integrity and innovation, but operational discipline; someone who treats logistics as a science and fights for timely funding. As Yakubu admitted, ‘INEC remains one of the most underfunded election commissions in Africa relative to its mandate.’ Without early funding, reforms remain PowerPoint promises.

Lessons from Ghana, Kenya, South Africa

Across Africa, election commissions face similar pressures but handle them differently. Ghana’s Electoral Commission, led by Jean Mensa, managed a smooth 2020 poll through transparent engagement and communication. ‘When the public is informed, suspicion reduces,’ says journalist Kwame Ofori.

Kenya’s IEBC, after its 2017 crisis, now publishes polling-station results in real time. South Africa’s IEC derives credibility from institutional independence, backed by secure funding and legal protection.

‘Nigeria’s next INEC boss needs that kind of buffer,’ argues lawyer Chidi Odinkalu. ‘You can’t build impartiality on political debt.’

INEC’s autonomy remains fragile; legally granted but politically mediated. The next chairman must not only run elections but champion reforms that would insulate INEC constitutionally and financially from executive interference.

Communication: The missing link

When IReV faltered in 2023, Nigerians waited days for explanations. Silence filled the gap, and rumours took over.

‘That’s where Yakubu lost many people,’ says a senior journalist. ‘Even if you’re right, if you go quiet, you lose the narrative.’

The next INEC chairman must act as communicator-in-chief, not just a bureaucrat, offering quick, clear updates in plain language. Transparency is not optional; it’s survival. South Africa’s IEC holds open briefings and streams real-time dashboards. Nigerians deserve no less.

Courage under pressure

Integrity in Nigeria’s political environment is not abstract-it’s a battlefield. Political parties treat elections as warfare. Pressure on INEC comes from every direction.

‘The next INEC chairman must have the courage to say no,’ insists Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed of the Northern Elders Forum. ‘Yakubu sometimes did, but not enough. Independence is not given; it’s taken.’

Yakubu’s record on firmness illustrates the delicate balance he expertly maintained. His decision to deregister 74 political parties in 2020 showed courage.

However, his hesitance in sanctioning voter intimidation and erring staff disappointed critics because it showed a lack of strong action against threats and misconduct.

‘We need a chairman who enforces rules equally-north or south, ruling or opposition,’ Baba-Ahmed says.

Security: Democracy’s fragile edge

Elections in parts of Nigeria remain fraught with violence and intimidation. ‘The next INEC chairman must treat security as integral to election management,’ says Clement Nwankwo of the Situation Room coalition.

He calls for pre-election mapping of hot spots, joint planning with security agencies, and community peace-building. In 2023 alone, INEC reported over 40 incidents of violence and arson. Several INEC offices in the Southeast were destroyed ahead of the polls.

‘We need courage and strategy,’ Nwankwo says. ‘Otherwise, fear will continue to disenfranchise citizens.’

Inclusion and the human factor

Under Yakubu, INEC improved access for persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly-but implementation fell short of expectations. In conflict zones like Borno and Zamfara, many displaced voters remained disenfranchised.

‘The new chairman must bring empathy to the job,’ says Grace Jerry of the Inclusive Friends Association. ‘If people with disabilities can’t access polling units, democracy is incomplete.’

Aigbe adds, ‘Since 1999, we’ve only had male INEC chairmen. It’s time to give the job to a woman.’

The politics of dependence

INEC’s reliance on federal budget allocations often leads to late procurements and strained logistics. Ghana’s EC enjoys multi-year budgeting; South Africa’s IEC has statutory financial independence. Nigeria’s INEC, meanwhile, must lobby the same politicians it regulates.

‘That’s a structural contradiction,’ says Odinkalu. ‘The referee shouldn’t beg the players for his whistle.’

INEC’s finances must be free from political control. Without that, even the most honest commissioner will be constrained.

Legal clarity and decisiveness

The Electoral Act 2022 improved Nigeria’s framework but left ambiguities, especially on the legal weight of electronic results transmission. Court rulings after 2023 deepened confusion. ‘The next INEC boss must be a legal tactician,’ says Femi Falana, SAN. ‘They must understand the law, anticipate loopholes, and apply it uniformly.’

Yakubu’s INEC often hesitated in legally contentious moments, from party primaries to disqualifications. Nigerians now expect sharper decisiveness.

Turning voters into stakeholders

Voter turnout in 2023 was just 29 per cent, the lowest since 1999. Disillusionment, fear, and logistical failures all contributed. ‘People must feel their votes matter,’ says Itodo. ‘Otherwise, democracy becomes theatre.’

The next INEC chairman can learn from Ghana and South Africa, where voter education continues between elections. Partnerships with civil society, schools, and influencers could help rebuild faith in the process.

‘Trust is a process,’ says Aisha Abdullahi in Kano. ‘It grows when people see results match reality.’

The burden of trust

Today, Nigerians discuss not just who wins, but how elections are won. The emotional wounds from 2023 run deep because technology and trust failed simultaneously.

In Lagos markets, voters like Chinedu Okorie recall the anxiety of that February night when results stopped loading. ‘I voted. I waited. Then silence.’

For him, and millions like him, 2027 must be different. ‘If Nigerians can see their polling unit results online, and they match what they saw at the booth, whoever wins, Nigerians will be happy,’ says Aigbe.

A legacy to build upon

Yakubu’s record is not one of failure, but of unfinished business. He expanded access with over 50,000 new polling units, stabilised the election calendar, and introduced transformative technologies. Yet he leaves behind a trust deficit that innovation alone cannot fix.

His tenure proved that Nigeria’s problem isn’t just technology-it’s mistrust. And trust cannot be programmed; it must be earned.

The next chairman will enter an office where every decision will be contested, every delay magnified, every error politicised. Yet the opportunity is enormous. A credible 2027 election could reset Nigeria’s democratic trajectory for a generation.

‘He must guide INEC with technical excellence, robust governance, and proactive stakeholder engagement,’ says Yiaga Africa’s Paul James. ‘And remain resilient in crises, committed to long-term reform consistent with Nigeria’s laws and constitution.’

If he-or she-succeeds, Nigeria’s democracy will not just survive; it will mature. If not, disillusionment may deepen beyond repair.

Epilogue: Will my vote count?

In the end, the measure of the new INEC chairman will not lie in the number of devices deployed or reforms announced. It will lie in a simpler question-one every Nigerian carries silently to the booth:

Will my vote count this time?

Amupitan should be able to turn scepticism into belief, and elections into trust.

Chief Technical Adviser to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Bolade Eyinla, said statistics of Nigerians who turn out to vote have continued to be on the decline, saying an election in which less than 50% of registered voters comes out is tainted by a shadow of legitimacy.

Speaking at the YIAGA Africa 2027 elections scenarios and election manipulation risk in red retreat in Abuja, Prof Eyinla said that available data shows the voter turnout in the presidential elections since 2011 are as follows: 2011-53.7%; 2015-43.6%; 2019 -34.7% and 2023-26.7%.

He said: ‘One major reason adduced for this declining voter turnout are that the introduction of technology for voter authentication and accreditation (SCR in 2015 and BVAS in 2023) made double/multiple voting and ballot box stuffing more difficult, thereby reducing the number of votes cast in relation to the number of registered voters, which some believed is over bloated.

‘Other reasons include voter apathy as a result of evident lack of the dividends of democracy, loss of trust by citizens in the electoral process premised on the believe that their votes do not count or unwillingness, especially among the elite to suffer the inconveniences of voting.

‘Irrespective of the reason(s) for this situation, the percentage of voters turning out to exercise their franchise on Election Day should be a matter of concern to all electoral stakeholders and citizens.

‘Although the electoral system is based on first past the post, an election in which less than 50% of registered voters comes out to vote is tainted by a shadow of legitimacy. It is therefore imperative for INEC to provide votes with pleasant voting experience by removing all known barriers to the ballot box and all stakeholders to up the ante in voter education,sensitisation and mobilisation.’

According to him, any talk of reviewing the process of appointing the Chairman, National and Resident Electoral Commissioners of INEC by removing the power of appointment from the President under the prevailing circumstances is not feasible before the 2027 general elections in view of the tedious process of altering any of the provisions in the Constitution.

He explained that after a review of the 2023 general election, 142 recommendations were made for improving the electoral process, adding that the Commission has taken necessary steps to implement

some of the recommendations arising from the review that requires administrative

action.

He said further the Commission has formulated its position on the recommendations that requires tinkering with the electoral legal framework and submitted same to the National Assembly for consideration.

According to him: ‘It is another matter entirely if the Assembly will act expeditiously and do the needful, especially in regard to such important issues as early voting for election officials, security personnel, accredited observers and journalist on election duty, review of Section 47(1)of the Electoral Act 2022 on the presentation of PVC as a requirement to vote and making electronic transmission of results mandatory.

‘When it is considered that elections are governed by law, the National Assembly must speedily consider the proposed amendment to the legal framework and amend the Electoral Act 2022 or enact a new Electoral Act before the release of the timetable and schedule of activities one year to the election, that is in February 2026.

‘This is to ensure certainty in the electoral legal framework that will govern the election, guide the actions and activities of the Commission and all electoral stakeholders, especially the political parties in the conduct of party primaries and nomination of candidates.

‘It will also enable INEC to quickly review its regulations,guidelines and manuals in line with any amendment or provisions in the amended or new Act.’

He said the Commission is also engaging with relevant stakeholders to implement the 48 other recommendations from the review of the 2023 general elections, saying the ‘implementation of these recommendation will require action by key actors in the electoral process including the judiciary, security and law enforcement agencies, political parties, regulatory agencies, the media and civil society organisations.’

Leaders of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM) have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and decisive action to address the growing insecurity in Yorubaland, citing increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks on rural communities.

The call was made during a peaceful protest held in Lagos on Friday, where members of the group gathered to express their frustration and demand stronger federal intervention.

Speaking at the protest, Arc. Opeoluwa George Akinola, a prominent leader of the movement, described the security situation as ‘unbearable,’ lamenting the continued killings, abductions, and harassment of residents in farming communities.

‘Our people are being killed by armed Fulani groups. Farmers can no longer go to their farms, and our women are being raped daily,’ Akinola said. ‘This crisis has lingered for too long, and we are saying it must end now. No fewer than 24 communities have been affected.’

Akinola also called on the Federal Government to reinstate Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho, describing him as a ‘son of the soil’ who could play a vital role in coordinating community-based security initiatives if given institutional backing.

Mrs. Funmilayo Oguniyi, a women leader of the Ifelodun Apapo Omo Yoruba group, acknowledged ongoing efforts by security agencies but stressed that more needed to be done to protect lives and property.

‘Many kidnappings occur around the Yorubaland borders. Our people are abducted while traveling, and many never return. Parents invest so much in their children, only for them to be kidnapped and killed for no reason,’ she lamented.

Also speaking, Prophet Ologun Loluwa, a youth leader and spiritual figure in the movement, described the situation as a ‘national emergency’ and urged leaders to rise above politics to confront the escalating crisis.

‘Insecurity has grown into a monster. From North to South, East to West, we hear daily reports of killings, kidnappings, and terrorism. This is not the heritage our forebears left us,’ he said. ‘We refuse to accept a Nigeria where Yoruba sons and daughters live as strangers in their own land.’

The group vowed to sustain peaceful protests and advocacy until the government takes decisive action to secure the Southwest and protect citizens across the region.

Reform-driven citizens under the banner of the Citizens Connect Conference have lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his transformative achievements in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the conference held in Lagos, the Convener, Charles Abakpa Onoja, said the President’s reforms have restored national confidence in the sector, setting it on a path of renewal and transparency.

In his opening remarks, Onoja stated, ‘Let us begin where much of Nigeria’s story has always been written – our oil and gas sector. For decades, this sector symbolized both our promise and our pain. We have heard stories of corruption, inefficiency, and missed opportunities. Yet today, there is a new story unfolding – a story of reform, renewal, and restoration.’

He commended the administration’s commitment to implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), noting that under President Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) led by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the sector has been revitalized through structured and data-driven governance.

Onoja highlighted that in just two years, the NUPRC generated over ?12.25 trillion in revenue for the federation – an unprecedented milestone that demonstrates the impact of improved monitoring and enforcement systems.

The conference, which drew participants from the six Southwestern states, provided a platform to examine the ongoing reforms and their effects on national development.

Guest speaker Prof. Yemi Oke (SAN) and other experts commended the government’s implementation of the PIA and described President Tinubu’s approach as decisive and reform-oriented.

Prof. Oke outlined the benefits of fuel subsidy removal, noting a 200 percent increase in allocations to states and local governments, as well as expanded funding for road construction, hospital upgrades, power projects, the student loan scheme, and higher NYSC allowances.

He also cited the broader economic ripple effects of the reforms – including Nigeria’s transition toward becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products, increased private refinery investments, accelerated gas and LPG/CNG projects, foreign exchange savings, currency stability, and enhanced fertilizer production.

He said, ‘Dormant oil blocks are returning to productivity, production reporting is now electronic, and field development plans are strictly monitored for compliance. The era of discretionary approvals and rent-seeking is fading away, replaced by process, predictability, and performance.

‘Equally important is the focus on gas-the transition fuel for Nigeria’s economic future. Under the Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, investors are now turning environmental liability into economic opportunity. We are reducing waste, protecting our planet, and creating jobs.

‘These are not abstract policy shifts. They are the building blocks of a more transparent and sustainable energy future-and they are happening under President Tinubu’s watch.’

According to Oke, a reform is only meaningful when it touches lives. He said the Petroleum Industry Act not only restructured institutions; it redefined relationships between government, industry, and the communities that bear the weight of extraction. He said under Komolafe’s leadership, the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) have become the bridge between promise and delivery.

‘More than ?358 billion has so far been remitted to these trusts, funding over 500 community projects in education, healthcare, road construction, and youth empowerment across oil-producing regions. For the first time, host communities are not treated as afterthoughts-they are partners. The principle is simple: those who live with the consequences of resource extraction must share in its benefits.

‘This is what President Tinubu envisioned when he spoke about Renewed Hope. Hope that is not poetic but practical; hope that builds hospitals, powers schools, and brings opportunity to communities long forgotten.

‘Transparency has also become a defining feature of the new order. NUPRC’s electronic reporting platforms allow real-time production tracking and cargo declaration-cutting out leakages that once drained our national purse. The days of guessing how much crude Nigeria produces are gone. The data now speaks for itself.

‘The Commission has also introduced robust systems for measuring flare gas, tracking royalty payments, and enforcing environmental standards. This is governance at work-silent, methodical, transformative.

‘The world has noticed. International rating agencies and investors now describe Nigeria’s oil regulatory framework as more predictable and investor-friendly than at any time in the past decade. The reforms have positioned our country as an emerging energy investment hub on the continent.

‘These achievements did not emerge in a vacuum. They are the product of a reform-minded administration that prioritised competence over complacency. But every reform is a journey, not an event-and journeys can be interrupted.

‘The truth is that what we have gained in the last two years can easily be lost if the focus shifts from reform to rhetoric. Nigeria cannot afford to go backwards. We must protect this momentum by ensuring that the same political will that birthed these achievements is renewed in 2027.’