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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has challenged the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to deliver concrete outcomes on public stockholding for food security and investment facilitation, warning that prolonged delays are eroding confidence in the multilateral trading system.

Speaking at the 57th Session of the Steering Committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organisation (PCWTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, Kalu acknowledged progress on fisheries subsidies and development issues but said the WTO’s credibility would be judged by its ability to deliver for developing countries.

The Deputy Speaker expressed concern over the failure to reach a permanent solution on public stockholding for food security, 13 years after the commitment at the 2013 Bali Ministerial Conference, noting that Nigeria has co-sponsored the demand by the African Group, the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group and the G33 for a permanent solution.

He said, ‘Thirteen years cannot be explained as an ordinary negotiating delay. Behind every delayed outcome are farmers, workers and families living with the consequences of decisions we defer’.

Kalu proposed that members consider a waiver under Article IX:3 of the Marrakesh Agreement to cover qualifying public stockholding programmes, arguing that consensus should not render an explicit treaty mechanism permanently unusable in the face of pressing food security needs as an interim measure.

He also raised concerns over the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, where overwhelming support has stalled because of a single formal objection, and called for greater accountability from national parliaments.

According to him, parliaments should submit reports of concrete actions taken to advance PCWTO and WTO outcomes ahead of each Steering Committee meeting.

Kalu observed that efforts to improve attendance alone would not resolve the challenge of parliamentary relevance in trade governance, noting that many legislatures are briefed only after negotiating positions have been finalised.

He proposed that future PCWTO sessions be anchored on a focused economic agenda addressing contested issues such as public stockholding, investment facilitation, the e-commerce moratorium and digital trade rules, to enable parliamentarians to transmit clear conclusions and areas of divergence to trade ministers ahead of negotiations.

Kalu, however, secured reaffirmation from the IPU Secretary-General of the Union’s commitment towards the successful hosting of the PCWTO event scheduled for Abuja in 2027.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a fair, credible and development-oriented trading system.

He said, ‘Yaoundé revealed problems that are already well understood. The challenge now is to create political accountability for governments to explain what they are actually doing about them. If credibility is the issue, accountability must be the response.

‘I propose that before each Steering Committee meeting, participating parliaments should report on concrete steps taken within their own jurisdictions to advance the outcomes of Yaoundé and MC14, identifying the responsible authority, the action taken, the government’s stated position and the current status.

‘Too often, our discussions focus on what Geneva has or has not done. We should devote equal attention to what our own governments and legislatures have done since the last meeting. Accountability must run in both directions.

‘We should hold ourselves to the same standard of accountability we ask of Geneva. Nigeria commits to doing so.

Distinguished colleagues, behind every delayed outcome are farmers, workers and families living with the consequences of decisions we defer. The WTO’s credibility is not measured by the sophistication of its rules. It is measured by whether the members who need it most have rational grounds to trust it.

‘Nigeria is not here to add to the diagnosis. We are here to help restore that trust,’ Kalu said.

Director General of the WTO, Dr Okonjo-Iweala, presented an update on the organisation’s reforms covering decision-making, development, special and differential treatment, fairness and dispute settlement.

She said that while consensus ensures an equal voice for all members, applying it as unanimity has allowed single objections to block broadly supported outcomes.

She urged parliamentarians to move beyond criticism and propose practical solutions to rebuild trust, citing transparency and improved notifications as potential confidence-building measures and inviting written submissions on reforms.

The firmer Nigerian Minister backed deeper engagement between parliamentarians and Geneva-based actors, including national WTO representatives, the Chair of the General Council, reform facilitators and committee chairs, to give legislators a more direct role in the reform debate, while stressing the member-driven nature of the WTO.

Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged that the trading system has not served many developing and poorer countries effectively, defended the continued relevance of special and differential treatment, and called for a more credible framework that accounts for varying levels of development.

She equally underscored the importance of investment facilitation for developing economies and confirmed that restoring an effective two-tier dispute settlement system remains on the reform agenda, even if its eventual design differs from the past.

The Peace Advocates Network (PAN) has commended General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for sustaining military operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups across the country.

In a statement on Friday signed by Dr Charles Kazayet, PAN said the operational gains recorded across the various theatres showed that troops were making progress against security threats, while urging Nigerians to support the military with credible intelligence and cooperation.

The group said the progress was particularly notable in the North-East, where troops under Operation Hadin Kai have continued to target Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and their logistics networks.

The group noted that troops in the North-East neutralised 484 terrorists, arrested 370 suspects and rescued 595 kidnapped victims during the second quarter of 2026.

The statement further stated that troops also facilitated the surrender of 38 insurgents and their family members, while more than 360 civilians, mostly women and children, were rescued from the Mandara Mountains in Borno in June.

In the North-West, PAN noted that Operation Fansan Yamma had sustained offensive operations against bandits and kidnappers across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states.

The citizens group observed that the military has also continued to conduct operations in the North-Central, targeting criminal groups and securing vulnerable communities and major routes.

The group said military operations in the South-East had similarly focused on kidnappers, armed criminal groups and secessionist elements, while troops in the South-South continued operations against oil theft, illegal refining and other criminal activities affecting the nation’s economy.

‘Recent figures from the Defence Headquarters showed that troops dismantled 18 illegal refining sites and recovered more than 250,500 litres of stolen petroleum products in the South-South in July. In the same period, Operation Udo Ka in the South-East arrested 26 suspects, rescued 10 civilians and recovered weapons and other logistics,’ the statement reads.

Kazayet said the results should encourage Nigerians to see national security as a collective responsibility rather than an assignment left entirely to the military.

‘The Peace Advocates Network recognises the sacrifices being made by officers and soldiers across the different theatres of operation. From the North-East to the North-West, North-Central, South-East and South-South, our troops are confronting different forms of threats under difficult circumstances. The reported rescues, arrests, recovery of weapons, disruption of criminal networks and destruction of illegal refining sites demonstrate that the Armed Forces are maintaining pressure on those threatening the peace and security of our country.’

The group commended Oluyede for what the strategic leadership and urged the military leadership to sustain joint operations, intelligence gathering and cooperation with other security agencies.

‘We particularly commend the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the commanders and personnel serving across the various theatres for their commitment to the defence of Nigeria. We believe the country must build on these gains through stronger inter-agency cooperation, better intelligence, improved equipment and sustained support for the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect citizens and national assets.’

PAN also appealed to politicians to avoid actions or statements that could undermine security operations or create divisions among citizens.

‘At this point in our national journey, politicians and citizens must close ranks and support the Armed Forces. Political differences should not become a reason to weaken public confidence in our security institutions or discourage cooperation with troops. Every Nigerian has a role to play by providing timely and credible information, supporting security personnel and refusing to give shelter or legitimacy to criminal elements.’

The group urged communities, traditional rulers and political leaders to strengthen cooperation with security agencies, saying sustained public support would be critical to consolidating the gains recorded in the fight against insecurity.

PAN also called for continued attention to the welfare and equipment needs of military personnel, stressing that the sacrifices of troops serving in conflict-prone areas should not be taken for granted.

Accord Party chieftain and Co-Chairman of Movment for Democratic Renewal, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has called for the disbandment and reconstitution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its blatant disregard of a Court of Appeal judgment on the Electoral Act.

The Court of Appeal had voided Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, and held that the provisions were inconsistent with Sections 221 and 222 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Hashim said the implication of the July 16, 2026 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja instituted by the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) is far-reaching, arguing that actions taken by INEC under provisions subsequently declared inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) could no longer stand.

The judgment followed an appeal by the Zenith Labour Party challenging provisions dealing with political party membership registers and candidate nomination including the timetable and schedule of INEC activities .

The Court of Appeal held that ordinary legislation cannot impose restrictions on political parties that conflict with powers already guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution (as amended).

The Court of Appeal also stated that, ‘no other condition contained in a subsidiary law could disqualify an individual already qualified by the Constitution.’

Dr. Hashim insisted that reconstitution of the electoral body is germane to a transparent and credible 2027 general election.

Furthermore, he described ‘everything INEC has done’ under the disputed legal framework as a nullity; pending the final determination of the matter by the Supreme Court.

Hashim questioned why the electoral commission would seek to sustain statutory provisions which the Court of Appeal had declared inconsistent with the Constitution.

‘The Constitution is supreme. The National Assembly makes laws. INEC administers elections. INEC is not the Parliament and INEC did not make the Constitution.

‘So when a competent Court of Appeal declares specific provisions of an Electoral Act inconsistent with the Constitution, why is INEC fighting in court to restore those provisions rather than working with relevant political parties to address previous infractions?’

INEC has appealed the judgment to the Supreme Court.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the Supreme Court heard arguments in the appeal and reserved judgment.

A seven-member panel, led by Justice Adamu Jauro, said the date for judgment would be communicated to the parties.

Regardless, Hashim stressed that his objection was not against INEC’s legal right to appeal.

‘Of course, INEC can appeal. The issue is not whether it has the right to appeal. The question Nigerians should ask is; ‘what institutional interest does the electoral umpire have in sustaining provisions which a competent appellate court has declared inconsistent with the Constitution?’

‘Does this not raise questions about INEC’s complicity in the very process that Nigerians are asking it to be an umpire over?’

Hashim warned that the commission’s action could described as going against Nigeria’s democracy.

‘INEC is fighting in all courts, including the Supreme Court, wasting public resources to hire big lawyers to sustain provisions of the Electoral Act that contradicts the Constitution. INEC is complicit in the perfidy to rape Nigeria’s democracy.

‘INEC, as presently constituted, is a threat to Nigeria’s democratic order.’

According to Hashim, an electoral commission should be the first institution to insist on constitutional compliance rather than defend statutory provisions that have been judicially declared inconsistent with the Constitution.

‘An electoral commission should be the first institution to insist on constitutional compliance.

‘It should not be seen as defending a statutory arrangement that has been judicially declared unconstitutional designed primarily by the ruling party legislators to constrict the democratic space’

Hashim said the development reinforces warnings he had made before now that the 2027 electoral process could become a ‘coronation’ rather than a genuine democratic contest.

‘We warned ever before now that what INEC seeks to do in 2027 is a coronation, not an election.’

He said the danger was not limited to election day, arguing that democracy also depends on whether citizens and political party members are allowed to genuinely participate in selecting candidates.

‘An election means that citizens and members of political parties genuinely participate in choosing their candidates and ultimately their leaders.

‘A coronation is the presentation of a predetermined choice for public endorsement through a process that constricts rather than widens the political space,’ and added that, ‘from all indication, INEC is supervising coronation, not conducting election.’

Hashim also criticised what he described as the silence of some opposition candidates who, according to him, had become less vocal after securing party tickets.

‘Some opposition candidates are deceived because they have been given gate-pass to attend the coronation ceremony and so, have lost their voices.

‘We shall continue to speak because we are not just politicians. We are democrats.’

Hashim also questioned what he described as the ‘conspiracy of silence’ of major media organisations over the Court of Appeal judgment and subsequent Supreme Court proceedings.

‘How can a Court of Appeal judgment declaring portions of the Electoral Act unconstitutional, followed by an appeal by INEC to the Supreme Court, not be one of the biggest stories in Nigeria?

‘How can a matter with direct implications for the rules governing political parties and candidates nomination ahead of 2027 election receive so little sustained national attention?’

He said Nigerians deserve to understand the constitutional questions before the Supreme Court without any attempt to interfere with judicial independence.

‘I am asking Nigerians to understand what is before the Court. Judicial independence does not mean public silence,’ Hashim insisted.

He questioned why major media organisations had not made the case a sustained National story.

‘Where are the front-page investigations? Where are the prime-time constitutional debates? Where are the legal experts explaining to Nigerians what the Court of Appeal actually declared and what the Supreme Court has been asked to determine?

‘Why are we discussing the politics of 2027 without sufficiently discussing the legal architecture under which the 2027 election will be conducted?’

Hashim said the fact that judgment had been reserved made sustained public attention even more important.

‘The case is now before the Supreme Court. The parties have argued their positions. Judgment has been reserved.’

He warned against a situation where Nigerians would only begin to understand the significance of the legal dispute after the 2027 election.

Hashim said his intervention should not be viewed merely through the prism of his political ambition.

‘I am not just a politician. I am first and foremost a crusader for the establishment and sustenance of the democratic order.

‘My commitment to democratic governance predates this particular contest. I will continue to defend the Constitution and Nigeria’s democratic order; whether the issue concerns me personally or another Nigerian.’

Hashim reiterated that he would continue to pursue the matter through lawful and constitutional channels and collaborate with individuals, political parties and organisations committed to true democracy.

‘I will pursue every lawful avenue available to defend democratic choice. I will challenge, through constitutional means, any action by public institutions which I believe compromises the democratic rights of Nigerians.’

Hashim consequently called for the disbandment and reconstitution of INEC, describing the move as necessary to restore confidence in the electoral process.

‘I believe INEC should be disbanded and reconstituted.

‘This is not a call to abolish elections or destroy electoral administration. It is a call to rebuild the institution responsible for conducting our elections.’

He said Nigeria needs an electoral commission that is institutionally independent and whose actions and activities are firmly anchored in the Constitution.

‘We need an electoral commission that is constitutionally grounded, professionally competent, transparent and genuinely independent of the political interests of the government of the day.

‘INEC must be stronger than individual politicians. It must be stronger than the government.

‘It must be stronger than the opposition. And, its first loyalty must be to the Constitution and the democratic choice of Nigerians.’

Hashim said Nigeria could not afford an electoral system in which citizens were invited to vote after critical political choices had already been determined through processes beyond their control.

‘The 2027 election must not become a ceremony for endorsing decisions already made elsewhere.

‘It must be an authentic democratic contest in which the constitutional rights of political parties, candidates and voters are upheld.’

Hashim said the central issue was ultimately whether Nigerians would be allowed to genuinely choose their leaders through a process in which constitutional rights and democratic choices were respected.

‘Nigeria needs an election, not a coronation; constitutional supremacy, not administrative complicity with evil and impunity; and democratic choice, not institutional capture.’