Category: PM News

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as Araba, has expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of the ruling party, saying its internal disagreements have not diminished its political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sanni, who contested in the recent party primaries, spoke on Saturday at during a meeting with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leadership at the Bishop’s Court of the Anglican Diocese of Kwara in Ilorin.

He said the level of political activities within the party suggests it remains the dominant political platform in the state despite divisions that emerged over the last governorship primaries.

According to him, the turnout recorded at separate political rallies organised by different tendencies within the party reflects the APC’s grassroots support rather than weakness.

‘When you look at the massive crowds that attended the rallies organised by the different camps and do the math, it tells you that our lead would be unassailable at the polls once all issues are resolved amicably ,’ he said.

Sanni also appealed to fellow aspirants and party stakeholders to remain calm, stating that he has implicit trust in APC’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms at the national level.

‘There is absolutely no need to go into the general election divided.

‘We should all remain patient with the leadership of the party the President and the National Working Committee. ‘This is what progressive politics is all about’. he said.

Speaking on the purpose of his visit to see CAN leadership, Sanni said he was seeking prayers for Kwara State, the APC and the country, adding that religious leaders have a vital role to play in promoting peace and national cohesion.

‘We are going to be needing our religious leaders to be the moderating voice,’ he said.

The APC has, in recent months, witnessed a surge in activities ahead of the 2027 governorship race, with various aspirants and support groups holding consultations and rallies as the party’s reconciliation committee continues efforts to unite aggrieved stakeholders.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Senatorial Candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has extended warm congratulations to his Personal Assistant, Hon. Kilamuwaye Badmus, as he marks his 40th birthday on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

In a heartfelt birthday message made available to journalists, Ambassador Ajadi described Badmus as a loyal, hardworking, dependable and committed associate whose dedication and selfless service have contributed immensely to the success of his political, and humanitarian engagements.

Ajadi praised the celebrant for his unwavering loyalty, humility and professionalism, noting that Badmus has remained a reliable partner who consistently demonstrates integrity and excellence in every assignment entrusted to him.

According to the APM senatorial candidate, attaining the age of 40 is a significant milestone that deserves gratitude to Almighty God for His faithfulness, mercy and abundant blessings.

‘Today, I join your family, friends, associates and well-wishers in celebrating a remarkable personality, Hon. Kilamuwaye Badmus, as he clocks 40. Your dedication, loyalty, sincerity and passion for service have remained exceptional over the years. I sincerely appreciate your invaluable contributions and commitment,’ Ajadi said.

He added that Badmus has continued to distinguish himself through diligence and a strong sense of responsibility, qualities that have earned him the admiration and respect of those who have worked closely with him.

‘As you celebrate this special day, I pray that Almighty God grants you many more years in good health, divine wisdom, abundant prosperity and greater accomplishments. May He continue to guide your steps, strengthen you for greater responsibilities and bless all that concerns you,’ he stated.

Ajadi further wished the celebrant continued success in all his future endeavours, expressing confidence that the years ahead would usher in greater opportunities, fulfilment and outstanding achievements.

‘May this new chapter of your life bring renewed joy, peace, favour and endless testimonies. Thank you for your unwavering commitment, sacrifices and invaluable support. I wish you a memorable 40th birthday celebration filled with happiness, love and God’s overflowing blessings. Happy Birthday, Hon. Kilamuwaye Badmus.’

Hon. Kilamuwaye Badmus is widely recognised as one of Ambassador Ajadi’s trusted aides and has played an active role in supporting the politician’s public engagements, community development initiatives and grassroots mobilisation efforts across Oyo State. Colleagues and associates respect him for his dedication to service, organisational ability and commitment to advancing the ideals of responsible leadership.

Political stalwarts, party chieftains and community leaders across Oyo State have joined Ambassador Ajadi, members of Badmus’ family, friends, political associates and well-wishers in celebrating the celebrant and wishing him many more years of impactful service, sound health and fulfilment.

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has praised President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs over the rescue of all teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo state, describing the operation as a defining moment in Nigeria’s campaign against insecurity.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the Labour Party lawmaker said the successful rescue had restored public confidence in the country’s security architecture and sent a strong message that terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups would no longer dictate the nation’s security narrative.

Agbese congratulated President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, service chiefs, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for an outstanding display of professionalism, intelligence and inter-agency coordination.

He said the operation reflected the growing effectiveness of the administration’s security strategy and the determination of the armed forces to pursue criminal elements wherever they operate.

‘The rescue of every pupil and teacher abducted in Oriire is far more than the successful conclusion of a security operation. It is a powerful statement that Nigeria is rising above those who seek to define us by violence and fear,’ Agbese said.

‘President Bola Tinubu, our security chiefs and the gallant men and women of our armed forces have restored our glory before the world by proving that no Nigerian life is expendable and that our nation has both the capacity and the resolve to confront criminality head-on.’

The lawmaker noted that the rescue came amid a series of successful military operations across different theatres of operation, saying the cumulative achievements demonstrate that the country’s security forces have continued to gain the upper hand against terrorists and bandits.

‘Only recently, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Katsina States, neutralised the notorious terrorist commander, recovered assault rifles, ammunition and operational equipment, and, through coordinated air operations, intercepted and successfully engaged about 300 terrorists advancing on motorcycles before they could unleash mayhem on innocent communities. These are not isolated victories; they are clear evidence of a military that has seized the initiative and is relentlessly taking the battle to the enemies of our country,’ he declared.

Agbese emphasised that recent operations by the armed forces have resulted in the rescue of numerous kidnapped victims, the dismantling of terrorist camps, the elimination of high-profile commanders and the recovery of weapons used to terrorise communities.

According to him, the consistency of these successes should reassure Nigerians that the country’s security institutions remain committed to protecting lives and restoring peace across every region.

‘What we are witnessing today is an uncommon masterclass in intelligence-driven security operations. From rescuing captives and preventing coordinated attacks to dismantling criminal enclaves and denying terrorists freedom of movement, our armed forces and security agencies have continued to exceed expectations. They have demonstrated beyond doubt that Nigeria will never again be taken for granted by those who thrive on violence,’ he stressed.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies by volunteering credible and timely intelligence capable of preventing attacks and facilitating ongoing operations.

He also appealed to communities across the country to remain vigilant and cooperate closely with security agencies to sustain the gains already recorded.

‘To every insurgent, bandit and terrorist still hiding in forests and remote enclaves across our country, my message is simple: surrender now before it is too late. The operational momentum is no longer in your favour. Every successful rescue, every terrorist commander neutralised and every criminal network dismantled brings Nigeria closer to lasting peace. Those who refuse to surrender should be prepared to face the overwhelming might of our gallant troops,’ he announced.

Agbese expressed confidence that with sustained political support for the armed forces and continued collaboration among security agencies, Nigeria would record even greater successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while restoring lasting peace and stability across the federation.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed gratitude to God and security agencies for the safe rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.

?In a statement signed on Sunday by its National President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association described the safe return of the victims as a day of profound gratitude for the affected families and the nation.

?Okoh commended President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes for their roles in the successful operation.

?’The reports that the operation was guided by patience, credible intelligence, and a determination to protect innocent lives are reassuring and deserve recognition. Every successful rescue reminds us that when our security institutions work together with resolve and professionalism, hope can triumph over fear,’ he said.

The CAN President also applauded Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for his steadfast support to the affected families and his administration’s commitment to rehabilitating the rescued victims.

?Okoh, however, noted that while the rescue in Oyo brought joy, it was difficult to celebrate fully without remembering other Nigerian families whose children were still held by terrorists and bandits in states like Borno and Niger.

He emphasised that compassion must not be selective, urging the Federal Government and security forces to use the success in Oyo to strengthen their determination to free all remaining captives across the country.

?’Today, parents in Oriire will hold their children again after weeks of anxious waiting. We rejoice with them. But there are mothers and fathers in Borno, Niger, and other parts of our country who will still go to bed praying that the next knock on the door will bring news that their own children are coming home. Their pain is no less real because it attracts fewer headlines. Their tears are no less bitter because the cameras have moved elsewhere,’ Okoh said.

?He further called on governments, faith communities, and humanitarian organisations to collaborate in providing necessary psychiatric counseling, medical care, and emotional support to the rescued pupils and teachers to aid their reintegration into society.

?The association reiterated that schools must be secured to remain places of learning rather than intimidation, stressing that no parent should have to choose between educating a child and keeping them alive.

?Okoh added that the national celebration against insecurity would only be complete when all captives are released and Nigerians can move freely without fear of abduction.

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit has confiscated 309 commercial motorcycles for operating on prohibited routes during an extensive enforcement operation across parts of the state.

The exercise also saw officials remove numerous illegal structures, including shanties, kiosks, makeshift shops and roadside trading stalls that authorities said had become sources of traffic obstruction and environmental degradation.

The operation covered several locations along the ECOWAS Road corridor and adjoining communities, including Orile-Iganmu Bus Stop, Suuru-Alaba Bus Stop, Mile 2 Underbridge, Mazamaza Bus Stop, Festac First Gate, Iyana-Ira, Abule-Ado, Alakija Bus Stop, Iyana-Iba, Alaba Rago, Old Ojo Road and Okoko Bus Stop.

Addressing journalists after the weekend exercise, Chairman of the Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, said the scale of illegal activities discovered during the operation was disturbing.

He explained that the enforcement exercise was conducted jointly with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, while the Lagos State Police Command provided security support.

According to Akerele, the operation was designed to eliminate illegal activities and locations that could provide cover for criminals masquerading as legitimate traders or commercial operators.

He said the initiative also supports the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda and complements the security strategy of the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, aimed at tackling emerging threats such as kidnapping and other forms of crime.

‘At the conclusion of the operation, 309 commercial motorcycles were impounded,’ Akerele said.

He disclosed that enforcement officers equally removed illegal kiosks, makeshift stalls, unauthorised wooden structures, abandoned household items, improperly displayed building materials and other obstructions encroaching on public roads.

According to him, the exercise was intended to restore sanity to the affected areas, ease traffic movement and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Akerele added that all confiscated motorcycles would undergo legal forfeiture proceedings in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, before becoming the property of the Lagos State Government.

He reiterated that the agency would continue similar operations across the state until there is full compliance with extant laws.

The Taskforce chairman also blamed illegal ticketing, roadside trading and persistent violations by commercial motorcycle operators for worsening insecurity, traffic congestion and environmental pollution.

‘We will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour to guarantee a safer, cleaner and more orderly Lagos for all residents,’ he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reversed its earlier position and extended the deadline for political parties to submit candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

INEC announced on Sunday that the deadline, which expired on Saturday, July 11, had been shifted by three days to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

The commission had earlier insisted that there would be no extension, despite complaints from political parties over difficulties encountered while uploading candidates’ details through its nomination portal.

However, INEC said it reconsidered its position following an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council on behalf of affected political parties.

The extension was announced in a statement signed by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

‘The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved the extension of the deadline for submission of lists of candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly Elections by political parties,’ the statement read.

INEC added that the deadline contained in the revised timetable had now been moved from Saturday, July 11, to Tuesday, July 14.

‘The deadline for submission in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, being Saturday 11th July 2026, has been extended to midnight on Tuesday 14th July 2026,’ the commission said.

INEC explained that the decision was taken to promote inclusivity while remaining within the provisions of the law.

‘The extension underscores the commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices while acting within the ambit of the law,’ it stated.

The electoral body urged political parties to use the additional three-day window to complete the uploading of their candidates’ names and personal particulars.

‘The commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline,’ it added.

Several political parties had complained that technical and administrative problems on INEC’s online portal prevented them from completing their submissions before the original deadline.

The Young Progressives Party was among those that publicly demanded an extension, arguing that candidates should not be denied participation because of problems caused by the nomination system.

Before the reversal, INEC had maintained that Saturday remained the final day for submissions and warned that the deadline would not be shifted.

The commission had also disclosed that some major parties had yet to complete the submission of their presidential and National Assembly candidates before the deadline.

The ruling All Progressives Congress has since announced that it successfully uploaded the details of its 471 candidates for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

Political parties now have until midnight on Tuesday to complete their submissions before the new deadline expires.

A total of 82,213 lawyers have been confirmed to vote in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national election scheduled for July 18, 2026.

The Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) announced that the eligible voters come from 139 NBA branches across the country. The final voters register was published on July 10, 2026, following the revised election timetable released on July 3.

In a statement signed by ECNBA Chairman, Aham Ejelam (SAN), and Secretary, Ibrahim Aliyu Nassarawa, the committee said the voters register is now final and no further changes will be made.

The committee also revealed that 671 lawyers who paid their practising fees before the deadline were listed separately because they are not attached to any NBA branch.

According to the ECNBA, being on this list does not automatically qualify them to vote. Under the NBA Constitution, lawyers must belong to an NBA branch before they can participate in the election.

Affected lawyers have been advised to regularise their branch membership and submit proof to the committee before the election. They were also asked to contact the ECNBA Secretariat as soon as possible.

As part of preparations for the election, the committee held a nationwide mock voting exercise and tested the electronic voting platform on July 11 to help voters become familiar with the system.

On July 13, the committee will review the mock exercise, carry out a final audit of the voting system and brief candidates and their agents.

Campaign activities will end at 5:00 p.m. on July 17, after which the e-voting platform will be secured ahead of the election.

Voting will begin at 12:00 a.m. on July 18 and end at 11:59 p.m. the same day. The results are expected to be announced on July 19.

The ECNBA reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free, fair and transparent election and encouraged all eligible lawyers to take part in the process.

Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate production soared to an average of 1,735,398 barrels per day in the month of June 2026, representing positive growth for a 4th consecutive month.

According to the crude statistics, released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Sunday, in the month under review, crude oil production hit 1. 56 million barrels per day (mbpd)

The report showed that 0.18mbpd of condensates was produced.

This means Nigeria met 104 per cent of the 1.5mbpd crude oil production quota set by the Organisation and Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The report showed that in strict crude oil terms (excluding condensates), the 1.56 million daily average production Nigeria witnessed in June is the highest that Africa’s biggest oil producer has recorded since April 2020.

This, it said, represented a 74-month high.

‘In June, the peak combined crude oil and condensate production was 1.89 mbpd, reflecting Nigeria’s potential to reach 2 mbpd in the near term.

‘However, the lowest production was 1.57 mbpd for the period in review.

‘The statistics shows that Nigeria has maintained an upward trajectory, increasing from 1.483 mbpd in February to 1.546 mbpd in March, 1.663 mbpd in April, 1.700 mbpd in May, and 1.735 mbpd in June.

‘This represents a 2.2 per cent growth month on month.

The report said the improved performance was primarily driven by stable production operations across most producing assets and the absence of any major pipeline outages during the period under review.

It said the enhanced operational stability supported improved production uptime and crude evacuation efficiency.

It said though a limited number of assets experienced short-duration operational shutdowns, but the overall impact on national production was minimal.

‘In addition, scheduled turnaround maintenance activities were effectively managed and completed without significant disruption to production operations.

‘The sustained growth recorded in June reflects the continued commitment of operators and industry stakeholders towards improving operational efficiency, maintaining asset integrity, and enhancing production reliability across the Nigerian upstream petroleum sector.

‘A breakdown of the daily average crude oil and condensate production by terminals/streams during the review month shows that Bonny Terminal accounted for 318.28 kbpd, up from 293.88 kbpd recorded in May 2026.

‘Forcados Terminal followed with 306.36 kbpd, an increase from 289.90 kbpd in May 2026,’ said.

It showed that Qua Iboe Terminal recorded an average production of 164.73 kbpd of crude oil and condensates, down from 173.36 kbpd in May 2026.

It further revealed that Escravos Oil Terminal posted a daily average of 138.03 kbpd, up from 135.47 kbpd recorded in May 2026.

According to the report, Bonga ranked as the fifth-highest producing terminal, recording an average of 103.66 kbpd of crude oil, compared to 102.54 kbpd delivered in May 2026.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 38-year-old South African woman, Ms. Will Jessica Ann, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 5.75 kilogrammes of heroin into Nigeria while using her three-year-old son as a cover to avoid security scrutiny.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the suspect was arrested on Monday, July 6, during the inward clearance of passengers aboard Qatar Airways flight QR1433 from Doha.

Babafemi said the suspect initially denied travelling with any checked luggage, but NDLEA operatives established that two suitcases containing 14 large blocks of heroin bore baggage tags corresponding with the claim tags attached to her passport.

‘After the discrepancy was pointed out, she admitted ownership of the bags, claiming she had forgotten she checked them in,’ Babafemi said.

According to the agency, the suspect told investigators she travelled from Cambodia through Doha to Abuja. Preliminary intelligence, however, indicates that she is part of a transnational drug trafficking syndicate allegedly operated alongside her husband or partner, Jan Coenraad De Jager, who is based in Cambodia. The network is believed to coordinate illicit drug trafficking along the Cambodia-South Africa route.

In a separate operation, NDLEA officers, working with personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, intercepted 8,287 nylon bags of the psychoactive cannabis strain known as Canadian Loud at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos.

Babafemi said the illicit consignment, weighing 4,143.5 kilograms with an estimated street value of over N10.3 billion, was concealed in a container imported from Canada.

He explained that the seizure followed weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance and monitoring by the Maritime Intelligence Unit of the NDLEA in collaboration with the agency’s Apapa Strategic Command, from the shipment’s point of departure in Montreal, Canada, until its arrival in Nigeria.

The anti-narcotics agency also foiled an attempt to export 2.5 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, hidden inside a gas compressor destined for Cyprus through a Lagos-based courier company.

The operation was carried out by operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI).

Beyond enforcement activities, the NDLEA said it sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across the country through sensitisation programmes in schools, communities and public institutions.

The awareness activities covered Nnodo Secondary School in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; Government Girls Secondary School, Sabon Gida, Sharada in Kano State; Royal Jesuit College, Agbado Ekiti; and Community Secondary School, Idofa in Ogun State.

Babafemi added that the leadership of the agency’s Zone 14 Command also paid a WADA advocacy visit to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Commending officers involved in the various operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), praised personnel of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Command, Maritime Intelligence Unit and Apapa Command for their successes.

Marwa urged the officers to sustain the momentum in disrupting drug trafficking networks while intensifying public enlightenment efforts aimed at reducing drug abuse across the country, Babafemi said.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ‘over the failure to investigate the allegations that governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted N800 billion for political and campaign purposes.’

According to reports, APC governors are allegedly making monthly contributions from their Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to a dedicated campaign fund to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026 filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking: ‘an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to investigate the allegations that governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted N800 billion for political and campaign purposes.’

SERAP is seeking: ‘an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to request full disclosure from the governors and APC regarding the alleged contributions made to any dedicated campaign fund, including the names of donors and the lawful origin of funds.’

SERAP is also seeking: ‘an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to promptly initiate a formal review and investigation into compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act by all political parties and candidates, particularly in relation to the sources and scale of political or campaign financing in the current political cycle.’

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: ‘these allegations raise serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral fairness, and the constitutional right of Nigerians to participate freely in their own government.’

SERAP is also arguing that, ‘opaque political financing remains a major entry point for corruption and a threat to democratic legitimacy. Nigerians deserve to know who funds the candidates or political parties of their choice and the sources of any such funding.’

According to SERAP, ‘The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust. Fairness, transparency, and accountability in political or campaign finance are essential safeguards against corruption, state capture, and undue influence in democratic processes.’

The lawsuit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, read in part: ‘the allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds pose a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.’

‘Large-scale public fiscal flows, coupled with weak transparency and oversight mechanisms, provide a compelling basis for INEC to activate its constitutional and statutory mandates.’

‘Political finance in Nigeria remains characterised by limited transparency, inadequate disclosure, and weak enforcement, creating significant risks of the misuse of public resources for political purposes.’

‘Section 91 of the Electoral Act empowers and requires INEC to set limits on political donations that individuals or entities can make to political parties or candidates and demand disclosure of contributions and sources of funds, and enforce sanctions against violations.’

‘Section 91 establishes that any political party that exceeds the prescribed donation limit is liable to a fine of up to ?10,000,000, plus forfeiture of the excess amount. It provides that any individual who exceeds the donation limit commits an offence and is liable to a fine equal to five times the amount donated in excess of the legal limit.’

‘Section 91(2) of the Electoral Act provides that any individual, candidate, or political party that exceeds the donation limits set by INEC commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to sanctions.’

‘For political parties, this includes a fine of up to ?10,000,000 and forfeiture of any amount received above the prescribed limit, while individuals are liable to a penalty of five times the amount contributed in excess of the allowable limit.’

‘Exceeding donation limits attracts sanctions including fines, forfeiture of excess funds, and penalties of up to five times the amount contributed in excess for individuals.’

‘The right to political participation requires that citizens have a real opportunity to exercise their political rights. The right to free, fair and transparent elections is a fundamental human right. This imposes a duty on state institutions to ensure that elections are credible, transparent, and inclusive.’

‘The allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds-particularly on the scale reported-pose a grave threat to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.’

‘The combination of large-scale public fiscal flows, opaque deduction structures, and allegations of misuse public funds for political and campaign purposes creates a reasonable basis to direct INEC to exercise its investigative and monitoring mandates under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the Electoral Act.’

‘The Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and anticorruption and human rights standards prohibit the misuse of state resources and impose clear obligations regarding campaign finance transparency and fairness.’

‘The Commission has constitutional and statutory obligations to ensure that no individual or political party exceeds legally prescribed contribution limits, whether directly or indirectly, and to ensure full transparency regarding the origin and quantum of political funding.’

‘Where allegations exist that large-scale financial resources-including potentially state-derived or publicly controlled funds-may be influencing political activity outside lawful channels, such circumstances fall squarely within the preventive and investigative mandate of the Commission, as provided for by the Electoral Act.’

‘INEC continues to fail to proactively enforce the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act regarding the allegations of political finance distortion, thereby undermining public trust in electoral institutions and the right of Nigerians to participate in their own government.’

‘Section 14(2)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees that: ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured.’ This provision imposes a positive constitutional obligation to maintain electoral conditions that are free, fair, and not distorted by undue influence.’

‘The provision also imposes a binding obligation on all institutions, including INEC, to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.’

‘Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power. Section 13 imposes clear responsibility on INEC to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.’

‘Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantees every citizen the right to participate freely in government. Similarly, Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, requires that elections reflect the free expression of the will of the electorate. Nigeria has ratified both treaties.’

‘Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources. Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the Commission to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds.’

‘These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected. Article 7(3) of the Convention requires institutions including INEC to ensure political finance transparency. The provisions aim to prevent corruption in and through elections.’

‘Where public resources are allegedly diverted or deployed for political and campaign purposes, the result is not merely financial impropriety-it is a direct distortion of electoral competition. Such actions undermine the principle of a level playing field and erode the ability of citizens to freely choose their representatives.’

‘Any use of public funds for political advantage would constitute a grave violation of these national and international standards and a threat to electoral credibility.’

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.