Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Nigeria’s online gambling market has expanded quickly, with licensed local operators and numerous offshore platforms competing for attention. Many players believe that opening accounts on several sites can unlock extra bonuses, more games, and better chances to win. This strategy, known as multi-platform play, does offer variety and some potential benefits. Yet it also brings added complexity, requiring players to weigh whether the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.

The appeal of multi-platform play often lies in variety. Each site offers its own mix of games, promotions, and payment options, giving players more freedom to choose what suits them best. In Australia, for example, players sometimes turn to sites such as Coin Poker Australia to explore crypto-based poker. Sites that offer them tend to come with other modern features like instant payments and even anonymous play, since payments can be made using crypto. Meanwhile, in Kenya, mobile money integration strongly influences platform choice. On the other hand, Brazilian players often prioritise sites that support PIX payments.

Nigerian players face similar decisions when they look abroad for features not always available locally. The benefit is flexibility, but the trade-off is navigating multiple regulatory systems, each with its own rules on licensing, consumer protection, and dispute resolution.

For Nigerian players, this search for variety across foreign platforms means navigating multiple international regulatory systems where licensing and consumer protection standards differ significantly from those developed under Nigerian authorities. While the National Lottery Regulatory Commission works to establish clearer frameworks for local operators, international platforms operate under jurisdictions ranging from Malta and Curacao to the UK and Gibraltar, each with distinct rules governing player protection, dispute resolution, and data privacy.

One clear advantage of opening multiple accounts is access to a broader set of welcome bonuses and loyalty programs. A player can test different offers and enjoy fresh incentives across platforms. The downside is that funds get scattered. When money is split across several sites, it becomes harder to build a meaningful bankroll on any single platform. Meeting minimum stakes or clearing wagering requirements can be more difficult, as requirements multiply. For example, depositing ?10,000 across three platforms with 30x wagering means a player must stake ?900,000 in total before bonuses unlock.

Playing across several platforms can open doors to international sites licensed in Curacao, Malta, or Gibraltar, giving Nigerian players access to global games and payment options. The trade-off is that protections vary by jurisdiction. Locally licensed operators must follow Nigerian gaming laws, with disputes handled through Nigerian authorities. Offshore platforms follow their own regulators, which may mean different standards for data privacy or withdrawals. For players, the advantage is access to a global variety; the cost is losing the simplicity of one clear legal framework.

Responsible play tools, such as deposit caps, time limits, and self-exclusion, are built into most regulated platforms. On a single site, these tools can provide useful guardrails. Across multiple platforms, however, the safeguards don’t transfer, meaning players need to track limits themselves.

For instance, setting a ?50,000 monthly cap on one site won’t automatically apply to another. This creates flexibility, since players can set different limits per site, but it also places greater responsibility on the individual to keep a clear overview of their total play. Recent initiatives, such as the SafePlay self-exclusion portal launched in Lagos State, aim to make cross-platform tools easier to manage, but these are still evolving.

Multi-platform play offers variety, flexibility, and the chance to explore different promotions. But many players may find that consolidating activity with one or two reputable, locally licensed operators makes management easier. A single bankroll is simpler to track, loyalty rewards build faster, and responsible play tools work more effectively. If issues arise, disputes are resolved under Nigerian law, providing a clear framework for resolution.

The final day of Dominion City’s transformative ‘The Next Level Conference’ culminated in an extraordinary display of faith and unity, as acclaimed worship leader Sunmisola Agbebi and her husband, Yinka Okeleye, took the stage together to usher in a celestial worship experience.

Their powerful joint ministration served as a profound finale to a conference featuring impactful sessions from esteemed global leaders, including Lead Pastor Dr. David Ogbueli, Bishop Titus Masika, Apostle Ben Ndobe, and David Sseppuuya.

The atmosphere, already charged with spiritual anticipation, reached new heights the moment the anointed husband-and-wife duo began to minister. Sunmisola Agbebi, known for her deeply soulful and penetrating vocals, soared through the venue, while her husband, Yinka Okeleye, provided a steady, profound, and complementary presence.

‘There is an undeniable, unique power in witnessing a husband and wife ministering together,’ a representative for the event noted. ‘Sunmisola and Yinka are a vivid testament to this. Their unity on stage is palpable-a beautiful, seamless flow of two spirits joined in a single, divine purpose.’

Their performance was characterized by more than just musical harmony; it was a demonstration of deep marital and ministerial partnership. Their non-verbal cues, shared glances, and the way their voices intertwine illustrate a profound connection that transcends their music, creating a unified sound that amplifies the anointing and impacts the congregation. Together, they crafted an experience that was simultaneously deeply intimate and corporately powerful.

The ministry of Sunmisola Agbebi and Yinka Okeleye served as the perfect final impartation, sealing the teachings, prophetic words, and transformations that occurred throughout the week-long conference. It was a fitting, glorious end to a transformative gathering.

For those who experienced their powerful union or are eager to witness their joint ministry, the duo will be ministering together again soon. Sunmisola Agbebi and Yinka Okeleye are scheduled to appear at The Gathering with Warehouse Worship in Manchester, UK, promising another unforgettable encounter in the power of unified worship.

Raheem Okoya, son of billionaire industrialist and Eleganza Group founder, Chief Razak Okoya, has declared that his success is built on his own efforts and not solely on his father’s fortune.

Speaking during an interview on Wazobia FM, Raheem confidently stated that he earns his living independently, emphasizing that every kobo in his bank account comes from his personal hustle.

‘Yes, of course, I make my own money. I work and make my money. Every penny in my bank account today is based on what I do – my sweat,’ he said.

Raheem added that while he is not yet where he aspires to be, he is content with his current level of comfort, noting that his work provides enough for him to live on.

‘I’m comfortable. It’s not like I’m where I want to be yet, but what I do can afford to feed me,’ he said.

As the son of one of Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen, Raheem has often faced public scrutiny and comparisons.

However, he said he remains focused on his personal goals, including his passion for music, and is determined to build a name for himself through talent and hard work.

Thousands of Nigerians under the banner of Partners for National Economic Progress (PANEP) on Monday shut down Kaduna city in a massive protest, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action against those sabotaging efforts to achieve local refining of petroleum products.

The protesters, who gathered at Murtala Mohammed Square before marching through major streets, accused a powerful oil cartel of frustrating Nigeria’s economic progress by undermining local refinery initiatives, particularly the operations of the Dangote Refinery.

Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Support Local Refining,’ ‘Crush Economic Saboteurs,’ and ‘Protect Dangote Refinery,’ the demonstrators said their struggle was aimed at freeing Nigeria from decades of economic manipulation.

Two leaders of the group, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta and Comrade Dahiru Umar Maishanu, said the call on President Tinubu was necessary to rescue the nation from a cartel that profits from importation and artificial fuel scarcity at the expense of national development.

‘This is not about Dangote alone; it’s about Nigeria’s economic survival,’ Ude-Umanta declared. ‘Mr. President must rise to the occasion and stamp his feet. He must crush those sabotaging our march toward self-reliance in refining.’

According to him, the protest – themed ‘National Unity Against Sabotage: Reclaiming Our Petroleum Sector for the People’ – was part of a nationwide campaign to defend local refining from ‘economic terrorists’ determined to keep Nigeria dependent on fuel importation.

Ude-Umanta also accused some oil unions and importers of colluding with foreign interests to frustrate the Dangote Refinery project, warning that failure to act decisively could discourage future investors.

‘If they succeed in killing the Dangote Refinery, no investor will ever bring money here again,’ he warned.

He further described the recent actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) as ‘economic terrorism,’ alleging that the union’s disruption of refinery operations was part of a larger plot to destabilise Nigeria’s push for local refining.

‘What PENGASSAN did was not unionism-it was sabotage,’ he said. ‘The Federal Government should have arrested their leadership to deter others. No one should hide under the guise of labour activism to commit crimes against the economy.’

He urged President Tinubu, who also serves as Minister of Petroleum Resources, to ensure that local refineries such as Dangote’s are given crude oil at the same price sold to foreign refineries to sustain their operations and boost investor confidence.

On his part, Maishanu said the protest was a patriotic call to end decades of economic enslavement. ‘How can importers compete with producers? They are scared because local refining will expose their fraud and end their control over fuel pricing,’ he said.

He alleged that the cartel was deliberately blocking the sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Aviation Turbine Kerosene (Jet A1) from local producers to maintain inflated market prices. ‘They are punishing Nigerians to protect their greed,’ he added.

The group commended Dangote Refinery for its impact on the domestic fuel market, noting that prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) have already begun to drop. ‘Nigerians are beginning to breathe fresh air from this refining revolution,’ Maishanu said.

He urged the President to remain firm in his economic reform agenda, saying the refinery’s success was a test of his commitment to national industrial revival. ‘This is the time to prove that local investors matter,’ he stressed.

The rally, which ended peacefully, echoed with chants of ‘Long live Dangote Refinery! Long live Nigeria!’ as protesters vowed continued nationwide mobilisation until, in their words, ‘every saboteur of Nigeria’s economic progress is crushed.’

Comedian Seyi Law has congratulated fellow comic Deeone for his extraordinary achievement of completing a 52-hour stand-up comedy performance in Lagos.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Seyi Law praised Deeone’s determination, passion, and years of preparation that led to the record-setting feat, describing it as a monumental moment in Nigerian comedy.

He wrote, ‘What started as a joke to many was, in truth, a vision fueled by passion and years of planning. From 2021, the journey was long, demanding, and relentless, but today, it has become a reality. A record-breaking 52 hours of performance is no small feat. It’s monumental.

‘While we await the official confirmation, I want to take a moment to celebrate your unwavering dedication, resilience, and sheer willpower it took to get here. You’ve done what most wouldn’t dare to attempt, and I pray this achievement opens doors to even greater success. Congratulations, my brother @DeeoneComedian. You made history today.’

Although Guinness World Records has yet to officially verify the attempt, Deeone’s performance, which lasted 52 hours and some minutes, has been widely celebrated by fans and colleagues.

The comedian had initially aimed for a 60-hour performance, held from October 2 to 4, 2025, at Pallazo Lagos in Opebi, Ikeja.

His announcement of the event, shared via a comical ‘burial-style’ flier on Instagram, stirred massive attention online ahead of the show.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have secured their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia in the early hours of Monday.

The seven-time African champions showed resilience and determination at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was instrumental in keeping the match level early on, making vital saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes.

While Colombia applied pressure in the opening stages, the Nigerians responded with a more adventurous approach. Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani created numerous chances, even hitting the woodwork multiple times.

Colombia found the breakthrough in the 51st minute when Kener Gonzalez slotted home after a smart assist from Neyser Villareal. But the Flying Eagles refused to be rattled and ramped up the intensity. Defender Odinaka Okoro nearly equalized with a powerful header in the 76th minute.

The equalizer finally came in the 86th minute. A Colombian handball inside the box-following a goal-bound effort from Maigana-led to a penalty, which was confidently converted by captain Daniel Bameyi. Nigeria almost snatched a dramatic winner in the 89th minute, but Arierhi’s shot was blocked in a crowded box.

With the draw, Nigeria advance to face tournament hosts Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago on Wednesday.

The match will rekindle memories of their quarter-final clash in the previous edition, where the Flying Eagles defeated Argentina 2-0 in San Juan.

Meanwhile, Colombia will face South Africa, while Norway is set to take on Paraguay in the other Round of 16 fixtures.

Amanda Anisimova beat Linda Noskova 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 to win the China Open for her second title of a breakthrough year and fourth overall.

Yesterday, the third-seeded American survived a second-set wobble to overpower the Czech 26th seed in one hour and 46 minutes in Beijing.

She lifted the trophy in the Chinese capital almost exactly one month after reaching the US Open final, where she lost to world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

‘It’s been an incredible few weeks,’ Anisimova said. ‘I felt a lot of love,’ she added, thanking the crowd for their support at the centre Diamond Court.

The 24-year-old Anisimova is the third American to win the China Open after last year’s champion Coco Gauff and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.

Anisimova collapsed to the hard court in victory, lying on her back and putting her hands over her face.

Anisimova began ruthlessly, winning the first set in 23 minutes without dropping a game.

A defiant Noskova – contesting her first WTA 1000 final – found her feet in the second set, breaking early and powering to a 5-2 lead before closing out.

The two went toe-to-toe in the decider until Anisimova broke for a 4-2 lead, digging deep to reach the finish line with a winner on the first match point.

It’s been a stellar season for the world number four, who was also runner-up at Wimbledon.

This time last year, Anisimova was at world no. 43.

After her win Anisimova extended her gratitude to her coaches.

‘We’ve had a lot of challenges and despite that we also still have so much fun.

‘It’s crazy that we made it this far and to get the win today has been very special.

‘I’m excited for a lot more, and hopefully we can keep going.’

Anisimova dumped out second seed Gauff in the Beijing semi-finals, thrashing the two-time Grand Slam winner 6-1, 6-2 in 58 minutes.

Noskova, who started her Beijing run as world no. 27, said: ‘I definitely wasn’t coming here feeling like I was gonna play finals, so nice surprise.’

Anisimova congratulated her opponent whom she called ‘so young’ and said they ‘still have a lot of finals to play’.

Their match was the second WTA 1000 final in which both players were born during the 2000s.

Legend Internet Plc, an indigenous broadband service provider, has been assigned a long-term corporate rating of ‘Bbb-‘ and a short-term rating of ‘A3’ with a Stable Outlook by Agusto and Co.

Agusto and Co. noted that Legend’s strategic pause in customer activations during Abuja’s city-wide construction works has positioned the company to scale more efficiently as disruptions subside.

The recently approved 50 per cent tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is also expected to boost earnings and cash flow in the near term.

Chief Executive Officer, Legend Internet Plc, Aisha Abdulaziz said the rating marked Legend’s inaugural rating since its incorporation in 2021 and represented a strong validation of the company’s business fundamentals and growth strategy.

She said the rating reflected Legend’s satisfactory financial condition, supported by its cash-driven operations and low leverage.

According to her, the rating also reflected robust infrastructure investments across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), passing 250,000 homes with 22,000 connected and 10,000 currently active, improving profitability margins, with gross profit rising to 63.9 per cent in for year ending 2024-2025.

She pointed out that the exemplary rating was the outcome of cost optimisation measures and strong expansion prospects, including planned entry into Lagos via merger and acquisition, alongside organic growth in Abuja and future rollouts in Kano and Port Harcourt.

She said: ‘ This is first-time rating from Agusto and Co. is a milestone achievement for Legend Internet Plc. It validates our resilience, prudent financial management, and commitment to building Nigeria’s most reliable broadband network. As we expand into Lagos and other key markets, this rating reinforces the confidence of our investors, partners, and customers in Legend’s ability to grow sustainably while powering digital lifestyles across Nigeria’.

She said Legend Internet, which transitioned to a public limited company in April 2024, is advancing plans for a dual listing on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the London Stock Exchange.

She added that the company continues to diversify its ecosystem with complementary solutions such as LegendMail-Nigeria’s first commercial email platform; MailPay – proprietary fintech application, and Legend Omni-Fibre-to-the-Room – (FTTR) services introduced in partnership with Huawei.

She said that with the rating, Legend Internet has strengthened its position as one of Nigeria’s leading broadband providers, building a stable foundation to accelerate growth, attract investment, and deepen digital inclusion nationwide.

Mahmood Yakubu, Professor of Political History and International Studies, and chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stands before the mirror of history.

What is discernable from the reflector? Opinion may be divided.

To many Nigerians, particularly voters, he is a patriotic, transparent and impartial umpire; a reformist, visionary, innovator, pacesetter and sanitiser; a courageous, dynamic and diligent worker, a principled referee and perceptive scholar, and a disciplined public servant who has defended the ballot box and upheld democracy and the rule of law in national interest.

To a section of the opposition, particularly desperate politicians, serial losers who lack the internal locus of control, and subjective critics and collaborators in the ‘pull him down scheme,’ there is no pass mark.

But in the final analysis, history is the ultimate judge -the final arbiter – and its verdict will be incontrovertible.

As Yakubu bows out of office after 10 years in the saddle, the challenge is getting another man or woman of exemplary character who can build on his imperishable legacy.

From independence to date, Nigeria has produced 13 chief electoral officers – Sir Kofo Abayomi (1959-1964), Eyo Esua (1964-1966), Chief Michael Ani (1976-1979), Justice Victor Ovie-Whiskey (1980-1983), Prof. Eme Awa (1987-1989), Prof. Hum ohrey Nwosu (1989-1993), Prof. Okon Uya (1993), Summer Dagogo-Jack (1994-1998), Justice Ephraim Akpata (1998-2000), Dr. Abel Guobadia (2000-2005), Prof. Maurice Iwu (2005-2010), Prof. Attahiru Jegs (2010-2015 and Yakubu (2015-3025).

To date, Yakubu is the longest serving INEC chairman, and to that extent, the most experienced. Also, the challenges that have confronted his predecessors paled into insignificance in the face of increasing political consciousness, renewed agitations for the sanctity of the electoral process, sabotage by few unethical staff, inclination towards manipulation by the political class, and global clamour for best electoral practices.

According to analysts, election has been a nightmare in Nigeria from the First Republic. Rigging, irregularity, subversion of procedure, manipulation by candidates and political parties, logistic problems and lack of technology created a deep hollow in the score card of the electoral agency.

Avoidable mistakes, including missing voter register, late coming for electoral duty, incompetent staffing, late announcement of results that led to suspence, doctoring or fslsification of figures, and violence have led to result disputation or outright rejection. Thus, the contest often shifted from the polling booths to courts.

When he assumed the reins, Yakubu promised to make a difference. There were puzzles: Will the past mistakes be corrected? Will card readers work? Will INEC staff report for duty promptly? Will the electoral agency conduct a credible poll?

Yakubu is not a friend of politicians. Bold and brave, he also resisted undue political influence, always bent on discharging his duties without fear or favour. His goal is the integrity of the electoral process, being guided by the constitution and the electoral act. When it is required, Yakubu has been sensitive to public mood. He has been swift to cancel and postpone polls when disaster loomed. On those few occasions, he owned up to certain flaws and apologised to the nation.

Never willing to allow the commission to operate from the armpit any power-loaded President, he is privileged not to be at the helm of affairs in those days of do-or-die, reminiscent of Obasanjo era, when losers were declared winner by Returning Officers. No favouritism. No preferential treatment. No higher or lower bidder. INEC regulation under Yakubu became a leveller.

Stiff resistance to undue influence by the ruling and opposition parties have marked him out as an unbiased referee. Thus, when he issues commands, parties can only ignore the guidelines to their peril.

The greatest mark of INEC under the leadership of Yakubu is its respect for the rule of law. The electoral body is never at a cross road. At critical moments, the commission escaped inter-party cross-fires by taking solace in legal compass. Through its consistent obedience to court orders, INEC has demonstrated the quality of a democratic institution worthy of pride and emulation.

Two incidents have attested to Yakubu’s firmness as the boss. Due to internal squabbles, the All Progressives Congress (APC) mismanaged its governorship primary in Zamfara State. The troubled chapter failed to submit the name of its candidate and running mate before the deadline. The two ‘factions’ led by Governor Abdulazeez Yari and Senator Kabiru Marafa were working at cross purpose. They also underrated INEC. But, following the expiration of the deadline for submission of candidates’ list, INEC wielded the big stick. Yakubu told Nigerians that the chapter has forfeited the chance to participate in the poll. In its view, the Zamfara APC did not hold primary for the selection of a flag bearer.

Reflecting on the verdict, the former national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said although the agency was unfair to APC, the party has decided to abode by its decision.

The Rivers State chapter of the APC also failed to learn from the Zamfara mistake. The two camps, led by Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Magnus Abe, failed to put their house in order. The genesis of the imbroglio was the party’s rancorous parallel congresses for the election of party officers. Two parallel leadership emerged in the state. During the parallel primaries, two candidates – Abe and Tonye Cole – also emerged. Both headed for the court. Following the chapter’s inability to meet the deadline, INEC applied the hammer, denying the two factional candidates due recognition. Yakubu explained that, following the breach of the guidelines on deadline, the chapter will not field candidate for the governorship election.

However, the chairman clarified that, since the two factional contenders for the ticket have gone to the court, he would wait for the outcome. INEC was vindicated by the position it had taken. The Supreme Court verdict implied that Rivers APC conducted its primaries in error, having violated the previous order of the lower court barring it from conducting the exercise.

The lessons are twofold. Since the consequence of violation of internal democracy by parties is known, their leadership have to take precautions. Also, INEC’s firm and principled position on primaries restored discipline.

A ‘no-nonsense’ chairman, Yakubu has also tried to maintain discipline in INEC. He told reporters in Lagos that the bad eggs who had dented the name of the commission would be sent packing. To demonstrate its commitment to rid the commission of bad elements, some unscrupulous INEC workers were tried and convicted for aiding and abetting rigging. It was a signal that an agency that can surrender its staff for trial will not spare any politician or Nigerian who perpetuate electoral fraud.

Leadership and institutional stability

Yakubu was twice appointed, becoming the first INEC Chairman in history to serve two consecutive terms, thereby embodying continuity and stability. He supervised the largest number of elections ever conducted in Nigeria, including two general election of 2019 and 2023), 19 governorship polls, hundreds of by-elections, and three FCT Council polls Yakubu has built an enduring institutional memory, commissioning policy papers, reviews, and initiating Nigeria’s first election museum to preserve the nation’s democratic history.

Strengthening electoral administration

INEC under his tenure has regularised election dates, thereby creating certainty and predictability for citizens, parties, and observers. He has also expanded polling units for the first time in 25 years – from 119,974 to 176,846 -, widening voter access and reducing congestion.

The commision has modernised election infrastructure, built state Collation Centres across the federation and initiated a new INEC Headquarters in Abuja. It has introduced the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) – a sophisticated hub tracking more than 1,000 indicators to ensure timely planning and coordination.

Technological breakthroughs

INEC under the outgoing chairman has delivered the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and replaced the flawed manual processes with fingerprint and facial recognition. He has unveiled the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which now enables Nigerians to view polling unit results live. The move, according to ovservers, has strengthened transparency and rekindled public confidence in the commission.

The voter registration has been revolutionalised through IVED and ABIS. This has eliminated 2.7 million fraudulent registrations. INEC has also launched digital portals for candidate nomination, party agent registration, observer accreditation, and media access. Of importance also is the fact that Yakuku ensured that INEC became the first election body in Africa to establish an Artificial Intelligence Division, in preparation for the future of election management.

Expanding the Voter Roll

The chairman institutionalised the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) from 2017, giving Nigerians year-round opportunities to register. Now, over 23 million new voters have been added across two general election. Apart from introducing online pre-registration portals which empowers voters to transfer, update, or replace their voter cards with ease, INEC has published detailed voter demographics by age, gender, occupation, and disability. This is setting a new standard for transparency.

Legal and regulatory reforms

INEC had partnered with the National Assembly to birth the landmark Electoral Act 2022, heralding electronic transmission of results and stricter party regulations. The commission produced comprehensive guidelines and manuals, giving consistency to the conduct of elections. It also deregistered 74 under-performing political parties, thereby streamlining the political space from 92 to 18 active platforms.

Inclusivity

Under Yakubu, the electoral agency stablished the Department of Gender and Inclusivity to give structure and voice to representation. It reserved quota slots for women in senior management, breaking long-standing barriers.The commission also introduced voting devices – from Braille ballots to magnifying lenses – ensuring no Nigerian is left behind, and created and implemented legal frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to vote, which safeguards human rights even in times of crisis. In fact, INEC also employed persons with disabilities, underscoring its belief in inclusivity.

Stakeholder engagement

Yakubu has institutionalised quarterly consultations with political parties, civil society, security agencies, and the media. He introduced a Code of Conduct for security personnel on election duty, which ensures professionalism on the field. He has also strengthened partnerships with traditional rulers, faith leaders, and the National Peace Committee, embedding peace into the electoral process. The chairman has facilitated an enhanced communication through INEC News Online, daily press briefings, and far-reaching voter education campaigns.

Electoral diplomacy and regional leadership

Yakubu has taken Nigeria to the world electoral map. He revived and presided over the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), a move that has positioned Nigeria as a hub of electoral thought leadership.

Besides, he has led solidarity and peer-learning missions across West Africa, providing technical, material, and moral support to sister commissions.

In recognition of his modelling leadership, he was honoured by Liberia’s National Electoral Commission (2023) for his outstanding contribution to electoral development. Yakubu also represented Nigeria at global forums from Washington to Berlin, London to Nairobi. These activities have amplified Nigeria’s democratic profile worldwide.

Staff development and welfare

The chairman Introduced merit-based promotions and gender quotas for directors, thus rewarding excellence. Under him, five INEC staff were elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a landmark recognition of internal talent. It means that they were very productive because of the conducive atmosphere he provided.

Yakubu rolled out welfare packages, including hazard allowances, bonuses, medical aid, and funeral grants. He built an INEC Creche last year for nursing mothers. It was a declaration of support for staff with young families. To boost morale, he also instituted Long Service Awards and Staff Recognition Nights, honouring the backbone of INEC’s success – its people.

Lasting legacy

Yakubu has positioned INEC as a technology-driven, reform-oriented, and people-focused institution. He has deepened public trust in the integrity of elections, elevated Nigeria’s status as a regional leader in electoral governance and diplomacy, and cemented reforms that will endure, ensuring future generations inherit a freer, fairer, and more credible democracy.

As a commentator said: ‘Yakubu’s decade-long leadership was not just about elections, but about transformation.

He leaves behind an INEC that is stronger, smarter, and closer to the people than ever before.’

Unified business

At a conference in Abuja, Yakubu was inundated with complaints about vote buying that had characterised recent elections. INEC lacks the ability, skill and competence to stop it.

The factors that encourage the menace are impunity and poverty. Acknowledging the complaints, the chairman said some politicians are fond of inducing voters with money tucked in slices of bread on election days, urging the country to break the chain of voters’ inducement through legislation.

Security agencies, at the instance of INEC, are now more vigilant during the electioneering to fish out those who may be involved in voting commercialisation.

Decrying vote buying, Yakubu said it denies the people of credible representation and exposes the country to ridicule before the international community. ‘Vote buying is not acceptable. It must never be allowed to define our elections. It is illegal and morally wrong,’ he added.

Yakubu has been at the forefront of the struggle for the passage of the ‘Electoral Offences Tribunal Bill’ into law, as recommended by the electoral reforms committee headed by Justice Mohamed Uwais, Lemu and Senator Ken Nnamani. His argument is that the trial of electoral offenders in regular courts may take time as the courts are also busy with other cases.

That’s a very interesting question, with the ADC huff-and-puff; and PDP’s seeming very difficult rebirth – and just as well, with the havoc it wreaked during its best-forgotten ruling years! Karma never forgets!

But first, the antics of the opposition leading voices – and the ‘I’m hungry’ burlesque of Rotimi Amaechi, ex-passionate Transport minister, credited with Nigeria’s rail renaissance and former Rivers governor, is a fitting starting point.

A ‘hungry’ Amaechi, with a bulging pouch, and designer clothing, talk less of cars, is one riveting comedy image of the age! He has moved from that to yammering about how outgoing INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, is the ‘worst’ INEC chair ever! Even the dullest of political dunces know that’s eternally reserved for Maurice Iwu!

Someone should tell Amaechi, decent Rivers governor and energetic ‘rail’ minister, that his present whining, as living patron saint of the ‘Ebi npawa’ – we’re hungry – orchestra, ill defines his political essence. But then, that’s what desperation brings to the table.

Desperation? Take a dart, the tragic Goodluck Jonathan, the man that snatched redemption from conceding a presidential election defeat – first in Nigeria – to push at gobbling the old vomit of disgrace, by seeking a forlorn electoral ‘rofo-rofo’ encore!

Desperation – and maybe cynicism? – is solidly defined by Jonathan seeking automatic presidential ticket from his old party, PDP, and its new clone, ADC! Which gores most: Jonathan’s taunting of his old phalanx, PDP? Or romancing new mirage, ADC? Quintessential Jonathan!

Peter Obi? The more that one opens his mouth, the more he de-markets himself! With his China stats – and good helpings from Argentina, Egypt and Bangladesh: pray, how did Nepal miss out! – he establishes a pattern, hardly flattering.

He used and dumped APGA, despite eternal commitment vow to Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. He left PDP after a vice-presidential defeat. His latest tryst with LP seems headed to end in tears, as he shops for a new platform to pursue his opportunism!

How can any good, on nation-building, come from eternal opportunism, spiked with cynical deceit of projecting with zeal what you’re not? That’s the Obi conundrum!

Atiku Abubakar? Perhaps the most delusional of the whole lot! From an unfazed candidate of the ‘North’ in 2023, he’s posturing as a born-again nationalist but still running on that same anti-South non-power-sharing anchor, with which he wiped out, almost wholesale, the PDP southern base in 2023! He carries out as if all is normal!

This pitiable ensemble – challenging for power on such slippery grounds? The Tinubu government will answer own ‘hunger’ problems. But is this funny bunch helping in that challenge at all?

Again, is this sound strategy or just blind panic? Year 2027 beckons!