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AS the tenure of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) draws to a close, public attention is shifting not only to his legacy, but also on renewed calls on the mode of appointment of the leadership of the electoral body. Yakubu, who steps down in November after a decade at the helm, is leaving behind a commission transformed by technology, institutional reforms, and expanded voter access. Yet his tenure has also been dogged by controversies especially during the 2023 general election. Indeed, some stakeholders are questioning whether the credibility of future elections can be guaranteed without restructuring how the INEC chairman and commissioners are appointed. Even so, potential candidates nominated to succeed Yakubu as chairman of INEC are reportedly being interviewed and vetted ahead of President Tinubu’s consultations with the Council of State. ‘The President will soon convene a Council of State meeting where he will present the names to the council. It is a constitutional requirement,’ argues a source. There are speculations that President Tinubu will likely nominate Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and constitutional law scholar, as the next INEC Chairman. Amupitan, a professor of law at the University of Jos, is known for his expertise in constitutional jurisprudence, human rights, and democratic governance.

However, civil society groups and election monitors insist that presidential appointments compromise the independence of the commission. At a roundtable in Abuja last week, Yiaga Africa, The Kukah Centre, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the International Press Centre (IPC), and 12 other organisations unveiled a Citizens Memorandum for Reform of the Electoral Legal Framework. The document recommends amending Sections 154 and 158 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Part F of the Third Schedule, to introduce a multi-stakeholder approach to the appointment of INEC leadership. ‘The scope of consultations should expand beyond the Council of State to other critical stakeholders like traditional and religious institutions, including civil society,’ the groups said in a joint statement. The memorandum outlines 37 recommendations across 15 strategic objectives. Of these, 21 require constitutional amendments, while 16 relate to the Electoral Act 2022.

According to Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, ‘Elections are only as credible as the institutions that manage them. If the president continues to wield the power to appoint, it undermines the neutrality of INEC in the eyes of the public.’ Despite these concerns, analysts acknowledge that Yakubu has advanced electoral management in Nigeria. Under his watch, INEC rolled out the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for biometric voter authentication and introduced the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), which allowed polling unit results to be uploaded in real time. ‘The IReV is Prof. Yakubu’s brainchild. It was designed to digitise Form EC60E that was often destroyed at polling units,’ said Austin Aigbe, Regional Advocacy Officer at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network. ‘Unfortunately, technical glitches during the 2023 elections eroded the credibility of an otherwise progressive innovation.’ Yakubu championed Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which added over 12 million new voters-mostly young people-to the register, raising the total to a record 93 million. INEC expanded polling units by more than 56,000, easing congestion in urban and rural areas alike.

‘INEC under Yakubu made genuine attempts to broaden participation of marginalised groups,’ Aigbe added. ‘But perception issues overshadowed many of these gains.’ Another milestone was Yakubu’s role in pushing for the passage of the Electoral Act 2022. The law authorised the use of technology in elections, extended timelines for candidate nominations, and empowered INEC to review results declared under duress within seven days. That amendment was inspired by the 2019 Imo North senatorial election,’ Aigbe explained. ‘For the first time, INEC had the power to intervene in cases of coercion before the courts got involved.’But as Yakubu bows out, opinions still remain divided. Some analysts point to his institutional reforms and technological innovations as a foundation for future progress, while critics highlight persistent logistical lapses, technical failures, and some mistrust in election outcomes. ‘Yakubu moved the commission forward in many ways,’ said a constitutional lawyer, Chidi Odinkalu. ‘But what good are reforms if the public no longer believes in the results?’ For reform advocates, the debate over Yakubu’s legacy has sharpened the urgency of insulating INEC from political control. ‘The real issue is not just who chairs INEC after Yakubu,’ Itodo stressed, ‘but how that person is appointed. Without that reform, Nigerians will continue to question the integrity of our elections.’ As Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, the story of INEC remains one of promise and paradox.

Yakubu’s era delivered important reforms, but also exposed the limits of technology in the absence of political will and institutional trust. The incoming INEC Chairman now has the task of consolidating those gains while navigating the legitimacy crisis that has dogged the commission.

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has organised a ‘Prayer of Glorification’ to thank Allah for four distinguished Muslim personalities recently celebrated for their outstanding academic accomplishments.

The honorees include Professor Taofeek Yekeen, a specialist in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan; Professor Mubarak Noibi of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies; Dr Ashraf Akintola, who recently earned a PhD from Kyungpook National University, South Korea; and Barrister AbdulJalal Akintola, who was recently called to the Nigerian Bar.

The prayer reception, held at the Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’ba on Wednesday, was graced by Islamic scholars, leaders and organisations such as the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Oyo State, as well as members of the Muslim community.

The honorees were showered with gifts, commendations and heartfelt prayers.

In his keynote address, Professor Afis Oladosu, of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, advised the celebrants to see their new status as a divine opportunity to further the cause of Islam.

‘Allah grants prestige to whomsoever He wills. No one knows what lies ahead, so strive for balance between worldly pursuits and the hereafter,’ he counselled.

He charged Muslim lawyers in particular to ‘be learners, not liars.’

Chairman of the occasion, Professor Rashid Aderinoye, emphasised that the gathering served to promote love and unity in Islam.

He urged Muslims to renew their commitment to the worship of Allah.

Also speaking, coordinator of NACOMYO, Oyo State, Alhaji Daud Afolabi, described the honorees’ achievements as springboards for greater service to Islam and humanity.

‘Remember, a surgeon is only congratulated after a successful operation, not when entering the theatre,’ he noted.

In their goodwill messages, chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS), Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and chairman of the Political Awareness Group (PAG), Dr Lukman Fasasi, praised Allah for the honorees’ academic elevations and urged them to surpass their predecessors in service to Da’wah and the Ummah.

A retired scholar of Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Ibadan, Professor Kamil Oloso, offered special prayers and encouraged the celebrants to help uplift others academically within the Muslim community.

Emeritus Professor Dawud Noibi led a special prayer for NACOMYO, the Oyo State chapter and the celebrants, seeking Allah’s continued guidance, protection and blessings.

Prayers were also offered by Dr Murtada AbdulHameed of the Ekiti State University and Alhaji Alwajud Abdulwahab, among others.

Recently, Continental Hotels proudly joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating the nation’s journey of resilience, culture, and innovation as Nigeria celebrated its 65th Independence anniversary.

The Group General Manager, Continental Hotel Group, Mr Karl Hala, in a release said ‘Today is not only a celebration of our history but also a commitment to the future-a future where Nigerian hospitality stands tall as a beacon of African excellence.

He sad: ‘At Continental Hotels, we believe the strength of Nigeria lies in its people-an energetic, vibrant, and high-tech generation ready to redefine global hospitality.

‘This is why we invest not just in buildings and infrastructure but also in developing Nigeria’s youth, championing authentic culture, and delivering farm-to-table experiences that showcase Nigerian cuisine on the world stage.

‘This year has been marked by remarkable transformation for us:’In Abuja, we unveiled our Deluxe Rooms in Tower 2A, setting a new standard for comfort and style. Additionally, the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre now features advanced soundproof partitioning, reinforcing the capital’s position as a hub for global business.

‘We have invested in WiFi 7 infrastructure across our hotels-the first of its kind in Nigerian hospitality-ensuring seamless, world-class connectivity for both business and leisure travellers.

– Across Abuja and Lagos, our wellness upgrades powered by Technogym include Nigeria’s first Group Cycle formats, Excite Live personalized training, and the innovative Selection 900 virtual strength coach, all of which are redefining fitness and lifestyle in Nigerian hospitality.

Abuja Continental was honored with the Capital City Excellence Award 2025, while Lagos Continental, a landmark in our nation’s commercial capital, proudly received the Timeless Elegance Award 2025.

Looking ahead, we are ‘Going Artisan All Out,’ committing to authentic, sustainable farm-to-table dining that supports Nigerian farmers, promotes local agriculture, and delivers unforgettable experiences to travelers from around the world.

As Nigeria continues its transformation, so do we. Together, we are building a future where hospitality is more than just service-it embodies excellence, authenticity, and connection, proudly Nigerian and proudly African.

IN any functioning democracy, political parties are more than just vehicles for winning general elections. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, and for many politicians, that is precisely what the parties are for. After the elections, it is typical for these politicians to disappear and only resurface during the next election cycle when they once again need the party platform to contest. They are also notorious for abandoning the funding of the party to the more committed members. Even if the Electoral Act is amended to allow for independent candidacy, only very few politicians in Nigeria can win elections based solely on their personal popularity or strength. Again, for certain individuals such as Senator Ibrahim Lamido, the structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was essential to their electoral success. He reportedly lost his polling unit, ward and local government due to his unpopularity. He was saved by the other local government areas. The question that then arises is: why is Senator Lamido criticising bigwigs of the APC, the party that generously gave him its platform to actualize his political ambitions? It is also a known fact that without Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida, the Chairman of the APC Sokoto State Chapter, who introduced him to Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Governor Ahmed Aliyu, he wouldn’t have emerged as the candidate, let alone win the general election. It’s worth noting that Senator Lamido hasn’t controverted this fact or disclosed the crime of those who in the first place made his election possible.

If Senator Lamido has legitimate concerns, he has failed to present any concrete and coherent grievances and it’s not surprising that he has no case to pursue through the internal dispute resolution mechanisms available to him. This pattern of unconstructive behaviour does not suggest any principled disagreement, but rather the tantrum of a politician out of his depth. And assuming Senator Lamido is dissatisfied with the manner his complaints have been handled by the various organs of the party, is attempting to factionalise the party his best option? But one thing is certain and that’s that Senator Ibrahim Lamido’s alleged efforts at factionalizing the party is a huge joke. But why are Nigerian political parties unable to discipline their recalcitrant members, unlike the African National Congress (ANC)? Or is it because most Nigerian political parties were formed around elections and have no history of long-term struggles? And the fact that they tend to emerge, collapse, or mutate based on political convenience rather than any long-term vision which makes loyalty to parties often nonexistent and mostly transactional? The African National Congress (ANC) is definitely stronger and more cohesive than most Nigerian parties, which many believe has to do with the ANC’s deep historical roots as a liberation movement that fought against apartheid for decades. And the fact that many members of the ANC see it as more than a party, but as a historical institution.

Were it in South Africa, the ANC would have wasted no time recalling Senator Lamido from the Senate. The ANC has proven that it has the capacity by recalling Presidents Thabo Mbeki in 2008 and Jacob Zuma in 2018 when their leadership threatened the ANC’s unity and reputation. It’s also a known fact that members of the ANC unquestioningly fall in line with party decisions even when they vehemently disagree with such decisions, because of the obvious and clear consequences. Nigerian parties, on the other hand, struggle to enforce discipline even when as in the case of Senator Lamido his actions are a flagrant violation of the APC’s constitution, bad publicity for the party, and a distraction from the accomplishments of the Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto administration. According to Article 21(a)(iii) of the APC Constitution (2014, as amended), anti-party activities or actions that bring the party into disrepute are grounds for disciplinary action. Senator Lamido’s public statements against the party leadership fall within this definition.

What is needed is an urgent enforcement of the party constitution, which has the necessary provisions needed to strengthen and for managing disagreements. The era of failing to resolve grievances within the party and putting the party in a bad light should be over. These political shenanigans must no longer be tolerated. The question is, why hasn’t the APC Sokoto State chapter triggered this constitutional provision? First is the peaceful nature of Governor Aliyu, Senator Wamakko, and Isa Achida, the party Chairman. This explains why, for a very long time, the party had largely ignored his antics. The other reason is that Senator Lamido, despite his media activities, is not considered a political threat. His inability to gather meaningful support or command influence within the party structure is why the party has continued to see his actions as that of a politically weak person. His so-called ‘faction,’ if one can call it that, has been operating mostly on the pages of some newspapers and new media platforms.

But even tolerable distractions have their limits, hence the recent ‘bomb’ by the party chairman. The breaking point came when Senator Lamido reportedly crossed the line by publicly insulting Senator Aliyu Wamakko, the very man whose political machinery made his election possible. The insult was a red line the party could no longer ignore. In Sokoto and across the APC, Wamakko is not just a political leader, he is an institution. Disparaging him was not merely an act of disrespect, but a direct assault on the party’s foundation in the state and a reckless provocation. What makes Senator Lamido’s case even more interesting is that in the Senate, he has failed to live up to the expectations of his constituents and the party.

Based on his work experience, he looked like a good material, but like they say, the hood does not make the monk. Going forward, the APC and indeed all the other political parties must begin to prioritise character, competence, and party discipline when supporting candidates. The era of fielding candidates based purely on ‘hope’ that their educational background and work experience will translate into performance must give way to a new standard rooted in loyalty, tested capacity, and a genuine desire to serve. Senator Ibrahim Lamido’s descent from political beneficiary to internal critic is both regrettable and instructive. It reflects the risks political parties face when individuals are elevated without the necessary grounding in ideology, loyalty, or political maturity. The APC Sokoto State Chapter has a responsibility to ensure that politics is not reduced to ambition without responsibility or power without purpose. The governor it supported is an example of a candidate who deserved the party’s support. Without party discipline, there will be utter lawlessness. It must wield the big stick, because only then can it preserve party unity, and the strength needed to lead both party and state into a more stable and prosperous future. Members must play by the rules.

Political parties are the institutional backbone of governance. They provide ideological direction, policy continuity, and the structure through which elected officials emerge and operate.

A sickle cell patient has accused a well-known cleric, Bishop Samuel Onyeagoziri, of deceiving her into having sex with him under the claim that it would cure her condition.

Onyeagoziri is the General Overseer of Champions of the Truth Church in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The victim, speaking on a podcast, said the bishop had been having sexual relations with her since 2021, when she was still in secondary school. Her account surfaced shortly after a sex tape involving both of them went viral. While Mr. Onyeagoziri dismissed the tape as an ‘AI manipulation,’ she insisted otherwise.

‘It is not AI generated. I am the girl in that video. I have been begging him to delete it since 2021, but he refused. Now he is lying to cover up,’ she said.

The 22-year-old, who has lost three siblings to sickle cell complications, explained that her parents introduced her to the cleric as they searched for a solution to save her life. According to her, he promised healing but allegedly demanded that she sleep with him for seven consecutive days.

‘He told me that once he sleeps with me (for) seven days, my genotype will change from SS to AA. He even said many people had been healed that way. I was desperate, my parents were desperate, and so I had no option. He is the one that broke my virginity,’ she recalled.

She said her health did not improve, but instead worsened, even as she remained in the bishop’s house under threats.

She also alleged that he threatened her life with a rifle and forced her to take nude pictures.

‘People see those pictures and say I was smiling, but they don’t know it was out of fear. He said if I didn’t obey, he would kill me and no one would know what happened,’ she said.

According to her, attempts to leave between 2021 and 2025 were blocked by the cleric, who allegedly threatened both her and her family. Matters escalated this year when he reportedly demanded to marry her despite already being married and much older.

Meanwhile, Onyeagoziri, who denied having any sexual intercourse with the victim, said his phone was stolen and those who stole the phone used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to post his ‘doctored’ nudity with that of the girl.

He said, ‘My phone was stolen earlier this month, and after all efforts by those in possession of the phone to extort me failed, they resorted to denting my image. Those pictures you see are doctored. They aren’t real.’

However, Onyeagoziri was arrested on Wednesday at his home in Abakaliki. Journalists saw him at the state police headquarters on Thursday writing a statement at the Crack Team’s office.

The state police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest.

‘(The) investigation is ongoing. So, he is with the police,’ he said.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has said it would be encouraging for Nigerians if they could track and feel the impact of recovered looted funds by the Federal Government.

Obi stressed that such funds should have visible effects in education, healthcare, and poverty reduction across the country.

The former governor of Anambra State made this remark on Friday in response to the disclosure by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that it recovered ?853 billion in crime proceeds in the past year alone.

While commending the anti-graft agency for the achievement, Obi noted that the major challenge lies in ensuring that the recovered funds are channelled into areas where Nigerians can truly feel the impact.

Writing on his X handle, he stated:

‘The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) announcement that ?853 billion has been recovered from crime proceeds within one year is a step in the right direction.

‘The Commission deserves our commendation for this effort, even though we are aware it’s just a tiny fraction of the funds looted from the public treasury by leaders.

‘Beyond this recovery, what truly matters is the utilisation of these funds in a verifiable and accountable manner, specifically in the critical areas of development, health, education, and poverty alleviation to benefit the people.

‘Nigerians want to see impact. We must be able to trace where and how these recovered funds are invested.

‘Currently, we have over 20 million out-of-school children in the country, the highest in the world. Similarly, we have the highest number of acutely poor people in the world, over 100 million.

‘In both cases, the situation is worse in the North, making all efforts at reducing it imperative. If these recovered funds and subsequent ones are strategically invested, they would greatly contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and insecurity.

‘For example, the Federal Government’s 2024 operational budget for Universal Basic Education is about ?251.47 billion. Tripling this sum would require an additional ?503 billion.

‘The remaining ?350 billion could be shared directly among the 19 Northern states as microcredit for the poor. Many of these states have long been applying for as little as ?2 billion in similar funding from our development banks.

‘Let this not just be another announcement of recovery. Let it mark the beginning of a new era of accountability, where every kobo retrieved is turned into classrooms, hospitals, skills, and opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.’

The Chief of Mission of the European Union Election Follow-up Mission (EU-EFM), Barry Andrews, has urged Nigeria’s leaders to urgently implement key electoral reforms to ensure credible, transparent, and inclusive general elections in 2027.

Speaking in Abuja at the conclusion of the EU delegation’s latest assessment, Andrews warned that delays in enacting reforms could undermine preparations for the polls.

He said, ‘Proposals would be a major step forward and a clear signal that those who break the law cannot act with impunity. Elections are not a contest without rules but a contest governed by law. Even if such a commission is not established, closer cooperation between INEC, EFCC, the police, and the judiciary would go a long way to addressing impunity.’

Andrews stressed that the European Union has no intention of interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs, but seeks to support institutions and stakeholders working to strengthen democracy.

‘We are here as guests at Nigeria’s invitation, at the invitation of INEC, and we fully respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. Our role is not to interfere but to observe and to support,’ he said.

One of the mission’s strongest concerns centered on Nigeria’s electoral legal framework. According to Andrews, last-minute amendments to laws and regulations risk undermining both INEC’s preparedness and public trust.

‘INEC cannot operate on shifting ground; it needs a clear and stable legal framework well in advance of the elections,’ he said. ‘Completing this work soon would give INEC the clarity it needs and give all stakeholders the confidence to prepare properly for 2027.’

He also emphasised the importance of protecting the Nigerian press ahead of the elections. ‘Journalists are essential to any democracy. They inform voters, hold institutions accountable, and keep public debate alive,’ Andrews noted.

‘Yet we continue to hear troubling reports of harassment, threats, and even violence against media practitioners. What is needed is a credible system to investigate and prosecute attacks swiftly and effectively. Without a free and safe media, citizens cannot make informed choices and democracy itself is weakened.’

The EU mission further called on political actors to address declining voter participation. Successive elections have seen turnout drop, with fewer Nigerians willing to cast their ballots. Andrews described this as a sign of eroding confidence in the political process.

‘Falling turnout in successive elections shows that the stakes have never been higher,’ he warned. ‘The upcoming INEC appointments, greater transparency of results, swift investigation and prosecution of electoral offences, legal clarity, safeguarding freedom of expression and protection of the media, and stronger women’s representation are all crucial for restoring trust.’

On women’s political participation, Andrews welcomed legislative momentum to improve representation but insisted that more work must be done to make politics inclusive.

‘Some positive steps have been taken, particularly the bill for better women’s representation,’ he said. ‘But inclusiveness cannot be postponed. It must be a priority if democracy is to truly reflect the diversity and strength of the Nigerian people.’

The mission also commended cooperation between parliament and civil society, which Andrews described as a promising foundation for reforms.

‘We have seen constructive engagement between lawmakers and civil society groups,’ he explained. ‘This cooperation is essential to ensure that reforms are not only passed but also implemented in a way that responds to citizens’ needs and strengthens democratic governance.’

He reiterated the EU’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development, recalling that European missions have observed elections in the country since 1999.

‘Together with its member states, the EU remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s democratic development and will continue to engage with Nigerian stakeholders on advancing electoral reform,’ Andrews said.

He urged Nigeria’s political class to act swiftly and decisively.

‘The message of this follow-up mission is clear: we encourage all political actors to seize the current momentum, to deliver reforms that can safeguard transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility in the 2027 elections,’ he concluded.

Following an interim injunction filed against the 2025/2026 admission process of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the Global President of the Great Ife Alumni Association, Mr Leye Bunmi Falode, has called on all stakeholders to remain calm as the matter is being handled.

The injunction was filed at the Federal High Court, Enugu Division, on September 30, 2025, by a group of candidates.

In a statement released by the Global Publicity Secretary of the association, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Falode disclosed that he is in communication with the Vice Chancellor of OAU and has received assurances that the university is actively addressing the legal issue.

‘I have spoken with the Vice Chancellor, and I have been assured that there is no cause for alarm. Necessary actions are being taken to resolve the situation,’ Falode said.

He explained that the statement was prompted by widespread concerns from parents and applicants across the country who are anxious about the implications of the court case.

The legal action was initiated by five applicants, Chibuzor Success, Oyeleye Zainab Ayomide, Adedeji John Samuel, Monsura Aliat Aduragbemi and Bassey Daniel Nsikak.

The suit, filed as FHC/EN/CN/274/2025, names OAU, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as respondents.

The plaintiffs, acting on behalf of other candidates, are seeking a court order restraining the respondents from approving, uploading or finalising any admission list for the 2025/2026 academic session pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice.

Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has debunked viral reports claiming he was arrested in London over an alleged altercation with his wife, Natasha Osawaru.

The speculation was fueled by a controversial blogger who alleged that the singer missed his UK tour performance on Thursday because he had been detained on domestic violence charges.

Reacting in a video message, 2Baba clarified that his absence was due to a medical emergency, not an arrest.

He expressed gratitude to fans who showed up for the concert and assured them that plans were underway to make it up to them.

‘First of all, I want to say everyone that came out, I appreciate you. We had a medical emergency, it was tough. To the organizers and everyone that came out, we go regroup and make something beautiful happen. And please, if una no sabi something, make una no talk abeg. This allegedly, I don tire,’ he stated.

The singer, who traditionally married Natasha, an Edo State lawmaker, in July 2025 after ending his marriage with actress Annie Macaulay, has urged fans to disregard the false reports.