• Amupitan: Success of valid exercise depends on stakeholder cooperation
• CSOs urge Commission’s boss to sustain Yakubu’s electoral reforms
• Labour Party’s crisis deepens as factions clash over Abure’s recognition by INEC
• Kwankwaso says NNPP open to alliances ahead of 2027 elections

President Bola Tinubu yesterday set the tone for Nigeria’s 2027 electoral season with a charge to the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, to deliver polls that are free, fair, and credible.

The President, who administered the oath of office at the State House, Abuja, said the integrity of Nigeria’s elections must be “beyond reproach” and that sustained reforms were essential to correct past lapses and adapt to emerging realities.

“It is important that our elections are free, fair, and credible. We must continue improving our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today,” the President said.

He emphasised that protecting the sanctity of the ballot was central to the people’s right to choose their leaders and shape their collective destiny.

According to him, transparency, non-violence, and credibility must define every phase of the electoral process, from voter registration to campaigning, voting, and the collation of results.

Tinubu noted that while no electoral system is flawless, consistent reform and institutional strengthening remained vital to sustaining public confidence.

“To maintain trust in the process, electoral integrity must be protected,” he said, urging INEC to remain resilient and shield its operations from “artificial setbacks.”

Congratulating Amupitan on his appointment following Senate confirmation, the President described it as “a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the Executive and Legislative arms of government.” He reminded the new INEC chairman that his leadership would face an early test in the November 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, which, he said, would serve as a benchmark for public confidence in the Commission.

“I therefore charge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment, to preserve the integrity of our elections and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC,” he said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, President Tinubu noted that the nation had made significant progress through electoral reforms and institutional strengthening over the past 25 years.

“Our democracy has come a long way,” he said. “Sustaining its gains requires an unrelenting commitment to the principles that underpin democratic governance in a complex and multifaceted society.”

Speaking with journalists after his swearing-in, Amupitan pledged to uphold the ConstitutionAmupitan pledged to uphold the Constitution and deliver credible elections in line with the President’s charge.

“I reaffirm the oath I just took, to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they relate to the electoral process. Like the President said, I was given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair, and free elections, and I will ensure that is done.

“I will also engage all stakeholders because, no matter how high you set the bar, success depends on cooperation from all,” he stated.

CSOs urge new INEC chair Amupitan to sustain Yakubu’s electoral reforms
MEANWHILE, civil society organisations (CSOs) have urged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission to consolidate on the gains and reforms achieved under the immediate past chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.

They emphasised that sustaining the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process requires the collective commitment of political parties, the judiciary, security agencies, and citizens.

The call was made on Wednesday at a colloquium organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) to celebrate the achievements and reforms INEC recorded under Yakubu.

The event, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Reflections on a Decade of INEC Leadership,” brought together political leaders, academics, and civil society actors, who agreed that consolidating the institutional and technological foundations laid under Yakubu’s leadership is vital to building a more credible, transparent, and resilient electoral system.

Deputy National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dipo Olayoku, described the conduct of elections in Nigeria as one of the most complex national responsibilities, noting that the problem extends beyond the electoral body itself. According to him, conducting elections in Nigeria is no easy task, as many Nigerians still believe that participation must guarantee victory.

“We all remember the ‘do-or-die’ politics of 2007. That mindset remains one of the biggest challenges facing our democracy,” he said. Olayoku commended Yakubu for introducing technology-driven reforms that improved transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

“Through the use of technology, Prof Yakubu made our elections more credible and acceptable. His innovations have brought a new level of transparency to Nigeria’s electoral process,” he stated.

He, however, lamented that the absence of accountability for electoral offences continues to undermine progress, noting that when wrongdoing goes unpunished, even reform-minded leaders can only do so much.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Executive Director of the Pioneering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Nigeria (PAACA), Chief Ezenwa Nwagwu, said Yakubu’s tenure marked a period of remarkable innovation.

He highlighted the digitisation of electoral processes, particularly the electronic transmission of results via the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), as a transformative step that enhanced transparency.

“Though it was not perfect, it was a step in the right direction. The INEC candidate nomination portal was another innovation that helped end the culture of politicians disturbing or attempting to influence INEC officials. It brought sanity and contributed significantly to the advancement of our electoral process. Continuous voter registration was also a major reform that must be sustained,” he said.

In his keynote address, Professor of Political Institutions, Governance and Public Policy at the University of Ibadan, Emmanuel Aiyede, stressed that technology alone cannot guarantee credible elections. He argued that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on institutional integrity and civic responsibility.

“His leadership has shown that credible elections are not miracles of circumstance but outcomes of discipline in law, in process, and in principle. The Commission he leaves behind is not perfect, but it is purposeful; not without critics, but undeniably credible in its evolution,” he stated.

He urged the new INEC leadership to strengthen local elections, deepen voter participation, improve result management, and institutionalise post-election accountability.

Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), Faith Nwadishi, said the colloquium was organised not only to celebrate Yakubu’s achievements but also to reflect on lessons learned and chart a way forward.

She noted that INEC recorded significant gains through innovations such as the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), electronic result transmission, improved logistics, and stronger stakeholder engagement.

“INEC institutionalised continuous voter registration, expanded stakeholder consultations, and strengthened its internal systems. Importantly, Prof Yakubu opened INEC’s doors wider to civil society, media, and other groups, and prioritised transparency in election management. He was also gender-sensitive, creating the first crèche at the INEC headquarters to support nursing mothers at work,” she said.

Nwadishi, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as insecurity, vote-buying, voter intimidation, and apathy, which continue to threaten the credibility of elections.

Labour Party crisis deepens as factions clash over Abure’s recognition by INEC
THE crisis within the Labour Party (LP) deepened yesterday as rival factions traded accusations following the recognition of Mr Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman by the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu.

A faction loyal to Senator Nenadi Usman accused Agbamuche-Mbu of “criminal collusion” with Abure, describing her action as “a brazen assault on democracy.”

In a statement issued by the faction’s spokesperson, Ken Eluma Asogwa, the group alleged that the INEC Acting Chair relied on a forged court order to recognise Abure despite a Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, which, according to them, affirmed Senator Usman as the authentic national chairman.

The group claimed that Agbamuche-Mbu invited Abure to a meeting of political party leaders on October 14, citing a purported order of the FCT High Court. Asogwa insisted that no such order existed, describing the development as “a judicial heist,” and demanded her immediate arrest and prosecution. He also urged LP supporters to peacefully occupy INEC headquarters until the Commission “respects the rule of law.”

In a swift response, the Abure-led faction dismissed the allegations as baseless and defamatory, accusing the Usman group of attempting to blackmail both INEC and the judiciary.

In a counterstatement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the faction described Asogwa’s claims as “reckless propaganda by impostors,” maintaining that INEC acted in accordance with a valid court order. It also announced plans to petition the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) against Asogwa for professional misconduct if he fails to retract his comments within 72 hours.

“The Labour Party will not tolerate deliberate falsehood aimed at discrediting the judiciary or intimidating INEC officials performing their lawful duties,” the statement read, advising the Usman group to “desist from blackmail and respect judicial processes.”

Kwankwaso says NNPP open to alliances ahead of 2027 elections
ALSO, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has said his party is open to alliances with notable politicians and other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kwankwaso, who marked his 69th birthday this week, said the NNPP was ready to collaborate with any political platform, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what he predicted would be a tough contest in 2027.

Last month, the former governor of Kano State had stated that the NNPP was open to joining the APC, provided such a move would offer tangible benefits to his party.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso stressed that the NNPP would only work with parties that shared its ideals of prioritising the welfare of the common man.

“If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain. We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join?” he said.

Kwankwaso spoke while receiving Buhari Bakwana, a former political adviser to ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, and APC members from the 44 local councils of Kano State, at his Miller Road residence in Kano.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has reportedly held meetings with Kwankwaso in the past two years, recently described the opposition figure as a friend within the progressive fold.

However, Kwankwaso told the BBC that any alliance must be built on shared ideals aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. He said: “We’re ready for anyone, whether it is the APC, PDP, ADC, Jonathan, or Peter Obi. If we are satisfied with their competence, we will join forces to achieve success. What we are looking for are competent leaders with integrity. The key thing is that whoever we ally with, be it the APC or another party, must be committed to the needs of Nigerians. If they fail to meet our expectations, we will not continue with them.

“What we are asking for is that the common people should benefit, that the masses should be free, the youth educated and security improved. Our people are being killed in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, parts of Kaduna, and other states. The victims are ordinary citizens, because the elites have fled to Abuja, where they are living in luxury.

“Some of them, like members of the House of Representatives, senators and ministers, have no concern other than enriching themselves, buying big houses, and flaunting expensive cars. They are appointed to positions and act as if they are untouchable, but I am confident that Allah will judge them accordingly.”

The NNPP leader added that the 2027 general elections would be more competitive, noting that Nigerians were now more politically aware. “I believe the 2027 elections will be much tougher. Unlike before, people are now more involved and more concerned. Everyone is looking for a way out because of the country’s situation. Thanks to radio and social media, the masses are now informed. Everyone is trying to secure a better future for themselves, their families and their loved ones.

“This time, nobody would come on election day asking for money to cast their votes. You may probably see new things unfold; things that have never happened before in Nigeria’s electoral history,” he said.