News
2027: INEC Boss, Yakubu, Raises Alarm
The European Union Election Observation Mission, EU EOM, has called for judicial and constitutional reforms in Nigeria, ahead of the 2027 general election.
Mr Barry Andrews, a member of the European Parliament, who also headed the EU Mission to the 2023 general elections, led the EU EOM delegation and spoke during a visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.
This came as chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, also called on the National Assembly to expedite action on review and passage of electoral reforms, warning that uncertainty over the legal framework could disrupt preparations for the 2027 polls.
The EU EOM delegation visit marks a follow-up assessment on the implementation of recommendations made after Nigeria’s 2023 general election.
In his remarks, Andrews said the mission’s task is to assess the progress made in electoral reforms since the last general elections.
He commended INEC for its cooperation and dedication to strengthening democracy in Nigeria but said some challenges still remain.
“We have noted significant improvements in several areas, though some challenges remain, particularly those requiring judicial, and constitutional reforms which take more time,” he said.
“However, our recommendations are made in line with international standards, which Nigeria and many other countries have committed to. Election observation is part of a global effort to strengthen and support democracy, not only in Africa but also worldwide, including in Europe,” he said.
Receiving the Eu team, INEC Chairman,Yakubu said many of the EU’s recommendations require legislative amendments, making early action by the National Assembly crucial.
“An early passage of law is critical to our planning for the elections. Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the Commission as election draws nearer,” Yakubu said.
He noted that of the 23 recommendations made by the EU Election Observation Mission in 2023, only eight directly concern INEC, with one classified as priority.
The remaining 15, including five priority recommendations, fall under the responsibilities of the executive, legislature, judiciary, political parties, civil society groups, media, and professional bodies.
Yakubu said INEC has already taken administrative steps to implement its share of the recommendations and was working with relevant stakeholders on cross-cutting issues while awaiting legislative action.
He also disclosed that INEC’s post-election review of the 2023 polls produced 142 recommendations for electoral reform, complementing observer reports.
The INEC boss reassured the EU of Nigeria’s continued commitment to international election observation, announcing that invitations would soon be extended to the EU, Commonwealth, African Union, and ECOWAS for the 2027 polls.
“We believe that the recommendations arising from your observation of our election and electoral process help to improve the quality of our elections and electoral activities,” he said.
Yakubu also commended the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, EU-SDGN, programme, pledging continued partnership to consolidate electoral integrity.
It will be recalled that many Nigerians have been calling for sweeping constitutional amendments and electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the centre of the demand is INEC, which many say must be more independent, accountable, and equipped to manage elections transparently.
“We need to strengthen INEC’s autonomy,” said a coalition of civil society stakeholders in a recent Citizens’ Memorandum. They proposed changes to both the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 to reduce political interference and legal ambiguities.
Among the reforms under discussion are electronic transmission of election results from polling units directly to a central repository, to reduce fraud associated with manual collation; empowering INEC with financial autonomy, giving it prosecutorial powers, and creating an Electoral Offences Tribunal or Commission to handle electoral malpractice; amending the appointment process for INEC leadership to include civil society participation and reduce executive influence.
They also include streamlining judicial adjudication of election disputes to ensure cases are resolved before new office holders are sworn in and making election materials and processes more inclusive, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
At a recent Electoral Reform Summit held online, prominent figures such as Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and Peter Obi called for direct funding of INEC and for codified use of technology in the new Electoral Act.
Dr. Ezekwesili said: “We need technology. We must now require a code for the use of technology in the new Electoral Act.”
Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Busayo Oke, on his part urged INEC to de-register dormant political parties, averring that many exist only in name and later exploit the system through legal petitions.
The House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, has also expressed concern about loopholes in the 2023 elections, despite reforms introduced in the Electoral Act 2022—like BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System), the IREV portal (INEC Result Viewing), and early funding provisions.
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
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