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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.
Enzo Maresca is believed to have signed a three-year deal to replace outgoing Man City manager Pep Guardiola, after it was revealed that the legendary head coach will be leaving the Etihad at the end of the season.
Speculation around Guardiola’s departure date has been rife as the season draws to a close, despite the Catalan having one year left on his contract.
According to report, Man City’s sponsors were among those to have been told that Guardiola will be calling time on a remarkable trophy-ladened spell on Sunday.
The report also shared that Maresca, Guardiola’s former assistant, was a front-runner for the vacant spot at the dugout, with Fabrizio Romano confirming on Tuesday morning that the ex-Chelsea manager will be taking over.
The Italian head coach has been out of work since his mutual departure from Stamford Bridge under strained circumstances on January 1.
But even before his acrimonious mid-season exit, Maresca has been viewed as a long-term successor to Guardiola following their stint working together at Man City.
The 46-year-old served as Guardiola’s assistant between 2022 and 2023 after previously coaching Man City’s youth sides, before departing to earn Championship promotion with Leicester.
Maresca then went on to win the Uefa Conference League and the Club World Cup with Chelsea during his 18-month spell in west London.
Guardiola is set to celebrate his time in English football with an open-top bus parade in Manchester after winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this season, but until Monday night, the manager had been notably vague over his future plans.
But before news broke of his shock exit, Guardiola had been keen to tamp down any suggestions that he would be commemorated with any fanfare.
‘The club don’t have to do anything, honestly,’ Guardiola, who has yet to officially confirm his departure, said. ‘The important thing in our lives is that when you look back, you can look with a big smile and say “that was good”.
‘Bernardo (Silva) and John (Stones) can feel that. We spoke about it over the last few days. When you’re old, a grandfather, you can look at the memories. That is the most important thing in life.’
Tired of addressing his contractual situation, Guardiola added with a dose of sarcasm: ‘Whatever happens at the end of the season – and when I extend my contract for three more years – I can look back and say, “how nice has that been?”
‘That is the most important thing by far. Most of the people who lived this time here together can feel it.’
Mikel Arteta says he will be the “biggest ever” Bournemouth fan when the Cherries take on Manchester City on Tuesday.
Arsenal moved a step closer to winning their first Premier League title since 2003-04 after a narrow 1-0 win over Burnley on Monday.
Kai Havertz’s first-half header was enough for Arteta’s side to secure all three points at Emirates Stadium, moving them five clear of City ahead of the final day.
City have a game in hand, which is their trip to the Vitality Stadium, where Pep Guardiola’s side must win if they are to stay alive in the title race.
Arteta revealed he will be watching City’s fixture against Bournemouth, though he will not be in contact with Cherries boss Andoni Iraola.
When asked if he will be a Bournemouth fan on Tuesday, Arteta said: “The biggest ever.
“For Andoni [Iraola] and all the players, and all the people who are supporters of Bournemouth, I think we all are. We know that means, they get our support.
“I don’t think he [Iraola] needs it [a message]. What he’s done in that football club, the transformation, and what they are playing for, I don’t think they need anything else.
“When you look at how Burnley played today, the spirit that they showed, how difficult they made it, so imagine [on Tuesday].”
Since losing 2-1 to City, Arsenal are the only side to win all of their matches (4/4) and also the only side not to concede a goal in the Premier League.
Arsenal have kept 32 clean sheets this season, six more than any other side in Europe’s top five leagues in all competitions.
On Arsenal’s defence, Arteta added: “I think the desire that every single player shows in their defensive duties, their behaviours, the way they work for each other is phenomenal.
“It’s a lot of work, put in by all the coaches as well, and we all know the importance of that and how many results and wins we have because of that.”
The government of Togo has announced the removal of visa requirements for citizens of all African countries visiting the country for short stays of up to 30 days.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement issued by Togo’s Ministry of Security through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
According to the ministry, the policy is aimed at strengthening African integration and promoting the free movement of people across the continent.
Under the new arrangement, African nationals holding valid passports will be permitted to enter Togo without a visa for visits not exceeding 30 days.
“Togo takes a historic step in strengthening African integration. Henceforth, all nationals of African states holding a valid national passport may enter Togolese territory without a visa, for a stay of up to 30 days,” the statement said.
It added that the reform reflects the commitment of the country’s leadership to making Togo a hub of openness, mobility and cooperation within Africa.
“Through this major reform, the President of the Council reaffirms his commitment to making Togo a space of openness, mobility, opportunities, and cooperation at the heart of the African continent,” it added.
However, travellers will still be required to complete an online travel declaration on the official government platform at least 24 hours before arrival to obtain a travel clearance slip.
The ministry said the policy reinforces Togo’s dedication to regional integration and stronger diplomatic and economic ties among African nations.
The decision follows similar visa-free initiatives adopted by countries such as Rwanda.
In a related development, the Nigeria government has also begun implementing a 30-day visa exemption policy for Rwandan nationals entering the country.
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