News
INEC To Nigerians: 2027 Election Outcome Will Reflect Your Will
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent, credible, inclusive and peaceful 2027 general election, assuring Nigerians that the outcome of the polls will reflect the sovereign will of the electorate.
The assurance was given by the Acting Chairman of INEC, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, on Tuesday while receiving the African Union (AU) Pre-Election Needs Assessment Mission on behalf of the Commission at its headquarters in Abuja.
The AU delegation, led by former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen, is in Nigeria to assess the country’s overall electoral preparedness and identify areas requiring further support and intervention.
Welcoming the delegation, Gumus described the mission as an important opportunity for peer assessment, institutional learning and strengthening of Nigeria’s electoral processes at a critical period in the country’s democratic journey.
She said INEC valued its partnership with the AU in advancing democratic standards and credible electoral governance across the continent.
According to her, the mission should not be viewed as a formality but as an important mechanism for strengthening institutional resilience and reinforcing public confidence in the electoral process.
Gumus highlighted the scale of preparations already underway for the 2027 general election, saying INEC was undertaking extensive operational, technological and logistical preparations to ensure effective participation by all eligible Nigerians.
She added that lessons from recent off-cycle elections in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti and Osun states continued to provide valuable learning opportunities for the Commission.
The Acting Chairman also outlined areas where technical and institutional support from the AU would be valuable.
They include digital training for ad hoc election personnel, countering election-related disinformation and deepfakes, strengthening the Election Monitoring and Support Centre, as well as deepening inclusivity and gender-mainstreaming frameworks.
She emphasised that electoral integrity remained a collective responsibility involving electoral institutions, political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies, the media, development partners and the electorate.
Gumus also reaffirmed the independence and neutrality of the Commission, saying it remained committed to conducting the 2027 election professionally.
She assured that under the current Commission led by Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, every administrative decision would strictly follow the law, while technical deployments would be designed to promote transparency.
She said the final outcome of the 2027 general election would reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian electorate.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Mekonnen said the AU mission was designed as a supportive and consultative engagement aimed at assessing activities already underway, identifying gaps and risks, and exploring possible areas of technical assistance.
He said the mission would engage INEC and other key stakeholders to assess preparedness in voter registration and register integrity, electoral technology, logistics, funding, inclusion, transparency, dispute resolution, security coordination and results management.
Mekonnen underscored the continued partnership between Nigeria and the African Union in promoting democratic governance and credible elections across the continent.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and dependable defender Michelle Alozie have arrived at the Super Falcons’ camp in Ijebu Ode ahead of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying fixture against Comoros.
Also joining the team are midfielder Jennifer Echegini and forward Folashade Ijamilusi, bringing the number of players in camp to 22.
Only four players—Comfort Erhabor, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa and Uchenna Kanu—are still expected to join the squad.
The Super Falcons will continue their preparations with another training session at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, tonight.
Meanwhile, the Comoros senior women’s national team arrived in Ijebu Ode on Monday and held their first training session on Tuesday night as they intensify preparations for the first leg.
Friday’s encounter, which was originally scheduled to take place in Comoros, will now be played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, with kick-off set for 6pm.
The reverse fixture will hold at the same venue next week Tuesday.
Players In Camp
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma, Chiamaka Nnadozie
Defenders: Farida Abdulwahab; Sandra John; Tumininu Adeshina; Valentina Uroko; Glory Edet; Shukurat Oladipo; Glory Ogbonna
Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe; Toni Payne; Favour Omenazu; Joy Igbokwe; Jennifer Echegini; Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen
Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade; Shakirat Moshood; Blessing Nkor; Sandra John, Folashade Ijamilusi; Janet Akekoromowei
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday said God used a former military Head of State, Sani Abacha, to create the state.
Governor Oyebanji said without Abacha, Ekiti State would not have been created.
Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996, out of the old Ondo State, during Abacha’s military regime.
The governor said Ekiti State owes a debt of gratitude to the former military ruler.
Speaking during the ‘Ekiti at 30 Future Summit’ in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, Oyebanji said people of the state have distinguished themselves in various sectors of the economy.
He said: “In the old Western region and later Ondo State, Ekiti men and women distinguished themselves in education, public administration, commerce, agriculture, culture, and national service.
“Through the act of persistent advocacy, leaders made a compelling case for the creation of the state, that way the aspiration of our people would be more effectively pursued.
“We therefore owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the founding fathers of Ekiti State, to the traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, academics, political actors, and women organisations whose sacrifices made the creation possible.
“Some people will not like to hear my next statement but that is the truth, we owe a debt of gratitude to Gen. Sani Abacha who was the Head of State when the state was created.
“Without that man, Abacha, we will not be here. Kabiyesi will tell you what they contended with but God used Abacha and we are grateful.”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed the lives of several NAF personnel and others.
The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), conveyed the agency’s sympathies in a letter of condolence addressed to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
In a statement made available to thecolumn.ng by the
Director, Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi
in Abuja on Wednesday (today) Marwa extended the agency’s condolences to the NAF leadership, officers and personnel, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.
He described the incident as devastating, saying the news was received with profound grief.
The NDLEA boss commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as its consistent patriotism, gallantry and commitment to the defence and security of the country.
According to him, the loss of personnel who dedicated their lives to national service was a painful blow to the Air Force, the country and the wider national security community.
“In this moment of deep sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families of the fallen heroes, as well as the entire NAF family,” Marwa said.
He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved families, strengthen the Nigerian Air Force and grant the deceased eternal rest.
Marwa also assured the Air Force of the solidarity and support of the officers, men and women of the NDLEA during the period of mourning.
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