News
Onaiyekan Recommends 50 Percent Of Total Vote Cast To Become President, Fault Electoral System
Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, and the former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, have called for a far-reaching overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral system, warning that the quality of the country’s elections appeared to be declining rather than improving.
Onaiyekan, who delivered the keynote address at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Enugu on Thursday ,also proposed a minimum 50 per cent threshold for presidential elections, independent appointment of electoral commissioners, special tribunals for election disputes and the introduction of independent candidacy, among other reforms.
He said Nigeria could conduct credible elections even with the existing electoral framework if political actors and institutions sincerely obeyed the rules, but argued that the country needed a fundamentally improved system ahead of future elections.
The conference, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), is themed “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.”
Onaiyekan, who described himself as an 82-year-old Nigerian who had witnessed the country’s political journey over several decades, said elections were meant to enable citizens to choose their leaders and assess their performance.
The cleric also questioned the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the government in power both appoints the electoral body and participates in elections as a contestant.
He proposed that the method of appointing the INEC chairman and commissioners should be reviewed so that they would not depend on the President or state governors who are themselves political contestants.
He similarly criticised the use of state resources for partisan political activities and the heavy deployment of security personnel during elections, saying the practice could intimidate voters.
Onaiyekan also raised concerns about the increasing role of the judiciary in determining electoral outcomes. He argued that courts should adjudicate disputes rather than effectively determine who won elections.
He proposed special election tribunals with strict timelines to dispose of all election cases before the swearing-in of candidates. He further advocated giving ordinary voters the legal right to challenge election results where they believed their votes had not been properly counted.
The Cardinal also called for independent candidates, particularly at the local government level, arguing that communities should be able to elect respected individuals without forcing them to secure sponsorship from political parties.
For presidential elections, he proposed that a candidate should obtain at least 50 per cent of votes cast to be declared winner, with a run-off between the two leading candidates where no one achieves the threshold.
Onaiyekan’s position on electoral disputes was echoed by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who said Nigeria had one of the highest numbers of electoral disputes globally.
Speaking on “Election Petition in a Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Court,” Osigwe attributed the problem to what he called failure of leadership at the federal, state and local government levels.
He said the increasing involvement of courts in electoral matters had resulted in the “judicialisation” of the electoral process, partly because of difficulties in proving electoral malpractice and non-compliance with electoral laws.
Osigwe said the credibility of elections depended on the independence of electoral institutions, the quality of evidence presented before tribunals and the ability of courts to resolve disputes consistently and within a reasonable time.
He also raised concerns about the handling of electronic evidence generated through the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), saying technological innovations intended to strengthen elections had sometimes been undermined by legal and procedural difficulties.
He urged journalists to continue holding political leaders and institutions accountable, warning that an electoral process lacking credibility would undermine the legitimacy of those who emerged from it.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Ali M. Ali, focused on another emerging threat to electoral credibility — artificial intelligence-driven misinformation.
Idris warned that AI could be used to produce convincing fake photographs, videos, audio recordings and documents capable of misleading voters and eroding public confidence in genuine information.
He said a false statement could be produced in the voice of a public official, while fabricated videos could be circulated within minutes and old photographs presented as current events.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the minister urged news organisations to make verification a permanent newsroom culture rather than an exercise undertaken only after publication.
He advised journalists to establish who made a claim, the evidence supporting it, when a photograph was taken, whether a video was original and whether its source had been independently verified.
He also urged editors to ensure that headlines were supported by the stories beneath them and to distinguish clearly between facts, allegations and opinions.
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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