2027: How delay in legal reforms may affect preparation – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has asked the National Assembly to fast-track amendments to the electoral legal framework.

Chairman of the Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, stated this on Thursday in Abuja when he hosted Barry Andrews, Head of the European Union, EU, election observation follow-up mission to Nigeria.

The INEC boss stated that an early passage of the legislation is crucial to the commission’s preparations for the next general election.

“Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the commission as election draws nearer,” he said.

According to him, the commission has reviewed the eight recommendations addressed to it in the EU mission’s report on the 2023 polls.

He noted that in 2019, the EU mission made 30 recommendations, with 11 specifically directed at INEC. Three of them were classified as priorities, while the other eight were general.

Yakubu said the remaining 15 recommendations — five of which were marked as priorities — require action by other institutions in the executive, legislature, judiciary, political parties, and other stakeholders.

“The commission has carefully considered all the eight recommendations specifically addressed to us in your report.

“Action has been taken on aspects of the recommendations that only require administrative action to implement.

“Similarly, action is being taken on cross-cutting recommendations that require collective action between INEC and other bodies and stakeholders while waiting for the conclusion of the ongoing legal review by the national assembly on the recommendations that require legislative intervention,” he said.

On his part, Andrews said the mission’s visit was to assess how far INEC has implemented the recommendations on the 2023 general election.

He said the team also wanted to know the progress made, the concerns that remain, and possible obstacles, particularly around constitutional reform.

“We are very happy to see that there has been significant progress against these recommendations.

“We recognise that there are certain time constraints, both in terms of judicial reform as well as administrative reform,” Andrews said.

APC lacks spirit of democratic sportsmanship – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of lacking spirit of democratic sportsmanship.

The National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagun stated this on Thursday at the meeting with the European aUnion Election Observation Follow-up Mission in Abuja.

Damagun cited the conduct of recent elections as an example, stressing that it continued to be marred by widespread irregularities.

“Unfortunately, this spirit of democratic sportsmanship has not been matched by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

“As you have observed, the conduct of recent elections continues to be marred by widespread irregularities, ranging from the abuse of state resources and security institutions, to blatant voter suppression, intimidation, vote-buying, and the deliberate subversion of electoral processes,” he said.

Kwankwasiyya leader, Danfulani decamps to APC in Kano

The leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Gobirawa Ward, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Amadu Danfulani, has defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Danfulani announced his defection on Tuesday at the APC state headquarters in Kano, citing disappointment with the Kwankwasiyya Movement and its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

He also criticised the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, in the state, accusing it of pursuing what he described as “anti-people’s policies.”

His defection was received by the APC Zonal Chairman for Kano Central, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Ungoggo, who represented the state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas.

Other party leaders at the event included Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority; the APC chairman of Dala Local Government, Alhaji Munir Haruna; and the Gobirawa Ward chairman of the party.

Ungoggo said the APC remained open to members of other political parties who wish to defect, provided they abide by its rules and constitution.

Danfulani was accompanied by some of his supporters, whom he said had also left the NNPP for the APC

Rivers: We’ll fight tirelessly – ADC fumes over sacking of over 300 workers by LG Chair

Rivers State chapter of the African Democracy Congress, ADC, has vowed to ensure that the Emohua Local Government workers who were recently sacked by the council chairman, Hon. Chidi Lloyd get justice.

DAILY POST recalls that the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Rivers State chapter, had on Monday, directed its members across the 23 local government areas to proceed on a seven-day warning strike over the move by the chairman.

They alleged that Lloyd sacked over 300 workers in the council after returning for a second term as LG chairman.

According to reports, the Chairman had during his first tenure, dismissed the workers, describing them as ghost workers.

They were, however, reinstated by the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, during the political crisis that rocked the state.

However, upon his return after the recent LG election, Lloyd fired the workers again.

The strike by NULGE was, however, suspended following a swift intervention of Governor Fubara.

Reacting, ADC in a statement by its Chairman, Chief Sampson Leader, condemned the action, describing it as heartless.

The ADC chairman issued the statement on Tuesday shortly after a brief meeting with senior political adviser Dr. Fortune Alfred, who is currently the head of the south-south regional office of the foreign, commonwealth and development office.

According to the ADC Chairman, the “heartless actions of Hon. Chidi Lloyd, who callously sacked the LGA workers amidst Nigeria’s economic turmoil exposes the cruel disregard of our current government for the well-being of Rivers state citizens”.

He noted that “such acts of barbarity are a hallmark of the oppressive regime propped up” by leaders at the federal level

“The ADC will not stand by idly while our people suffer. We vow to fight tirelessly for justice and liberation, and by 2027, we will liberate Rivers state from the clutches of these oppressive rulers.” Sampson added.

The chairman acknowledged Governor Fubara’s swift intervention, warning that any further abuse of power would be met with fierce resistance.

Nigeria at 65: Anambra election must be fair, credible – IPAC charges INEC, politicians

The Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has called for a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election in Anambra State slated for 8th November, 2025.

IPAC also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to provide a level playing field for all the political parties and the candidates participating in the election.

It made the call in a congratulatory message to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The body of political parties hailed Nigerians for a milestone in the nation’s democratic governance and saluted the courage and patriotism of the founding fathers and compatriots who fought for the independence from the British colonial masters.

“We call for a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election in Anambra State slated for 8th November 2025. We urge INEC to provide a level playing field for all the political parties and their candidates participating in the election,” the statement signed by Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, the National Chairman of IPAC said.

“Politicians should also imbibe issue-based campaigns and eschew politics of bitterness that impedes the nation’s electoral process.

“We should respect the sanctity of the ballot box and ensure that every vote is counted and counts in the overall result. Election is the beauty of democracy, let us rebuild trust in the democratic system ahead of the 2027 general election.”

It added, “Nigerians are a resourceful and resilient people determined to build a better nation in spite of our political, socio-economic and security challenges.”

It urged citizens to use the 65th Independence anniversary as an opportunity for sober reflection and rededicate themselves to the service of the nation bearing in mind that this is the only country they have.

“It is time for action. It is time for patriotism. It is time to deepen the nation’s democracy and look forward to the future with renewed confidence and faith.

“This is our chance to steer the ship of the nation to the path of rectitude, progress, development and advancement, and bequeath to our children, indeed, future generations a peaceful, stable, just and prosperous society.

“Politicians should also imbibe issue-based campaigns and eschew politics of bitterness that impedes the nation’s electoral process.

“We should respect the sanctity of the ballot box and ensure that every vote is counted and counts in the overall result.

“Election is the beauty of democracy, let us rebuild trust in the democratic system ahead of the 2027 general election,” it said.

As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC said it is unwavering in its commitment to sustainable democracy and development in the country.

“Together, we will build an enduring democracy. We are all in it together.,” the statement added.

2027: Yobe APC chieftain Mohammed Bello quits  party

A prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, Hon. Mohammed Bello, has resigned from the party, describing his decision as a move to “come out from bondage.”

Bello, a former senatorial aspirant for Yobe Zone A, announced his exit along with many of his supporters.

In a resignation letter addressed to the APC Ward Chairman in Gwange, Damaturu, and made available on Monday, Bello said his decision takes effect immediately.

“I am writing to formally notify you of my decision to resign my membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC) immediately,” the letter read in part.

.“This decision has not come lightly; it follows considerable reflection on my personal values and the direction of the party. After much deliberation, I have concluded that it is in my best interest and that of my community to step away from the party at this time.”

Bello thanked the APC for the opportunities he had while in the party, saying the relationships and experiences he gained would remain valuable. He also submitted his membership card along with the letter.

SAN conferment: Hon. Nnaemeka Obi congratulates Barrister Uwanna 

 

A former Special Adviser to former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Hon. Nnaemeka Godsprince Obi, has hailed the Attorney General of Abia State and former Chairman of the NBA Lagos branch, Ikechukwu Uwanna, on his elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

He said the conferment was not a surprise as the vibrant AG has remained sharp-witted and committed to his duties as the chief law officer in Abia State.

He prayed for more Grace and strength for the legal practitioner to continue to do what he knows best for the overall interest of Abia and its people.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), approved the elevation of 57 legal practitioners to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

At its 169th plenary session held today in Abuja, the LPPC, under the distinguished Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, approved the elevation of 56 advocate appointees and a single appointee under the academic category.

Only two female legal practitioners were conferred with the rank this year; they are the Chairman of the NBA 2024 Annual General Conference Planning Committee, Mrs Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, and Mrs Chinyere Ekene Moneme.

Besides Uwanna, other names include the immediate past Attorney General of Nassarawa State and now Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Magaji, the Attorney General of Osun State, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, as well as the Attorney General of Enugu State, Kingsley Udeh.

The youngest appointee on the list is 34-year-old Olufemi Oyewole, who is a partner at a leading law firm and the son of a justice of the Court of Appeal.

Former Minister of Information and Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, has disclosed that ex-president Goodluck Jonathan will contest again in 2027.

Gana made this remark while speaking to journalists in Minna, the Niger State capital.

According to him, Jonathan will contest in the next presidential election, as the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

According to him, Nigerians had experienced life under two presidents after Jonathan and were now yearning for his return.

“In 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan said his ambition was not worth the blood of Nigerians,” Gana said.

“After him, another President ruled for eight years, and now another has ruled for two years.

“Nigerians have seen the difference, and the difference is very clear. Nigerians are now asking us to bring back our friend, former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate, and we should be prepared to vote for him to return as President again,” he added.

Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have traded words over allegations of illegal diversion of local government funds and the interpretation of court judgments relating to council allocations.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, NULGE accused top federal government officials of abuse of power and disregard for the rule of law in the management of Osun’s local government allocations.

The union alleged that the Minister of Finance, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Attorney-General of the Federation wrongfully released statutory allocations of Osun’s 30 local government councils from March to September 2025 into accounts opened by court-sacked APC chairmen and councillors.

According to NULGE, the funds were deposited in United Bank for Africa, UBA, accounts despite subsisting court orders and the existence of legitimate council accounts managed by career officers as signatories.

“Paying local government allocations into privately opened and illegal bank accounts of politicians is unbelievable, bizarre, and unprecedented in the history of public administration in Nigeria,” the union said in a statement.

NULGE reminded the Federal Government that the Federal High Court had, on May 15, 2025, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo, a decision acknowledged by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The case, it added, is still pending before the Federal High Court and is scheduled for hearing on Monday, September 29, 2025.

The union insisted that both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal had effectively removed the APC chairmen and councillors from office, paving the way for the swearing-in of newly elected local government executives.

“The Attorney-General cannot assume the role of the Supreme Court by setting aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal. He is not above the law,” the statement further read.

NULGE also warned that undermining judicial authority could destabilise the state and accused unnamed political actors of plotting to create disorder to justify a possible state of emergency in Osun.

Despite the allegations, the union appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s peace and development agenda.

“Let all of us have faith in Almighty God and our courts. By His special grace, this cup shall soon pass,” the union said.

However, in a swift reaction, the Osun State chapter of the APC, described the NULGE statement as “a pack of lies and deliberate misrepresentation” intended to serve political interests.

In a press release signed by Kola Olabisi, the party’s Director of Media and Information, the APC accused the NULGE leadership, led by Comrade Kehinde Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, of acting as an interpreter of court judgments on behalf of the PDP.

“It is not the duty of NULGE to interpret any court judgment. The Court of Appeal judgment of 10 February 2025, which reinstated the APC local government chairmen and councillors, remains valid as there is no record that it has been appealed,” the APC stated.

The party denied allegations that council allocations were paid into the personal accounts of its members or officials, insisting that “the said federal allocations were paid directly into the local government councils’ accounts.”

The APC urged the union to stop misleading its members and desist from acting as a political arm of the PDP, advising security agencies to ensure vigilance and protect the peace-loving people of the state.

Reacting, the Osun PDP said it noted the APC’s admission that the funds had been released.

The ruling party in the state in a statement by its chairman, Sunday Bisi also challenged the APC to disclose the specific accounts into which the allocations were paid and reveal the signatories to those accounts.

According to the PDP, “statutory officers across the 30 local governments, including the state accountant general, the auditor-general for local governments, and the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, were unaware of any payments.”

The party alleged that “the situation suggested diversion of the funds and described the APC’s response as an admission of crime against the people of Osun State.”

The PDP also insisted that hurling insults at the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, could not erase the demand for accountability.

It urged the APC to “provide details of the transactions or risk being accused of staging what it described as “the greatest heist in the history of Nigeria.”

Bisi, who reaffirmed that under Governor Ademola Adeleke, transparency and accountability would remain guiding principles in managing public resources, stressed that no amount of blackmail would derail the administration.

Isuikwuato agog as Hon. Nnaemeka Obi empowers Okada riders 

 

It was a celebration of sorts on Friday, September 26, 2025, as one of Isuikwuato’s emerging stars, Hon. Nnaemeka GodsPrince Obi, excited motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada riders, operating in the whole local government area by ensuring they all got free fuel.

The free distribution was done at Sane Consult International Limited, a Petrol Station located in Ovim.

The Okada riders were not just elated by the free petrol but by the news that the gift would be given out every month.

The information which spread like wild fire went round the whole local government as the motorcycle riders turned out in their numbers, hailing OBI NNAEMEKA FOUNDATION, the organization that handled the petrol empowerment.

Eyewitness account said all the Okada riders had the OBI NNAEMEKA FOUNDATION stickers on their bikes as a sign of solidarity.

Chairman of Okada riders in Isuikwuato, who mentioned his name as Chibuzo, expressed his appreciation for this gesture and maintained that the Patron, Hon Nnaemeka Obi, is a worthy son.

“We are very happy for this gift and we will support him in any way we can, and anywhere he wants to go.”

However, a Foundation member told him that the gesture is selfless and not because he is contesting any elective post.

The Okada operators maintained a show of solidarity, saying they will come out in mass to back him up if he decides to seek any elective post now or in the near future.

OBI NNAEMEKA FOUNDATION, whose motto is”The Light has Come”, is a philanthropic organization designed to lift the less privileged as well as pursue the well-being of Isuikwuato citizens.

Hon. Nnaemeka Obi, the prime mover of the Foundation said that he is a proud son of Umuokogbuo Eluama in Isuikwuato local government.

He said he created the foundation to give back to society. While the activities kick-started with Okada riders, “it will extend to other persons”, he noted.

Picture: Okada riders filing to take their turns.