The Director-General of the Ahiajoku Centre, Owerri, Hon. (Nze) Ray Emeaña, has commended the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, for what he described as the remarkable transformation of Imo State through strategic investments in infrastructure, security, technology, culture and economic development.

Hon. Emeaña gave the commendation while speaking at the Annual Cultural Day of the Owerri Zone Community in Toronto, Canada, themed “Bridging Generations through Culture and Traditions.”

He said Governor Uzodimma’s administration has restored confidence in Imo State and created an enabling environment that is attracting renewed interest and investment from Imo indigenes both at home and in the diaspora.

According to him, the return of peace, stability and economic confidence in the state was evident during the last Christmas season when unprecedented numbers of Ndi Imo returned home to celebrate with their families in a secure and welcoming atmosphere.

He attributed this renewed confidence to the governor’s deliberate efforts in rebuilding critical infrastructure and strengthening security across the state.

Hon. Emeaña highlighted some of the landmark projects executed by the administration, including the Owerri–Orlu Road, Owerri–Umuahia Road, Owerri–Port Harcourt Road, Owerri–Aba Road, Mgbe–Akokwa Road, the Assumpta Flyover and the Imo Digital City Project.

He, also praised Governor Uzodimma for implementing one of the most worker-friendly wage policies in Nigeria, through the payment of one of the highest minimum wages in the country, describing the initiative as a clear demonstration of commitment to the welfare of workers and citizens.

“The ongoing transformation in infrastructure, security and economic renewal in Imo State reflects purposeful leadership and a commitment to rebuilding confidence in our homeland,” Emeaña stated.

The Ahiajoku DG further showcased the cultural renaissance being championed by the Uzodimma administration through the Ahiajoku Centre.

He highlighted the expansion of the Ahiajoku Lecture Series, the development of the Centre as a modern platform for the promotion of Igbo civilization, the Ahiajoku Compendium Project, Youth Heritage Programmes and the proposed Ahiajoku Digital Memory and Curation Project.

The event attracted distinguished members of the Igbo diaspora from North America, Europe, Africa and other parts of the world, as well as prominent political, community and security leaders from Canada.

Among the notable dignitaries in attendance were: Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto; Michael Kerzner, MPP for York Centre and Ontario Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety; Vince Gasparro, Member of Parliament for Eglinton—Lawrence and Parliamentary Secretary on Combatting Crime; representatives of York Regional Police including Michelle Foster; and Dr. Johnson (JJ) Emeka Amaechi, Ahiajoku Centre Ambassador to North America, whose efforts have helped strengthen the relationship between the Centre and Igbo diaspora communities across the continent.

Also present were: respected community leaders including Chief Mrs. Ngozi Agu and Mrs. Francesca Ukwuoma, Grand Matron of the Owerri Zone Community in Toronto, alongside numerous professionals, business leaders and cultural stakeholders from across the diaspora.

In one of the most memorable moments of the celebration, Mayor Olivia Chow and Chief Mrs. Ngozi Agu were conferred with the honorary cultural title of Ada Owerri Zone in recognition of their support for multiculturalism, diversity, community development and the preservation of cultural heritage.

In his remarks, the President of the Owerri Zone Community in Toronto, Mr. Chiedu Megwa, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for appointing Hon. (Nze) Ray Emeaña as Director-General of the Ahiajoku Centre.

He described the appointment as a masterstroke, noting that Emeaña has brought renewed vision, energy and dynamism to the Centre, repositioning for greater impact.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Ademola Adeleke may have suffered a major political setback ahead of the 2027 general election and the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, respectively, following a Federal High Court judgement ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Accord Party, alongside three other political parties.

Also affected by deregistered are; Ikenga Ugochinyere and Chima Mathew Amadi from Imo state. Ikenga ugochinyere who is presently a member of the House of Reps representing the Ideato South/North Federal Constituency under Action Peoples Party (APP) while Chima Mathew Amadi of the same APP eyeing Owerri Zone senatorial seat

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered the ruling yesterday in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the five parties for failing to meet constitutional performance thresholds.

The other political parties affected by the judgement were the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The plaintiff had asked the court to determine whether INEC was constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that failed to satisfy the requirements set out in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The suit also relied on provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations, which were cited as reinforcing the constitutional conditions for the registration and continued existence of political parties.

According to the National Forum of Former Legislators, the five parties had persistently failed to meet the constitutional benchmarks required to retain their registration.

The group argued that the parties neither secured the minimum electoral performance required by law nor won elective positions at the national, state or local government levels.

Under the constitutional provisions cited before the court, political parties are expected to secure at least 25 per cent of votes cast in a state during a presidential election or win at least one elective seat at the federal, state or local government level to justify their continued registration.

The plaintiff told the court that the ADC, Accord Party and the three other affected parties performed poorly in the 2023 general election and subsequent by-elections, failing to win seats across critical levels of government.

It argued that their continued existence as recognised political parties was unlawful and undermined the integrity of the country’s electoral system.

Among the reliefs sought, the plaintiff asked the court to declare that INEC was duty-bound to deregister political parties that fail to meet the constitutional requirements and to compel the electoral commission to carry out the exercise before preparations for the 2027 elections advance further.

The group also sought an order restraining the five parties from participating in elections or engaging in political activities such as campaigns, rallies and primary elections, while asking the court to prohibit INEC from recognising or dealing with them unless they fully comply with constitutional provisions.

In his judgement, Justice Lifu granted the reliefs sought and ordered INEC to deregister the five political parties.

The ruling could have significant implications for the political future of several prominent politicians ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku has recently won ADC presidential ticket for the as part of efforts by opposition leaders to build a coalition platform capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu in the next presidential election.

Similarly, Adeleke has won Accord Party governorship ticket in his State amid growing speculation about possible political realignments ahead of the polls.

With the court ordering the deregistration of both parties and otehrs, the political calculations of their members and prospective candidates may now face fresh uncertainty pending any appeal or further legal action.

Godswill Akpabio harbours a strong bias against him, claiming that the Senate leader is often suspicious of his activities and influence within the National Assembly.

Speaking on the Sunday edition of the Mic On Podcast, Oshiomhole described Akpabio as overly concerned with his interactions with fellow senators, adding that the Senate President would exclude him from the Senate chamber if he had the power to do so.

The former Edo State governor said he could not explain the reason behind what he described as Akpabio’s hostility, despite his longstanding role within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his contribution to President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.

“Don’t forget that I was a founding governor of the APC and deputy director-general of Bola Tinubu’s Campaign Council that gave us victory. I’m not saying I am responsible for the victory, but I worked for it, and I’m happy we got it,” Oshiomhole said.

He continued, “He is so paranoid about anything that has to do with me. Everybody in the Senate knows that if Senator Akpabio had his way, he would lock me out of the Senate because he has misled himself into thinking that I am probably the devil he knows. There are many angels he doesn’t know.”

Oshiomhole also predicted that the next Senate would operate differently from the current one, insisting that many lawmakers were dissatisfied with Akpabio’s leadership style.

“The 11th Senate will not be like the 10th. It can’t be. Senators are grumbling about his style of leadership. But we try to manage, and I’ve tried to assure him that I am a very fulfilled person,” he stated.

According to Oshiomhole, Akpabio’s alleged bias has become widely known among senators, although he declined to speculate on the reasons behind it.

The senator further claimed that Akpabio becomes uncomfortable whenever he engages in discussions with certain lawmakers. He cited an incident involving Senator Abdulaziz Yari, alleging that the Senate President once joked that Yari’s interest in serving as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior was linked to a plot to remove him from office.

Emphasising the democratic nature of the Senate leadership structure, Oshiomhole noted that the Senate President remains accountable to fellow lawmakers because the position is determined by the collective will of senators.

“If you understand the way the Senate works, the Senate President is first among equals. Only the persons favoured by the senators are elected,” he said.

He added that leadership in the Senate is ultimately decided by majority support among lawmakers, stressing that any senator who secures the backing of colleagues can emerge as Senate President.

“Remember, if Senator Yari had got the majority, he could have become the Senate President. It is not about what anybody wishes. It is about who the senators want,” Oshiomhole said.

…Confident of President’s victory based on performance

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors has announced its decision to recruit five million canvassers to ensure that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was reelected in 2027.

More than four million of the canvassers will work at the polling unit levels while the others will take charge of wards, local governments, and states, with the mandate to disseminate the achievements of the president.

Director General of Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma disclosed this at a retreat held in Abuja by the organisation for national mobilisation.

Addressing the participants, Uzodimma explained that the theme of the retreat, BUILDING A UNIFIED MOBILISATION ARCHITECTURE, was not a mere slogan but a practical step being taken by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to sell the Tinubu’s reforms to the grassroots.

He said 25 canvassers will take charge of each of the 176,846 polling units across Nigeria totalling 4,421,150, while others will be mobilised for the 8,809 registration areas and wards while yet another set will be responsible for the 774 local governments and 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory.

Uzodimma noted that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors were paying special attention to the polling units because they were the areas where elections were won and lost.

“The polling unit is more than a place to vote. It is where the people give power and where they can take it back. It is where opinion becomes mandate. It is where hope is renewed,” he emphasized.

He said that with the 17 Directorates of the organisation working through the Zonal, states, local governments and wards and units, it would be easier for their message to permeate to the grassroots.

He said the ward agents and the polling units canvassers are the face of the campaign because they interface directly with the citizens.

“When a citizen looks at you, what they must see is love for country, carried with discipline, humility, peace and respect for the law”, he charged them.

The Imo governor clarified between the message of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and propaganda, saying that the message was anchored on truth, reflecting the various achievements of Tinubu in the last three years.

He said that Tinubu’s administration has moved from stabilisation of Nigeria to acceleration as reflected in public finances, infrastructure, and economic reforms.

He was emphatic that the sterling performance of the president in critical areas of the economy, the removal of fuel subsidy, the merging of foreign exchange markets and building of roads, clinics and students loan fund will  easily win him reelection.

He argued that the politics of 2027 will not be won on sentiments but on performance, structure, disciplined message, credibility and on real bond with the people.

Uzodimma described the strategy of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors as one built on truth and carried with performance,  communicated with loyalty, patriotism and discipline.

He therefore urged everyone at every layer of the campaign to work hard and sell the message of performance by Tinubu to all Nigerians.

Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately deregister the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Accord Party and others from participating in the 2027 general elections over alleged constitutional breaches.

Justice Lifu issued the order on Monday while delivering judgment in a suit filed by a group of former lawmakers in the country.

By this judgment, former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the ADC Atiku Abubakar has no platform to stand for the forthcoming presidential election.

Similarly, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, billed to re-contest in the August 15 governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party has been kicked out of the race.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against INEC and the five political parties, African Democratic Congress, ADC, Action People’s Party, APP, Accord Party, AP, Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, and the Action Alliance Party, AAP.

In the judgment, Justice Lifu barred INEC from further according the parties’ recognition, accepting nominations of candidates from the affected parties or giving effect to their activities for the purpose of participating in the 2027 general elections.

In the same vein, the Judge directed the parties to stop parading themselves as registered political parties in the country.

A civil society group, the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, NFFL, had dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, before the court, praying for an order to compel it to deregister the five parties and prohibit them from participating in political activities in the country.

The group predicated its opposition against the existence of the parties on the alleged violations of the 1999 Constitutional provisions guiding party registration, recognition and existence.

Incidentally, the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, though a defendant in the suit, supported those who sought the deregistration of the parties.

He had engaged a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Joshua Olukayode Olatoke, who during the hearing of the suite canvassed the prohibition of the parties out of existence.

INEC had, however, countered the suit in its defence, describing the plaintiff as a busybody who lacked locus standi (legal right) to file the suit and had asked the court to dismiss it for being unmeritorious.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was targeted against INEC, the AGF as the two defendants, but by extension, the five political parties.

The originating summons was pursuant to Section 225 (A) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 75 (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and applicable provisions of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

At the heart of the relief sought is whether INEC is constitutionally bound to deregister political parties that failed to meet the minimum electoral performance thresholds prescribed by law.

These include securing at least 25 per cent of votes cast in one state in a presidential election, winning a local government area in a governorship election, or clinching at least one seat in elections ranging from Councillorship to the National Assembly.

The plaintiff asked the court to determine whether INEC is empowered, or indeed obligated to enforce the thresholds against the affected parties, which allegedly failed to win any ward, legislative seat, or elective office in previous elections.

Other issues they prayed for determination included whether the affected parties are still eligible to be recognised as legally registered political parties, and whether INEC can lawfully acknowledge or give effect to their political activities, such as congresses, primaries, campaigns, and participation in the 2027 general elections, without strict compliance with Section 225 (A) of the Constitution.

Among the reliefs sought are declaratory orders affirming that INEC is duty-bound to enforce constitutional benchmarks as a precondition for party registration and participation in elections, as well as orders compelling the electoral body to deregister the affected parties.

The plaintiff had also prayed for a mandatory and perpetual order of injunctions restraining INEC from recognising, accepting, or giving effect to any political activities or correspondence from the parties unless and until they fully comply with constitutional and statutory requirements.

In an affidavit in support of an originating summons deposed to by Igbokwe Raphael Nnanna, Chairman, Board of Trustees and National Coordinator of the NFFL, the group had accused INEC of neglecting its constitutional duty by continuing to recognise political parties that have failed to meet the minimum performance thresholds prescribed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

According to the affidavit, the affected parties have, since their registration, failed to win a single elective seat at any level of government, including presidential, governorship, National Assembly, state assembly, chairmanship or council elections.

The plaintiff had further claimed that the parties did not secure the constitutionally required 25 per cent of votes in at least one state in presidential elections, nor any representation across the country’s 8,809 wards, 774 local government areas, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Hon. Nnanna had averred that despite these “total electoral failures,” INEC has continued to accord the parties full recognition, an action the group described as unconstitutional and contrary to the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022.

The plaintiff had warned that unless restrained by the court, INEC may unlawfully permit the affected parties to participate in the 2027 general elections, thereby “clogging the ballot papers, overstretching administrative resources and misleading voters.” The former lawmakers had argued that the continued existence of non-performing parties undermines political sanity, electoral integrity and genuine competition, while also resulting in wastage of public funds.

Describing the action as a public interest suit, the NFFL had urged the court to compel INEC to enforce constitutional compliance by deregistering political parties that have failed to meet the stipulated thresholds, in order to deepen democracy and uphold the rule of law ahead of future elections.

Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, supported by Barrister Gbenga Makanjuola, argued for the former lawmakers during proceedings, asking that the five political parties be proscribed out of existence.

However, Musibau Adetunmibi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN and Shuaib Eneojo Aruwa SAN had argued for the Accord Party and African Democratic Congress respectively in urging the Court to dismiss the suit of the plaintiff

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially named former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the party’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

The announcement means Amaechi will run alongside former vice president Atiku Abubakar, on the ADC ticket in the next general elections.

In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi on its official X page, the ADC said Amaechi’s emergence followed extensive consultations with party stakeholders across the country.

According to the party, the decision came after the conclusion of its presidential primary election, where Amaechi finished as runner-up.

“The National Leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is proud to announce that the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has been selected as the Vice-Presidential Candidate of our great party for the 2027 Presidential Election,” the statement said.

The party described the Atiku-Amaechi partnership as a combination of “two tested statesmen” with the experience and national appeal required to address Nigeria’s challenges.

“The proposed partnership between His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi represents more than a political alliance; it is the coming together of two tested statesmen with the experience, national reach, and leadership capacity required to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges,” the statement added.

Highlighting Amaechi’s credentials, the party noted that he had served in key legislative and executive positions, including Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation.

“Few political leaders in Nigeria today possess such extensive and balanced experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government”, the statement noted.

The ADC further argued that Amaechi’s influence in the South-South and other parts of Southern Nigeria would strengthen the presidential ticket and help broaden its national appeal.  “Together, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi embody a truly national ticket—one that bridges regions, generations, and political traditions.

“The ADC is prepared to govern, prepared to unite the nation, and prepared to deliver results.” The opposition party expressed confidence that the alliance would boost its coalition ahead of the 2027 election and offer Nigerians what it described as a credible alternative focused on economic recovery, security, job creation and national unity.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was among political leaders who supported the adoption of rotational presidency in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

According to the SGF, the annulment of the June 12 election, won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola, prompted political leaders to take difficult decisions aimed at preserving national unity and strengthening democracy.

A statement by his Media Aide, Yomi Odunuga, said Akume made the clarification yesterday while responding to questions at a World Press Conference in Abuja as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary.

He recalled that leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), met in Kaduna under the leadership of the late Chief Solomon Lar and Alhaji Adamu Ciroma to deliberate on the country’s political future, with the issue of power rotation featuring prominently.

“It was a tough argument before the issue of rotational presidency was agreed on. At the end, we had to concede. We must do this. June 12 annulment had complicated the whole thing. It was finally agreed that we’ll be alternating between North and South.

“Atiku was one of the leaders at that meeting, which was convened by Chief Solomon Lar. He was part of that agreement,” he was quoted as saying.

Akume explained that the decision to alternate presidential power between the North and South was designed to address the political consequences of the annulled election and promote inclusiveness and national cohesion.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, the SGF described the annulment as a painful setback to the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.

“Abiola won that election round and square. That election was annulled by the military government. It was very painful because the people spoke, and they spoke freely. They made their own choice,” he said.

According to him, one of the major lessons from the June 12 experience is the supremacy of the people’s will in a democratic system.

“The first lesson is that the voice of the people must always be supreme; it must be sacrosanct. That’s the beauty of democracy. We prefer the ballot to bullets,” he stated.

Akume expressed confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying the country had learned from the events of 1993 and would never allow a repeat of such an annulment.

“If an election is conducted very fairly, and one wins, no problem. The actors at the Independent National Electoral Commission are not young people; they were adults when this thing happened.

“If we were to take a poll at that time, over two-thirds of Nigerians would have condemned that act of annulment,” he said.

The SGF further commended INEC officials, describing them as men and women of integrity committed to protecting the nation’s democratic process.

“Fortunately for us, those at INEC are men of honour and integrity. They are well-read, patriotic Nigerians, and they are determined to make a difference. Never again would such happen in this country.

“You win, you win. When you lose, go back and prepare for another election. Look at the American example. President Trump lost to Joe Biden. He didn’t bring America down. He went back, prepared and came back and won. That’s the beauty of democracy,” Akume said.

He noted that Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule reflected the country’s commitment to democratic governance and freedom.

“We have decided to embrace democracy. That is why, for 27 unbroken years, we are enjoying this freedom in a democratic setting. We love the values and the morals of democracy, and there is no system that is as beautiful as democracy,” he said.

Akume also highlighted freedom of expression as one of the key benefits of democratic rule.

“It is under a democratic system that you can insult your president and insult anybody and still go to bed, and you don’t receive a midnight knock on your door. Try it under a totalitarian regime,” he stated.

The SGF urged political actors to embrace democratic principles, respect electoral outcomes and continue to strengthen the nation’s democratic culture.

He added that Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democracy underscored its commitment to the rule of law, freedom of expression and peaceful political participation.

Akume’s remarks come amid ongoing political debates over power rotation ahead of the 2027 general election. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a northerner and the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, is expected to challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking a second term in office.

Tinubu, a southerner, was elected president in 2023 following the completion of the constitutionally permitted two-term tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner.

The Federal Government has insisted that President Bola Tinubu is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Nigeria.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris stated this on yesterday in Abuja at a press conference as part of the activities commemorating the 2026 Democracy Day.

“This year’s Democracy Day celebration is particularly significant as it coincides with the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Administration. It offers an opportunity to take stock of our progress as a nation, review the impact of ongoing reforms, and reaffirm our collective commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive Nigeria,” he said.

Idris posited that Democracy Day remains a significant occasion for reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, celebrating the resilience of democratic institutions, and honouring the sacrifices of patriots who fought to entrench democratic governance in the country.

“Democracy Day occupies a unique place in our national calendar. It provides an opportunity for us to reflect on our democratic journey, celebrate the resilience of our institutions, and honour the sacrifices of patriots who stood firm in the struggle for democratic governance,” he said.

He also paid tribute to the late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale, MKO, Abiola and other heroes of democracy whose sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today. He also acknowledged the contributions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and numerous pro-democracy activists who played pivotal roles in the struggle to restore and consolidate democratic governance in Nigeria.

He described Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule as a remarkable national achievement and a testament to the resilience, determination and democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people.

“Twenty-seven years of uninterrupted democratic governance is a milestone worthy of celebration. It is a testament to the determination of Nigerians to uphold democratic values, strengthen national institutions, and continuously strive for a more prosperous and united nation,” he stated.

The minister noted that this year’s Democracy Day celebration is particularly significant as it coincides with the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Administration, providing an opportunity for Nigerians to assess the nation’s progress, review the impact of ongoing reforms, and renew their collective commitment to national development.

According to Idris, the administration remains focused on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting national unity, expanding economic opportunities, and delivering sustainable development for all Nigerians through the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He stated that the press conference was organised to provide Nigerians and the international community with an overview of the administration’s journey over the past three years, highlighting key milestones, challenges encountered, and the vision guiding government policies and programmes.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, George Akume, and Chairman of the Interministerial Committee for Democracy Day 2026, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, described Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance as a major national achievement and a testament to the resilience of the Nigerian people and democratic institutions.

Akume stated that President Tinubu’s administration has remained focused on delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that reforms in key sectors of the economy are already yielding measurable results.

“The policy decisions of this administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms, were difficult but necessary. They have created fiscal space for critical investments in infrastructure, social interventions, education, healthcare, and economic development. As revenues improve and the economy stabilises, Nigerians will increasingly experience the benefits of these reforms,” the SGF said.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed reports of the exclusion of of its members as candidates for the 2027 election by the Kano State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, (NDC).

Spokesperson for the group, Habibu Mohammed, made this rebuttal yesterday in an interview on Trust TV.

Mohammed said no candidates, including those from the Kwankwasiyya Movement and other groups, complained of exclusion.

“When there is contestation, naturally there are going to be a lot of issues with certain people that might not actually find their ways, but I believe that a process was built where consensus candidate emerged across the state, and within that particular process, there were never a candidate from anywhere that have complained of any kind of exclusion.

“All candidates, including those from the Kwankwasiyya Movement, and those who recently come from other political parties, partook into that process.

“We are seeing how other candidates that recently joined the party were part of the consensus, and the real aim is to actually ensure that candidates that have the capacity to win election, bring in votes and help the party develop are the ones that have emerged through that particular process.

“Until the end of the process, there were never any complaint from anybody, and to us, we believe that we have complied both with the party guidelines and at the same time with that of the INEC,” he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), has warned that recent court rulings affecting aspects of its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election could disrupt preparations for the polls if not urgently clarified by appellate courts.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, raised the concerns yesterday during the Commission’s second quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja.

Amupitan disclosed that the Commission had already filed appeals against two judgments of the Federal High Court which questioned certain timelines contained in INEC’s timetable for the 2027 elections.

According to him, while the Commission respects the decisions of the courts, the judgments raise significant legal questions regarding the extent of INEC’s constitutional and statutory powers to coordinate and regulate electoral activities.

The Federal High Court in Abuja had delivered two major rulings invalidating key compressed timelines in the 2027 general election timetable released by INEC.

The courts ruled that while INEC has the constitutional authority to issue and adjust election schedules, it cannot use administrative guidelines to shorten or override statutory windows guaranteed to political parties by the Electoral Act 2026

But Amupitan explained that in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, Youth Party v. INEC, delivered on May 20, 2026, the court questioned some timelines contained in the Commission’s timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election.

He added that in a subsequent judgment delivered on May 26, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026, Social Democratic Party (SDP) v. INEC, the court affirmed the Commission’s authority to issue an electoral timetable but nullified certain timelines relating to the nomination and substitution of candidates.

“In view of the differing conclusions reached in the judgments and in order to ensure certainty and stability in preparations for the 2027 General Election, the Commission has filed appeals against the decisions and has taken the necessary legal steps to obtain authoritative pronouncements from the appellate courts,” Amupitan said.

The INEC chairman maintained that the activities contained in the Commission’s timetable are interrelated operational processes designed to guarantee the orderly, transparent and successful conduct of elections.

He noted that while the Electoral Act prescribes timelines for certain electoral activities, several other critical processes are not expressly provided for in the law but must be accommodated within the overall electoral- calendar.

According to him, these include the submission and verification of party membership registers, monitoring of party primaries across the federation, uploading the names of winners of monitored primaries on the Commission’s designated portal, candidate nominations, printing of ballot papers and result sheets, training of election personnel, voter education programmes and the deployment of election materials.

“The absence of coordinated timelines for such activities would create uncertainty, disrupt election planning and undermine the Commission’s constitutional responsibility to organise, undertake and supervise elections in an efficient and credible manner,” he said.

Amupitan argued that environmental and logistical factors, including weather conditions, terrain, procurement of sensitive materials and configuration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, require careful scheduling and coordination.

“The Commission therefore, considers it imperative that all electoral activities be harmonised within a coherent and workable framework that promotes certainty, transparency, administrative efficiency and equal treatment of all political parties,” he added.

Despite the legal challenge, the INEC chairman assured political parties and the Nigerian public that the Commission remained committed to conducting the 2027 General Election in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and all lawful judicial pronouncements.

Speaking, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, said the exclusion of indirect primaries from Nigeria’s electoral framework contributed significantly to disputes, tensions and administrative challenges experienced by political parties during their just-concluded primaries for the 2027 general election.

Dantalle said the implementation of Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which limited political parties to consensus or direct primaries, created operational difficulties for parties and triggered avoidable internal conflicts.

According to him, the absence of indirect primaries removed a flexible option that previously allowed parties to manage internal competition and reduce tensions among aspirants.

“The experience of the just-concluded nomination exercise demonstrates that the removal of indirect primaries created considerable constraints for political parties,” he said.

He explained that many political parties were forced to adopt consensus arrangements despite having multiple aspirants who had already obtained nomination forms and expressed interest in contesting elections.

Dantalle noted that in several cases, aspirants were persuaded or in some instances pressured to step down after party leaders had already aligned behind preferred candidates, leading to dissatisfaction and subsequent legal disputes.

He said while some aspirants accepted the outcomes in the interest of party unity, others challenged their exclusion, arguing that genuine consensus must be voluntary and inclusive.

According to him, in some cases, parties limited access to nomination forms or failed to adequately publicise primary election schedules, steps he said were taken to avoid the complications associated with direct primaries.

Dantalle said these developments reflected unintended consequences of the current legal framework governing party nominations.

He urged the National Assembly to urgently review the Electoral Act 2026 to restore flexibility in the conduct of party primaries and strengthen internal democracy within political parties.

The IPAC chairman further expressed concern over the tight timeline given to parties to submit updated membership registers, including National Identification Number, NIN, saying some genuine members were excluded due to logistical challenges.

He said IPAC had earlier warned about the implications of certain provisions of the Electoral Act during its February 2026 General Assembly in Abuja, where it urged lawmakers to reconsider the ban on indirect primaries.

Dantalle said recent developments had validated those earlier concerns and called for urgent reforms to the electoral legal framework.

He claimed that in certain instances, parties restricted access to nomination forms or did not sufficiently publicize primary election schedules, actions he asserted were taken to circumvent the complications linked to direct primaries.

Dantalle indicated that these occurrences represented unintended outcomes of the existing legal structure governing party nominations.

He called upon the National Assembly to promptly reassess the Electoral Act 2026 to reinstate flexibility in the execution of party primaries and enhance internal democracy within political parties.

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia

A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Mrs. Nkasiobi Madumere, has raised an alarm over alleged discrimination by officials during the primaries. She attributed her exclusion from the count to her gender.

Speaking with newsmen in Umuahia, Madumere alleged that she was deliberately excluded from the counting process despite being duly cleared to participate in the exercise.

She revealed that she was the only female contender in the race. She expressed disappointment over what she described as unfair treatment and gender-based discrimination during the primaries.

The aspirant hinted that she joined the contest after receiving overwhelming support and encouragement from party members who believed in her vision for effective representation and good governance.

Madumere reiterated that after buying her nomination form, she successfully underwent screening and was cleared by the party to contest. She added that she mobilised supporters across her constituency. She said the conduct of the exercise was, however, marred by irregularities, including late communication of venues, delays in the arrival of party officials, and multiple changes of election locations.

She regretted that the delayed arrival of party and election officials caused many of her supporters to leave before voting commenced. She added that she was physically present throughout the exercise at the Umuahia South LGA venue, Olokoro Primary School, unlike some other aspirants who were represented by agents.

“However, when it got to my turn, the delegates allegedly turned away without counting me or my supporters. I see it as a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise me, while supporters of my male counterpart were counted,” she said.

She also alleged that similar incidents occurred in Umuahia North and Ikwuano Local Government Areas, insisting that her supporters across the constituency were excluded from the process.

Madumere disclosed that she had submitted petitions to the party’s Appeal Committee, the National Chairman, and other relevant organs of the party, seeking redress over the outcome of the exercise. She called on the leadership of the party to investigate the conduct of the primaries in Abia State, alleging that several irregularities undermined the credibility of the exercise.

She said: “Restoring confidence in the party’s internal democratic processes will require a thorough review of the actions of officials involved in organising the primaries. I am calling for justice and fairness for all aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections. Women should not be discouraged from seeking elective positions through actions that undermine confidence in the democratic process.”

Reacting to the allegation, the Abia State Secretary of the NDC, Mr. Kanu Dike, appealed for calm among party members and urged them to allow the party’s internal mechanisms to address grievances arising from the primaries.

The State Secretary maintained that the party’s Appeal Panel and the National Executive Committee are already considering petitions submitted following the recently concluded primaries.

He assured that the party leadership will announce its decisions after reviewing all valid complaints brought before it.