The recent conclusion of the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has exposed significant vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s electoral system. Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has resumed normal operations, the necessity for reforms to protect this vital institution has never been more pressing. As we reflect on this incident, it is imperative to examine the broader issues surrounding the recall process and ensure that our electoral environment supports fair representation, particularly for women.
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Recall petitions, while an essential mechanism for holding officials accountable, is susceptible to misuse and abuse. In the case of Senator Natasha, INEC found itself inundated with petitions that did not meet the constitutional threshold, which required signatures from 50% plus one of registered voters. This not only wasted crucial resources but also diverted attention from significant electoral matters. To combat the potential for further misuse of the recall process, we must advocate for legislation that clearly defines the thresholds for valid petitions and punitive measures for filing frivolous petitions. Such measures would serve to deter petitioners from filing frivolous claims that disrupt our democratic processes.
Implementing penalties for petitions that fail to meet these established thresholds would not only protect INEC but also uphold the integrity of our electoral system. A well-defined framework would discourage malicious complaints intended solely to harass elected officials while ensuring that genuine grievances receive due attention.
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The Gender Disparity in Politics
Alongside the need for recall reform, we must address a more pressing and persistent issue: the underrepresentation of women in our legislative bodies. The unsuccessful attempt to remove Senator Natasha highlights the systemic barriers that continue to hinder women’s advancement to positions of political power. The male-dominated political landscape often perpetuates manipulation, ensuring that women face insurmountable challenges as they seek to compete for legislative seats.
To address these disparities, we must prioritise support for women throughout the electoral process. This includes ensuring lawful votes and fair campaign conditions, as well as implementing measures that empower and uplift female candidates. Political parties should be encouraged, if not mandated, to create environments where women can thrive as candidates, free from the intimidation tactics that have historically hindered their progress.
Empowering women in politics is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative. Initiatives such as mentorship programs, campaign training, and awareness campaigns can help bridge the gap and inspire more women to participate in governance. By providing resources and support, we can combat the systemic hurdles that discourage women from pursuing public office.
Moreover, as citizens, we must be vigilant in monitoring the electoral process. Support for independent bodies that oversee elections can help maintain fair practices, ensuring that elections are not influenced by manipulation or intimidation.
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The path toward a healthier political ecosystem requires proactive reforms to protect INEC alongside bold measures to empower women in the electoral process. By addressing these issues thoughtfully, we can pave the way for a more inclusive democracy that reflects the diverse voices of our society. Let us advocate for legislative changes that not only protect our institutions but also ensure that women have an equal voice in shaping our nation’s future.
In the words of Malala Yousafzai, “We realise the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” It is time to amplify the voices of women in politics and restore the integrity of our electoral systems.
Paul James is an enthusiast of election and political affairs. He is an advocate for inclusive participation. He works with Yiaga Africa.
Oseloka Obi, son of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has responded to viral allegations linking him to homosexuality after photographs of him with London-based British-Nigerian Kent Okwesa, circulated online this week.
The pictures, which emerged on Wednesday, showed Oseloka and Okwesa sitting closely at a restaurant in the United Kingdom, sparking a wave of online speculation and gossip.
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In a detailed statement, Oseloka dismissed the rumours as malicious falsehoods driven by his father’s involvement in Nigerian politics.
He noted that while he rarely responds to such narratives, the persistence of gossip and unfounded claims made it necessary to address the matter.
“Because of my father’s involvement in Nigerian politics, there has been a persistent curiosity and, at times, malicious obsession with me.
“I have no social media presence and no interest in maintaining one, so I rarely correct these falsehoods. But perhaps it is time I address them,” he wrote.
Oseloka stressed that the photos of him in circulation were being misrepresented, insisting they were ordinary snapshots with friends and colleagues.
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“The truth is simple: Peter Obi’s son appears in photos with his friends and colleagues, nothing more. If people wish to invent otherwise, I hope they sleep soundly knowing they are spreading lies,”he added.
He further emphasised that neither he nor his father is perfect, but attested to his father’s integrity and commitment to Nigeria’s future.
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“My father has my vote, not because he is my father, but because he is the right man for the job. If others wish to go low, invent scandals, or attack me to wound him, they are free to do so. But we will go high, and we will continue to focus on the future of Nigeria.”
Concluding, Oseloka urged Nigerians to redirect their attention from idle gossip to the pressing socio-economic challenges facing the country.
The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has barred seven Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) from processing applications under the pension-backed equity contribution scheme for residential mortgages, citing their non-compliance with housing loan guidelines.
In a letter published on PenCom’s website, addressed to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), the organisation instructed them to immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted through the affected institutions.
“Following the cited letter, the commission instructs that PFAs, including Closed Pension Fund Administrators and Pension Fund Custodians, immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted by the following Primary Mortgage Banks… Please be guided,” the circular read in part.
Explaining the decision, PenCom’s spokesman, Ibrahim Buwai, told The PUNCH that the sanction was imposed because the affected institutions failed to generate the mortgages for which funds had been approved.
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“The whole purpose of giving access to RSA holders is to enable them to own houses through mortgages,” he said. “It was discovered that some of the primary mortgage institutions were not generating mortgages. If that is the case, it means they are not complying with the regulations. That is the reason for their blacklisting.”
PenCom introduced the equity contribution for residential mortgages in September 2022, allowing Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders to withdraw up to 25 per cent of their balances to fund equity contributions for home ownership.
According to the commission, 24,582 RSA holders had accessed the scheme as of the first quarter of 2025, with disbursements totalling ₦149.84bn.
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RSA holders who submitted applications through the barred mortgage banks are now advised to reapply with other eligible PMBs. Those who have made upfront payments were urged to contact the affected institutions for the next line of action.
Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has opened up again on the July 1, 2021 midnight invasion of his Ibadan residence by security operatives, including the Department of State Services (DSS).
Speaking during a visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, at his palace in Ondo State, Igboho alleged that the attack was carried out with the intent to take his life.
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“When my house was invaded, they wanted to kill me but failed. Some said my intestines were shattered, others said my leg was broken, but there was nothing of such. They fired guns at me very well, but the prayers of you my fathers on me were answered.”
According to him, the DSS operatives forcefully gained entrance into his residence and pointed a gun at his Personal Assistant so he could lead them to his room.
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Death of cat after friend’s betrayal
While recalling the invasion, Igboho said one of his trusted friends betrayed him by leaking sensitive information about his cat to the operatives.
He disclosed that the so-called ‘trusted’ friend had told the agents not to let the cat escape, which led to the security operatives killing the animal.
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“When I opened the door of my room for them, they saw my cat on the bed. One of my friends that I entrusted with secret had told them not to let the cat go. So they killed the cat and wrapped it with clothes like a corpse. They destroyed everywhere in the house and killed one of my brothers alongside one other person and they left,”he narrated.
Appeal to the Olowo
Speaking at the palace of the Olowo, Igboho said his absence from the country had lasted about five years and that he was eager to return to contribute to tackling insecurity in the South-West.
“But why I came to meet you Kabiesi is that till when will I be doing that. Nigeria is my motherland. This is about five years since I’ve been chased from here. Tinubu is your son, you can convince him to free me. If not for the wanted tag on me, I would have come to Nigeria to face the insecurity facing the South-West region. I would have entered the bush and faced them,” Igboho pleaded with the monarch.
Monarch’s response
In his response, Oba Ogunoye described Igboho as a beacon of hope for his generation and future ones, urging him not to be discouraged by the challenges he has faced.
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The monarch enjoined Igboho and his supporters to remain law-abiding amid ongoing challenges.
He assured him of continued support and called for peace and cooperation across South-West communities, noting that no region can achieve sustainable development without security.
(TRIBUNE)