News

OPINION: Urgent Electoral Reform Priorities for Nigeria Ahead of the 2027 Elections

Published

10 months ago

January 30, 2025

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, several key reforms have been recommended to improve the electoral process and address issues that have historically affected the country’s democracy. It is crucial to focus on the efforts of various stakeholders and the National Assembly to facilitate further amendments to the Electoral Act 2022. These amendments should incorporate lessons learned from previous elections, particularly regarding the use of technology in the electoral process, that are expected to enhance the electoral system’s efficiency and transparency.

One significant area of focus is enhancing provisions related to the electronic transmission of results, which could bolster public confidence by providing real-time and accurate outcomes. Enhancing provisions for the electronic transmission of results presents several considerable benefits to Nigeria’s electoral process. It would improve transparency by offering real-time updates and minimise the risk of manual errors or results manipulation during collation, as observed in recent elections like the Edo off-cycle governorship election. Integrating electronic transmission will expedite the announcement of results and reduce delays that often exacerbate tensions. Furthermore, electronic transmission would reinforce public confidence by ensuring accuracy and deterring fraud. It can be argued that the electronic transmission of results also aids evidence-based dispute resolution by creating verifiable digital records necessary for the transparent and efficient resolution of electoral disputes. As we advocate for these progressive reforms, it is equally crucial that these modifications to the electoral legal framework are completed swiftly to allow for testing these provisions in upcoming off-cycle elections before the general elections in 2027.

As the commission continues to deepen the use of technology in our elections, it is essential to prioritize the improvement of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other technological innovations for voter accreditation and results management. This includes supporting the commission’s recommendation to move away from using Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for voter identification. Introducing biometric systems, such as the BVAS, enables voter verification without the need for physical cards. Since the BVAS stores records of voters’ biometrics, implementing biometric identification could streamline the accreditation and voting processes while also reducing costs associated with printing physical cards. Eliminating the need for PVCs could significantly decrease the financial burden of producing and distributing these cards, which is particularly relevant in Nigeria given the country’s economic challenges. Additionally, relying on biometric verification could minimize the risk of voter impersonation and manipulation, ensuring that only eligible voters can cast their ballots. This initiative will enhance transparency and address past concerns regarding the reliability of voter identification.

Many proposals have been made to promote the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and shield it from political interference. It is crucial to reassess the processes for appointing the INEC chairman and commissioners. Previous suggestions have highlighted the need for constitutional amendments to transfer these responsibilities from the president to an independent body. The Justice Uwais committee report recommended that the responsibility be handed over to the National Judicial Council (NJC), while others have proposed transferring it to the Council of State.

I recommend establishing an independent, autonomous committee that includes representatives from the judiciary, civil society, academia, and electoral experts to oversee the selection of INEC officials. This committee would ensure that the selection process is free from political influence and interference, thereby enhancing the credibility and impartiality of INEC. The committee would evaluate and select candidates based on their qualifications and experience, subjecting the nominees to public scrutiny to ensure that the most competent individuals are chosen to lead the electoral commission.

In countries like South Africa, the process for selecting members of the electoral commission involves a parliamentary committee that ensures broad representation and public participation. This approach enhances the credibility of the selection process. In Ghana, an independent body supervises the selection process to maintain the commission’s independence from political interference. To reflect these global practices, a proposed committee could include representatives from the judiciary, civil society, academia, and electoral experts. This inclusion would ensure that the selection of commission members is based on merit and free from undue influence. Such an approach would not only boost public confidence in the electoral system but also ensure that INEC officials are chosen for their expertise and commitment to democratic principles. Implementing this model would enhance Nigeria’s electoral credibility and align its processes with international standards for democratic governance.

Election stakeholders should also continue implementing expansive voter education initiatives throughout the electoral cycle. These initiatives should target underserved communities, mainly the youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). They should also build partnerships with civil society organisations to promote understanding and participation in the electoral process. These initiatives could include workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs that provide information on the electoral process, voter rights, and the importance of political participation.

Political parties must adapt their campaign methods to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in order to ensure broader outreach and engagement. They should move away from traditional practices that rely solely on voter inducements, rhetoric, and other coercive tactics, which have often been associated with violence and personal attacks. In Nigeria, political parties have yet to adopt open and transparent fundraising practices. By publicly disclosing their funding sources and expenditures, they can demonstrate accountability and reduce perceptions of corruption.

I fully support various initiatives to increase women’s political participation and representation in governance, such as implementing quota systems. Political parties and the government must intentionally develop strategies encouraging women to emerge as political leaders. This involves creating an enabling environment that fosters participation and promotes women as key candidates in the 2027 general elections. As we prepare for the upcoming election campaigns, political parties must enhance policies that specifically target increasing political participation among youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs). These policies should include lowering nomination fees for candidates from these groups and expanding outreach initiatives to facilitate their involvement.

News

Court Remands Man For Allegedly Cyberbullying Ebonyi Rep Member

Published

47 minutes ago

November 25, 2025

Editor

A Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, has remanded a 52 years old man, Chinagwo Paul Nweke, for allegedly cyberbullying a lawmaker, Mr Chinedu Ogah.

Ogah is a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, where he is representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State.

Nweke’s remand followed his arraignment on a three count charge by the police on Tuesday.

According to court records in the suit numbered MAB/616c/2025, the suspect is accused of committing an offence punishable under section 516 A (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 33 , Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.

The document reads: “That you Chinagwo Paul Nweke ‘m’, and others now at large sometime in (October at Abakaliki within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to Wit: 516 A (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 3Vol:, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.

“That you Chinagwo Paul Nweke ‘m’, and others now at large did transmit a live broadcast via Facebook account of Amarachi Nweke ‘f’, to place the said Comrade Chinedu Ogah in fear of Death, Violence and Bodily harm and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 24(2)(a) of Cyber Crimes (prohibition Prevention Act2015, as amended.

“That you Chinagwo Paul Nweke ‘m’ on the same date, place and in the aforementioned magisterial District did intentionally transmit a live broadcast via Facebook account of Amarachi Nweke ‘f’, which contained threat to harm the reputation of Comrade Chinedu Ogah whom you accused of a crime in the said broadcast and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 24 (2) (c) of Cyber Crimes (prohibition Prevention) ACt 2015, as amended.”

Sanwo-Olu presents N4.2tr 2026 budget to Lagos Assembly
When the matter came up for hearing, counsel to the defendant, Cyprian Udu, applied for bail for his client.

But police prosecutor, Eberechukwu Obi opposed the bail application.

In his ruling, Magistrate Sandra Onyibe declined jurisdiction on the matter.

She ordered that the case file be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, for further advise on the matter.

The matter was adjourned to 9th December, 2025, for further hearing

Speaking to reporters, counsel to the complainant, Uchenna Collins Egba, said his client is ready to pursue the matter to a logical conclusion.

“It is just a cause of justice. If an allegation is made against any defendant, just as it is made against Chinabuo Paul Nweke, the police have to do their own part of the job. Finally, they should arraign the defendant, just as they just did.

“The defendant is Chinagwo Paul Nweke, whereas the nominal complainant is Comrade Chinedu Ogah in this matter. Well, the position of the law is simple, that the court lacks jurisdiction. This is the Chief Magistrate Court of that matter. But the truth is that when it comes to cyber crime laws and this prohibition aspect, the Magistrate Court is not given the jurisdiction to entertain such matters.

“It is only the High Court or the Federal High Court, specifically. So the Magistrate Court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain this matter and that’s why they remanded the defendant. And he was equally informed of his right to appeal at the High Court for his bail because generally, bail is at the discretion of the court.

“But the truth is that there are offenses that are not triable by certain courts, and there are offenses that are triable by certain courts. In the instant case, the offense to which the defendant is charged cannot be tried by the Magistrate Court. That is what gave rise to the ruling that he be remanded.

“But yet, he should know that he still has that right to appeal for bail at the High Court. It is adjourned for what we call a report of compliance because the orders of the court is that all the inventory of the case file of this matter be transmitted, be transferred to the Honorable Attorney General’s Office for it to vet the file and know the next step to take.

“This matter is adjourned as it is in line with the laws for compliance in two weeks. Every two weeks, this matter will be coming up so that the Magistrate in charge of this matter will know if the Honorable Attorney General has done the needful by vetting the court case files.”

News

Insecurity: Nigerian Govt Launches Online Classes For Secondary School Students

Published

1 hour ago

November 25, 2025

Editor

The Federal Ministry of Education has introduced the Inspire Live(s) Online Real-Time Classes Initiative, a national digital learning scheme designed to broaden access to quality education for children across the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry described the project as an innovative step toward ensuring equal learning opportunities for all Nigerian pupils.

It noted that the initiative supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The ministry explained that the programme was developed to tackle persistent gaps in the education sector, such as limited availability of qualified teachers and frequent disruptions to academic activities.

Through real-time, interactive virtual lessons, the ministry stated that Inspire Live(s) “democratises access to quality education and ensures that no child is left behind regardless of location or circumstance”.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, confirmed that the initiative is already fully operational. He added that the deployment “is underway, with expansion set to cover all classes from Primary 1 to Senior Secondary 3.”

At present, the Inspire platform provides online lessons for students in JSS and SSS levels.

The ministry further noted that the classes take place “Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.” and are taught by “certified master teachers using Cisco Webex.”

The statement also highlighted the range of subjects available to Junior Secondary School students, including Mathematics, English Language, Basic Science, Basic Technology, ICT, Agricultural Science, Civic Education, French, Physical Education, Religious Studies, History, and Business Studies.

Senior Secondary School students can access lessons in Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Geography, Agricultural Science, Technical Drawing/Catering Craft, Civic Education, and Automobile Mechanics.

To ensure uniform adoption nationwide, the ministry revealed that detailed directives have been sent to state Commissioners for Education.

These instructions include the nomination of “a State Focal Officer to coordinate Inspire Live(s) activities,” and the distribution of “programme details to all public and private school principals.”

States were also mandated to “ensure designated schools are equipped with basic ICT facilities and internet connectivity,” as the success of the programme depends on a minimum level of digital readiness.

The ministry added that school principals are solely responsible for registering their institutions for participation, stating that registration “is strictly to be conducted by school principals via the Inspire support channels.”

It emphasised that the online classes are accessible to the entire education ecosystem, clarifying that the programme “is open to all public and private schools in the country to access.”

News

Sanwo-Olu Presents N4.2tr 2026 Budget To Lagos Assembly

Published

1 hour ago

November 25, 2025

Editor

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday laid before the Lagos State House of Assembly a N4.237 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as an ambitious, future-driven financial plan aimed at solidifying his administration’s legacy in its final full year.

Presenting the proposal, titled the “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” the governor said it reflects the collective optimism that Lagos will continue to expand opportunities, strengthen its leadership role, and reinforce its status as Africa’s foremost megacity.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the budget projects total revenue of N3,993,774,552,141, comprising N3.12 trillion in Internally Generated Revenue and N874 billion in expected Federal Transfers. The funding structure, he noted, leaves a deficit financing requirement of N243,332,457,167.

For the 2026 fiscal year, capital expenditure is set at N2,185,085,419,495, while recurrent expenditure stands at N2,052,021,589,812. He explained that the recurrent component covers overheads, personnel costs, and debt obligations.

A breakdown of recurrent spending shows total overhead costs of N1,084,245,843,091, including general overheads, subventions and dedicated expenditures, while personnel costs amount to N440,494,339,384. Recurrent debt charges are projected at ₦143,876,701,943, with debt repayments estimated at N383,404,705,394.

Sanwo-Olu also outlined the sectoral distribution of the 2026 budget. General Public Services will receive N847,472,071,966; Public Order and Safety, N147,040,088,897; and Economic Affairs, N1,372,307,808,626. The Environment Ministry is allocated N235,957,235,138, while Housing receives N123,760,310,429.

The Health sector is earmarked N338,449,258,945; Education gets N249,132,921,287; Social Protection, N70,024,171,038; and the Recreation and Culture sector will take N54,682,339,586.

The governor said the year 2026 carries special weight as the last full calendar year of his administration, describing it as a period crucial for consolidating achievements and ensuring a “strong, successful finish.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to completing all ongoing and newly initiated projects, adding that his administration will continue to prioritise citizen engagement to ensure government decisions reflect the needs of Lagosians.

According to him, Lagos is entering a new phase of “accelerated impact,” driven by sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital, social welfare and governance systems that are “intentional, inclusive and future-oriented.”

Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s core mission: “To keep Lagos secure, to keep Lagos working, to keep Lagos growing, and to make sure the prosperity we build is shared by everyone who calls this centre of excellence home.”

He commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for its consistent partnership, describing the lawmakers as steadfast allies in the state’s development journey. He also praised the civil service for its hard work in translating government vision into measurable progress.