Home Blog Page 178

El-Rufai: What A Good Turn Didn’t Deserve

February 27, 2026

By Azu Ishiekwene

My mother used to warn me that the words of my mouth could claim my head if I weren’t careful. She should have saved that warning for another man: Nasir El-Rufai, former minister and governor of Kaduna State. I’ve often joked that even if you beheaded El-Rufai and minced his skull, his tongue would still be wagging. Those who have been in his crosshairs might agree.

He once said even if President Muhammadu Buhari were hit on the head with a Blackberry phone, the former president might still not know the difference between the phone and a blackberry fruit.

His rhetoric against Vice President Atiku Abubakar was no less brutal. He accused the former vice president of playing “SIM-card politics,” describing Abubakar as a serial defector and a born-again saint who forgot his own past confessions.

If his mouth could kill him, the former governor would have been dead many times. His tongue almost trapped him during President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, but he managed to escape; yet, even in exile, he would not be silenced.

Talking up a storm

He may have talked himself into trouble again – this time, claiming publicly that he tapped the phone of his old friend and National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and that the former Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, may know something about the missing social commentator, Abubakar Idris, famously known as Dadiyata.

When Ribadu emerged as the Action Congress (a legacy party of the APC) presidential candidate in 2011, El-Rufai said Ribadu was a paperweight, but the two later patched things up. What triggered the recent spate of loose talk for which El-Rufai is now standing trial for a crime? It began at what was supposed to be his moment of reward for backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s election to office in 2023.

Against public expectation, the Senate declined to confirm El-Rufai as minister, a process many had assumed would be a mere formality. On the campaign trail in 2023 in Kaduna, the president, then a sure-footed candidate, had summoned El-Rufai on stage and extracted, on live television and captured on camera, a promise to join the incoming government. The nominee was a consummate bureaucrat with a reputation for getting things done.

The screening humiliation

Rather than the “take-a-bow-and-go” that many expected at the Senate, El-Rufai was publicly humiliated with a yet-to-be-declared security report, quashing a ministerial appointment he had not lobbied for and which the President had made an offer and practically compelled an acceptance.

That incident was the starting point of a political arm-wrestling match between El-Rufai and the Tinubu administration. The controversy has dragged on like a dead weight, and El-Rufai has obviously resolved to fight – foul or fair.

It’s a self-inflicted wound that the government has handled rather poorly. There are many things for which you could hang El-Rufai by the next pole – his brutal rhetoric, his presumptuousness, his arrogant pride, and, of course, his suppression of dissent and his calamitous mishandling of ethno-religious relations, especially between Christians and Muslims, when he was governor of Kaduna State.

A man like El-Rufai

Yet, in a country of rampantly incompetent public officers, El-Rufai is as competent a technocrat as they come. Warts and all, he towers above his peers in courage, clarity of vision, performance and delivery. And in the twilight of the Buhari government, when powerful cabals hijacked it, he took risks that only a few could dare.

APC hawks in the presidential villa frantically strategised to undermine an obviously fed-up Buhari, who confessed that he looked forward to the day he would have to quit the presidency.

They plotted to secure a consensus presidential candidate for the party in disregard of the unwritten code of power rotation between the North and the South, and their choice was far from Tinubu. With a streak of devilish genius, they hatched a plan to redesign the currency in 2023, primarily targeting Tinubu.

Couched as a measure to control campaign spending, the politics behind the currency redesign policy was thinly disguised. It turned out to be part of a grand scheme, a political vendetta, and a self-serving agenda by those who wanted to rig the political competition and eliminate the leading contender (read Tinubu) before the whistle blew.

Very unpopular for the acute financial distress it imposed on citizens and the killing blow it dealt to small businesses, the currency crisis became a needless government war against citizens. At the same time, the political class, who were supposed to be the targets, found convenient ways to short-circuit or bypass the scheme altogether.

Moment of crisis

It was El-Rufai who rallied other governors – in a queer alliance that included himself, Bello Matawalle of Zamfara and Yahaya Bello of Kogi State – all APC governors, against an APC central government. They went to the Supreme Court and obtained a landmark pronouncement that opened glimpses into the vistas and possibilities that true federalism in practice actually represents. But this is a matter for another day.

The Supreme Court declared the currency redesign policy unconstitutional for failing to consult bodies such as the National Council of States and the Federal Executive Council. It invalidated the CBN’s deadlines, nullifying the policy as an affront to the constitution and a breach of citizens’ rights amid economic hardships.

With the court ruling, El-Rufai and his obstinate brother governors were on solid ground. He defied the CBN and addressed his people in Kaduna State, making it an official policy in Kaduna – against the federal government’s position that the old currencies remained legal tender.

Loud mouth, lone voice

He was the loudest, almost lone voice against high-wired manipulations to take the presidency and the party hostage. His resilience and determination at every stage outsmarted those who had no reservations in trading national stability for personal interest.

If, as it has been said elsewhere, El-Rufai did this because he had a strategic long-term agenda, that is not a crime. There were many people around candidate Tinubu at the time who had their personal agenda and yet did terribly bad things to undermine his candidacy.

The shabby treatment he received at the Senate confirmation was bad enough; freezing him out in the cold after that public humiliation was unfair and unwise. He is fighting back, and even though he doesn’t mind sticking his tongue in a trap to get attention, he would wag it to exact an inconvenient political price from the government.

Distraction Tinubu doesn’t need

Tinubu doesn’t need the distraction. Not because he needs El-Rufai to help him win a second term, but because trashing the former governor, despite his valuable contributions to the party and the president’s electoral success, prioritises politics over competence and charity.

The stark choice facing the government is either to drop the charges against El-Rufai immediately or to let them drag on and fester, reopening old wounds. Whatever choice Tinubu makes, this avoidable situation has just given El-Rufai more oxygen, precisely what he wants, handed on a platter.

Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book, Writing for Media and Monetising It.

EFCC Rearraigns Malami, Wife, Son On Charges Of Money Laundering, Corrupt Enrichment

Suleiman Anyalewechi

February 27, 2026

Abubakar Malami in Court — Abubakar Malami

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For the third time in less three months, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Friday February 27, 2026, rearraigned former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, Wife, and son before an Abuja Federal High Court.

The anti-graft Commission arraigned the defendants before the Honourable Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik ,on an amended 16-count charge bordering on alleged diversion of public funds, money laundering and abuse of public office to the tune of over N8.7billion.

The arraignment before the new Judge followed the sudden withdrawal of the immediate past trial Judge, Honourable Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who, on February 12, 2026, recused himself from the case citing personal considerations as a major reason.

Before him, however, vacation Judge, Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite, had, on January, 7, 2026, granted Malami, his wife Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz bail to the tune of N500 million each , with two sureties in like sum.

At the resumed hearing on Friday , prosecution counsel Jibrin Okutepa SAN informed the court that the business of the day was for the rearraigment of the defendants ,the case file having been reassigned to a new Judge.

“The matter is coming before Your Lordship this morning for the very first time, and I will be applying for the plea of the defendants to be taken”, Okutepa stated .

The prosecution counsel also applied to effect a slight correction in the amount listed in counts 11 and 12 ,to read N325 million , instead of N325 billion, and N120 million, instead of N120 billion respectively.

The amendment application was subsequently granted, having not been opposed by the defence counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN .

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A new application for bail will,however, be filed and the defendants are to remain in jail until it is heard, and if granted, perfected.

2027 Polls: We Will Not Allow INEC To Choose Candidates For PDP – Bode George

Akinwale Kasali

February 27, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

As the 2027 General Election gathers momentum, Bode George, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stalwart and former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, has sternly warned the ruling Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, against engaging in electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He gave the warning on Friday during the inauguration of New PDP Executives in Lagos State. He alleged that the ruling party was pushing Nigerians to the brink by plotting to rig the 2027 polls.

George cautioned the Joash Amupitan-led INEC to exercise fairness and transparency, stressing that the Commission lacks constitutional authority to impose leaders on political parties.

“In PDP, INEC cannot choose our leaders for us. Opposition parties will resist this irresponsible behaviour from the electoral umpire,” he said.

He criticised the conduct of a recent election, describing it as shambolic and mismanaged.

He alleged that security agents disrupted voting at a polling unit in Abuja by firing tear gas and snatching ballot boxes.

“This is shameful and despicable,” he said.

The retired Navy Commodore assured members of a renewed PDP, stressing that anti-democratic elements within the APC would not be allowed to undermine the opposition.

“Our governors and lawmakers are being forced and threatened to defect, but we are not bothered because PDP is the only true national party in the country today. APC is just a coalition of strange bedfellows,” he said.

He contrasted PDP’s internal processes with those of the APC, arguing that the opposition party conducted its ward, council, state congresses, and national convention transparently.

George urged party members to remain steadfast despite ongoing challenges, describing them as temporary.

“Nigerians are waiting for us in 2027. Remain in the party and work for its progress. If APC thinks it can repeat the same in 2027, Nigerians will shock them,” he said.

Ondo Police Command Bans Night Activities At Worship Centres

Ayodele Oni

February 27, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command has ordered stoppage of night programmes in religious worship centres in view of surge in kidnappings in the state.

The order was as a result of abductions of some worshippers at a Celestial church in Owo local government during a night vigil.

The state commissioner of police, Adebowale Lawal, gave the advice on Friday in Akure, the state capital, while addressing the journalists on the recent surge in Banditry in the state.

The Uso Church victims were kidnapped on February 25 during a midnight service at the church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway in the Owo Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Lawal explained that all the victims were pregnant women and one physically challenged person.

One of the worshipers was rescued, and one informant was arrested by the police after the incident.

It was gathered that the kidnappers had demanded N100 million ransom before the victims could be released.

The commissioner said it would be easier for the police to monitor religious activities during the day than at night.

“On the issue of ransom, nobody has come forward to speak officially about ransom payments.

“And we have always advised religious leaders, if they want to do anything, they should carry us along so we can give expert advice on whether it is safe for their congregation.

“In the recent case, nobody informed us about any activity taking place there. I do not know when a church became a maternity home or hospital.

” If someone is pregnant, the best place should be a hospital or maternity home.

“However, we sent a signal to all area commanders advising religious leaders—Muslim, Christian, and traditional worshippers—to suspend night worship for now because of the security challenges,” he said

You Can’t Stop Sharia Practice, Islamic Council Slams US Lawmakers

Akinwale Kasali

February 27, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The call by the United States of America, USA, Lawmakers that Sharia practice should end in Nigeria has been widely condemned by the

Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, SCSN.

Rejecting the call, the SCSN described the proposal as misinformed and an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.

In a statement issued by SCSN’s Secretary General, Nafiu Ahmad, he said Sharia is a comprehensive way of life for Muslims and cannot be relinquished due to “external pressure, misinformation, or political intimidation.”

“No power or authority can arrogantly make Muslims relinquish its practice in response to external pressure, misinformation, or political intimidation,” the council said.

The statement emphasized that Sharia in Nigeria is protected by the constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and allows adherents to manage personal and family matters according to their faith.

The council also dismissed claims of a “Christian genocide” in the country, saying the assertion misrepresents Nigeria’s security challenges, which include terrorism, banditry, organized crime, and governance gaps.

“The government appears either indifferent or incapable of resolving the security problem which has claimed the lives of Muslims and Christians alike,” the statement added, noting that framing the violence as religious persecution is “inaccurate and unhelpful.”

SCSN concluded that Nigeria’s plural legal system and multi-religious society should be respected, and external interference in Sharia practice is both unwarranted and counterproductive.

Sharia operates alongside statutory and customary law in Nigeria, primarily in 12 northern states, where it was formally adopted as a main body of civil and criminal law in 1999. It provides a religious, moral, and legal framework for Muslim communities in the country.

Anambra Native Doctor, Akwa Okuko, Bags Two Years Jail, N 60 Million Fine

Suleiman Anyalewechi

February 27, 2026

Arraignment Of The 'Native Doctors in Anambra

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

One year after his arrest and arraignment, notorious Anambra state-born native doctor, Chigozie Nwangwu, popular as “Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aku” ( Okeite) on Friday February 27 2026 bagged a two-year jail sentence from an Anambra’ state High Court.

He was also slammed with a N60 million fine by the trial Judge, Honourable Justice Jude Obiora.

The Source reports that Nwangwu, was on February, 2025, apprehended by security operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Immigration Service NIS, while trying to escape through the Nigeria/Benin Republic Seme border over alleged involvement in aiding and abetting kidnapping activities, ritual practices, and other criminal activities.

His arrest was preceded by the destruction of his Oba shrine ,and palatial mansion , including choice vehicles by irate community youths who accused him of involvement in several case of kidnappings, murder for ritual practices and other criminal activities.

He was, subsequently arraigned alongside three of his accomplices including one Okocha ,a.k.a Onyeze Jesus.

His conviction and sentencing followed his guilty-plea to all the eight count charge preferred against him, and a plea bargain said to have been entered into with the Anambra State authorities

In his ruling, Justice Obiorah held that the two-year jail term derived from the manifest remorse shown by the accused in the course of his trial and in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Code, and the Anambra State Homeland Law.

Nwangwu, according to Justice Obiorah is to serve 11 months out of the total of two years, having already spent 13 months in custody while the trial lasted.

Similarly, the court waived the total fine of N60 million against the convict on the grounds that such money is not needed by the State Government.

“Under the law, anyone who claims to possess powers to heal or make one rich through certain magical means like Okeite is liable on conviction to two years imprisonment.

“Any person in the State who practices Okeite, or Ezenwanyi is liable to six years in prison”, Justice Obiorah held.

While sentencing the accused to two years each on counts three ,four, five six, seven and eight (sentence to run concurrently) , Justice Obiorah fined him cumulatively the sum of N60 million on counts one ,five and eight.

“The total sum fine sums up to N60 million ,but because of the remorse shown by the accused, the fined is now waived as such in such circumstances is not needed by the state.

“He has spent 13 months in detention already, same will be computed into his sentence. So he will now serve the remaining 11 months of his sentence at Awka Correctional Centre as against plea by his counsel for him to serve at Agunechemba facility. This is because the Agunechemba facility is not a correctional centre”, the court ruled.

Furthermore, Justice Obiorah ordered the immediate destruction of the defendants shrine located in Oba, in addition to a firm assurance from the convict not to further indulge in the practice of Okeite.

The convict according to the Judge shall, henceforth serve as a youth ambassador on reorientation, including the task of regularly making public statements cautioning youths against engagements in dubious acts for the purpose of getting rich,as well as other community services.

Judge Withdraws From El-Rufai’s Fundamental Human Rights Suit

Suleiman Anyalewechi

February 27, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The bid by detained former Governor of Kaduna to secure his freedom, suffered a big set back on Friday, February, 27, 2026, as the trial Judge in his fundamental human rights enforcement suit, Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo, announced his withdrawal.

Justice Ekwo who has since returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Honourable Justice John Tsoho for reassignment, cited his impending annual leave as a major reason for his action.

The Source reports that the embattled El-Rufai who has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, since February 18, over alleged diversion of public funds, and corrupt practices during his tenure as the Kaduna state Governor, between 2015 and 2023 had applied to the court for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

He asked the Court to declare his continued detention without trial by the ICPC as illegal, null and void.

According to the motion on notice filed by his counsel, El-Rufai prayed the court to declare the invasion and search conducted at his Abuja residence by the anti-graft Commission unlawful, unconstitutional, and amounting to a gross violation of his right to freedom, privacy and dignity.

Similarly, he is seeking an order of the court to restrain the ICPC, from using any of the items seized from his residence in prosecuting him, insisting that the warrant for the said search was not properly obtained.

El-Rufai who is a prominent figure in the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, prayed the court to award him the sum of N1 billion representing examplary and collateral damages resulting from his illegal detention, and unlawful invasion of his Abuja residence.

The matter had earlier been billed for between February 25 and 26 for hearing of the bail application filed by El-Rufai.

However , with the new development, hopes for El-Rufai’s freedom may have to wait until a new Judge is assigned the case .

This is as his planned arraignment by the Department of State Service, DSS, on a three-count charge bordering on alleged wire-tapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser, NSA, has been adjourned to April 23 ,2026 .

Gov Soludo’s Daughter Leads Tinubu Women Support Group

The Source

February 27, 2026

By Charles Igbo

If anybody was in doubt of the full support of Professor Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, his daughter, Adaora, has rubbished any such doubt.

Adaora has just bagged an appointment. She has been appointed the Women’s Leader of City Boys Movement, the brand new, wave-making President Tinubu’s political support Group.

Reports said that an unnamed Governor Soludo’s aide who confirmed the appointment said Adaora was appointed to lead the women’s wing of the movement.

According to reports, the Media Director of the

Anambra State City Boys Movement, confirmed Adaora’s appointment.

Recall that recently, the Anambra State leader of the political movement Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, popular as Obi Cubana led members of the executive to pay a coutesy call on Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the Government House, Awka.

In the spirit of the moment, Governor Soludo, whose Party the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, will not present any Presidential Candidate in the 2027 Election, donned the City Boys cap.

APC National Chairman, Yilwatda, Donates N100m To University

Ayodele Oni

February 27, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Akwa Ibom State University has been gifted with the sum of N100 million by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatda.

The money is specifically to support cutting-edge research with direct societal and economic impact.

In addition to the financial donation, Prof Yilwatda proposed to increase the research grant if the initial ₦100 million is transparently and effectively utilised, while pledging to personally supervise and monitor the implementation of the research projects, ensuring accountability, excellence, and measurable outcomes.

The Special Adviser to the National Chairman, (Media and Communications Strategy), Abimbola Tooki, stated that Yilwatda made the donation in line with his strong advocacy for repositioning Nigerian universities as engines of innovation, national development, and global competitiveness.

He revealed that the grant is dedicated to strengthening research output that addresses pressing national challenges and translates knowledge into practical solutions.

According to him, research is the soul of a world-class university, but research without impact remains ineffective unless it illuminates society, informs policy, and fuels innovation.

He noted that Nigeria’s investment in research remains below 0.5 per cent of GDP far beneath the OECD benchmark of 2 per cent describing this gap not as a limitation, but as a clear opportunity for visionary intervention.

Yilwatda explained that the research fund is expected to prioritise high-impact areas critical to Nigeria’s present and future, including flood modelling in coastal regions, climate adaptation strategies in the Niger Delta, optimisation of offshore oil production, sustainable fisheries management, and renewable energy integration.

He emphasised that emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence-driven modelling, big data analytics, and global digital research platforms, must be deployed to move research from abstract theory to tangible societal impact, particularly in resource-rich and environmentally sensitive regions like Akwa Ibom State.

Drawing lessons from global best practices, the APC Chairman referenced leading institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, where interdisciplinary research and strong industry linkages have driven regional development and global innovation ecosystems.

He stressed that Akwa Ibom State University has the potential to replicate such success by aligning research with local strengths while maintaining a global outlook.

He also highlighted the importance of international collaboration and digital connectivity, noting that modern universities must operate locally while competing globally.

Through virtual research clusters, co-supervised doctoral programmes, and online visiting scholars, Akwa Ibom State University, he said, can position Uyo as a visible node in the global knowledge network.

Yilwatda reaffirmed that strengthening research must go hand in hand with improving the quality of teaching and learning.

He advocated the adoption of blended learning models, AI-driven adaptive systems, virtual laboratories, and immersive simulations, particularly in marine biology, offshore engineering, and energy analytics, to prepare students for a technology-driven global economy.

Describing the donation as both a commitment and a challenge, he urged the university community to see research funding not as an entitlement, but as a responsibility to deliver solutions that uplift society, strengthen industry, and advance national development.

“This intervention is about building capacity, credibility, and confidence in Nigerian research. When research is impactful, universities become catalysts of development, and nations become globally competitive,” he said.

Urgent Call To Save Nigeria’s Democracy

The Source

February 27, 2026

Joint Press Conference of opposition parties

■BEING THE FULL TEXT OF A WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE BY LEADERS OF THE MAIN OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES IN NIGERIA IN RESPONSE TO THE AMENDED ELECTORAL ACT AND RELATED MATTERS; HELD AT THE TRANSCORP HOTEL, ABUJA ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2027■

We gather here as leaders of Nigeria’s major opposition political parties with a shared aspiration to save our democracy and indeed our nation from impending failure and collapse.

We have met and decided to collectively articulate our position against the offensive and anti-democratic Electoral Act, 2026 recently passed by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led National Assembly and hurriedly assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as other related matters that equally portends danger to our democracy.

We all saw as Nigerians across various divides expressed their discontent with the anti-democratic provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026 at the various public hearings and protests at the National Assembly grounds. But we also saw how the peaceful citizens were met with violent repression and disdain by a government that has effectively become deaf, desperate and dictatorial.

We consider several provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 signed into law with such contemptuous haste by President Tinubu as a major offensive by the APC administration to subvert the will of the people in the 2027 general elections. This joint briefing and other collaborative efforts that would follow are therefore designed by the opposition parties to save our democracy, and more importantly, to save our country from political crisis that may follow if the will of the people are subverted yet again.

We therefore state unequivocally that the new Electoral Act is anti-democratic, and its implementation will undermine electoral transparency and sanctity of the ballot which are fundamental to free, fair and credible elections and the bedrock of participatory democracy.

This obnoxious Electoral Act, 2026 is without doubt enacted to undermine democracy in Nigeria and it is part of the on-going design by the Tinubu-led APC to disorganize and weaken opposition, corrupt the electoral system, compromise democratic institutions and foist a totalitarian one-party rule on Nigeria. Therefore, we, as patriotic leaders, standing shoulder to shoulder with Nigerians, reject the new Electoral Act for the following reasons.

THE NEW ACT: DISCRETION WITHOUT ACCOUNTABILITY IS CORRUPTION

The introduction of the proviso in Section 60(3), which allows wide and undefined discretionary powers to the presiding officer, overrides and negates the purpose of introducing electronic transmission of election results from polling units. This negation is unambiguously intended to provide a blank check to those who seek to manipulate election results by delaying the electronic transmission of results from the polling units to the IREV on the pretext of network failure.

The premise of the proviso in Section 60(3) is the unavailability or possibility of network failure. We find this premise dubious and inconsistent with reality. The immediate past INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, stated on record that the BVAS equipment, which operates offline, had worked with over 90% success rate across the nation, and in the event of network failure at the point of transmission, the transmitted results would be delivered successfully whenever network is available. This position has been further confirmed most recently by the former INEC Commissioner, Festus Okoye, as widely reported, that every polling unit in Nigeria has internet access. Indeed, these statements by those who have been in a position to know provide counterfactual to the lies that are being fed to the Nigerian people by a government that has lost respect for reason and reality.

The testimonies of these two principal officers of INEC have also been strongly supported by publicly available data. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission, as at 2023 Nigeria had achieved more than 95% 2G coverage, which is more than sufficient for transmission of election results from polling units. And by that same period, Nigeria already had more than 159 million internet subscribers, and more than 220 million telephone subscribers using 2G network. It is also noteworthy that Thise capacity for 24 hour coverage of the entire country. goes to show that denying mandatory real-time transmission of election results from the polling units on the basis of lack of communication network is not supported by evidence. Fortunately, millions of our people who transact business daily with various financial platforms even from the remotest parts of the country know that the no-network argument is fraudulent and is merely part of the APC game-plan to rig the election in 2027.

Indeed, we find it quite ironic, that the same APC that strongly agitated for electronic voting only a few years ago is now opposed to the use of technology for mere transmission of results. The game at hand is very clear.

PRIMARIES: HIJACKING THE INDEPENDENCE OF POLITICAL PARTIES

Furthermore, the amendment to Section 84 of the Act, limiting political parties to direct primaries and consensus for the purpose of selection of candidates is clearly an overreach on the constitutionally guaranteed autonomy of political parties in the exercise of their internal affairs. The National Assembly cannot hide under the provision of Section 228(b) of the Constitution to restrict political parties to only two methods of nomination. There is nothing undemocratic about indirect primaries, which create an electoral college for the selection of candidates in an objective, transparent and orderly manner.

As a matter of fact, recent experience has shown that indirect primaries have been the most democratic of the trio provided in all the past Electoral Acts. We recall many situations where during direct primaries, the winning candidates were allocated votes that eventually exceeded the total number of votes cast in the subsequent general elections, clearly showing the unreliability of direct primaries. We have also witnessed situations of forced consensus, like the recent case of Osun APC Governorship primaries.

Our position therefore is that as political parties we do not need legislation that prescribes what mode of party primaries political parties must adopt. In other words, the mode of nominating candidates should be strictly the internal affairs of political parties. There can only be one reason for this particular amendment: to create chaos and disorder in the ranks of opposition political parties in the hope that they would not be able to present a candidate and President Tinubu would be the only serious candidate in the 2027 Presidential election. What they are working towards is the coronation of Tinubu in 2027. Therefore, we find this amendment in bad faith and we reject it outrightly. In the coming days, we shall explore every constitutional means to cure this indirect hijack of the independence of political parties.

ANTI-PEOPLE AND ANTI-DEMOCRATIC

Since the commencement of the process of Electoral Act Amendment more than two years ago, Nigerians made their desires abundantly clear during the public hearings and stakeholder sessions held to obtain and onboard the peoples’ desires and perspectives. The reports submitted to both chambers of the National Assembly therefore carried well-thought-out and well-considered clause-by-clause recommendations from stakeholders and citizens across the country. But the will of the people were eventually subverted and their views rubbished.

We commend the opposition lawmakers, who despite intimidation and harassment stood firmly against anti-democratic forces in both chambers and in defence of democracy. In the same token, we condemn the transactional conduct of those lawmakers who initially supported the progressive provisions of the legislation only to capitulate when it matters most.

Let us sound this note of warning: the people are watching and taking note. At the appropriate time, the people would remember those who stood in defence of their democratic aspirations and those who sold the will of the people for a mess of pottage.

FCT ELECTION AS TEST-RUN OF 2027 APC RIGGING PLAN

Many had been surprised by the desperate haste with which President Tinubu signed this anti-democratic law without even bothering to study it. Nigerians have also wondered at this uncharacteristic speed from the President on this electoral law, while he continues to prevaricate, waiver and dawdle over other serious legislations, policies and actions that could actually improve the lives of citizens. But then, the FCT Local Government elections came and it all became clear.

Perhaps, the most important lesson that the opposition learnt from the FCT election is that President Tinubu and his APC do not care about free and fair election. In fact, it is quite clear that the very fear of free and fair election is what had led them to mutilate the electoral law and insert loopholes that they could exploit for rigging and manipulation, especially at the collation stage. We saw it clearly in the FCT election where votes claimed by the APC outstrips the total number of accredited voters by several folds. We in the opposition therefore condemn that election as disgustingly fraudulent. But more importantly, it provides practical evidence of what the APC intend to achieve with Section (60) 3 of the new Act.

The opposition therefore considers the blatant rigging of the FCT election as a wake-up call. We have learnt important lessons from this experience. We have given the new INEC Chairman the benefits of the doubts. The FCT election was his litmus test and from what we have seen, he has failed to convince us that anything would change under his watch, therefore telling us that we can only trust in our capacity and determination to protect our votes.

VOTER APATHY AS VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE

Perhaps, the most important highlight of the FCT election is the historic low voter turnout, ranging from 15% in the Area Councils and 7.2% in the AMAC. This is consistent with recent turnout figures in recent off-cycle elections. As political parties and members of the political class, this disturbing trend signifies gradual erosion of the people’s confidence in the integrity of the electoral system. Nigerians are telling themselves that their votes no longer count. The issue of voter apathy speaks directly to the question of legitimacy and credibility. While our elections are determined by simple majority, to what extent can a government whose mandate derives from a tiny fraction of the electorates, claim to truly reflect the choice of the people? We believe that the only solution to voter apathy is to convince the people once again that their votes will not be stolen and elections would not be manipulated. But more importantly, for the government to truly commit to improving the lives of citizens so people can believe that democracy comes with real benefits.

EDO ATTACK AND GROWING VIOLENCE AGAINT OPPOSITION

The recent assault on leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State highlights the growing acts of political violence and intolerance in our country in recent times. We condemn in the most unequivocal and strongest terms the incidence in Edo on Wednesday February 24, as well as other similar attacks in other parts of the country.

Democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not on thuggery, and unprovoked criminal unleashing of raw violence on the opposition. We have seen this in Lagos State. Only last Saturday, one of the ADC party agents was brutally killed during the FCT Election. This culture of intolerance, thuggery, and violence against opposition party leaders therefore poses a potent danger to democracy and national stability. This is dangerous and completely unacceptable.

It is quite ironic indeed that the APC, a political party that rode to power under an atmosphere of political liberty and tolerance has now committed itself to re-establishing the dangerous culture of violence and thuggery that we thought our politics have outgrown as a democracy. We reiterate that no political grievance can justify the use of violence, the shedding of blood and the killing of citizens. We, and all compatriots, as well as those who cherish the institutionalization of democracy in Nigeria will therefore never accept a return to the days of politics based on violence. We will not be cowed. We will not be intimidated.

THE CREEPING WEAPONISATION OF JUDICIARY

The final arbiter in any democracy is the judiciary. It is therefore impossible to have real democracy without an independent and impartial judiciary. Unfortunately, we have witnessed in recent years how the very institution that is meant to protect democracy has been weaponized against democracy itself. We therefore wish to remind the judiciary that partisan politics is for the executive and the legislature, not the judiciary. The judiciary must stop being complicit in undermining our democracy. What we have witnessed in recent times represent strong evidence that our judiciary is in dire need of reform and the temple of justice is in need of deep cleansing. A situation where elections are blatantly rigged and those who participated such criminality are quick to say “if you are not happy, go to court” has done immeasurable damage to our democratic progress and it must be stopped. Electoral outcomes must be decided by the people, and not the courts. The judiciary must therefore re-discover its capacity for impartiality and neutrality and regain the intrinsic trust of citizens in its judgments.

CONCLUSION

As true believers in the tenets of electoral democracy and leaders of the main opposition parties in Nigeria, we alert that our country is being pushed to the precipice by the very institutions that are vested with the constitutional powers to uphold and defend our democracy. Already we are confronted with a citizenry that is increasingly cynical of our democracy and what it promises. The trust deficit widens exponentially on a daily basis. Citizen disengagement, voter apathy, the erosion of rule of law, and the desecration of our institutions have become emblematic of our democracy. Majority of our people are losing faith in democracy. This is a very dangerous trend that we can only arrest by truly handing power back to the people.

The National Assembly failed in its duty to act in the interest of the country and citizens. This 10th assembly acted solely in their narrow and selfish interests. The National Assembly rejected the opportunity to deepen and strengthen our democratic process when it was presented to them by the people. They rejected the chance to act as true patriots when history beckoned; they chose to tear down rather than build a truly democratic society. History will remember them for this.

It is obvious that the objective of the APC government and their accomplices in the legislature is to provide the legal pretext for the corruption of the electoral system. They harbour neither plans nor intentions to conduct free and fair elections in 2027, because even in their arrogance and self-delusion, they are acutely aware of their growing unpopularity across the length and breadth of Nigeria even with the recent gale of coerced and procured defections to their party.

We demand that the National Assembly immediately commence a fresh amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, to remove all obnoxious provisions and ensure that the Act reflects only the will and aspiration of Nigerians for free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process in our country. Nothing short of this will be acceptable to Nigerians.

We hereby wish to assure Nigerians that the opposition stand in unity and shall meet the ongoing shenanigans with equal resolve. We urge the people not to be deterred or be discouraged. We are committed to defending our democracy and we are prepared to defend your votes and ensure that every vote counts. We hear you loud and clear. We know your desire for a government that cares for you, a government that listens to you, and a government that protects you. We will not let you down.

We call on all lovers of democracy to join us in this journey to save the world’s largest black democracy from this growing civilian dictatorship of President Bola Tinubu. We call on the civil society groups to join us in the task of saving our democracy and our beloved nation. This is the time to stand up and be counted.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

SIGNATORIES:
Names and signatures of the National Chairmen of the parties involved:

1...177178179...2,953 Page 178 of 2,953