NIGERIA NEWS
Your comment on Tinubu, military rule reckless – Lagos APC replies Kenneth Okonkwo
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has described remarks attributed to a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo, suggesting that President Bola Tinubu can now “rule Nigeria with the military” following a Supreme Court verdict relating to the emergency rule in Rivers State, as “reckless and misleading”.
The party said such remarks by Okonkwo were not only false but also “intellectually dishonest”, stressing that Supreme Court verdicts are not military decrees.
Mogaji Seye Oladejo, spokesman of the state arm of the party, said the Supreme Court did not suspend democracy in Rivers State but merely interpreted the law as empowered by the Nigerian Constitution.
In a statement he signed, Oladejo said that in a constitutional democracy, court decisions may disappoint political actors, but they are binding on all.
According to Oladejo: “A Supreme Court judgment is the highest expression of constitutional authority in a democracy. It is neither a military fiat nor an executive directive. To deliberately conflate a judicial verdict with military rule is to either misunderstand the basic workings of democracy or to willfully mislead the public for partisan ends.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, contrary to the alarmist narrative being peddled, has neither sought nor exercised extra-constitutional powers. His democratic credentials are well established. He was a frontline opponent of military dictatorship, a victim of repression, and a contributor to the restoration of civil rule in Nigeria. The suggestion that such a leader would now govern by military proxy is as absurd as it is insulting.
“What is evident from Mr. Okonkwo’s commentary is a familiar opposition reflex: when the courts do not validate their political expectations, they attempt to delegitimise the judiciary and sow fear among the populace. This pattern of crying dictatorship at every unfavourable verdict is irresponsible and dangerous.
“More troubling, however, is the fact that this brand of anti-democratic rhetoric and the sheer promotion of anarchy now appear to be the default response of the opposition to constitutional setbacks. This constitutes the single greatest danger to our nascent democracy. When political actors deliberately undermine confidence in the courts and demonise lawful authority, they weaken the very foundations of the republic they claim to defend.”
Oladejo noted that Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy governed by laws, institutions and the separation of powers.
He said: “The military is under civilian control as prescribed by the Constitution, and there has been no action, directive or policy under President Tinubu that suggests otherwise.”
The Lagos APC called on all well-meaning Nigerians, democrats and patriots to condemn what it described as a new low from the opposition in its entirety.
“Supreme Court verdicts are instruments of justice, not instruments of tyranny. They strengthen democracy; they do not destroy it,” he added.
NIGERIA NEWS
“I was misled” – Tinubu cancels controversial ADC’s Brigadier General promotion after heavy backlash
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reversed the controversial promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier General, following strong objections within the Nigerian Army over procedure and morale.
The decision came after days of internal discontent and high-level consultations involving military authorities and the Presidency.
Army Officers Kick Against Special Promotion
The promotion had sparked anger among officers, especially those who have completed required military courses and spent the stipulated years in rank.
A senior military source said the move created tension within the ranks, as many officers viewed it as a breach of established promotion standards.
Presidency Steps In After Consultations
According to sources, the reversal followed consultations “at the highest levels of the military and the presidency regarding morale and promotion procedures.”
President Tinubu reportedly acted after being briefed on the wider implications of the promotion on discipline and hierarchy within the armed forces.
Relief Sweeps Through Armed Forces
Sources described widespread relief after the decision was announced, with officers welcoming the reversal.
A military source said:
“The decision to promote Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Brigadier General was rescinded yesterday (Monday). The Commander-in-Chief was misled but thank God he did the needful. The armed forces are celebrating Tinubu right now.”
The Presidency also confirmed that the President acted appropriately as Commander-in-Chief.
Decoration Ceremony Cancelled at Last Minute
Before the reversal, preparations for the promotion ceremony had already been concluded.
The ADC had reportedly invited family members and other guests for the decoration.
A source explained:
“The Aide-de-Camp (ADC) had already arranged for his decoration yesterday and his family members were even prepared for the event. Messages were even sent notifying everybody for the investiture to Brigadier General (Brig Gen). Tinubu had to listen to the voice of General Alani Akinrinade (retired), former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) who also intervened.”
COAS Summoned Over Morale Concerns
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who was attending a conference in Lagos, was summoned to Abuja to brief the President.
According to the source:
“The COAS, who was in Lagos for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) conference, was summoned to Abuja by Mr President yesterday. He had an audience with the Commander-in-Chief on the heavily demoralised soldiers over the unwarranted promotion of the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Brigadier General (Brig Gen) and other issues.”
The source further claimed:
“Mr President realized he was misadvised by Nuhu Ribadu and quickly disapproved of it.”
Security Team Under Review
Beyond the promotion issue, the Presidency is reportedly reviewing the structure and ranks within the President’s security detail.
A source said:
“Meanwhile, Mr President needs to remove the Chief Detail (CD), Mr Adegboyega Fasasi and Mr Usman Shugaba, the Chief Personal Security Officer (CSPSO), they have outranked these positions.”
Concerns were also raised about their current roles and ranks.
Questions Over DSS and Police Appointments
Further allegations questioned the suitability of some security appointments.
A source claimed:
“Fasasi, the Chief Detail (CD) to the President, is a Department of State Services (DSS) officer and a Director of Intelligence Services (DIS) in rank, which is very wrong. The new Director-General (DG) of DSS withdrew him to correct the anomaly, but Mr Fasasi used his connections to refuse the transfer.”
On the Chief Personal Security Officer, the source added:
“The Chief Personal Security Officer (CSPSO) to the President is supposed to be an officer on the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) at most, an unnecessary position that was formed for Jonathan’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) as Vice President after losing his position of Aide-de-Camp (ADC) on Jonathan’s ascension to the presidency.”
The source further alleged:
“The current occupier, Mr Usman Shugaba, is also a notorious lobbyist, who shot himself up to the position of Commissioner of Police (CP). His mates are still on Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).”
Questions Over Promotion Standards Persist
Earlier reports had already flagged concerns over the special promotion, with officers questioning qualifications, precedent, and adherence to established military promotion procedures.
Wale Igbintade
The Association of Nigerian Students for Accountability and Good Governance (ANSAGG) has faulted the public outcry by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, over his ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing it as an attempt to whip up public sympathy to evade lawful scrutiny.
In a statement issued yesterday, the association said Malami’s reaction was unbecoming of a former chief law officer of the federation and SAN, urging him to respect due process and allow the courts to determine the allegations against him.
The statement was jointly signed by ANSAGG President, Adaisong Gabriel, and General Secretary, Abu Abdullahi.
ANSAGG described Malami’s posture as ironic, recalling that while in office he consistently maintained that investigation and prosecution do not amount to guilt and that only the courts can determine innocence or otherwise.
“As Attorney-General, Malami repeatedly defended investigations and prosecutions, insisting they do not translate to conviction. It is therefore disturbing that he now cries foul simply because the searchlight is on him,” the group said.
The students’ body stressed that Malami was neither the first nor the only former minister to be investigated by the EFCC, noting that several former public office holders have undergone similar probes without alleging persecution.
Rejecting claims of political witch-hunt, ANSAGG said the investigation had nothing to do with Malami’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), pointing out that many politicians who have also defected from the APC are not under any EFCC investigation.
“Defection does not trigger EFCC action. Several defectors are not being investigated, while some individuals who remain within the APC have also faced probes. Party affiliation offers no shield against accountability,” the association stated.
The group reminded Malami of his own public position as AGF that anyone with nothing to hide had no reason to fear investigation by law enforcement agencies.
“If he has nothing to hide, he should submit himself fully to investigation and allow the courts to do justice,” it said.
ANSAGG dismissed Malami’s call for the recusal of the EFCC Chairman over alleged bias arising from the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, describing the claim as speculative and self-serving.
According to the association, the EFCC Chairman’s past role as Secretary to a lawful judicial commission does not, without more, establish bias or invalidate the Commission’s statutory powers.
“To suggest that such involvement permanently disqualifies an official from performing statutory duties stretches the doctrine of bias to an absurd level,” it argued.
The group also rejected Malami’s claim that he had been “prejudged,” describing it as premature in the absence of any adverse judicial pronouncement.
On allegations of illegal detention, media harassment and procedural abuse, ANSAGG said such claims are best addressed before a court of competent jurisdiction rather than through media statements.
“The courts remain open. If his fundamental rights have been breached, the Constitution provides clear remedies. Resorting to media trials while demanding arraignment is contradictory,” it said.
ANSAGG further dismissed Malami’s criticism of the EFCC’s alleged reliance on witnesses convicted abroad, stressing that issues of credibility and admissibility are matters for the courts.“Nigeria’s criminal justice system is robust enough to determine the weight to attach to any witness. Malami knows this better than most,” the group added.
The association warned against attempts to delegitimise anti-corruption institutions simply because an individual is under investigation, saying such conduct undermines public confidence in accountability mechanisms.
“It is wrong to cry foul now that it is his turn. As a former Attorney-General, Malami should lead by example, cooperate with investigators, respect due process and allow the judiciary to pronounce on his innocence or otherwise,” it said.
ANSAGG urged the EFCC to continue its work without fear or favour, insisting that no individual, regardless of status or former office, is above the law.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has denied allegations of targeting opposition politicians, insisting that its operations are guided strictly by its Establishment Act.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the commission said its mandate is to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes without regard to political affiliation, noting that only political office holders enjoying constitutional immunity are exempt from prosecution.
The EFCC said records of arrests and prosecutions over the past two years show that suspects from both the ruling party and opposition parties, including former governors and ministers, have been investigated and prosecuted.
It stressed that corruption has no political, ethnic, religious or gender identity, warning that claims of selective prosecution cannot serve as a defence against investigation.
The Commission cautioned against attempts to intimidate or blackmail it into abandoning investigations under the guise of protecting democracy, describing such actions as a greater threat to democratic governance.
“The Commission will not succumb to blackmail or be railroaded into inconclusive investigations just to appear non-selective,” it said.
The EFCC called on Nigerians to support its mandate, describing the fight against corruption as a collective national responsibility.
By Kingsley Omonobi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said on Wednesday it has secured an order of a Federal High Court in Lagos to detain a ship, its captain and 20 other crew members following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine in the hatch of the commodity vessel from Brazil at the Apapa seaport in Lagos.
Spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, said, “Operatives of the NDLEA acting on credible intelligence had on 6th December 2025 discovered the cocaine consignment aboard the merchant vessel MV San Anthonio from Brazil.
“After the full discharge of cargo from the ship, a total of 21 crew members of diverse nationalities including Russia, Philippines, Ukraine and Azerbaijan were taken into NDLEA custody along with the drug exhibits.”
This is coming on the heels of a similar interception by NDLEA officers of another commodity-laden vessel, MV Nord Bosporus, from the port of Santos in Brazil, with no less than 20 kilograms of the Class A drug buried under its cargo on 16th November at the Apapa seaport, Lagos.
Suspects taken into custody along with the latest seized cocaine consignment include the master of the vessel, Trofymov Oleksandr; and other crew members namely: Stoychev Sergiy; Bobrov Maksim; Stupnytsky Sergiy; Bitinev Aleksei; Novruzov Teymur; Sosnov Oleg; Bondar Ihor; Klymenko Oleh; Cala Michael De Jesus; Jamir and Julfikhar Jacusalem.
Others are Blanco Crus Veloso; Fajardo Ronnel Luntaao; Gumela Lolito Jr. Serojano; Toston Romulo Jr. Oling; Smirnov Viacheslav; Gorre Mar Kemmeth Tabudlong; Cruz John Vhoie Glavez; Sablan Jamille Alorro; Abesia Kelvin Belarmino; and Ubay Kenneth Biaoco.
In line with international legal protocols, the NDLEA filed an ex parte application in suit FHC/L/MISC/1408/2025 before Justice Frida Nkemakonam Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on Friday, December 12, for the detention of the ship and its 21 crew members pending the filing of charges against them.
Ruling on the application, the judge said, “An order of court is hereby made extending the detention of the Vessel MV San Antonio being investigated by the Applicant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for fourteen days (14) in the first instance following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine aboard the said Vessel on 6th December, 2025 at Apapa seaport, Lagos, pending the conclusion of investigation and or filing of criminal charge and prosecution.”
The court thereafter adjourned the matter to 29th December 2025.
In his reaction to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said the latest seizure reinforces his earlier warning to international drug cartels and their local collaborators that they will never get a foothold in Nigeria.
While commending the officers of the Apapa Strategic Command of the agency for the back-to-back successful operations, he said, “This is no doubt a testament to NDLEA’s heightened capacity and unwavering resolve to frustrate the drug syndicates targeting the West African sub-region especially Nigeria.”
He said the agency will continue to collaborate with local and international partners to ensure zero tolerance for substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
The post NDLEA secures order to detain vessel, 21 persons over cocaine shipment from Brazil appeared first on Vanguard News.
A businesswoman, Mrs Mabel Alabijah Hussaini, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court, Lagos, against the Inspector-General of Police over alleged unlawful arrest, detention, and harassment related to a civil and matrimonial dispute. Others joined in the suit are senior police officers, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), her estranged husband, and a real estate firm.
In the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1468/2025, Hussaini is asking the court to declare that the actions of the respondents violated her rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, private and family life, and freedom of movement as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
According to court documents, Hussaini married her husband in 2016 under native law and custom, and the marriage produced a daughter, now eight years old.
She told the court that in November 2024, her husband gave her $60,000 to invest in real estate and to set up a trust fund for their daughter. The claimant said she used the money as agreed by purchasing a property at E18, Citadel Estate, Ogombo Road, Lekki, Lagos, in the child’s name and opening a trust fund for her benefit.
The claimant stated that the relationship later deteriorated after she discovered that her husband had contracted other marriages in Nigeria and Britain. She said he subsequently relocated to the UK and later demanded a refund of the money, despite knowing it had already been invested for their child. She said her life was threatened when she explained that the funds were no longer available.
She added that her husband reported her to the police over allegations of theft. While officers at Elemoro Police Station, Ibeju-Lekki, initially granted her bail after hearing her explanation, she said the situation escalated on 7 January 2025, when officers from the Force CID Annex, Alagbon, arrested her and her eight-year-old daughter at gunpoint and took them to Alagbon.
According to the claimant, she was verbally abused, humiliated, and detained for several hours without being allowed to fully state her case, all in the presence of her minor daughter. She said the officers demanded N2 million for her release but eventually compelled her to pay N500,000 through a POS operator.
She told the court that her lawyers petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, who directed that the matter be handled by the Zone 2 Police Command and treated as a civil dispute. Despite this directive, she said the officers proceeded to file criminal charges against her, which were later withdrawn after senior police authorities described the dispute as civil and matrimonial in nature.
She said the police officers continued to interfere with the property transaction by instructing the estate developer not to release documents relating to the Lekki property purchased for her daughter. She added that the actions of the respondents caused her and her child severe emotional and psychological trauma.
In her application, Hussaini is seeking an order restraining the respondents from further arresting, detaining, or harassing her over the dispute; a refund of the N500,000 paid; and an order preventing any attempt to sell, investigate, or interfere with the property purchased in her daughter’s name. She also asked the court to award N50 million in damages against the police officers and her estranged husband.
She further seeks a declaration that the police lack constitutional authority to intervene in matrimonial disputes or to engage in debt recovery arising from civil transactions.
A United States-based education-focused Non-Governmental Organisation, Values for Affordable Education (VOA) Charity, has awarded a Correspondent of Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, Mr Segun Kasali, Outstanding Journalist of the Year.
This was made known at the Organisation’s 3rd Anniversary Annual Fundraising Gala held at Civic Centre, Lagos on the 14th of December, 2025.
The Founder, Dr Olabisi Adekoya, described the award as a recognition of the Journalist’s outstanding contributions to the promotion of the values of education and dedication to the success of the policies of the Charity.
Segun Kasali has authored many articles, covering everything from politics and entertainment to health and social issues.
Awards and Recognition: He recently bagged the Ambassador of the Year award from the UK-based IA-Foundation, a non-profit focused on transforming lives through education in Nigeria and Africa. This highlights his passion for tackling issues like out-of-school children.
Storyteller Extraordinaire: Segun digs into impactful topics, calling governments to action through his reporting.
Influential Voice: He’s invited to significant events, like the London Mayor’s inauguration, showing his influence in Nigerian and international circles.
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Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has flagged off the disbursement of ₦60 million to 600 youths trained in various skills under the State’s Skills Acquisition Program.
The beneficiaries, trained by SOSMEDAN and the Department of Community Development, received ₦100,000 each and working tools to support their entrepreneurial pursuits.
The governor said the training programs aimed to empower youths to become self-reliant and contribute to the state’s economic development.
He noted that his administration had trained over 3,750 young men and women in various skills.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Development, Alhaji Garba Maitumbi Kebbi, commended the governor for his support to the youth empowerment program.
The Secretary of SOSMEDAN, Hajiya Binta Usman, expressed gratitude to the governor for his vision and leadership.
The District Head of Wurno, Alhaji Kabiru Chigari Alhassan, representing the Sultan of Sokoto, commended the governor for his initiative, which he said aligned with Islamic teachings and the values of the Sokoto Caliphate.
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The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies valued at more than N2.28 billion at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.
The seizure was announced on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, by the Customs Area Controller of the MMIA Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, during a media briefing.
He disclosed that the intercepted funds comprised €651,505 and $800,575.
According to Nwokorie, the interception highlights the Service’s firm resolve to curb financial crimes, block illicit financial flows, and protect Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
He congratulated Nigeria on its recent exit from the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, Grey List, attributing the milestone to effective leadership and robust inter-agency cooperation.
He specifically praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for driving reforms and strengthening collaboration with sister agencies.
The Comptroller also commended officers of the Command’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism Unit for their professionalism and alertness, noting that their diligence led to the successful interception.
Nwokorie explained that the incident occurred at about 2:45 pm on Saturday, December 23, 2025, at Departure Terminal 2 of the airport.
An Austrian national, identified as Mr Kavlak Onal, was preparing to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai when he allegedly failed to declare the foreign currencies in his possession, despite being questioned by Customs officers.
A detailed search of his luggage subsequently uncovered the undeclared cash.
He noted that the action violated regulations mandating travellers entering or leaving Nigeria to declare foreign currencies or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent.
The Comptroller added that the interception was in line with the legal mandate of the NCS to enforce anti-money laundering laws and prevent illicit financial movements across the nation’s borders.
Advising travellers and businesspersons, Nwokorie stressed the importance of full and accurate disclosure to avoid legal consequences, including prosecution and forfeiture.
“Possessing foreign currency above the approved $10,000 threshold is not an offence. However, failure to declare, false declaration or under-declaration is punishable under the law,” he stated.
The suspect, alongside his international passport and the seized currencies, was formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
Receiving the items on behalf of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the Commission Richard Adejumo, confirmed that the case had been taken over and assured the public of a comprehensive investigation.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability and prosecuting offenders, while also commending the sustained collaboration between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Following an altercation over grazing, a farmer has shit dead a herder in Guwal Village, Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to Zagagola Makama, the incident occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on December 15 when Adamu Salisu, aged 65, and his son, Salisu Adamu, aged 30, were harvesting crops on their farm.
The source said a herder, Saleh, aged 30, from Chalu Village, moved his cattle into the farm and began grazing on the farmer’s legumes, prompting a confrontation.
“An altercation ensued when Adamu Salisu cautioned the herder to remove his cattle. The herder then attacked the farmer and his son with a machete, injuring them on the hand,” the source said.
According to the source, the farmer retaliated by shooting the herder in the stomach with a Dane gun.
Saleh was evacuated to General Hospital, Kwaya Kusar by the police but was certified dead on arrival. The corpse was photographed and released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.
The farmer and his son received treatment for machete injuries sustained during the incident, while the suspect has been arrested and exhibits recovered.
It was gathered that authorities have urged residents to seek peaceful resolution in disputes and to report any violent incidents to security agencies to prevent escalation.
- A Nigerian father and his new wife have come under heavy public criticism after viral reports accused them of brutally abusing three young children following the death of their biological mother.
- The stepmother is alleged to have inflicted severe physical harm on the children, while the father reportedly failed to intervene, prompting widespread calls for their arrest and prosecution.
In a deeply disturbing case that has sparked nationwide outrage, a Nigerian father and his new wife are facing severe public backlash over the alleged brutal abuse of three young children following the death of their biological mother.
The children’s mother reportedly died last year after a prolonged battle with cancer. Instead of allowing time for healing and providing emotional support for his grieving children, the father allegedly remarried shortly after her death—a decision many believe exposed the children to grave danger.
The case gained widespread attention after shocking videos and reports surfaced on social media, showing the extent of the alleged abuse within the family home. The stepmother is accused of subjecting the children to inhumane treatment, including allegedly using razor blades to cut their lips and ears as a form of punishment.
What has angered the public even more is the father’s alleged silence and inaction. Despite being aware of the visible injuries and suffering of his children, he reportedly failed to intervene or protect them from the abuse, drawing fierce condemnation online.
Many social media users have expressed that while both adults deserve punishment, the father bears greater responsibility for failing in his duty as a parent. As one viral comment put it:
“I condemn both of them, but I condemn the father more because he is the biological parent and failed these children.”
The incident has triggered intense reactions across digital platforms, with calls for the immediate arrest and prosecution of both the father and stepmother.
The late mother keeps appearing in dreams to a family member to check on her kids 😩😭😭.
See what the step mother did to these babies. And she has kids of her own ooo.
The useless father still let this woman near his kids,why?????
Some men are not normal,why let someone do this? pic.twitter.com/omZfnuZZha
— AMAJU (@Chef_Tee_) December 16, 2025
https://twitter.com/Chef_Tee_/status/2000909846418165996?s=20
https://twitter.com/Chef_Tee_/status/2001030327935057937?s=20
The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has outlined key priorities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system, with emphasis on electoral reform, infrastructure development and voter education, during his maiden interactive meeting with the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters.
The meeting, held at Room 107 of the Senate New Wing on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, marked Professor Amupitan’s first formal engagement with the Committee since his assumption of office. He was accompanied by the full complement of National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, and the Chairman’s technical aides, reflecting the importance INEC attached to the interaction. Members of the Senate Committee present included the Chairman, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, as well as Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Tony Nwoye, Ireti Kingibe, Ede Dafinone, Emma Nwachukwu, Kelvin Chukwu, and Sunday Katum.
In his remarks, Prof. Amupitan acknowledged the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s democratic architecture, noting that its legislative and oversight responsibilities directly impact the stability and credibility of the nation’s electoral system. He expressed appreciation to the Senate for the rigorous confirmation process that preceded his appointment, describing the engagement as a demonstration of institutional collaboration anchored on constitutional principles.
Reflecting on the early days of his tenure, the INEC Chairman recalled that the Commission was immediately confronted with the conduct of the Anambra Governorship Election of November 8, 2025. He reported that the election was successfully concluded in a single day, a notable departure from previous experiences, and attributed the outcome to effective inter-agency cooperation and the support of the National Assembly and other stakeholders. According to him, the exercise provided valuable lessons and insights into areas requiring further improvement, particularly in logistics and operational efficiency.
Prof. Amupitan emphasised that Nigeria’s electoral system operates within a tripartite framework comprising the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines. While the Commission is empowered to conduct elections and issue regulations, he stressed that these responsibilities must remain consistent with the provisions of the Constitution and the laws enacted by the National Assembly. He commended the legislature for granting INEC the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing process of constitutional and electoral amendments.
Outlining his vision for the Commission, the INEC Chairman stated that supporting the National Assembly in achieving meaningful electoral reforms remains a core priority of his leadership. He further emphasised the need to strengthen existing infrastructure and deploy technology in a manner that enhances transparency, credibility, and inclusiveness in the electoral process. He acknowledged the challenges associated with public perception and expectations, emphasising the importance of adhering to constitutionalism, due process, and institutional boundaries in the conduct of elections.
The INEC chairman also identified voter education as a critical mandate that will receive increased attention under his leadership, noting that informed participation by citizens is essential to the integrity and credibility of elections. He emphasised the central role of logistics in electoral success and observed that preparations for forthcoming elections, including the FCT Area Council Election and other off-cycle elections scheduled for 2026, are closely linked to the timely conclusion of electoral reforms by the National Assembly.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, welcomed Prof. Amupitan and his delegation, describing the interactive session as a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He reaffirmed the central role of INEC in shaping public confidence in governance and stressed that credible elections remain fundamental to democratic legitimacy.
Senator Lalong congratulated the INEC Chairman on his appointment and noted that he assumed office at a time of heightened public expectations and evolving challenges, including technological innovation, voter education, electoral security, logistics, and public trust. He assured the Commission of the Committee’s readiness to provide legislative support, constructive oversight, and policy guidance to enable INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate.
He emphasised that the interactive session was designed to promote frank dialogue and institutional collaboration rather than ceremonial engagement. While reaffirming the Committee’s commitment to electoral reforms through legislation and budgetary support, Senator Lalong stressed that oversight does not amount to interference, noting that respect for INEC’s constitutional independence remains a guiding principle.