Author: Gabby

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State has officially confirmed Shuaibu Idris Mikati as its governorship candidate following a thorough review of petitions lodged by aspirants after the primary election. The decision was announced by the party’s Appeal Committee, led by Dr. Muhammed Mustapha Fagge, who stated that the panel meticulously examined all complaints, documents, and submissions before arriving at its conclusion.

According to Fagge, the committee unanimously validated Mikati’s victory after determining that he garnered the highest number of legitimate votes. The panel further noted that evidence presented during the review indicated irregularities and alleged fraudulent activities involving some rival governorship aspirants, which reinforced their decision to uphold Mikati’s candidacy.

In addition to the governorship race, the committee affirmed the wins of Tukur Salisu Kakeyi in the Zaria Federal Constituency primary and Muhammed Mahmoud Aliyu in the Soba Federal Constituency contest, after confirming that both candidates secured the highest number of valid votes.

However, several other primaries were declared inconclusive due to irregularities, procedural violations, omission of candidates from ballot papers, and lack of sufficient evidence that voting actually took place. For instance, the committee ordered a rerun in the Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency after discovering that cleared aspirant Ibrahim Danlami Kubau had been left off the ballot. Similarly, a fresh primary was mandated for Kaduna South Federal Constituency when investigators found no credible proof that elections were conducted across all wards.

The committee also directed rerun elections in several other constituencies and wards, including Kaura, Soba, Ikara, Kajuru, Badarawa/Malali, Magajin Gari II, Birnin Gwari, Tudun Wada West, Igabi, Kagarko, Kawo, Zaria, Chikun/Kajuru, and Kudan/Makarfi.

In another key ruling, the panel stated that any attempt to adopt a consensus or affirmation process for the Kaduna North Senatorial District primary would be invalid unless all parties involved agreed to it. Fagge emphasized that the committee was guided by principles of fairness, transparency, inclusiveness, and internal democracy. “Our decisions were reached strictly on the basis of facts, evidence, and the provisions of the party’s guidelines,” he said, adding that the committee remains committed to protecting the integrity of the party’s internal electoral process and ensuring that the wishes of members are respected.

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and presidential flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is pressing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for immediate clarifications regarding the unauthorized disclosure of data from its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) system. Through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku issued a statement on Tuesday demanding transparency.

The controversy erupted after reports indicated that sensitive voter information from INEC’s CVR database was accessed without proper authorization and subsequently leaked to political actors. While INEC has acknowledged the incident, it maintains that there was no external hacking or breach of its ICT infrastructure. According to INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna, the commission has launched an investigation into the matter.

Atiku, however, criticized INEC’s response, arguing that the commission’s admission that the data was accessed using valid official credentials and released without authorization only heightens concerns. He emphasized that the absence of an external hack does not lessen the severity of the incident but instead points to potential lapses in internal controls and possible political interference.

“The Commission has confirmed that voter information was accessed through credentials assigned to personnel involved in the ongoing CVR exercise and that such information was released without authority. That admission alone should worry every Nigerian,” Atiku stated. He added that Nigerians deserve to know how restricted electoral data ended up in the hands of political operatives and their allies.

Atiku is calling for a full, transparent, and independent investigation to restore public confidence in the electoral process. He urged INEC to provide clear answers on the internal safeguards in place and how such a breach could occur despite official policies.

A political association, All Democratic Alliance (ADA), together with its Protem Director of Mobilization, Ahidjo Ibrahim Karlahi, has instituted a legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The plaintiffs are seeking a court order compelling the electoral body to cancel the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party in Nigeria.

The lawsuit, filed on June 2, 2026, alleges that the NDC, led by Senator Seriake Dickson, was registered illegally and fraudulently. The plaintiffs accuse INEC of deliberately ignoring and violating relevant laws during the secret registration process. They claim the electoral body failed to comply with sections 1, 6, 13, 14, 222, and 251 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act.

In their originating summons, the plaintiffs argue that the NDC did not meet any of the constitutional requirements for registration as a political party. They assert that INEC does not have unrestricted discretion to register parties and must adhere strictly to legal provisions. The suit is supported by a 25-paragraph affidavit sworn to by the first plaintiff, Hon. Ahidjo Ibrahim Karlahi.

The plaintiffs are requesting the court to void, set aside, and revoke the certificate of registration held by the NDC. They also seek a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from recognizing or maintaining the NDC in its records, and from presenting any person as a candidate under the party’s banner in any election. Additionally, they seek an order restraining the NDC from holding itself out as a registered political party through any medium.

The case, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1115/2026, lists INEC and the Nigeria Democratic Congress as the first and second defendants, respectively. No hearing date has been set yet for the suit.

The Taminu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly rebuked Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, over his recent remarks concerning former President Goodluck Jonathan and the 2027 elections. The PDP described Keyamo’s advice as unwarranted and accused him of hypocrisy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the party asserted that Keyamo has forfeited any moral authority to counsel Jonathan, given his past as a vocal critic of government and public officials. The faction recalled that Keyamo built his reputation by challenging those in power and using the courts to defend democratic principles, yet now he appears uncomfortable with others exercising similar democratic rights.

The PDP expressed shock that Keyamo, who once thrived in opposition, now seems at ease with the current administration’s alleged strangulation of political space while objecting to citizens and parties exercising their constitutional freedoms. The party advised Keyamo to focus on resolving the myriad problems facing the aviation sector and the broader government he serves, rather than meddling in PDP affairs.

According to the statement, Nigerians are more concerned with finding solutions to escalating economic hardship, persistent insecurity, declining purchasing power, and growing instability across the country than with unsolicited political advice to a former president. The PDP pointed out that a minister who could not effectively implement a simple cashless policy is hardly qualified to advise a former head of state.

The faction highlighted that under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, Nigeria has witnessed unprecedented economic difficulties, repeated infrastructure collapses, rising unemployment, and corruption scandals that raise serious questions about transparency and accountability. These, the PDP argued, are the issues deserving of Keyamo’s commentary and advice to the incumbent president.

The party noted that the nervousness surrounding Jonathan’s candidacy is understandable, as Nigerians recall that during his tenure the country enjoyed political stability, sustained economic growth, increased foreign investor confidence, and a more inclusive national atmosphere. Many citizens, the PDP claimed, are prevailing upon Jonathan to return to power to restore stability, national healing, and reduce the political temperature.

The faction concluded by assuring Keyamo and the APC that no amount of intimidation, blackmail, or scaremongering will prevent Nigerians from freely expressing their political preferences or supporting leaders they believe can reposition the country.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rolled out the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for registered individuals in Ekiti State, as the governorship race draws near. The commission officially kicked off the exercise on Monday, June 1, 2026, at specific registration centers and ward locations across all 16 local government areas, according to a statement.

For the first two weeks—June 1 to June 14, 2026—residents can pick up their cards at their respective wards. From June 15 to June 21, 2026, collection points will shift to INEC offices in each local government area, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including weekends. The electoral body urged all those who have registered but have not yet obtained their PVCs to do so within the designated timeframe.

“Securing your PVC is vital for participating in the election. Only those holding valid PVCs will be cleared to cast their ballots on election day,” the statement emphasized. INEC reiterated that the PVC remains the sole credential accepted for voter verification and voting at polling stations.

The commission also advised voters to verify their assigned collection points and to bring along either their temporary voter card or another valid identification for authentication. The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, provided assurance that the agency has implemented measures to guarantee a smooth and transparent process. He called on traditional chiefs, community heads, civil society groups, and the media to spread awareness, especially among women, youth, and persons with disabilities, urging them to collect their PVCs without delay.

Babafemi Ojudu, a former presidential aide and prominent APC chieftain, has launched a scathing attack on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory over the emergence of a loyalist as the APC candidate for Rivers State’s governorship election.

According to DAILY POST, Kingsley Chinda, who served as Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, secured the APC governorship ticket for the 2023 election. However, confusion arose when his defection from the PDP to the APC was announced after the primary election had concluded. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced Chinda’s party switch during a plenary session.

In a Facebook post, Ojudu questioned the legitimacy of a Minority Leader from another party obtaining the ruling party’s ticket before formally joining it. He sarcastically remarked, “Welcome to Rivers State, soon to be renamed Wike State.”

Ojudu emphasized that political parties should be built on loyalty, shared values, and long-term commitment. He asked, “What happens to those who have spent years building the party, funding it, and remaining loyal through difficult times? What becomes of internal democracy?”

It is worth noting that Chinda is part of the rainbow coalition, a group of influential politicians from various parties supporting President Bola Tinubu.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) concluded its primaries last week, but the party’s failure to release official results has sparked widespread confusion and speculation. Held across the country to pick candidates for the 2027 elections, the exercise was followed by a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting intended to review the outcomes. However, days later, no official word has emerged, leaving aspirants and supporters in limbo.

In a statement, NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director urged the public to ignore unofficial results circulating on social media, insisting that only the NEC is authorized to announce winners. He assured that the ratified candidate list would be made public before submission to INEC, but the delay has fueled doubts about transparency.

An aspirant, who spoke anonymously, revealed that many candidates have relocated to Abuja to monitor developments. He expressed frustration at the lack of communication, noting that the delay erodes trust in the party’s commitment to democratic principles.

Chinedu Raymond Obue, an aspirant for the Anambra State House of Assembly, demanded that the party respect the primary outcome in Awka South Constituency II, where he claims to have won 625 votes against his opponent’s 73. He warned that any attempt to manipulate the results would damage the party’s credibility.

A senior NDC official from the Southeast criticized the leadership for establishing a so-called “selection committee” after the primaries, calling it an undemocratic move. He alleged that powerful figures who lost in the polls are now influencing the NEC to overturn results, which could lead to legal battles. “If the final list differs from what emerged on the ground, it will destroy the party,” he said.

However, Professor James Ene-Nwannaji, who emerged as the party’s governorship candidate in Enugu State, dismissed fears of manipulation. He stated that his primary was conducted freely, monitored by INEC, and that he expects the NEC to confirm his victory after completing its review. “I am not agitated. They will find no irregularities,” he added.

Political analysts warn that the NDC’s handling of this process mirrors the controversies that have plagued other parties, undermining its promise of a fresh approach to internal democracy. As the wait continues, the risk of defections and legal challenges grows.

In a proactive move ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged media professionals to step up their role in tackling the spread of false information. The call came from the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, during a dialogue session in Osogbo on Tuesday.

The event, titled “The Journalists-INEC Voter Education and Publicity Dialogue on the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election,” was organized by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria program in collaboration with INEC headquarters. It aimed to equip journalists with strategies for responsible reporting as the election approaches.

Babalola emphasized that the media is a vital partner in voter education, information sharing, and public awareness, especially with the election date fast approaching. She highlighted that misinformation and disinformation represent serious risks to credible elections in today’s digital landscape, as false stories, fabricated results, manipulated videos, and malicious propaganda can undermine trust in the electoral process, spark violence, and delegitimize outcomes.

She urged journalists to verify facts before publishing and to actively counter false reports with accurate, balanced coverage. “We must therefore work together to build a robust defence against these threats. The media must serve as gatekeepers of truth, verifying information before dissemination and countering falsehoods with factual reporting,” Babalola stated.

She also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to providing timely, accurate, and verifiable information through its official channels and encouraged journalists to depend on those platforms and collaborate with the commission to address misleading reports.

Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, also addressed the gathering. He called on journalists to fulfill their duty of educating citizens about their roles before, during, and after the election, while also scrutinizing campaign promises and monitoring INEC’s preparedness. He urged media practitioners not to remain passive observers but to “reflect, interrogate, and rank. And your perspectives will reach further than you may expect.”