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INEC begins migration to electronic voting

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Prof Yakubu Mahmood, INEC Chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced replacing manual voting with automated voting system.INEC National Chairman, Yakubu Mahmood, disclosed this on Monday.

He assured Commission has taken another decisive step towards the full automation of the electoral process.

According to him, INEC has invited manufacturers of electronic voting machines around the world to practically demonstrate how the machines work, preparatory to full migration.

He said: “After extensive discussion and review, the Commission took the decision to invite original manufacturers of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) around the world for a virtual or practical demonstration of the machines.

“Over the years, the Commission has been automating the critical pillars of the process.

“The biometric register of voters has been updated continuously. At the moment, the INEC register of voters is the largest data base of citizens in Nigeria.

“In addition, the combination of biometric voters’ cards commonly known as the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and the Smart Card Reader (SCR) have revolutionised the accreditation of voters during elections.

“More recently, the introduction of a number of portals has facilitated the seamless nomination of candidates for elective offices by political parties as well as the accreditation of observers and the media.

“Most significantly, the Commission now uploads polling unit level results in real-time on Election Day to a portal for public view.

“These are significant innovations that have deepened the transparency and credibility of elections and the electoral process in Nigeria”.

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Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

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Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi
Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is experiencing rising internal tension as supporters of former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar clash over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, raising concerns about unity within the opposition ahead of the general elections.

The friction stems from competing ambitions, with both Obi and Atiku positioning themselves to lead the ADC into the 2027 Nigerian elections. Atiku, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Obi, who left the Labour Party, have strengthened the ADC’s profile, making it a key opposition platform.

Obi’s supporters, often called the Obidient Movement, fear that Atiku’s extensive political network could overshadow Obi’s bid for the ticket. Atiku, meanwhile, has urged both camps to avoid internal divisions, warning that infighting could advantage the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Political analysts note that Obi could only emerge as the party’s flagbearer if Atiku voluntarily steps aside, a move his supporters are unlikely to accept. Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed has cautioned that the party risks defections and internal weakening if the dispute is not resolved quickly.

Other prominent figures, such as Rotimi Amaechi, are also being considered for the presidential ticket, adding to the ADC’s internal complexities. Grassroots members have expressed concern that the factionalism could distract the party from addressing critical national issues such as unemployment, insecurity, and economic recovery.

Observers say the ADC’s handling of this internal struggle will be crucial in determining whether it can present a united front and remain a credible alternative to the APC in the 2027 elections.

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

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PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

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Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan and other southern Nigerian politicians to contest the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, signalling the start of what could be a highly competitive and high-profile primary race.

PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki emphasized that the presidential primaries will be open, fair, and transparent, allowing all eligible southern aspirants to participate. The clarification comes amid speculation over whether Jonathan, who previously served two terms as president, would re-enter the national political scene.

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Prominent party leaders, including Professor Jerry Gana, have publicly welcomed Jonathan’s potential bid, stating that he remains eligible and could strengthen the PDP’s chances in the 2027 elections. However, some analysts and legal experts have raised questions about constitutional interpretations regarding a former two-term president, though no legal barrier has formally blocked him from contesting.

The PDP’s announcement also follows the exit of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who resigned over internal party differences and is now associated with the Alliance Democratic Congress (ADC). Meanwhile, speculation continues about other key figures, including Peter Obi, potentially returning to the PDP fold to contest the ticket.

Political commentators suggest the PDP faces the challenge of balancing zoning policies, internal party ambitions, and legal considerations while positioning itself against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

With party consultations and primaries ahead, all eyes are on how the PDP will navigate internal politics and legal interpretations to emerge united and competitive in next year’s presidential race in Nigeria.

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

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ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027

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African Democratic Congress (ADC)

ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027

In a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally joined forces with the Obidient Movement and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie‑Oyegun, to strengthen opposition efforts against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The alliance was announced during a high-profile event in Benin City, Edo State, where leaders of the Obidient Movement officially merged with the ADC, committing to joint mobilisation and grassroots engagement.

Chief Odigie‑Oyegun described the coalition as a timely strategy to consolidate opposition forces and address public dissatisfaction with APC governance. The Obidient Movement — the youth-led network that supported Peter Obi in 2023 — pledged to leverage its national structure to expand ADC’s reach across Edo State and other key regions.

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Political analysts note that the coalition marks a significant opposition realignment in Nigeria, bringing together figures from different parties, including former Labour Party (LP) and APC members, under a single platform aimed at unseating the ruling party in 2027. The coalition has already attracted prominent figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, positioning the ADC as a credible vehicle for national political influence.

Despite growing momentum, observers caution that internal leadership disputes and competing presidential ambitions within the coalition could pose challenges ahead of the elections. Nonetheless, the alliance signals a concerted effort to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and present a formidable challenge to APC dominance.

ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027

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