Politics
INEC may start e-voting with Anambra governorship election 2021
The Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on Wednesday hinted the much totuted Electronic voting in the country may begin from the Anambra State gubernatorial election slated next year.
Prof. Yakubu dropped the hint while speaking with newsmen shortly after 2021 budget defence session before the House Committee on Electoral Matters.
He stated that about 40 companies had demonstrated on e-voting to the commission but a decision was yet to be reached.
He said, “They have demonstrated. The next stage is for the commission to decide. So, its too early to tell you the cost or when the process will be concluded.
“But we’re determined, we are going to deploy electronic voting machines, or electronic ballot machines in elections, possibly we commence with the Anambra Governorship elections next year. ”
The INEC boss, however, declined to speak on what the country is to expect from him as the INEC boss during his second tenure saying “I have not been confirmed by the Senate yet, wait till I’m confirmed, then I will tell you what to expect from the Commission.”
There was however some bickering on as the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, made to present its 2021 budget proposal to the House Committee on Electoral Matters.
Immediately after the Chairperson, Hon. Aisha Dukku, delivered her opening address, the Chairman of INEC made to commence the outlay of the 2021 proposal, but a lawmaker, Solomon Bob, (Rivers) under a point of order noted that it would be pointless and counterproductive to do such.
According to him, the 2020 budget performance is the real kernel of the matter.
He recalled that throughout 2020, there was no oversight of the INEC due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, he said it was imperative to know how the appropriation given was utilized before other funds would be given.
But the Chairperson of the Committee, Aisha Dukku, ruled him out of order, saying as the chairperson of the committee, she had the prerogative to structure the order of events.
But after the presentation of the 2021 proposal, Uzoma Abonta (Abia PDP) and Yusuf Tajudeen (Kogi PDP) insisted on asking questions on the 2020 budget performance of the organisation.
They said if the INEC was not comfortable with discussing issues in the open, they should go into a closed door session.
The Chairperson capitulated and all the commissioners, directors, the Permanent Secretary, journalists and aides to lawmakers in the committee room were asked to leave, with only the INEC chairman and the lawmakers remaining.
One of the national commissioners who were asked to stay outside, Mr Festus Okoye, however, told journalists that there was nothing strange about the committee opting to meet with only Yakubu behind closed doors.
He said, “They have their own rules; they set their own rules so we have to comply. They can invite only the chairman for a meeting, so there is nothing strange in what is happening now.”
The INEC boss had earlier informed the committee that the commission had to revert to its special fund, created under section three of the Electoral Act, in order to meet its mandates, due to a drastic reduction of its budget after the review.
According to him, its initial budget of N40bn was reduced to N36bn, when the commission was already in the middle of implementation, and so had to draw N5.2bn from the INEC Fund in order to deliver on its mandate.
Politics
ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027
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
Politics
Tinubu, Kano Governor Hold Private Talks Amid APC Defection Rumours
Tinubu, Kano Governor Hold Private Talks Amid APC Defection Rumours
The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Monday held a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, fuelling fresh speculation over possible defection moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The high-level meeting comes amid growing reports that the governor, elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is weighing a potential switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Political observers say the talks signal intensified negotiations as major parties reposition for the next electoral cycle.
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Sources familiar with the development suggest the meeting may have touched on Kano’s political future, federal-state relations, and ongoing realignments within the opposition. The discussions are also believed to be linked to internal tensions within the NNPP and widening influence struggles in Kano State.
The meeting follows recent security build-ups around the Kano Government House, which had earlier sparked rumours of imminent political changes. It also comes amid reports of behind-the-scenes consultations involving APC leaders, as the ruling party seeks to consolidate its foothold in the North-West.
Neither the Presidency nor the Kano State Government has issued an official statement on the outcome of the meeting. However, the development has continued to generate strong reactions across the political space, with NNPP leaders warning against defection, while APC stakeholders remain largely cautious.
As political alignments evolve, analysts say the outcome of Yusuf’s engagement with President Tinubu could have far-reaching implications for Kano politics, party strength in the region, and the broader 2027 electoral landscape.
Tinubu, Kano Governor Hold Private Talks Amid APC Defection Rumours
Politics
2027 Elections: APC Uneasy as Talks of Atiku–Obi–Kwankwaso Opposition Alliance Gain Momentum
2027 Elections: APC Uneasy as Talks of Atiku–Obi–Kwankwaso Opposition Alliance Gain Momentum
There is growing unease within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over renewed discussions aimed at forming a possible Atiku Abubakar–Peter Obi–Rabiu Kwankwaso alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources within the ruling party say strategists are closely monitoring the development, amid concerns that a united opposition front could significantly strengthen the electoral challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027.
The three opposition heavyweights command strong and distinct political bases across the country. Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President, retains influence in the North and parts of the South; Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, continues to enjoy massive support among youths and urban voters; while Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, remains a dominant force in Kano and parts of the North-West.
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Recent political moves have further fueled speculation. Reports suggest that Obi and Kwankwaso are exploring common ground within alternative political platforms, while allies of Atiku have also hinted at the need for broader opposition cooperation to challenge the ruling party. However, Obi has publicly stated that no final agreement has been reached, underscoring the fluid nature of the talks.
Within the APC, official reactions have been measured, with party leaders insisting they are focused on governance rather than opposition maneuvers. Privately, however, some party insiders admit that a successful opposition coalition could alter voting patterns in key battleground states if internal rivalries among the opposition figures are resolved.
Political analysts say the APC’s concern reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics, where alliances and strategic partnerships are becoming increasingly important as the country edges closer to another election cycle.
As consultations and negotiations continue across party lines, the possibility of an Atiku–Obi–Kwankwaso alliance is expected to remain a major talking point in Nigeria’s political space ahead of 2027.
2027 Elections: APC Uneasy as Talks of Atiku–Obi–Kwankwaso Opposition Alliance Gain Momentum
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