Human Rights Lawyer Says Amupitan’s INEC ‘Failed Woefully’ in FCT Election

Human rights lawyer and former Chidi Odinkalu, has expressed strong doubts about the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Chairman Joash Amupitan to conduct credible 2027 general elections. Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Odinkalu criticised the commission’s handling of the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections, declaring that “INEC failed.” He said, “Amupitan’s INEC failed woefully. On this evidence, nobody can trust Joash Amupitan to organise credible elections in 2027. It is not about the law; it is about the failure of will and the failure of electoral administration.”

Odinkalu pointed to poor logistics, including late deployment of election materials and personnel, as well as voter reassignment without adequate notice of polling unit changes on election day. He argued that these administrative lapses risked disenfranchising voters and undermined public confidence in the electoral process. He urged INEC officials to either adequately prepare for their responsibilities or step aside for “more capable hands.” Odinkalu also rejected arguments that it might be too early to assess Amupitan, noting that the chairman previously oversaw a governorship election in Anambra State, which provides a measure of his track record.

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“The commission must acknowledge its shortcomings, apologise to Nigerians, and take personal responsibility for lapses,” Odinkalu said. “Nigerians are not asking for perfection, but they want to see sincerity and concrete steps toward improvement.” Political analysts say Odinkalu’s remarks reflect broader concerns about INEC’s credibility and readiness to conduct nationwide elections. Parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) highlighted issues with pre-election curfews, logistics, and voter management, while civil society groups like the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) criticised the FCT minister and INEC for actions that may have undermined the polls.

INEC, for its part, defended its operations, highlighting voter registration technology, election officer training, and electronic result transmission as evidence of improved procedures. Nevertheless, critics maintain that the commission must address systemic gaps to restore confidence ahead of 2027. With Nigeria’s 2027 elections approaching, Odinkalu’s comments underscore the urgent need for INEC to enhance transparency, improve voter communication, and strengthen election logistics. Observers stress that rebuilding trust in the electoral system is essential for national stability and the credibility of future elections.

Human Rights Lawyer Says Amupitan’s INEC ‘Failed Woefully’ in FCT Election

FCT Poll: Falana Queries Wike’s Power to Declare Public Holiday

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to publicly cite any law empowering him to declare a public holiday or impose movement restrictions during the recently concluded FCT area council election.

Falana insisted that the minister acted outside the law, arguing that the authority to declare public holidays in Nigeria does not reside with the FCT minister. According to him, only the President, the Minister of Interior, and state governors are legally authorised to announce federal or state holidays.

The senior lawyer criticised the declaration of a work-free day ahead of the election, saying it amounted to an abuse of executive power and a dangerous precedent capable of undermining constitutional governance.

Wike had earlier defended his decision, claiming he acted with the consent of the President after receiving a security report suggesting that some individuals planned to transport troublemakers into the Federal Capital Territory to disrupt the polls. He also cautioned Falana against commenting on every national issue without verifying facts.

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However, Falana, in a statement issued on Monday, dismissed the minister’s justification, stressing that even the President lacks the constitutional power to issue directives concerning the conduct of elections.

“The minister’s defence that the President authorised him to order the restriction of movement is illegal, as the President has no power whatsoever to direct how elections are conducted in Nigeria,” Falana said.

He referenced Section 160(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the commission’s powers to regulate elections are not subject to presidential or ministerial control.

Falana further questioned Wike’s conduct on election day, pointing out that the minister is not a registered voter in the FCT and should therefore have strictly complied with the restriction order he announced.

“I challenge the FCT Minister to refer to any law that empowers him to declare a public holiday or restrict the movement of citizens during the Area Council election,” Falana said.

“Assuming, without conceding, that the President authorised movement restriction, did that authorisation include declaring a public holiday? Did the minister himself comply with the restriction order? Did it permit him to move around or interfere with electoral officers?”

The dispute has reignited national debate over ministerial powers in the FCT, election-day movement restrictions, and the need to protect INEC’s independence from executive interference.

Legal observers say the controversy highlights the importance of strict adherence to constitutional provisions to preserve public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

FCT Poll: Falana Queries Wike’s Power to Declare Public Holiday

Fare Hike Hits Lagos BRT Riders

The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent increase in fares across all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes, covering Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors and standard bus routes.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) announced the decision in a statement on Monday, stating that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu granted approval following appeals from regulated public transport operators over the rising cost of operations.

According to the agency, the new fare structure will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.

LAMATA explained that the adjustment was necessary to sustain public transport services amid mounting economic pressures.

The review, it noted, aligns with the state’s previously approved annual fare review framework.

“The urgency of the review is underscored by persistent inflationary trends, with Nigeria’s inflation rate closing 2025 at 15.2 per cent, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics,” the statement signed by LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kolawole Ojelabi, said.

The agency disclosed that Bus Operating Companies (BOCs) have been grappling with escalating operational expenses, including higher costs of vehicle maintenance, spare parts, fuel, and staff salaries — particularly following the implementation of the new national minimum wage.

It added that operators are also investing in newer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient buses to improve passenger comfort and promote environmental sustainability.

While acknowledging the burden on commuters, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to striking a balance between affordability and the need to maintain safe, reliable and efficient public transportation across Lagos.