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BREAKING: SERAP Urges INEC To Identify And Apprehend Sponsors Of Electoral Offenses In Bayelsa, Kogi, And Imo
BREAKING: SERAP Urges INEC To Identify And Apprehend Sponsors Of Electoral Offenses In Bayelsa, Kogi, And Imo....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to promptly initiate a credible, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into allegations of electoral bribery and violence during the off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states…CONTINUE READING
SERAP urges the INEC Chairman to identify, arrest, name, and shame suspected perpetrators and sponsors of these alleged human rights crimes, ensuring their effective prosecution without regard to political status or affiliations.
Additionally, SERAP calls for the disclosure of spending details on the governorship elections in the aforementioned states, including the specific amounts allocated for voter and civic education and related activities.
In a letter dated November 11, 2023, and signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization emphasizes that INEC must take decisive measures to combat the culture of impunity surrounding electoral bribery and violence in the country.
The letter states, “The recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence make a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy.”
SERAP stresses the need for a transparent, credible, inclusive, and broad-based investigation into allegations of electoral offenses in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states. The organization underscores that electoral integrity is crucial to a legitimate democracy, and compromising this process undermines public confidence in government institutions.
The letter concludes by urging INEC to take the recommended measures within seven days. In the absence of a response, SERAP vows to take legal actions to compel INEC to comply with the request in the public interest.
SERAP also insists on the publication of spending details on governorship elections in the three states, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
The organization advocates for a joint investigation involving INEC, anticorruption and law enforcement agencies, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and independent leaders and citizens’ groups from the concerned states.
SERAP contends that electoral bribery, violence, and other offenses undermine INEC’s ability to fulfill its constitutional and statutory responsibilities. The organization emphasizes the violation of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and international standards by these alleged electoral crimes.
The letter references specific incidents of electoral offenses, including violence, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence, reported in the governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states. It also mentions cases of pre-completed result sheets, harassment of journalists, and abduction of an INEC presiding officer.
SERAP asserts that addressing the crisis in the country’s elections and restoring public trust in the electoral process requires combating impunity for electoral bribery and violence through a transparent, credible, and effective investigation and prosecution of suspected perpetrators.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a historic breakthrough with the emergence of its first female pilot, Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun, who recently earned a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The achievement was celebrated by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, marking a significant step in the agency’s drive to strengthen its aviation capacity for surveillance, logistics, and anti-smuggling operations.
At a ceremony attended by senior officers, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, described the development as a landmark moment for the service.
He said Balogun’s transition from cabin crew to certified commercial pilot represents a major breakthrough for the Customs aviation unit and highlights the agency’s commitment to professional growth and inclusivity.
He added that the milestone reflects expanding opportunities within the Service as it continues to integrate air assets into its enforcement and border monitoring operations.
Balogun expressed gratitude for the support she received, noting that her journey required dedication and resilience, while pledging to apply her new skills in advancing the Customs mandate with professionalism and discipline.
The development has been widely described within the Service as an inspiration for greater female participation in technical and specialised roles.
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Osun 2026: APC Candidate Oyebamiji Pledges Inclusive Governance For Non-Indigenes, Interest Groups.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has pledged to ensure inclusive governance by integrating non-indigenes and various interest groups if elected in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He said his administration would operate a structured system that promotes participation and representation of all segments of society in governance.
The pledge was conveyed by a former lawmaker and ex-Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, after he represented the candidate at an engagement with members of the Arewa community in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area.
Oyintiloye said the plan is aimed at strengthening the link between government and grassroots communities, ensuring public policies reflect citizens’ real needs.
He added that all groups would be actively involved in both policy formulation and implementation to drive development in the state.
Oyebamiji also promised continued engagement with farmers, traders, artisans, and non-indigene communities as key stakeholders in governance.
Responding, leaders of the Arewa community commended past inclusion efforts and pledged support for the APC candidate ahead of the election.
Barely a year after its inauguration in Akwa Ibom State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been plunged into a deep factional crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Multiple factions are now locked in a struggle for control of the party, leaving members uncertain about the legitimate leadership structure.
One faction is led by John Akpanudodehe, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while another is headed by the embattled state chairman, Dick Duke.
Although the leader of a third faction could not be immediately confirmed, findings indicate that another group also exists within the party.
Sources further suggest that the Akpanudodehe-led faction is seeking to remove the current chairman through a recently held congress that has sparked controversy.
In response, Dick Duke convened a stakeholders’ meeting over the weekend, where he rejected the legitimacy of the said congress.
He said the party had formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to distance itself from the exercise, citing a subsisting court order.
According to him, his tenure as state chairman is still valid until May, and any congress conducted before then would be unlawful.
Duke added that the party would only proceed with proper congresses after the expiration of his tenure and the resolution of legal issues, in line with due process.
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