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Your Vote, Your Power: How Citizens Can Reshape Nigeria’s Future

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During a 2024 meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners across the states, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, presented a comprehensive report stemming from months of consultations with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral landscape. The document outlined a series of recommendations designed to improve the electoral process. This latest report builds on a previous assessment of the 2023 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

At a 2024 meeting with State Resident Electoral Commissioners, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, presented a comprehensive report following months of consultations with electoral stakeholders. The report, which builds on the review of the 2023 general elections, contains a wide-ranging set of recommendations aimed at improving future electoral processes in Nigeria.

Yakubu revealed that through both internal reviews and stakeholder engagements, the Commission identified 142 actionable recommendations. These span critical areas such as election preparedness, voter education, political party management, logistics, technology, election security, and legal reforms. One notable recommendation is the introduction of early or special voting for Nigerians who are typically disenfranchised due to their involvement in election day operations. These include INEC officials, security personnel, ad hoc staff, accredited observers, and journalists deployed outside their registration areas. There is also support for exploring diaspora voting options.

Recognising the challenges posed by uncollected, misplaced, or inaccessible Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), Yakubu said INEC is considering a review of voter accreditation requirements. Going forward, computer-generated slips—either printed or downloadable from the Commission’s website—may be accepted for accreditation, alongside existing PVCs. This shift aims to reduce costs and eliminate the practice of voter card hoarding intended to disenfranchise voters.

In response to the push for early voting, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua of Katsina Central has sponsored a bill—currently at second reading in the Senate—proposing amendments to sections 10 and 44 of the Electoral Act 2022. The bill outlines a framework for early voting, including voter eligibility, procedures, and designated voting centres. It mandates that early voters be accredited election personnel whose names appear on a special register compiled by INEC. Applications must be submitted 30 days before early voting, and votes cast will be counted on the main election day.

Senator Yar’Adua emphasized that the bill addresses a critical democratic gap. Over one million ad hoc staff, hundreds of thousands of security personnel, and tens of thousands of accredited observers and journalists are typically excluded from voting. These numbers, he argued, could sway electoral outcomes if properly enfranchised. The bill aims to enhance voter inclusion, especially given Nigeria’s declining voter turnout—from 47% in 2015 to 27.3% in 2023.

Beyond early voting, the Senate is also considering a bill sponsored by House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, which seeks to grant voting rights to Nigerians living abroad. Co-sponsored by Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, the bill proposes amendments to section 39 of the 1999 Constitution to enable diaspora voting in future general elections. It acknowledges the substantial economic contributions of Nigerians abroad and argues that civic inclusion is both fair and necessary.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has expressed strong support for early voting and even suggested extending voting rights to legally presumed innocent detainees in correctional centres. He noted that over 70% of inmates are awaiting trial and questioned the denial of their constitutional rights.

Civil society groups have also backed these reforms. Cynthia Mbamalu of Yiaga Africa described the early voting proposal as a bold step toward democratic inclusion and electoral fairness.

Collectively, these initiatives reflect growing momentum to broaden electoral participation, reduce disenfranchisement, and enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy through constitutional and legal reforms.

”NIVONEWS”

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

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Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

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Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

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