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Bribes and Bloodshed? INEC Flags Rising Threats Ahead of Osun Governorship Race”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among key stakeholders to combat electoral malpractice and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking with journalists on Sunday after appearing on Gbagede Oselu, a political programme on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State in Ibadan, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, lamented the growing trend of electoral violence and vote buying in the country.
Agboke challenged various stakeholders—especially the media, security agencies, civil society organisations, religious leaders, and the political class—to play more proactive roles in protecting the sanctity of elections.
He stated, “INEC cannot do it alone. We need active collaboration from all sectors. We must continue to talk to our people and campaign against the cankerworm of vote buying and electoral violence.”
According to Agboke, public enlightenment and voter education must be at the forefront of national efforts, especially ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.
“Even if people have money, some still believe violence is the key to electoral victory. We must discourage this mindset and promote faith in democracy. No form of government serves the people better than democracy, and elections are the only legitimate path to attaining power in such a system.”
He noted that poverty and deprivation are realities that make people vulnerable to vote buying, but insisted that citizens must be reminded of the power of their conscience and the long-term implications of selling their votes.
“When they bring money, tell them you don’t need it to make your choice. Your conscience should guide your vote,” he said.
Agboke also called on religious leaders to leave the confines of mosques and churches and become active voices in electoral education and reform. He urged political parties and candidates to demonstrate greater responsibility and transparency, noting that they are the primary beneficiaries of credible elections.
“After INEC has spoken, invite the Commissioner of Police, political stakeholders, CSOs, and religious leaders to account for their roles. Everyone has a part to play in sustaining democracy,” he added.
On preparations for the 2026 Osun governorship poll, Agboke reiterated that INEC’s procedures and technology—especially the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS)—must be followed strictly.
He warned against tampering with electoral equipment, stating that any staff member found sabotaging the process should be reported to security agencies.
“INEC has clear guidelines. If any official tampers with BVAS or offers excuses contrary to the rules, they have compromised the system. Don’t attack them—report them to the authorities,” he concluded.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his push for an opposition coalition was initially rejected by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he reflected on events following the PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election. According to him, he warned party leaders after the election that the PDP could struggle politically without forming alliances with other opposition forces. “To be honest, I was one of the major initiators of this coalition. After the PDP lost the last election, I told the party clearly that I did not see a future for the PDP without a coalition,” he said. Atiku said his advice was rejected at the time, despite his conviction that Nigeria’s political history had shown the importance of alliances. “They disagreed with me then. I have studied Nigeria’s political transition over the years and saw how previous alliances worked, so it was not difficult for me to foresee this,” he stated. The former vice president added that his support for coalition politics was also influenced by his desire to encourage the emergence of younger leaders he believes are vital to Nigeria’s future. “I saw some of these younger politicians as the future leaders of this country, and I felt it was my duty to point that out,” he said. However, Atiku claimed the resistance he encountered within the party was driven more by personal feelings than by disagreement over the substance of his proposal. “They disagreed with me simply because they did not want to see my face, not because of what I was suggesting,” he said. Atiku added that recent political developments have now vindicated his position on the need for a broad opposition alliance ahead of future elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will first pursue a consensus arrangement before considering a primary election for its 2027 presidential ticket.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made this known during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday while discussing the party’s leadership and strategy ahead of the next general election.
He said he is open to backing a consensus candidate if that becomes the party’s collective decision, stressing that such support should not be interpreted as stepping aside.
“It is not about stepping aside, but whether I am willing to support, and yes, I will,” Atiku said.
According to him, the ADC’s first priority is to build internal unity and reach an agreement among stakeholders before considering a competitive primary process.
“Our first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t happen, then of course we will explore other options. And yes, I will support whoever eventually emerges,” he stated.
Atiku also expressed confidence in the political experience within the party, saying he believes a consensus is achievable and may make a full-scale primary contest unnecessary.
“That remains our preferred path. We will go for primaries if consensus fails, but I honestly do not expect it to get to that stage because we are dealing with mature and experienced politicians,” he added.
His comments come amid growing political consultations and coalition talks as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has significantly strengthened his chances of winning the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday. Speaking on what makes his latest presidential bid different from previous attempts, Atiku said the ADC coalition brings together key political figures from across major parties, including the APC, PDP and Labour Party. He described the alliance as a broader and more strategic political arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the coalition has created a stronger platform that improves his prospects. “Now, we have a broader coalition — a combination of APC, PDP and LP — which gives me a better chance of becoming president in 2027,” he said. Atiku also noted that the coalition reflects both experience and generational inclusion, which he said shows a clear succession plan. “You see people of my generation, and you see younger people coming behind us, so you can clearly see a succession pattern,” he added. Meanwhile, Atiku described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a decent but inexperienced leader. According to him, Jonathan’s lack of experience contributed to shortcomings in governance and played a role in his defeat in the 2015 presidential election. “I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but he was also inexperienced, and that contributed to his failure in managing the affairs of the country,” Atiku said. He made the remarks while stressing the need for experienced and capable leadership in Nigeria.
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