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It’ll Be Risky – Sagay Backs Manual Transmission Of Election Results.

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Former Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay, has warned against removing the provision that allows manual collation of election results when electronic transmission fails, noting that Nigeria’s technological infrastructure is not yet fully reliable.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an interview with Daily Independent, Sagay argued that the Senate’s decision to maintain both electronic transmission and manual backup is “more rational” and reflects the current realities of the country’s electoral system.

He cautioned that insisting on fully electronic transmission without a fallback option could trigger unnecessary crises.

“The Senate position, which includes a proviso, is more rational and reasonable,” Sagay said.

He explained that public distrust of the electoral process has fueled opposition to what he described as a balanced approach.

“Because of suspicion, there is hostility toward the rational position, and people lean toward what I would call a slightly irrational stance,” he added.

Sagay noted that technical problems could arise in remote areas, but such issues should not automatically invalidate an entire election.

“There can always be minor problems—a glitch in a village or part of a town—but it shouldn’t ruin the whole election,” he explained.

The senior lawyer emphasized that Nigeria’s technological capacity is still evolving and cannot guarantee flawless real-time transmission nationwide.

“It’s not necessarily due to dishonesty, but because our technology is still imperfect,” Sagay said.

He acknowledged that past electoral malpractices have heightened public suspicion but urged Nigerians to allow “reason to prevail.”

“Despite past problems, we should be less suspicious and let reason guide us,” he added.

Sagay stressed that ballot papers remain the primary evidence of votes and will continue to play a crucial role, even with electronic transmission in place.

“The counted ballot papers will always be the main source. Electronic results are just used to cross-check and ensure there’s no manipulation,” he explained.

He clarified that under the Senate proviso, results would still be electronically transmitted, but manual collation would be allowed if technical failures occur.

“From what I understand, results will be uploaded electronically, but manual collation is permitted in case of a problem. That’s the key point,” Sagay said.

He warned that relying solely on electronic transmission could force election authorities to rerun polls in areas experiencing technical glitches.

“Relying entirely on electronic transmission is risky. If something goes wrong and there’s no backup from ballot papers, fresh elections would be required,” he cautioned.

Sagay added that while ballot papers would always be counted, disputes could arise if discrepancies occur between manual counts and electronically transmitted results.

“Where there is a conflict, the electronically transmitted result would prevail. That is what Nigerians expect,” he said.

However, he noted that some Nigerians believe that if electronic transmission fails, only the ballot papers should be considered valid evidence of the outcome.

“The majority say that if electronic transmission fails, ballot papers alone should decide the result. But Nigerians generally reject that approach,” Sagay concluded.

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“BRUTAL REALITY CHECK: Oseni Tears Into Wike—’If You’re So Popular, Why Did You Lose PDP Ticket To Atiku?'”.

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Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has publicly questioned the political influence asserted by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, specifically challenging Wike’s claim that he can secure electoral victories for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Oseni raised these doubts on Wednesday while analyzing the ongoing political disputes between Wike and governors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has controversially pledged his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, despite his party’s intention to field its own candidates in 2027.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oseni further critiqued the tendency of politicians to cite their political “structure” as proof of their ability to dictate election outcomes. He specifically referenced Wike’s 2019 re-election as Rivers State Governor, a process marked by significant disruption and a 22-day suspension of result collation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before Wike was declared the winner. While INEC records show Wike won that election with 886,264 votes against the AAC candidate’s 173,859, Oseni highlighted irregularities in the process.

Additionally, Oseni pointed to reports regarding the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State, noting a discrepancy between official results, which favored the APC’s Bola Tinubu, and independent tallies, which suggested the Labour Party’s Peter Obi won by a wide margin. Questioning the nature of the “structure” politicians rely on, Oseni asked, “Is it the structure that we can turn INEC around? Is it because INEC is not as independent as an institution as it should be?”

Oseni concluded by referencing the 2022 PDP presidential primary, where Atiku Abubakar defeated Wike with 371 votes to Wike’s 237. Arguing that Wike’s claims of “delivering” candidates do not align with his own performance in internal party contests, Oseni stated, “If Wike was that popular, why didn’t he win the primaries in the PDP and beat Atiku Abubakar? … Politicians keep acting as God.”

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Wike Looked Healthier, Happier When We Worked Together – Peter Obi.

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Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has addressed his relationship with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, affirming that the minister remains a good friend despite his repeated criticisms of Obi’s 2027 presidential ambitions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reflecting on the time they crossed paths in government between 2011 and 2014—when Obi served as Anambra State Governor and Wike as Minister of State for Education—Obi recalled how Wike used to visit Anambra to inspect and commission education projects like renovated secondary schools. During an online interview, Obi noted that Wike appeared significantly healthier and happier back then, remarking, “Someone even told me that Wike said if I became president, he would be the first person I would come after. But I’m not campaigning to become president to start pursuing people. I want to go into office to focus on tomorrow, not chase people around.”

Obi further emphasized that he harbors no ill feelings toward Wike, concluding that true contentment transcends wealth: “Sometimes, you can have too much money and everything, but you don’t have happiness.”

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“FINAL CURTAIN FOR A LEGEND: Veteran Nollywood Icon Olu Jacobs Passes On!”.

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Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, globally celebrated as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. His passing was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, via an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Honored with the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), the family paid tribute to the icon as “The Lion of Lufodo” while respectfully requesting privacy from bloggers and social media influencers during this time of grief.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Born on July 11, 1942, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and raised partly in Kano, Jacobs developed an early passion for drama and debate. He traveled to Britain to receive professional training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. Following his studies, he built an extensive international portfolio, performing on stage and featuring in British television and film productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals, The Tomorrow People, and The Venturers.

Upon returning to Nigeria, Jacobs cemented his legacy as a foundational pillar of the country’s creative industry, starring in over 100 films and earning widespread acclaim for portraying authoritative figures, kings, and traditional leaders. Beyond his monumental acting career, he actively contributed to the growth and development of Nollywood. He is survived by his wife, renowned actress Joke Silva, and his sons, Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs.

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