Politics
EU, ADC Parley: Calls for Electoral Reforms to Guarantee Free, Fair, Credible Polls in Nigeria
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) in Nigeria have jointly called for urgent electoral reforms to address the shortcomings of past polls and ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
The EU delegation, led by Chief of Mission and Member of the European Parliament, Mr. Barry Andrews, met with the ADC leadership in Abuja as part of its review of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections. The visit was aimed at identifying flaws and proposing corrective measures ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The ADC delegation was led by its National Chairman, Senator David Mark, alongside National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
Both parties agreed that the 2023 elections were riddled with irregularities and failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians. They strongly criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary for failing to safeguard the people’s mandate as expressed at the ballot box.
The ADC accused INEC of betraying public trust by failing to uphold its promise of real-time transmission of results from polling units via the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. The party noted that the final results declared were inconsistent with votes cast, describing the outcome as a major setback to Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.
To remedy these lapses, the ADC proposed that the appointment of the INEC Chairman and National Commissioners should not be vested solely in the President. Instead, political parties with at least five members in the National Assembly should have the right to nominate officials of the electoral umpire.
The party also faulted the judiciary’s handling of electoral disputes, arguing that courts should not usurp the people’s right to freely choose their leaders. In disputed cases, the ADC insisted, the ultimate decision should revert to the electorate through a fresh democratic process rather than judicial pronouncements.
The Senator Mark-led ADC delegation included: Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Liyel Imoke, Emeka Ihedioha, Babachir Lawal, Bolaji Abdullahi, Ibrahim Mani, and Chile Igbawua, among others.
The EU delegation featured: Mr. Barry Andrews – Chief of Mission, EU Follow Mission; Mr. Gautier Mignot – EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Mr. Ralph-Michael Peters – Election Expert and Team Lead; Ms. Eirini-Maria Gounari – Election Legal Expert; Mr. Maros Gabriel – Election Administration Expert; Ms. Laolu Olawumi – Programme Manager, Democracy and Rule of Law; Mr. Osaro Odemwingie – Political Adviser; and Mr. Ruben Alba Aguilera – Team Leader, EU Delegation.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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