Politics
Nigerians Push to Curb Presidential Powers Over INEC and Judiciary
Nigerians Push to Curb Presidential Powers Over INEC and Judiciary
Nigerians advocate for reforms to strip the presidency of powers over electoral and judicial bodies, aiming for unbiased governance. Discover the details here.
Since the launch of the Save Democracy Mega Alliance 2027 (SDMA’27) campaign last month, there has been significant public support for its initiative to amend Nigeria’s constitution.
The coalition aims to eliminate the President’s control over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the authority of state governors over the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).
Additionally, it seeks to curtail presidential powers regarding judicial appointments, specifically the Chief Justice of Nigeria and state Chief Judges.
Prior to this campaign, various stakeholders had advocated for the removal of these appointive powers, arguing that such authority undermines the independence of both the electoral and judicial systems.
The coalition contends that transferring these powers to an independent body would mitigate executive influence in these critical areas.
During a recent briefing in Abuja, spokesperson Tony Akeni Le Moin outlined the coalition’s plans for a nationwide campaign, culminating in a significant event in the capital.
The SDMA’27’s proposed amendments focus on delegating the appointment of INEC, SIEC, and judicial leaders to a non-partisan body composed of individuals of integrity.
The initiative has received endorsements from notable leaders and pro-democracy organizations, including support from esteemed political economist Professor Pat Utomi.
Utomi has characterized the movement as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s democracy since 1999, highlighting the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform report as a crucial starting point.
He noted that the report advocates for reforms in executive appointments concerning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, emphasizing that shielding these institutions from executive interference would enhance electoral integrity and governance.
The coalition has proposed a three-pronged strategy aimed at fostering national consensus among political, religious, and civil society groups to advocate for constitutional reforms.
Their objective is to generate support for a national conference to formally suggest amendments and to persuade both national and state assemblies to diminish the executive’s excessive influence over INEC and the judiciary.
This initiative aims to prevent a recurrence of the troubling events that marred the 2023 elections in 2027, with the coalition warning that without these reforms, the upcoming elections may mirror previous electoral manipulations.
They invoked the words of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to emphasize the necessity of organized resistance, calling on Nigerians to brace for what they term a “national emergency” to restore democracy in the country.
In response, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, president of the Middle Belt Forum, remarked that the focus should not solely be on who makes appointments, but rather on who has the authority to dismiss.
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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