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Obidient Movement calls for electoral reforms in Nigeria, unbundling INEC into three

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INEC

The Obidient Movement has called for an electoral reform in Nigeria to safeguard the country’s democracy.

This is as the movement said the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and the Press needs to be reformed to save Nigeria’s democracy from suffocating.

Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of Obidient Movement made the call at an event in Enugu State.

In a statement he signed and forwarded to Ekwutosblog , Tanko also called for the unbundling of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, into three different parts.

According to Tanko: “I stand before you today with a profound sense of concern regarding the present condition of our democracy in Nigeria. It is a matter that demands our serious attention, as the health of our democratic institutions directly impacts the future of our society.

‘Consider the recent national elections. Many observers, both within our nation and internationally, have raised significant questions about their fairness and transparency. Allegations of irregularities have led a substantial portion of our population to doubt the legitimacy of the outcome. When the very process of choosing our leaders is called into question, the foundation of our democracy is shaken.

 

“We must also examine the independence of crucial institutions such as our courts and security agencies. There is a growing perception that these bodies are increasingly influenced by political interests. For a democracy to thrive, these institutions must operate without fear or favor, providing essential checks on power. When their impartiality is in doubt, the rule of law itself is potentially compromised.

“The widespread disappointment following the last elections, evident in numerous protests and legal challenges, highlights a critical issue: a significant number of Nigerians feel their voices are not being heard. This disconnect between the governed and those who govern poses a serious challenge to the stability of our democracy.

“Democratic institutions basically consist of the four estate of governance. Namely: The Executive, the Legislature, the Judiciary, and the Press.

“However, this principle neglects the most important aspect of government, which is the people; so for emphasis I will include the people as the fifth estate of governance, because without them, the preceding four has no use. The executive, legislative, judiciary and press are there to serve the people.

“Our democracy is suffocating and the aforementioned institutions need radical reforms before we can get it right.

“Our demand on electoral reforms to safeguard our democracy.

“Strict compliance to educational qualifications with evidence.

“Compulsory Debate.

“All registered voters must vote.

“National Assembly Must be based on Proportional Representation.

“Electronic transmission of results.

“Borden of proof should be on INEC to justify the result presented.

“Decampee seat must be declared vacant and election repeated.

“Diaspora voting and voting should take place anywhere in the country without moving your voters card.

“Voters card should be consolidated into one with value attached to it to encourage registration.

“Justice Muhammad Uwais report should be considered.”

On the issue of unbundling INEC into three, he said: “Electoral Commission.

“Enforcement Commission.

“Delinition Commission.

“And the Appointment of INEC Chairman.”

Politics

ADC Strengthens Party Structure with Release of State Chairmen Names

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a significant step in bolstering its organizational structure nationwide by releasing the names of its state chairmen for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This move aims to enhance coordination and leadership at the state level as the party prepares for future elections.

Full List of ADC State Chairmen:

South-South
Akwa Ibom State: Duke Gabriel Dick
Delta State: Austine Okotie
Rivers State: Ode Lawrence E

South-East

Abia State: Iyke Nwoka
Anambra State: Patrick Obianyo
Ebonyi State: Jennifer Adibie N
Enugu State: Stella Chukwula
Imo State: Prof James Okoroma

North-Central
Benue State: Celestine Orbunda
Kogi State: John Adeli Udale
Kwara State: Adebayo Akadi
Nasarawa State: Musa S. Shuaib
Niger State: Auta Mohammed
Plateau State: Hanatu Garaba

North-East
Adamawa State: Yohanna Shehu K
Bauchi State: Hon. Haruna Hassan
Borno State: Mohammed Bolori
Gombe State: Mallam Danladi Yau
Taraba State: Adamu Hassan
Yobe State: Alh. Kalli Umar

North-West
Jigawa State: Alh. Sanni Mohammed
Kaduna State: Ahmed Tijani M
Kano State: Ungogo Musa
Katsina State: Alh. Usman Musa
Kebbi State: Hajia Hawa Mohammed
Sokoto State: Hon. Umar Farouk
Zamfara State: Alh. Kabiru Garba

South-West
Ekiti State: Adekolu O. Moses
Lagos State: George Ashiru
Ogun State: Otunba Pat. Olufemi
Ondo State: Chief Mrs. Ganiyu Sidirika
Osun State: Charles Idowu
Oyo State: Alh. Yinka Adona
FCT: Yusuf Tijani

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Akpabio removes Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senate committee chair

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced the replacement of suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations

Akpabio, during plenary on Thursday, announced Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new chairman of the committee.

As a result, Bassey replaces Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose leadership of the committee had been uncertain due to her suspension.

Recall that in a minor reshuffle earlier in February, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content and reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee.

Although no formal explanation was provided for her replacement, it is thought that the move may not be unconnected to her suspension.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had ordered Natasha’s reinstatement, mandating her to tender an apology to the Senate for her conduct.

But the Senate maintains it is yet to receive a certified true copy of the court’s judgement.

Natasha, on her part, is yet to tender the apology.

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Ekiti 2026: SDP slams Oyebanji’s performance, APC fires back

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Political temperature in Ekiti State is already heating up as the 2026 governorship election approaches, with the opposition Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, locked in a war of words over Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership.

SDP State Chairman, Bamikole Ayodele, on Thursday, criticized the Oyebanji-led administration, accusing it of underperforming in critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, security, tourism, and job creation.

He alleged that the governor had mismanaged public resources and failed to meet the expectations of the electorate.

“The governor is not delivering on his mandate,” Ayodele said during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti. “There is little to show in terms of infrastructure. Ekiti, being an agriculturally rich state, has seen no meaningful reform to empower our youth or boost food production.”

He also accused the administration of partisan governance, claiming that employment and development initiatives are being disproportionately directed toward APC loyalists.

“Governor Oyebanji must remember he governs the entire state, not just his party,” he said, urging the administration to embrace innovation, merit, and inclusivity.

In a swift reaction, APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the SDP’s criticisms as baseless and politically motivated. He described the opposition as “moribund” and its leaders as people seeking relevance ahead of the next election cycle.

“Oyebanji’s performance speaks for itself,” Dipe stated. “From agriculture to infrastructure, security to tourism, the administration is making meaningful progress. Visit the rural areas, projects are ongoing. Though the rainy season may slow construction, the development efforts are visible.”

He cited the restoration of electricity to long-neglected communities and road construction projects in remote areas as clear indicators of the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth. Dipe also pointed to the governor’s high approval ratings among residents as proof of public confidence.

“The people of Ekiti know who is working for them,” The SDP’s claim that it can unseat the APC in 2026 is not only unrealistic but laughable. They lack the structure and visibility to mount a serious challenge,” he said.

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