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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), last week, stirred up a hornet’s nest in raising the consciousness of Nigerians to certain fundamental but controversial political concerns to be addressed towards ensuring a free, fair, credible, and transparent electoral process in the forthcoming by-elections, off-cycle governorship, and ultimately the 2027 general elections.
Chairman of the commission, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, had, in his various remarks during this year’s first official consultative meetings with all the major election stakeholders, raised myriad delicate issues concerning the smooth conduct of subsequent elections in the country.
Although they were stakeholders’ parleys he inherited from his predecessor, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, his last week’s engagements with Civil Societies, national leaderships of political politics, editors of media outfits, and ultimately security agencies under the platform of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), have heightened the political barometer of the country ahead of the several crucial elections billed for this year and next year.
In every ramification and consideration, Prof Amupitan actually raised germane issues of serious concerns that have pitched politically conscious Nigerians, the legislature, chieftains of the ruling and opposition parties, and democratic institutions against each other as they debate endlessly the relevance of the issue he placed on the front burner last week.
He is seen by some Nigerians as the real masquerade wearing the mask behind inflaming the current raging debates on real-time electronic transmission of election results into the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) Portal and the questionable registration of two political parties.
His indicting passionate appeal to the security agencies, particularly on intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination to combat vote buying, general election fraud and violence, and lampooning the leadership of the political parties for the protracted rifts, indicting them for being responsible for the continued voter apathy, have equally raised fundamental arguments over the future of elections in Nigeria.
The electoral umpire boss had hit the ground running in his remarks during last week’s encounter with civil societies when he attributed the delay in the release of the much-anticipated timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections to the lackadaisical legislative response from both chambers of the National Assembly on the Electoral Act amendments.
Prof. Amupitan, giving an update on the 2027 general elections, had claimed that the delay in the Electoral Act amendment proceedings by the National Assembly is becoming very disruptive to the preparation for the polls.
His words: “While the National Assembly is currently working on the amendments to the Electoral Act, the commission has made its submission as required. We are mindful of the growing public interest and anticipation surrounding the release of the timetable and wish to assure political parties and the Nigerian public that the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections will be released in full compliance with the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the Electoral Act, 2022.”
“Having said that, we, however, seek your support in urging the National Assembly to expedite action on the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act,” the electoral umpire boss said.
As if his remarks and appeal to hold the legislators responsible provided the needed tonic to propel, jolt, and stampede the National Assembly to action, the response of the legislators, particularly on the unresolved contentious real-time electronic transmission has increased the anxiety for election revolution.
In his response to the action of the Red Chambers on the amendment, Prof. Amupitan had noted that; “In view of Senate passing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and setting a Conference Committee to look at it, we reiterate our call to all stakeholders to urge the National Assembly to expedite action on the amendment to ensure a stable legal environment well ahead of the elections
.”Ever since he made the remarks, Daily Sun can report that there have been cacophonies of agitations since last week from Nigerians, with a preponderance of hostile comments, in condemnation or support of the actions and inactions of the upper chamber for watering down the proposed mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results as the game changer for subsequent elections.
From the least politically conscious Nigerian to the custodians of the democratic ethos of the country, there has been that enthusiasm and determination to be part of the ongoing revolution and debate.
But, to extinguish the flaming furnace, the electoral umpire boss, has, however, pleaded with Nigerians during his inspection of selected polling units during the FCT Area Council mock accreditation and election, to exercise a little patience over the controversial issue.
He noted: “Who says that there will not be real-time transmission of election results? The National Assembly is still in the process. We have to wait for the harmonised version because before that, a conference will be held due to the various agitations.
“We must understand the processes of making laws and that if one chamber has agreed on a certain bill and the other chamber has not, they will meet to harmonise the disagreement. Let us not create unnecessary panic and tension,” he pleaded with Nigerians.
However, the last may not have been heard about the revolution following the bluntness of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who warned Nigerians that the Red Chamber will not be intimidated and stampeded in its effort to provide Nigerians with an Electoral Act which promotes democracy.
Senator Akpabio, over the weekend, stated: “We have not passed the votes and proceedings; there is still harmonisation, but people are already on television sitting on panels abusing the Senate for something that is yet to be completed. We have not completed it until we look at the votes and proceedings.
“When we bring out the votes and proceedings, any senator has the right to rise to amend it. We can amend anything before we approve votes and proceedings. Why abuse the senate when what we have is incomplete? I can’t talk until they tell me to drop the gavel.
“In this case, we are yet to complete the process. Why are people setting up panels on TV stations and abusing us? I leave them to God,” he went spiritual, adding; “we will not be intimidated, but we will do what is right for Nigeria and not that of one NGO. Retreats are not law-making.”
Another controversy that has heightened the political tension since last week was Prof. Amupitan’s chiding of political parties over their apparent lack of internal party democracy and the endless leadership rifts destabilising them.
However, such expression of disappointment against the party leaders was not as controversial as his endorsement of the factional leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Labour Party (LP) led by Senator Nenadi Usman, which confirmed the end of the road for the Julius Abure-led LP faction.
While condemning the internal rifts within the parties, Prof. Amupitan had warned that: “Our collective commitment to maintaining the integrity of our electoral processes is being challenged by the unfortunate and increasingly frequent leadership squabbles within various parties across our esteemed nation.
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“The essence of democracy is rooted in the ability of political parties to flourish, debate, and contest ideologies in a manner that respects the tenets of fair play and mutual respect. However, it is with great concern that I note the current trend of infighting among party leaderships, which not only detracts us from the core objectives of these political entities but also spills over into unnecessary legal battles that task our judicial system and public resources.
“These numerous litigations, in which the commission often finds itself joined as a party, divert our attention from our primary mandate: to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria. As the guardians of our electoral process, we are compelled to address these issues not just for the sake of our institution, but for the greater good of our democracy,” he noted.
Lamenting further, the commission’s boss said: “The implications of these squabbles are far-reaching. They create an environment of uncertainty for party members and supporters, erode public trust in the political system, and undermine the democratic process that we all hold dear. Each litigation not only consumes time and resources but also distracts us from the important work of mobilising voters and engaging with the public on critical national issues.
“As an independent body, INEC remains neutral, but we seek to remind all political parties that cohesive and transparent leadership is essential for the health of our democracy. We urge party leaders to prioritise constructive dialogue over divisive disputes, to foster unity within their ranks, and to focus on policy development and community engagement rather than internal strife,” he appealed.
Before he finally concluded his remarks on the political parties, he, however, expressed disappointment over their shyness from their responsibility of mobilising the electorate, insisting that they are responsible for the voter apathy.
“One of the major challenges we have is voter apathy. It is part of the responsibility of INEC to do civic education, but it is not our responsibility to campaign to people to participate in the election. It is the responsibility of the political parties. We’ll ask everyone to play their roles.
“We will play our part by doing what we are supposed to do, including ensuring that our equipment and personnel are prepared. Of course, voter apathy has been on generally for several election years, but we are also imploring the media to circulate the message about these forthcoming elections,” he appealed.
Related to his appraisal of the political parties and the hostile responses of the factional leaders, particularly the Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led PDP faction, which kicked against the commission’s endorsement of the Samuel Anyanwu leadership, was the registration of the two new parties, bringing the total number of registered parties to 21.
In announcing the registration, Amupitan said: “Out of the 14 associations that satisfied the initial prequalification, eight successfully uploaded their documents on the commission’s dedicated portal. They are the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP), and the Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).
“Out of the eight, only two qualified for final assessment and verification of due compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act. After due consideration, only DLA was found to have complied fully with the requirements of the law. Accordingly, the commission has decided to register it as a political party, effective from February 5, 2026.
“Furthermore, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. INEC ordered the commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
“The commission has decided to comply with the order and is being registered as a political party. Certificate of Registration will be handed over to the two new political parties in due course,” he revealed.
As seamless as the announcement of the two new political parties might look, the legal threats from other political associations denied registration have equally contributed to escalating the political tension since last week.
Leading the vanguard of aggrieved political associations protesting INEC’s refusal to register them was the African Alliance Party (AAP), which questioned the criterion and rationale INEC used in registering NDC, which neither participated in the registration process nor was listed on INEC’s website and other official platforms for public information.
AAP’s National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Sadiq, in a statement recently, noted that, “It is clear that AAP met all the requirements for registration as a political party, and was unlawfully removed by INEC. This injustice shall not stand. It is a calculated assault on the nation’s democracy.
“AAP demands immediate registration as a political party by INEC or face legal action. AAP reaffirms its confidence in the judiciary as the temple of justice and the last hope of all aggrieved citizens, and will defend and deepen the nation’s democracy in spite of the antics of reactionary forces bent on suffocating the democratic space.
“The integrity of INEC is at stake. Its double-standard is glaring in registering purported NDC that didn’t participate in the registration process nor listed on the INEC’s website and other official platforms for public information,” AAP complained bitterly.
But, the icing on the cake among the controversies Amupitan created last week was the riot act he read to the security agencies, urging them to up their ante in planning, deployment, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency coordination ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
In his remarks during the ICCES meeting, he said, “This meeting is particularly significant and underlines a simple truth that 2026 is a very busy electoral year. This reality places a greater burden on our collective shoulders. Security agencies must, therefore, up the ante in planning, deployment, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency coordination, to ensure that every electoral activity is conducted in a safe, peaceful, and credible environment.
“Elections succeed when institutions work in harmony. The credibility of our elections, and indeed our democracy, depends largely on your ability to secure the electoral process from start to finish. Let us remain vigilant, proactive, and united in purpose as we navigate this demanding electoral year,” he challenged.
His appeal seemed to have resulted in the corresponding ricocheting responses as both the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Inspector General of Police (IGP) gave a matching order to the security personnel.
They also warned that vote buyers, political thugs, and politicians with violent dispositions will be identified, reprimanded, and restrained before, during, and after the various polls lined up this year and the general elections next year.
NSA Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Hassan Abdullahi, Director, Internal Security in the Office of NSA, had noted that; “Our achievement is particularly significant as the nation prepares for upcoming electoral events. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the lead agency for election security, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, is actively mobilising resources and implementing measures to prevent any actions that could disrupt the electoral process.
“Accordingly, adequate security personnel will be deployed to polling stations and high-risk electoral wards. Political thugs and politicians with violent dispositions will be identified and reprimanded or restrained before, during, and after the elections, while vote buyers will be traced and apprehended.
“Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are therefore urged to conduct themselves with decorum and uphold the integrity of the democratic process; any noncompliance will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law,” NSA warned.
