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APC, opposition list expectations for next INEC chair ahead of 2027

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As the 2027 general election approaches, the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, and African Democratic Congress have outlined key expectations for the incoming chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, emphasising credibility, neutrality, and commitment to democratic principles.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, the APC urged the incoming INEC chairman to guarantee a fair and equal opportunity for all political parties, while the PDP emphasised the need for the commission’s head to remain neutral and autonomous.

On its part, the ADC warned that failure to conduct credible elections under the new leadership could pose a threat to the country’s democratic stability.

The current INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, is set to complete his tenure by November.

Appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, Yakubu holds the distinction of being the longest-serving chairman in the history of Nigeria’s electoral commission.

According to Section 154 (1) of the amended 1999 Constitution, “the appointment of the chairman and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission shall be made by the President and shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.”

Paragraph 14 of Part I of the Third Schedule also states that the individual appointed must possess “unquestionable integrity” and must be at least 50 years old.

In line with constitutional provisions, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly drawn up a shortlist of candidates to succeed Yakubu.

Speaking on the expectations of the ruling APC, the Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, stated that while the party aims to win all elections, it insists on a level playing field for all participants.

Ibrahim, in an interview with The PUNCH, stated, “Well, as a party, our interest is winning and winning elections in a free and fair atmosphere.

“Our interest is how to take control of power in a way that will provide or give democratic dividends to the people. Our interest is in how to stand for elections and be allowed to play without being muzzled or ruled out.

“So, we look forward to a leader of the Independent National Electoral Commission that will allow a level playing field, that will allow elections to be conducted freely and fairly.

“So, our interest is a leader who will come and play by the book.”

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stressed that the incoming INEC chairman must be a person of integrity.

In an  interview with our correspondent, Ologunagba also called on the President and relevant stakeholders to thoroughly assess the candidate’s character and ensure only a competent individual was appointed.

He stated, “The next INEC chairman must be someone who has integrity, must be somebody who will not have questionable character, must be impartial, someone who will be independent and run the commission that way, as required by the constitution and the law. So that’s our expectation.

“We want a man who has that integrity, a record of being temperate, and who, of course, must demonstrate again by his actions as a supporter of democracy, and be willing to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.

“And then I will explain that when the President appoints or nominations are going to be made, he should do his job, do the right thing, to ensure that there is critical analysis and thorough review of the individual, to ensure the person’s character is not questionable and qualified to hold such a position in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.

“And that is the minimum that Nigerians are expecting from the President and, of course, from the National Assembly and others.”

The coalition party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdulahi, expressed concern over INEC’s long-standing crisis of credibility.

In an interview with our correspondent, Abdullahi stated that the incoming INEC chairman must work to restore trust by ensuring credible elections in 2027.

He stated, “The most important thing is that I think the INEC over the years has suffered a crisis of credibility in the eyes of the Nigerian voters.

“The new INEC chairman has to ensure that the commission stays at its credibility level. You know, to ensure that the election system inspires the confidence of everyone, and it’s the only way to guarantee stability in the country.

“They must ensure the appointment of someone who inspires confidence and demonstrates neutrality. Failing to do so could create doubt in the minds of citizens about the credibility of the 2027 elections and whether they will be free and fair.

“And the net consequence of that is that, if you recall, they may end up having the Orange Revolution in their hands. You remember the Orange Revolution in Ukraine?

“So, I think 2027 is going to be significant for all. As a party, we are hoping that the appointment will provide the opportunity for someone who understands the historical significance of the job.”

He said the opposition party would react accordingly if the new appointee came to defend the ruling party.

“If it’s someone who thinks he’s coming here to defend the ruling party, then the opposition party will react accordingly.

“You know, I can’t tell you what we’ll do now, but I can tell you that if they appoint someone that we don’t have confidence in, then that neutrality is not apparent for everyone to see. And then they end up creating doubt,” he said.

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Otti denies defecting to APC, affirms loyalty to LP

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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has refuted claims circulating on social media that he has left the Labour Party for the All Progressives Congress.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, on Monday.

Kanu dismissed the report as false, adding that it is the handiwork of political opponents unsettled by Otti’s growing popularity and record of performance.

He stressed that the governor remains a steadfast member of the Labour Party, describing the report as a “desperate attempt to distract Abians and create unnecessary confusion.”

He stated, “Governor Alex Otti remains a committed and proud member of the Labour Party, the platform under which the good people of Abia overwhelmingly elected him to serve. His focus remains unshaken, to rebuild Abia, restore accountability, and deliver the dividends of democracy to every citizen of the state.”

The commissioner recalled that during the October edition of ‘Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians’, the governor had reiterated his disinterest in political realignments or defections, stressing that his priority was governance, not politics.

“It is important to remind the public that only last week, during the October edition of ‘Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,’ the Governor made it unequivocally clear that his interest is not in political permutations or defections, but in service to humanity and the transformation of Abia State. He reaffirmed that leadership, to him, is about impact, not political convenience,” he added.

Kanu highlighted that the Otti administration has maintained a clear policy direction built on transparency, fiscal responsibility, infrastructural development, economic expansion, youth empowerment, and renewed trust in government.

“These are values synonymous with the Labour Party’s ideals, values that the Governor will never compromise for any political expediency,” the statement added.

The commissioner urged residents to disregard the fake report, describing it as another round of cheap propaganda aimed at diverting attention from the progress being made across the state.

“We wish to assure Abians that Governor Alex Otti remains resolute in his mission to continue to build a new Abia where truth, justice, and equity prevail under the banner of the Labour Party,” he stated.

Recall that Otti had in May emphasised that he does not need to join the APC to be close to President Bola Tinubu.

He noted that not everyone needs to join the ruling party.

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Kaduna ADC expels deputy chairman, eight others over misconduct

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The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has plunged into crisis following the expulsion of its Deputy Chairman, Ahmed Mustapha, and eight other top officials over alleged gross misconduct, insubordination, and attempts to usurp leadership positions within the party.

The sweeping decision, described by insiders as “a necessary purge to restore discipline,” was part of the resolutions reached by the State Executive Committee during an emergency meeting held in Kaduna on Wednesday.

Those affected by the expulsion include the State Publicity Secretary, Idris Musa; State Vice Chairman (Zone 1), Sulaiman Abdullahi; State Treasurer, Gambo Sani; State Financial Secretary, Magaji Maiwada; and State Legal Adviser, Danlami Dabai Musa. Others are the State Coordinator of Persons with Disabilities, Saura Muhammed; State Deputy Youth Leader, Ibrahim Muhammed; and one Mansur Gaga.

The embattled officials were accused of engaging in what the party described as “activities capable of undermining the unity, image, and lawful operation” of the ADC in Kaduna and the North-West zone.

According to the SEC’s resolution, the members allegedly held secret meetings to plot leadership changes, forged official documents, and extorted money from party members in violation of the ADC’s constitution.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, the Kaduna State ADC Chairman, Elder Patrick Ambut, said the party could no longer tolerate actions that threaten its internal cohesion.

He declared that the leadership in Kaduna remained “committed to discipline, transparency, and the rule of law,” adding that the expulsions followed due process as provided in the ADC constitution.

“As law-abiding members of the ADC, we are committed to upholding the party’s constitution and safeguarding its integrity. No individual, no matter his position, is above the law of the party,” Ambut said.

The chairman accused the Deputy Chairman, Mustapha, of abuse of office, impersonation, and acts capable of causing disharmony not only in Kaduna State but also across the North-West zone.

“These actions constitute a gross violation of the ADC constitution and are contrary to established party procedures,” Ambut said.

“The Deputy Chairman acted without due process, as he lacks the constitutional authority to convene any meeting or issue such directives on behalf of the party.”

Meanwhile, the party announced the appointment of the Deputy State Publicity Secretary, Alex Tagwai, as Acting Publicity Secretary pending further adjustments within the state executive.

Ambut said the decision was endorsed unanimously by the SEC, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders during the meeting.

“Mr. Tagwai will immediately assume responsibilities to ensure the smooth functioning of the publicity unit and prevent any communication gaps,” Ambut said.

He also urged members to remain calm and loyal to the constituted leadership, warning that further acts of indiscipline would not be tolerated.

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My re-election bid, a divine project -Soludo

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The Anambra State Governor,  Chukwuma Soludo, has described his second-term reelection bid as “a divine project and a mass movement” which ignites a sense of collective purpose and commitment to continued development in the state.

Soludo stated this in his address during a campaign rally in Onitsha South Local Government Area of the state, where he and his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, were received by a large crowd of supporters on Tuesday.

The governor said the gathering, filled with residents eager to show their backing, portrayed the growing momentum of his campaign.

He said, “My candidacy is a divine project and a mass movement which resonated deeply with the people and ignited a sense of collective purpose and commitment to continued development in the state.

“I express my heartfelt thanks to the community for their unwavering support. This is a campaign like no other in our history. I am humbled and deeply thankful, and I appreciate you.”

The governor outlined the progress his administration has made in all sectors of the state economy, especially in Onitsha South LGA, highlighting the establishment of a specialist general hospital in Fegge, the exceptional improvements made to public schools, among others.

He promised that many more advancements would follow if given the opportunity for a second term.

Several people also took the stage to voice their support, highlighting the achievements made under the Soludo-led administration.

Among them was the President General of Fegge, Onitsha, Okwudili Nwankwo, who praised the governor’s impact, adding, “Under Governor Soludo, we have seen remarkable changes, particularly with initiatives like the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ programme. This has empowered many of our youth and provided them with valuable skills for a brighter future.”

Another resident, Chibuike Ugo, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Free education, free antenatal care and delivery services have made a significant difference in our community. These programs are not just policies; they are lifelines for our families.”

Another one, Franklin Onyeke added, “As we pray for Governor Soludo’s victory on November 8, 2025, we remain steadfast in our belief that he will continue to lead Anambra towards greatness.”

A cheque donation of N20 million was also made to support the governor’s campaign.

Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, is contesting the governorship election alongside 16 other candidates from other political parties on November 8, 2025.

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