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Obi won’t join d—ollarised primaries, Obidients reply Atiku

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Supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have reacted to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his vow not to step aside for any aspirant in his quest to secure the African Democratic Congress ticket for the 2027 presidential race.

The Obidient Movement, Obi’s cult-like followership, dismissed Atiku’s posture as “mind games,” insisting their principal would never be caught in the murky politics of vote-buying or dollarised delegate inducement that dominate Nigeria’s political parties’ primaries.

Speaking with The PUNCH, the National Coordinator of the group and Obi’s former campaign spokesman, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said Obi’s political ideology stood in sharp contrast to the transactional politics that other politicians had normalised.

He said, “I’m happy Atiku is saying what he has in mind. It shows there’s something we can hold him accountable for. But Peter Obi is willing to bring new political ideology into the system.

“I can say it authoritatively that an Obi will never go into a primary election where he has to buy out the delegates. We know that is the norm in other camps.

“It is a fact that in Nigeria of today, delegates in every primary are being purchased. It is even in dollars and not naira. And for those of us who want to give hope to the younger generation, who may not have stolen or receive so much money from governors’ purse, how do you encourage them?”

Atiku had on Wednesday in an interview with BBC Hausa said he was prepared to contest ADC presidential primaries but would step aside if a younger aspirant defeated him.

The former VP  said it was still premature to speak on whether he would be on the ballot in 2027.

“This is only the beginning. Our priority is to establish the party and gain a strong following,” Atiku said when asked if he would run.

“If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women,” he added.

When asked if there were suspicions that he could abandon the ADC later, Atiku dismissed such insinuations.

“No, I’m not known for that,” he said, shaking his head. “If I say so, then I’ll go that way,” he added, gesturing with his hand that he was “a man of one Qibla.”

The interview caused a ripple effect in the political sphere where many had opined that Atiku should not run in 2027 but back a younger candidate.

Reacting to Atiku’s declaration, a former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, said it would be difficult for any aspirant to defeat Atiku if he makes it to any party primaries.

Sani raised the concerns in a post via his official X handle on Thursday.

He wrote, “His Excellency the Waziri reportedly said he would step aside if a younger candidate wins the primaries… The keyword here is PRIMARIES… It’s easier for a camel to pass through the hole of a needle than to beat the Waziri in primaries. Party delegates are a special breed of people.”

A few hours after the BBC Hausa gained traction, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, issued a statement, stressing that the VP has no plan to step down for anyone.

Ibe explained that a careful review of both the video and transcripts of the interview showed that Atiku never said, suggested, or implied that he intended to step down for anyone.

He said, “After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview, in the original Hausa and the English translation,  it is evident that at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone.

“What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest. He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation.

“While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged.

“For the record, therefore, the insinuations attributed to Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.”

The ADC, which was unveiled in July as the coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, has been struggling to get opposition figures such as Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to formally join its ranks.

While some politicians have since crossed over, both Obi and El-Rufai have remained in their respective parties despite identifying with the coalition.

Obi said he would not be stampeded into abandoning the Labour Party for the ADC until he is fully ready.

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Electoral reforms: Senate pushes INEC to defend election results

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The Senate on Wednesday called for the transfer of the burden of proof in election petitions from aggrieved candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission — the body that conducts and supervises elections.

The proposal formed a key part of deliberations as lawmakers debated the general principles of a bill seeking to repeal the 2022 Electoral Act and enact a new Electoral Act 2025.

The move, they argued, would make the electoral process more credible, transparent and accountable.

But the Senate’s fresh proposal sharply divided opposition parties, with the Peoples Democratic Party warning that the move could undermine democracy.

The proposal, which formed part of deliberations on the new Electoral Act 2025 Bill debated on Wednesday, seeks to make the electoral umpire — as organiser and regulator of elections — primarily responsible for defending the integrity of polls it conducts.

Lawmakers backing the proposal, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Seriake Dickson, argued that INEC should “bear the burden of proving that elections were free, fair, and credible,” describing it as a long-overdue reform to strengthen democracy ahead of the 2027 polls.

The lawmakers also believed, if signed to law, it will mark a turning point in the bid to reform Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elections,

Under the current law, petitioners who challenge election results bear the legal burden of proving irregularities — in line with the Evidence Act, which provides that “he who asserts, must prove.”

But several senators, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, insisted that INEC — as the organiser and regulator of elections — should be held responsible for defending the integrity of the polls it conducts.

Leading the debate, Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) argued that the reform was long overdue if Nigeria must strengthen its democracy.

“If there is one major achievement we must secure in this 10th Senate under your leadership, it should be meaningful electoral reform. We have the opportunity to modernise our system — authorise INEC to deploy more technology and back that authorisation with adequate funding.

“Our political parties are among the greatest challenges to our democracy; we must find ways to regulate and control party behaviour so democratic norms are strengthened. Critically, the burden of proof in electoral disputes must be reformed.

“Electoral matters are sui generis and require special treatment.

INEC conducts elections, appoints ad-hoc officials, collates and announces results; it should therefore bear the primary burden of proving that elections were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law,” Dickson said.

Akpabio backed the proposal, saying the electoral umpire must be held accountable for the conduct of elections.

“I agree with Senator Dickson and other Senators who have called for shifting of burden of proof in electoral litigations from litigants to INEC being the organiser and supervisor of elections,” Akpabio said.

“INEC obviously must be held responsible because it is the one in charge of conduct and logistics, and is in the best position to carry the burden of proof in litigations.”

Beyond the contentious issue of proof, lawmakers also raised other electoral concerns, including the status of delegates at party primaries and the defection of elected officials.

Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) urged the inclusion of all elected political office holders as delegates during primaries, while Senator Muntari Dandutse (Katsina South) called for a clause that would compel defecting officeholders to lose their seats — a move he said would “strengthen multi-party democracy and restore Nigeria’s dignity in the international community.”

Contentious proposals

The new Electoral Act bill also proposes transferring the conduct of local government elections from state electoral commissions to INEC — a development expected to stir debate between federal and state authorities.

Another proposal seeks to make the use of the Permanent Voter Card optional for accreditation, alongside provisions for enhanced technology deployment and real-time transmission of results.

Despite the sensitive nature of the proposals, the bill scaled through second reading with minimal opposition following its public presentation, where many of the contentious issues had been discussed.

The fresh debate comes a week after the Senate suspended consideration of the Electoral Act repeal bill to allow for broader consultations.

The decision, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti) and Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue), was to give senators time to engage stakeholders and fully grasp the bill’s far-reaching implications.

Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau), who sponsored the bill as Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, described it as a “comprehensive reform, repeal and enactment — not a mere amendment.”

Lalong noted that while the 2022 Act introduced innovations such as electronic transmission of results, it also exposed deep flaws, including weak enforcement of electoral offences and disputes over result collation and voter registers.

Reform deadline

 

 

Last month, Senate Leader Bamidele assured Nigerians that the amendment process would be concluded before December to allow sufficient time for implementation before the 2027 elections.

He explained that previous delays in the transmission of electoral amendment bills had hindered timely presidential assent, as seen under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“Between now and December 2025, we will ensure that the amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 is concluded so that it will not be too close to the 2027 elections,” Bamidele said.

He reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible electoral laws and constitutional reforms, adding that “our focus is on rebuilding Nigeria, stabilising our polity and growing our economy — and we will never be distracted from this goal.”

Opposition

The PDP described the move as “dangerous and premature”, warning that INEC’s credibility challenges made such responsibility risky.

PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, told The PUNCH that the electoral body “cannot yet be trusted to be independent, neutral, or truthful.”

He said, “We don’t want the burden of proof to be on INEC alone because time and time again, we’ve seen that INEC can become even more partisan than political parties themselves.

“God forbid that one is contesting an election and INEC becomes both the sole arbitrator and the only body required to provide proof. That would be a lost cause from the beginning.

“INEC must first reform, purge itself, and rebuild credibility. In a democracy, to give the burden of proof in any capacity whatsoever solely to INEC is dangerous. As it stands today, INEC having such sole responsibility would be too dangerous and too risky for the democratic process.”

Similarly, the Labour Party’s two rival factions expressed mixed feelings.

Prince Tony Akeni, spokesperson of the Nenadi Usman-led faction, said the proposal “sounds great on the surface” but warned that without sincerity and punitive safeguards, it could empower corrupt INEC officials to manipulate results.

“On the surface, the proposed amendment to shift the burden of proof to INEC for the integrity, credibility, and acceptability of electoral results sounds great,” Akeni told The PUNCH. “But our worry is the scarcity of sincerity in the affairs of Nigeria’s political class.

“If they are sincere with this move, they must build in adequate penalties for INEC officials who may cash in on the new law and see election results as trading stock for the highest bidder — whether as petitioners or declared winners.”

Akeni also cited the 2023 presidential election as a cautionary tale, accusing INEC of frustrating the Labour Party’s petition at the tribunal.

He recalled how the Peter Obi legal team was allegedly frustrated by INEC’s refusal to release election materials during the 2023 presidential petitions.

“When the then INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, was required by Peter Obi’s legal team to provide IReV and other sensitive result evidences, INEC delayed till the tribunal deadline virtually expired,” he said.

“Under such circumstances, a dishonest and subornable INEC taking over the role of burden of proof would make no difference,” Akeni stated.

The Abure-led LP spokesman, Obiora Ifoh, however, dismissed the plan.

Ifoh cited past irregularities and judicial overreach in elections such as those in Imo and Adamawa states.

He said, “Although I have not seen the full presentation, in Nigeria, we have had situations where institutions beyond INEC determine the outcome of elections. For instance, in Imo State about six years ago, the candidate that came fourth was eventually sworn in as governor.

“Even when INEC proved that the candidate did not win, the court relied on a police document to declare the result. So, how can the same INEC that glossed over irregularities in Adamawa and Imo now be the one to bear the burden of proof?”

The LP spokesman continued, “If you take a look at Adamawa State, where an INEC returning officer snubbed the rightful winner and declared another candidate of the APC governor, even when it was obvious that PDP won — is it the same INEC that should now defend the process? That arrangement is neither here nor there.”

He further argued that only full electronic voting and real-time result uploads could ensure transparency.

“There has to be some modification where electronic voting becomes compulsory in every election,” Ifoh said. “If they allow human interference to remain, I can tell you that the Nigerian factor will still be there.”

However, not all opposition voices rejected the idea.

The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, threw his weight behind the proposal.

Johnson insisted that aggrieved politicians who bring “spurious or hopeless cases” should face sanctions.

“What if the candidate brings a spurious or hopeless case? Should they still bear no responsibility for wasting everyone’s time? If INEC proves beyond doubt that the results were credible, what happens to the person who brought up the unfounded claim?

“Should he be allowed to go scot-free and cost the country millions in taxpayers’ money?” he queried.

“If anybody wants to go to court, he should be ready to pay for it. If it is justice that you want, then you are entitled to some costs.” Johnson added.

The Obidient Movement, a cult-like followership of LP 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, openly supported the Senate.

Its National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said the burden of proof “rightly belongs to INEC.”

“I support it completely,” Tanko told The PUNCH. “The proof of these particular election irregularities lies in the hands of INEC. They have the records — whether false or right, they should prove it because they are the institution. Individuals can bring up any kind of result, but INEC has a duty to affirm or contradict it.”

He added, “When it is from INEC, it is more solid and confirmed. So, I am backing the lawmakers because that is the way it is supposed to be.”

 

 

The Senate’s debate on the sweeping Electoral Act 2025 Bill — sponsored by Senator Simon Lalong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC — also touched on other reforms such as real-time result transmission, stripping state electoral commissions of local government poll powers, and sanctions for defecting lawmakers.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has pledged that the electoral reform process will be concluded before December to allow for implementation well ahead of the 2027 general elections.

If passed into law, analysts say, the proposal to shift the burden of proof to INEC could reshape Nigeria’s post-election litigation landscape — either by deepening transparency or, as critics warn, by placing too much trust in a body still struggling with credibility.

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Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC chairman

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President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Amupitan took the oath of office at 1:50 pm at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Tinubu charged Amuputan to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and electoral process as well as strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.

Amupitan’s swearing in by the President comes a week after the Senate confirmed his appointment as INEC Chairman following a rigorous screening session on October 16.

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Amupitan arrives Aso Rock for swearing-in as INEC chairman

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The newly confirmed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, has arrived at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for his formal swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu.

Amupitan, dressed in a white agbada and gold cap, arrived at the State House on Thursday morning and exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries and onlookers ahead of the ceremony, according to a report by Channels Television.

The event, which will officially mark the beginning of his tenure as the nation’s chief electoral officer, is scheduled to be held at 1:00 p.m.

The law professor’s visit to the Villa comes a week after the Senate confirmed his appointment as INEC Chairman, following a rigorous screening on October 16.

During his appearance before lawmakers, the 58-year-old academic outlined his plans to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, strengthen institutional independence, and rebuild public trust in the commission.

“We must conduct elections where even the loser will congratulate the winner and say, ‘You won fairly and well.’ When that happens, voters’ confidence will naturally be restored,” Amupitan told the Senate.

He also pledged to focus on tightening the provisions of the Electoral Act to remove ambiguities in election timelines and enhance transparency in the process.

Amupitan, who was nominated by Tinubu and approved by the National Council of State, succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman recently ended.

His appointment makes him the sixth substantive head of the electoral body since its establishment.

Addressing questions about his alleged links to President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, Amupitan firmly denied the claims.

“I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any of the parties,” he stated, stressing his neutrality and independence.

Following his swearing-in, the new INEC Chairman is expected to immediately assume office and commence the transition process at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

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