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Ekiti, Osun Polls Test For 2027 Elections – INEC Chair Amupitan Tells Staff

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on its staff and Nigerians to uphold accountability, discipline and integrity as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State.

Chairman of the commission, Joash Amupitan (SAN), made the call in his Eid-el-Fitr message to Muslim faithful, urging renewed commitment to credible electoral processes.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, the INEC boss described the end of Ramadan as “a victory of the spirit over the self,” noting that its lessons should guide the conduct of electoral officials.

“The lessons of Ramadan, patience, integrity, and empathy, are the very virtues we require as we approach the critical milestones of 2026. Discipline must translate into a renewed commitment to electoral integrity,” he said.

Amupitan described the forthcoming governorship elections as a major test run ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He maintained that the polls would serve as a “litmus test” for the commission’s preparedness and the effectiveness of its ongoing reforms.

According to him, the commitment of INEC staff to professionalism and ethical conduct would play a key role in tackling voter apathy and rebuilding public trust in the electoral system.

Naija News reports that the INEC chairman stressed that the commission would not condone any form of misconduct among its workforce, insisting that professionalism remains non-negotiable.

He urged staff across the country to adopt a zero-tolerance stance on unethical practices, especially as the electoral cycle gains momentum.

Highlighting the coincidence of Ramadan with the Christian Lenten season, Amupitan described the moment as symbolic of unity and shared responsibility among Nigerians.

See also  PHOTOS: APC’s Adesola Elegbeji wins Ogun bye-election with 41,237 votes

“Seeing both faiths within the Commission engaged in simultaneous fasting and intercession reinforces my belief in our shared humanity,” he said.

He added that the convergence underscores the importance of collective responsibility in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

The chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to staff welfare, noting that recent initiatives, including the reintroduction of institutional gatherings such as Iftar, were aimed at boosting morale.

“With a workforce of over 14,000, we recognise that a motivated workforce is the best defence against external political pressure,” he stated.

He emphasised that improved working conditions would help staff remain focused and resistant to undue influence.

Amupitan further disclosed that the commission is operating under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates stricter compliance with technological innovations.

He said tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal would be deployed to enhance transparency and credibility in elections.

Describing the current period as crucial in Nigeria’s democratic journey, the INEC boss urged both staff and citizens to reflect the values of Ramadan beyond the festive season.

“The conclusion of the fast is not just a celebration, but a foundation for renewed commitment to service, integrity, and national development,” he said.

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Nigerians Were Ready To Give Peter Obi Power Free Of Charge – Kenneth Okonkwo

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African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has claimed that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, destroyed his chances of becoming great.

According to him, Obi has failed to make the necessary sacrifice to retain support from Nigerians.

He asserted that Nigerians had been willing to support the NDC flag bearer and hand him political power without the usual struggle associated with securing elective office.

It was reports that Okonkwo made the remarks during an interview on Selah Meditate Podcast, where he was asked to describe President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Obi in one sentence.

Speaking about Obi, Okonkwo said, “Peter Obi is a man who had the opportunity of being great and dashed it by himself. No system will give you egg without breaking it. You can’t make an omelette without breaking an egg.

“He’s a man that God and living people would have loved to give him what he wants, but he needs to make the necessary sacrifice, no matter what it will entail, to hold onto that free gift.”

According to him, Obi’s political circumstances were unusual because, for the first time, Nigerians were prepared to give a politician power without demanding the conventional political incentives associated with elections.

“For the first time in Nigeria, people are willing to give somebody power free of charge. You should be able to make every sacrifice needed, no matter what,” he added.

Speaking further, he described Atiku as a benevolent and humane leader determined to continue pursuing the presidency to give Nigerians what he considers the benefits of his leadership.

See also  SEE FULL LIST; Members of APC’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council

“If you tell me to describe Atiku, I will say benevolent leader that doesn’t want to give up until he ensures the nation has a taste of the benevolence,” he said.

He added that the former vice-president was a “good leader” and “humane leader” who wanted to help rescue the country within his lifetime.

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Reforms are working – Akpabio champions Tinubu 2027 re-election

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The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has begun making a fresh case for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, urging Northern youths to support the administration’s economic reforms and policy continuity.

Akpabio made the appeal on Saturday while receiving a high-level delegation of the Northern Ethnic Groups Assembly in Abuja.

He said the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, were painful but necessary measures to reposition the economy.

According to him, the policies have now crossed a critical threshold and are beginning to produce tangible benefits for Nigerians.

“I stand before you not merely as a politician, but as a public servant committed to the prosperity of our nation, and particularly this vital region,” Akpabio told the youth leaders.

“The reforms initiated by President Tinubu are not abstract theories; they are concrete, courageous actions designed to dismantle long-standing structural bottlenecks and unlock Nigeria’s vast potential.”

The Senate President said the removal of the fuel subsidy and efforts to stabilise the foreign exchange market were necessary steps towards achieving fiscal sustainability.

He acknowledged that the measures initially imposed difficulties on Nigerians but argued that they were required to redirect government resources to critical sectors.

“While these measures initially posed challenges, they were the surgical procedures needed to redirect resources into healthcare, education, and infrastructure,” he said.

Akpabio also claimed that the reforms were producing early positive indicators, including improved revenue collection, increased investor confidence and renewed interest from international partners.

He urged Northern youths to become active participants in governance rather than waiting for the future before taking responsibility.

See also  I’ll wear ‘Akwete’ wrapper if my husband is re-elected as president — Oluremi Tinubu

“You are architects of today, not just leaders of tomorrow,” he told the delegation.

He said the 10th National Assembly was prioritising reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and the rule of law.

“Your innovation and engagement are the lifeblood of these reforms,” Akpabio said.

“We urge you to be critical consumers of information and to engage in constructive dialogue.”

The Senate President’s comments come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country.

His appeal also places policy continuity at the centre of the argument for another Tinubu term.

Akpabio argued that abandoning the current reform programme before its consolidation could undermine the gains being recorded.

On his part,The group’s spokesperson of the Northern Ethnic Groups Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Musa, commended Akpabio for what he described as efforts to strengthen political understanding between the North and South.

“We commend the Senate President for his accessibility and his unwavering dedication to the Nigerian project,” Dan-Musa said.

“His proactive engagement has rebuilt vital bridges of trust. He has proven that true national leadership transcends ethnic and geographical boundaries.”

The coalition also pledged to mobilise at the grassroots to educate Nigerians on what it described as the long-term benefits of the Federal Government’s economic policies.

Dan-Musa said national unity must remain above regional demands and sectional interests.

“National unity is the ultimate anchor of our collective survival.

“No regional sentiment can take precedence over the sovereignty and peace of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”,he said .

See also  2027: I got Peter Obi’s approval to join ADC — Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour

Meanwhile,the assembly identified three key areas for its political engagement ahead of 2027.

They include continuous consultation with Northern youth structures, grassroots enlightenment on federal fiscal policies and an uncompromising commitment to national cohesion.

The coalition said federal leadership must maintain mutual respect and transparent consultation with Northern youth organisations.

It also pledged to embark on awareness campaigns aimed at explaining the government’s economic policies to rural communities.

The group said such engagement was necessary to address misinformation and help Nigerians understand the implications of the reforms.

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2027: No presidential candidate including Peter Obi can improve Nigeria – Datti Baba-Ahmed

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Former Labour Party, LP, presidential running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has disclosed that none of the candidates running for the presidency in 2027 can improve Nigeria.

Datti expressed this opinion during an interview on Mic On Podcast.

Making reference to his former principal, Peter Obi, Datti said the now NDC presidential candidate left his comfort zone when he abandoned the Labour Party.

He said: “None of the people contesting will improve Nigeria, including Peter Obi. Peter Obi left his comfort zone; he was adopted as the presidential candidate of the Labour Party as far back as 2024.

“When he was going to join ADC, I had to go to Yar’Adua Centre ahead of him, called him aside, and they were worried: why is Datti calling Obi aside?

“I told him that this is the last time that I’m coming to this place, but I want to tell you that this is not a place for you. Was I proven wrong? I was proven right, and within four months, Obi left ADC.

“I don’t like people who contradict themselves, and I don’t want to go into criticising the politics of Atiku because that’s not what I’m about.”

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See also  PHOTOS: APC’s Adesola Elegbeji wins Ogun bye-election with 41,237 votes
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