Welcome

Tag: INEC

  • INEC to Deploy Over 1.4 Million Corps Members for 2027 Elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to deploy more than 1.4 million corps members as ad hoc staff for the 2027 general elections across Nigeria.

    The disclosure was made on Monday during a strategic courtesy visit by INEC officials to the headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abuja.

    INEC Chairman Reveals 2027 Election Plans

    INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, led a delegation of national commissioners, directors, and senior officials to the NYSC headquarters at Yakubu Gowon House.

    The delegation was received by NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, alongside members of the scheme’s management team.

    According to Amupitan, corps members remain central to Nigeria’s electoral process and have consistently served as the backbone of INEC’s election operations since 1999.

    The INEC corps members deployment plan has already drawn attention in latest Nigerian politics news ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Over 700,000 Corps Members Needed Per Election Phase

    The INEC chairman disclosed that the commission would require 707,384 corps members for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.

    Another 707,384 ad hoc personnel would also be needed for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections fixed for February 6, 2027.

    He added that additional personnel would be deployed for off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as bye-elections in several states including Rivers, Kano, Ondo, Enugu, Nasarawa, and Kebbi.

    Corps Members Praised for Election Duties

    Amupitan commended corps members for their discipline, neutrality, patriotism, and digital skills, particularly in operating the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    “In many states, corps members accounted for nearly 90 per cent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers. They protected the sanctity of the ballot across 176,846 polling units nationwide,” he said.

    The 2027 general elections Nigeria preparations have continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today as political activities intensify nationwide.

    INEC Promises Better Welfare, Security

    The INEC chairman also acknowledged the risks faced by corps members during election assignments and assured the NYSC leadership that efforts were ongoing to improve welfare, insurance, and security arrangements.

    The issue of election safety has remained a major concern after some corps members reportedly lost their lives during previous election exercises across the country.

    NYSC Reacts to Election Mobilisation Plans

    Responding, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu praised the partnership between the NYSC and INEC.

    He described corps members as reliable, trainable, and patriotic manpower capable of supporting credible elections nationwide.

    Nafiu also noted that the scheme is transitioning into a generation dominated by digitally skilled Gen Z corps members whose ICT knowledge would support modern electoral operations.

    He appealed for better welfare packages and compensation for corps members deployed during elections, stressing that proper support would encourage commitment and national service.

  • INEC Fixes May 11 for Final Voter Registration Phase Ahead of 2027 Polls

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the third and final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will begin on May 11, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The commission said the exercise will run until July 10 across the country.

    Final phase begins nationwide

    INEC disclosed that the new phase follows the suspension of the second stage on April 17 to allow for data clean-up after the publication of the voters’ register.

    According to the commission, the final phase will give eligible Nigerians another opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

    Who can register and update details

    Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said citizens who have turned 18 or missed earlier registration windows are expected to take part.

    He added that registered voters can also transfer their registration, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), or correct personal details.

    Haruna advised Nigerians to use the official CVR portal or visit INEC offices in their states and local government areas.

    Voter register to be displayed

    The commission said the updated register will be displayed for claims and objections between July 23 and July 29, 2026.

    It noted that the process is designed to ensure the credibility, accuracy and completeness of the voter database.

    INEC assures smooth exercise

    INEC assured that all arrangements have been concluded for a seamless exercise nationwide.

    The commission also urged Nigerians to take the process seriously, describing voter registration as a key step in strengthening the country’s democratic system.

  • Makinde Slams INEC Over ‘Hasty’ ADC Leadership Update Without Supreme Court CTC

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission for updating the African Democratic Congress leadership on its website without a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment.

    He said the move raises concerns about due process and institutional credibility.

    Governor questions INEC’s action

    Speaking with journalists on Monday, Makinde said the commission acted prematurely by reflecting changes without sighting the official court document.

    “Nobody has seen the CTC… we were surprised that INEC went ahead to update the ADC leadership,” he said.

    He added that such a step by a national institution could undermine confidence in its operations.

    Warning over dangerous precedent

    Makinde cautioned that acting on unverified information could set a troubling standard.

    “What it means is somebody can whisper a court judgment and then they will go ahead and update that,” he said.

    He insisted that a professionally run organisation should rely strictly on verified documents before taking decisions.

    PDP defends interim committee

    The governor also addressed concerns surrounding the newly formed Interim National Management Committee within the Peoples Democratic Party.

    He maintained that the committee was properly constituted in line with the party’s constitution.

    “If you go to the constitution of the PDP… two-thirds of that membership came here. So it is legally constituted,” he stated.

    Party to engage INEC

    Makinde said the PDP would formally communicate its position to INEC and expects the commission to uphold democratic principles.

    “We will write to INEC… and allow the democratic space to accommodate opposition,” he said.

    He reaffirmed the party’s resolve to push for a stronger opposition, describing the situation as part of a broader struggle for democratic balance.

    “We will not give up… this is a battle for democracy,” he added.

    The remarks followed the PDP’s 103rd National Executive Committee meeting, where an interim committee was inaugurated to manage the party’s affairs amid ongoing leadership disputes.

  • ‘Governor Amuneke’ Rejects INEC Ambassador Role, Cites Restriction on Criticism

    Nigerian skitmaker Kevin Chinedu, popularly known for his “Governor Amuneke” persona, has turned down an offer to serve as a youth ambassador for the Independent National Electoral Commission, citing concerns over restrictions on his content.

    The content creator disclosed his decision in a video shared online, explaining that the conditions attached to the role conflicted with his platform.

    Excitement turns to concern

    Amuneke said he initially welcomed the offer with excitement, describing it as a major honour.

    He noted that the opportunity meant engaging young Nigerians on civic duties such as voter registration and participation in elections.

    “This is supposed to be a national honour… it brought me tears of joy when I thought about how far I have come,” he said.

    Condition that changed everything

    According to him, the turning point came after he sought clarification on whether he could continue criticising INEC while serving in the role.

    He said he was informed that while he could promote voter education and continue content creation, direct criticism of the commission would not be allowed.

    “They told me I can still create content and even preach about PVCs… however, I cannot criticise directly INEC,” he said.

    ‘I cannot box my voice’

    The skitmaker said the condition undermines the essence of his work, which focuses on political satire and holding institutions accountable.

    “The moment I heard that, what seemed like congratulations disappeared… I wish it did not come with conditions to box my voice,” he said.

    He added that his content is driven by real-life experiences and the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

    Message to fellow creators

    Amuneke urged other content creators to remain true to their platforms and avoid compromising their voices.

    “If you have a platform… remember there are millions of people whose hope is on that voice,” he said.

    He, however, expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating that he remains open to collaborations that do not restrict his expression.

     

  • Supreme Court Backs David Mark, Ends ADC Leadership Crisis

    Nigeria’s Supreme Court has settled the prolonged leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ruling in favour of the faction led by former Senate President David Mark.

    Apex court overturns Appeal Court position

    In its judgment delivered on Thursday, the apex court set aside the earlier directive of the Court of Appeal, which had ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the case.

    That order had created uncertainty within the party and prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from all factions.

    With the new ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed the leadership structure backed by Mark, restoring his faction as the recognised authority within the ADC.

    Origin of the leadership dispute

    The crisis began following internal disagreements within the party, which led to rival claims over its leadership.

    A faction led by Nafiu Bala had challenged Mark’s emergence, resulting in conflicting rulings from the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

    The dispute escalated into a prolonged legal battle that left the party divided.

    Mark’s argument before the court

    Mark’s camp approached the Supreme Court, arguing that leadership issues within political parties are internal matters that should not be subject to judicial interference.

    The appeal sought to overturn earlier decisions that weakened the faction’s control of the party structure.

    Implications ahead of 2027 elections

    Before the ruling, concerns had grown over the ADC’s ability to participate effectively in the 2027 general elections due to the absence of a clear leadership.

    The Supreme Court’s decision now brings clarity, ending months of legal uncertainty and restoring stability within the party.

    The judgment is expected to allow the Mark-led faction to proceed with party activities and preparations ahead of the next election cycle.

  • Supreme Court Fixes April 30 Judgment in ADC Leadership Crisis as Legal Battle Deepens

    The Supreme Court has fixed Thursday, April 30, 2026, for judgment in the long-running leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), bringing a decisive moment to a case that has split the opposition party.

    Court sets final judgment date

    The apex court, in a fresh notice issued on Wednesday, confirmed that judgment in the matter will be delivered at 2pm on Thursday, following the conclusion of final written addresses by all parties involved.

    A five-member panel of justices, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, had earlier reserved judgment after hearing arguments from the factions locked in the leadership tussle.

    Origin of the political dispute

    The case stems from a factional battle within the ADC, with Nafiu Bala Gombe challenging the legitimacy of the leadership led by former Senate President David Mark.

    Mark’s faction is contesting the March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the dispute.

    He argues that the matter is strictly an internal party issue and that the appellate court lacked jurisdiction to intervene.

    INEC, Aregbesola and others named in suit

    The respondents in the case include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), its National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former national chairman Ralph Nwosu.

    Mark is also seeking an order restraining INEC from recognising any leadership other than his faction while the appeal is pending before the Supreme Court.

    However, the respondents have urged the court to dismiss the appeal, insisting that the lower court acted within its jurisdiction.

    Warning over 2027 election implications

    In a letter dated April 28, 2026, the Mark-led faction warned that delay in judgment could jeopardise the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.

    Signed by counsel Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, the letter stressed that INEC had already begun implementing its timetable for the 2027 elections, raising urgency around the case.

    The faction argued that failure to resolve the leadership question on time could lead to the ADC being excluded from the polls, potentially affecting millions of supporters nationwide.

    The Supreme Court judgment is now expected to determine not just the party’s leadership structure, but also its immediate political future ahead of the next election cycle, as the matter continues to dominate latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today coverage.

  • Court Bars INEC From ADC Congresses, Nullifies Mark-Led Caretaker Actions

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any congress organised by committees set up by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The ruling also restrains the group from interfering with the functions of elected state executives.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgment on Wednesday, settling a dispute over the control of party structures ahead of planned congresses.

    Court Affirms State Executives’ Authority Over Congresses

    The court held that the responsibility for conducting state congresses rests solely with state executive committees, not the national leadership. It ruled that any attempt by the caretaker committee to organise such congresses falls outside its powers.

    Justice Abdulmalik stated that both the 1999 Constitution and the ADC constitution do not empower the caretaker body to appoint congress committees.

    Tenure of State Structures Declared Valid

    In its decision, the court affirmed that the tenure of ADC State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remains valid and subsisting. It said these structures must be allowed to complete their terms pending properly conducted congresses and a national convention.

    The ruling reinforces the position that only duly elected party organs can manage internal electoral processes.

    Suit Filed by Aggrieved Party Members

    The judgment followed a suit filed by several ADC members, including Don Norman Obinna and others, who challenged the legality of the caretaker committee’s actions. The plaintiffs argued that the planned congresses violated the party’s constitution.

    They maintained that only recognised party structures have the authority to organise congresses, urging the court to intervene.

    Court Cites Constitutional Breach, Rejects Jurisdiction Argument

    Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the plaintiffs, noting that the claims raised involved alleged breaches of constitutional and statutory provisions. She dismissed arguments that the court lacked jurisdiction, stressing that such matters warrant judicial review.

    “The law is settled that courts will not interfere. However, where there is an allegation of breach… the court has a duty to intervene,” she ruled.

    Caretaker Committee Actions Nullified

    The court subsequently nullified all processes initiated by the Mark-led caretaker leadership regarding the conduct of state congresses. It emphasised that such actions contravene both constitutional provisions and party guidelines.

    The ruling effectively halts any congress exercise linked to the caretaker committee.

    Ruling Reshapes ADC Internal Power Structure

    The decision is expected to have significant implications for the ADC’s internal leadership dynamics, particularly as political activities begin to intensify. Attention is now on how the party will navigate the ruling and organise its congresses within the framework outlined by the court.

  • Court Strikes Out Contempt Suit Against INEC Chairman Over Service Failure

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a contempt suit filed against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the applicant failed to personally serve the required court documents.

    Why the court struck out the case

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik dismissed the suit on the basis that the defendant was not personally served, as mandated by law in contempt proceedings.

    She held that since contempt is quasi-criminal in nature, Form 48 must be served directly on the alleged contemnor.

    The judge added that failure to comply leaves the court with no option but to strike out the case.

    Background to the legal dispute

    The case stemmed from an earlier judgment delivered on March 5, 2025, where the court ordered INEC to recognise the Edozie Njoku-led faction as the leadership of the National Rescue Movement (NRM).

    Following INEC’s refusal to comply, the faction initiated contempt proceedings against the then INEC chairman by filing Forms 48 and 49.

    However, INEC challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the contempt did not occur in the face of the court.

    Case reassigned before final ruling

    The initial trial judge later recused himself and returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, who reassigned it to Justice Abdulmalik.

    At the resumed hearing, the court insisted on proper personal service and adjourned for compliance.

    But when the applicant failed to meet the requirement, the case was struck out.

    Reactions from NRM faction

    Reacting, factional NRM chairman Chinedu Obi welcomed the ruling, questioning the legitimacy of the Njoku-led leadership.

    He maintained that the party’s recognised structure remains the one reflected on INEC’s official platform.

    Obi added that the development clears the path for the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.

     

  • APC Shifts Presidential Primary to May 23 as Party Revises 2027 Election Timetable

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rescheduled its presidential primary election to May 23, 2026, from the earlier dates of May 15 and 16, as part of adjustments to its timetable for the 2027 general elections.

    Fresh timetable announced

    The update was announced by APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, after the party’s 186th National Working Committee meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

    He said the revision affects key stages, including screening, appeals, and primary elections across all levels.

    “We now have a new revised timetable in accordance with the Constitution… the Electoral Act 2026, and INEC’s schedule,” Meseko said.

    Screening, forms timeline adjusted

    According to the new schedule, sale of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms will close on May 4.

    Screening of aspirants for various positions will hold between May 6 and May 9, with presidential screening fixed for May 9.

    Publication of screening results is scheduled for May 11, while appeals will be heard between May 12 and May 13.

    Primary elections schedule

    The party outlined dates for its primaries across positions, beginning with House of Representatives on May 15, followed by Senate on May 18, and State House of Assembly on May 20.

    Governorship primaries will hold on May 21, while the presidential primary has now been moved to May 23.

    Post-primary appeals will follow between May 18 and May 25, depending on the position.

    Mode of primaries clarified

    Meseko said the APC will adopt both direct and consensus methods for its primaries, in line with the Electoral Act.

    “Aspirants are free to decide their preference… where consensus fails, it automatically reverts to direct primaries,” he explained.

    He also dismissed claims that nomination forms would be restricted, insisting they are open to all interested aspirants.

    Zamfara congress timetable released

    The party also released a separate timetable for ward, local government, and state congresses in Zamfara State, scheduled to begin on April 28.

    The process will include screening, elections, and appeals across different levels of party structure.

    INEC timeline in focus

    The adjustments come as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state assembly polls set for February 6.

    INEC also stated that party primaries must be conducted between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

    The revised APC timetable is now a key development in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.

     

  • INEC Chair Amupitan Speaks on ‘Divine Conviction’ After Appointment Amid Neutrality Concerns

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has said he only accepted the role after receiving what he described as a “clear divine conviction,” even as questions over his neutrality continue to trail his leadership.

    ‘I would have declined’

    Amupitan spoke in Abuja during an end-of-tenure service organised by the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its outgoing president, Israel Akanji, and his wife, Victoria.

    According to him, the decision to lead Nigeria’s electoral body was not taken lightly.

    “If I did not have the conviction for this job, I would not accept it,” he said.

    He added that he drew strength from what he described as a direct assurance from God before taking up the position.

    “The Lord said, ‘Fear not; do not be dismayed. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you.’ I heard this clearly before I accepted this job,” Amupitan stated.

    Faith amid pressure

    The INEC chairman said that conviction has remained central to his leadership, especially given the complexity of managing elections in Nigeria.

    “No matter the storm, no matter the difficulty, God is able to calm every storm. That is what God has been doing,” he said.

    He also urged Nigerians to pray for the electoral body ahead of the 2027 general election, expressing confidence that the polls could set a new standard.

    “Continue to pray for Nigeria… that the 2027 election will be the best ever,” he said, adding that success would require divine support.

    Controversy over neutrality

    Amupitan’s remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing scrutiny over his perceived political neutrality.

    He was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in October 2025 to succeed former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu.

    Since then, resurfaced social media posts allegedly linked to him have sparked allegations of sympathy for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections.

    The claims have triggered calls from opposition figures and civil society groups for his resignation.

    Denial and pushback

    Amupitan has denied operating the account linked to the posts and insisted he remains politically neutral.

    INEC has also dismissed the allegations, describing them as attempts to discredit its leadership.

    Despite the denials, the controversy has continued to shape public discourse around electoral credibility, voter confidence, and the integrity of the commission ahead of 2027.

    The development remains a key talking point in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as attention shifts to preparations for the next general election.