By George Mgbeleke

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent, credible, inclusive and peaceful 2027 General Election, as the African Union (AU) Pre-Election Needs Assessment Mission commenced engagements with the Commission in Abuja.

The AU delegation was led by former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Demeke Mekonnen, who is in Nigeria to assess the country’s overall electoral preparedness and identify areas requiring further support and intervention.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Commission on Tuesday 15th September, 2026, at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja, the Acting Chairman of INEC, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, welcomed the mission and described it as an important opportunity for peer assessment, institutional learning and the strengthening of Nigeria’s electoral processes at a critical period in the nation’s democratic journey.

Prof. Gumus said the Commission values its partnership with the African Union in advancing democratic standards and credible electoral governance across the continent. She noted that the mission should not be viewed as a formality, but as an indispensable mechanism that strengthens institutional resilience and reinforces public confidence in the ballot box.

She highlighted the scale of preparations already underway for the 2027 General Election, stating that INEC is undertaking extensive operational, technological and logistical preparations to ensure effective participation by all eligible Nigerians. She added that lessons drawn from recent off-cycle elections in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti and Osun continue to serve as valuable learning opportunities for the Commission.

The Acting Chairman also outlined specific areas where technical and institutional support from the AU would be valuable, including digital training for ad hoc election personnel, countering election-related disinformation and deepfakes, strengthening the Election Monitoring and Support Centre, and deepening inclusivity and gender-mainstreaming frameworks.

She emphasised that electoral integrity remains a collective responsibility involving electoral institutions, political parties, civil society, security agencies, the media, development partners and the electorate, while reaffirming the absolute independence, neutrality and professional resolve of the Commission.

Prof. Gumus assured that under the watch of the current Commission led by Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, every administrative decision will strictly follow the law, every technical deployment will serve transparency, and the final outcome of the 2027 General Election will reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian electorate.

Speaking on the purpose of the visit, the Head of the AU Mission, His Excellency Demeke Mekonnen , explained that the mission is designed as a supportive and consultative engagement to assess activities already on track, identify existing gaps and risks, and explore possible areas of technical assistance.

He noted that the mission will engage widely with INEC and other key stakeholders to examine preparedness in voter registration and register integrity, electoral technology, logistics, funding, inclusion, transparency, dispute resolution, security coordination and results management. He underscored the continued partnership between Nigeria and the African Union in promoting democratic governance across the continent.

By David Owei

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) Oxbow Marino Deck has marked the International Day of Democracy with Radio Advocacy Programme on democracy and Civil Responsibility.

According to the NAS, the initiative formed part of the Deck’s commitment to public enlightenment and advocacy on issues that promote responsible citizenship and good governance.

The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Oxbow Marino Deck led by the Capoon, Arc. Binafeigha Timiebi Reuben PhD, during the live radio advocacy programme on Peoples FM 93.1, Yenagoa, provided a platform for meaningful discussions on democracy, civic responsibility and the role of citizens in strengthening democratic institutions and processes.

The conversation, which was anchored by Peoples FM 93.1 radio presenter, Mr. Victor Eulogy, guided the discussants through a range of issues surrounding democratic governance and citizen participation.

The programme also featured a panel of distinguished discussants comprising Promise Beshel, Barrister Ebinyo George, and Barrister Adogbeji Junior Shakarho, who brought their diverse perspectives and professional experiences to bear on the discussions.

The deliberations also focused on the importance of democracy beyond the periodic conduct of elections, emphasizing the need for active citizen participation, respect for democratic values, protection of citizens’ rights and the collective responsibility of Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the democratic process.

The discussants examined some of the challenges confronting democratic development, including voter apathy, vote buying and electoral misconduct, while stressing the need for citizens to make informed and independent choices during elections.

The programme underscored the importance of citizens understanding that their right to vote is a fundamental instrument through which they can influence the direction of governance and demand accountability from elected representatives.

The discussions further highlighted the importance of civic awareness and continuous engagement in democratic processes.

The participants noted that citizens have responsibilities beyond casting their votes, including staying informed, participating constructively in public discourse, respecting differing opinions and demanding transparency and accountability from those entrusted with public office.

The presence of the Capoon, Arc. Binafeigha Timiebi Reuben PhD, underscored the Deck’s leadership commitment to initiatives aimed at promoting civic awareness, responsible citizenship and democratic values.

The Oxbow Marino Deck reiterated that democracy thrives when citizens are adequately informed, actively engaged and willing to hold leaders and institutions accountable.

The Deck emphasized that building a stronger democratic society requires more than political participation during elections; it requires continuous civic engagement, respect for the rule of law, tolerance for divergent opinions and a collective commitment to the common good.

The International Day of Democracy observance therefore provided the National Association of Seadogs, Oxbow Marino Deck, with an opportunity to leverage the reach of radio advocacy to engage the public and stimulate conversations around the responsibilities of citizens in sustaining democratic governance.

The initiative further demonstrated the Deck’s commitment to using advocacy and public enlightenment as tools for positive social change.

Through platforms such as radio discussions, the Deck seeks to encourage citizens to become more informed, responsible and active participants in the democratic process.

The Oxbow Marino Deck reaffirmed its commitment to continued advocacy, public enlightenment and community-oriented programmes that promote social responsibility, good governance, peaceful coexistence and the development of a more informed and participatory citizenry.

The observance ultimately reinforced a fundamental message: democracy is not merely a system of government; it is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation, vigilance and commitment of every citizen.

By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) applauds Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for the reported recovery of more than 500,000 hectares of farmland previously controlled by bandits, describing the development as a significant security, humanitarian and economic milestone.

HURIWA in a statement by its national cordinator,Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko said the reported recovery should not be viewed merely as a security statistic but as an important opportunity to restore the rights, dignity, livelihoods and economic independence of thousands of citizens who have been unable to access their communities and farmlands because of insecurity.

The association notes that when armed groups occupy rural communities and prevent legitimate residents from accessing their homes, farms and ancestral lands, the consequences go far beyond physical displacement.
Such occupation destroys livelihoods, disrupts food production, weakens local economies, deprives children of education, separates families and creates a cycle of poverty and dependency.
HURIWA therefore commends the Kaduna State Government and the security agencies for the reported improvement in security that has enabled farmers to return to their farmlands.
The association particularly recognises the importance of restoring agricultural communities because access to land is directly connected to food security, employment, household income and the survival of rural communities.

HURIWA, however, urges Governor Sani not to stop at the recovery of the land.
The association demands a comprehensive “recover, restore and rebuild” programme through which legitimately displaced owners and communities can be identified, their properties documented and verified, and their safe and dignified return facilitated.
HURIWA says the process should include transparent documentation of recovered communities and farmlands, proper verification of ownership claims, protection against fresh occupation and mechanisms for resolving disputes that may arise during the return process.
The association also urges the Kaduna State Government to ensure that communities returning after years of displacement receive adequate security protection, roads, schools, healthcare facilities, water, electricity and other basic services.
HURIWA warns that reclaiming territory without rebuilding the social and economic infrastructure of affected communities could leave residents vulnerable to renewed displacement.
The association further calls for special attention to farmers whose productive years have been lost to insecurity.
HURIWA says such farmers may require access to agricultural inputs, credit, equipment, extension services and other forms of support to enable them restart their livelihoods and contribute to the state’s food production.
The association also urges the government to establish stronger community-based early-warning mechanisms so that emerging security threats can be detected and addressed before they escalate into mass displacement.
HURIWA encourages the greater involvement of traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, community associations, farmers’ groups and representatives of displaced persons in the peacebuilding process.
The association says lasting peace cannot be achieved through military operations alone.
It requires sustained dialogue, justice, reconciliation, community trust, economic recovery and a credible system for resolving disputes before they become violent.
HURIWA also urges the Kaduna State Government to carefully address the humanitarian consequences of years of insecurity, including the plight of widows, orphans, displaced families and communities whose social and economic structures have been severely damaged.
The association says citizens who lost relatives, homes, farms or businesses to terrorist violence deserve more than the mere return of territory. They deserve an opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
HURIWA therefore recommends that other states confronting similar challenges should study Kaduna’s reported combination of security operations, community participation, intelligence gathering and early-warning mechanisms.
However, the association stresses that no state should simply copy the Kaduna model without adapting it to its own security, demographic and community realities.
HURIWA also calls for greater accountability for those responsible for terrorising communities, occupying private property, killing civilians, kidnapping residents and destroying livelihoods.
The association says the recovery of territory should be accompanied by sustained efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute perpetrators in accordance with the law.
HURIWA further urges the Federal Government to support states confronting rural insecurity with adequate intelligence, equipment, personnel and other resources required to protect communities and prevent terrorists and bandits from regrouping.
The association welcomes the reported progress in Kaduna but says the real test of the security gains will be whether ordinary citizens can return home, cultivate their farms, send their children to school, conduct their businesses and sleep peacefully without fear of renewed attacks.
HURIWA therefore urges Governor Uba Sani to sustain the momentum until recovered communities are genuinely secure, displaced citizens are able to return safely, legitimate property rights are protected and affected communities begin to experience lasting economic and social recovery.
The association describes the reported recovery of the farmland as an important beginning, but insists that the ultimate victory over terrorism is not merely the recovery of territory; it is the restoration of human dignity, lawful ownership, livelihoods and peaceful community life.