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 Our Correspondent

The residents of CRD Layout in Lugbe, Abuja have commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Barr Nyesom Wike over what they described as his unusual development strides in the territory, especially in areas of infrastructural, health, education and human capital development in Abuja, since assuming duty as the Minister of the nation’s seat of power.

The residents, who spoke yesterday through Mr. Adeniyi Balogun during an interview with journalists at Lugbe, noted in particular the massive transformation of FCT especially in the area of road infrastructure, where virtually all the major roads that were hitherto bad had been reconstructed and given a new lease of life.

” Not only the roads that are benefiting from the Minister’s magic touch, the hospitals, schools, drinking water and human capital development are also at the forefront of receiving attention from this wonderful Minister that God has blessed the Abuja with.”

The residents while praising Wike for a work well-done, also solicited for his intervention on the massive encroachment being witnessed currently at CRD Layout in Lugbe, where a developer, Mr. Paul Odili and company Paulo Homes are involved in encroachment and land grabbing in CRD Layout, additing that Paulo Homes has continued to encroach on the CRD land by building houses in the layout, and using thugs to intimidate residents and stakeholders in conjunction with Riverpack police personnel in Lugbe, despite the case being in a court of competent jurisdiction.

The residents through Mr. Adeniyi Balogun noted that in the past, the FCDA had written and cautioned Paulo Homes for encroachment on different four layouts including CRD Layout. But regretted that Paulo Homes didn’t heed to the caution by the FCDA, and still made another illegal encroachment attempt within CRD Layout.

“The Paulo Homes refused to listen to the caution of FCDA. It’s important to inform the Minister for FCT that Riverpark Estate and Paulo Homes are the only Estates in Abuja that have no measured land.

The residents alleged that Paulo Home, last week , came inside CRD Layout with their thugs but the Police in Riverplate police station claimed that they were on the site to protect the illegal thugs and labourers grabbing the community land.

The residents pleaded with the Minister to as a matter of urgency order for the arrest of the owner of Paulo Homes, Mr Paul Odili, for his continuous disobedience to court order, and equally revoke all the land spaces so far encroached upon by Paulo Homes in CRD layout in Lugbe area of Abuja.

” Our plea to Wike is to intervene in this protracted land grabbing by Paulo Homes on our layout by revoking the ones the estate company had so far taken from CRD layout. The minster should also order for the arrest of the man behind the Paulo Homes, Mr Paul Odili, who is not obeying the directives of FCDA on the layout.”

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.