By George Mgbeleke

Following The release of 2027 election timetable, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has welcomed INEC’s announcement of the February 20, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections but urged the Commission to give Nigerians clear assurances on the real-time electronic transmission of results. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the credibility of the polls would depend not just on the timetable but on transparent processes, calling on INEC to outline concrete safeguards against manipulation and on the National Assembly to pass a binding legal framework to remove ambiguity around real-time electronic transmission.

The full statement read:

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, notes the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, fixing February 20, 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

We welcome the early release of the timetable, which provides political parties, stakeholders, and the Nigerian electorate with needed clarity for long-term planning and democratic preparation.

However, the credibility of the 2027 general elections will ultimately not be judged by the timeliness of the timetable alone, but by the Commission’s demonstrable commitment to transparency, technological integrity, and strict adherence to due process throughout the electoral cycle.

Of particular importance is the question of real-time electronic transmission of results. While the Commission has indicated that it will operate within the ambits of the law, the current Electoral Act still leaves procedural discretion in critical areas that directly affect public confidence.

In his recent engagement with the media, the INEC Chairman acknowledged the Commission’s technological capacity to deploy electronic transmission and affirmed that the Commission will continue to use technology in the conduct of elections. The ADC therefore respectfully urges INEC to provide early and unambiguous clarity to Nigerians on its readiness to adopt real-time electronic transmission of results should the necessary legal amendments be enacted.

Beyond this, the Commission should clearly outline the specific guardrails, both manual and electronic, that will be deployed to safeguard the integrity of results management and prevent any recurrence of the irregularities that have troubled recent off-cycle elections.

The ADC also reiterates its call on the National Assembly to urgently pass a binding legislative framework that removes ambiguity around electronic transmission of results and strengthens the legal architecture for transparent elections.
Nigerians have shown, time and again, that they are ready to defend the sanctity of their votes. What is now required is for the electoral umpire to match that civic vigilance with institutional clarity, operational transparency, and administrative excellence.

As a party committed to democratic deepening and credible elections, the ADC will continue to engage constructively with INEC, the National Assembly, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 elections reflect the true will of the Nigerian people.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced a 29-year-old man, Ebimie Ajalla of Polobubo Community, Oporoma, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, to 12 years’ imprisonment for sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl.

Ajalla, who is a relative of the victim, committed the offence at the child’s residence in Polobubo Community.

The court held that he repeatedly inserted his fingers into the minor’s vagina—an offence that the prosecution successfully argued constituted rape under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Bayelsa State.

The court found him guilty on all three counts bordering on rape, arson, and stealing.

Delivering judgment in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CR/6C/2024, Hon. Justice Enegesi held that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt and consequently sentenced the defendant to 12 years’ imprisonment.

In his ruling, Justice Enegesi commended the prosecution team for their diligence and professionalism in handling the case.

Reacting to the judgment, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, described the judgment as a clear affirmation of the law’s protection of minors against all forms of sexual abuse.

He added that it underscores the State Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children and strengthening the fight against sexual violence in Bayelsa State.

On her part, the prosecution team lead, Deputy Director at the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Pere Amanda Egbuson, Esq., stated that the court’s pronouncement reinforces the legal position that fingering constitutes rape under the Bayelsa State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2021, and not only penile penetration.

Mrs. Egbuson further stated that the conviction sends a clear message that child sexual abuse will be met with severe consequences and that this will serve as a deterrent to perpetrators of such despicable acts across the State.

By Uthman-Baba Naseer, Minna

In a significant move towards digitalizing the Judicial process,the Niger State High Court has formally launched its Electronic Filling (E- Filling) system across all High courts in the state.

The E-filling system, which became operational on February 2, 2026, was aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing access to justice.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Niger State High Courts, Hajiya Amina Laminde Musa Saidu explained, “the transition from paper-based filing to a digital platform represents a major reform aimed at streamlining court procedures and strengthening transparency within the judicial system”

The E-Filing initiative, according to her,began in 2023 with the development of policy guidelines, operational processes, and technical infrastructure.

As part of the preparation for implementation, the Court held a stakeholders’ engagement session in October 2025.

The event she stated,that brought together judicial officers, legal practitioners, court staff, and other justice-sector stakeholders to review the system, provide feedback, and build consensus around the reform.

Hajiya Amina Laminde Musa, disclosed that extensive training was conducted for all necessary High Court staff in the State to prepare them for the transition.

A dedicated technical support team has also been established to provide real-time assistance, while necessary hardware and software upgrades have been completed to ensure system stability and sustainability.

“We recognize that embarking on this new chapter of judicial reform may present initial challenges.

“However, this is not an uncharted path. Digital litigation is now a global standard, and we are fully committed to navigating this transition with agility and resilience,” the Chief Registrar stated.

The Chief Registrar noted that although, users may experience an initial learning curve, the long-term benefits, including reduced filing costs, faster case processing, enhanced document security, and improved procedural transparency, are expected to outweigh temporary difficulties.

To this end,the Niger State High Court has urged members of the Bar, litigants, and other judicial stakeholders to embrace the new system, emphasizing that its success depends on collective cooperation and active utilization.

With the launch of the E-Filing system, the Court joins a growing number of judicial institutions across the country adopting digital solutions to strengthen the administration of justice.