By George Mgbeleke

The Senate Tuesday through its committee on South East Development Commission ( SEDC), took up the Managing Director of the Commission , Mark Okoye over suspected mismanagement of N16.6billion received from 2025 budget allocations .

The committee chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu ( Abia North) , specifically frowned at N153million the commission claimed it spent to rent one room liaison office in Abuja and N2.5billion categorised as implied expenditure .

Trouble came the way of the MD and other top management staff of the commission when the committee went through financial report submitted to it during investigative hearing it had with them .

Irked by failure of the MD to account for expenditures made so far from the N16.6billion received so far from federal budget , members of the committee and the chairman , expressed disappointment and vowed to make him account for what has been expended .

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in particular told the embattled MD that from inquisition made by the committee , the Central Bank of Nigeria had informed it that N13billion is what is left from the N16.6billion SEDC collected in December last year , meaning that N3.6billion has been spent and must be accounted for .

” This committee is disappointed with the financial report given , which is completely unacceptable” , he said .

Other members of the committee like Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe ( Abia South), Victor Umeh ( Anambra Central) , Austin Akobundu ( Abia Central ) , expressed displeasure on the report presented .

However the SEDC MD in his defence , said expenditures carried out so far from money received were judiciously made.

“Our approach has been to ensure that available resources are directed towards priority projects. We want allocations to guide the procurement process so that contracts awarded can be backed by available funding.

“What we want to avoid is a situation where contracts are awarded without the financial capacity to execute them.

“For example, having a budget of N140 billion does not automatically mean that N140 billion in cash is available.

“It would be irresponsible to award contracts worth the entire budget if only N10 billion or N20 billion has actually been released. Doing so South East Dev.Commission’s MD under fire in Senate over financial mismanagement
….Orders to account for N16.6billion collected from 2025 budget

By George Mgbeleke

The Senate Tuesday through its committee on South East Development Commission ( SEDC), took up the Managing Director of the Commission , Mark Okoye over suspected mismanagement of N16.6billion received from 2025 budget allocations .

The committee chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu ( Abia North) , specifically frowned at N153million the commission claimed it spent to rent one room liaison office in Abuja and N2.5billion categorised as implied expenditure .

Trouble came the way of the MD and other top management staff of the commission when the committee went through financial report submitted to it during investigative hearing it had with them .

Irked by failure of the MD to account for expenditures made so far from the N16.6billion received so far from federal budget , members of the committee and the chairman , expressed disappointment and vowed to make him account for what has been expended .

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in particular told the embattled MD that from inquisition made by the committee , the Central Bank of Nigeria had informed it that N13billion is what is left from the N16.6billion SEDC collected in December last year , meaning that N3.6billion has been spent and must be accounted for .

” This committee is disappointed with the financial report given , which is completely unacceptable” , he said .

Other members of the committee like Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe ( Abia South), Victor Umeh ( Anambra Central) , Austin Akobundu ( Abia Central ) , expressed displeasure on the report presented .

However the SEDC MD in his defence , said expenditures carried out so far from money received were judiciously made.

“Our approach has been to ensure that available resources are directed towards priority projects. We want allocations to guide the procurement process so that contracts awarded can be backed by available funding.

“What we want to avoid is a situation where contracts are awarded without the financial capacity to execute them.

“For example, having a budget of N140 billion does not automatically mean that N140 billion in cash is available.

“It would be irresponsible to award contracts worth the entire budget if only N10 billion or N20 billion has actually been released. Doing so would create unfunded liabilities and a significant financial deficit”

Not satisfied with his explanation , the committee through its Chairman, consequently ,directed the commission to submit comprehensive records, including contract details, payment information, and all supporting documents latest by 23rd of this month .

“By the 23rd, we want to have the complete documentation. Once we receive and review the documents, we will determine the date for your next appearance before the committee,” he said.

The Chairman thereafter adjourned the session, reiterating the committee’s expectation that all requested information would be submitted within the stipulated timeframe. create unfunded liabilities and a significant financial deficit”

Not satisfied with his explanation , the committee through its Chairman, consequently ,directed the commission to submit comprehensive records, including contract details, payment information, and all supporting documents latest by 23rd of this month .

“By the 23rd, we want to have the complete documentation. Once we receive and review the documents, we will determine the date for your next appearance before the committee,” he said.

The Chairman thereafter adjourned the session, reiterating the committee’s expectation that all requested information would be submitted within the stipulated timeframe.avid Owei

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Monday paid a courtesy visit to Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and commended him for his courage and vision in establishing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). PANDEF described the party as a leading national movement and the biggest party of choice in Nigeria today.

According to a post on the official Facebook page of the NDC, the commendation was made by the Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Dr. Boladei Igali, when he led a delegation of the forum to the National Leader of the NDC at his personal residence in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Igali congratulated Senator Dickson for providing leadership in the formation and growth of the NDC.

He noted that the emergence of the NDC has added significant value to Nigeria’s democratic ecosystem and has continued to attract the interest and support of Nigerians across the country.

According to him, PANDEF recognizes the NDC as a leading national movement that is rapidly gaining acceptance among Nigerians and positioning itself as a major political force in the country.

Ambassador Igali explained that the visit formed part of PANDEF’s ongoing engagements with political parties and key political stakeholders across Nigeria.

He stated that the forum is committed to interacting with political leaders and organizations to discuss issues affecting the Niger Delta region and the nation as a whole.

He disclosed that PANDEF has already held discussions with a number of political parties and their leaders as part of its broader consultation process. The forum, he said, will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to policies and initiatives aimed at promoting peace, development, equity, and progress in the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

The PANDEF Chairman emphasized the importance of collaboration among political actors, regional organizations, and national institutions in addressing the challenges facing the country and advancing the welfare of citizens.

Ambassador Igali also extended congratulations to the National Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, members of the National Working Committee, and party faithful across the country for their commitment to building the party and strengthening democratic participation in Nigeria.

“We came to pay a courtesy call on His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the NDC, first to congratulate him as a son of the Niger Delta for having the courage to come up with a national movement, and also to discuss the activities of the party.

“PANDEF is engaging with leaders of various political parties on issues pertaining to the Niger Delta and the country at large. We had a very fruitful discussion, and we appreciate the fact that the NDC has become a leading national movement and perhaps the party of choice for many Nigerians today. We are particularly pleased that this is happening at a time when we are at the helm of affairs in PANDEF.

“We have met with a number of other party leaders; some have come to see us, while we have visited others. We will continue to make our contributions towards making Nigeria a better place.

“Once again, we congratulate His Excellency, Senator Dickson. We also congratulate the Chairman of the party, the national leadership, and the teeming members and supporters of the NDC from across the country. We wish them all the very best in the evolving democratic dispensation.”

The visit further underscored PANDEF’s resolve to maintain constructive engagement with political institutions and leaders while advocating for the interests of the Niger Delta region and supporting efforts geared towards national development and unity.

Also on the PANDEF delegation were, Hon. Bassey Nyong Ekefre, Deputy National Chairman and Ifeoma Onyeoma Agbomah, National Treasurer.

By George Mgbeleke

In line with Supreme Court judgment on internal party autonomy, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) under Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, in a development widely seen as a decisive step toward resolving the lingering leadership dispute within the party.

The recognition followed a review of relevant court judgments and internal party communications presented to the electoral body during recent engagements with SDP stakeholders in Abuja.

Party sources said INEC informed the delegation that it had taken note of Supreme Court pronouncements affirming the autonomy of political parties in determining their internal leadership structures, as well as documentation submitted by the Gombe-led faction.

The commission was also said to have considered minutes of party meetings, disciplinary records, and resolutions of the SDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which the Gombe group insists represents the authentic governing authority of the party.

The development effectively strengthens the position of the Gombe-led executive, which has maintained that leadership legitimacy flows strictly from party organs, particularly the NEC and National Working Committee (NWC), in line with constitutional provisions and judicial precedents.

Reacting to the development, party stakeholders aligned with the leadership described INEC’s recognition as a “restoration of order,” insisting that it validates earlier disciplinary actions and internal decisions taken to stabilise the party structure.

However, observers note that the decision may deepen tensions with rival factions still contesting control of the party’s national structure, setting the stage for possible further legal and political engagements.

INEC has not issued an official public statement detailing the scope of its recognition, but officials familiar with the meeting say the commission urged all sides to adhere strictly to due process and court rulings to avoid further escalation.

The SDP leadership crisis has been one of the most closely watched internal party disputes, with implications for opposition alignment and preparations ahead of future elections.

For now, the recognition of the Gombe-led structure marks a significant turning point in the struggle for control of the party’s national leadership.

By George Mgbeleke

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that Following the conclusion of the primaries, the Commission is transitioning to the candidate nomination phase, on Friday, 26th June, 2026, issue official access codes to all political parties for the purpose of accessing the Candidate Nomination Portal.

Making this declaration at the quarterly Consultative meeting with leaders of political parties,INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan assured that access codes will enable designated national officers of political parties to upload the names, personal particulars and other required information relating to nominated candidates.

” I urge political parties to ensure that their ICT personnel and relevant officers are adequately prepared and that all submissions are completed well before the stipulated deadlines.

“The portal is fully automated and will close automatically at the expiration of the prescribed period.
Another important component of our preparations for future elections is the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise. The Commission remains committed to expanding voter access and ensuring that all eligible citizens are afforded the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and the data of every registered voters are protected.

“I therefore wish to reiterate that the current phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise provides an important opportunity for eligible Nigerians who have attained the age of eighteen years, as well as voters seeking transfers, corrections or updates of their records, to register and regularise their voter information.”

On the conflicting judicial pronouncements on the Commission’s Electoral Timetable, Amupitan noted ,”In view of the differing conclusions reached in the judgments and in order to ensure certainty and stability in preparations for the 2027 General Election, the Commission has filed appeals against the decisions and has taken the necessary legal steps to obtain authoritative pronouncements from the Appellate Courts.

“The Commission’s position remains that the activities contained in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities are not isolated events. They are interrelated operational processes designed to ensure the orderly, transparent and successful conduct of elections.

“While the Electoral Act prescribes timelines for certain activities, there are several critical electoral processes for which no express statutory timelines are provided but which must necessarily be accommodated within the overall electoral calendar.

“The absence of coordinated timelines for such activities would create uncertainty, disrupt election planning and undermine the Commission’s constitutional responsibility to organise, undertake and supervise elections in an efficient and credible manner.”

Shading light on the electoral Act Amendment he said, “These activities include, among others, the submission and verification of party membership registers; the monitoring of party primaries across the Federation; the pre-upload of the names of winners of monitored primaries by political parties on the Commission’s designated portal as an accountability mechanism aimed at strengthening internal party democracy; the nomination process itself; the printing of ballot papers and result sheets; quality assurance procedures; deployment of election materials; training of election personnel; voter education and sensitisation activities; procurement of sensitive materials, the configuration of the BVAS machines and compliance with statutory obligations such as inviting political parties to inspect samples of electoral materials pursuant to Section 42 of the Electoral Act, 2026.

“Sometimes, environmental factors are also key, such as the Weather that called for the early deployment of sensitive materials and the terrain where those materials are to be deployed.

“The Commission therefore considers it imperative that all electoral activities be harmonised within a coherent and workable framework that promotes certainty, transparency, administrative efficiency and equal treatment of all political parties.

” I wish to assure political parties and the Nigerian public that notwithstanding the pending appeals, the Commission remains firmly committed to conducting the 2027 General Election in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and all lawful judicial pronouncements.

“Turning to party administration and preparations for forthcoming elections, we have issued the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2026 and the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2026, in line with section 151 of the Electoral Act, 2026.

” I acknowledge the conclusion of party primaries in the relevant jurisdictions. The primary election process remains the gateway to democratic governance, and its credibility directly impacts the quality and integrity of the electoral process.

“Following the conclusion of the primaries, the Commission is transitioning to the candidate nomination phase. Accordingly, on Friday, 26th June, 2026, the Commission will issue official access codes to all political parties for the purpose of accessing the Candidate Nomination Portal.

“These access codes will enable designated national officers of political parties to upload the names, personal particulars and other required information relating to nominated candidates. I urge political parties to ensure that their ICT personnel and relevant officers are adequately prepared and that all submissions are completed well before the stipulated deadlines.

“The portal is fully automated and will close automatically at the expiration of the prescribed period.
Another important component of our preparations for future elections is the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise. The Commission remains committed to expanding voter access and ensuring that all eligible citizens are afforded the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and the data of every registered voters are protected.

“I therefore wish to reiterate that the current phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise provides an important opportunity for eligible Nigerians who have attained the age of eighteen years, as well as voters seeking transfers, corrections or updates of their records, to register and regularise their voter information.

“As political parties with structures in every ward and community across the country, I urge you to intensify voter education and mobilisation efforts so that eligible citizens take advantage of this opportunity and subsequently collect their Permanent Voter Cards.”

On the outcome of the recently concluded primaries Chairman, INTER-PARTY ADVISORY COUNCIL (IPAC), DR. YUSUF MAMMAN DANTALLE noted that unfortunately validated many of the concerns previously raised by the Council.

Accordingly, IPAC calls on the National Assembly, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to undertake a comprehensive review of the Electoral Act 2026 with a view to addressing the operational deficiencies revealed during the nomination process. Electoral laws should promote democratic participation, strengthen political institutions, and advance the national interest rather than create avoidable obstacles to effective political competition.

Elections remain the cornerstone of representative democracy. There is no substitute for a democratic system founded on the free expression of the will of the people.

“As we prepare for the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States and ultimately the 2027 General Election, we must collectively work to restore public trust and confidence in the electoral process. The credibility of elections is indispensable to democratic legitimacy, political stability, national cohesion, and sustainable development.

“IPAC therefore urges political actors across the country to embrace issue-based campaigns and reject all forms of violence, intimidation, hate speech, and political extremism. Democracy thrives on healthy competition of ideas, not confrontation and bloodshed.

“In this regard, the Council strongly condemns the recent incidents of political violence reported in Osun State. We call on all political actors to exercise restraint and place the national interest above partisan considerations. No political ambition is worth the loss of human life, the destruction of property, or the destabilisation of communities.

“We equally call upon security agencies to discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities with professionalism, neutrality, and diligence to ensure a peaceful political environment throughout the electoral cycle.

“As the nation’s electoral management body, INEC occupies a pivotal position in Nigeria’s democratic architecture. The Commission must continue to uphold the highest standards of impartiality, professionalism, transparency, and accountability. It is imperative that all political parties and candidates are accorded equal treatment and provided with a level playing field.”