Politics
HURIWA Demands One-Month Extension of Voter Registration ….. Faults INEC’s Silence on Vote Buying, Voter Apathy and Electoral Violence
By George Mgbeleke
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately extend the just ended Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and voter data update exercise by at least one month to ensure that millions of eligible Nigerians are not unjustly denied their constitutional right to participate in the 2027 general elections.
The civil society body in a statement signed by its national coordinator,Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko expressed grave concern over what it described as the glaring absence of an aggressive nationwide voter education campaign by INEC at a time when the country is witnessing increasing voter apathy, widespread public distrust in the electoral process, and mounting concerns over vote buying, electoral violence and political intimidation.
HURIWA said democracy cannot thrive where citizens are excluded from the electoral process because of administrative deadlines that fail to take into account the realities facing Nigerians, including poor access to registration centres, network challenges, transportation difficulties and the late awareness of registration schedules in many rural and urban communities.
The civil rights advocacy group noted that countless eligible Nigerians, particularly young people who have recently attained voting age, students, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and citizens seeking to update their voter records following relocation, have appealed for more time to complete the registration process.
“It would amount to a serious democratic injustice if these Nigerians are denied the opportunity to vote simply because the electoral commission refused to accommodate legitimate public concerns. Every eligible citizen deserves a fair opportunity to register and participate in choosing those who govern the country,” HURIWA stated.
Beyond voter registration, HURIWA expressed disappointment that there is little evidence of a comprehensive and sustained public enlightenment campaign by INEC to educate Nigerians on the dangers of vote buying and vote selling, practices that continue to undermine the integrity of elections and weaken democratic governance.
According to the prominent pro-democracy body, electoral corruption remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s democracy, yet there appears to be no visible nationwide mobilisation capable of discouraging desperate politicians from inducing voters or persuading citizens to reject monetary inducements during elections.
HURIWA observed that despite existing legal provisions criminalising vote buying and vote selling, enforcement has remained weak and inconsistent, thereby encouraging political actors to continue violating the Electoral Act with little or no fear of prosecution.
It also expressed concern over the apparent absence of a coordinated strategy involving INEC, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant agencies to tackle electoral offences before, during and after elections.
“It is not enough to warn politicians against vote buying. Nigerians deserve to see concrete preparations, intelligence gathering, surveillance, strategic deployment of personnel and clear operational plans for identifying, arresting and prosecuting those who seek to corrupt the electoral process through bribery, intimidation or violence,” the group said.
HURIWA further lamented the absence of robust nationwide civic education programmes aimed at preventing election-related violence, warning that inflammatory political rhetoric, youth mobilisation for violence and the proliferation of small arms remain serious threats to peaceful elections if not proactively addressed.
The civil rights campaign group HURIWA, argued that voter education should go beyond teaching people how to cast ballots and should include sustained campaigns promoting peaceful participation, tolerance of opposing political views, respect for election outcomes and confidence in democratic institutions.
HURIWA also warned that Nigeria is facing the danger of worsening voter apathy unless urgent confidence-building measures are introduced. According to the group, many citizens have become increasingly disillusioned with the electoral process because they believe their votes may not count or that electoral offenders are rarely punished.
The association therefore urged INEC to immediately launch an intensive nationwide voter mobilisation campaign in partnership with credible civil society organisations, faith-based institutions, traditional rulers, professional associations, youth organisations, women’s groups, community-based organisations and the media to encourage eligible Nigerians to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the democratic process.
HURIWA stressed that the credibility of the 2027 general elections will depend not only on transparent voting and credible collation of results but also on the willingness of electoral authorities to guarantee broad voter participation, enforce electoral laws without fear or favour, and demonstrate zero tolerance for vote buying, voter intimidation and electoral violence.
The leading non-govermental body maintained that extending voter registration by one month would not weaken the electoral timetable. Rather, it would strengthen the legitimacy of the elections by ensuring that every eligible Nigerian willing to register is given a reasonable opportunity to do so.
HURIWA called on INEC to rise above bureaucratic rigidity and demonstrate that it is committed to expanding democratic participation rather than restricting it.
The association reaffirmed that credible elections are built on inclusion, transparency, accountability, public confidence and the strict enforcement of electoral laws. It urged INEC to act decisively now to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy and inspire confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Politics
Gov Gov Fubara Pledges Administration’s Commitment To Enhancing NYSC Scheme In Rivers
By Our Correspondent
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme in the state through deliberate support and improved welfare for corps members.
Fubara gave the assurance on Friday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members.
The Governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Promise Oguzie, said the state government would remain intentional in providing the necessary support to enhance the scheme and the overall experience of corps members deployed to Rivers State.
He charged the corps members to be exemplary, dedicated, and committed in their service, and to serve as role models and nation-builders in their host communities.
“I charge you to be exemplary, dedicated and committed in all you do. Take full advantage of all the camp programmes and activities to enrich yourselves,” he said.
Governor Fubara further urged the Corp members to uphold the ideals of the NYSC by promoting unity, discipline, and national integration during their service year.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Rivers State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, described the deployment of corps members to the state as “a veritable opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the growth of the state in particular and Nigeria at large.”
He charged them to serve with integrity, discipline, and the fear of God, especially as some of them will be engaged as ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the 2027 general elections.
A total of 3,584 corps members, comprising 1,421 males and 2,163 females, were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, represented by Justice Godspower Aguma, in the ceremony attended by government officials, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders. Fubara Pledges Administration’s Commitment To Enhancing NYSC Scheme In Rivers
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Politics
*NDC Sets Up National Reconciliation C’ttee to Strengthen Party Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections*
By Our Correspondent
Ahead of 2027 general elections and following the successful conclusion of its party primaries, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially inaugurated a National Reconciliation Committee to address concerns and disputes arising from the primary elections.
The inauguration took place at the party’s National Headquarters in Wuse II, Abuja.
Addressing members during the ceremony, the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, stated that the committee was established to promote peace, unity, and reconciliation among party members across the country. He stressed that a united party is essential for electoral success and urged members of the committee to carry out their assignment with integrity, fairness, transparency, and diligence.
National Reconciliation Committee
1. Prof. Pat Utomi – Chairman
2. Engr. Buba Galadima – Co-Chairman
3. Barr. Mohammed Sani Takori, MNI – Vice Chairman
4. Comrade Babatunde Ali – Secretary
5. Mrs. Dudu Mamman Manuga – Member
6. Hon. Salvador Adegoke Moshood – Member
7. Alhaji Haruna Pai – Member
Northern Sub-Committee
8. Mainasara Sani Abubakar – Chairman
9. Barr. Fatima Musa Abba – Secretary
10. Comrade Solomon Ndah – Member
11. Dr. Tanko Yusufu – Member
12. Arc. Dr. Toma Audu Gana – Member
South East Sub-Committee
13. Senator Victor Umeh – Chairman
14. Sir Patrick Akwara – Secretary
15. Barr. Eze Chikamnayo – Member
16. Dr. Patrick Eziechukwudi – Member
17. Chief (Barr.) Isaac Chinaka Anumudu – Member
18. Stefiny Amaka Eugene – Member
South South Sub-Committee
19. Senator Ben Birabi – Chairman
20. Senator Clever M. Ikisikpo – Secretary
21. Bishop Isaac Idahosa – Member
22. Esther Archibong – Member
23. Apostle David Stephen Okon – Member
In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee, Prof. Pat Utomi, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party for the trust placed in him. He assured members that the committee would work tirelessly to promote harmony, strengthen internal unity, and advance the collective vision of the party.
Also speaking, the Co-Chairman, Engr. Buba Galadima, applauded the leadership for establishing the committee and pledged his unwavering commitment to ensuring genuine reconciliation among members at all levels of the party.
Speaking on behalf of the South-South Sub-Committee, Bishop Isaac Idahosa outlined practical measures for resolving post-primary disagreements. He called on party members, leaders, and stakeholders to put aside personal interests and embrace unity in order to secure victory for the NDC in the forthcoming general elections.
The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, fairness, inclusiveness, and party cohesion as it continues preparations to present credible candidates and a strong alternative platform to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Politics
Osun Election: CP Samuel Erale Etaifo Brokers Peace Between Accord , APC Over Final Campaign Schedule
By Our Corredpondent
As part of proactive measures to ensure a peaceful, credible, and violence-free environment ahead of the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election, the Commissioner of Police (Elections), CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, psc, mnips, convened a strategic meeting with the leadership and representatives of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to address the clash in the dates and venues of their respective final campaign rallies.
This was disclosed in a statement issued to newsmen by the Police Public Relations Officer Osun State Command DSP Abiodun Ojelabi on Friday in Osogbo
The meeting, he siad held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and cooperation, was aimed at preventing any situation that could lead to a breakdown of law and order or unnecessary confrontation between supporters of the two political parties.
Following fruitful deliberations, both parties reached an amicable resolution. It was mutually agreed that the Accord Party will hold its final campaign rally on Wednesday, 12th August, 2026, at Fakunle, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) will conduct its final campaign rally on Thursday, 13th August, 2026, at Freedom Park.
The Commissioner of Police commended the leadership of both political parties for demonstrating maturity, patriotism, and a commitment to peaceful democratic engagement by embracing dialogue over conflict.
CP Etaifo further urged all political actors to caution their supporters, loyalists, and foot soldiers to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the campaigns. He emphasized that while the Nigeria Police Force remains neutral and committed to providing adequate security for all lawful political activities, the Command will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the existing relative peace in the state.
He warned that anyone found engaging in violence, intimidation, thuggery, incitement, or any other act capable of causing a breach of the peace will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Osun State Police Command reassures residents and all stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure environment throughout the electioneering period and calls on members of the public to remain law-abiding and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
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