Some political stakeholders in Rivers State have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to relocate election result collation centres from local government council secretariats to police stations ahead of the 2027 general election.

The stakeholders alleged that opposition party agents were intimidated and denied access to collation centres during previous elections, creating opportunities for the manipulation of results.

They argued that moving the centres to police stations, particularly central police stations in each local government area, would improve transparency, enhance security and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

Former Labour Party (LP) chairman in Rivers State, Prince Favour Reuben, said opposition party agents were frequently prevented from entering local government secretariats during result collation.

Reuben alleged that the restriction of access had, in some instances, created room for the alteration of election results.

He cited the 2023 general election as an example, claiming that results were changed at some collation centres in local government areas where the ruling party allegedly exercised considerable control.

According to him, the concentration of political and administrative influence at local government secretariats could undermine the credibility of the collation process if opposition agents were denied access.

Reuben urged INEC to consider relocating the exercise to central police stations across the state’s local government areas, with access limited to duly accredited party agents and authorised election officials.

“If INEC wants to make us believe that the coming election will be free, fair and credible, the collation centres should be moved to police stations,” he said.

He maintained that the proposed arrangement would reduce the influence of local political interests and help protect collation officers from intimidation.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Rivers State, Ben Ogbogbulam, said political parties had previously presented their concerns to INEC and urged the commission to reconsider the use of local government secretariats.

Ogbogbulam, who is also the Rivers State chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), alleged that the existing arrangement had made it difficult for some opposition agents to monitor the collation of results effectively.

He expressed concern over what he described as possible manipulation at the centres and the treatment of ad hoc election workers.

The IPAC secretary said opposition parties were taking steps to prevent a recurrence of the alleged irregularities during the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, a rights activist, Dr Omenazu Jackson, called on INEC to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action where necessary.

Jackson also cautioned political leaders against actions capable of undermining the interests of voters, stressing the importance of safeguarding the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.

The stakeholders maintained that credible elections would require transparent result collation, unrestricted access for accredited party agents and effective measures to prevent intimidation and electoral malpractice.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has launched a fresh attack on President Bola Tinubu over the removal of petrol subsidy, accusing the president of worsening the economic hardship confronting Nigerians while defending the policy as a major achievement.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said Tinubu’s comparison of demands for fuel subsidy relief to a call for Moses to return to Egypt demonstrated a lack of understanding of the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement issued on his behalf by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the former vice-president accused Tinubu of celebrating the removal of petrol subsidy without adequately addressing its consequences for households and businesses.

Atiku argued that the president’s decision to end the subsidy on his first day in office had triggered severe economic pressures, particularly through rising transportation costs, food prices and the cost of running businesses.

“Bola, you are the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape,” Atiku said, accusing the president of lecturing citizens on the need to avoid returning to a policy they believe could provide relief from escalating living costs.

He further criticised Tinubu’s use of biblical references to defend the policy, arguing that Nigerians needed practical solutions to their economic difficulties rather than metaphors.

According to Atiku, many families are struggling to afford food, workers are spending a significant portion of their earnings on transportation, and businesses are grappling with the high cost of electricity.

He maintained that the administration must explain how it intends to make life more affordable instead of presenting the removal of the subsidy as an accomplishment.

The ADC presidential candidate also outlined his proposed approach to easing fuel costs, promising a targeted support scheme for verified petroleum products refined locally and sold to Nigerian consumers.

Under the proposal, he said, imported fuel would not qualify for the support, while independent auditors would monitor the programme to ensure transparency and accountability.

Atiku added that the intervention would be considered unsuccessful if it failed to reduce the prices paid by consumers at the pump.

Beyond the economy, the former vice-president criticised the Tinubu administration over the worsening security situation, insisting that the president could not continue to rely on the failures of his predecessor to explain persistent attacks, kidnappings and other security threats.

He faulted the reported defence by Tinubu’s campaign Director-General, who questioned what the president could achieve against insecurity when former President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired military general, had been unable to eliminate the problem.

Atiku cited the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as an example of leadership that, in his view, demonstrated that progress could be made in tackling insecurity.

He said Nigerians expected the president to protect lives, rescue abducted citizens and restore confidence in travelling, farming and conducting business without fear of attacks.

Atiku argued that the security situation under Tinubu should be assessed based on the administration’s own performance rather than comparisons with previous governments.

He added that the president would struggle to justify seeking another term in office if he could not present a convincing plan to address the country’s security challenges.

The former vice-president also expressed concern over the welfare of serving and retired police officers, alleging that inadequate remuneration and poor retirement benefits were undermining their ability to provide effective service.

He cited the case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who reportedly told him that he received a monthly pension of ₦29,000.

Atiku further alleged that some serving police personnel were relying on their pension savings to meet household expenses, raising questions about their financial security despite the risks associated with their duties.

He urged Tinubu to address the concerns of retired officers, act on the Police Exit Bill and review the salaries of serving police personnel, noting that members of the Armed Forces had benefited from salary adjustments.

According to him, police officers require adequate pay, healthcare and retirement benefits to perform their duties without the added burden of worrying about their families’ welfare.

Atiku concluded by accusing the Tinubu administration of failing to provide sufficient relief from economic hardship and insecurity.

He insisted that Nigerians deserved affordable energy, safer communities and improved welfare for security personnel, adding that the country needed policies capable of producing tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives.

“Tinubu made life expensive. I will make life affordable again,” Atiku declared.

The Taminu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ruled out supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, insisting that the party’s role as an opposition platform is to offer Nigerians an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The faction also dismissed calls by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for PDP candidates to dismantle their political structures and support Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

The position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

The faction argued that Wike’s appeal was not directed at what it described as genuine PDP members but at individuals allegedly working for the ruling party while claiming membership of the opposition.

According to the statement, the call for PDP candidates to support Tinubu was consistent with Wike’s political position and did not represent the interests of loyal party members.

It maintained that committed PDP members would not endorse the APC-led Federal Government or its policies, which it criticised as harmful to the country.

“The paramount duty of the opposition is to provide an alternative to the incumbent, not to massage their ego,” the faction stated.

It further argued that any coalition involving opposition parties should be built among opposition platforms rather than through an alliance with the ruling party.

The Turaki-led faction also condemned what it described as a “rainbow coalition” involving opposition figures and the APC, warning that the arrangement could undermine electoral democracy and weaken political competition.

It characterised the development as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system, alleging that elite political compromises could pave the way for a situation in which electoral competition becomes increasingly ineffective.

On the protracted leadership crisis within the PDP, the faction urged members to remain loyal to the party while awaiting the judgment of the Court of Appeal on its ongoing legal battle.

The statement disclosed that the case had been heard and that the faction was awaiting the court’s decision, expressing confidence that the judgment would resolve the dispute in its favour.

It called on party members to remain steadfast, expressing hope that the judiciary would restore the party’s leadership to what it considers its legitimate owners.

The faction also cautioned Nigerians against what it described as elite accommodation and state capture disguised as broad-based political collaboration.

It said the 2027 general election would offer voters an opportunity to reject political leaders it accused of insensitivity and irresponsibility.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto has dismissed an appeal by Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura and upheld an earlier judgment ordering the All Progressives Congress (APC) to conduct a fresh senatorial primary election for Zamfara North.

The appellate court affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court in Gusau, which had ruled in favour of Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi over alleged irregularities in the APC primary election for the senatorial district.

Counsel to Shinkafi, Bello Galadi, disclosed the development to journalists shortly after Tuesday’s judgment in Sokoto, stating that the court dismissed the appeal for lack of merit.

According to Galadi, the court resolved all the issues raised by Senator Ya’u, including his challenge to the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to hear the suit.

He explained that the appellate court upheld the lower court’s authority to adjudicate on the matter and rejected the argument that the burden of proof had been improperly placed on the senator.

Galadi said the court found sufficient evidence to establish non-compliance with the APC’s rules and guidelines governing the conduct of its primary election.

Describing the judgment as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, the lawyer maintained that political officeholders were not above the law and must be held accountable for their actions.

He said the ruling had vindicated his client’s decision to challenge the outcome of the disputed primary through the courts.

Shinkafi had approached the Federal High Court, Gusau, alleging that the APC did not conduct the senatorial primary election in Zamfara North as required and that the process was marred by irregularities.

The trial court subsequently ruled in his favour and directed the party to conduct a fresh primary within 14 days.

Dissatisfied with the decision, Senator Ya’u approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the judgment.

With the appellate court now upholding the lower court’s decision, the order for a fresh primary remains in force.

Reacting to the ruling, Shinkafi described it as a triumph for democracy and called on his supporters across Shinkafi, Birnin Magaji, Zurmi and Kaura Namoda local government areas to remain committed to the pursuit of equitable political representation.

The Enugu State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution endorsing the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, joining other state legislatures in advancing efforts towards decentralised policing and improved security.

The resolution was adopted on Tuesday following the consideration of a bill transmitted by the National Assembly seeking an alteration to the 1999 Constitution to provide for state police and related matters.

A member of the House representing Ezeagu Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, disclosed this in a statement, describing the decision as a historic step towards strengthening true federalism, community safety and constitutional reform.

Obieze said he was proud to have joined his colleagues in adopting the bill, which proposes amendments to several sections of the Constitution to establish a Federal Police Service and State Police Services for states willing to create their own forces.

According to him, the proposed legislation also provides for the establishment of State Police Service Commissions, strengthened oversight mechanisms, national minimum standards, accountability and cooperation between federal and state authorities.

He added that the bill incorporates safeguards against abuse, including judicial review and restrictions on the partisan use of state police.

The lawmaker maintained that decentralised policing could help address security challenges peculiar to Enugu State and the South-East, improve the protection of lives and property, create employment opportunities for young people and strengthen democratic governance.

Obieze clarified that the proposed arrangement would not automatically transform existing vigilante groups or local security outfits into state police, nor would it compel every state to establish its own police service.

He said states that chose to establish state police would have a constitutional framework for developing professionally trained, accountable and community-oriented security institutions to complement the Federal Police Service.

The lawmaker commended the National Assembly leadership for transmitting the bill, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, and his fellow lawmakers for supporting the proposal.

He also praised Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as his continued commitment to protecting lives and property in Enugu State.
Declaring the legislature’s position, Obieze said:

“Enugu State has spoken. We have agreed.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has dismissed allegations of a plot to assassinate former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as unfounded.

The council’s spokesman, Dele Alake, rejected the allegation while reacting to claims made by Timi Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the political platform under which Atiku is expected to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Alake maintained that President Bola Tinubu, the Presidency and the APC had no involvement in any alleged plan to harm Atiku or other opposition figures.

He challenged Frank to present any evidence in his possession to the relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation rather than make allegations without substantiation.

The APC campaign council also dismissed reports that security operatives attached to the former vice-president had been withdrawn, insisting that Atiku remained under the protection of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to Alake, Tinubu had directed security agencies to strengthen protection for candidates contesting the presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship positions ahead of the 2027 polls.

He accused those publicising the alleged assassination plot of attempting to inflame political tensions and attract international attention, describing the claims as “typical opposition rabble-rousing.”

The APC spokesman urged political actors to exercise restraint in their public statements and avoid allegations capable of heightening anxiety as political activities gather momentum.

“Let our political competition be peaceful, lawful, and focused on the big issues that matter to Nigerians, not character assassination or wild, baseless allegations,” the statement read.

The council reiterated its call for peaceful political engagement, urging candidates, political parties and their supporters to uphold democratic principles and concentrate on issues affecting Nigerians rather than resort to inflammatory rhetoric.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed confidence in its preparations for the 2027 general elections, assuring Nigerians that it is on course to deliver free, fair and credible polls.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), gave the assurance on Tuesday while addressing the Commission’s staff in the South-East during a readiness assessment exercise ahead of the elections.

Amupitan said the commission had adhered to its established timelines and operational checklists, noting that significant progress had been recorded across key areas of electoral preparation.

“We are on track and moving ahead with most of the checklist boxes ticked as done,” he said.

The INEC chairman disclosed that non-sensitive election materials had been procured and distributed, while steps were being taken to award contracts for the production and supply of sensitive materials.

He also said the commission was expanding its fleet of operational vehicles to facilitate the smooth movement of electoral personnel and materials before and during the elections.

According to him, training and retraining programmes for staff had commenced, with particular emphasis on new guidelines and regulations introduced under the amended Electoral Act.

Amupitan further revealed that the commission had upgraded its information and communication technology infrastructure and strengthened its security architecture as part of efforts to enhance electoral efficiency and credibility.

He added that committees comprising relevant government agencies, commissions and other institutions had been established to provide specialised support and services required for the successful conduct of the elections.

Earlier, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu State, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, outlined the scale of electoral operations in the state, which comprises 17 local government areas, 260 registration areas and 4,145 polling units.

Chukwu said the figures underscored the need for comprehensive planning, effective coordination and adequate deployment of personnel and resources at every level of the electoral process.

He explained that the successful conduct of elections across the state would depend on sufficient logistics, technology, infrastructure and security arrangements, alongside sustained engagement with stakeholders at the grassroots.

“Managing electoral activities across such a broad operational structure requires adequate personnel, logistics, technology, infrastructure and security arrangements, as well as continuous engagement with stakeholders at the grassroots,” he said.

The Enugu REC stressed that electoral activities at the local government, registration area and polling unit levels must be properly integrated with zonal and national plans to ensure seamless operations.

He urged INEC officials to continue strengthening internal systems, improving operational procedures and ensuring that every staff member understood their responsibilities towards delivering credible elections in 2027.

The readiness assessment also featured presentations by various INEC departments on their level of preparedness and innovations introduced to improve electoral operations.

Representatives from the five South-East states — Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo — equally presented updates on their preparations, highlighting existing challenges and areas requiring further attention.

Among the key concerns identified were the need for additional training and retraining of electoral personnel and isolated security challenges in some locations.

Concerns over political intimidation and the safety of opposition parties have intensified in Edo State following reported attacks on campaign billboards, banners and posters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The incidents have raised questions about the freedom of political parties to campaign without interference, with stakeholders warning that the destruction of campaign materials could heighten tensions and discourage participation in the electoral process.

The latest reported incident involved the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), whose campaign office along Stadium Road in Benin City was allegedly attacked by suspected thugs.

According to the party, the attackers struck at about 10pm, destroying banners, posters and billboards displayed at the office.

The NDC further alleged that the facility was attacked again days after repairs had been undertaken, with spent bullet casings reportedly found at the scene.

Reacting to the development, the NDC candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, Hon. Frank Omoigho, condemned the alleged attacks, describing political intimidation as a threat to democratic participation.

Omoigho, however, acknowledged the efforts of Governor Monday Okpebholo in addressing security challenges in the state, urging the government to ensure that the incidents did not undermine public confidence or damage Edo State’s reputation.

He maintained that members of the NDC were law-abiding citizens entitled to carry out their political activities without fear of harassment or violence.

“As a party and person, I am not going to take it lightly with them. I dare anybody to come again because this is a campaign office and we are law-abiding citizens,” he said.

The candidate expressed concern over the alleged recurrence of the attacks, insisting that political disagreements should not be settled through violence or the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials.

A social commentator, Comrade Gbale, also condemned the incidents, stressing that democracy could only thrive when political actors respected the rights of others to seek public office and canvass for votes.

Gbale alleged that the attacks were intended to disrupt Omoigho’s political activities, arguing that candidates should compete on the strength of their programmes, public acceptance and capacity to deliver rather than resort to intimidation.

In a notable response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, Dr Paddy Iyamu, pledged to replace the campaign materials belonging to Omoigho that were reportedly destroyed.

Iyamu, a former Edo State Commissioner for Education, made the commitment during a meeting with members of the Benin Journalists Forum in Benin City, describing the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials as unnecessary and incompatible with democratic values.

He called on politicians and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, warning against actions capable of escalating political rivalry into hostility.

According to him, electoral contests should be determined by voters’ assessment of candidates’ records, policies and contributions to society, rather than acts of aggression against political opponents.

Iyamu further cautioned that the destruction of campaign materials could inflame political tensions and weaken citizens’ confidence in their ability to participate freely in the electoral process.

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the reported incidents have renewed calls for security agencies to protect political parties and their supporters, investigate allegations of intimidation and ensure that all candidates enjoy equal opportunities to campaign.

Stakeholders have also emphasised the need for political parties to discourage violence among their supporters and promote peaceful competition as the state approaches another electoral cycle.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to conduct fresh primaries to replace candidates who have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The party also accused the APC of enticing some of its candidates with money, political appointments and other material benefits to abandon its platform.

The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, condemning what the party described as deliberate attempts by the ruling party to weaken its ranks ahead of future elections.

According to the statement, the NDC believes that some of its candidates were persuaded to defect for financial and personal interests rather than ideological conviction.

“It has come to the attention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) that some candidates of our party have been bribed by the APC to defect to the ruling and ruinous All Progressives Congress (APC), obviously for pecuniary reasons,” the statement read.

The party alleged that the APC had resorted to offering financial inducements, political appointments and other incentives to lure candidates away from the NDC.

Describing the alleged defections as a reflection of weak political commitment, the party said those who had left its fold did not share its values and principles.

“For those who have fallen for this bait, it is clear that they lack the values, virtues, and ideological commitment associated with our great party. They were never truly of us,” the statement added.

The NDC, however, said the development would not derail its political activities, announcing that it would immediately organise fresh congresses to select replacements for the affected candidates.

“In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, the party will immediately conduct fresh congresses to elect credible, competent, and trustworthy candidates to replace the defectors in the affected constituencies,” Director said.

The party urged its members, supporters and Nigerians sympathetic to its cause not to be discouraged by the defections, insisting that the alleged moves by the APC would not undermine its electoral prospects.

It further described the ruling party’s alleged recruitment efforts as signs of political desperation, expressing confidence that the APC could be defeated in future elections.

Reaffirming its commitment to its political agenda, the NDC said it remained determined to challenge the ruling party and promote good governance, improved security and economic prosperity.

The party maintained that the defections would not distract it from what it described as its mission to rescue Nigeria from poor governance and provide Nigerians with better leadership.