Leadership coach and political activist, Adetokunbo Olufela Durotoye, has described the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the greatest obstacle to the growth of democracy in Nigeria, accusing the electoral umpire of deliberately suppressing voter participation to protect the political establishment.

Durotoye made the allegation during an interview on The Exchange Podcast, hosted by Olufemi Soneye, where he argued that INEC has evolved into a willing collaborator with those in power, using administrative bottlenecks to restrict citizens from freely exercising their voting rights.

According to him, the challenge facing Nigeria’s democracy goes beyond politicians, insisting that the electoral system itself is structured to frustrate voters and weaken genuine participation.

He said INEC’s operations have become one of the most discouraging aspects of the democratic process.

He criticised the continued reliance on the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), describing it as outdated and unnecessary in an era of advanced technology.

Durotoye argued that with INEC already in possession of voters’ biometric data, fingerprints and facial records, there is no technical justification for insisting on physical cards.

“There is no technical reason to insist on physical voter cards when INEC already has our biometrics. The PVC is being used to limit turnout, not to protect the vote,” he said.

He also faulted the voter registration process, describing it as slow, inefficient and hostile, particularly to young Nigerians eager to participate in elections.

According to him, these systemic hurdles disproportionately affect non-establishment voters, whom he identified as the real threat to entrenched political interests.

“The people being blocked are those outside the establishment. Those are the ones they fear,” Durotoye stated.

The leadership coach further raised concerns over what he described as a lack of accountability within INEC, noting that officials accused of electoral misconduct are rarely held personally responsible.

“There is a corporate shield around INEC. Until individuals are prosecuted and sent to jail for compromising elections, nothing will change,” he said.

Durotoye also warned about the growing dominance of political elites, expressing concern that mass defections by politicians are pushing Nigeria toward a de facto one-party system.

He argued that while political alignments may now appear clearer, governance and accountability have suffered as a result.

He maintained that despite these challenges, recent elections have helped demystify the political elite and shown that establishment power is not invincible.

Durotoye predicted that a growing citizens’ movement, driven by previously disengaged voters, would eventually overwhelm even deeply compromised systems.

“Even though government institutions may resist change, sustained civic engagement and mass participation will make it increasingly difficult to continue manipulating elections,” he said.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by unnamed individuals to frustrate its legislative duties through the procurement of ex parte court orders from High Courts outside the Port Harcourt Judicial Division.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, said the Assembly had received credible intelligence suggesting that the moves were aimed at halting the legislature’s constitutional functions amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

The development comes against the backdrop of the Assembly’s recent decision to investigate the financial and administrative activities of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Lawmakers had accused the governor of failing to submit the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework as required by law and of authorising expenditures without legislative approval, actions they described as grave constitutional breaches.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, insisted that the Assembly was acting strictly within the confines of the law and would pursue the impeachment process in line with due process.

He said the House would allow the Constitution to take its full course.

Following the plenary session, notices of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, circulated on social media.

The Assembly later confirmed that formal notices had been issued to both officials in accordance with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), noting that their responses were being awaited.

In its latest statement, the Assembly alleged that those behind the purported plot were attempting to exploit courts outside Port Harcourt to secure injunctions stopping legislative proceedings.

It cited constitutional provisions, including Section 188(10), which bars courts from entertaining matters relating to impeachment proceedings, and Section 272(5), which defines jurisdiction in such cases.

The House warned that similar attempts had been struck down in the past, referencing recent Court of Appeal judgments nullifying ex parte orders issued in violation of constitutional provisions.

It urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of undermining the rule of law and democratic governance.

While the governor and his cabinet have remained silent, several groups, including the Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum and civil society organisations, have expressed concern over the impeachment move.

The elders described impeachment as a serious constitutional process that should not be driven by political vendetta, warning that the crisis could further polarise the state and weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.

The Assembly, however, reaffirmed its commitment to constitutionalism and urged residents to remain calm as events continue to unfold.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised politicians who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, insisting they lack the moral authority to assume leadership roles within structures they did not help build.
Wike spoke on Saturday during a “Thank You” visit to Phalga Local Government Area, where he also urged residents to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

He faulted the influx of former political opponents into the APC, arguing that their late entry does not entitle them to dictate the party’s direction.

Using a culinary metaphor, Wike said those who were absent at the formative stage of the political struggle cannot suddenly seek control now that the groundwork has been laid.

“You were not there from the beginning. You didn’t buy the pepper, salt or oil. Now that the food is ready, you want to take charge. Is that how it works?” he asked.

The former Rivers State governor emphasised that his support for Tinubu was deliberate and rooted in conviction, noting that he and his allies backed the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda from the outset of the 2023 election cycle.

“We led the struggle here in 2023. From the very beginning, we aligned with the Renewed Hope family and stood firmly by President Tinubu,” Wike said.

Drawing from his political experience, Wike recalled a legal dispute from 1999, which he said underscored the importance of participation from the start in any political process.

He further dismissed suggestions that recent defections could weaken his political influence in Rivers State, maintaining that his camp remains firmly in control.

“Nobody can push us out of this state. We have stayed the course since 2023, despite intimidation and threats,” he declared.

The remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC and the commencement of impeachment proceedings against him by the State House of Assembly over delays in presenting the 2026 budget.

Wike has openly opposed Fubara’s re-election bid and accused the governor of breaching a peace agreement reached prior to the lifting of emergency rule in the state.

A sociopolitical group, Agugu Anioma (Odi Anyi Mma), has endorsed former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, for a return to the Senate, citing his track record in public service, integrity, and commitment to the development of Anioma land.

The group said the endorsement followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the region, including traditional rulers, artisans, and youth groups.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the group’s Director of Publicity, Solomon Ebinum, the Convener, Louis Ndukwe, described Okowa as the most suitable candidate for the senatorial seat, pointing to what he called his exemplary performance both as a former senator and as governor of Delta State.

According to the group, Okowa demonstrated uncommon leadership qualities during his time in office, prioritising people-centred policies and sustainable development initiatives that positively impacted the lives of residents.

Ndukwe said the group had resolved to mobilise massive grassroots support for the former governor ahead of the election.

“We will move from door to door, unit to unit, ward to ward, and local government to local government to ensure a decisive victory,” he said.

He stressed that Okowa remains deeply connected to Anioma, noting that his values, vision, and political philosophy are rooted in the aspirations of the people.

“This endorsement is not based on sentiment but on substance,” Ndukwe added.

“Senator Okowa understands Anioma, believes in Anioma, and has consistently defended the interests of Anioma people. Returning him to the Senate will guarantee strong representation and effective advocacy at the national level.”

The group expressed confidence that Okowa’s experience and leadership would once again translate into tangible benefits for the Anioma region if elected.