Nigeria’s registered political parties, under the umbrella of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), have called for the creation of an independent body to handle the appointment of top officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including its Chairman, National Commissioners, and Secretary.

The call was made during a consultative session between political party leaders and the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, held at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of IPAC, Deputy National Chairman, Dipo Olayoku, representing National Chairman Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, argued that the current process, where the President appoints INEC officials, undermines the commission’s neutrality and erodes public confidence in the electoral system.

“To guarantee INEC’s independence, the appointment powers should be taken out of the hands of the executive,” Olayoku said.

IPAC proposed the establishment of an Independent Appointment Committee (IAC), to include representatives from All registered political parties, Civil society organisations, the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the National Assembly, drawing members from both majority and minority caucuses.

Such a body, the group believes, would ensure transparency, balance, and credibility in the leadership selection process for Nigeria’s electoral body.

IPAC also urged the federal lawmakers to eliminate the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and hand over the responsibility of conducting local government elections to INEC.

The council accused SIECs of functioning as mere extensions of state governments, often manipulated by governors to consolidate political control at the grassroots level.

“Local elections must be credible. Transferring them to INEC will help restore faith in grassroots democracy and promote true local government autonomy,” the group stated.

In addition to the call for independent appointments and reform of local elections, IPAC also presented the following proposals:

Public Funding for Political Parties:
IPAC advocated for the reintroduction of public financial support for political parties to create a more level playing field and encourage broader participation in the democratic process.

The council, however, emphasised the need for strong accountability mechanisms to prevent abuse.

Electoral Offences Commission:
The council reiterated its support for the establishment of a dedicated body to prosecute electoral offences such as vote buying, violence, ballot box snatching, and result tampering.

IPAC proposed that in cases where lawmakers die or defect, the political party originally holding the seat should nominate a replacement, eliminating the need for costly by-elections.

Dantalle, in his remarks delivered by Olayoku, praised the National Assembly’s Constitution Review Committee for engaging stakeholders across various sectors on pressing reform issues, including electoral system overhaul, local government autonomy, judicial independence, state policing and women’s political representation.

“A revised constitution and Electoral Act, in place before the 2027 general elections, would address longstanding weaknesses in our democracy,” he said.

He concluded by urging lawmakers to give all reform proposals fair consideration, expressing optimism that Nigeria is on the path toward a more accountable and inclusive democracy.

“It is our hope that this review process delivers a people-oriented constitution that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians,” Dantalle said.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has formally declared former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, persona non grata following his public criticism of a recent industrial action by oil and gas workers.

The union expressed outrage over Oshiomhole’s remarks regarding the strike action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against the Dangote Refinery, accusing him of siding with employers at the expense of workers’ rights.

In an interview aired on Arise Television last Friday, Oshiomhole condemned the strike, labeling it “ill-considered.”

He argued that emerging private sector businesses like the Dangote Refinery should be given time to stabilise before facing labour-related disruptions.

“An employer has to exist, mature and be strong enough to guarantee good-paying jobs,” Oshiomhole said.

“If you cripple a business before it even finds its feet, you are also destroying the jobs you claim to protect.”

Oshiomhole also criticised the broader impact of the strike, suggesting it negatively affected ordinary Nigerians, such as traders and transporters, due to fuel shortages.

But NUPENG fired back with a strongly worded joint statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha and General Secretary, Olawale Afolabi, rejecting Oshiomhole’s position and accusing him of betraying labour ideals.

“Senator Oshiomhole has effectively aligned himself with anti-labour interests,” the union said.

“He has chosen to rationalise the unjust sacking of over 800 engineers for simply exercising their right to unionise.”

The union stated that, moving forward, Oshiomhole would no longer be welcome at any of its events, nor would he be recognised as a legitimate voice in matters concerning oil and gas workers.

“The leadership of NUPENG hereby declares Senator Adams Oshiomhole persona non grata within the ranks of Nigerian oil and gas workers,” the statement declared.

“His comments represent a dangerous toxin aimed at weakening the labour movement and emboldening those who exploit workers.”

NUPENG described Oshiomhole’s stance as a betrayal of the trade union movement he once led, calling it a “monumental disgrace” and likening his actions to those of Judas Iscariot.

“Oshiomhole has lost all moral authority to speak on labour issues,” the statement continued.

“We urge him to retire from labour commentary entirely.”

Reaffirming its solidarity with PENGASSAN and the affected workers, NUPENG vowed to continue pursuing justice using all available legal and industrial means, in accordance with national and international labour laws.

“We remain committed to protecting the rights and livelihoods of Nigerian oil and gas workers,” NUPENG said.

“The struggle continues.”

A political group, the Abia Interest Association (ABIA), has called on Labour Party leader and former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to shift his focus from international economic models and concentrate on the performance of the Labour Party-led government in Abia State.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, ABIA, led by Hon. Eze Chikamnayo, criticized Obi’s recent trip to Indonesia where he engaged in high-level discussions on economic development, security, education and poverty alleviation.

During the visit, Obi praised Indonesia’s development strides, noting that its per capita income had risen from $1,136 in 2004 to $5,000 in 2024, a sharp contrast to Nigeria’s stagnation around $1,000.

However, the APC-aligned group argued that Obi’s energy would be better spent evaluating and addressing issues within Abia State, the only state currently governed by the Labour Party under Governor Alex Otti.

“We do not need lectures on Indonesia, India, or Egypt,” the group stated.

“If Peter Obi is truly interested in good governance, he should start from Abia. That’s where his party holds power, and that’s where his credibility begins.”

ABIA raised allegations of mismanagement of over N54 billion purportedly allocated to public school projects in Abia, questioning the absence of verifiable data such as school names, locations, contractors, or completed structures.

“It is hypocrisy to talk about transparency at the federal level while ignoring corruption and opacity in your own backyard,” the group said.

“Where are the smart schools? What happened to the billions budgeted for them?”

ABIA further criticized the state’s handling of federal allocations and refund funds under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

They argued that despite receiving over N1.5 trillion in federal funds, Abia’s visible development remains minimal.

The group mocked a recent visit by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, who commissioned what they described as a mere “refurbished hall and a few kilometers of re-asphalted streets.”

“We commend President Tinubu for not allowing himself to be drawn into the embarrassment of endorsing these inflated, underwhelming projects. His absence from that event speaks volumes,” they stated.

ABIA concluded by calling on Peter Obi to ensure the same standards of accountability he demands at the national level are upheld within Labour Party-led states, particularly in Abia.

“Leadership begins at home. Before pointing fingers at others, look inward and lead by example,” the group said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate suspension of Chief Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, following allegations of certificate forgery.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, issued a statement in Abuja condemning the continued retention of Nnaji in the Federal Executive Council, despite what the ADC describes as “overwhelming evidence” that his academic credentials are fraudulent.

According to the ADC, both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have denied issuing the certificates Nnaji presented during his ministerial nomination process.

Even more damning, the party says, are court documents reportedly filed by Nnaji himself, in which he allegedly admitted that UNN never awarded him a degree.

“It is a national disgrace that someone facing such serious allegations remains in charge of a ministry tasked with advancing science, research, and innovation,” the statement read.

The party also criticized the silence from President Bola Tinubu’s administration on the matter, interpreting it as an endorsement of unethical behavior.

“This is not an isolated case. The APC government has a long and well-documented history of certificate scandals among top officials,” the ADC claimed.

“This culture of impunity reflects a government that has normalized deceit at the highest levels.”

The ADC stressed that appointing individuals with questionable integrity undermines the credibility of governance and erodes public trust.

It argued that Nigeria is rich with competent professionals, both at home and abroad, who have earned their qualifications through integrity and hard work, yet the government continues to overlook them in favor of politically connected individuals with dubious records.

Calling the situation a “test of leadership credibility,” the ADC demanded that Nnaji be suspended immediately and subjected to an independent investigation.

“If found guilty, the Minister should not only be dismissed but also prosecuted for forgery and perjury,” the statement continued.

“Certificate forgery is not a minor issue; it’s a criminal offense, and the law must take its full course.”

The party further urged the National Assembly and security agencies involved in the vetting of political appointees, including the Department of State Services (DSS), to review their procedures, noting that this incident exposes severe flaws in the screening process.

“A Senate that rubber-stamps every presidential nominee without due diligence is complicit in eroding democratic accountability,” the ADC concluded.

Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has officially addressed the certificate forgery scandal that has sparked public debate in recent weeks.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, the Minister strongly denied the allegations, calling them a “deliberate campaign of misinformation” driven by political motives.

At a press briefing held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Ngwu described the claims that Chief Nnaji did not graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as entirely false and intended to damage the Minister’s reputation.

“Let me state clearly and for the record: Chief Uche Nnaji is a proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class Honours (Lower Division),” Ngwu said.

According to Ngwu, the University of Nigeria officially confirmed the Minister’s academic record in a letter dated December 21, 2023, which was stamped and signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador, on behalf of the University Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum.

The letter, issued in response to an inquiry by the People’s Gazette, states:

“Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.”

Ngwu also mentioned that the Minister’s name appears in the University’s 1985 Convocation Brochure, which remains a part of its official archives, although a physical copy was not provided at the press briefing.

To further defend his academic integrity, Chief Nnaji has taken legal steps to protect his records.

His legal team filed Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice H.J. Yilwa. On September 22, 2025, the court granted several orders in the Minister’s favor, including An injunction restraining UNN’s Vice Chancellor and management from altering or interfering with his academic records; A directive compelling the University to release his academic transcript, An order mandating full compliance through the relevant supervisory bodies.

Ngwu criticized the Vice Chancellor’s role in the controversy, calling it “an aberration and a political overreach,” and emphasized that, under university protocol, the Registrar  not the Vice Chancellor, is the authorized custodian of student records.

The Minister’s team expressed concern that recent reports, especially one by Premium Times, were based on distorted information deliberately planted to discredit Chief Nnaji.

Ngwu reaffirmed the Minister’s commitment to his responsibilities in the Federal Government:

“Chief Nnaji remains focused on delivering his mandate in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. He will not be distracted by falsehoods or those weaponizing media and institutions for political purposes.”

He concluded with a clear summary of the government’s position:

1. Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1985.
2. His graduation was officially confirmed in writing by the University in December 2023.
3. His academic record is verifiable and remains part of the University’s permanent archives.

“Any contrary claims or documents being circulated are false, malicious and politically driven,” Ngwu concluded.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, was noticeably absent on Monday at a press briefing convened by his office to address growing allegations of certificate forgery.

The event, scheduled for 2pm at the Ministry’s conference room in Abuja, had been promoted under the title “MINISTER SPEAKS,” giving the impression that the minister himself would respond directly to the allegations and take questions from the press.

However, after a long delay of over 90 minutes, the briefing eventually began around 3:30 pm, not with the minister but with his spokesperson, Robert Ngwu, accompanied by other ministry officials.

No explanation was offered for the minister’s absence.

The development comes just two days after PREMIUM TIMES published a two-year investigative report accusing Nnaji of forging his academic credentials.

The report alleged that the Bachelor’s degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate submitted by Nnaji as part of his 2023 ministerial appointment were falsified.

Despite the serious nature of the claims and the expectation that Nnaji would respond directly, his failure to appear has further intensified public scrutiny and raised more questions about the credibility of the documents he submitted to key government institutions, including the Presidency, the Nigerian Senate, the State Security Service (SSS) as well as the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The forgery allegations have trailed Nnaji since July 2023, when President Bola Tinubu included him in the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees, just two months after taking office.

While critics have long claimed that Nnaji did not complete his studies at UNN, the university has now officially denied issuing him a degree certificate.

Furthermore, court documents reveal that Nnaji himself admitted in a lawsuit that the university never issued him the certificate in question.

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has stated that possessing a secondary school certificate is sufficient to contest elections or hold political office in Nigeria.

Sani made this assertion on Monday, in response to an investigative report by Premium Times exposing discrepancies in the academic records of the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji.

According to the report, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowned the Bachelor of Science degree Nnaji claimed to have obtained from the institution, stating he did not complete his studies and was never issued a certificate.

Court documents cited in the report showed that Nnaji himself admitted to not receiving a degree from the university.

The minister has since filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against several parties, including the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the UNN Vice-Chancellor, and others, demanding the release of his academic transcript.

The court granted three of Nnaji’s requests, including an order compelling the university to release his transcript, but declined to issue an injunction against the defendants. The case has been adjourned to October 6, 2025, for further hearing.

Reacting to the development via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sani warned politicians against falsifying academic qualifications.

“All you need to contest elections or for political appointment is a secondary school certificate,” he wrote.

“There’s no way in politics anyone can claim an unearned qualification without opponents uncovering it. Some troubles are unnecessarily self-inflicted.”

Former Sole Administrator Ibas

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Chief Onueze Okocha, has urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to shelve any plans to probe Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who served as the Sole Administrator of the state earlier this year.

Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, Okocha advised lawmakers to redirect their efforts towards rebuilding the state through meaningful legislative action, rather than initiating inquiries that may be seen as politically motivated.

Ibas was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as Rivers State’s sole administrator between March and September 2025, following the temporary suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Since his departure from office, calls have emerged for an investigation into his six-month tenure.

However, Okocha warned that such a probe might be perceived as a witch-hunt, arguing that Ibas was not accountable to the state assembly but to the President who appointed him.

“I think Vice Admiral Ibas deserves respect. He was brought in to carry out a specific mandate during an emergency. He neither reported to the assembly nor was answerable to them,” Okocha said.

He emphasized the need for harmony among the three arms of government, Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, stating that conflict would hinder progress in the state.

“If Rivers State must move forward, the focus should be on restoring peace, strengthening institutions, and rebuilding democratic structures, not engaging in retroactive political battles,” he added.

Okocha concluded by urging the lawmakers to prioritize legislative responsibilities that promote development and stability over politically divisive actions.