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A new coalition named Save Democracy Mega Alliance 2027 (SDMA’27) has kicked off a campaign to amend Nigeria’s Constitution with the aim of curbing presidential influence over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and state governors’ control over State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

The coalition seeks to transfer the appointment powers of INEC and SIEC heads to an independent body, thereby reducing executive interference in the electoral and judicial processes.

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At a press conference in Abuja, spokesperson Comrade Tony Akeni Le Moin detailed the coalition’s plans for a nationwide launch, culminating in a major event in Abuja dubbed a “boot camp.”

He emphasized the coalition’s commitment to two key amendments: removing the appointment powers from the president and governors and assigning these responsibilities to a non-partisan group of vetted individuals of integrity.

The initiative has gained support from various prominent leaders and pro-democracy organizations across Nigeria.

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Among its supporters is Professor Pat Utomi, a noted political economist, who hailed the movement as a crucial advancement for Nigeria’s democracy since 1999.

He referenced the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform report, which also advocated for reforms to diminish executive influence over INEC and the judiciary, arguing that such changes are vital for ensuring free and fair elections.

SDMA’27 outlined a three-point strategy that includes building national consensus among political, religious, and civil society groups to foster a collective push for constitutional reform.

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The coalition aims to gain traction for a National Conference to formally propose these amendments and to lobby the National and State Assemblies to eliminate executive control over INEC and the judiciary.

The group urged citizens to take action, warning that without these reforms, the upcoming 2027 elections could mirror previous electoral frauds.

They invoked the words of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to call for organized resistance, framing the current situation as a “national emergency” that necessitates action to restore democracy in Nigeria.

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Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not purchase a new official jet but instead acquired a refurbished one.

He emphasized that the aircraft belongs to the Nigerian people, stating, “It is our property.”

In an appearance on Channels Television’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Onanuga explained that many jets in the presidential fleet, including a 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 acquired during ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, are in poor condition, leading to high maintenance costs.

Rather than incurring excessive expenses for upkeep, the President sought National Assembly approval for a refurbished Airbus A330, which is still in good working order.

Onanuga highlighted that this refurbished jet would reduce Nigeria’s maintenance costs compared to the aging aircraft currently in use.

He urged citizens to prioritize the President’s safety, noting that the new plane is intended for state use, not for Tinubu personally.

He assured that the jet would remain in Nigeria’s possession for the benefit of future leaders.

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“The president did not buy a new jet; he has acquired a refurbished jet that has been previously used but is a newer model than the one used by President Buhari,” Onanuga stated.

He recalled an incident during President Buhari’s administration when a malfunction forced the President to use a chartered jet during a trip to Saudi Arabia.

Onanuga also mentioned discussions with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu about the faulty aircraft, emphasizing that its age led to exorbitant maintenance costs.

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He urged the public to focus on ensuring the President’s safety, asserting that no one wishes harm upon him.

Despite the administration’s defense of the refurbished Airbus A330 acquisition, it has faced criticism from various Nigerians and political opponents.

Many argue that the decision appears insensitive given the ongoing challenges faced by numerous citizens, including soaring food prices and energy costs.

Concerns over the state of the Presidential Air Fleet have been mounting; in May, a faulty jet prevented Vice President Kashim Shettima from attending the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit.

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Additionally, a Falcon 900B aircraft was put up for sale by the Nigerian Air Force last December, inviting bids for its purchase.

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The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Chief Edwin Clark, has formed a High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee aimed at mediating the ongoing conflict between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

This decision was announced in a communique following PANDEF’s Special General Assembly meeting in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

The committee is tasked with resolving disputes and conflicts within the region, not limited to the Wike-Fubara situation.

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The communique was signed by notable figures, including King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass and Co-Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees; Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and also Co-Chairman; Dr. Godknows B. Igali, National Chairman; and other key members.

Obong Victor Attah will lead the reconciliation committee, which includes prominent figures such as Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, Senator Rowland Owie, Senator Stella Omu, Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah, H.E. Pam Ogar, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu.

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Although the communique did not specifically mention the political rift between Wike and Fubara, PANDEF’s spokesman confirmed that the committee’s mandate includes addressing their conflict.

The tension between the former governor Wike and Fubara has been ongoing since Fubara took office in 2023, primarily revolving around power dynamics in Rivers State.

Their strained relationship persists despite interventions from President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders.

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In addition to the reconciliation efforts, PANDEF strongly condemned President Tinubu’s recent decision to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

The organization urged the federal government to engage in further discussions regarding this move, highlighting the importance of the ministry in addressing the unique challenges faced by the Niger Delta region.

The communique emphasized that the Ministry of Niger Delta was established to tackle specific issues related to the region’s environment and economic significance.

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While PANDEF welcomed the proposed South-South Commission, it insisted that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) should accurately reflect its functions and membership.

Recognizing the need for educational improvements in the region, PANDEF called on state governments to implement tuition-free education at all levels.

They proposed that each of the 185 local government areas should host at least one tertiary institution, with a minimum annual budget allocation of 25% for education in line with UNESCO recommendations.

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Furthermore, PANDEF urged the federal government to repair dilapidated roads, complete the East-West Highway, initiate the Calabar-Lagos railway project, and establish a maritime mass transit system for the Niger Delta’s riverine communities.

The assembly, held on October 24, 2024, at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, was attended by delegates from all six state chapters and various dignitaries, including former governors, military leaders, and representatives from ethnic organizations.

The theme of the assembly was “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta.”

The gathering featured goodwill messages from prominent South-South leaders, underscoring the region’s commitment to peace and progress.

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has officially sworn in 44 newly elected Local Government Chairmen, among whom is the only female chairperson, Sa’adatu Salisu from Tudunwada in Kano South.

The recent elections, held on Saturday, resulted in a clean sweep for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), as announced by the Kano Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), which confirmed that the party secured all 44 chairmanship positions and 484 councillorship seats.

On Sunday, the newly elected officials received their certificates of return from KANSIEC.

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During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Yusuf urged the chairmen and councillors to act justly and fairly, emphasizing their role as ambassadors of the state and the party.

He encouraged them to lead by example and dedicate themselves to serving their communities.

“We want to express our gratitude to the people of Kano for their orderly and peaceful voting,” he stated.

“This election has been one of the most peaceful we have ever witnessed.”

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Yusuf urged the officials to uphold the commitments they made during their oath of office, stressing the importance of implementing meaningful projects that support education, agriculture, health, and aid vulnerable populations, particularly women.

He also called for reform in the Local Government Secretariats to ensure they operate at standard levels and represent the executive arm effectively.

He encouraged inclusivity, asking the chairmen to engage all community members, regardless of political affiliations.

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“The state government will continue to support you and collaborate with you to ensure we all perform our duties diligently for the benefit of the people,” he concluded.