Aeesha's Blog

Category: Politics

  • INEC Begins Recruitment of 10,000 Adhoc Staff for 2026/2027 Polls

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the recruitment of 10,000 ad hoc personnel nationwide as part of preparations for the forthcoming 2026/2027 general elections.

    A recruitment notice made available on Wednesday stated that the application process is currently ongoing and open to qualified Nigerians willing to serve as temporary election officials during the polls.

    According to the notice, successful applicants will be deployed to perform critical electoral duties, including voter accreditation, management of polling units, ballot handling, result collation and logistics support during the elections.

    INEC traditionally engages ad hoc staff such as Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers and Supervisory Presiding Officers to ensure the smooth conduct of elections across the country.

    Applicants are expected to meet basic eligibility criteria, which typically include Nigerian citizenship, possession of a valid means of identification, and the ability to discharge assigned responsibilities with neutrality, integrity and professionalism. Detailed guidelines on qualifications and deployment are provided on the application portal.

    Interested candidates are advised to carefully read the instructions before submitting their applications.

    Apply Here:
    https://inec-career.workvisa.live/staff

    Meanwhile, INEC has consistently urged members of the public to be vigilant and verify recruitment information through official communication channels, stressing that the commission does not charge any fee for ad hoc staff recruitment and does not appoint agents to collect money on its behalf.

    The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and assured Nigerians that credible and qualified personnel would be engaged to support the successful conduct of the 2026/2027 elections.

  • Tinubu Issues Fresh Directive to Strengthen Federation Oil, Gas Revenue Framework

    President President Bola Tinubu has issued a fresh directive aimed at strengthening the management and remittance of oil and gas revenues to the Federation Account, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline in Nigeria’s extractive sector.

    The directive is contained in Executive Order 9 of 2026, officially titled “Presidential Executive Order to Safeguard Federation Oil and Gas Revenues and Provide Regulatory Clarity, 2026,” which seeks to eliminate revenue leakages and clarify remittance obligations across the oil and gas value chain.

    According to the Presidency, the Executive Order mandates that all revenues accruing to the Federation from crude oil and natural gas production be paid directly into the Federation Account in line with constitutional provisions.

    The order is designed to ensure that earnings due to the Federal, State and Local Governments are fully accounted for before any deductions, expenditures or intervention funding arrangements are applied.

    Focus on Revenue Protection

    Officials familiar with the policy said the directive responds to concerns over declining distributable revenues caused by multiple deductions and retention practices that have reduced net inflows to the Federation Account in recent years.

    They explained that by streamlining revenue collection and remittance procedures, the Federal Government intends to safeguard public funds and improve the predictability of statutory allocations shared monthly by the three tiers of government.

    The directive also reinforces the principle that Nigeria’s oil and gas resources are jointly owned by the federation and must be managed in a manner that reflects fairness and constitutional compliance.

    Regulatory Clarity

    In addition to revenue protection, the Executive Order provides regulatory clarity by clearly defining the roles and obligations of institutions involved in oil and gas revenue administration.

    Analysts say this clarification is expected to reduce overlaps, disputes and administrative bottlenecks that have previously affected efficient revenue management in the sector.

    The Presidency noted that a more transparent and predictable framework would strengthen investor confidence and improve governance outcomes in the industry.

    Implementation Measures

    To ensure effective implementation, relevant fiscal and regulatory authorities have been directed to align their procedures with the provisions of the Executive Order.

    An implementation framework has also been put in place to monitor compliance, resolve operational issues and provide regular feedback to the Presidency on progress and challenges.

    Government sources said enforcement would be carried out in a manner consistent with existing laws, while necessary policy adjustments would be pursued to ensure coherence across the sector.

    Expected Impact

    Economic observers believe the directive could lead to improved revenue inflows to the Federation Account, enhancing the capacity of governments at all levels to meet obligations in critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and security.

    They also noted that improved transparency could reduce the need for excessive borrowing by sub-national governments facing fiscal constraints.

    Background

    Nigeria’s oil and gas sector remains a major source of public revenue, but concerns have persisted over revenue losses linked to administrative inefficiencies and complex fiscal arrangements.

    Executive Order 9 of 2026 forms part of broader reforms by the current administration to strengthen public finance management and ensure that natural resource revenues are managed in the collective interest of the nation.

  • Senate Moves to Modernise Elections, Approves E-Transmission of Results

    The Senate has approved the use of electronic transmission of election results in Nigeria, while retaining manual collation as a backup mechanism, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral process.

    The approval followed the consideration and adoption of recommendations by the Committee on Electoral Matters during plenary on Tuesday.

    Under the amended provisions of the Electoral Act, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is empowered to deploy electronic means for transmitting results from polling units, subject to the availability, reliability and security of the required technology.

    Presenting the committee’s report, the Chairman, Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, said the dual system was designed to enhance transparency, credibility and public confidence in elections, while addressing challenges associated with technology failure in some parts of the country.

    According to him, the amendment allows INEC to electronically transmit or transfer election results in accordance with guidelines issued by the commission, while ensuring that manual collation remains valid where electronic transmission is not feasible.

    “This provision strikes a balance between innovation and practicality. While electronic transmission promotes transparency and reduces human interference, the retention of manual backup ensures that elections are not jeopardised by network or technical challenges,” Alli said.

    Contributing to the debate, several senators expressed support for the adoption of electronic transmission, describing it as a critical step toward modernising Nigeria’s electoral system.

    They, however, emphasised the need for INEC to invest in robust infrastructure, cybersecurity safeguards and voter education to ensure the effectiveness of the electronic process.

    Some lawmakers also stressed that the manual backup clause was necessary to accommodate rural and hard-to-reach areas with limited internet connectivity and power supply.

    The Senate further urged INEC to ensure that its guidelines on electronic transmission are clear, transparent and consistently applied across all states of the federation.

    With the approval, the amended Electoral Act is expected to provide a stronger legal framework for the conduct of elections, reduce disputes arising from result manipulation, and align Nigeria’s electoral practices with global best standards.

    The bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being forwarded to the President for assent.

  • IPAC Calls for Prudence as Nigeria’s Electoral Reform Debate Escalates

    The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged lawmakers to exercise caution in refining electoral laws, even as Nigeria’s political system grapples with contentious proposals on electronic transmission of poll results ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Addressing stakeholders on a current affairs programme, IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Danteli emphasised that reforms must strengthen transparency and public trust without inadvertently creating new vulnerabilities in the electoral process.

    “The goal is to ensure that any changes do not erode public confidence,” Danteli said, highlighting the operational challenges observed in past elections, particularly during the 2023 cycle.

    Electronic Transmission: Infrastructure or Impediment?

    At the centre of the debate is the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act 2022, with lawmakers divided on whether to mandate real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) result portal.

    Supporters of mandatory real-time transmission argue that it would enhance electoral credibility, reduce manipulation, and improve public trust. Opponents, including some legislators, caution that Nigeria’s internet and power infrastructure limitations could render rigid requirements impracticable.

    Senate Majority Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele recently stated that broadband penetration and network reliability remain uneven nationwide, and mandating real-time transmission without adequate safeguards could disrupt the electoral timeline and disenfranchise voters in underserved areas.

    National Assembly Under Pressure

    The National Assembly is poised to reconvene in an emergency plenary session to harmonise differing positions from the Senate and the House of Representatives. The core issue is the legal status of electronic transmission under the amended Electoral Act — whether uploads from polling units should be legally binding in real time or subject to conditional discretion in connectivity failure scenarios.

    House Committee Chairman Adebayo Balogun defended the existing framework, explaining that physical result sheets (Form EC8A) remain the primary official record, and electronic uploads serve to enhance transparency when feasible.

    Broader Stakeholder Reactions

    The debate has drawn responses from a wide array of actors:

    • Civil society groups and labour unions have warned that weakening provisions for electronic results transmission risks renewing the disputes and litigation that followed elections where glitch-related delays occurred. Advocates such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have even threatened mass action if unambiguous real-time provisions are excluded.

    • Experts like Prof. Hassan Saliu of the Nigeria Political Scientists Association have criticised the dual electronic-manual transmission model, arguing that it may encourage a return to traditional collusion and fraud if not structured carefully.

    • Meanwhile, commentators have proposed modern technological solutions, including artificial intelligence to improve reliability and security, underscoring that capacity-building is essential if Nigeria is to adopt high-integrity electoral technology.

    Next Steps and National Stakes

    With the National Assembly’s harmonisation committee now working to reconcile competing versions of the Electoral Act amendments, legal clarity is seen as vital to safeguarding electoral integrity, voter confidence, and democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Observers note that the outcome will not only define the future of electoral reforms but also influence Nigeria’s broader democratic trajectory, particularly in responding to past allegations of malpractice and legal challenges stemming from contested results.

  • Nigeria Senate Moves To Revamp National Sports Infrastructure With Massive ₦60bn Budget Push

    In a move set to redefine the country’s sports development architecture, the Senate Committee on Sports has endorsed a dramatic enhancement of the National Institute of Sports (NIS) budget for the 2026 fiscal year from ₦2.8 billion to approximately ₦60 billion. Lawmakers said the increase, if adopted by the full National Assembly, could signal a new era for sports training, infrastructure and grassroots capacity building across the federation.

    The endorsement — made during the budget defence session of the institute before the Senate in Abuja on Thursday — underscores rising legislative impatience with years of chronic underfunding that critics contend has stifled Nigeria’s competitive edge in international sport.

    Addressing senators, Philip Shaibu, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the NIS and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, outlined a comprehensive blueprint for the institute’s strategic transformation. He explained that the additional funds would be devoted to modernising training programmes, upgrading dilapidated infrastructure and enhancing preparation for global competitions — priorities seen as essential for rebuilding Nigeria’s talent pipeline.

    “The institute’s mandate is to train sports manpower from the grassroots and build technical capacity for national advancement,” Shaibu said, urging lawmakers to support a budget that reflects these ambitions.

    Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, pledged legislative backing for the proposal, noting that a robust NIS budget will help drive structural reforms across the sports ecosystem. He also flagged the ongoing absence of a functional governing board for the National Sports Commission (NSC) — a development he described as untenable for effective oversight of Nigeria’s sports investments. The senator promised to sponsor a motion for the resuscitation of the NSC board, stressing that the commission should not be managed as a “one-man show.”

    Legislators said the proposed increase would mark one of the most significant funding injections into the sport sector in recent years, reflecting growing recognition of sports as both a tool for youth engagement and a potential economic driver. Analysts say wider strategies are already underway at the executive level to boost sports funding and restructure sector financing, as part of broader reforms announced for 2026.

    However, critics warn that without clear accountability mechanisms, expanded budgets risk inflating recurrent costs without delivering measurable improvements in grassroots sports outcomes. Sports governance experts have long highlighted the need for transparent institutional frameworks, including active boards and performance-linked funding, to ensure that resources translate into competitive successes.

    As the National Assembly moves into plenary debates on the 2026 Appropriation Bill, observers will be watching to see how this ambitious sports budget request is reconciled with competing national priorities amid tight fiscal conditions.

  • Bauchi Governor’s Outreach to Iran Signals Strategic Push for Economic Diplomacy, Investment Diversification

    Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has intensified Nigeria’s sub-national engagement in international economic diplomacy, leveraging Iran’s National Day celebrations in Abuja to advocate for deeper trade and agricultural linkages between Africa’s largest economy and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    Delivering goodwill remarks at the 47th anniversary of Iran’s National Day, hosted by the Iranian Embassy, Governor Mohammed framed the event as more than ceremonial engagement, casting it instead as an opportunity to expand Bauchi’s economic horizons and position the state as a hub for strategic cooperation.

    While Nigeria’s federal foreign affairs apparatus continues to manage formal diplomatic ties, Mohammed’s presence — at a function led by a third foreign government — signals a growing trend of sub-national governments directly courting foreign partners to attract investment, technology transfer and trade opportunities.

    “Away from all the shenanigans and bad impressions here and there, Iran has remained a friend of the downtrodden,” the governor said, dismissing what he described as negative narratives and emphasizing Iran’s role in grassroots empowerment abroad.

    Economic Engagement Through Agriculture and Minerals

    In a departure from typical political diplomacy, Governor Mohammed highlighted concrete areas for collaboration — notably in agriculture, livestock and solid minerals — underscoring Bauchi’s vast arable land and Iran’s technological expertise.

    He revealed that an Iranian firm is poised to develop a lead and zinc project in Bauchi, home to Nigeria’s largest deposits of these minerals, with plans to establish a full value chain rather than exporting raw ores.

    The governor also alluded to ongoing talks with Iranian investors in agricultural technology and livestock development, specifically mentioning artificial insemination and productivity enhancement in cattle rearing — a critical area given Nigeria’s perennial food security challenges.

    This orientation aligns with ongoing efforts by Bauchi to attract foreign investment across sectors. For example, previous engagements by the governor have included hosting foreign diplomatic delegations to secure investment and expand economic cooperation, reinforcing the state’s open and friendly business environment for international partners.

    Broader Diplomatic and Strategic Context

    The Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, used the occasion to reaffirm Tehran’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria, describing the country as a “reliable partner for sustainable development” and a focus of Iran’s Africa policy.

    His remarks highlight a broader geopolitical recalibration in which Iran seeks to deepen ties with African partners amid continued Western sanctions and complex global realignments. Africa’s large markets and agricultural potential offer Tehran avenues to diversify export markets and attract reciprocal investments.

    Analysts say Nigeria stands at a strategic crossroads to benefit from such overtures, particularly in technology transfer, industrial cooperation and agricultural value chain development — provided that structural challenges such as foreign exchange stability and regulatory clarity are addressed.

    Governor Mohammed’s outreach also comes at a time when Bauchi State has been positioning itself as an investment destination, following a robust Economic and Investment Summit that earlier attracted billions of dollars in commitments across multiple sectors.

    Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and Sub-National Diplomacy
    Nigeria’s federal foreign policy emphasises mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement. In comments at the event, a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated these principles, noting expanding trade between Nigeria and Iran in energy, manufacturing and agriculture, and stressing the complementary nature of their economies.

    Governor Mohammed’s strategic use of a national celebration to further economic ties reflects a growing role for state governors in economic diplomacy — where traditional diplomatic channels may not fully capture sub-national potentials and sectoral interests.

  • Petition to US, UN Highlights Growing Tension Over Nigeria’s Election Technology Debate

    A prominent cleric and former Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) chair has escalated domestic concerns over electoral reforms by appealing to international powers and institutions, underscoring fears about the future of Nigeria’s democracy as lawmakers stall on technological reforms to the electoral process.

    Apostle Eugene Ogu, founder of Abundant Life Evangel Mission and once chairman of PFN in Rivers State, on Thursday issued a petition to the governments of the United States of America and the United Nations, urging them to intervene in what he described as an existential threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

    The petition — circulated to journalists in Port Harcourt — comes amid a growing national debate over the rejection by the National Assembly of a clause that would make real-time electronic transmission of election results compulsory. Critics say this move undermines transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections and weakens public confidence in the electoral system.

    From Local Reform to Global Appeal

    Apostle Ogu’s letter does not merely criticise lawmakers — it frames the legislative standstill as a threat to citizen rights and democratic accountability. He accused members of the National Assembly of aligning with “anti-masses political leaders” and warned that resistance to constitutional reforms could inflame tensions nationwide.

    In his words, the refusal to embed mandatory electronic transmission into law “is an invitation to rig the 2027 presidential election and fraudulently manipulate the will of the people.”

    Ogu has also extended his outreach to the European Union and the global democratic community, urging sustained pressure on Nigerian authorities to adopt what he calls essential safeguards for free and fair elections.

    Broader Reactions Reflect Unease

    Public frustration over the legislature’s stance reflects a pattern of opposition voices raising similar concerns. Various political actors, civil society groups, and opposition figures have criticised the Senate’s reluctance to make e-transmission compulsory, saying it perpetuates ambiguity and opens the door for manipulation.

    For instance, national political commentators and party chieftains have argued that the current provision, which merely preserves discretionary transmission “as prescribed by the Commission,” fails to meet modern expectations of electoral transparency.

    Tensions and Stakes Ahead of 2027

    The debate over electronic transmission comes against a backdrop of wider democratic anxieties in Nigeria, where past elections have been marred by disputes, delays, and allegations of irregularities. Leaders like the former PFN chair and other activists see technological reforms as a linchpin for restoring voter confidence and reducing opportunities for tampering.

    Ogu’s petition explicitly asks foreign missions to consider travel documentation restrictions for politicians who resist the reform, a move that signals the intensity of frustration among reform proponents and highlights the unusual intersection of domestic electoral issues with international diplomatic pressure.

    What’s Next

    With the National Assembly standing by its decision and a deeply divided public landscape, the push for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results is likely to remain a central theme in Nigeria’s democratic debate ahead of the 2027 elections. Observers say the outcome could have lasting implications for electoral credibility and inclusive governance.

  • Election Security Alert: NSA Flags Threats of Violence, Vote-Buying as Feb. 21 Polls Near

    In a renewed push to safeguard Nigeria’s electoral integrity, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a stern warning to political actors, campaign supporters and would-be disruptors against engaging in violence and vote-buying ahead of the Federal Capital Territory Area Council election and a series of bye-elections scheduled for 21 February 2026.

    Addressing stakeholders and security chiefs at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting in Abuja on Friday, Ribadu emphasised that threats to peace and democratic practice will not be tolerated and that security agencies are on high alert to deter and penalise offenders before, during, and after the polls.

    Heightened Vigilance Across Multiple States

    Ribadu, represented at the forum by the Director of Internal Security at the Office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi, noted that security preparations are intensifying not just in the FCT but also in Rivers and Kano States, where bye-elections are slated to take place concurrently.

    “It is our duty to ensure that the democratic process is protected. Individuals and groups planning violent acts or inducements will be identified and dealt with according to the law,” Ribadu declared, urging political parties, candidates and their supporters to uphold decorum and respect the sanctity of the vote.

    Security Deployment and Inter-Agency Cooperation
    While highlighting the role of the Nigerian Police Force as the lead agency for election security, Ribadu underscored that a multi-agency strategy — including intelligence gathering and targeted deployment of security personnel — is being executed to prevent breaches that could threaten public safety or compromise poll outcomes.

    The NSA’s caution follows similar directives issued by election authorities. Just a day earlier, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, called on political parties to mobilise eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while also warning against hate speech, violence and vote-buying.

    Lessons From Recent Elections

    Ribadu also pointed to the relative calm during the Anambra governorship election in late 2025 as evidence that coordinated efforts between security agencies and election officials can deliver credible and peaceful outcomes. He described that exercise as a benchmark for upcoming polls and urged continued vigilance through continuous voter registration and revalidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Call for Shared Responsibility

    In his remarks, Ribadu extended the responsibility for peaceful elections beyond security agencies to include the media, civil society groups and community leaders, emphasising that safeguarding democracy is a collective effort. “Everybody has a role to play — from citizens who report suspicious activities to organisations that shape public opinion,” he said.

    Security Assurances

    Assurances from security leadership were reiterated when the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, represented by a senior police officer at the meeting, pledged enhanced protection for INEC facilities, personnel and materials, stressing that such measures are intended to allow electoral officials to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.

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