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Movement for Credible Elections(MCE) Calls for Urgent Electoral Reforms

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1 month ago

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), a coalition of distinguished national leaders, has submitted a petition to the House of Representatives urging immediate and comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group emphasizes the critical need to restore public trust, which it warns has deteriorated to a historic low.

The petition, addressed to the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, was presented by a delegation of MCE’s leadership. The coalition’s prominent members include:

Pat Utomi – Chairman, Interim Steering Council

Dr. Usman Bugaje – Deputy Chairman (North)

Femi Falana, SAN – Legal Counsel

Oby Ezekwesili – Former Minister of Education

Ayuba Wabba – Former NLC President & Co-Chair

Bilikisu Magoro – Member

Nkoyo Toyo – Deputy Chairman (South)

In their submission, the MCE leaders stated that confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system is at its lowest ebb, necessitating swift and decisive legislative action to ensure the integrity and credibility of future polls.

The Movement calls on the House of Representatives to prioritize this matter as an issue of urgent national importance.

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They cited persistent insecurity, vote buying, voter intimidation, logistical breakdowns and irregular deployment of technology as key factors undermining credible elections.

According to the movement, only firm legislative action can prevent a repeat of the widespread dissatisfaction recorded in recent electoral cycles.

They said the stakes are too high to ignore as the country approaches another critical national vote.

The coalition listed priority reforms that lawmakers must address immediately to include strengthening the Electoral Act, enforcing electronic transmission of polling unit results, tightening penalties for election offences and bolstering the independence of the electoral commission through predictable funding and improved capacity building.

It also called for an independent audit of all election technologies, including BVAS and IREV, and demanded more opportunities for women, youth, persons with disabilities and Nigerians in the diaspora.

The group further urged the National Assembly to ensure that all election disputes were resolved before inauguration and to end pre-election judicial interventions that distort the process.

The petition pressed lawmakers to make party defections by elected officials a direct ground for loss of office and fresh elections.

It argued that such a measure would strengthen accountability and stabilise the party system.

The coalition said Nigeria has reached a critical turning point that requires courage from the legislature.

It warned that the credibility of the 2027 elections depends on reforms that must be enacted without delay.

MCE leaders, through its media coordinator, Comrade James Zena I, pledged to support the National Assembly through technical input and public engagements to ensure the proposals are fully considered.

But they added that the movement will not hesitate to mobilise citizens nationwide if lawmakers fail to act on what they described as the clear demands of Nigerians.

“We are ready to work with the National Assembly to deliver credible reforms. But if these demands are not acted upon, we will have no choice but to mobilise citizens across the country in defence of their democratic rights.”

At the time of filing this report, the request has formally been submitted at the National Assembly for consideration already.

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APC Rolls Out E-Registration to Digitize Membership Nationwide

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4 hours ago

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January 23, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The All Progressives Congress has invited all stakeholders, supporters, and members, both old and new, to participate in its ongoing Membership Electronic-Registration Exercise across the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in a post obtained from APC’s X handle on Friday, said the exercise is being conducted in all wards nationwide.

“Existing members are expected to validate their membership, while new and intending members are encouraged to register and join the party.

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“Participants must be 18 years or older and possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN) to complete the registration process,” he said.

According to Morka, the e-Registration exercise is designed to digitise the Party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, provide efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions, promote internal democracy, and strengthen APC’s commitment to democratic innovation in Nigeria.

He urged all eligible Nigerians to take part in the exercise and join the progressive family of Nigeria’s ruling party.

The APC noted that the initiative is part of its ongoing effort to modernise party operations, increase transparency, and ensure that party membership is up-to-date and verifiable nationwide.

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Tinubu Swears In New Federal Character Commission Chairman, 37 Commissioners

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6 hours ago

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January 23, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in the new Chairman and 37 National Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, at the State House, Abuja.

The ceremony, which began at about 4:48 pm, saw Hulayat Ayo Omidiran take the oath of office as FCC Chairman alongside commissioners representing all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Mrs Omidiran, 59, is a former two-term member of the House of Representatives who previously represented Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency of Osun State. She succeeds Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, whose tenure was widely criticised.

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Full List of Sworn-In Commissioners

Alongside Chairman Omidiran and FCC Secretary Mohammed Musa, the following were sworn in as National Commissioners:

1. Peter Ogbonna Eze – Enugu

2. AbdulWasiu Bawalla – Lagos

3. Obinna Oriaku – Abia

4. Lawal Ya’u Roni –
5. Abubakar Atiku Bunu – Kebbi

6. Eludayo Eluyemi – Osun

7. Bema Olvadi Madayi – Adamawa

8. Dora Ebong – Akwa Ibom

9. Nnoli Nkechi Gloria – Anambra

10. Babangida Adamu Gwana – Bauchi

11. Sir Tonye Okio – Bayelsa

12. Aligba Eugene Tarkende – Benue

13. Modu Mustapha – Borno

14. Dr Stella Odey Ekpo – Cross River

15. Ederin Lovette Idisi – Delta

16. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka – Ebonyi

17. Victor Sabor Edoror – Edo

18. Sola Fokanle – Ekiti

19. Ibrahim Baba Mairiga – Gombe

20. Jerry Alagbaoso – Imo

21. Ruth Jumai Ango – Kaduna

22. Muhammad Awwal Nayya – Kano

23. Anas Isah – Katsina

24. Bello Idris Eneye – Kogi

25. Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi – Kwara

26. Kayode Oladele – Ogun

27. Isah Jibrin – Niger

28. Ajimudu Bola – Ondo

29. Prince Ayodeji Abas Aleshinloye – Oyo

30. Pam Bolman – Plateau

31. Aaron Chukwuemeka – Rivers

33. Bobboi Bala Kaigama – Taraba

34. Jibir Maigari – Yobe

35. Sani Garba – Zamfara

36. Solomon Ayuba Dagami – FCT

37. (plus FCC Secretary) Mohammed Musa remains the commission’s administrative head.

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President Tinubu Assigns Four Appointed Ambassadors, Clears Way for Diplomatic Engagement

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6 hours ago

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January 23, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the initial diplomatic postings for four ambassador-designates, selected from a cohort of 68 nominees confirmed by the Senate in December 2023.

The announcement was made on Thursday by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

”President Tinubu confirmed the postings of Ambassador Ayodele Oke as the ambassador-designate to France, and Colonel Lateef Are as the ambassador-designate to the United States of America.”

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”Also confirmed by the President is the posting of Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, former ambassador to South Korea, as the high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom.

”Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, former governor of Kebbi, is the ambassador-designate to Turkey, where the President is scheduled to begin a state visit next week.

”In a memo to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Tinubu urged the ministry to notify the governments of the four countries about the ambassador-designates, in accordance with diplomatic procedures.”

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