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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong condemnation of the Nigerian Senate’s recent rejection of a real-time electronic transmission of election results, labeling the move a “calculated blow against transparency, credibility, and public trust.”

In a strongly-worded statement released today, Alhaji Atiku described the decision as a “grave setback for electoral reform” and a sign that the ruling establishment is unwilling to subject elections to public scrutiny.

“The decision of the Nigerian Senate to reject the real-time electronic transmission of election results is a deliberate assault on electoral transparency,” Abubakar declared. “At a time when democracies across the world are strengthening their electoral systems through technology, the Nigerian Senate has chosen to cling to opacity.”

The former presidential candidate argued that real-time electronic transmission is a non-partisan democratic essential. “It reduces human interference, limits result manipulation, and ensures that the will of the voter… is faithfully reflected,” he stated. He criticized the Senate for reverting to a “face-saving provision” from the 2022 Electoral Act, which critics say allows for delays and potential interference.

Atiku framed the Senate’s action as part of a troubling pattern. “Every reform that strengthens transparency is resisted, while every ambiguity that benefits incumbency is preserved,” he asserted. This, he warned, raises “troubling questions about the commitment of the ruling political establishment to free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.”

He emphasized that elections must be decided by voters, “not by manual delays, backroom alterations, [or] procedural excuses.”

Concluding with a rallying cry, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar called on “Nigerians, civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to take note of this regression” and to demand a modern electoral system.

“Nigeria deserves elections that are transparent, verifiable, and beyond manipulation,” he said. “Anything less is an injustice to the electorate and a betrayal of democracy.”

The statement signals heightened political tensions as the nation begins its long-cycle preparations for the next general election, with opposition figures positioning electoral integrity as a central battle line.

Abubakar Isah Dandago, a veteran journalist, has resigned as the pioneer General Manager of Hikima Private FM in Kano.

Abubakar Isah Dandago is a veteran journalist based in Kano who worked with various radio stations and currently is a reporter with Radio France International.

He wished the station well and his colleagues with whom he worked during his stay as General Manager.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially registered two new political parties, expanding the landscape of political participation in Nigeria.

According to the Commission, it received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.

These associations were assessed in accordance with Sections 222 and 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Sections 75 and 79(1), (2) and (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and Clause 2 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022.

Following initial screening, 14 associations that met prequalification requirements were invited to the next stage, of which eight successfully uploaded their documents on INEC’s dedicated portal.

These were the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP), and Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).

After thorough assessment and verification of compliance with constitutional and legal requirements, only two parties qualified for final approval.

The Commission determined that the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) fully satisfied all requirements of the law and has been officially registered as a political party effective February 5, 2025.

“Accordingly, the Commission has decided to register the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a politic party, effective from today, 5th February 2025,” INEC said.

In addition, the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit M FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, directed INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The Commission has complied with the court order, adding the NDC to the list of officially recognized political parties. Certificates of registration will be handed over to both parties in due course.

“Furthermore, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit M FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. IM ordered the Commission to register Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) a political party,” it said.

“The Commission has decided to comply with the order an being registered as a political party. Certificate of Registration will be hand over to the two new political parties in due course.”

With these additions, Nigeria’s political landscape now welcomes two new parties, signaling continued efforts to broaden democratic participation and political pluralism in the country.

With the announcement, Nigeria officially now has 20 registered political parties.