Author Archives: News All Around

A widely a tauted candidate’s name for the position of Vice-Chancellor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) was missing on the list of members of the university’s congregation.

Prof. Godwin Akper who was the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor incharge of Technology Innovation and Research of the university was conspicuously missing amongst the names of other members of the congregation this Monday.

The NOUN congregation was constituted Monday to elect from amongst them who to represent their interest in the search team, a key committee in the process leading to the emergence of a new Vice-Chancellor.

The tenure of the current VC expires on February 11th, 2026.

Our reporter gathered that the exclusion of Prof. Akper’s name from the list of the university’s congregation may not be unconnected to his not meeting the requirement of having a first degree, which qualifies one for membership of the university congregation.

Findings by our reporter reveals that Prof. Akper holds a Diploma in Theology, Reformed Theological College of Nigeria, Mkar Benue State (now Theological Seminary Mkar) before proceeding for a Master of Arts at Westminster Theological Seminary, California, USA.

A member of the congregation who pleaded anonymity with our reporter said “with this development, the chances of Prof. Akper in succeeding the incumbent VC is becoming slim by the minutes. This is because the VC is not only the Chairman of the university congregation, but also is responsible for bestowing first degrees to graduands during convocation. How then will someone without a first degree bestow what he doesn’t have” he concluded.

By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

Southern Kaduna and Middle Belt groups on Tuesday descended on former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of using “reckless hate speech” against the people of Southern Kaduna and thriving on vendetta politics during his eight-year rule.

The Southern Kaduna Awake Group and the Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna chapter, were reacting to El-Rufai’s appearance on Channels Television’s One-on-One with Seun, where he described Southern Kaduna people as violent, entitled, and less than 25 per cent of the state’s population.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, the National Youth Leader for the Middle Belt Youth Forum, Comrade Nasiru Jagaba, alleged that El-Rufai’s bitterness stemmed from the rejection of his ministerial nomination by the Senate last year, following petitions from Southern Kaduna.

“His years in office will be remembered for mass sackings of civil servants, expansion of grazing reserves at the expense of indigenous landowners, and failure to protect communities from relentless attacks,” Jagaba stated.

They also faulted El-Rufai’s comparison of Southern Kaduna to the Shiite Islamic Movement led by Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, saying it was a “reckless attempt to criminalise an entire population.”

The groups maintained that contrary to El-Rufai’s claims, President Bola Tinubu’s administration had sited major projects in Southern Kaduna, including the University of Applied Sciences and a Federal Medical Centre.

Echoing the same view, publisher of Gurara Accord, Bomba Dauda, said El-Rufai had lost political relevance and was “using Southern Kaduna as a scapegoat to remain in the spotlight.”

“His administration thrived on division and undemocratic practices. He suppresses one side to gain relevance in another using religion, but that tactic no longer resonates with today’s reality,” Dauda said.

He urged Nigerians to hold El-Rufai accountable for “dangerous narratives capable of pitching communities against one another.”

Dr. Ladan Salihu’s recent remarks on the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of Professor Mahmood Yakubu are marked by a tone of sweeping disapproval and generalization that does little justice to the complexities and hard-earned gains of Nigeria’s evolving democratic process. While criticism is an essential feature of democratic discourse, it must be grounded in a balanced appraisal of facts and realities, not driven by pessimism or selective memory.
Dr. Salihu’s claim that “INEC has not lived up to the expectations of Nigerians” and that “nothing has changed” since previous elections fails to acknowledge the significant, data-backed, and courageous reforms that have transformed the electoral landscape under Professor Yakubu’s stewardship. While elections in Nigeria remain a work in progress—as they are in every democracy—the assertion that INEC has “missed out on history” is not only inaccurate but dismissive of the monumental steps taken to safeguard electoral integrity.

A Groundbreaking Technological Shift
One of the most revolutionary achievements under Professor Yakubu has been the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). These innovations mark a decisive break from Nigeria’s history of ballot stuffing, multiple voting, and result manipulation.

BVAS eliminated the long-standing issue of ghost and multiple voting by introducing biometric accreditation, ensuring that only eligible and present voters could cast their votes.
IReV, for the first time in Nigeria’s electoral history, enabled near real-time public access to polling unit results, introducing a level of transparency previously unimaginable.
While these technologies experienced challenges—particularly during the 2023 presidential election—such hiccups are not evidence of failure but rather indicators of the ambition and scale of these reforms. The logical path forward is to strengthen and refine these systems, not to discard them.

Institutional Independence and Courage
Under Professor Yakubu, INEC has demonstrated an unusual level of operational independence and courage in the face of overwhelming pressures from political actors, entrenched interests, and threats of violence. The Commission has postponed or suspended elections where the process was compromised, and pursued legal action against electoral offenders—often in a judicial system that itself remains slow and cumbersome.

This insistence on upholding due process, often at great personal and institutional cost, should be seen as a positive departure from the opaque and manipulated electoral systems of the past.

Logistical Feats in a Complex Landscape
Nigeria is one of the most complex electoral environments in the world, with over 93 million registered voters and more than 176,000 polling units across difficult terrains, remote areas, and volatile regions. Organizing credible elections on this scale requires a herculean logistical effort.
Under Professor Yakubu’s leadership, INEC has:
Improved early distribution of sensitive materials.
Enhanced the training and deployment of over a million ad-hoc staff, including NYSC members.
Reduced delays and disorder in many parts of the country during election days.
To overlook these significant operational successes while highlighting isolated incidents of failure is a distortion that does injustice to the thousands of Nigerians who worked tirelessly to deliver credible elections.

Addressing the Trust Deficit
The oft-cited “trust deficit” is not unique to INEC under Professor Yakubu—it is a historical issue stemming from decades of electoral malpractice. However, trust is not rebuilt overnight; it requires time, transparency, consistency, and institutional reform. The introduction of BVAS and IReV are not just cosmetic changes—they are foundational tools in the long road toward restoring public confidence in elections.

Conclusion: Progress, Not Perfection
Democracy is not a destination but a journey. No electoral process anywhere in the world is perfect, but progress must be recognized and built upon. Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure has not been flawless, but to claim “nothing has changed” is to ignore the transformative steps taken under his watch.

Instead of hasty condemnation, what Nigeria’s electoral process needs now is critical support, constructive engagement, and continued innovation. Professor Yakubu has laid a foundation upon which a more transparent, credible, and inclusive democracy can be built. The responsibility now lies with all stakeholders—government, civil society, the judiciary, political actors, and the electorate—to protect, improve, and institutionalize these gains.
Dismissing his efforts wholesale only serves to discourage reformers and embolden those who prefer the shadows of the past. Let us not squander the progress we have made, but rather, consolidate and expand it for the sake of future generations.

Abubakar Billy Tafawa Balewa
Bauchi, Nigeria.

Michelle Adonma

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has strongly criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its recent comments questioning the credibility of voter registration figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). NAN described the ADC’s statements as unfounded, misleading, and indicative of a party grappling with political irrelevance.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, NAN expressed concern over what it called the ADC’s “public disputes” regarding registration statistics in Osun State and the South West region. According to NAN, the figures reported by INEC are consistent with ongoing nationwide efforts to expand voter participation and reflect the electoral engagement of the citizens, not any form of manipulation.

“It is both irresponsible and dishonest for any political party to interpret voter registration numbers through the lens of their own electoral ambitions,” the statement read. NAN cited the 2022 Osun Governorship election, in which the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC), as proof that high registration figures do not necessarily favor any one party. NAN said it was perplexing that the PDP, now aligned with the ADC in their criticism, would dispute data from a state they had recently won.

The group further accused the ADC of selective outrage, pointing out the party’s silence on figures from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). NAN argued that such cherry-picking calls into question the sincerity of the ADC’s concerns and suggests that their allegations may be politically motivated rather than rooted in a genuine interest in electoral transparency.

“Why the focus on Osun and the South West while ignoring voter numbers from other parts of the country, including the FCT? The ADC’s silence on other data suggests they are more interested in discrediting the process than in strengthening democracy,” NAN stated. The group said the ADC’s posture amounted to an intentional undermining of INEC and its critical mandate.

Rather than stirring controversy, NAN urged the ADC to take up the responsibility of educating and mobilizing Nigerians to register and participate in elections. It emphasized that all political parties share in the burden of building a robust democratic process, and that distracting the public with unsubstantiated claims was counterproductive and dangerous.

According to NAN, parties should work with INEC and other democratic institutions to encourage voter participation. “Political energy should be directed towards positive engagement, not divisive rhetoric. The focus should be on inclusion and participation, not paranoia,” the group said, adding that constant political quarrels only serve to discourage potential voters.

The organization went further to accuse the ADC of trying to set the stage for rejecting future election results. NAN stated that baseless allegations are often the hallmark of struggling political outfits preparing excuses for poor electoral performance. “This is a textbook case of a party preparing to blame everyone but itself for a defeat it already anticipates,” NAN noted.

Salihu Sulaiman called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and not be swayed by what he described as the antics of political actors who invent conspiracies to mask their own failings. He emphasized that sustaining democracy requires political maturity and a commitment to facts, not propaganda and manufactured outrage.

In conclusion, NAN reiterated its support for INEC and all efforts aimed at expanding voter registration across the country. The group urged Nigerians to register, participate, and reject divisive politics. “We must all protect the sanctity of our democracy from those who would tear it down just to make a headline,” the statement concluded.

By Aisha Balogun


The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), an umbrella organisation of Yoruba youths nationwide, has cautioned political actors against raising unnecessary alarm over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) pre-registration figures in Osun State.

In a statement at the weekend by its spokesman, Saheed Adeola, quoting YYC National President, Comrade Eric, the group described the claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an attempt to discredit INEC ahead of elections.

According to INEC’s latest data, Osun State recorded 393,269 pre-registrations, the highest in the country. However, the PDP and ADC dismissed the figure as unrealistic and alleged manipulation.

Reacting, INEC, in a statement on Thursday by the chairman’s spokesman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, debunked the allegations and explained that the numbers were consistent with its 2021 online registration exercise.

The YYC said the alarm raised by the PDP and ADC was unnecessary, stressing that Osun’s voter registration pattern had been consistent over the years.

“In any case, in the 2022 governorship election in Osun State, PDP defeated the APC. It is therefore surprising that the PDP will now query the statistics,” the group said.

It pointed out that Osun had recorded 232,880 registrants in the 2021 exercise, adding that the 2025 figure of 393,289 was not out of place.

“Even at that, the Commission will still clean up the data and publish the register for claims and objections by citizens before the exercise is finalised,” the group explained.

YYC further criticised selective outrage, saying: “Interestingly, they are querying the figures for Osun and the South West in the latest exercise but not those of the FCT. Rather than raising unnecessary alarm that amounts to a storm in a teacup, the PDP and ADC should participate in mobilising our people to register in the Continuous Voter Registration instead of heating up the polity unnecessarily.”

By Tunde Bakare


The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), an umbrella organisation of Yoruba youths nationwide, has cautioned political parties against actions capable of disrupting the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State or discrediting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued at the weekend by its spokesman, Saheed Adeola, quoting the YYC National President, Comrade Eric, the group faulted what it described as unnecessary alarm raised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the number of registered voters credited to Osun State in the latest nationwide pre-registration exercise conducted by INEC.

According to INEC’s figures, Osun State recorded 393,269 pre-registrations, the highest in the country. But some stakeholders, including the PDP and ADC, dismissed the numbers as unrealistic and alleged fraud.

Responding, INEC, through a statement issued on Thursday by the chairman’s spokesman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, debunked the allegations, explaining that the figures were consistent with data from its 2021 online registration exercise.

YYC maintained that the alarm raised by the PDP and ADC was needless, noting that the figures for Osun State were not unusual.

“In any case, in the 2022 governorship election in Osun State, PDP defeated the APC. It is therefore surprising that the PDP will now query the statistics,” the group said.

It added that contrary to claims of fraud, the latest figure aligned with the pattern recorded in 2021. “For instance, Osun recorded 232,880 registrants in a similar exercise conducted by the same INEC in 2021. There is no significant difference in the data recorded for Osun State in 2021 and the figures of 393,289 for the 2025 online pre-registration,” the statement read.

YYC further noted that INEC would still clean up the data and publish the register for claims and objections before finalising the exercise.

“Interestingly, they are querying the figures for Osun and the South West in the latest exercise but not those of the FCT. Rather than busy themselves in raising unnecessary alarm that amounts to a storm in a tea cup, the PDP and ADC should participate in mobilising our people to register in the Continuous Voter Registration, instead of querying figures and heating up the polity unnecessarily,” YYC added.

By Ahmed Garba

A Kaduna based political advocacy group, Capacity Movement, has criticised Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, popularly known as Mr. LA, over recent remarks perceived as attacks on the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

In a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna, the group’s convener, Shehu Sani Sado, described the senator’s comments as “cheap political distractions” and accused him of attempting to divert attention from what it called his underwhelming performance at the National Assembly.

“The public is not even aware of any tangible contribution Senator Lawal Adamu has made since assuming office. His recent outbursts are simply aimed at gaining cheap popularity,” the statement read.

The group further alleged that Senator Adamu, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is making moves to defect back to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the next election cycle.

“After riding on the back of the PDP to get to the Senate, he is now plotting a return to the APC. Instead of focusing on delivering on his legislative mandate, he has resorted to constant and baseless attacks on Governor Uba Sani,” the group said.

The Capacity Movement called on the senator to refrain from what it termed politically motivated criticisms, and urged him to focus on his responsibilities in the Senate.

“Governor Uba Sani is committed to the development of Kaduna State and should not be distracted by a lawmaker who has yet to prove his worth. The people deserve focused leadership, not political theatrics,” the statement concluded.

ENDS

By Grace Yakubu Ali

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against re-admitting Senator Lawal Usman Adamu, popularly known as Mr. LA, into its fold, describing him as a “serial political drifter” whose record in office has failed to meet the expectations of his constituents.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Danjuma Paul, the NSCF said the Kaduna Central lawmaker has shown “neither consistency nor loyalty” to the platforms that helped him win office.

“From defecting from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and now allegedly exploring ties with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator LA has pursued a pattern of survivalist politics rather than genuine service to the people,” the statement noted.

A Record of Underperformance

The group accused Senator LA of failing to deliver meaningful legislation or constituency projects during his tenure in the Senate. It said his name has been more associated with political drama than with initiatives aimed at addressing insecurity, poverty, and unemployment in Kaduna Central.

“His record is devoid of significant bills or motions that impact his constituency. Instead, he has been more comfortable filing petitions and deploying political theatrics, while the people he represents continue to face hardship,” the forum said.

Warning to APC

The NSCF urged APC leaders at both state and national levels to resist overtures from the senator, stressing that allowing him back into the party would undermine efforts to reposition the APC as a platform of accountability and performance-based politics.

“At a time when Nigerians are yearning for credible leaders who deliver results, welcoming back a politician with no track record of impact would be a step backward for the APC,” the statement warned.

Call for Credible Leadership

The forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting individuals with integrity and vision. It argued that Kaduna Central deserves leaders with a clear sense of service, not those who change parties to suit their ambitions.

“Political parties must prioritise competence and sincerity. Our democracy cannot thrive when individuals see platforms as revolving doors for their personal survival,” the statement added.

Background

Senator Lawal Usman Adamu, widely known as Mr. LA, rose to prominence in Kaduna politics after the 2019 elections. He initially secured his mandate under the APC before defecting to the PDP, where he consolidated his influence. Recent reports have linked him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), fuelling speculation about yet another switch in allegiance.

Critics view his constant political shifts as opportunism, while his defenders argue that Nigeria’s volatile party system compels politicians to make pragmatic choices.

For the NSCF, however, Senator LA’s potential return to APC is a move too far—one they believe would damage the credibility of the ruling party.

ENDS

By Adonma Agu

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has condemned Senator Lawal Usman Adamu’s petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over a recent by-election in Kaduna State, describing the move as “misguided” and a distortion of the ICC’s core mandate.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, and made available to journalists on Thursday, the group said invoking the ICC in the context of a local electoral dispute trivialises the global institution’s mission and undermines serious international justice mechanisms.

“The ICC was established to prosecute the gravest crimes — war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. To liken a by-election dispute in Kaduna to the genocides in Rwanda or the atrocities in Darfur is both irresponsible and offensive to victims of such heinous crimes,” the statement read.

NAN described the senator’s petition as a “theatrical display” aimed at garnering attention rather than addressing the developmental challenges faced by constituents of Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

“The people expect their senator to address issues such as poverty, insecurity, education, and basic infrastructure. Instead, what we are witnessing is a disturbing trend of political posturing and legal drama that has no bearing on the immediate needs of the electorate,” NAN said.

The group further stated that Senator Adamu’s actions have brought ridicule to both his office and the democratic institutions he represents, warning that such political gimmicks erode public trust in the democratic process.

“Democracy thrives on accountability and sincere engagement with the people. Resorting to international legal bodies over domestic political disagreements only signals a lack of serious legislative focus and contributes to voter apathy,” the forum noted.

NAN also criticised the senator’s perceived lack of legislative achievements, stating that his tenure has not been marked by meaningful bills, motions, or constituency projects.

“Rather than delivering development, he has become fixated on personal political survival, ignoring the very people he was elected to serve. This fixation undermines both his credibility and the expectations of the electorate,” the statement added.

The group called on Senator Adamu to reconsider his political approach and re-engage meaningfully with issues affecting his constituents.

“The people of Kaduna Central deserve better. They need representation grounded in vision, service, and substance—not international distractions or political theatrics,” NAN said.

It urged elected officials to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that public office is used to advance the welfare of citizens, not personal ambitions.

ENDS

The Kaduna Central Women Forum (KACEWOF) has taken a swipe at former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, describing him as a “failure, liar, and bench warmer” during his years in the National Assembly.

Their criticism follows a petition reportedly filed by Senator Lawal Adamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The petition alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) unlawfully arrested and detained the PDP candidate in the August 16 by-election, allegedly at the behest of Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the group faulted Lawan for questioning the integrity of the poll, which it described as “free, fair, and credible.”

Signed by its Coordinator, Hajiya Binta Garba, KACEWOF accused the former Senate President of neglecting his legislative responsibilities, failing to sponsor people-oriented bills, and prioritizing personal ambition over national interest.

“Senator Lawan has consistently deceived the people with empty rhetoric. He has failed in his duties, lied to his constituents, and reduced himself to a bench warmer in the Senate. The time has come for Nigerians to demand accountability from leaders who have overstayed their relevance in our democracy,” the statement read.

The forum emphasized that Nigerians must begin to measure political relevance by performance and tangible achievements rather than longevity in office, stressing that democratic progress can only thrive when leaders are held accountable to the people.