Politics
Judiciary greatest threat to Nigeria’s democracy, says NEF
From Luka Shekara, (Kaduna)
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has described the country’s judiciary as the greatest threat to democracy, warning that the growing judicial injustice in Nigeria has led to total loss for f confidence on the sector
NEF in a statement issued on Sunday by it’s spokesperson , professor Abubarkar Jika Jiddere, regretted that public confidence in the judiciary poses a serious threat to the rule of law, constitutional democracy and the nation’s political stability.
NEF therefore called for urgent judicial reforms to strengthen the independence, transparency and integrity of the courts, stressing that justice must remain impartial and free from external influence.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s democracy is facing one of the gravest institutional threats since the return to constitutional rule.
It said increasing public concern over the administration of justice has created a dangerous perception that the Judiciary, the last constitutional refuge of the ordinary citizen, is steadily losing the confidence of the people it exists to protect.
“The Rule of Law is the foundation of every constitutional democracy. Once citizens begin to doubt the independence, impartiality and integrity of the courts, the legitimacy of every democratic institution is placed at risk. No nation can remain politically stable where justice is perceived as selective, inconsistent or susceptible to external influence.”
NEF noted further that the disturbing patterns of the nation’s judiciary have emerged across the country, adding it has become so worrisome that it demands urgent institutional reflection, noting that judicial proceedings in matters affecting political rights, civil liberties and democratic participation have generated widespread public concern regarding consistency, predictability and fidelity to constitutional principles.
It lamented what it described as increasing delay in determining matters involving personal liberty, prolonged and condition-burdened bail proceedings, saying liberty should never become the casualty of procedural technicalities.
The statement added, “The Constitution guarantees that every accused person remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, and every judicial process must faithfully uphold that guarantee
“Every judicial decision affecting political rights must be demonstrably independent, legally sound and transparently reasoned.
“The courts must remain above every appearance of political preference, institutional bias or external influence. Justice must never only be impartial, it must be visibly and unquestionably impartial.”
Politics
Oborevwori’s records enough to win him re-election, says Delta commissioner, Aniagwu
The Delta State commissioner for Works (Rural roads) and Information, Charles Aniagwu has declared that governor Sheriff Oborevwori will showcase his record of achievements to win the 2027 governorship election, rather than making promises to the electorate.
Aniagwu stated during a media briefing in Asaba that the administration’s performance under the MORE Agenda.has showcased several completed projects which have touched the people of the state positively
He said the governor’s first mandate had been justified by projects and programmes across the state, insisting that the administration would seek a fresh mandate on the strength of its performance record.
“The first mandate given to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2023 has been very justified in terms of the promises he made, and the deliverables have been very obvious and visible to our people,” he said.
The commissioner stated further that the governor would take the MORE Agenda to a higher level if re-elected, adding that Deltans would be presented with tangible evidence of what the administration had delivered.
He claimed the government’s performance had unsettled the opposition, which he accused of resorting to allegations and narratives disconnected from the realities on the ground.
Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration would not be distracted by political attacks but would remain focused on development, good governance and improving the lives of Deltans.
He cited the recent Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba as evidence of growing confidence in the state.
Aniagwu expressed confidence that the people of Delta would judge the administration by its performance when they return to the polls.
In response to allegations by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, that Oborevwori was planning to eliminate him, Aniagwu dismissed the claim as baseless and politically motivated.
He said there was no reason for the governor to target Omo-Agege because the two men were contesting different offices in 2027.
“Governor Oborevwori is running for the position of Governor of Delta State. Omo-Agege is not his opponent on the same ballot paper. So, nothing brings both of them together in the course of the election,” Aniagwu said.
He recalled that Oborevwori defeated Omo-Agege in the 2023 governorship election, attributing the victory to the governor’s credibility and acceptance by Deltans.
“Why will Governor Oborevwori leave his lane and begin to look for somebody who is not even contesting against him?” he asked.
Aniagwu also said Oborevwori’s entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC) had strengthened the party’s unity and leadership in Delta, adding that this was reflected in its recent primary elections.
He questioned why anyone facing a genuine threat would make public accusations without first reporting the matter to security agencies.
The commissioner said the state government remained committed to protecting lives and property, citing its support for security agencies, security summits and increased collaboration among security formations.
Politics
2027: I will declare my political future soon, says Goje
Amid rumours of defection, former governor of Gombe state, Senator Danjuma Goje, has urged his supporters to remain calm while in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as he makes a decision on the future of his political journey
Goje, who was denied a ticket to return to the senate by his ruling APC, however denied reports that he has defected to another political party, ahead of the 2027 elections
The former governor who currently represents Gombe Central, said despite the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, he remains a member of the APC, while he consults political stakeholders adding that he would announce his next political move at the appropriate time.
Speaking to his supporters on Saturday at his residence in Gombe at the weekend, the former governor urged them to remain loyal to the party’s leaders and prepare for his eventual directive.
“Do not listen to betrayers, go home, prepare, be loyal to our party leaders and wait for my final order,
“I am not defecting to any party now, however I am consulting stakeholders, but I promise I will be with my supporters with or without a Senate ticket.” Gone told his supporters
Goje who served as governor of Gombe State between 2003 and 2011, transformed to the Senate, where he has served for a record fourth term representing Gombe Central
He however lost the party’s ticket to another aspirant, Mohammed Ahmed emerged as the APC candidate for Gombe Central.
Oborevwori’s records enough to win him re-election, says Delta commissioner, Aniagwu
The Delta State commissioner for Works (Rural roads) and Information, Charles Aniagwu has declared that governor Sheriff Oborevwori will showcase his record of achievements to win the 2027 governorship election, rather than making promises to the electorate.
Aniagwu stated during a media briefing in Asaba that the administration’s performance under the MORE Agenda.has showcased several completed projects which have touched the people of the state positively
He said the governor’s first mandate had been justified by projects and programmes across the state, insisting that the administration would seek a fresh mandate on the strength of its performance record.
“The first mandate given to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2023 has been very justified in terms of the promises he made, and the deliverables have been very obvious and visible to our people,” he said.
The commissioner stated further that the governor would take the MORE Agenda to a higher level if re-elected, adding that Deltans would be presented with tangible evidence of what the administration had delivered.
He claimed the government’s performance had unsettled the opposition, which he accused of resorting to allegations and narratives disconnected from the realities on the ground.
Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration would not be distracted by political attacks but would remain focused on development, good governance and improving the lives of Deltans.
He cited the recent Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba as evidence of growing confidence in the state.
Aniagwu expressed confidence that the people of Delta would judge the administration by its performance when they return to the polls.
In response to allegations by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, that Oborevwori was planning to eliminate him, Aniagwu dismissed the claim as baseless and politically motivated.
He said there was no reason for the governor to target Omo-Agege because the two men were contesting different offices in 2027.
“Governor Oborevwori is running for the position of Governor of Delta State. Omo-Agege is not his opponent on the same ballot paper. So, nothing brings both of them together in the course of the election,” Aniagwu said.
He recalled that Oborevwori defeated Omo-Agege in the 2023 governorship election, attributing the victory to the governor’s credibility and acceptance by Deltans.
“Why will Governor Oborevwori leave his lane and begin to look for somebody who is not even contesting against him?” he asked.
Aniagwu also said Oborevwori’s entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC) had strengthened the party’s unity and leadership in Delta, adding that this was reflected in its recent primary elections.
He questioned why anyone facing a genuine threat would make public accusations without first reporting the matter to security agencies.
The commissioner said the state government remained committed to protecting lives and property, citing its support for security agencies, security summits and increased collaboration among security formations.
Politics
2027: NEC gets 7 days ultimatum to publish political donation limits, party finances
By Tony Chuddy
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 7 days ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to exercised its statutory powers to pronounce limits on political campaign spendings and contributions
SERAP in Freedom of Information (FOI) request, cited Section 91 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which gives INEC the power to place limits on the amount of money or other assets an individual may contribute to a political party or candidate.
The organisation said the law also provides sanctions where individuals, candidates or political parties exceed applicable limits prescribed by the commission.
The organisation further urged INEC to publish any political contribution limits prescribed under the law and disclose detailed statements of political parties’ assets, liabilities, sources of funds and expenditure.
It also asked the commission to publish political parties’ annual financial statements, audited accounts and election expenditure returns for 2023 to 2025, as well as relevant examination and audit reports submitted to the National Assembly.
SERAP gave INEC seven days from the receipt or publication of its request to provide the information, warning that it would take appropriate legal action to compel compliance if the commission failed to respond.
The organisation made the demands in a Freedom of Information request dated August 22, 2026, asking the electoral umpire to publish any applicable contribution limits and widely communicate them to political parties, candidates, donors and the Nigerian public.
SERAP further requested the commission to disclose the systems, personnel and procedures it has put in place to monitor, investigate and enforce compliance with political contribution and campaign expenditure limits during the ongoing 2027 electoral process, as well as it’s detailed methodology for monitoring political financing, including cash and in-kind donations, digital and social media financing, third-party expenditure and contributions made through intermediaries.
SERAP in the request, which was signed by it’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, noted that greater transparency in political financing was necessary to ensure a level playing field and enable citizens to make free and informed political choices.
It emphasised that INEC’s responsibility went beyond receiving financial statements from political parties, stressing that the Constitution requires the commission to examine party finances, conduct necessary investigations and report to the National Assembly.
The organisation warned that the increasing monetisation of elections and the potential misuse of state institutions posed serious threats to democratic integrity and fair electoral competition.
SERAP expressed concern over what it described as persistent challenges in regulating political finance in Nigeria, including excessive campaign spending, opaque funding sources, weak disclosure requirements and limited enforcement of statutory rules.
The organisation noted that it remained unclear whether INEC had prescribed, clearly published and effectively monitored applicable contribution limits under the Electoral Act, 2026.
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