INEC

By Haroon Aremu 

In recent days, I have watched a growing wave of messages urging Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the deadline. Everywhere I turned, there were reminders, appeals, and passionate campaigns encouraging citizens to obtain their voter cards and prepare to vote. Some messages urged people to “vote out bad leaders,” while others called on Nigerians to “vote for change” and “take back their country.”

As I read these messages, I found myself reflecting deeply. Rather than joining the chorus immediately, I paused and asked a question that many of us seem reluctant to confront. What makes us so certain that the person we are urging people to vote for today will not become the same person we criticise, condemn, and perhaps even curse tomorrow?

This question is not intended to discourage voting, but is mainly directed to the youth rather than others. Democracy thrives when citizens participate. Every eligible Nigerian should obtain a PVC and exercise their constitutional right to vote. However, voting without deeper reflection may only lead us into a cycle we have repeated for decades.

The reality is that many of the leaders Nigerians complain about today were once celebrated as political messiahs. At one point or another, they were symbols of hope. They made promises that inspired confidence. They convinced millions that they possessed the solutions to the nation’s problems. Their supporters defended them passionately and often believed that once they assumed office, prosperity, security, and development would naturally follow.

Yet, as time passed, many of those same leaders became subjects of disappointment. The expectations that accompanied their emergence gradually gave way to frustration. Citizens who once praised them began to criticise them. 

This pattern raises an uncomfortable but necessary question. Is Nigeria’s problem merely about replacing one leader with another, or is it deeper than that?

Election seasons often resemble a search for a political saviour. Every cycle produces a new candidate who is presented as the answer to the nation’s challenges. Supporters speak about them with almost religious conviction. Opponents are dismissed, while supporters insist that their preferred candidate possesses the vision, courage, and competence needed to rescue the country. However, once the realities of governance emerge, many leaders themselves begin to admit that the challenges they inherited were greater than they anticipated.

How many times have Nigerians heard leaders say, “We didn’t know the situation was this bad”? How many administrations have entered office with grand promises only to later explain why those promises could not be fulfilled? If this pattern keeps repeating itself across different administrations, perhaps the issue is larger than individual politicians.

As an analyst of human behaviour and societal trends, I have come to believe that leadership is often a reflection of the society from which it emerges. We frequently focus on the leaders at the top while ignoring the conduct of the people at the bottom. We condemn corruption in high offices while celebrating dishonesty in everyday life. We criticise politicians for abusing power while remaining silent when similar abuses occur in our communities, workplaces, institutions, and associations.

The truth is that leadership challenges are visible at every level of society. From class captains in schools to community leaders, from local associations to religious organisations, from traditional institutions to political structures, the same tendencies recur. Favouritism, greed, selfishness, abuse of authority, and lack of accountability are not problems exclusive to national leaders. They are societal problems that manifest differently at different levels.

This observation reminds me of a profound principle found in both the Bible and the Qur’an. In the Qur’an, Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11 states that Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves. Similarly, the Bible in Proverbs 29:2 says

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

. These teachings suggest that national transformation is not solely dependent on political leadership. It is also connected to the values, character, and behaviour of citizens.

Perhaps this explains why changing leaders alone has not always produced the transformation Nigerians desire. A society cannot continuously reward negative values and expect positive outcomes from those it elects. If selfishness, dishonesty, and corruption become normalised among citizens, it becomes increasingly difficult to expect public officials to behave differently once they attain power.

This does not mean leaders are not important. Leadership matters. Policies matter. Governance matters. Elections matter. However, believing that a single individual can solve every national challenge may be one of the greatest misconceptions in modern politics.

 Some of the world’s most developed countries are struggling with challenges that cannot be solved overnight by a single leader.

Nigeria’s problems are complex. They require visionary leadership, yes, but they also require responsible citizenship, strong institutions, accountability, productivity, innovation, and a cultural shift in how people relate to one another and to the nation.

Therefore, while I fully support the call for Nigerians to obtain their PVCs, I believe the conversation should go beyond voting. The more important question is what happens after the election. Are we willing to demand integrity from ourselves as much as we demand it from politicians? Are we prepared to contribute positively to our communities, workplaces, and institutions?

Most importantly, before passionately campaigning for a candidate, perhaps each of us should ask a simple question: if this person eventually wins and fails to meet expectations, will I become one of those criticising them tomorrow?

If the answer is yes, then perhaps our focus should not be solely on changing leaders. Perhaps it should also be about changing ourselves.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a developmental journalist who writes from Abuja and can be reached via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking an order to suspend the implementation of a Federal High Court judgment that directed the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

At a hearing before a three-member panel of the appellate court on Tuesday, INEC expressed support for applications filed by the affected parties challenging the lower court’s decision.

The electoral body argued that it was unaware the judgment would be delivered, insisting that an earlier order of the Court of Appeal had halted the planned delivery of the ruling.

Counsel representing INEC told the court that the commission only became aware of the judgment through media reports, maintaining that no formal notice was issued regarding its delivery.

The commission therefore backed requests for a stay of execution pending the determination of the appeal.

Lawyers representing the ADC also faulted the ruling, describing it as a threat to judicial order and urging the appellate court to intervene. The party’s legal team argued that the lower court proceeded despite being aware of an order suspending the judgment, and called on the Court of Appeal to take urgent steps to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.

Other affected parties warned that enforcing the judgment could create uncertainty ahead of upcoming by-elections scheduled in several states. They urged the appellate court to prevent possible disruptions by suspending the implementation of the ruling while the appeal is being considered.

The Court of Appeal was still receiving submissions from parties involved in the matter at the time of filing this report. The case follows a Federal High Court judgment ordering INEC to deregister the ADC and four other political parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional electoral performance requirements.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties over their alleged failure to meet constitutional electoral requirements.

The affected parties are the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Justice Peter Lifu issued the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.

In the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, the plaintiffs asked the court to determine whether INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that fail to satisfy the electoral performance benchmarks stipulated in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and relevant INEC regulations.

The forum argued that the five parties had consistently failed to meet the constitutional thresholds required to retain their registration.

According to the plaintiffs, political parties are expected to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or win at least one elective position at the national, state, or local government level.

They maintained that the parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to win seats across key levels of government.

The plaintiffs further contended that the continued recognition of the parties by INEC undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.

They urged the court to compel the electoral commission to deregister the parties before preparations for the 2027 general elections progress further.

In addition, they sought orders restraining the affected parties from participating in elections or engaging in political activities, including campaigns, rallies, and primary elections.

They also requested an injunction preventing INEC from recognising or dealing with the parties in any official capacity unless they comply with constitutional provisions.

The ruling could have significant political implications ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly for aspirants seeking to contest on the platforms of the affected parties, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

By Uzair Adam

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it cannot successfully conduct elections in Nigeria without the support of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as it formally requested the deployment of more than 1.4 million corps members for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit to the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the scheme’s headquarters in Abuja.

He emphasised the critical role corps members play in election operations, describing them as the backbone of the commission’s fieldwork.

According to him, their neutrality and dedication continue to inspire public trust at polling units across the country.

Amupitan disclosed that 707,384 corps members would be needed for the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, with the same number required for the governorship and state assembly elections slated for February 6, 2027. This brings the total to 1,414,768 personnel.

He added that an extra 52,446 corps members would be deployed for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as bye-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi, and Kano states.

The projected figures mark an increase from the 2023 general elections, where about 1.2 million ad hoc staff were engaged, with over 70 percent drawn from NYSC members and student volunteers.

In many states, corps members made up nearly 90 percent of registration area officers and presiding officers.

Reflecting on their performance, Amupitan noted that corps members not only facilitated voting but also upheld the integrity of the electoral process across thousands of polling units, even in challenging terrains.

He acknowledged the risks involved in election duties and assured that the commission is improving welfare and insurance packages to better protect and support them.

Looking ahead, the INEC chairman said the commission is preparing for off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti on June 20 and Osun on August 16, describing them as important tests for new innovations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In his response, NYSC Director-General Nafiu recalled that the partnership between both institutions dates back to a memorandum of understanding signed in 2011, which has been renewed over time.

He maintained that corps members remain dependable and adaptable, noting that the transition to a new generation of digitally skilled participants would further enhance election processes.

He assured that the NYSC would continue to provide full support for upcoming elections, including both the off-cycle polls and the 2027 general elections.

By Malam Aminu Wase 

As 2027 approaches in Nigeria, a troubling sentiment is spreading among many citizens. There is no point in voting. Frustration is understandable. Economic hardship is real. Insecurity is real. Public disappointment is real. But choosing silence at the ballot box is not a solution;  it is surrender.

Democracy does not collapse in a single dramatic moment. It weakens gradually as citizens withdraw, participation declines, and people convince themselves that their voices do not matter. The most dangerous political decision is not voting for the wrong candidate; it is refusing to vote at all.

If we are dissatisfied with leadership, the answer is not apathy. It is participation. If we desire better governance, accountability, and reform, we must use the one instrument that gives power to ordinary citizens, the ballot.

Complaints on social media do not change governments. Private anger does not change governments. Boycotts by the disillusioned do not change governments. Votes change governments.

When citizens stay home on election day, they do not protest the system; they strengthen the influence of those who show up. Every empty polling unit is not a statement of resistance; it is an opportunity handed to someone else to decide the future.

The power to shape 2027 does not lie solely with politicians. It lies with citizens who choose to participate. Leadership is not imposed in a democracy; it is permitted. And permission is granted through votes.

This is not about blind loyalty to any party or personality. It is about responsibility. It is about understanding that disengagement guarantees continuity of whatever we claim to oppose. If we want reform, we must vote for it. If we want accountability, we must demand it through participation.

Nigeria’s future will not be written by observers. It will be written by participants. In 2027, the real question will not only be who wins. The real question will be, did we show up?

Silence is not a strategy. Withdrawal is not resistance. Our vote is our voice, and 2027 is the time to use it.

Malam Aminu Wase writes from Kaduna. He can be reached at aminusaniusman3@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Activist Aisha Yesufu has added her voice to calls for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan.

She argued that Amupitan should step down from his position, citing what she described as partisan conduct.

Yesufu, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made her position known in a post shared on X. She stressed that the opposition party is serious about its mission and should not be taken lightly.

In her post, she wrote: “I love how active Nigerians have become! #ActiveCitizens

“I always focus on the little wins. They snowball into the big wins.

“Some years ago, Amupitan would have gotten away with what he tried to do.

“At this stage it becomes mandatory that #AmupitanMustGo. My party is not here to play!

“The most painful part of all of this for me is that I will not be in the country for my FIRST party convention.

“I have accepted months ago to be at a workshop in Brazil. ADC Arise.

Her comments come amid growing criticism from different quarters over the leadership of the electoral body.

The development reflects increasing political tension as opposition figures continue to question the neutrality of the commission ahead of future elections.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended preparations for its proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise following mounting concerns from political parties, civil society groups, and regional stakeholders.

In a directive issued to all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on April 4, 2026, the Commission ordered an immediate halt to all publicity and preparatory activities related to the exercise. The letter, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, instructed RECs to await further directives. The Commission also announced that its scheduled April 9 meeting with RECs will now be held virtually via Zoom.

INEC had earlier proposed the revalidation exercise as a measure to clean up the voter register by removing ineligible entries, including deceased persons, duplicate registrations, and relocated voters, with the aim of enhancing the credibility of future elections.

However, the proposal was met with swift opposition.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) labeled the exercise a “recipe for chaos,” warning that it could disenfranchise millions of Nigerians less than 10 months before the general elections. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that requiring already registered voters to revalidate their details so close to the polls could suppress turnout and deepen voter apathy.

Similarly, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki described the timing as “suspicious,” suggesting it could be used to illegally prune the voter rolls.

In the north, a group identifying as Concerned Former Legislators raised alarm that the exercise could reduce the region’s voting strength ahead of the 2027 elections. The group called on northern leaders, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, to intervene and ensure fairness.

Political analysts acknowledged the merit of updating the voter register but warned that the reportedly proposed three-week timeline was grossly inadequate for a country with over 90 million registered voters. They stressed that any such exercise must be inclusive and accessible, particularly for citizens in remote areas.

INEC has defended the original intent of the exercise. Its Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, maintained that the goal was to produce a more credible voter register and strengthen, not restrict, electoral participation.

As of press time, the Commission has not announced a new timeline for the exercise or indicated whether it will be scrapped entirely.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a mandatory revalidation exercise for every Nigerian who obtained a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) between 2011 and 2024.

Contrary to widespread assumptions, this process is not a fresh voter registration but a verification and update exercise.

The revalidation can be completed online via the official INEC portal: https://cvr.inecnigeria.org

Steps for online revalidation:

1. Create an account using your personal details.

2. Enter the Voter Identification Number (VIN) printed on your PVC.

3. The system will direct you on where to upload a recent photograph.

4. INEC’s system will process your data to confirm that you are the legitimate owner of the card.

5. Upon successful verification, you will receive a confirmation message.

For physical revalidation:

Visit the nearest INEC center with your PVC. Officials will capture your details and take a fresh photograph. A confirmation message will then be sent to your registered phone number or email.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against proceeding with its planned congress and convention in violation of a subsisting court order.

The commission warned that any action taken in disregard of the court directive could attract serious legal consequences, including possible disqualification from future elections.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), made this known during an interview on Arise News on Friday. He stated that the commission is already involved in the legal dispute affecting the party, as it has been joined as a defendant in the case.

“As far as we are concerned, INEC is a party in the case and INEC was sued as a defendant by a member of the ADC.

“Secondly, the court is very clear that parties, including David Mark himself, should refrain from doing anything that will fuel the situation of inter-complaints in the court.”

He stressed that the party must consider the implications of its decision in relation to the existing court ruling.

“If they are going ahead with their congress, with their convention, it is left for them to look at it, whether it is in contravention of the Court of Appeal.

“INEC did not just take a decision. We didn’t just wake up one day and take the decision. There was something that led to it.

“There was an order of court not to do anything or take any step that would render any proceeding in court negatory, and also put the trial court in a situation of helplessness of inter-complainants.”

Amupitan explained that the matter of the congress and convention is already before the court. He warned that taking steps before the court reaches a decision could affect the judicial process.

“So, if already they asked not to do any congress and convention, it is a relief that is being claimed, essentially the file in motion for that purpose which has not been determined,” he said.

He also referred to past cases in Zamfara and Plateau states, where political parties suffered setbacks after failing to obey court orders.

“If they decide to go ahead with their congress and convention, let me tell you what happened in Zamfara,” he said.

“It has happened in the past, and we don’t want to conduct an election without this early warning, and at the end of the day, after you have won, the court will again declare your election invalid.

“The implication is that the person with the second highest number of votes will be declared a winner. It happened in Plateau State during the last election where the question of primaries was an issue.

“Congresses were not held in some parts of Plateau state. The court said, go and do those primaries.

“Unfortunately, they did not obey the court order. Failure to obey the court order has consequences.”

The INEC chairman added that while the ADC is free to make its own decisions, the commission will not take any step that could violate a court order or interfere with the case.

“They are at liberty to do whatever they want to do but INEC will not want to go into a situation where there is an order of don’t do anything, don’t take any step,” he said.

“The judgment is very definite. If I proceed to monitor their convention, it means I’m taking steps that will affect the subject matter pending before the court.”

Earlier in the week, INEC announced that it had suspended recognition of the faction of the ADC led by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, based on a court ruling. The commission also removed the names of the party’s leaders from its portal and replaced them with the note, “By court order.”

In response, the ADC called for the immediate resignation of the INEC chairman. The party accused the commission of bias and alleged that it was undermining Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Abuja, Senator David Mark criticised the decision to withdraw recognition from the party’s leadership. He said the ADC no longer has confidence in the commission.

He insisted that the party would continue its internal activities in line with the law. He also called on the international community to monitor developments within Nigeria’s electoral system, warning that recent actions by INEC could threaten democratic stability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate removal of Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing him of deliberately misinterpreting a court order related to the party’s leadership dispute.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, David Mark, national chairman of the ADC, said the electoral body “can no longer be trusted,” describing its actions as unlawful and partisan.

Mark explained that the controversy arose after a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment directed all parties, including INEC, to maintain the status quo while the case continued in the Federal High Court.

He added that his legal team challenged the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction, but the appeal was dismissed, leaving the directive to preserve the existing ADC leadership intact.

“After the judgment, lawyers associated with Nafiu Bala sought recognition from INEC in a manner that distorts the meaning of status quo ante bellum,” Mark said, claiming that these actions were supported by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of attempting to weaken opposition parties.

“It is not the ADC that is under attack. This is a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy and the right of Nigerians to choose, participate, and exercise their rights as free citizens,” he added.

Mark further said, “We have witnessed how the APC-led Federal Government has undermined, compromised, and coerced other opposition political parties. The ADC has risen as the last bastion between Nigeria’s democracy and full-blown dictatorship. And this is what worries them.”

He expressed shock at INEC’s April 1 announcement withdrawing recognition for both his leadership and Bala’s faction, creating what he described as a “false equivalence” between the parties.

Mark insisted that Bala had already resigned from party leadership and could not be legally recognised as a factional leader.

“The crux of the matter is the interpretation of status quo ante bellum. There is no legal precedent that supports INEC’s conclusion,” he said, criticizing the commission for failing to seek judicial clarification and accusing it of bias.

He added that INEC has effectively left the ADC without a recognised leadership, noting that the commission “lacks the constitutional authority to determine or impose leadership on political parties.”

“At no time was the ADC without a duly constituted leadership. INEC has invented a status quo that never existed,” Mark said.

“The commission cannot decide who leads a political party. That power does not belong to INEC.”

He concluded that the electoral body’s actions amount to contempt of court and undermine the rule of law. “There is only one conclusion: the electoral umpire has taken sides. It can no longer be trusted,” Mark said.