Economy
Nigeria Must Amend Existing Electoral Laws, To Inspire Confidence
Nigeria Must Amend Existing Electoral Laws, To Inspire Confidence
Nigeria must amend existing electoral laws, To inspire confidence. The feature in a democracy that allows a president-elect or governor-elect to be sworn into office despite unresolved court challenges would overstretch logic anywhere.
Nigeria’s electoral laws need fixing. Granted, there is no perfect human law anywhere, but since modern societies institute laws to regulate their affairs, determined democracies all over the world routinely adjust their laws, especially those that directly impact the overall well-being of citizens, to reflect the dynamism of human societies.
By so doing, existing lacunae in their laws are fixed for the good of citizens. Sadly, it is hardly so in Nigeria, where any lacunae in the extant laws are usually manipulated by politicians for ulterior motives.
Take the constitutional provisions, for instance, as they apply to the assumption of office of a newly elected president or governor. The provisions enable certain peculiarities, which cast a serious question mark on the country’s democratic credentials.
Its overall impact on governance is such that even those who choose aloofness in political matters cannot ignore it. Viewed dispassionately, the only conclusion it would elicit is that it diminishes the country’s democratic credentials. Yet, that reality seldom triggers any agitation for a change in the laws that permit it.
The very feature in a democracy that allows a president-elect or governor-elect to be sworn into office and assume unfettered executive powers, notwithstanding that their election is still being challenged in the courts by their co-contesters, would overstretch logic anywhere. Yet, the 1999 Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution may have unwittingly endorsed the feature by not specifically providing otherwise.
By the provision of section 132 subsection two of the Constitution, “An election to the [office of the president] shall be held on a date not earlier than sixty days and not later than thirty days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of that office.”
The leeway provided by the Constitution as the country’s grundnorm, by not barring the assumption of office pending a legal challenge of a presidential or gubernatorial election, is all the unscrupulous politicians need to justify the practice.
Otherwise, if politicians were driven by altruism, they would have long sought to amend the referenced provision, given its glaring drawback, to afford every contestant a level playing field.
Beginning May 29, 1999, when the Fourth Republic was birthed with the swearing-in of Olusegun Obasanjo as president, the date has conventionally become the commencement date for the tenure of the president and state governors.
Hence, a four-year tenure is reckoned, with May 29 as the starting and ending point for the presidents and governors, except for a few states where different dates operate, owing to court judgments that nullified governors’ elections after the May 29 swearing-in date.
From a constitutional standpoint, 30 days before the expiration of presidential tenure on May 29 is April 29. That is the date beyond which an election to the president’s office cannot validly hold. A 30-day period is enough for all activities or ceremonies to usher in a new administration.
But hardly any election in Nigeria is devoid of court challenge, which invariably drags on for a period much longer than the constitutionally-provided 30-day period that precedes the presidential swearing-in. This situation forces a fait accompli on the country to swear in the president-elect even while cases against his election are still pending in the courts.
The Constitution further provides under section 285: 21 days after the declaration of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a dissatisfied candidate is mandated to file their petition against the declared winner – (subsection (5), and the court of first instance (election tribunal) is mandated to deliver its judgment 180 days therefrom – subsection (6).
Then, where there is an appeal against a decision of an election tribunal, the appellate judgment must be delivered within 60 days of the tribunal judgment – subsection (7). Despite these timelines, the declared winner will assume office and take control of all the levers of presidential power as provided in the Constitution.
On assumption of office, the declared winner who has transformed as president would make appointments at his pleasure, and most often, to enable him to exercise such power, he would equally terminate existing appointments.
With the president fully in charge of national affairs, including managing finances, even the defence of the suits challenging his election is financed from the federal government’s coffers. Meanwhile, his challengers are unduly disadvantaged as they bear the enormous financial responsibility of prosecuting their cases.
It is not rocket science that an appointee usually owes loyalty to the appointment maker. Such appointees would ordinarily reciprocate by deploying all means to ensure the continuity of the incumbent’s office and concomitantly safeguard their appointments. The situation denies a level playing field to the challengers of electoral victors.
Which Nigerian politician will not go to any extent to retain the power he has tasted, not least presidential powers? Certainly not in a system that operates with a scant attempt at masking the impression that institutions can be corruptively manipulated or influenced to achieve a purpose.
Being aware that such an uneven playing field awaits every contestant, it has continually been the case that electioneering in Nigeria evokes the biblical scenario of the violence taking it by force.
The historical experience that demonstrates the insuperability of getting a presidential election nullified and a sworn-in president sacked gives election manipulators the fiendish confidence to deploy unimaginable violence to ensure that they are declared winner. When that goal is achieved, the declared loser is dared to go to court. In Nigeria, being so dared is a derisive way of expressing the futility of the recourse to the challenger.
Indeed, it has never happened that a presidential election was nullified or overturned by a court in Nigeria. Yet, it cannot be the case that the declared winner of every presidential election won.
Curiously, as glaring as it is that the system encourages and rewards electoral cheaters, and despite its resultant dent on the integrity of the electoral process, public discourses hardly centre on the anomaly, unless during the period immediately following the declaration of election results.
It is not expected that the beneficiaries of a flawed system would be at the forefront of agitations to change it, but what about the electorate who are unjustly denied the true result of elections? Many may have given up on the electoral system with the attitude that votes do not count. But such an attitude can only wreak incalculable havoc on the democratic process.
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It assaults the very essence of democracy for a candidate whose election is being disputed to sit comfortably in office and deploy the resources and machineries of the state to counter his challengers. The constitutional provision that allows such should elicit citizens’ outrage and galvanise them to demand its adjustment.
Therefore, a reform of the electoral system is direly needed, producing only a president that, once sworn-in, would not be encumbered by any uncertainty about the continuity of his office.
Against this background, it has become compelling that the relevant sections of the Constitution be amended to eliminate all incongruities.
The president that will emerge from the next general elections in 2027 should be one whose four-year tenure is devoid of the possibility of judicial nullification.
That possibility can only be guaranteed if the Constitution provides enough time for elections to hold and the petitions emanating therefrom are disposed of before swearing in.
Having reckoned 180 days and 60 days as adequate to do so from the tribunal through the appellate court, the litigation processes should accommodate the exact number of days before swearing-in. In other words, the presidential election has to occur mandatorily no later than 240 days to May 29.
Onyema Omenuwa is an Abuja-based legal practitioner.
EFCC Arraigns Former SKye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni For N15.6b Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 4, 2026, arraigned a former Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni before Justice Jude Onwuzuruike of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.
Ayeni was arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and conversion of investors’ funds to the tune N15,665,085,429 (Fifteen Billion, Six hundred and Sixty five Million, Eighty five thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-nine Naira (N15,665,085,429).
Prosecution counsel E.E. Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and prosecution ready for trial.
“We have before the court 17-count charge dated April 28, 2026, we humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant”, he said.
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Count three of the charge reads: “That you, Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc between 21st of October, 2014 and 19th November, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the aggregate sum of Three billion, Two hundred and One million, Five Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty Nine Naira, Forty two kobo(N3,201,535,429.42) by transferring same to Misa Limited’s account No: 1011295717 and 1011295718 domiciled with Zenith Bank in Violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other regulations and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.
Count five of the charge reads: “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Defunct Skye Bank Plc on or about 27th November, 2014, at Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Five Billion, Seventy Eight million, Five hundred and Fifty thousand Naira(N5, 078,550,000) by transferring same to Union Registrar Limited’s Account No: 0003490559 domiciled with Union Bank in violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other Regulations and thereby Committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and Punishable under Section 312 of same Act.”
Fraud
Ayeni pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
In view of his “not guilty” plea, Iheanacho prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
Defence counsel, Ahmed Raji Bashir, SAN, informed the court that the charge was given to the defendant on a public holiday adding that he considered it imperative to inform the court. He also prayed the court to release the defendant to him or return him to the custody of the EFCC.
Justice Onwuzuruike adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, while the defendant was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of bail application.
Economy
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among the media, government institutions, and other stakeholders to address the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation, stressing that collective action is essential to protect public trust and national stability. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration held at Radio House.
“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation,” said the Minister.
He described press freedom as a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, noting that the Federal Government remains fully committed to its protection. “The Federal Government fully recognises press freedom as a fundamental right and remains committed to fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly, in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law,” he stated.
Idris noted that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken deliberate steps to strengthen transparency and access to information through sustained media engagement, implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investment in public communication platforms.
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He further pointed to Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja as a key step towards building a more informed and discerning public. “This pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening media and information literacy, empowering citizens to engage with information critically, and promoting responsible communication in the digital age.”
The Minister urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards in their work, stressing that press freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility. “The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions, how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as a critical platform for strengthening collaboration across institutions.
“This gathering reflects our shared commitment to strengthening press freedom and fostering a more informed and inclusive society. It provides an opportunity for constructive engagement on how best to advance a media environment that is both free and responsible,” she said.
World Press Freedom Day
Ukaire emphasised the need for coordinated responses to the challenges posed by the evolving information ecosystem, particularly the spread of misinformation. “The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust,” she noted.
She added that the Ministry remains committed to facilitating dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and promoting professionalism within the media space.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with the media, civil society, and international partners to build a resilient information system that supports democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development.
The event was attended by the Inspector General of Police, represented by FPRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, mni, mnipr; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, represented by Director of Protocol M. O. Chukwuka, fsi; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dilli Ezughah; Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, represented by the Head of Communication and Information Sector, Ms Yachat Nuhu.
Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Monday, May 4, 2026
NNPC, Chinese Firms Sign MoU Towards Restart, Expansion Of Warri, Port Harcourt Refineries
The NNPC Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies, Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, for collaboration through a potential Technical Equity Partnership in support of the completion and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries.
The MoU was signed by the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari; Chairman, Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong and Chairman of Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Bill Bi, in Jiaxing City, China, on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
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The potential framework would cover completion of outstanding work at the two refineries, together with operating and maintaining both facilities to achieve best-in-class, sustainable performance. Planned expansion and upgrades would elevate both facilities to cleaner, more profitable product standards.
The potential collaboration also contemplates expanding the refineries’ petrochemical capacities and harnessing gas and downstream opportunities through the development of co-located, gas-based industrial hubs.
Speaking shortly after signing the dotted lines, the GCEO NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the MoU execution as a significant milestone, following more than six months of concerted engagement between the technical and management teams of NNPC and the two Chinese partners.
“All parties recognise mutually beneficial opportunities for the development and long-term sustainable profitability of NNPC’s refining assets in Nigeria, and the collective weight required for success,” Ojulari noted.
NNPC
The GCEO further stated that the MoU is a significant step on the journey towards identifying potential technical equity partner(s) to restart and expand NNPC’s refineries, and to explore opportunities in co-located petrochemicals and gas-based industries.
The MoU reflects the parties’ shared intent to progress discussions in good faith, with any definitive arrangements to follow in due course and subject to customary approvals.
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