Why Nigeria’s electoral watchdog remains leashed - Editorial@ITREALMS

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The quest for a National Electoral Offences Commission has become the ultimate mirage in Nigeria’s democratic landscape, appearing closer with every new legislative session, yet receding just as quickly when the time for implementation arrives.

For years, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pleaded to be relieved of the dual burden of organizing elections and prosecuting the criminals who subvert them. 

INEC’s ₦1.5bn demand on FOI: What Is digital alternative? Asks Remmy Nweke - ITREALMS

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INEC’s ₦1.5 billion charge for a Freedom of Information (FOI) request raises fresh concerns about transparency and digital readiness. REMMY NWEKE in this edition of Telecoms Clinic @ITREALMS analyses and asks for digital alternatives to paper-based bureaucracy in Nigeria’s electoral system.

The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recent demand of ₦1.5 billion as the cost of granting a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for the National Register of Voters and the list of polling units has sparked widespread debate about transparency, access, and digital accountability in Nigeria.

While many have condemned the figure as excessive, the discussion is more nuanced than it appears. Producing a certified true copy (CTC) of a national database involves more than simple photocopying. 

Nigeria: Case for electronic voting and electoral reform before 2027 by Abajue, Chidi - Commentary@ITREALMS

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Executive Summary.
Nigeria’s democratic destiny stands at crossroads.
Despite two decades of continuous civilian rule, the question remains: Have our elections truly reflected the will of the people?

This paper calls on the National Assembly of Nigeria to enact the legislative will and moral courage required to institutionalize electronic voting (e-voting) and comprehensive electoral reform before 2027.

INEC reiterates calls for Electoral Offences Tribunal - ITREALMS

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated calls for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Tribunal (EOT) reports ITREALMS.

The Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the latest appeal at the first quarterly consultative meeting with the Media, held at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja on February 7, 2025.

Alapomu denies allegation of inciting electoral violence - ITREALMS

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The Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, has denied allegation making a round of inciting electoral violence in Osun State, reports ITREALMS.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Tolu Adetunji, the monarch said his attention has been drawn to a video where he made a speech at the flag of a road construction in Apomu.

Segun Agbaje: Lagos INEC REC and 'indelible footprint' in electoral system? - ITREALMS

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Thief! Thief!! Thief!!! The shout rends the air, in the most unlikely place, the burial ceremony of an illustrious son of Ikirun where the atmosphere was expected to be solemn in honour of the one to whom all have come to pay there last respect! Who was the thief and what has he stolen?

It has been four years, four months and 18 days after the September 22, 2018 election believed to be a fraud against the people held in Osun.

South West stakeholders insist on delivery of electoral dividends - ITREALMS

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The South West Development Stakeholders Forum (SWDSF), comprising civil society
organisations, professionals, and religious leaders met rose from a meeting at the weekend to urge presidential parleys intended to deliver development dividends to the region, reports ITREALMS.

The forum after its meeting on Thursday, 8th December 2022, called for a parley with presidential candidates of major political parties as soon as possible, in Ibadan, Oyo State, pointed out that South West is the industrial and commercial engine room of Nigeria.

2023: HEDA engages stakeholders on electoral integrity - ITREALMS

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As part of her core mandates in ensuring good governance in Nigeria, foremost civil society organization, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), has sensitized relevant stakeholders and offered agenda-setting recommendations ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

The civil society group’s 27th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) themed “Towards Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections” held in Abuja sought to re-evaluate the situation and discuss those issues capable of affecting the sanctity of the forthcoming general elections.

INEC lifts ban on electoral campaigns till Thursday - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has changed its mind by lifting the ban on electoral campaigns for the 2019 general elections, reports ITREALMS.

INEC on Monday after a prolonged meeting, said it reviewed earlier position and lifted the ban, following the postponement of the presidential elections last Saturday morning.

A press statement endorsed by National Commissioner Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye, and made available to ITREALMS, INEC said campaigns should resume immediately and end by midnight on Thursday.

The statement read in part:

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met on Monday 18th February 2019 and reviewed its preparations for the 2019 General Elections rc-scheduled for Saturday. 23rd February 2019 for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday. 9th March 2019 for Governorship, State Assembly and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections.

“It would be recalled that at the briefing held on Saturday. 16th February 2019 at the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC). the Commission gave reasons for re-scheduling the polls and released a new Schedule of Activities leading up to the elections.

“The Commission has also worked out in detail. concrete steps to be taken to ensure that election materials arrive at the polling units in good time for prompt commencement of the polls on Saturday. 23rd February 2019. An update will be provided by the Commission at a press conference on Tuesday. 19th February at the Abuja International Conference Centre by 3pm.

“1n the meantime. after consultations with political parties. the Commission has approved that campaigns by parties and candidates can resume forthwith to end by midnight of Thursday, 21st February 2019.

“Media organisations are at liberty to accept, publish. broadcast and circulate campaign materials up till midnight of Thursday. 21st February 2019. Political Parties and their candidates are enjoined to abide by the extant laws governing campaigns.

“The Commission wishes to thank all Nigerians for their understanding regarding the rescheduling of the elections. We appeal to stakeholders to be dispassionate and circumspect in their comments. The Commission is focusing on the elections to be held on 23rd February and 9th March to ensure that they are free. fair and credible. We urge all Nigerians to participate fully in the elections. notwithstanding the disappointment." 

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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Nigeria: Facebook bans foreign electoral adverts for 2019 - ITREALMS

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Beginning from today, Facebook has banned foreign electoral advertisements for the forthcoming Nigeria’s general elections 2019 on the platform, reports ITREALMS.

According to public statement made available to ITREALMS, Facebook said this was in continuation of its attempt to ensure build political transparency around elections and across the globe.

This ban on foreign electoral advertisements equally applies to Ukraine.

“We'll temporarily expand enforcement and not accept foreign electoral ads around their elections, starting with Nigeria on January 16,” official declared.

In the coming months, Facebook also said it intends to roll out additional protections ahead of upcoming elections.

Stressing that these efforts are to prevent foreign interference and avail people more information about the ads they see across Facebook platforms.

“We're continuing our focus on preventing foreign interference and giving people more information about the ads they see across our platforms.”ITREALMS gathered that this had been implemented in the US, UK and Brazil.

As gathered, Facebook said, political advertisers in these countries must confirm their identity and location before they can run ads, and their ads are housed in a public, searchable Ad Library for up to seven years.

Further to this effect, Facebook said that in February, it would launch similar Ad Library and enforce authorizations ahead of the Indian’s general elections this spring.

While in the European Union (EU) “We plan to roll out ad transparency tools before May elections.”

Globally, ITREALMS reported that by the end of June, Facebook said it will provide a set of these tools for advertisers around the world.

Pointing out that by shining a light on political ads, news organizations, regulators, watchdog groups and people anywhere in the world can hold advertisers and Facebook more accountable.

Chuks Egbune/HO

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Archbishop Martins @58, berates Buhari-led FG on unfulfilled electoral promises

ITRealms:

The Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale-Martins has berated the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government over unfulfilled electoral promises made to Nigerians, reports ITRealms.

In his State-of-Nation address to mark his 58th birthday anniversary, Archbishop Martins noted that two years was enough period for any serious government to get its bearing right, saying that the masses expected the present administration to proffer solutions to the country’s challenges, hence they voted them into office.

He scored the Buhari-led Federal Government low in terms of performance, despite the enormous challenges they had to contend with. He however believed that the country’s challenges were not insurmountable where there was political will, purposeful leadership and determination will excel. 

According to him, Nigerians are weary of empty promises, and still suffering despite several electoral promises because the country’s leaders have been applying the same old and ineffective drugs for cancerous growths that required surgery.

Archbishop Martins, while affirming that a buoyant economy is key to the survival of the nation, equally tasked government not to foreclose dialogue with Biafra agitators, warning that except issues of marginalization and lopsided appointments are decisively addressed, such agitations would continue to grow by the day.

On the health condition President Buhari, Archbishop Martins prayed God to heal him permanently so that he can resume work and lead the nation towards the path of recovery, affirming his confidence in the competence and genuine intent of the President to move the nation forward.

ITRealms also reports that birthday gifts were later presented to the Archbishop Martins by several groups including the Knights and Ladies of St Mulumba who organized the reception held his honour.

Earlier, during a well-attended Thanksgiving Mass at the Cathedral, the out-going Secretary of the Archbishop, Fr. Anthony Nwosu showered encomiums on the person of the celebrant, describing him as a silent achiever who has performed excellently well since assuming office as the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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