The Senate has warned seven nominees for executive positions in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector against corruption, administrative sabotage and inefficiency, saying any conduct that frustrates government policies could undermine the country’s economic future.
The warning came on Thursday during the screening of the nominees forwarded to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu for consideration.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South, said the Senate would not tolerate institutional bottlenecks, lack of transparency or deliberate actions capable of weakening reforms in the petroleum industry.
“Under our watch, we will not tolerate administrative sabotage, lack of transparency, inefficiency or any conduct that undermines the effective implementation of government policies,” Sumaila said.
He charged the nominees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability, stressing that their responsibilities extended beyond managing their respective offices.
“Your primary responsibility is to uphold the law, protect the public interest and faithfully implement the policies and objectives of the Federal Government within your respective mandates,” he said.
Sumaila warned that deliberate efforts to undermine public institutions or frustrate government policies would have wider consequences for the country.
“Sabotaging public institutions and government policies is ultimately sabotaging the future and economic prosperity of Nigeria,” he added.
Senate outlines expectations for nominees
The committee chairman acknowledged the challenges facing the nominees but expressed confidence that patriotism, competence, integrity and dedication would enable them to perform their duties effectively.
He said the nominees had an important role in strengthening the petroleum sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.
The seven nominees are expected to occupy key management positions covering finance, infrastructure, economic regulation, environmental safety and corporate administration within the midstream and downstream petroleum sector.
Seven nominees screened
The nominees screened by the committee are:
Abiodun A. Adeiji – Executive Director, Finance and Accounts.
Said Abutalib – Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration.
Jumoke Gafar – Executive Director, Board Secretary and Legal Adviser.
President Tinubu had forwarded the seven names to the Senate last week for consideration.
The screening forms part of the National Assembly’s process for considering presidential nominations to key management positions in the agencies responsible for regulating Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.
Governorship candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have called on appellate courts to review a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the party’s David Mark-led leadership, warning that the ruling could deepen uncertainty for opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The candidates, under the Forum of ADC Governorship Candidates, also urged international organisations and election-monitoring institutions to pay closer attention to Nigeria’s political environment, particularly developments they believe could affect multiparty democracy and electoral competition.
They made the call at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, following the November 5, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which nullified the ADC leadership under Senator David Mark and invalidated decisions taken by the leadership.
Represented by the party’s Kwara State governorship candidate, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, the forum argued that the judgment had implications beyond the ADC’s internal affairs, raising questions about judicial consistency, political participation and the ability of opposition parties to prepare for the 2027 elections.
The candidates said thousands of ADC members and aspirants had invested time and resources in preparations for the polls and should not be left uncertain about their right to participate in the electoral process.
“We are not asking for immunity from the law. No political party should be above the law. However, the law must be applied consistently, impartially and without discrimination,” the forum said.
The forum questioned the relationship between Justice Lifu’s November 5 ruling and an earlier judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman on July 2, 2026, which the candidates said recognised the legitimacy of the David Mark-led leadership.
They argued that the differences between the decisions raised legal questions that should be resolved by appellate courts in line with judicial hierarchy, precedent and constitutional principles.
“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man. Its authority rests not merely on the power to deliver judgments but also on public confidence in its impartiality, consistency and independence,” the candidates said.
They stressed that their criticism of the ruling did not amount to a rejection of the judiciary, adding that the party would pursue available legal remedies within the constitutional framework.
Opposition warns against weakening multiparty democracy
The ADC governorship candidates also expressed concern over what they described as a difficult political environment for opposition parties under President Bola Tinubu.
They warned that developments capable of progressively weakening opposition parties could undermine electoral competition and leave voters with fewer meaningful choices.
“Democracy is about competition, not coronation,” the forum declared, urging Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow Nigerians to determine the country’s political leadership through a free and competitive electoral process.
The candidates maintained that political power belonged to the Nigerian people and should not be treated as the property of any individual or political party.
Addressing the President, they urged him to allow his administration’s performance to determine whether voters would grant him another term.
“Democracy is bigger than your ambition. Nigeria is bigger than the APC. The Nigerian presidency is bigger than any individual or political family,” they said.
Forum seeks international attention ahead of 2027 elections
The candidates called on the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth, European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, international human rights organisations and election-monitoring institutions to closely monitor Nigeria’s political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.
They urged the international community to engage Nigerian authorities on protecting political pluralism, judicial independence, freedom of association and equal opportunities for political parties.
The forum clarified that its appeal was not an invitation for foreign governments to interfere in Nigeria’s judicial process.
Rather, it said international institutions should encourage the country to uphold its democratic commitments under regional and international instruments, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The candidates argued that credible elections should not be measured only by the conduct of voting but also by whether political parties can organise freely, candidates can campaign without hindrance and citizens can participate without intimidation.
“The right to contest elections must not become a privilege granted by those in power. The right to choose leaders belongs to the Nigerian people,” the forum said.
ADC demands action from INEC, National Assembly
Beyond the call for appellate review, the candidates urged President Tinubu and APC leaders to publicly reaffirm their commitment to multiparty democracy and avoid actions that could undermine opposition parties.
They also called for the protection of ADC members, candidates and supporters across the country, while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
The National Assembly and other democratic institutions were asked to strengthen safeguards against the abuse of institutional processes that could restrict political competition.
The forum further called on political actors to respect judicial independence and refrain from conduct capable of intimidating or influencing the courts.
It urged ADC members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while the party pursues its legal options.
Concluding its statement, the forum declared: “Democracy is not a coronation. Elections are not an appointment. Political power is not an inheritance.”
It maintained that the Nigerian electorate must ultimately decide who governs the country through the ballot box.
Primary Keyword: ADC leadership court ruling
News Angle: ADC governorship candidates challenge the November 5 judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership, seek appellate review and call for international attention to Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
Meta Description (160 characters): ADC governorship candidates challenge the Lifu ruling, seek appellate review and urge international attention to opposition rights ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has endorsed Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for a second term in 2027, citing his administration’s reported clearance of outstanding pension and gratuity arrears dating back to 1996.
The union announced its endorsement on Thursday in Abakaliki during a ceremony where it presented Nwifuru with an award as the Most Pensioner-Friendly Governor.
The NUP National President, Godwin Abumisi, represented by his deputy, Abdulahi Onuh, praised the governor for addressing years of unpaid retirement benefits, describing the reported clearance of the backlog as a significant achievement.
“Clearing pensions and gratuity of pensioners from 1996 till date is not a small number of years. The governor has written his name in gold,” Onuh said.
He also commended the state government’s plan to extend its health insurance scheme to retired workers, describing it as another step towards improving pensioners’ welfare.
However, Onuh urged Nwifuru to implement the approved N32,000 minimum monthly pension for retirees in the state, saying pension harmonisation and periodic increases should be treated as rights rather than privileges.
He called on Ebonyi pensioners to support the governor’s re-election bid, urging them to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to express appreciation for the administration’s interventions.
“You are indebted to the governor. Use your PVCs and show him appreciation by voting for him in the 2027 general election,” he told the pensioners.
Pensioners recount years of unpaid entitlements
The Ebonyi State NUP Chairman, Anna Ibiam, said retired workers had endured years of unpaid pensions and gratuities before the Nwifuru administration.
She said some pensioners died while waiting for their entitlements, but maintained that the current administration had improved their circumstances through regular monthly pension payments and the reported clearance of outstanding gratuity arrears.
“Your Excellency, you came and changed our story. You not only pay our monthly pensions regularly and promptly, you did what many thought was impossible—you cleared the backlog of gratuity from 1996 to date,” Ibiam said.
She added that pensioners in Ebonyi were now experiencing improved welfare compared with what she described as continuing difficulties among retired workers in some other South-East states.
Ibiam said the union’s endorsement was intended to recognise the governor’s interventions in the welfare of retired workers.
The Executive Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, Emeka Nwonu, also commended the pensioners for recognising the governor’s efforts and urged them to demonstrate their support at the 2027 polls.
Nwifuru promises continued support for retirees
Responding through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezuruike, Governor Nwifuru thanked the union for the award and endorsement.
He assured pensioners that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of workers and retirees.
Umezuruike described the endorsement as an expression of appreciation for the government’s interventions and urged pensioners to mobilise eligible family members and other voters ahead of the 2027 election.
“One good turn deserves another. What you have demonstrated today is an expression of gratitude, and the governor and the government do not take it for granted,” she said.
The endorsement places the NUP’s support for Nwifuru’s second-term bid on record ahead of the 2027 general election, while the union’s call for implementation of the approved N32,000 minimum monthly pension remains a key demand from the state government.
The Edo State Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has warned individuals and groups against illegally collecting levies or imposing fines in its name, insisting that all payments must go through accounts approved by the Edo State Internal Revenue Service.
The commission’s chairman, Osaro Iyamu, gave the warning while addressing stakeholders and partners, stressing that no ministry, agency, parastatal or government committee was authorised to collect money on behalf of the state government outside the approved revenue framework.
Iyamu said any government agency or committee requiring enforcement and compliance services must have officers of the Board of Internal Revenue attached to the exercise to ensure that collections are properly conducted and accounted for.
He urged residents to report anyone claiming to be a CPC official and demanding payment through unauthorised accounts, describing such individuals as impostors who would be dealt with according to the law.
The chairman also said the commission was committed to transparency and would not tolerate bribery or financial misconduct.
Recalling the commission’s inauguration on September 3, he said he had made it clear that neither he nor any member of the commission would be influenced into engaging in illegal activities.
Iyamu disclosed that Governor Monday Okpebholo had approved the provision of a bus and an 18-seater vehicle, alongside other logistical support, to strengthen the commission’s operations.
He, however, said the commission had faced attempts by some individuals to influence its activities through lobbying and bribery since it began operations, but maintained that he would protect his integrity and the reputation of the state government.
CPC raises concerns over counterfeit products
Iyamu identified consumer rights protection, public health safeguards and action against unfair business practices as key responsibilities of the commission.
He said the CPC would not abandon its mandate despite pressure to compromise its enforcement activities.
The chairman also raised concerns over an encounter with the Edo State Coordinator of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Itwa Esther, during discussions about the commission’s enforcement against counterfeit and expired products.
According to Iyamu, the NAFDAC coordinator questioned why the commission was conducting enforcement activities and reportedly attributed deaths associated with harmful products largely to excessive alcohol consumption.
He said he challenged that position, arguing that government agencies had a responsibility to protect residents from fake, counterfeit and expired products.
Iyamu further alleged that NAFDAC personnel from Asaba had earlier visited the CPC office to collect sachets of gin seized during the commission’s operations in Edo State.
He said the incident raised concerns about the handling of the enforcement exercise. He also disclosed that an invitation from NAFDAC’s zonal office in Asaba was presented during the meeting, but he declined to sign it, insisting that the CPC would continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities.
The chairman accused the state coordinator of undermining efforts to tackle counterfeit products and called for greater accountability and cooperation among government agencies.
He maintained that the commission would continue its enforcement activities in accordance with the law and Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda.
Iyamu said the health and safety of Edo residents would remain central to the commission’s work and would not be compromised for personal interests or financial inducements.
Nigeria and Iran have pledged to strengthen bilateral relations, with both countries identifying trade, agriculture, healthcare and cultural exchanges as areas for expanded cooperation.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, when Nigeria’s newly accredited Ambassador to Iran, Hamza Mohammed Sallau, presented his Letters of Credence to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
During the ceremony, President Pezeshkian highlighted the potential for stronger economic, political and cultural relations between the two countries, saying Iran was committed to exploring new opportunities that would deliver mutual benefits.
He also stressed the importance of deepening cooperation and identifying practical areas of partnership.
In his remarks, Ambassador Sallau conveyed the greetings of President Bola Tinubu to Pezeshkian and the Iranian people, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to expanding diplomatic and economic engagement with Tehran.
The Nigerian envoy identified trade, agriculture and healthcare as priority sectors for closer collaboration.
He also called for the revitalisation of the Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission, describing it as an important platform for advancing bilateral cooperation and identifying practical opportunities for partnership.
Both countries expressed a commitment to expanding political engagement, strengthening institutional cooperation and promoting closer people-to-people relations.
The presentation of the Letters of Credence formally marks Sallau’s accreditation as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Iran.
The development signals renewed diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Tehran, with both sides seeking to translate their stated commitment into stronger cooperation across economic, political and social sectors.
The statement was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, in Abuja on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Sumaila demands transparency, efficiency as seven Tinubu’s nominees face screening
The Senate has warned seven presidential nominees for key positions in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector against corruption, administrative sabotage, inefficiency and lack of transparency, declaring that any attempt to frustrate government reforms will not be tolerated.
The warning came on Thursday from the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream during the screening of the seven nominees forwarded to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), charged the nominees to uphold professionalism, integrity and accountability, stressing that their responsibilities go beyond occupying public offices to protecting the interests of Nigerians.
Sumaila said the Senate would not condone administrative bottlenecks, institutional inefficiency or deliberate actions capable of undermining government policies and reforms in the petroleum industry.
“Under our watch, we will not tolerate administrative sabotage, lack of transparency, inefficiency or any conduct that undermines the effective implementation of government policies,” he said.
He added: “Your primary responsibility is to uphold the law, protect the public interest and faithfully implement the policies and objectives of the Federal Government within your respective mandates.”
The committee chairman warned that sabotaging public institutions and government policies amounted to undermining Nigeria’s economic future and prosperity.
“Sabotaging public institutions and government policies is ultimately sabotaging the future and economic prosperity of Nigeria,” he said.
While acknowledging the challenges confronting the nominees, Sumaila expressed confidence that patriotism, competence, integrity and dedication would help them discharge their responsibilities effectively.
He said the nominees had a critical role to play in building a petroleum sector capable of contributing meaningfully to national economic growth and prosperity.
The seven nominees are Abiodun A. Adeiji, nominated as Executive Director, Finance and Accounts; Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution, Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.
Others are Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa, Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installation and Partnership and Transportation Infrastructure; Ogechukwu Olufunmilayo Modie, Executive Director, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning; Said Abutalib, Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration; and Jumoke Gafar, Executive Director, Board Secretary and Legal Adviser.
President Tinubu had forwarded their names to the Senate last week for consideration. The screening forms part of the legislative process for filling key management positions in agencies responsible for regulating Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.
…Residents flee in fear as suspected cult groups renew attacks in Yenagoa communities
YENAGOA — Residents of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, have been thrown into fear following the discovery of a mutilated corpse stuffed in a sack and abandoned near a bank, in an incident suspected to be linked to a bloody cult rivalry.
The body, whose identity had yet to be established, was reportedly found in front of a First City Monument Bank (FCMB) branch at Obele Junction, on the outskirts of the state capital.
Sources said the killing occurred on Monday night, while the corpse was discovered on Tuesday morning. The sack, reportedly soaked in blood, was said to have been abandoned at the location.
Investigations indicated that the deceased was allegedly a former member of the Greenlanders cult group who defected to a rival group known as the Bobos.
He was reportedly accused of leading members of his new group on a loyalty mission to attack and kill a member of the Greenlanders at the back of Amarata.
Sources further alleged that members of the Greenlanders, angered by the attack, lured him out through a woman before killing him with several machete cuts.
Some residents of Obele confirmed the discovery, saying concerned youths and local vigilantes alerted the police, who subsequently evacuated the corpse.
The incident has reportedly heightened tension across Sand Road, Arietalin, GweGwe and Obele streets, where residents have endured restless nights amid fears of renewed attacks by rival cult groups searching for one another.
The killing has also raised fresh concerns over security in the state capital, with residents worried that the renewed cult violence could undermine the relative peace recorded in recent times.
As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the killing had yet to be officially confirmed by the police.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has appealed to Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu more time to complete his administration’s reforms, insisting that the policies would eventually deliver relief and better living conditions.
Idris made the appeal on Thursday during the flag-off of the 2027 Presidential/Governorship Council (PGCC) campaign at the Minna Trade Fair Complex, Niger State.
Acknowledging the economic hardship, rising poverty and hunger confronting Nigerians, the minister urged citizens to exercise patience, arguing that the benefits of ongoing reforms would require more time to translate into improved living conditions.
“I want to appeal for the understanding of Nigerians. President Bola Tinubu meant well for Nigerians. Let’s give him more time to complete the good things he has already started,” he said.
The minister also urged residents of Niger State to support Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s second-term ambition, describing his administration’s developmental strides as deserving of another mandate.
He called on eligible voters to support APC candidates across all elective positions in the 2027 elections, from the presidency to the National Assembly.
Also speaking, a member of the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the PGCC, Senator David Umaru, commended Bago’s development initiatives and urged the people of Niger State to support his re-election bid.
Governor Bago, in his remarks, assured President Tinubu of 100 per cent block votes from Niger State for the APC in the 2027 general elections.
He also promised that his second term would be more rewarding, urging residents to come out en masse to vote for APC candidates in the presidential, governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives elections.
Among dignitaries at the campaign flag-off were the APC North-Central Zonal Vice Chairman, Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, who represented the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; Hon. Abdullahi Idris; former Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto, and other party leaders.
However, the campaign flag-off was marked by the conspicuous absence of all three APC senatorial candidates in the state: Sani Musa, Sani Legbo Kutigi and Abubakar Sani Bello.
Most of the party’s House of Representatives candidates, except one, and other prominent party leaders were also absent from the event, which reportedly started about three hours behind schedule.
…Says turnout reflects confidence in governor’s leadership, backs Tinubu, APC candidates for 2027
The Warri South-West APC Campaign Committee has hailed the massive reception accorded Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, during his visit to Ogbe-Ijoh, describing the turnout as a strong demonstration of public confidence in his administration.
Thousands of residents on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, trooped out to welcome Oborevwori and members of the Delta State APC campaign train during their political engagement in the community.
In a statement following the visit, the committee expressed appreciation to the governor for taking the campaign to Warri South-West, while commending party leaders, stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers for their contributions to the successful outing.
Those recognised included the state APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka; Director-General of the campaign, Senator James Ebiowou Manager; members of the State Executive Council and other party officials.
The committee said the impressive turnout was particularly significant because residents from different political backgrounds participated in the reception, describing it as evidence of growing goodwill towards the governor beyond party membership.
It noted that the people’s participation also reflected their expectations for sustained development, inclusive governance and improved delivery of democratic dividends.
According to the committee, residents used the occasion to express support for President Bola Tinubu and APC candidates seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections.
The candidates include Governor Oborevwori, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Speaker Emomotimi Guwor and Hon. Andrew Igban.
The committee also commended traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths and other grassroots supporters for their roles in mobilising residents and ensuring a successful political engagement.
It assured Oborevwori of Warri South-West’s continued support and commitment to strengthening its relationship with his administration.
The statement was issued under the direction of Hon. Omamofe Joseph Pirah and signed by High Chief Favour Izoukumo and Hon. Frank Pukon, PhD.
…Say ICCES yet to meet 66 days to polls, demand urgent action
Stakeholders have raised the alarm over growing threats to the credibility of the 2027 general elections, warning that weak coordination among security agencies, ignored community intelligence and uncertainty over millions of displaced voters could undermine peaceful and credible polls.
They also identified declining public confidence in security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), poor security presence in rural communities and political interference as major challenges requiring urgent attention.
The concerns were raised at a two-day Civil-Military Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Democratic Resilience, Civic Space and Election Security, convened by Accountability Lab Nigeria, with support from the National Endowment for Democracy and Spaces for Change, in Abuja on November 10 and 11, 2026.
The meeting brought together citizens, community advocates from Benue, Kaduna and Plateau states, civil society organisations, media representatives and security institutions.
Participants expressed concern that the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) had yet to hold its first meeting, despite the January 16, 2027 general elections being only 66 days away.
They called for the immediate activation of the committee, insisting that the Nigeria Police Force should take the lead in election security, while the military should remain within its constitutional support responsibilities.
On the first day, participants examined evidence from communities in the Middle Belt and findings from the Security Playbook on Civic Space, produced by Spaces for Change and the Action Group on Free Civic Space.
The findings identified five major concerns, including the human cost of insecurity, shrinking civic space, possible exclusion of displaced voters, failure to respond to early warnings and growing political tension and youth disengagement.
On the issue of displaced voters, participants warned that the absence of clear voting arrangements for internally displaced persons (IDPs) could disenfranchise thousands of eligible citizens.
They cited Benue State, where community intelligence reportedly identified about 50 IDP camps, while the state government recognised only 14 and INEC had made electoral arrangements for just 10.
Participants said the voting status of displaced persons in unrecognised camps and those living with host families remained unclear.
They also referenced a survey by Yiaga Africa, which found that only 48 per cent of respondents trusted security agencies to protect their votes, while 61 per cent feared that violence could prevent them from voting.
Other concerns included poor information sharing among security agencies, ethnic and religious bias in intelligence assessment, corruption and inadequate security deployment in rural communities.
Participants cited an instance in a densely populated area of Plateau State, with more than 300,000 residents, where only one police officer was initially deployed.
A special session also examined the legal framework governing military involvement in elections, stressing that the military had no direct responsibility for conducting elections under Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 27 of the Electoral Act.
The participants maintained that military support, when requested through appropriate channels, should be limited to logistics and protection of election officials, while the police retain primary responsibility for election security.
They identified operational challenges, including unclear responsibilities when military and police personnel operate together, conflicting instructions, perceived partisanship, poor inter-agency coordination and excessive reliance on the military for routine internal security.
Participants further insisted that security personnel must remain politically neutral and avoid interfering with campaigns, voting, counting and collation of results.
They also stressed that security operatives should not be stationed within sight of polling units, citing Operation Safe Conduct as the guiding code of conduct.
The second day featured a presentation on the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and its implications for security institutions.
The presentation clarified that the national security exemption under Section 3 of the Act was limited and did not provide blanket exemption from data protection obligations.
It highlighted four key provisions binding on security agencies, including Section 24 on data protection principles, Section 25 on lawful processing of personal data, Section 32 on the appointment of independent Data Protection Officers and Section 40 on reporting data breaches within 72 hours.
At the end of the two-day dialogue, participants identified five priority actions to safeguard the 2027 elections.
They called for the immediate convening of ICCES and the commencement of joint threat assessments incorporating community and civil society early warning systems.
They also demanded the publication of clear voting arrangements for displaced persons, including those in unrecognised camps and individuals living with host families.
Other recommendations included mandatory pre-deployment training for security personnel on their legal responsibilities, political neutrality, the rights of voters with disabilities, priority voting arrangements under the Electoral Act and the minimum use of force.
Participants further urged authorities to take consistent action against inflammatory statements by political actors and public officials, irrespective of political affiliation or religion.
They also called for stronger accountability in election security through accessible complaint channels, publication of disciplinary outcomes, transparent security allowances and joint tracking of electoral violence and arrests.
Accountability Lab Nigeria, which convened the dialogue, is a non-profit organisation established in 2017 as part of a global network to promote accountable institutions, responsible leadership and active citizenship.
The organisation works towards improving governance by encouraging the responsible use of public resources, inclusive decision-making and the protection of citizens’ security and welfare.
The Senate has warned seven nominees for executive positions in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector against corruption, administrative sabotage and inefficiency, saying any...
