SDP Demands INEC Compliance After Supreme Court Upholds Party Autonomy, Leadership

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December 19, 2025

ABUJA — The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has described the ongoing transition of the Federal Civil Service to paperless operations as a transformative step toward modernizing governance and improving service delivery.

Speaking at the Paperless Civil Service Gala & Awards Night in Abuja, Akume stated that the initiative marks “a defining milestone” in the service’s transformation journey.

“The transition to paperless work processes is not merely a technological upgrade; it is a fundamental shift in culture, mindset, and service delivery,” Akume said. “It represents efficiency over bureaucracy, transparency over opacity, and accountability over discretion.”

He emphasized that digital governance is now essential for effective coordination, fiscal discipline, and timely decision-making, urging all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to institutionalize digital processes, safeguard data integrity, and invest in capacity building.

Significant Progress Reported

In her keynote address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, highlighted notable advancements in the digitization drive.

She revealed that GOVMail, the official government email platform, now boasts 100,828 active accounts, ensuring secure communication and saving the government “billions of naira previously spent on external licences.”

Walson-Jack noted that while only three MDAs—the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, and the Federal Ministry of Finance—had fully digitized their processes at the start of her tenure in August 2024, the reform has since gained significant momentum through coordinated efforts like the “Digitalisation War Room.”

New Digital Initiatives Unveiled

The HCSF outlined several innovative digital tools already in operation, including:

· A Service-Wise GPT trained on official documents like the Constitution and Public Service Rules, which has recorded over 25,000 chats.

· An Online Compendium of Federal Circulars to streamline access to official directives.

· The Federal Civil Service Online Academy to modernize and scale up training for public servants.

“Digitalisation, which for many years sounded like a good idea we would get to ‘one day,’ has finally arrived,” Walson-Jack stated. “We can now speak about it not as a concept, but as reality.”

Awards Recognize Top Performers

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to deserving MDAs and top government officials, recognizing their commitment and achievements in driving the digital transformation agenda.

The ceremony underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to build a modern, responsive, and citizen-centered public service aligned with global standards of efficiency and transparency.

Supreme Court Fine, Vindicates SDP as Adebayo Warns INEC to Stop Interfering in Party Affairs

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December 19, 2025

Lead Counsel to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and it’s Presidential candidate of in 2023 general election, Dr. Adewole Adebayo, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deliberately interfering in the internal affairs of opposition parties, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

Speaking after the Supreme Court ordered INEC to pay a ₦2 million fine for pursuing what the court described as an unnecessary appeal against the SDP, Adebayo said the ruling should serve as a strong warning to the electoral umpire to respect the autonomy of political parties.

“I have made it clear to INEC to stop interfering in the internal affairs of the SDP and other political parties,” Adebayo said. “A multi-party democracy requires that INEC is seen to be unbiased and not fomenting crises in opposition parties.”

According to him, the SDP has no leadership crisis, stressing that its National Chairman, Professor Sajid Kakuaka-Ukumbe, the National Secretary, and all members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) are validly in office.

Adebayo explained that the dispute arose when the party appointed an acting national chairman, who formally wrote to INEC to nominate candidates. He said INEC refused to recognise the acting chairman, insisting instead on dealing with a chairman who had already been removed by the party.

“The court was very clear that INEC had no such power,” he noted. “The Court of Appeal ruled that the SDP had the right to change its leadership and that the acting chairman was duly authorised to act for the party.”

Despite complying with the judgment, INEC proceeded to the Court of Appeal and later to the Supreme Court, which dismissed the case and fined the commission ₦2 million, a cost Adebayo said would ultimately be borne by Nigerian taxpayers.

“It is unfortunate that taxpayers will pay for this, but it is a good lesson for INEC to leave the SDP alone—and indeed, leave all political parties alone,” he said.

Adebayo warned that democracy would be endangered if INEC undermined opposition parties, stressing that Nigerians must be given real choices at the polls.

“If only the ruling party exists, there will be no democracy,” he added. “INEC must ensure that other political parties are allowed to exist and function freely so Nigerians can choose between the ruling party and the opposition.”

Also speaking the Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has described the Supreme Court’s ruling against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a landmark victory not only for the party but for Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.

He said the decision affirmed the long-standing position of the courts that the internal affairs of political parties are exclusively for the parties themselves to determine.

“This judgment is very significant, not only for the SDP, but for all political parties in Nigeria, our democracy and the rule of law,” he said. “As highlighted earlier by our lead counsel, Dr Adewole Adebayo, INEC must respect the independence of political parties.”

He noted that the Supreme Court had consistently ruled that issues relating to leadership and internal management fall outside the powers of the electoral umpire, stressing that the apex court reaffirmed this position in its latest decision.

The acting chairman urged INEC to fully comply with the ruling by allowing the SDP, and indeed all political parties, to manage their internal affairs without interference.

“We call on INEC to abide by this judgment and allow the SDP to decide on its internal matters, just as all other political parties should be allowed to do,” he said.

He also admonished political parties to conduct their affairs strictly in line with their constitutions, noting that the SDP’s actions, which culminated in the Supreme Court victory, were guided by the party’s constitution and due process.

Expressing gratitude to the judiciary, the SDP leader said the ruling should serve as a source of hope for Nigerians and a boost for democratic governance ahead of future elections.

“We are grateful to the judiciary. We hope this judgment will strengthen our democracy and the rule of law, not just now but as we move towards 2027 and beyond,” he said.

The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed INEC’s appeal against the SDP and imposed a ₦2 million fine on the commission, reinforcing the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal leadership affairs.

INEC Steps In as PDP Factions Clash Over Leadership Ahead of 2026 Elections

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Shehu Danladi

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December 19, 2025

…Commission summons rival camps over conflicting letters

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has moved to douse the protracted leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), convening a high-level meeting of rival factions at its Abuja headquarters as preparations intensify for the 2026 elections.

The meeting brought together two opposing camps led by Tanimu Turaki and Abdulrahman Mohammed, the latter reportedly enjoying the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Turaki attended the parley with members of his National Working Committee, officials of the party secretariat and former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu. Mohammed, on his part, was accompanied by members of his national caretaker committee, including its secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu.

Opening the meeting, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the Commission was compelled to intervene following a surge of contradictory letters and requests from the PDP’s rival leadership groups.

He explained that INEC had been receiving multiple communications from different factions claiming authority to speak for the party, stressing that the Commission was constitutionally mandated to monitor and supervise the activities of political parties.

According to Amupitan, the engagement became even more urgent in view of forthcoming elections, including the Federal Capital Territory Area Council polls scheduled for February 21, 2026, as well as the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections fixed for June and July 2026.

He noted that INEC had already issued election timetables and guidelines to all political parties and was determined to ensure seamless and credible polls. However, he said the conflicting positions emanating from the PDP made it necessary for the Commission to seek clarity by bringing all sides together.

The INEC chairman expressed satisfaction with the presence of key officials from the contending factions, describing the meeting as an opportunity for open engagement aimed at resolving the crisis in the overall interest of the party and the electoral process.

Amupitan assured the PDP leaders of the Commission’s neutrality, emphasizing that INEC’s actions were guided strictly by the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act and the Commission’s regulations.

He reiterated that INEC operates within a three-tier legal framework comprising the Constitution, the Electoral Act and its internal guidelines, pledging strict adherence to the rule of law in handling the matter.

He urged the factions to engage in frank and constructive dialogue to achieve a workable resolution, after which deliberations continued behind closed doors.

The outcome of the meeting is expected to yield recommendations on resolving the PDP’s leadership crisis ahead of the 2026 electoral calendar.

Edo Women Association Uplifts Orphans with Message of Hope, Hard Work During Christmas Visit

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December 19, 2025

ABUJA — The Association of Dynamic Edo Women Worldwide (DEWWA), Abuja Chapter, has brought a message of hope and resilience to children at the City of Refuge Orphanage in Durumi, Abuja, urging them to transcend their circumstances through faith, education, and determination.

During the Christmas season outreach, the women encouraged the orphans to see their beginnings not as a limit, but as a foundation for future greatness.

“Many of today’s successful people started with little or nothing,” said the chapter’s Coordinator, Mrs. Rosemary Ebhodaghe, who led the delegation. “With hard work, focus and perseverance, you too can achieve greatness.”

The association’s Secretary, Mrs. Judith Ogedengbe, stressed the importance of education and informed career planning, advising the children on subject choices for various professions and encouraging discipline and goal-setting.

Other officials, including Public Relations Officer Mrs. Stella Ojeme and Financial Secretary Mrs. Joan Osunbor, cautioned against negative peer influence and harmful behaviors, while emphasizing the importance of faith, moral discipline, and seeking guidance from trusted mentors.

The matron of the orphanage, speaking on behalf of the manager, Mr. A. Darlington, expressed gratitude for the visit and the donation of food items. She noted that the Durumi branch currently houses about 50 orphans aged 10 to 20, with several others away pursuing secondary and tertiary education.

DEWWA is a global philanthropic organization of Edo women dedicated to supporting the less privileged. The Abuja Chapter operates under Mrs. Ebhodaghe, with Hon. Bose Ihaza serving as the national leader.

The visit underscored the power of community outreach in inspiring vulnerable children to dream beyond their present realities..

Delta Official Praises Peaceful Protest After Farmer Attack, Donates for Victim’s Care

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December 19, 2025

ASABA — The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., has commended youths and women of Kokori Inland in Ethiope East Local Government Area for their restrained response following an alleged attempted murder by suspected herdsmen.

In a statement on Friday, Oghenesivbe described the attack on farmer Chief Dafe French Efeurhobo as “gruesome and regrettable” and announced a personal donation of ₦100,000 to support the 40-year-old victim’s medical treatment. He called on other well-meaning individuals to contribute.

The victim is currently receiving critical care at an undisclosed hospital.

Oghenesivbe praised the community’s maturity in staging a peaceful protest to local authorities instead of resorting to violence. “I commend the gallant youth of the community for embarking on a peaceful demonstration to register their displeasure with the council chairman and police authorities,” he stated.

He urged the community to remain calm, assuring them that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the state government are actively working to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.

The director-general called on the Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government, Chief Augustine Ogedegbe, to urgently convene a stakeholders’ meeting to develop “practical and effective strategies” to flush out criminal elements and strengthen internal security.

Emphasizing the need for an intelligence-driven approach, Oghenesivbe warned that persistent insecurity could provoke dangerous self-help measures. He appealed to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, and other security heads to intensify surveillance and intelligence operations in Kokori and across the state.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in parts of Delta State, with community leaders now seeking a coordinated, government-backed response to ensure security and peaceful coexistence.

Woman Found Dead in Locked Abuja Apartment, Police Probe Circumstances

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December 19, 2025

ABUJA — A woman identified as Hajiya Fanna Mohd Abare has been found dead inside her locked residence at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Estate in the upscale Maitama district of Abuja, police sources confirmed.

The body was discovered in a decomposed state on Tuesday, December 17, at about 5:00 p.m., after the deceased had reportedly been unresponsive for about two days.

According to sources, the discovery was made by her sister, Hajiya Aisha Mongo, who raised the alarm. The door to the room was found locked from the inside and had to be forced open to gain entry.

Upon receiving the report, police detectives were immediately deployed to the scene. Given the advanced state of decomposition, the Abuja Environmental Health Department was contacted to manage the evacuation. The body was later buried at the Gudu Cemetery.

Preliminary police findings indicate no immediate suspicion of foul play. An investigation is ongoing to officially determine the cause of death.

The incident has stirred unease among residents of the generally tranquil estate, with many awaiting further details from law enforcement authorities..

Senate Confirms 64 New Ambassadors in Major Diplomatic Overhaul

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December 18, 2025

ABUJA — The Nigerian Senate has confirmed a total of 64 new ambassadors, marking one of the largest diplomatic appointments in recent years and signaling a fresh drive in the nation’s global engagement under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The confirmations, ratified during a plenary session this week, comprise 34 career diplomats and 30 non-career ambassadors. The list features a blend of seasoned foreign service officers and prominent political figures, reflecting a strategy of combining institutional expertise with influential external advocacy.

Notable Appointees

Among the confirmed non-career ambassadors are several high-profile personalities:

· Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom) – former presidential aide

· Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Osun) – businessman and former senator

· Bemigho Reno Omokri (Delta) – media commentator and author

· Chief Olufemi Pedro (Lagos) – former Deputy Governor of Lagos State

· Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd) (Kano) – former Minister of Defence

· Chief Olufemi Fani-Kayode (Osun) – former Minister of Aviation

The career ambassadors include veterans of the Nigerian Foreign Service such as Ambassador Nwaobiala Ezenwa (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), and Ambassador Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed (Kwara).

Senate’s Charge and Expectations

The confirmations followed a rigorous screening process by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which affirmed that all nominees met constitutional and professional requirements.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, congratulating the new envoys, charged them to be “ambassadors of excellence” and to actively promote Nigeria’s interests abroad.

“Your role is vital in projecting Nigeria’s image globally and promoting the best of what our country has to offer,” Akpabio stated. He emphasized that diplomatic missions must go beyond protocol to attract investment, strengthen bilateral ties, and protect Nigerians living overseas.

Lawmakers stressed that the appointments come at a critical time as Nigeria seeks to assert a more influential role in regional and international affairs, particularly in discussions on peace, security, climate change, and economic development.

A Strategic Diplomatic Push

The new batch of envoys is expected to reinvigorate Nigeria’s diplomatic presence worldwide and advance the foreign policy priorities of the Tinubu administration. The blend of career and non-career diplomats aims to ensure both continuity and renewed energy in representing the nation’s interests.

The Senate’s approval underscores the administration’s ongoing effort to reposition Nigeria as a confident and proactive player on the global stage, with many Nigerians looking to the new ambassadors to translate their appointments into tangible gains for the country’s image and international standing.

SMEDAN To Float Microfinance Bank, Monotechnic In 2026

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December 18, 2025

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria(SMEDAN) said plans have reached advanced stage for the establishment of a Microfinance Bank as well as Monotechnic by the Agency.

Mr. Charles Odii, Director General of SMEDAN, revealed this at a media briefing in Abuja.

Odii, who underscored the need for the establishment of these institutions, said they would enable the Agency to increase its operational efficiency as well as enhance its service delivery to the Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) across the country.

On the rationale for the proposed establishment of Microfinance Bank, he explained that it would enable the Agency to give money directly to the small business owners, track the loans given as well as enable the Agency to attract funding from some development partners and funding institutions.

According to him, “It is important that SMEDAN starts paying money directly to small business owners through micro- finance bank that we can control.

“One of the things that we do is that we actually identify some of these businesses, and then we do disbursement through some partners.

“In the case of our One Local Government, One Product Initiative, we look for microfinance banks and give them money, and then we tell them to go and disburse the money, and they are involved in tracking the money. Many of them do not know the small businesses. But we know the small businesses.

“Many of them actually even have their own problems. I will give you an instance. One or two of the microfinance banks that we worked with are closed down. The money has gone.

“So, if we have our financing outfit that we can control and we can monitor, we can also know how we can disburse this money effectively.

“And because we do not have this, it has also hindered us from actually attracting funding, in some cases, from development partners or some funding institutions want to know that it’s our own outfit before they give us money.

“So, if you have this, then we can go to the international community to actually seek for more funding at single digits interest rates for small businesses.”

He further explained that the monotechnic would offer diploma certificates to those who have acquired skills in the Agency and completed various training programmes.

He therefore, appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) and National Board for Technical Education(NBTE) to expedite action on granting the Agency operating licences for these institutions

Reviewing the activities of SMEDAN in 2025, the Director General said the Agency created 90,102 new jobs across various sectors in the first quarter of 2025.

Odii said the Agency disbursed grants to more than 18,339 mono businesses under Conditional Grant Schemes, supporting their transition into the formal sector through the targeted training and access to financial services, including bank account opening to deepen financial inclusion.

He further said the Agency funded 3,100 Cooperatives nationwide under the One Local Government One Product Intiative, helping them to improve operations and expand production.

Other achievements he reeled out, include the registration of over 263,454 businesses, giving them a pathway to formalisation and long-term growth.

According to him, “SMEDAN provided essential work tools,including start-up kits and modern equipment to over 200,000 entrepreneurs through programmes such as the National Business Skills Development Initiative and targeted interventions supported by the National Assembly members, enhancing productivity and business growth.

“We delivered training to over 40,000 small businesses in areas like financial literacy, access to finance, export readiness, use of continental trade agreements like the AfCFTA and digital skills.

“These efforts have improved their capacity, linked them to new markets and driven stronger business performance.

“We have mobilised N12 billion in affordable financing for SMEs through strategic partnerships with public-private sector institutions, improving access to capital nationwide.”

FG Steps Up Sugar Sector Reform As Minister Inspects LASUCO

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December 18, 2025