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Electoral Act 2026 can undermine 2027 polls, says Galadima
A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Alhaji Buba Galadima, has faulted key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, warning that the recent amendments could weaken Nigeria’s democracy, undermine electoral integrity and open the door to manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Galadima, who spoke on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, criticised the reduction of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) statutory timeline for election preparations, describing it as unrealistic and counter-productive.
“Even if you calculate backwards, INEC could not meet the 360-day timeline, not to talk of a shorter one. You are creating unnecessary pressure that can only lead to chaos,” he said.
He also condemned the National Assembly for retaining discretionary powers for INEC on the electronic transmission of results, arguing that the provision leaves room for abuse.
“They never expunged that provision. They only left it at the discretion of INEC, which is creating room for rigging. The Senate is only wise by half,” Galadima said.
According to him, lawmakers deliberately shifted responsibility to INEC, despite the commission’s lack of independence. “They want to shift responsibility to INEC, but INEC is appointed by the executive, and you know for sure that it is what the executive wants that INEC will likely do,” he added.
Galadima accused the lawmakers of enacting the new electoral law for self-serving interests rather than the national good, saying it failed to improve on previous legislation.
“We thought that each time we pass an electoral bill, it would improve on the last one. But this one is clearly for personal protection by the Senate. There is no innovation in it. They could as well have left the 2022 Electoral Act intact instead of bastardising it for what they envisage to do in 2027,” he said.
Questioning INEC’s capacity to act independently, Galadima said the commission lacked the institutional leverage to withstand political pressure, a development he warned could influence the conduct of the next election.
“This INEC doesn’t even have the lever to call anybody to order. That clearly indicates what this INEC is likely to do in the next election,” he stated.
He also criticised what he described as increasing judicial interference in internal party affairs, warning that such actions were damaging to democracy and the legal profession.
“A justice of the Supreme Court once warned judges against interfering in party politics. It is a disgrace that judges now take partisan positions, like what happened in Ibadan,” he said.
The NNPP stalwart dismissed claims that electronic voting and transmission were unworkable in Nigeria, insisting that technology had advanced enough to make the process seamless.
“In these days of technology, there is nothing you cannot do. What happened before was not accidental, it was a deliberate glitch. If we want electronic voting and transmission, it is possible. Other countries even offered Nigeria satellite coverage free of charge because they wanted free and fair elections, but the government refused because they wanted to manipulate the system,” he alleged.
Galadima further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state institutions to weaken opposition parties and force political realignments.
He said, “This government and the APC are stifling opposition. They are using the judiciary, the National Assembly, and agencies like the EFCC, ICPC and DSS to coerce opposition figures,” he claimed. Recent defections to the ruling party were not driven by good governance or economic performance.
“It is not because the APC has provided education or repaired the economy. In fact, they destroyed the economy. People are defecting because they committed an offence and do not want to be asked questions.
“But Nigerians are not fools,” he added, while calling for greater public vigilance.
He also urged citizens to actively engage in governance and resist policies that threaten democracy. Every citizen must have an opinion and must have the right to accept or reject any act of government. Democracy can only survive if the people defend it,” Galadima said.
Five Nigerian soldiers were reportedly killed on Friday, April 17, 2026, when suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a military base in Mussa village, Borno State.
According to militia sources who spoke to AFP, the insurgents stormed the base before being repelled by troops. Following the attack, clashes were also reported in nearby Leho village.
However, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres of operation between April 10 and 16, 2026, as troops sustained coordinated offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP, JAS, violent extremist groups, kidnappers, and secessionist armed elements nationwide.
According to a statement issued by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations, the operations led to the arrest of several suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, interception of terrorist logistics supplies, and neutralisation of armed criminals in ongoing efforts to create a safer and more secure environment across the country.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East also maintained sustained pressure on insurgent networks across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, recording multiple arrests and seizures.
In Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, a suspect who confessed to supplying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to terrorists for about 10 years was arrested, with 60 litres of fuel, a mobile phone, and cash recovered.
In Adamawa State, 20 suspects were apprehended during raids on criminal hideouts in Mubi North, with items including electronics, cash totaling over ₦2.1 million, and other materials recovered.
In Yobe State, troops arrested three suspected informants linked to monitoring troop movements.
However, the Nigerian military had also in recent times suffered set backs in the fight against insurgency in the North East. Nigeria Tourism Guide
Suspected fighters of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had last week attacked a military formation, killing a colonel, I.A. Mohammed, and other soldiers.
Also Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah and 6 soldiers paid the supreme price early in a coordinated attacks by suspected members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on military formations in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, as well as Ngamdu and Pulka town in the Gwoza LGA of Borno state.
Former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke told a UK court that her role in approving oil contracts was largely routine, stating that major decisions were already taken before documents reached her desk.
Speaking at Southwark Crown Court in London, she explained that the structure of Nigeria’s oil sector meant she had limited direct control, as key operations were handled by the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
“The system was already in motion before files came to me,” she said, adding that the size and complexity of the industry made it difficult for a minister to oversee everything directly.
She said she rarely declined contract approvals because they had already passed through detailed technical and regulatory checks.
“I was, in many instances, a rubber stamp in the process,” she said.
Diezani also recounted a 2014 incident in which she discovered a questionable crude oil deal allegedly linked to businessman Igho Sanomi. She said the matter came to light following a whistleblower report, prompting her to cancel the arrangement.
However, she told the court that powerful individuals opposed her decision and escalated complaints to then President Goodluck Jonathan.
On allegations that $20 billion in oil revenue went missing, she disagreed with former Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi, insisting the reports were inaccurate.
“There were no missing funds as widely reported,” she said, explaining that audits and legislative reviews later showed the money was tied to subsidy payments and operational costs.
She acknowledged serious challenges in the fuel subsidy system, including multiple claims by some marketers, but said reforms were introduced to reduce fraud.
According to her, these efforts came with risks. She said she faced security threats, including the kidnapping of family members, which she linked to her attempts to challenge powerful interests in the sector.
She also said politicians and business figures frequently pressured her office for preferential treatment in oil allocations.
“I declined requests that did not follow due process,” she said.
Addressing questions about her personal finances, Diezani said she used Nigerian bank cards even during foreign trips, in line with rules preventing public officials from holding foreign accounts.
She added that the cards sometimes failed abroad, forcing others to temporarily cover expenses.
The court also examined records of her official trips between 2011 and 2015.
She said she usually travelled with about 30 officials, including aides, security personnel, and protocol staff.
“All movements were documented and archived in ministry records,” she said, noting that both commercial and chartered flights were used depending on official requirements.
Despite the allegations against her, Diezani insisted her time in office focused on increasing local participation in the oil sector and improving transparency, saying she has been unfairly portrayed.
She is currently on trial alongside Olatimbo Ayinde and Doye Agama on five counts related to bribery.
All the defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the case is ongoing in London.
Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe has raised concern over low enlistment from the South-East, revealing Anambra recorded only 117 applications out of 38,000 nationwide.
Nnabuihe led an Army delegation to sensitise youths in Awka, noting the figure was recorded on April 7, before a nationwide awareness campaign began.
He said the exercise aimed to encourage more youths from Anambra and the South-East to join the 91 Regular Recruits Intake before the May 27 deadline.
“We observed with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 came from Anambra as of April 7.
“This sensitisation is to correct that imbalance and encourage our youths to take advantage of opportunities in the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Nnabuihe urged eligible youths to apply, noting the Army offers a structured career path and opportunities for national service.
Lt.-Col. Ogbemudia Osawe, member of the sensitisation delegation, said training infrastructure had expanded, with new institutions in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate incoming recruits.
Osawe listed benefits, including career progression, regular pay, continuous military education, specialised training, and exposure to diverse cultures.
He added personnel enjoy welfare packages, free medical care for families, pensions, gratuities, and opportunities for international assignments.
The Permanent Secretary, Anambra Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, commended the initiative, describing military enlistment as crucial for South-East youths.
Emodi said declining interest among youths stemmed from misconceptions and misinformation about the Army.
Traditional ruler, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi, praised the Army’s welfare structure and urged youths to enlist for better regional representation.
The sensitisation held at the Ministry of Youths in Awka, attracting a cross-section of young people.
ISWAP attacks military base in Borno, kill five soldiers
Nigerian oil governance, Contracts: ‘I was a rubber stamp, Diezani tells UK Court
Army raises alarm over low South-East recruitment
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