Politics
Coalition opposes scrapping of SIECOMs, reversal to manual voting in Kaduna
A coalition of CSOs has opposed the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECOMs) and the reversal to manual voting by Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM).
Mr Laurence Obeweh, the Founder/National Coordinator of ReSET Nigeria and Mr Bako Abdul, the National President of Campaign for Democracy disclosed this while addressing a press conference on Monday in Kaduna.
Others CSOs on the same position who spoke at the conference were Mr Stephen Waya, the Convener of Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment and Development (CALPED) and Mr Yusuf Goje, the Founding Partner of Partnership for Issues-based Campaign in Nigeria (PiCAN).
The CSOs expressed deep concern over the proposed scrapping of the SIECOMs and the plans to centralise local government (LG) elections either under a new centralised body at the federal level or the INEC as being proposed.
They stressed that the move, though understandable, contradicted the principles of true and fiscal federalism and meaningful electoral reform.
They said it would likely further erode citizens’
trust and confidence in the electoral process.
They explained that the Justice Uwais report on electoral reform which recommended the unbundling of INEC was a testament to the assertion for decentralised and specialised institutions to manage different aspects of the electoral process.
According to them, adding the LG elections to INEC or any new institution is already overwhelming and will be a recipe for further political instability.
“Upon deeper reflection, we realised that everything we are afraid of about SIECOMs is what we have accused INEC of and will likely be replicated even in a new Commission.
“Tell us one election that INEC has conducted that the credibility was not questioned.
”Nonetheless, even some of the improvements we have witnessed in INEC are the result of system strengthening reforms demanded by stakeholders.
“Same should be done to progressively strengthen SIECOMs and not scrap it,”they said.
The CSOs said that they expected to see laws that removed the discretionary powers of the Governors to appoint Chairpersons and members of the SIECOMs.
Speaking further, the group expressed concern over the Federal Government’s non implementation of the Oransanya’s report which recommended the downsizing and streamlining of MDAs.
They, therefore, frowned at the culture and approach of duplicating institutions rather than reforming and strengthening existing systems towards better performance and results delivery.
Theby congratulated the Federal Government and Nigerians over the Supreme Court’s judgment on local governments financial autonomy
The CSOs reiterated their call on the Federal Government and National Assembly to leverage the constitution amendment process to strengthen SIECOMs by ensuring their financial autonomy and operational independence.
According to them, it is crucial for conducting free, fair, and credible LG elections that would reflect the popular will of the people.
They also commended Gov. Uba Sani and the State Assembly for screening and appointing experienced individuals to lead the KAD-SIECOM.
The CSOs also lauded the Chairpersons and Permanent Commissioners of the commission on the commitments they made to organise credible elections.
They, therefore, stressed the need for the state government to ensure adequate and timely cash-backed budget releases and operational independence to enable the commission to discharge its duties effectively.
The group also urged the commission to remain resolute in its neutrality and independence, and call on those intending to put pressure on it to compromise or manipulate the forthcoming local government elections to refrain from doing so.
They acknowledged the circumstances and justification behind the jettisoning of the use of electronic voting.
The CSOs, however, called on the commission and stakeholders to ensure that all necessary steps are put in place to checkmate ballot box snatching, stuffing and writing of results.
They recommended that the state assembly and commission reintroduce electronic voting as an optional feature, to be jettison only in exceptional circumstances.
“This is to facilitate a seamless transition to full technology-driven elections in the future, which is inevitable.
”We are also worried about the disturbing issue of absence of internal democracy in political parties as witnessed in the recent primaries of most of the political parties in the State.
“This remains a huge challenge in our electoral process, as it throws up the most loyal to godfathers as against the most competent based on popular support.
“KAD-SIECOM going forward should not shy away from wielding the big stick on political parties that compromise internal party democracy.
”Similarly, in line with the amended law, parties or politicians that promote or engage in violence or vote-buying should also not be spared,”they said.
They urged all stakeholders, including CSOs, community leaders and eligible voters to actively participate in the forthcoming LG electoral process, engage in massive voter education, observe and report on the election and demand accountability from KAD-SIECOM.(NAN
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
A 13-member interim State Coordinating Council (SCC) of the Obidient Movement for Kaduna State has been constituted.
The appointments, confirmed in a formal letter signed by National Coordinator Dr. Tanko Yunusa, aimed at marking a strategic effort to strengthen grassroots mobilization and governance advocacy in the region.
According toYunusa, “The Obidient Movement reiterated its commitment to service, inclusion, and people-first leadership, urging appointees to confirm their roles via the NCC’s official link. Dr. Yunusa emphasized: This council embodies our resolve to build a New Nigeria from the ground up.”
He explained that the SCC would spearhead initiatives to deepen political education, coordinate advocacy campaigns, and foster collaboration with civil society and faith-based group.
The National Coordinator ztated, “The Obidient Movement continues to consolidate its presence nationwide, with Kaduna’s SCC expected to play a pivotal role in shaping its 2027 political strategy. The state’s socio-political significance in Northern Nigeria makes this appointment critical for broader national influence.”
The Kaduna state SCC interim members are
Elder Yusuf Solomon Danbaki – State Coordinator, Lawal Umar– Secretary, Barr. Kate Issue – Legal Advisor, Muhammed Liman – Grassroot Mobiliser, Jemimah Ebiega – Member and Mal. Ilyasu Muhammad – Member.
Others are Natty Auta – Member, Mal. Jabir Ibrahim Yaro – Member, Tinok Andrew – Member, Comr. Daniel Ejembi – Member, Mal. Usman Aliyu – Member, Saratu Larai Shekari – Member and Danjuma Saleh – Member.
Christian leaders and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi have extended Easter felicitations to Nigerians, urging reflection, compassion, and collective action to address the nation’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, hunger, and political tensions.
In separate statements issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, and Obi emphasised the significance of Easter as a time for spiritual renewal and national introspection.
CAN: Easter Reflects Nigeria’s Faith and Resilience
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, described Easter as the “cornerstone of Christian faith,” symbolising Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for humanity’s redemption.
He noted that in Nigeria, Easter transcends religious observance, embodying a vibrant cultural celebration marked by colourful parades in Lagos and solemn processions in northern villages.
“Easter is a time when families gather, communities unite, and our rich cultural heritage is showcased through music, dance, and festive gatherings,” Okoh said.
He acknowledged the persecution faced by Christians in some regions, yet stressed the enduring spirit of Easter, which inspires resilience and unity.
Okoh urged Christians to engage in acts of kindness, promote interfaith dialogue, and work towards a just society.
“Let us reach out to neighbours of other faiths, fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” he added.
Kaigama: A Call to Address Insecurity, Hunger
Archbishop Kaigama struck a sombre tone, highlighting Nigeria’s escalating crises.
He mourned the recent killing of travellers in Uromi, Edo State, and ongoing violence in Plateau State’s Bokkos and Bassa areas, where communities have been devastated.
“These attacks underscore the urgent need for a sincere and coordinated response to insecurity,” he said.
Kaigama also decried the widespread hunger and economic hardship gripping the nation.
“Families struggle daily to put food on the table in a nation so richly blessed,” he lamented, calling for collaborative efforts to ensure no Nigerian goes hungry.
Expressing alarm over the rising kidnappings of clergy, Kaigama described such acts as a “blow to the conscience of the nation.”
He further addressed the political crisis in Rivers State, where a state of emergency was declared, cautioning against actions that could deepen divisions.
“No democracy can thrive without a culture of give and take,” he said, urging leaders to prioritise dialogue and the welfare of citizens.
Kaigama also condemned the “acrimonious political rhetoric” fuelling tensions, urging politicians to focus on governance rather than power struggles.
“Nigeria needs healing, not hostility,” he asserted, calling for accountability and protection for all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or faith.
Obi: Pray for Compassionate Leaders
Peter Obi, in a message signed by his spokesperson Ibrahim Umar, called on Nigerians to use Easter to pray for compassionate leaders who prioritise the people’s welfare. He described Easter as a celebration of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, offering a timely opportunity to seek leaders who emulate such selflessness.
“What is apparent in Nigeria today as insecurity and myriads of problems engulf the land is a visible abdication of responsibility by insensitive and indifferent leaders,” Obi said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s abundant natural and human capital should be harnessed to benefit the populace, lamenting the current leadership’s failure to do so.
**A Unified Call for Renewal**
The messages from CAN, Kaigama, and Obi converge on a shared theme: the need for reflection, compassion, and action to address Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.
As Christians celebrate Easter, the leaders’ calls for unity, justice, and better governance resonate amid ongoing struggles with insecurity, economic hardship, and political division.
Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has declared that no politician can win the Nigerian presidency in 2027 without the support of the northern region.
Speaking in a video interview obtained by Elanza in Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed, who appeared alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), emphasized that the North would soon define its political direction.
“In the next six months, the North will decide where it stands. If the rest of the country wants to join us, fine. If not, we will go our own way. One thing is clear: nobody can become president of Nigeria without northern support,” he asserted.
He lamented the state of the nation and urged northerners to resist divisive and deceptive politicians ahead of the next general elections.
“We want a government that understands our problems and can address them. After Buhari’s eight years, we became wiser. Now, we are in another government, and we are still crying. Is crying all we know how to do?” Baba-Ahmed asked.
Reflecting on past experiences, he said the North had suffered greatly during the Boko Haram insurgency, which affected all groups Muslims, Christians, Fulani, Baju, and others highlighting the need for unity.
“Before Buhari became president, Boko Haram was bombing mosques, churches, Abuja, and Lagos. That was a time northerners had to unite. Today, no politician can just show up and expect northerners to fall in line. Who are you?” he questioned.
He warned against further marginalization of the North, noting that continued disregard for the region would have consequences.
“If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria. The North is watching. Elders, masses, and interest groups will soon say ‘enough is enough.’ The injustice and sidelining must stop,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also urged the region to look beyond identity politics, stressing that competence and integrity should guide voter decisions.
“We are tired of being deceived into voting based on religion or ethnicity. That era is over. We just want a right leader let him falls from heaven, we just want someone who will solve our problems,” he said.
He concluded by asserting that the northern electorate had learned hard lessons from past choices and would approach 2027 with a new mindset.