Washington [United States], March 26 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) signed an executive order overhauling the US federal elections to “enforce basic and necessary election protections” employed by modern, developed, and developing nations.

Citing examples of India and some other nations, the US president stated that voters will now be required to show proof of citizenship during federal elections and restricted the time states are able to receive mail-in votes.

According to the statement in the order, countries like India and Brazil have linked voter identification to biometric databases for greater accuracy, while the US predominantly relies on self-attestation of citizenship, raising concerns over verification.

Moreover, it stated that in vote tabulation, Germany and Canada mandate paper ballots counted publicly by local officials–a method that minimises disputes–whereas the US employs a varied mix of voting systems, often leading to chain-of-custody issues.

The order also highlights further disparities, citing examples of Denmark and Sweden restricting mail-in voting to those unable to vote in person and rejecting late-arriving ballots regardless of postmark, while many US states have embraced widespread mail-in voting, with some accepting ballots without postmarks or those arriving well after Election Day.

“India and Brazil, for example, are tying voter identification to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship. In tabulating votes, Germany and Canada require use of paper ballots, counted in public by local officials, which substantially reduces the number of disputes as compared to the American patchwork of voting methods that can lead to basic chain-of-custody problems,” the order read.

“Further, while countries like Denmark and Sweden sensibly limit mail-in voting to those unable to vote in person and do not count late-arriving votes regardless of the date of postmark, many American elections now feature mass voting by mail, with many officials accepting ballots without postmarks or those received well after Election Day,” the order added.

According to the order, the Election Assistance Commission is directed within 30 days to update its national mail voter registration form to require documentary proof of US citizenship–such as a passport, REAL ID-compliant identification, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID indicating citizenship–along with detailed recording of the document by state or local officials.

Moreover, to identify unqualified voters, the Secretary of Homeland Security must provide state and local officials free access to citizenship verification systems, while the Secretary of State will share relevant database information.

Federal agencies under the National Voter Registration Act are also tasked with verifying citizenship before distributing voter registration forms to public assistance enrollees, the order added. (ANI)

A coalition of senior members within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, known as the Concerned Elders for Peace, has called for the expulsion of Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, a serving member of the House of Representatives, citing alleged acts of sabotage against the party.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Sokoto, Aliyu Mammani Kaura, the Zonal Coordinator of APC North-West, accused Jaji of fostering divisions within the party, endorsing media attacks on prominent APC figures, and collaborating with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State.

The elders expressed concern that Jaji’s purported association with the PDP-led state government is undermining the internal cohesion of the APC.

The group also highlighted Jaji’s alleged disrespect towards key party leaders, including the Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, and former Governor Abdul’aziz Yari.

They emphasized that despite multiple reconciliation attempts, Jaji has persisted in actions detrimental to party unity, notably utilizing social media platforms to disseminate discord and criticize APC leadership.

“The continued defiance and disregard for party leadership by Hon. Sani Jaji pose a serious threat to the APC’s stability in Zamfara and the North-West,” the statement warned. The elders cautioned that if unchecked, Jaji’s actions could further weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections. They added, “His antagonistic stance toward party leaders threatens the unity, discipline, and progress of the APC in the region.”

Furthermore, the elders criticized Jaji’s media aide, Mansur Aminu Khalifa, accusing him of making inflammatory remarks aimed at discrediting party leaders.

They noted that both Jaji and Khalifa had previously been suspended for misconduct, yet their alleged disruptive behavior continues, indicating a lack of loyalty to the APC in favor of external political interests.

The Concerned Elders for Peace are urging the national leadership of the APC to take decisive action to preserve the party’s unity and prevent further divisions, emphasizing the necessity for a strong and united front as the party prepares for future elections.

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday, received the immediate past chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas in the state.

Fubara received them at his private residence in Port Harcourt.

The former chairmen paid a solidarity visit to express their unwavering support for Governor Fubara and the mantra of his administration, “Rivers First”.

Leading the delegation was Prince Ezebunwo Ichemati, former chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria, ALGON, Rivers State Chapter, and former Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council.

The 23 former chairmen reaffirmed their loyalty and dedication to the governor’s mandate, urging Rivers residents to continue supporting him despite the challenges.

In a statement by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Fubara, Nelson Chukwudi, the chairmen also prayed for divine intervention in the state’s political crisis.

They emphasized that “this is a critical time for Rivers people to remain united and law-abiding to prevent adversaries from exploiting the situation.”

Governor Fubara was suspended, alongside his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu, after he declared a six-month state of emergency in the state on March 18.

The President cited the prolonged political impasse in the state, which he claimed has become a threat to critics national assets.

Tinubu also appointed a Sole Administration of Rivers State, retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, to run the administrative affairs of the state in the six months period of the suspension.