By Nathaniel Gana

Thursday 10th April 2025

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called for stronger ties and deeper collaboration among Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in the West African sub-region. According to him, working more closely together is key to deepening democratic governance across the region.

Prof. Yakubu made this call on Thursday 10th April 2025 in Banjul, capital of the Republic of Gambia, where he is attending the Extraordinary General Assembly of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC).

Among other items listed on the agenda, member countries will review and adopt a revised draft of the ECONEC statutes at the meeting. One of the significant proposals for consideration at the meeting is the creation of Africa’s first-ever electoral resource-sharing database, an innovative move aimed at boosting collaboration and capacity-building across the continent.

Speaking to his fellow electoral commissioners, Prof. Yakubu, who previously served as president of the ECONEC Steering Committee, expressed gratitude for the support he received during his tenure. He also took a moment to honour past members of the Network who contributed to strengthening democratic institutions not just in their home countries but across Africa. He praised the current leadership for their commitment and dedication in keeping the Network active and relevant.

Looking back on ECONEC’s 2017 meeting in Sierra Leone, Prof. Yakubu recalled how he had proudly announced that every country in the sub-region was under democratic rule. Sadly, he observed, that was no longer the case. He regretted that today, four countries in the region are no longer practicing democracy. Notwithastanding, Prof. Yakubu remains optimistic and expressed the hope that democracy would soon return to the affected nations.

He also informed the Assembly that he was attending the ECONEC meeting for the final time as Chairman of INEC, because his tenure ends later this year. He thanked his colleagues and the Network as a whole for their unwavering support and collaboration over the years, urging them to continue upholding the values of electoral integrity and regional unity.

Several EMB heads also added their voices to the call for deeper regional collaboration. In their individual remarks, they applauded ECONEC for its continued technical support to their respective countries and its vital role in sustaining democratic governance across West Africa.

The Extraordinary General Assembly drew together the chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of the EMBs from the Republic of Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

While in Banjul, Prof. Yakubu is also scheduled to join the current ECONEC President, Mr. Konneh Mohamed Kenewui of Sierra Leone, for a series of visits to key stakeholders, including the government of The Gambia as part of ECONEC’s Needs Assessment Mission ahead of the country’s presidential election in 2026.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over what he described as a “criminally defamatory and inciting” allegation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused him of plotting her assassination.

In the petition dated April 3 and copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Akpabio described the claims as “heinous lies” intended to damage his reputation, incite public unrest, and endanger his life.

The controversy stems from a public speech by Akpoti-Uduaghan on April 1 in Kogi State, where she alleged that Akpabio had directed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to assassinate her within Kogi State in order to make it appear that her constituents were behind the attack.

Responding to the accusation, Akpabio stated in his petition: “This statement is not only a heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest.”

He added that the allegation, made without evidence, was politically motivated and designed to manipulate public sentiment.

“It is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination, designed to portray me as a political villain,” he said.

Akpabio called for an immediate police investigation and urged the prosecution of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan under laws covering criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

The Senate President also stressed the impact of the allegation due to its widespread coverage on TV, radio, print, and social media.

“The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves,” he said.

He concluded the petition by stating the need to hold public officials accountable for statements capable of undermining national peace and democratic institutions.

This latest clash between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan follows an earlier controversy in which she accused the Senate President of sexual harassment — a claim that contributed to her suspension from the upper legislative chamber for alleged misconduct.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES ALIKO DANGOTE, AFRICA’S INDUSTRIAL ICON, ON HIS BIRTHDAY

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Africa’s foremost industrialist and philanthropist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, founder and President of the Dangote Group, on his birthday.

The President celebrates the life of a visionary whose resilience and unwavering commitment to Africa’s economic transformation have redefined entrepreneurship on the continent.

President Tinubu commends Alhaji Dangote for his contributions to Nigeria’s industrialisation effort, noting how his ventures-from cement manufacturing to agriculture and the groundbreaking Dangote Refinery-have bolstered the national ambition for self-sufficiency and created thousands of jobs.

Beyond commerce, the President extols Dangote’s philanthropy, mainly through the Dangote Foundation, which has uplifted millions of underprivileged Africans.

“Aliko Dangote’s life embodies hard work, generosity, and faith in Nigeria’s potential. His willingness to invest in people and nation- building reflects profound business ingenuity and love for humanity,” the President states.

President Tinubu prays that God Almighty will continue to bless Africa’s richest man with vitality, wisdom, and many more years of impact.

He encourages younger Nigerians to draw inspiration from Dangote’s enterprise, resilience, and service.a

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
April 10, 2025