By Omoniyi David

Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr Sam Amadi, has urged Nigerians not to place confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s deployment of technology.

Amadi spoke at the Citizens Town Hall Meeting on Electoral Act 2026 in Abuja, where he called for a bipartisan audit commission to review INEC’s technological systems. He said controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections remain unresolved.

“We finished the 2023 election with so many allegations and issues,” he said, criticising the National Assembly for failing to conduct a comprehensive public hearing. He noted that key officials were not put on oath to explain what transpired.

Amadi insisted that electoral accountability is vital to restoring public trust, warning that without an independent audit of INEC’s technological infrastructure, confidence in the electoral process will remain fragile.

By Olokuta Rofiat

Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has described the outcomes of recent elections in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State as a political victory for the All Progressives Congress.

In a statement on Friday, Olayinka said the APC’s performance in the February 21 Area Council elections in the FCT, where it won the majority of chairmanship seats, reflected growing public support and affirmed Wike’s political influence in the territory.

He noted that the African Democratic Congress recorded poor results, particularly in key councils such as AMAC and Bwari, as the APC consolidated its position.

Responding to opposition claims that the victories were overstated, Olayinka insisted the results signaled voter alignment with the APC’s agenda, including in recent contests in Rivers State.

Opposition figures, however, alleged misuse of state resources and political pressure, describing the ADC’s performance as part of broader challenges facing smaller parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By Olokuta Rofiat

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those behind recent attacks in Adamawa State that left at least 25 people dead.

Suspected terrorists reportedly launched coordinated raids on communities in Madagali and Hong local government areas late Tuesday, opening fire in market areas and setting homes ablaze. Several others were injured.

In a statement on Friday, Atiku condemned the killings as “senseless” and called for decisive action to restore peace and security. He also extended condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured quick recovery.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri described the attacks as cowardly and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in the North-East despite ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.