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INEC’S NEW REFEREE AND THE POLITICS OF POWER IN NIGERIA By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare
The clock of Nigeria’s democracy has struck again, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). With the expiration of his second and final term, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has formally exited the stage as Nigeria’s electoral umpire—closing a defining chapter in the nation’s democratic evolution.
Appointed in November 2015 as the 14th Chairman of INEC and reappointed in 2020, Professor Yakubu’s tenure has been one of transformation. Through his decade-long stewardship, he institutionalized technology-driven transparency, strengthened administrative independence, and delivered three consecutive general elections—2015, 2019, and 2023—amid political complexity and citizen skepticism.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while accepting Yakubu’s departure, commended his steadfastness and commitment to credible elections, describing him as “a patriot who held the line for democracy.” In recognition of his service, the President conferred on him the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
With his exit, the mantle of leadership now rests on Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, who assumes office as Acting INEC Chairman pending the appointment and Senate confirmation of a substantive successor. Her assumption of duty is not only historic but symbolic—she becomes the first woman since independence to lead Nigeria’s electoral body, even in acting capacity. Should President Tinubu confirm her, she would become the first substantive female INEC Chairman in Nigeria’s democratic history.
A lawyer and publisher by profession, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu has long been known for her administrative clarity and sense of justice. Called to the bar in 1987, she brings to the position a blend of legal precision and public service ethos. Her appointment aligns with President Tinubu’s progressive inclusiveness, reflecting his belief that women, when empowered, bring balance and integrity to governance.
THE LAW AND THE PROCESS
Under Section 154(1) and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the power to appoint the Chairman of INEC, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The Council of State, composed of sitting and former leaders including Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and all serving governors, provides advisory counsel.
To qualify as INEC Chairman, one must be non-partisan, a person of unquestionable integrity, and knowledgeable in law, public administration, or political science. Once appointed, the Chairman oversees twelve National Commissioners and thirty-seven Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the federation—forming a multi-tiered structure that ensures checks, transparency, and accountability.
Thus, while the President appoints, he cannot control the INEC Chairman. The Commission’s independence is constitutionally guaranteed, and the diversity of its members acts as an institutional firewall against executive interference.
HOW RESULTS FLOW
Elections in Nigeria are a bottom-up process, not top-down manipulation. Votes are cast and counted at polling units, witnessed by agents of all parties, and recorded on Form EC8A, which must be signed by all party agents. These results move sequentially: from polling unit → ward collation → local government collation → state collation → national center.
The INEC Chairman merely declares results already collated, verified, and endorsed by independent returning officers—mostly university dons and NYSC corps members, recruited on temporary basis as ad-hoc staff. The introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the IReV portal, both implemented during President Muhammadu Buhari’s reforms, have rendered election rigging a logistical nightmare.
Gone are the days when ballots were snatched or results written in hotel rooms. As one election observer remarked, “Any chairman who wishes to rig an election under BVAS must be omnipresent, for every unit is now a fortress of accountability.”
THE POLITICAL EVOLUTION AND LESSONS
From the days of PDP’s dominance—when votes were conjured in millions—to today’s keenly contested elections, the progress is evident. It was under President Buhari that scandalous figures of 15–20 million votes per region gave way to realistic numbers below 9 million nationwide. The All Progressives Congress (APC), through meticulous pre-election strategy, digital monitoring, and legal assertiveness, transformed Nigeria’s political consciousness.
In 2007, when rigging was weaponized under President Obasanjo, it took forensic battles and legal discipline for APC’s progenitors to reclaim Osun, Edo, Ondo, and Ekiti States. The lesson was clear: democracy rewards those who prepare, not those who complain.
President Tinubu’s political machinery is scientific and methodical—driven by data, human intelligence, and ground mobilization. Behind every election are disciplined thinkers like Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), who oversee strategic situation rooms and escalation protocols. APC’s electoral success lies not in noise, but in organization, timing, and structure.
THE HISTORICAL LINEAGE OF INEC CHAIRMEN (1958–2025)
1. Eyo Esua (1958–1966) – Teacher and pioneer chairman of the Federal Electoral Commission.
2. Michael Ani (1976–1979) – Civil servant; conducted the 1979 elections.
3. Justice Victor Ovie-Whiskey (1980–1983) – Judge; oversaw the 1983 general elections.
4. Professor Eme Awa (1987–1989) – Political scientist; academic reformer.
5. Professor Humphrey Nwosu (1989–1993) – Political scientist; conducted the historic June 12 election.
6. Professor Okon Uya (1993) – Historian; acting chairman post-June 12 crisis.
7. Chief Sumner Karibi-Whyte (1994) – Jurist; led NECON under Abacha.
8. Professor Ephraim Akpata (1998–2000) – Lawyer; conducted 1999 transition elections.
9. Dr. Abel Guobadia (2000–2005) – Physicist; oversaw 2003 elections.
10. Professor Maurice Iwu (2005–2010) – Pharmacologist; conducted the controversial 2007 elections.
11. Professor Attahiru Jega (2010–2015) – Political scientist; introduced PVCs and card readers.
12. Professor Mahmood Yakubu (2015–2025) – Historian; introduced BVAS and IReV.
13. Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu (Acting, 2025–date) – Lawyer and publisher; first female INEC Chair in acting capacity.
Nearly all chairmen emerged from academia or law, underscoring the intellectual foundation of Nigeria’s electoral management.
If confirmed, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu would shatter a 66-year precedent, symbolizing gender progress and institutional renewal under President Tinubu’s watch.
TEN QUALITIES OF A WORTHY INEC CHAIRMAN
1. Integrity — incorruptible and impartial.
2. Courage — unwavering in crisis.
3. Administrative skill — decisive and disciplined.
4. Transparency — open to scrutiny.
5. Competence — mastery of election systems.
6. Patriotism — loyalty to the Constitution.
7. Emotional intelligence — calm under pressure.
8. Institutional vision — long-term reform mindset.
9. Digital fluency — understanding technology.
10. Moral authority — commanding respect through example.
TEN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLITICAL PARTIES
1. Invest in structure, not slogans. Elections are won on the ground, not on social media.
2. Train and deploy agents to every polling unit; absence there is absence everywhere.
3. Collaborate among smaller parties—form regional alliances and adopt one common presidential candidate to gain national spread.
4. Share trusted agents across allied parties to reduce duplication and ensure credible oversight.
5. Focus on data analytics—voter demographics, turnout trends, and geography of influence.
6. Establish situation rooms in all states for real-time monitoring and crisis escalation.
7. Engage legal experts early to document irregularities and prepare prompt petitions.
8. Avoid over-reliance on religious or ethnic sentiment. Strategy must replace emotion.
9. Reward party loyalty through training, honorarium, and empowerment of unit-level agents.
10. Shift from noise to nuance. As President Tinubu exemplifies, “Serious politics is not about shouting the loudest, but about preparing the deepest.”
Lastly
The arrival of a new electoral referee signals another test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience. The task before Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu is profound—to protect the sanctity of the ballot and sustain citizens’ trust.
As the philosopher Plato once said, “The penalty for refusing to participate in politics is to be governed by your inferiors.”
And in the spirit of leadership, John C. Maxwell reminds us: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
For Nigeria, the way forward is clear—credible elections, institutional independence, and responsible citizenship. For the new INEC leadership, the goal remains unchanged: to ensure that the people’s voice, not manipulation, decides the future of this nation.
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Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla Becomes an Honorary Member of the 35 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army Officers’ Mess
In a moment of high honour and prestige, Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, a distinguished Technician Surveyor, Real Estate Investor, and Security Expert (NIS, INS, PSU, DIL, B.Sc, B-Tech, MSc), was formally honoured as an Honorary Member of the Nigerian Army 35 Artillery Brigade Officers’ Mess, Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday, 3rd October 2025.
The ID card was presented during the Tombola Night at the renowned Vulcans Officers’ Mess, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta. The event drew the presence of top military officers, honourables, and eminent dignitaries from across the country.
The Garrison Commander, Colonel Okoi, representing the leadership of the 35 Artillery Brigade, personally presented the Honorary Membership ID card to Prince Amb. (Dr.) Ewenla. While decorating him, Col. Okoi commended his consistent support for national institutions and community security initiatives, describing him as:
A distinguished civilian professional whose outstanding contributions to community development, security, and support for the Nigerian Army make him highly deserving of this honour.
Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla is not only qualified but truly worthy of this recognition. The 35 Artillery Brigade Officers’ Mess represents excellence, discipline, and camaraderie, and we are proud to welcome him into our fold.
Significance of the Honorary Membership
The 35 Artillery Brigade Officers’ Mess is an exclusive institution that embodies military excellence, camaraderie, and professional ethics. Honorary Membership is a rare privilege granted to distinguished civilians who have demonstrated:
Exceptional leadership and integrity in their professions.
Tangible support for national security, peacebuilding, and community welfare.
Dedication to strengthening civil-military cooperation for progress and harmony.
Prince Amb. (Dr.) Ewenla’s induction reflects his longstanding commitment to discipline, service, and national development.
Benefits of Being an Honorary Member of the Officers’ Mess
By virtue of his induction into the 35 Artillery Brigade Officers’ Mess, Alamala Barracks, Prince Amb. (Dr.) Ewenla now enjoys several exclusive privileges, including:
1. Prestigious Recognition:
Acknowledgement by the Nigerian Army for his distinguished service and contributions to society.
2. Strategic Networking:
Opportunities to engage and collaborate with senior military officers and high-profile dignitaries on security, development, and civic initiatives.
3. Enhanced Civil-Military Relations:
A vital platform to promote mutual understanding and partnership between the military and civilian society for peace and progress.
4. Access to Officers’ Mess Facilities:
Full rights to utilise the world-class social, cultural, and recreational amenities of the Officers’ Mess nationwide.
5. Influence and Advocacy:
A voice in advancing initiatives that support national security, the welfare of military families, and grassroots development.
6. Symbol of Integrity and Discipline:
The honour stands as a testament to his professional ethics, leadership character, and public service.
A Distinguished Achievement
This milestone reflects yet another chapter of success in the life of Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, whose excellence as a Technician Surveyor, Real Estate Investor, and Security Expert continues to earn recognition within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The honorary membership of the Nigerian Army 35 Artillery Brigade Officers’ Mess, Alamala Barracks not only celebrates his accomplishments but also positions him to further strengthen bonds between the Army and the civilian community.
I am deeply honoured to be welcomed into the 35 Artillery Brigade Officers’ Mess family. This recognition inspires me to continue supporting our gallant officers and contributing to the peace and unity of our nation Prince Amb. (Dr.) Ewenla expressed.
The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa, will officially declare open the 9th edition of the Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) on October 7, 2025, at the Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.
In her commendation of the festival, the Honourable Minister praised LIFANIMA’s “commitment in promoting the sustainable growth and development of Nigeria’s Creative Economy,” describing the initiative as a driving force in positioning Nigeria and Africa as a hub for world-class animation.
About LIFANIMA
LIFANIMA is Nigeria’s premier animation film festival, and over the years it has grown into the second-largest animation film festival in Africa. Since its inception in 2016, the festival has become a benchmark for excellence, innovation, and collaboration in the animation industry. Every year, the festival attracts over 1,200 submissions from more than 100 countries, including at least 128 entries from 25 African nations.
Proudly supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency, Bank of Industry and Checkers Africa, LIFANIMA enjoys strong institutional endorsements from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, and the National Film and Video Censors Board.
A Platform for Growth and Innovation
For nine years, LIFANIMA has provided an exceptional platform for the development of animation in Nigeria. It has also supported the implementation of Nigeria’s national policy on the localization of cartoon content, ensuring that Nigerian and African voices shape the narratives being consumed by local and global audiences.
Through its yearly programs, LIFANIMA serves as a catalyst for the rapid growth of the creative economy, inspiring innovation, nurturing new talents, and giving visibility to African animators. The festival has also entrenched Nigeria on the global map of animation film festivals, attracting stakeholders, investors, and creatives from across continents.
Festival Features
The three-day event, running from October 7–9, 2025, will showcase a rich line-up of activities designed to entertain, educate, and inspire:
Film Screenings and Conversations: Premiering global and African animation content.
Panel Sessions and Workshops: Knowledge exchange with industry experts and opportunities to explore emerging trends in animation.
Kids Animation Park: A space dedicated to children’s creativity and early exposure to animation.
Cocktail Parties and Networking Events: Building connections across creative industries.
LIFANIMA Animation Awards: Celebrating outstanding works in **five major categories – 3D Animation, 2D Animation, Stop Motion Animation, Animation Commercials, and Visual Effects.
Objectives of LIFANIMA
The festival continues to pursue its foundational objectives:
To promote the rapid development of the animation industry in Nigeria and across Africa.
To improve the movie industry through increased inclusion of animation content.
To provide a platform for local animators to showcase their talents and improve the quality of their work.
To expose animators to the latest animation technologies, both hardware and software.
LIFANIMA’s Impact
Over the years, LIFANIMA has transformed into a cultural and professional hub where creativity meets opportunity. It has not only amplified the visibility of Nigerian and African animators but also encouraged collaborations that have expanded the continent’s animation footprint globally. By fostering partnerships, innovation, and storytelling excellence, LIFANIMA continues to prove that Africa’s animation industry is ready to compete at the highest international levels.
As the Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa flags off the 2025 edition, LIFANIMA is set to further consolidate its role as a trailblazer for creative content, cultural expression, and economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa.
Buratai to Chair Book Launch on Court Martial Cases in Abuja
ABUJA – Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), CFR, has been announced as the Chairman of a high-profile book launch titled Annotation of Cases on Court Martial, scheduled to hold on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.
The book, co-authored by Major General Mahmood Umaru Wambai and legal luminary Ali Ibrahim Omachi, Esq., offers a detailed analysis and reference on cases of court martial, a subject central to military law and justice administration in Nigeria.
According to the organisers, the launch will attract the top echelon of Nigeria’s military, legal practitioners, academics, and distinguished personalities from across the country.
The event will feature General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, Chief of Defence Staff, Armed Forces of Nigeria, as the Special Guest of Honour, while the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyede NAM, will serve as Chief Host.
Prominent businessman Alhaji Umar A. Mustapha, CEO of UFAM Holdings Nigeria Limited, has been unveiled as the Chief Launcher, while Professor Akinseye George, SAN, FCARB, FINAIS, will handle the book review.
Speaking ahead of the occasion, the authors expressed optimism that the book would serve as a vital guide for military officers, legal practitioners, and scholars, bridging knowledge gaps in military justice and reinforcing discipline in the armed forces.
The ceremony, billed to commence at 10:00 a.m. prompt, promises to be a landmark gathering of military and civilian elites, highlighting the importance of law, justice, and accountability in strengthening Nigeria’s defence institutions
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