The Progressives Alliance for Justice, Unity and Democracy (PAJUD) has accused former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, of attempting to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of the electoral body, describing his criticisms as politically motivated.

The group, in a statement signed by its Country Representative, Comrade Yakubu Dan Abba, alleged that Igini was seeking to regain public relevance through persistent criticism of the government and the leadership of INEC under its current chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

PAJUD, however, did not provide independent evidence to substantiate its allegations about Igini’s motives.

The group maintained that Tinubu was not responsible for Igini’s non-appointment as INEC chairman or national commissioner after completing his tenure as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, arguing that such appointments were subject to established criteria, vacancies and rotation arrangements among states within geopolitical zones.

“Those who know President Bola Ahmed Tinubu closely know he is a leader who does not deliberately shut the door against competence and capacity,” the statement said.

The group further alleged that Igini’s criticisms were intended to undermine the current administration and INEC’s leadership in anticipation of political rewards from opposition elements following the 2027 general elections.

PAJUD also questioned Igini’s record during his service as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, citing past disagreements with political actors and what it described as controversies surrounding his conduct in office.

It also raised questions about the cost and circumstances of the live television broadcast of Igini’s exit from office in Akwa Ibom State, comparing the event with the departures of previous INEC chairmen and other senior electoral officials.

The group did not provide documentary evidence to establish wrongdoing in connection with the broadcast.

In another allegation, PAJUD called on Igini to address what it described as concerns surrounding the engagement of a Kenyan national as an INEC consultant and the alleged compromise of Nigerian voters’ fingerprint data. The statement, however, did not present evidence establishing that Igini was personally responsible for any compromise of the data.

The alliance accused opposition politicians of attempting to discredit the electoral system ahead of the 2027 elections, alleging that some former electoral officials were being used to advance political interests. It did not identify the individuals allegedly involved or provide evidence supporting the claim.

PAJUD, meanwhile, expressed confidence in the ability of the current INEC leadership to conduct credible, transparent, free and fair elections in 2027.

It said the Tinubu administration remained committed to protecting the integrity of the ballot, adding that the president had nominated individuals it described as capable, patriotic and committed to the country’s democratic development.

The group urged Igini to refrain from what it characterised as inflammatory criticism of the president and the electoral commission, insisting that public discourse on electoral reform should be guided by responsibility and respect for democratic institutions.

Quoting former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the alliance recalled his statement of April 28, 1951, that it was “mean and cowardly” for any group to seek public approval by belittling and condemning others.

PAJUD concluded by urging Nigerians to remain confident in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, while reiterating its support for the Tinubu administration and the current leadership of INEC.

The Freelance Journalist Federation (FJF) has expressed confidence in the committee investigating the reported deaths of 37 miners in Niger State, urging the public to allow the panel to conclude its assignment without undue pressure.

The federation’s position followed threats by the Nigeria Diaspora Organizations and Community for Human Rights (NDOCHR) to stage a protest at the headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abuja over alleged delays in releasing the investigation’s findings.

FJF in a statement issued on Friday and jointly signed by FJF conveners Ibrahim Ali, Jonathan Modi, Okpara Isaac and Christopher Abah, described the investigative process as transparent and thorough, insisting that sufficient time should be allowed for the committee to complete its work and establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The federation criticised the proposed demonstration, describing it as unnecessary and politically motivated, while warning against actions that could heighten tensions over an issue involving the loss of human lives.

It also commended the leadership of the NSCDC, the Minister of Interior and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as their commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law.

According to the FJF, local civil society organisations monitoring the proceedings have expressed satisfaction with the panel’s conduct. However, the federation maintained that the investigation should be allowed to run its course before conclusions are drawn.

The group also rejected calls by the diaspora organisation for the immediate removal and prosecution of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, describing the demands as premature and inconsistent with the principle of fair hearing.
It argued that calls for sanctions before the conclusion of the investigation could undermine due process and prejudice public perception of the committee’s work.

The NDOCHR had also threatened to petition the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague over the matter. In response, the FJF maintained that Nigeria’s domestic legal and investigative institutions should be allowed to address the allegations through established procedures.

The federation urged Nigerians in the diaspora to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could inflame political tensions or interfere with the ongoing investigation.

It urged members of the public to remain calm and await the committee’s official findings, stressing that a thorough investigation was necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and determine any responsibility arising from the incident.
The committee’s final findings and any subsequent official actions are expected to be central to resolving the concerns surrounding the incident.

The statement further called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to take appropriate steps to maintain public order in the Federal Capital Territory.

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, Dr David Emmanuel Ombugadu, has lamented what he described as the multidimensional poverty confronting residents of the state, citing poor schools, bad roads, a weak healthcare system and high youth unemployment.

Ombugadu stated this on Tuesday during his campaign rally in Keana Local Government Area, where he outlined his development priorities and promised to address the challenges if elected governor in the 2027 governorship election.

He argued that the condition of public infrastructure, inadequate access to quality healthcare and education, and the high number of unemployed youths had compounded the difficulties facing residents, insisting that the state needed a development approach that directly improved the people’s living conditions.

The PDP candidate said his administration would prioritise road infrastructure, education, healthcare and employment generation, with a focus on communities whose development needs had remained pressing.

He also promised to promote tourism by reviving traditional festivals and exploiting the state’s cultural heritage to create economic opportunities for residents.

Ombugadu specifically pledged to revive the Arago Fishing Festival and other traditional fishing festivals, saying the initiative would help attract visitors, promote local culture and stimulate economic activities in host communities.

He said tourism could become an important source of income and employment if the state’s cultural attractions were properly developed and promoted.

On road infrastructure, the governorship candidate promised to improve connectivity between communities in Nasarawa State and neighbouring states, including Plateau, Taraba and Benue.

He explained that the proposed roads would enable communities separated by state boundaries to reconnect with their kinsmen, while facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and other goods.

Ombugadu cited communities with cultural, family and economic ties across state boundaries, including Tiv communities in Awe Local Government Area, arguing that improved road networks would strengthen those relationships and expand commercial activities.

He described the proposed projects as part of a border-community development policy intended to reduce isolation, improve accessibility and encourage cooperation between neighbouring populations.

The PDP candidate maintained that infrastructure development should extend beyond major towns to rural communities, where poor road networks can restrict access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

He also linked the proposed development agenda to the need to create more opportunities for young people, who he identified as among those most affected by the state’s economic challenges.

Ombugadu urged residents to support the PDP in 2027, presenting his proposed interventions as a pathway towards improving living standards and addressing the development challenges he highlighted at the rally.