No Promise of a Perfect Vote in 2027 – INEC Chairman

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has appealed to Nigerians to moderate their expectations ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the commission may not deliver a completely flawless process.

Speaking at the Citizens’ Town Hall programme on the Electoral Act 2026, Amupitan said while Nigerians desire a perfect election, such a standard may not yet be attainable.

“Let me just appeal to Nigerians… what Nigerians desire is a perfect election,” he said. “INEC will strive as much as possible to give this country the best election. However, we may not be able to achieve a 100 per cent perfect election for now.”

He, however, assured stakeholders that the commission possesses the technical capacity to electronically transmit election results, dismissing concerns that transmission itself is a major obstacle.

“As far as electronic transmission of results is concerned… we have the capacity to transmit the results, and that we’re going to transmit the results. The only concern was real-time,” he said.

The INEC chairman cited the recent FCT Area Council election, where results from Kabi ward in Kuje were delayed due to terrain and network challenges, explaining that connectivity — not competence — was the primary issue.

“I don’t see the issue of transmission as really a problem… the problem I have seen is the adequacy of the network we have,” he stated.

Amupitan emphasized that logistics remain the backbone of any successful election, noting that operational lapses can significantly affect outcomes.

“Your election can be as good as your logistics. So, where there is logistics failure, you know that you are beginning to fail,” he said, admitting that some of the difficulties encountered were linked to human errors that are now being addressed.

Despite the acknowledged shortcomings, the INEC boss expressed confidence that the 2027 elections would reflect notable improvements and boost public trust in the electoral system.

“I want to assure you that the election of 2027 will be the best election that Nigerians will have… by the time you have a transparent election, and people begin to trust INEC and trust their leaders, then the country will move forward,” he added.

Tension Rises as EU Warns Trump Over Greenland Tariff Threat

The European Union has fired a stern warning at U.S. President Donald Trump following his threat to impose tariffs on European countries over Greenland. EU leaders, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa, called the move “a dangerous escalation” and stressed that it could seriously damage transatlantic relations.

EU diplomats argue that such tariffs would harm both Europe and the U.S., distracting from shared global priorities like ending the war in Ukraine. In a show of unity, ambassadors from all 27 member states are set to meet in an emergency session, while reaffirming Denmark and Greenland’s right to determine their own future.

Tinubu Mourns Chief Lucia Onabanjo, Condoles Ogun Govt and Family.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the Ogun State Government, its people, and the family of the late Chief Lucia Onabanjo. Chief Lucia Onabanjo was the wife of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, Ogun State’s first civilian governor, and her passing has been widely mourned.

Chief Lucia Onabanjo, who passed away on Monday, January 12, at the remarkable age of 101, was hailed by President Tinubu as a revered matriarch whose life of compassion and dedicated service left a lasting impact on her community, Ogun State, and the nation.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised Chief Lucia Onabanjo, saying:

“During her husband’s four-year tenure as Ogun State Governor from 1979 to 1983, Lucia Onabanjo’s unwavering support was truly commendable. Equally exemplary was her deep commitment to children’s welfare and the empowerment of women.”

The President reflected on the overwhelming outpouring of tributes both during her lifetime and following her passing, a testament to the profound mark she left on so many lives. “Her legacy of generosity, kindness, and compassion will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come,” he remarked.

President Tinubu encouraged the Ogun State Government and the Onabanjo family to honor Chief Lucia Onabanjo by carrying forward her values of compassion and service. “I urge the Ogun State Government and her family to keep her legacy alive by reflecting her love for the poor and vulnerable,” he said.

Praying for her eternal rest, the President added, “May the Almighty God welcome Lucia Onabanjo’s soul into His embrace and continue to grant strength and comfort to her family.”

Chief Lucia Onabanjo was deeply respected for her quiet yet far-reaching contributions to public life, especially her advocacy for women and children, as well as her unwavering support for her husband during his time as governor.

Her passing signifies the close of a remarkable era in Ogun State, where she is remembered not just as a former first lady, but as a devoted community leader whose influence extended well beyond the political sphere.