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Breaking News: INEC Chairman, Amupitan Seeks Senate Support Ahead of 2027 Election
The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has outlined key priorities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system, with emphasis on electoral reform, infrastructure development and voter education, during his maiden interactive meeting with the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters.
The meeting, held at Room 107 of the Senate New Wing on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, marked Professor Amupitan’s first formal engagement with the Committee since his assumption of office. He was accompanied by the full complement of National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, and the Chairman’s technical aides, reflecting the importance INEC attached to the interaction. Members of the Senate Committee present included the Chairman, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, as well as Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Tony Nwoye, Ireti Kingibe, Ede Dafinone, Emma Nwachukwu, Kelvin Chukwu, and Sunday Katum.
In his remarks, Prof. Amupitan acknowledged the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s democratic architecture, noting that its legislative and oversight responsibilities directly impact the stability and credibility of the nation’s electoral system. He expressed appreciation to the Senate for the rigorous confirmation process that preceded his appointment, describing the engagement as a demonstration of institutional collaboration anchored on constitutional principles.
Reflecting on the early days of his tenure, the INEC Chairman recalled that the Commission was immediately confronted with the conduct of the Anambra Governorship Election of November 8, 2025. He reported that the election was successfully concluded in a single day, a notable departure from previous experiences, and attributed the outcome to effective inter-agency cooperation and the support of the National Assembly and other stakeholders. According to him, the exercise provided valuable lessons and insights into areas requiring further improvement, particularly in logistics and operational efficiency.
Prof. Amupitan emphasised that Nigeria’s electoral system operates within a tripartite framework comprising the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines. While the Commission is empowered to conduct elections and issue regulations, he stressed that these responsibilities must remain consistent with the provisions of the Constitution and the laws enacted by the National Assembly. He commended the legislature for granting INEC the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing process of constitutional and electoral amendments.
Outlining his vision for the Commission, the INEC Chairman stated that supporting the National Assembly in achieving meaningful electoral reforms remains a core priority of his leadership. He further emphasised the need to strengthen existing infrastructure and deploy technology in a manner that enhances transparency, credibility, and inclusiveness in the electoral process. He acknowledged the challenges associated with public perception and expectations, emphasising the importance of adhering to constitutionalism, due process, and institutional boundaries in the conduct of elections.
The INEC chairman also identified voter education as a critical mandate that will receive increased attention under his leadership, noting that informed participation by citizens is essential to the integrity and credibility of elections. He emphasised the central role of logistics in electoral success and observed that preparations for forthcoming elections, including the FCT Area Council Election and other off-cycle elections scheduled for 2026, are closely linked to the timely conclusion of electoral reforms by the National Assembly.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, welcomed Prof. Amupitan and his delegation, describing the interactive session as a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He reaffirmed the central role of INEC
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Ogun State Government Announces Pension, Gratuity Backlog Clearance Between 2012 and 2020
The Ogun State Government has announced the clearance of pension and gratuity arrears owed to workers who retired between 2012 and 2020, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of retirees.
The Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media parley organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning.
Okubadejo explained that the backlog was linked to the Defined Benefits Scheme, under which retirees receive monthly pension payments, stressing that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has not defaulted on pension obligations since assuming office.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have not missed a single month of pension payment. What we inherited were arrears tied to the Defined Benefits Scheme,” he said.
According to him, annual pension payments rose from ₦6.7 billion in 2019 to ₦20 billion in 2025, with projections showing a possible increase to ₦40 billion by 2029.
He disclosed that the state had so far paid ₦23.3 billion in gratuities covering retirees from 2012 to 2020, alongside ₦32.8 billion in outstanding gratuities for local government retirees inherited by the administration.
Okubadejo added that between 2019 and July 2, 2025, the state disbursed ₦93.26 billion in pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme and ₦94.78 billion to local government pensioners.
He assured that the remaining backlog would be cleared as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to improve, noting that over 300 workers who retired in July 2025 are currently receiving six-month palliatives pending the completion of their pension documentation.
The commissioner also described the newly approved Additional Pension Benefits (APB) as the first of its kind in Nigeria, adding that amendments to the state’s pension law would be pursued to formally integrate the scheme.
On the state’s fiscal outlook, Okubadejo revealed that the 2026 budget increased from ₦1.054 trillion in 2025 to ₦1.668 trillion, while Ogun’s economy expanded from ₦3.5 trillion in 2019 to ₦18.96 trillion in 2026.
He added that IGR grew from ₦50 billion in 2019 to ₦240 billion in 2025, with projections of ₦512 billion this year.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, said the 2026 budget reflects strong fiscal reforms, noting an 85 per cent budget execution rate in 2024 and sustained financial stability.
Other commissioners highlighted sectoral achievements, including massive road construction, increased healthcare funding, rail extension plans, education support programmes, and expanded housing projects across the state.
African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s future and vote for a change in leadership.
Obi spoke at a meeting with Hausa/Fulani chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.
“We have to talk about the future of our country. All of you know what is happening to our country today. That’s why we are campaigning that you vote out this government,” he said.
He described the situation in Nigeria as dire, citing insecurity, hunger and hardship.
“today we have insecurity across Nigeria. We have hunger across Nigeria. We are suffering across Nigeria. The only thing that is working in Nigeria today is bad news. Every morning you wake up is bad news,” Obi stated.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said a new administration would prioritize social services.
“We’re urging you to vote for a change and bring a new Nigeria, where our children will be in school. Our hospitals will work,” he added.
Obi also questioned government spending priorities, particularly in the health sector.
“today, if you’re sick in Nigeria you’re praying to Almighty God because we’re now in a country where our president spends 360 billion to buy and refit his plane and spends 36 million in capital vote for the Ministry of Health. There’s nothing working,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to use their votes to usher in what he described as a “new Nigeria” focused on improving citizens’ welfare and restoring key public services.
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