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2023 election: Northern states Civil Society Networks rate INEC low
The Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) performed below expectation in the last presidential and National Assembly elections across the country.
KANO FOCUS reports that they tasked the electoral umpire to brace up to the challenges and perform better during Saturday’s governorship and state Assembly elections in Nigeria.
The Conference regretted that most Nigerians were not satisfied after the conduct of February 25 elections by INEC.
Addressing Journalists at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, Chairman of the Conference, Ambassador Ibrahim A. Waiya stated that, “the presidential and National Assembly elections conducted on the 25th February by INEC has fallen short of the standard of all elections practices and ethics.”
According to him, “INEC has raised so much credibility question on its name and created doubt on the minds of Nigerians regarding INEC preparedness to conduct free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in Nigeria.”
He, however, expressed happiness that, “timely distribution of electoral materials especially to LGAs offices were really commendable. Quick responses to BVAS issues on the election day were also impressive. The Election was on a general assessment peaceful.
“The Nigerian security agencies like EFCC, DSS, NDLEA, NSCDC, Nigeria Police Force had performed wonderfully well in ensuring peaceful polls during presidential and national Assembly elections, and that they would continue with the work in the next elections.”
Waiya said it was unfortunate that, “the elections were highly polarized along religion and ethnicity.”
The Conference noted that, “compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act 2022 must be observed to ensure electoral credibility in Nigeria.
“Electoral offenders of any kind must be punished under the laws of the country to discourage others from perpetrating electoral offences again in Nigeria.
“Those found in the act of intimidating and suppressing voters at polling units must be made to face the wrath of the law no matter how highly placed they are.
“The impunity of the state governors during elections must be addressed to checkmate their overbearing interference in elections.
“It is imperative for INEC to review all evidence of electoral malpractices presented before the commission in the interest of peace and security as political party and party processes must be reformed to tackle issues of money bags and Godfatherism in Nigeria’s politics. Where the political parties fail to get it right, it is absolutely impossible for Nigeria to get its general election right.
“Issue-based campaigns must be encouraged rather than identity sentiment along religion and ethnicity
EFCC should continue with their good work to reduce the commercialization of the electoral process through vote buying and selling.”
Waiya regretted that, “the conduct of the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections were poor, especially with the attitude of the commission to ditch result transmission from polling units across the country.
“This singular act has given room for suspicion of human interference and manipulation of results and could prune the will of the people as freely expressed at the poll.”
Further speaking during the Press Conference entitled: “The Conduct of Elections and the question of integrity,” Waiya said: “The 25th February, 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections had keenly generated a lot of attention from within and outside the country.
“However, this may not be unconnected on how Nigeria is strategically positioned as the largest democracy in Africa.
“Many organizations both local and international had passionately observed the conduct of the elections, especially the local organizations who have been on ground and have been following the trend since the release of the elections timetable.
“Many civil society organizations had observed the conduct of the elections across the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.
“While in some states there were other complementary efforts such as hosting of the election situation room which were focused on data collation and analysis, as well as quick response mechanism to address emerging issues such as what was obtained in Kano State
“Although there were many assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission before the conduct of the elections, on its preparedness to conduct free, fair, credible and transparent elections.
“Unfortunately, what was witnessed during the conduct of the presidential elections on the 25th Feb. fell below the high expectation of the Nigerians, who had have the high hope more than before, to witness a historic elections in the country. This could be evidently justified by the number of Nigerians that registered as voters numbering to more than eighty five million, all as eligible voters who could participate in the elections.
“It is however unfortunate that, the number of Nigerians that participated in the last elections of 25th Feb. were apparently not happy with the outcome of the elections especially as the elections were massively characterized by many irregularities. Although some of the shortcomings that marred the conduct of the elections, could be summarized into pre, during and post elections.
“The undemocratic tendencies played out during the pre-election phase, which bordered on lack of internal democracy in the political parties processes that produced the candidates of major parties, had an over spelling effects on the conduct of the general election.
“For instance, the commercialization of the party elections that produced candidates at the primaries, had institutionalized vote-buying which eventually translated and resurfaced in the general election. In addition to the above, the violence that also accompanied the campaign activities which were turned bloody in some states, such as Kano, and some other parts of the country.
“These ugly practices therefore transcended into mass electoral violence in a number of places during the presidential election.”
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced measures aimed at protecting smaller telecommunications operators from unfair competition by larger industry players through the release of a draft Business Rules framework for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
KANO FOCUS reports that the Commission has also invited operators and other stakeholders to submit comments and recommendations on the proposed regulations before their final adoption.
According to the NCC, the draft framework is designed to prevent dominant Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) from using pricing strategies or operational delays to frustrate smaller operators and virtual network providers operating within the telecommunications sector.
The Commission noted that the proposed rules would promote fair competition, protect the interests of emerging operators, and strengthen operational standards across the industry.
As part of its stakeholder engagement process, the NCC has requested industry participants and interested parties to submit feedback on the draft framework on or before June 29, 2026.
The Commission also announced plans to hold a public consultation forum on July 9, 2026, where stakeholders’ submissions and recommendations will be reviewed and considered before the final implementation of the rules.
According to the NCC, the new regulations are intended to create a level playing field for all operators, encourage healthy competition, and accelerate growth within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
Key provisions of the proposed framework include strict onboarding timelines, fair pricing mechanisms, revenue-sharing arrangements, and mandatory compliance requirements for telecommunications operators.
Under the draft rules, host network operators will be required to acknowledge MVNO connection requests within 10 days and provide feedback on technical readiness within 20 days.
The framework further stipulates that all technical and commercial agreements between host operators and MVNOs must be concluded within 120 days to prevent unnecessary delays in market entry and operations.
To ensure equitable participation in the market, the NCC has also proposed benchmark pricing structures covering data services, voice calls, SMS, and USSD services.
The Commission believes the pricing model will help prevent dominant operators from engaging in anti-competitive practices that could force smaller virtual operators out of the market.
In addition, the proposed regulations introduce a tiered operational framework that clearly defines the scope, responsibilities, and operational boundaries of different categories of operators within the telecommunications ecosystem.
Industry stakeholders are expected to make further contributions to the framework before its final adoption by the Commission.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
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