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CITAD urges Senate to pass electoral amendment bill ahead of 2027 polls
Bosede Olufunmi
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has urged the Senate to expedite action on the Electoral Amendment Bill 2025, warning that further delay could adversely affect preparations for the 2027 general elections.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Executive Director of CITAD, Mr Yunusa Zakari-Ya’u, made the call on Wednesday during an emergency news conference in Kano.
Zakari-Ya’u recalled that during the 2023 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) assured Nigerians of the effective deployment of technology, particularly the electronic transmission of election results from polling and collation centres.
According to him, the assurance boosted public confidence, as electronic transmission was widely seen as a major step towards transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
He, however, lamented that INEC’s failure to fully implement electronic transmission of results had serious legal implications, noting that most election petitions arising from the 2023 polls were dismissed by the Supreme Court due to ambiguities in the Electoral Act.
Zakari-Ya’u explained that INEC did not expressly mandate electronic transmission of results, while the courts relied on loopholes in the law because it was not clearly stated as mandatory.
He added that the outcome of the 2023 elections triggered widespread calls for a review of the Electoral Act to prevent future misinterpretations.
“The National Assembly, through its Committees on Electoral Matters, subsequently conducted consultations and public hearings across the country over the last two to three years, resulting in an agreed amendment bill,” he said.
According to him, the proposed bill makes electronic transmission of results mandatory, introduces stiffer penalties for INEC officials who violate electoral laws, grants greater financial autonomy to INEC, and strengthens internal party democracy.
Zakari-Ya’u described the proposed amendments as critical to restoring public confidence in the electoral process, noting the steady decline in voter turnout in recent elections.
He said the House of Representatives passed the Electoral Amendment Bill in December 2025 after completing its legislative processes, adding that the bill now requires concurrence by the Senate before it can be transmitted to the President for assent.
The CITAD boss expressed disappointment that the Senate proceeded on recess at the end of 2025 without concluding work on the bill, describing the delay as risky, especially as INEC is legally required to publish the timetable for the 2027 general elections by April.
According to him, failure to pass the bill before then could create uncertainty over the legal framework governing the 2027 polls.
He recalled a similar situation in 2019, when delays in amending the Electoral Act led to the withholding of presidential assent due to time constraints, and urged the Senate to act swiftly to avoid a repeat of the setback and ensure credible elections in 2027.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
