News
Opposition Faces Uncertainty as INEC Candidate Submission Deadline Expires
By Rukevwe Odeh
Opposition political parties in Nigeria are racing against time to finalise their candidate submissions as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) closes the extended nomination portal for the 2027 general elections.
The deadline, which was shifted from July 11 to July 14 following complaints of technical challenges by several parties, expires at midnight on Tuesday. INEC said the extension was granted after appeals from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), allowing affected parties additional time to complete the upload of candidates’ details.
Despite the extension, internal disputes and court cases continue to cast doubt over the readiness of some opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose leadership crisis has intensified.
The uncertainty deepened after the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld an earlier Federal High Court ruling restraining INEC from recognising submissions and correspondence originating from the David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the ADC. In a split judgment, the appellate court also ruled that the caretaker committee lacked the authority to organise state congresses and a national convention, declaring those exercises invalid.
The ruling has, however, generated differing interpretations. ADC leaders insist the judgment concerns only the party’s internal leadership structure and does not invalidate the primary elections that produced its candidates. The party has already announced plans to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that the verdict will be overturned.
The party also dismissed reports claiming that another faction uploaded candidates’ names to INEC’s nomination portal. According to its leadership, such reports are false and based on allegedly forged documents. ADC urged the electoral commission to investigate the matter and prevent attempts to mislead the public.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also appealed for calm, arguing that the Appeal Court judgment did not nullify the party’s primaries. He urged party members and supporters not to be swayed by what he described as misleading interpretations of the court’s decision.
Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) said it had resolved its internal leadership issues and intends to use the remaining time to complete the upload of its candidates after regularising its nomination process.
Political observers have warned that unresolved legal battles and leadership disputes within several opposition parties could affect public confidence in the electoral process if not settled before the 2027 general elections.
With the nomination portal set to close, attention now shifts to whether the affected parties can overcome their legal and organisational challenges ahead of the campaigns.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
A group of stakeholders in Warri has announced its decision to withdraw support for the incumbent member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, while explaining its position, cited what it described as dissatisfaction with the lawmaker’s performance and representation of the constituency.
The stakeholders subsequently declared their support for Comrade Jude Ukori Mulade as their preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
According to the group, its decision followed concerns over the level of representation and development delivered to the constituency under the current administration.
The stakeholders said they were seeking a representative who would be more responsive to the needs of the people and more committed to advancing issues affecting residents across the constituency.
They urged other political stakeholders and eligible voters in Warri to consider Mulade’s candidacy as the 2027 elections approach.
The group’s endorsement adds to the growing political activities and realignments expected to shape the contest for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ereyitomi, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the group’s statement.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
Residents and road users along the Warri Airport Road, particularly the section near Federal Government College in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have continued to contend with recurring flooding despite years of road construction and rehabilitation efforts.
The affected stretch is frequently submerged following heavy rainfall, with inadequate drainage identified as a major factor contributing to the persistent flooding.
The recurring situation has raised concerns among motorists, residents and other road users, who say the condition of the road continues to disrupt movement and create difficulties for commuters whenever there is significant rainfall.
The development has also renewed calls for attention to the drainage system along the route, with residents hoping that a lasting solution will be implemented to prevent the road from repeatedly becoming flooded.
By staff Reporter: Rukevwe Odeh
A heavy downpour has left the popular NNPC Housing Complex Road, also known as Ekpan Link Road, submerged in floodwater in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The rainfall caused significant water accumulation along the busy road, affecting movement and creating difficulties for motorists and other road users.
The condition of the road has renewed concerns over flooding and drainage challenges in the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents and commuters are expected to exercise caution while using the affected route as efforts to manage the situation continue.
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