By Adewole Kehinde

The just-concluded Anambra State Governorship election, held on November 8, 2025, stands as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Under the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Amupitan, the poll marked a clear success for the Commission in ensuring that votes cast were accurately counted and transparently collated, a triumph of institutional integrity and technological advancement.

INEC’s deliberate and effective deployment of technology once again proved to be a game-changer. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned with remarkable efficiency, ensuring that only accredited voters participated in the process.

In addition, the real-time electronic transmission of results through the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) provided an unprecedented layer of transparency, allowing Nigerians to monitor outcomes as they unfolded. These innovations have successfully dismantled the viability of result manipulation and “result writing,” restoring public confidence in the sanctity of the ballot.

However, while we celebrate this administrative and technological success, it is important to remind the electorate that vote buying remains a serious electoral offence. Under Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act, it is a criminal act that carries severe penalties.

Beyond its illegality, vote buying is a financial crime that directly undermines the moral and institutional foundation of governance. It converts the democratic process into a marketplace and corrupts the very essence of representation. 

As Nigeria looks forward to the Ekiti and Osun Governorship elections in 2026, and ultimately the 2027 General Elections, the lessons from Anambra must guide both institutions and citizens.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) must activate their intelligence networks to identify, arrest, and prosecute all known and alleged perpetrators and sponsors of vote buying in future elections. Electoral integrity cannot thrive where financial inducement is tolerated.

In conclusion, the Anambra 2025 election has confirmed INEC’s success in fixing the back end of the electoral process and transparency in accreditation, collation, and result transmission.

The challenge now lies with the front end: securing the integrity of the voter’s will. We must confront and eliminate the scourge of vote buying before it consumes the very democracy we strive to protect.

Professor Amupitan and his team deserve commendation, not just for conducting a credible election, but for demonstrating that with commitment, transparency, and innovation, Nigeria’s democracy can indeed work.

Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst and writes from Abuja. Email: kennyadewole@gmail.com, 08166240846

By Valentine Ozigbo

There is a video of me in 2018, when I first chaired Unusual Praise in Lagos—long before my foray into politics.

That year, our leadership chose to dedicate the project to raising awareness and support for our brothers and sisters in Benue State, who had become victims of relentless attacks by armed militias, or whatever names they are called.

Tragically, those same patterns of violence have since spread across our country.

Today, as I reflect on Nigeria’s current situation — and the recent decision by United States President Donald Trump to intervene — I feel compelled to speak as both a citizen and a believer in this nation’s promise.

1. The Courage to Confront the Truth

Our first responsibility as a nation is honesty. We must admit that we have a problem — one that runs deep into the very fabric of governance, justice, and moral leadership.

We cannot heal what we refuse to confront.

Nigeria must be reimagined on the pillars of truth, equity, and the rule of law — with accountability for every action, at every level.

No amount of public relations or diplomatic spin can replace the sincerity of purpose. If we want peace, we must build justice. If we desire unity, we must earn trust.

2. The Urgency of Diplomatic Leadership

The recent actions and statements from the United States should have triggered an immediate, coordinated diplomatic response from our government.

It was an opportunity for strategic engagement — to open constructive channels, clarify concerns, and affirm the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the lives of its citizens.

I expected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to have swiftly activated a high-level diplomatic mission to Washington, aligning Nigeria’s position with both national dignity and global partnership. Some of the official reactions we’ve heard so far, unfortunately, have been unhelpful, even counterproductive.

This was not the moment for defensiveness or rhetoric. We must remember that diplomacy is not submission — it is strategy. A strong and dignified foreign policy does not react emotionally; it acts responsibly.

3. The Pathway to Renewal

Nigeria, as currently constituted, is not sustainable. Even what works can be improved — even more so for what does not.

That is why I sincerely urge my party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the leadership of President Tinubu, to take full responsibility for both past and present failings.

Let us show humility, apologise where necessary, and commit to genuine repentance.

The place to begin is the rule of law — ensuring an independent and accountable judiciary and fixing our broken electoral system.

This means implementing electronic voting, ensuring the real-time transmission of results, and allowing independent candidacy, with clear legislation and timelines for each reform.

These reforms are not political luxuries — they are moral imperatives. A nation’s destiny cannot rise higher than the credibility of its elections.

4. A Call for National Dialogue and Restructuring

More fundamentally, Nigeria needs an honest, structured conversation about its future.

I strongly recommend bringing together the leadership of The Patriots, the Fatherland Group (which advocates the Orange Union Model), and the Federal Government’s representatives to identify specific priorities, assign responsibilities, and set clear deadlines for key steps in restructuring our federation.

A credible working document for this dialogue remains the 2014 National Conference Report — a blueprint born of consensus and national goodwill.

Our diversity should be a source of strength, not suspicion. True federalism, balanced devolution of powers, and regional autonomy within a united framework can unlock Nigeria’s full potential.

5. Restoring Hope and Order

Beyond political reforms, we must renew our collective moral compass.

The state must reclaim its moral authority by eliminating criminality from our forests, highways, and communities — not through arbitrary force, but through justice and intelligence.

Sponsors and perpetrators of violence must face the full weight of the law.

Security is not only about the absence of war; it is the presence of justice.

And when that justice stands firm, peace will follow.

*6. A Vision Worth Fighting For*

If these actions are taken in good faith—grounded in courage and humility—Nigeria will rise again.

History will remember President Tinubu not for the crises he inherited, but for the courage he showed in transforming them—from chaos to concord, pain to purpose, and despair to direction.

Let us act decisively—taking responsibility, initiating needed reforms, and leading by example.

Now is the time to pursue reform and restoration for our nation.

Lead with empathy, listen actively, and embrace real change together.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Author’s Bio:
*Valentine Ozigbo* is a multiple-award-winning global CEO and the Immediate Past President & Group CEO of Transcorp Plc. A recent recipient of the prestigious Seven Stars Leadership & Governance Excellence Medal, he is the Founder of The Valiant Movement, which champions moral leadership, youth empowerment, and the transformation of Nigeria’s political culture. Join him on X/Twitter @valentineozigbo and Instagram @valyntino.

By Adewole Kehinde

In a nation as vast and diverse as Nigeria, the quest for security cannot be achieved through isolated efforts.

The reality confronting us is clear: no single agency, institution, or community can guarantee safety on its own. Security is not a one-man show; it is a collective responsibility that thrives on synergy, trust, and truth.

Across Nigeria, we have witnessed commendable efforts by the military, police, civil defence, intelligence services, and local vigilantes. Each plays a vital role in combating terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, cybercrime, and communal conflicts.

Yet despite their bravery and sacrifices, the lack of coordination and information sharing often weakens their impact. A fragmented approach to security only gives room for criminals to exploit loopholes.

To secure this nation, we must embrace collaboration as a core value. Security agencies must share intelligence seamlessly, coordinate operations effectively, and respect one another’s jurisdictions.

Equally important, communities must see themselves as partners in the security architecture, not passive observers. Local intelligence remains one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks, identifying suspicious movements, and building early-warning systems.

However, collaboration thrives on trust, and trust cannot exist in an environment poisoned by misinformation. In recent times, fake news and malicious propaganda have fueled ethnic tensions, eroded public confidence in security institutions, and even endangered ongoing operations.

A single false report can trigger panic, unrest, and retaliation. We must all take responsibility for what we share, especially on social media.

National security begins with national unity. It is the duty of citizens to support security agencies through timely and accurate information, and it is the duty of those agencies to act with professionalism, respect for human rights, and transparency. When people trust that their safety is genuinely being prioritised, they become active partners in ensuring peace.

Our collective goal should be a Nigeria where the army, police, DSS, NSCDC, and local communities operate as one formidable force, bound by common purpose, not competition. A Nigeria where we stand together against crime, rather than stand apart in blame.

Security cannot be provided in silos. It demands synergy among all stakeholders, rooted in trust and guided by truth. To secure this nation, we must work together, believe in one another, and reject the divisive poison of fake news. Only then can we truly build a peaceful and resilient Nigeria.

Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst and writes from Abuja. Email: kennyadewole@gmail.com, 08166240846