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The Erosion of Democracy: Partisan Appointments in INEC and Senate’s Betrayal

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By Chidi Ekeh
In the annals of Nigeria’s democratic history, certain events stand out as defining moments, either bolstering our faith in democracy or causing us to question its very essence. The recent appointment and confirmation of card-carrying members and loyalists of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fall squarely into the latter category. In a nation where the integrity of elections is paramount, these appointments have struck a grievous blow to our democratic ideals. In this scathing op-ed, we will decry these appointments and condemn the Senate’s role in this betrayal of our democracy, demand accountability, and commend the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for its relentless pursuit of justice.
The Unholy Alliance
The appointment of APC members as RECs in INEC is not just a political maneuver; it is a blatant mockery of the principles that underpin our democracy. The very foundation of a democratic system is built on the notion of fairness, impartiality, and the strict separation of powers. These cardinal principles have been trampled upon with impunity, as loyalists of the ruling party are handed the keys to the electoral process, a process that should be impartial and beyond reproach.
The gravest sin committed in this debacle is the blatant disregard for the principle of neutrality. The INEC is supposed to be a non-partisan body, responsible for ensuring that elections are conducted fairly and transparently. By appointing individuals with clear affiliations to the APC, President Tinubu has struck a blow at the very heart of this impartiality. These appointments transform the INEC into a partisan tool, undermining the confidence of the opposition parties and the Nigerian electorate.
Senate’s Complicity
One might assume that the Senate, as the custodian of democratic values, would serve as a check and balance against such blatant disregard for democratic norms. However, the Senate’s role in this travesty is nothing short of complicity. The very institution entrusted with the protection of our democracy has, in fact, betrayed the people they were elected to serve.
The Senate’s confirmation of these partisan appointments is a betrayal of the trust of the Nigerian people. Instead of questioning the nominees’ affiliations and holding them to the highest standards of neutrality, the Senate has chosen to rubber-stamp President Tinubu’s decisions, undermining their own mandate and the very essence of democracy.
The deafening silence of the Senate in the face of these appointments speaks volumes. It is a testament to their willingness to put party loyalty above their responsibility to the people. Rather than acting as a bulwark against the erosion of democracy, they have become willing accomplices in its demise.
*A Demand for Accountability*
In the face of this glaring assault on the principles of democracy, it is imperative that we demand accountability. The government must be held responsible for its actions, and the people must make it clear that such appointments will not be tolerated. Accountability is not a matter of political affiliation; it is a matter of safeguarding the very foundation of our nation.
We must demand that the government adhere to the constitutional and legal requirements for the appointment of RECs. The Nigerian Constitution and electoral laws clearly stipulate the qualifications and criteria for the appointment of RECs, and these must be upheld. Age, integrity, and non-partisanship are the cornerstones of a successful REC. We must insist that these criteria are not just words on paper but standards that must be met without compromise.
Praise for SERAP
In this hour of darkness for our democracy, it is heartening to see organizations like SERAP standing up for the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law. SERAP’s decision to sue the Tinubu administration and the Senate over the partisan appointments in INEC is a beacon of hope in a sea of despair. It demonstrates the power of civil society in holding the government accountable for its actions.
SERAP’s actions are a testament to the resilience of civil society and the unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of democracy. They have taken a bold step in the pursuit of justice, and we must commend their dedication to ensuring that the right things are done.
 Qualities of a Resident Electoral Commissioner
To restore the credibility and integrity of INEC, we must first understand the qualities and qualifications that a REC should possess. The appointment of RECs is not a matter of political patronage; it is a matter of national importance. To be a successful REC, an individual must meet the following criteria:
Age: A REC must be at least 40 years old. This requirement is in place to ensure that appointees have the necessary experience and maturity to handle the responsibilities of the position.
Integrity: The individual appointed as a REC must be of unquestionable integrity. This means they should have a track record of ethical conduct and a commitment to upholding the principles of democracy.
Non-partisanship: Perhaps the most crucial qualification is non-partisanship. A REC should not be a member of any registered political party. This is to prevent any conflict of interest and to ensure that the individual can carry out their duties with impartiality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the appointment of APC members as RECs in INEC and the Senate’s confirmation of these appointments are dark days for Nigerian democracy. The erosion of the principles of fairness, impartiality, and neutrality in our electoral process is a threat to the very core of our nation.
We must demand accountability from our government and insist that they adhere to the constitutional and legal requirements for the appointment of RECs. The Nigerian people deserve an electoral commission that is beyond reproach, one that can conduct elections with integrity and transparency.
SERAP’s pursuit of justice is a glimmer of hope in these trying times. Their actions remind us that civil society can play a critical role in holding the government accountable and ensuring that the right things are done.
As we move forward, let us remember the qualities and qualifications that a REC should possess: age, integrity, and non-partisanship. These are not just words on paper; they are the standards that must be upheld to safeguard our democracy.
In the face of this assault on our democracy, we must be vengeful in our determination to restore the principles of fairness and impartiality. We must be angry at the betrayal of our trust by those who were meant to protect our democracy. Only then can we begin to rebuild the foundations of our nation and ensure that our democracy thrives.
Chidi Ekeh writes from Abuja
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Dangote Refinery to supply 1.5bn litres of petrol monthly

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….Writes NMDPRA, Engages Marketers to Stabilise Fuel Market

Photo caption: L R: Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Vishwajit Sinha; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird; President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and into the New Year.

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.

“In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February, which translates to about 60 million litres per day,” Dangote said.

Photo caption: L R: President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.

Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered haulage.

“Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered in the cement sector,” he added.

He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to its vision, driven by the strong public support for the company’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic development.

During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, commended Dangote’s leadership and his continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capability, national energy security and long-term economic competitiveness.

She described the South-South region as Nigeria’s natural energy corridor, with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets, agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters. She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.

Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal Government’s energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.

“As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human capital advancement, and private-sector–led growth. In this regard, we stand prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for Dangote Group’s expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing, agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing,” she said.

In a letter from the refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, to the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the Authority’s support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product evacuation.

“In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media),” Bird stated. “We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies”.

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By Bonaventure Phillips Melah

Photo caption: L R: Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Vishwajit Sinha; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird; President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and into the New Year.

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.

“In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February, which translates to about 60 million litres per day,” Dangote said.

Photo caption: LR: President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

 

Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.

Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered haulage.

“Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered in the cement sector,” he added.

He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to its vision, driven by the strong public support for the company’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic development.

During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, commended Dangote’s leadership and his continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capability, national energy security and long-term economic competitiveness.

She described the South-South region as Nigeria’s natural energy corridor, with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets, agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters. She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.

Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal Government’s energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.

“As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human capital advancement, and private-sector–led growth. In this regard, we stand prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for Dangote Group’s expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing, agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing,” she said.

In a letter from the refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, to the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the Authority’s support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product evacuation.

“In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media),” Bird stated. “We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies”.

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Gunmen abduct five in Enugu community

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Some women in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Saturday, staged a protest over the alleged kidnap of five residents and the shooting of another during an attack on the community.

The protesters, who marched through major parts of the community, said the incident had heightened fear and insecurity in the area.

One victim of the attack is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

A social media influencer, ‘Sen.’ Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, made this known via Facebook on Saturday.

Ugwuanyi revealed that resident who confirmed the incident said recent cases of abductions and shootings had left the community unsafe, prompting the women to demand urgent government intervention.

In a video shared on Ugwuanyi’s Facebook page, the protesters called on the Enugu State Government and security agencies to step in and restore peace, warning that residents could no longer live under constant fear of attacks.

 

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