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Leaders Call for INEC Reforms to Restore Trust Before 2027 Elections

Phinadon Mag

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Governors and former ministers have called on the Federal Government to reform INEC before the 2027 elections to restore public trust and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy during a high-level forum in Abuja.

Prominent political leaders have called on the Federal Government to undertake urgent reforms of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that credible polls are essential to restoring public trust and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

The call was made on Monday in Abuja during a high-level panel discussion organised by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, themed “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025: Gains, Gaps, and the Road Ahead.”

The event also marked the launch of the Athena Election Observatory, an initiative designed to monitor and document electoral reforms, innovations, and governance trends in Nigeria and across Africa.

Leaders Advocate for Institutional Integrity

Among the panellists were Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma SoludoZamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawalformer Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who also serves as the Chancellor of the Athena Centre.

Speaking at the forum, Prof. Soludo emphasised that credible elections are a reflection of institutional integrity and governance quality, urging reforms that would deepen public confidence and institutional independence.

He noted that while technological innovations such as the BVAS and IReV have improved transparency, the human and institutional factors behind their implementation remain crucial to achieving credible outcomes.

Rule of Law as Foundation of Democracy

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, linked the success of democracy to respect for the rule of law and accountability in governance, stressing that electoral credibility cannot exist without justice and fairness.

Lawal urged political leaders to demonstrate ethical leadership and respect for due process, noting that democracy thrives only when institutions are allowed to function independently.

Strengthening INEC and Public Confidence

Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, identified weak institutions and low public confidence as the root causes of Nigeria’s electoral challenges. He argued that democracy depends on strong institutions, not individuals.

He called for a comprehensive review of INEC’s structure, funding, and operational independence, adding that electoral credibility must be built on transparency, accountability, and fairness.

Aregbesola and Other Stakeholders Weigh In

Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, commended the progress made in electoral technology but cautioned that innovation must be matched with integrity. He urged stakeholders to focus on capacity buildingvoter education, and institutional reforms that would make elections more inclusive and credible.

Other participants at the event echoed similar sentiments, calling for collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 polls.

Athena Centre’s Role in Electoral Reform

The Athena Election Observatory, launched during the event, aims to serve as a research and monitoring platform for tracking electoral innovations, governance reforms, and democratic trends across Africa.

According to the organisers, the Observatory will provide data-driven insights to support policymakers, electoral bodies, and civil society in advancing transparent and credible elections.

The forum concluded with a collective call for urgent institutional reformstechnological innovation, and citizen engagement to ensure that the 2027 general elections reflect the will of the people and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

Entertainment

Burna Boy makes history as the first male artist to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again etched his name in history, this time by becoming the first male artist to claim the coveted #1 spot on Spotify’s newly launched Global Music Video Chart. This monumental achievement comes courtesy of his electrifying World Cup anthem with pop icon Shakira, ‘Dai Dai.’

‘Dai Dai’ has proven to be an unstoppable force, not only conquering the Spotify chart but also making significant waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it recently soared to a new peak of #13. Industry experts are already predicting a top 10 entry next week, fueled by the highly anticipated World Cup Final Halftime Show performance by Burna Boy and Shakira this coming Sunday.
The song’s dominance extends far beyond these charts. ‘Dai Dai’ remains the most-streamed music video of 2026 on YouTube, boasting an astonishing half a billion views. It has also reached the pinnacle of the Apple Music Global Songs Charts, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Burna Boy’s incredible success with ‘Dai Dai’ has further cemented his position as a titan of the music industry. He has extended his record as the African artist with the most monthly listeners in Spotify’s history, surpassing an astounding 53 million. Not stopping there, he has also set a new benchmark on YouTube Music, becoming the African artist with the most monthly listeners, exceeding 600 million.
These extraordinary achievements are a testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable talent, global appeal, and the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats on the international music scene. He continues to break barriers and inspire millions, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.

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Entertainment

Cardi B Addresses Maduka Okoye Speculation: “I’m Really Hip Hop’s Britney Spears”.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has once again found herself at the center of swirling rumors, this time concerning her burgeoning friendship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Recent public appearances, including a dinner in Venice, ignited speculation about a potential romance, prompting Cardi B to candidly address the incessant public interest in her personal life.

The rapper, known for her unfiltered honesty, voiced her frustration in a widely circulated video, lamenting the disproportionate attention her activities receive compared to those of her peers. She highlighted a perceived double standard, where ordinary facets of her life become subjects of intense public debate, while similar situations involving other celebrities garner little to no interest.

“No cap, I’m really hip hop’s Britney Spears,” Cardi B declared, drawing a parallel to the pop icon who has famously navigated intense media scrutiny throughout her career. She continued, “I got all the tea on these celebrities. I know who’s with who and what’s doing what. But guess what? Nobody reports about it because nobody cares.”

Her exasperation was palpable as she added, “But when it comes to me, I can’t even do anything without people talking about it. This is crazy. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It is what it is. People pay for this type of talk.”

Cardi B’s comments arrive amidst a crescendo of speculation surrounding her relationship with Okoye. The pair have been observed together on multiple occasions, notably during Paris Fashion Week and their recent rendezvous in Venice, fueling the ever-present social media buzz. Despite the widespread conjecture, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, leaving the nature of their connection open to continued public interpretation and discussion.

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Fabian Ruiz Targets 2026 Ballon d’Or After Incredible Trophy-Laden Season.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In a sport often dominated by household names, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Fabian Ruiz, has boldly declared his ambition to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Spain international, fresh off a truly remarkable season, has articulated a desire that resonates with every professional footballer: to be recognized as the world’s best.

Ruiz, at 30 years old, has enjoyed a sensational campaign that has seen him achieve the pinnacle of both club and international football. Lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG and, even more significantly, securing the World Cup with Spain, has propelled him into conversations previously reserved for a select few. His performances throughout these triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

The World Cup, in particular, served as a global stage for Ruiz to demonstrate his undeniable talent. As the tournament progressed, his name began to circulate with increasing frequency among pundits and fans alike as a genuine contender for individual accolades. This growing recognition is a testament to his consistent high-level play and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

When questioned about his aspirations, Ruiz’s response, as reported by Marca, was both humble and resolute: “Who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I’m happy with the season I have had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I’m in the running, it will be an honour.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment of a player who appreciates his current successes while simultaneously striving for even greater heights.

Fabian Ruiz’s declaration injects an exciting narrative into the footballing world. As he continues to perform at an elite level, all eyes will be on whether this gifted midfielder can transform his audacious ambition into reality and etch his name into the annals of football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.

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