A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to support the electronic transmission of election results ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on 12 February 2026, Eze questioned why the President would oppose real-time electronic transmission if he believes he remains popular and capable of winning a free and fair election.

“President Bola Tinubu is jittery, unsettled and ready to go against any known international best standards that will warrant the conduct of a free, fair and credible election come 2027,” Eze said.

He added:

“If he feels he is still a democrat, popular and capable of winning election without rigging, then he should support the electronic transmission of election results.”

Why It Matters

Electronic transmission of election results has remained a contentious issue in Nigeria since the 2023 general election.

Supporters argue that real-time digital transmission reduces manipulation, increases transparency and strengthens public trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Critics of manual collation say delays and inconsistencies during the last election fuelled public distrust and post-election litigation.

The Senate recently debated proposals that could allow a mix of manual and electronic transmission, a move that has drawn opposition from some political figures and civic groups.

Eze’s Allegations

Eze accused the President of attempting to influence the 2027 electoral process through political alignments.

“Forcing fearful Governors and some fading politicians into joining the APC bandwagon of failed leaders and enemies of Nigeria will not give you free ride to winning a second tenure,” he said.

He further warned against what he described as “dual transmission” of results.

“Anybody that is against the adoption of electronic transmission or transfer of election results real time in this modern day Nigeria, is an enemy of democracy.”

Eze also cautioned against what he termed a repeat of the “contraption called 2023 general election.”

Opposition Voices

The APC chieftain praised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for opposing a mixed transmission model.

Quoting Atiku, he said:

“At this point, this is not about me contesting elections. It is about Nigerians who want electronic transmission of election results.”

Atiku added:

“If we have a single-tier electoral transmission system that is real-time electronic, that would be our preference… I don’t support that.”

Eze also commended former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi for what he described as their support for electoral transparency.

INEC has previously stated that technological infrastructure and legal backing determine the scope of electronic transmission during elections.

What’s Next?

With more than a year before the 2027 elections, debates around electoral reforms are expected to intensify.

Any amendment to the Electoral Act would require legislative approval and presidential assent.

Whether lawmakers settle for a single electronic system or a hybrid model may shape public confidence in the next presidential election.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commissioned a modern block of classrooms at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos.

The project, delivered by the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command, forms part of the Service’s corporate social responsibility efforts under the Customs Cares framework.

The facility was unveiled on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.

What the Project Includes

The newly commissioned structure goes beyond classrooms.

It includes fully furnished learning spaces, a borehole for water supply, water closets, a well-equipped library and a functional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre.

Officials say the aim is to strengthen access to education and vocational skills for inmates as part of rehabilitation efforts.

Why It Matters

Education is widely regarded as a key factor in reducing repeat offences and improving reintegration after incarceration.

Many Nigerian correctional facilities face infrastructure challenges, including limited access to structured learning and digital literacy programmes.

Customs officials say the intervention is designed to bridge part of that gap within the Kirikiri custodial centre.

The project was initiated under the leadership of the then Customs Area Controller, now Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Eghosa Joy Edelduok.

She described the facility as more than infrastructure.

According to her, it represents “a beacon of hope and renewal for inmates”.

She also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for his leadership, and to officers, partners and stakeholders who supported the project.

Leadership Transition and Continuity

Following ACG Edelduok’s promotion and redeployment, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Lukman Adigun assumed leadership of the Command as Acting Customs Area Controller.

He sustained the project and oversaw its completion.

In his remarks, he said the facility provides hope, practical skills and learning opportunities for inmates.

He described the outcome as evidence of “continuity, dedication, and teamwork in public service”.

Customs CG Speaks

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, formally commissioned the facility.

He reaffirmed that the Service would continue implementing social interventions aligned with sustainable development priorities.

According to him, these include education, health, water provision and literacy initiatives.

He commended ACG Edelduok for what he described as her foresight and commitment.

He added that the project demonstrates the Service’s resolve to go beyond trade facilitation and border security.

Officials say the CG also toured the facility after the commissioning ceremony.

Correctional Service Reaction

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, was represented at the event by Deputy Comptroller-General Amos Kupan.

Mr Kupan praised the initiative, describing it as a clear demonstration of corporate social responsibility and support for the Correctional Service’s rehabilitation mandate.

He said the facility would enhance the learning environment within the custodial centre and strengthen both educational and vocational training programmes.

He also highlighted the partnership between the two institutions as an example of collaboration in nation-building and human capital development.

What’s Next?

Customs officials say the Customs Cares framework will continue to drive community-focused projects across commands nationwide.

For inmates at Kirikiri, the immediate focus will be integrating the classrooms, library and ICT centre into ongoing literacy and vocational programmes.

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Ogunwande Sodiq, over an alleged rape and threat to life in Iganna.

Police said the case was reported by the father of the 18-year-old survivor, who alleged that the suspect broke into his daughter’s room, threatened her with a knife and raped her.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command confirmed that the suspect had been taken into custody.

The police spokesperson said, “The survivor was promptly rescued and taken to a medical facility, where she received appropriate medical care as well as socio-psychological evaluation and support.”

He added that detectives visited the scene, recovered a knife and a bedsheet as exhibits, and documented evidence.

According to the statement, “He has confessed to the crime and is cooperating with the police, facilitating the ongoing investigation.”

The suspect is expected to be charged to court after investigations are completed.

Why This Matters

Sexual violence remains a major concern in Nigeria, with advocacy groups repeatedly calling for stronger enforcement of laws and better survivor support systems.

Under Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), rape and threats to life are serious offences punishable by law.

The Oyo Police Commissioner described the alleged act as “heinous, barbaric, and unacceptable,” assuring that the suspect would face the full weight of the law.

The case has been transferred to the Command’s Gender Desk in Ibadan for what police described as a “discreet and thorough investigation.”

What Happens Next

Police say investigations are ongoing and the suspect will be formally charged once completed.

The Command has urged residents to report sexual violence and other crimes promptly.

For emergencies, the Oyo State Call Response Center can be reached toll-free via 615, while the Police Control Room numbers are 08081768614 and 07055495413.

Impact on the Community

Incidents of sexual violence often leave long-term emotional and psychological effects on survivors and families.

Authorities say prompt reporting and coordinated response between families, police and healthcare providers can improve outcomes.

The case is likely to renew conversations in Oyo communities about safety, prevention and justice for survivors.