INEC states lessons from forthcoming Ekiti governorship election may inform changes to Nigeria’s electoral laws

An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the outcome of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State will play a significant role in guiding future amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act. The official made this disclosure on Saturday, 20 June, in Ekiti, as stakeholders prepare for the upcoming poll.

According to the INEC representative, experiences and challenges encountered during the Ekiti election will be carefully reviewed by relevant authorities to determine areas of improvement within the legal framework governing elections. The official noted that these findings could lead to recommendations for amending provisions of the Electoral Act, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes.

The Electoral Act serves as the main legislation regulating conduct and administration of elections across Nigeria. Recent elections have raised concerns over issues such as electronic transmission of results, voter accreditation, and dispute resolution procedures—matters that have attracted calls from political parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders for reform.

While speaking on preparations for #EkitiDecides2026, the INEC official emphasised that both successes and shortcomings observed in Ekiti would be documented and forwarded to relevant committees for consideration. “We expect that what we learn from this process will help us identify gaps and advise on possible amendments to improve future elections,” the official stated.

The statement comes as political parties intensify their campaigns in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship poll. As at press time, major parties such as APC and PDP are yet to comment on INEC’s position regarding potential amendments. Observers believe that practical lessons drawn from real-time challenges faced during state elections like Ekiti can provide valuable insights for legislative reforms ahead of national polls.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889380-ekitidecides2026-outcome-of-poll-will-guide-future-electoral-act-amendments-official.html

Force shares 080-570-00001 hotline for complaints as extortion claims persist despite nationwide ‘Bail Is Free’ campaign

The Nigerian Police Force has reiterated that bail remains free in all police stations across Lagos State and the country, warning officers against demanding money from citizens seeking the release of suspects in bailable offences. This announcement was made on Thursday following renewed public outcry over alleged extortion by police personnel, with many Nigerians expressing doubts about the effectiveness of the ‘Bail Is Free’ initiative.

In a video circulated online, a senior police officer clarified that bail is an administrative process that allows suspects to leave custody while investigations continue, provided a reliable surety is present. The officer stated, “Bail is a process in a criminal investigation where a suspect is released to a reliable surety to produce him back whenever needed. Bail is not a punishment. Bail is not a sentence. So, the Nigerian law does not permit anyone to collect money for bail.”

Despite repeated campaigns and visible banners in many police stations declaring bail to be free, reports persist of Nigerians paying between ₦50,000 and ₦1 million under the guise of ‘mobilisation fees’ or ‘administrative charges.’ Many citizens remain sceptical about the policy’s enforcement due to longstanding allegations of police extortion and brutality nationwide.

To address these concerns, police authorities have urged any Nigerian who is asked to pay for bail to report immediately by calling 080-570-00001. The dedicated hotline was set up specifically for complaints against officers involved in illegal collection of money for bail. “Rather than argue with any officer at the station, we encourage citizens to use this complaint line so appropriate action can be taken,” the officer advised in the video.

Legal experts note that proper bail procedure requires only a surety and completion of paperwork by an Investigating Police Officer (IPO), with no cash transaction involved. The bail bond—a written guarantee ensuring suspects appear when required—costs nothing under Nigerian law.

As at Thursday afternoon, no official figures were released on disciplinary actions taken against offending officers in Lagos or elsewhere. However, civil society groups have called for greater transparency and stricter enforcement to ensure compliance by rank-and-file personnel. The Police Service Commission did not respond to requests for comment as at press time.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/police-bail-is-free-nigeria-2026062015113740956

Delta NDLEA Commander credits stricter enforcement and public campaigns during United Nations anti-drug event in Asaba

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has ramped up its crackdown on drug trafficking syndicates nationwide, recording a marked reduction in substance abuse cases in Delta State. This was revealed on Thursday in Asaba by Delta State Commander of NDLEA, Halilu Hamidu, during the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) advocacy road walk held to mark the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The advocacy event brought together officers of the NDLEA, members of the Military, Police, other security agencies, civil society organisations and students, all marching through Asaba with the aim of promoting a drug-free society. Participants emphasised safeguarding Nigeria’s youth from the dangers of substance abuse and called for sustained community vigilance.

Hamidu said Delta State has recorded a notable drop in substance abuse cases due to intensified enforcement actions targeting drug cartels as well as ongoing sensitisation efforts by the agency and its partners. “We are seeing improvement because of our constant raids on traffickers and steady enlightenment campaigns,” Hamidu stated at the event.

He attributed these gains to a combination of targeted operations against known drug syndicates and active community outreach programmes. According to him, collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders has been key to disrupting supply chains and raising awareness among young people about the consequences of drug use.

The road walk also featured engagement sessions with students and youth leaders, who pledged support for anti-drug initiatives. NDLEA officials urged parents, schools and local groups to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. The agency said it will continue to work closely with partners to sustain momentum in curbing substance abuse across Delta State.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/ndlea-intensifies-crackdown-on-drug-cartels-as-delta-records-decline-in-substance-abuse/