Nigeria News (Standard)
NHRC Urges INEC, Politicians to Ensure Accountability Ahead of 2027 Elections
Rights commission marks Democracy Day with call for transparent polls and responsible political conduct nationwide
Rights commission marks Democracy Day with call for transparent polls and responsible political conduct nationwide
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Nigerian politicians to uphold transparency and accountability as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections. The NHRC made this appeal on Friday, June 12, during events marking Democracy Day across various states.
According to the commission, credible elections are fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic journey and stability. The NHRC stressed that INEC must guarantee fair processes, while political actors should prioritise the rule of law and peaceful engagement as preparations intensify for the next election cycle.
Democracy Day commemorates Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999. With recent controversies over electoral outcomes and increasing public scrutiny, observers say calls for stronger accountability resonate widely. Many Nigerians have expressed concern about transparency in vote collation and the conduct of politicians during campaigns.
The NHRC, in its statement, urged all stakeholders—including political parties, security agencies, and civil society groups—to play their roles in fostering a peaceful pre-election environment. “We expect all parties to respect human rights and operate within legal frameworks,” the commission said.
As preparations for 2027 begin, the NHRC’s intervention underscores rising expectations for improved electoral integrity. INEC has yet to respond publicly to the latest call but is expected to release an official timetable and guidelines in coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigerian-Born Musician Spencer Percussionist Champions Wellbeing Through African Rhythms in UK
Spencer Richard Momoh’s creative health initiatives use music to foster social connection among diverse communities
Spencer Richard Momoh’s creative health initiatives use music to foster social connection among diverse communities
Nigerian-born musician Spencer Richard Momoh, popularly known as Spencer Percussionist, is leveraging African percussion and community engagement to promote wellbeing and social connection across the United Kingdom. Based in the UK, Spencer has garnered attention for integrating traditional rhythms with creative health programmes, offering an alternative approach to mental and physical wellness beyond conventional medical settings.
Spencer’s work spans multiple festivals and community events, where he employs African percussion instruments to create interactive sessions aimed at enhancing participants’ sense of belonging and participation. His initiatives fall under the Creative Health movement, which encourages the use of art forms as tools for improving overall wellbeing. Through workshops and performances, Spencer invites people from various backgrounds to connect through rhythm, fostering an environment where creativity becomes a pathway to healing.
The musician’s approach comes at a time when discussions on health in Nigeria and across the world are shifting towards holistic methods that include mental, emotional, and social aspects. By drawing from African musical traditions and adapting them for audiences in the diaspora, Spencer highlights how cultural heritage can serve as a bridge for inclusion and positive mental health outcomes. Stakeholders in both the arts and healthcare sectors have noted a growing interest in such cross-disciplinary collaborations, which reflect broader trends in community-based health interventions.
While official statements from UK health authorities on Spencer’s specific projects were not available as at press time, advocacy groups within the creative industry have welcomed his efforts. They maintain that artists like Spencer play an important role in addressing isolation and stress through accessible programmes that encourage group participation. Experts say that such initiatives could inform similar models in Nigeria, where community-driven solutions are increasingly seen as vital complements to formal healthcare delivery.
Looking ahead, observers expect that success stories like Spencer’s may inspire more Nigerian artists at home and abroad to explore how their craft can impact public health. As cultural exchange continues to shape approaches to wellbeing globally, artists engaging with their roots stand poised to make meaningful contributions within their adopted communities.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/music/how-spencer-percussionist-uses-rhythm-to-promote-wellbeing/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti ADC Governorship Candidate Raises Alarm Over Vote-Buying Ahead of 2026 Polls
Candidate warns electoral officials to enforce rules, says widespread inducement threatens credibility of South-West state’s elections
Candidate warns electoral officials to enforce rules, says widespread inducement threatens credibility of South-West state’s elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Ekiti State has expressed serious concerns about alleged vote-buying activities as the state prepares for its 2026 governorship election. The candidate, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, said the growing trend of financial inducement at polling units could undermine the integrity of the entire electoral process.
According to the ADC flagbearer, reports from party agents and supporters across various local government areas suggest that some political actors are already mobilising funds and materials with the aim of influencing voters. He urged both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take swift action in order to protect the credibility of Ekiti’s democratic process.
Vote-buying has been a recurring issue in Ekiti and other South-West states during previous elections, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing laws and enforcement measures. Analysts say that if left unchecked, such practices could erode public trust in government and discourage credible candidates from participating in future polls.
The ADC candidate called on INEC officials to strictly enforce anti-vote-buying regulations at polling centres and for security personnel to arrest any individual found engaging in electoral malpractice. He also appealed to voters not to allow themselves be swayed by financial offers but to vote according to their conscience.
With campaigns set to intensify in the coming months, stakeholders are watching closely to see how authorities will respond to these allegations and whether measures will be put in place to ensure a free and fair election come 2026.
raised concerns
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Urges Calm Over Voting Glitches in Governorship Poll
Oyebanji appeals for patience as reports of technical issues emerge during Ekiti State governorship election
Oyebanji appeals for patience as reports of technical issues emerge during Ekiti State governorship election
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has called on residents to remain patient and law-abiding following reports of technical glitches during Saturday’s governorship election across the state. The governor addressed the situation after voters in several polling units raised concerns over delays attributed to malfunctioning accreditation devices.
According to information gathered from various polling centres in Ado-Ekiti and other local government areas, some voters experienced slow processing as electoral officials struggled with equipment failures. Election officers were seen making efforts to resolve the issues, with many urging voters not to leave their stations until accredited.
The smooth conduct of the Ekiti governorship election is seen as crucial by stakeholders, given its importance as a bellwether for South-West politics and coming just months before other major elections nationwide. Technical hitches with accreditation devices have previously caused tension in Nigerian polls, often leading to voter frustration and concerns about disenfranchisement.
Governor Oyebanji appealed for calm, assuring residents that officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were working to address all complaints promptly. “I urge our people to exercise patience and allow INEC officials do their work so every eligible voter can participate,” he said in a statement issued at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti.
While some political parties expressed worry over the delays, others commended the efforts of INEC staff on ground. As at press time, voting was ongoing in most affected units, with INEC yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the scale or resolution of the glitches. Security agencies were also monitoring developments to maintain order across polling centres.
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