KWARA VOICE

•Rukayat Sh*ttu Invites Dangote to Establish Refinery in Kwara Amid Legal Hurdle in Kenya•

The youngest female lawmaker in Nigeria, Hon. Rukayat Sh*ttu, has invited Africa's leading industrialist, Aliko Dangote, to consider Kwara State as a location for a future refinery or major energy investment, following a legal dispute surrounding the proposed Dangote refinery project in Lamu, Kenya.

Rukayat, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, made the invitation in a personal appeal online to the billionaire industrialist, urging him to take a fresh look at Ilorin's strategic location, expanding infrastructure and emerging investment opportunities.

Her intervention comes after a Kenyan court ordered parties to maintain the status quo concerning disputed land earmarked for Dangote's proposed 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lamu, pending further proceedings.

The court action followed a petition by residents challenging aspects of the land acquisition and development process.

Against this backdrop, Rukayat said Nigeria should be ready to present alternative opportunities to Nigerian investors looking to undertake major industrial projects.

According to Rukayat, Ilorin offers a combination of strategic geography, expanding infrastructure, access to major markets and emerging industrial opportunities that could make it an attractive location for a future Dangote investment.

“Ilorin sits strategically between Nigeria's North and South, with access to major markets and an emerging network of roads, energy infrastructure, agro-industrial development, logistics and new urban infrastructure,” she said.

She argued that the opportunity should be viewed beyond the construction of a refinery.
A major energy project, she said, could become the anchor for a wider industrial ecosystem involving petrochemicals, manufacturing, storage, logistics, engineering, transportation and other energy-intensive businesses.

“When one door becomes legally uncertain, Nigeria should be ready to show you another door. Ilorin is that door,” she said.

Rukayat pointed to ongoing and emerging developments in roads, urban development, agro-industrial infrastructure, energy and logistics as complementary investments that could support the emergence of a broader industrial corridor around Ilorin.

“A refinery does not exist in isolation,” she said.

“It needs roads, power, water, logistics, storage, engineering, skilled workers, suppliers and markets.”

According to her, the convergence of these developments with Ilorin's strategic location provides an opportunity for Kwara to position itself as an industrial and logistics gateway between Nigeria's northern and southern markets.

She also stressed that any eventual investment would have to comply with Nigerian land laws, environmental requirements, regulatory approvals and proper engagement with affected communities.

Her immediate objective, she said, was to get Dangote to examine the opportunity.

“Come and see the land. Come and see the location. Come and see what is changing.”
“Come to Ilorin, Alhaji Dangote. Let's talk.”

Rukayat said Kwara should seek to transform its geographical advantage into an economic advantage by attracting major industrial investments and developing the ecosystem required to support them.

She said the proposed refinery conversation should also be viewed within the broader question of how Nigeria can expand industrial capacity beyond established economic centres.

For Rukayat, the objective is not simply to attract a refinery, but to create an industrial ecosystem capable of generating jobs, businesses, technical skills, logistics opportunities and new economic activity.

“Kwara should not merely consume industrial wealth. Kwara should be ready to host it.”

—ENDS—

ILORIN IS READY TO HOST DANGOTE REFINERY SINCE KENYA IS CREATING LEGAL HURDLE

Dear Alhaji Aliko Dangote the legal challenge surrounding the proposed $16 billion refinery in Lamu, Kenya, may be an unexpected reason to look again at opportunities here in Nigeria.

I am extending personal invitation to you to come and look at Ilorin as a possible location for your refinery.

Ilorin sits strategically between Nigeria’s North and South, with access to major markets and an emerging network of roads, energy infrastructure, agro-industrial development, logistics and new urban infrastructure under the leadership of his Excellency, Gov Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq CON.

These developments are creating something bigger than a city. They are laying the foundation for an industrial corridor.

A refinery in Ilorin could become the anchor for petrochemicals, manufacturing, logistics, storage, engineering and other energy intensive industries.

You have already demonstrated what Nigerian capital can achieve with the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.

Why not build your next major energy investment in Ilorin?

Ilorin is capable, ready and prepared to host your refinery.

The Kwara State Government will provide all necessary support, approvals, enabling environment, political will and facilitate consultation and cooperation with our local communities.

I am simply saying that, when one door becomes legally uncertain in Kenya, Nigeria, especially Kwara State is ready to show you another door.

Come and see the land.
Come and see the location.
Come and see what is changing.
Come to Ilorin, Alhaji Dangote. Let’s talk.

Hon. Rukayat Sh*ttu
Member, Kwara State House of Assembly,
Representing Owode/Onire Constituency

WE ARE ALL DATA BOYS, UNLESS YOU DON'T WORK FOR ANYONE

By Temitope Muhideen (Convydence)

“Every man has a price; the difference is what he considers worth paying for.” That line, often used to question integrity, now hangs over every political debate in Kwara. Say anything in defence of a politician, and before your argument is examined, someone asks: “How much data did they give you?”

That was the experience of a young political commentator in Ilorin. He made a passionate argument online in defence of a politician. Before anyone addressed the substance of what he had written, the first response came: “Data Boy.” He laughed, but the moment captured our problem. We have become so suspicious of political opinions that we question the sponsor before we examine the argument.

In Kwara today, there is no faster way to end a political argument than to call someone a “Data Boy.” The term, originally used to describe young people given mobile data or stipends to promote politicians online, has become a convenient weapon. If someone praises your opponent, he is a Data Boy. If he criticises your principal, he has been paid. If he publishes a government achievement, he is on somebody's payroll. But if he does exactly the same thing for your side, it suddenly becomes “defending the truth.”

That is the irony of our politics.

So perhaps the question should not be, who is a Data Boy? The more uncomfortable question is: who isn’t? Almost everyone in politics has an interest. Politicians have interests. Party officials have interests. Journalists have commercial pressures. Aides have employers. Activists have causes. Influencers have audiences. Business owners need relationships. Even the ordinary citizen who argues passionately for one politician over another is not a detached observer. We all speak from somewhere.

The phenomenon is not surprising. Politics has moved from the streets to our phones. In Kwara, WhatsApp groups, pages and X accounts have become extensions of the political arena. An argument that starts in Ilorin can reach Offa in minutes, and Omu-Aran, Lafiagi, Patigi and Kaiama before the day ends. Someone has to produce that content: writers, designers, video editors, page managers. Some are professionally engaged, others are passionate supporters. Yes, some are paid to push narratives. The real problem is not that people work for politicians. It is what they are willing to do in the course of that work.

There is nothing shameful about paid political communication. Parties employ media teams, politicians have spokespersons, governments have information officers, campaigns hire consultants. If the work is legitimate, why should payment alone make the opinion worthless? It should not. What should matter is whether the claim can be verified.

That is where our conversation needs a reset. We have become too comfortable attacking the messenger instead of examining the message. If someone says a road was constructed, ask where the road is and what it cost. If someone says a project was abandoned, ask what stage it reached. Instead, we simply say: “Data Boy.” Argument over. That is intellectual laziness disguised as sophistication.

And it happens on every side. The person who praises your politician is a patriot; the person who praises his own is a Data Boy. The person who attacks your opponent is courageous; the person who attacks your candidate is sponsored. At some point, we must admit this is not objectivity. It is tribalism.

Kwara deserves better. This is a state with a long and complicated political history that cannot be reduced to what is trending on Facebook. The calculations of Ilorin are not identical to those of Offa. The interests of Igbomina communities are not necessarily those of Asa or Kwara North. Yet social media flattens all that complexity into one question: whose side are you on?

Once loyalty matters more than facts, discourse becomes entertainment. It is easier to say a young man was given data than to answer his argument. But an argument does not become false because the speaker was paid, nor true because he claims independence. A paid communicator can state facts; an unpaid activist can mislead.

This matters as Kwara enters another charged political season. Every camp will want online defenders. That is politics, but the public must not become the casualty.

Young people in this space also deserve fairness. Not everyone managing a political page is a mercenary. Many are graduates, designers, writers, photographers and videographers earning a living. Political communication is one of the few markets available to them. The crucial distinction is between being paid to communicate a position and being paid to manufacture falsehood. One is a profession; the other corrupts public discourse.

Responsibility also lies with politicians. A principal who rewards fabrication should not complain when debate turns toxic. If falsehood is wrong when used by your opponent, it remains wrong when used by your camp. That is intellectual honesty.

Perhaps, then, “we are all Data Boys unless you don’t work for anyone” contains more truth than we admit. Most of us work within interests and loyalties. The goal is not to pretend they do not exist, but to prevent them from controlling our judgment. You can support a politician and still criticise him when he is wrong. You can oppose one and still acknowledge his achievement.

Politics is temporary, but reputation is not. The principal paying today may not answer your calls after the election, but your words will remain online. Someday, someone may ask: what did you stand for when no one was checking?

The real debate, therefore, is not about Data Boys. It is about credibility. Who tells the truth when it is inconvenient? Who can disagree without inventing enemies?

Yes, we may all be Data Boys in one way or another. But you can work for somebody without selling your conscience. In the end, the question is not whether you received data. It is what you did with the truth after you received it.

Temitope Muhideen is the publisher of Confidence News Nigeria

CORRECTED

Omo Ibile Igbomina hosts Accord Party presidential candidate

•We don’t have to become identical to become one nation — Hashim

•President recalls three decades relationship, longstanding support

The National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Sir Bisi Fakayode, has received Accord Party presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, on a courtesy visit to the Omo Ibile Igbomina House in Ganmo, Kwara State, where both personalities reflected on their longstanding relationship, the development of the Igbomina institution and the wider question of national unity.

The visit also provided an opportunity for Hashim to draw from his personal connection with Igbomina and reflect on what he described as the region’s longstanding tradition of cultural accommodation and peaceful coexistence, which he said offers lessons for Nigeria’s nation-building project.

During the visit, Fakayode conducted Hashim around the Igbomina House, showcasing renovation, rehabilitation and other improvement projects undertaken under his leadership. He also took him on an inspection of the adjoining hospitality facility and other areas where development works are ongoing.

Fakayode expressed appreciation for Hashim’s longstanding support and encouragement, recalling that he was among the first three prominent supporters of the present Omo Ibile Igbomina leadership from its formative stage.

The group’s national president described Hashim as a friend, supporter and valued stakeholder of Igbomina, noting that although his ancestral origin is outside present-day Kwara State, his upbringing and longstanding relationship with Igbomina have created a strong bond between him and the people.

“What we are witnessing today did not start today. You supported and encouraged this journey from the beginning. From my days as a local government chairman to where God has brought me today as the national president of Omo Ibile Igbomina, your support and encouragement have been part of this journey,” Fakayode said.

Responding, Hashim commended Fakayode for the transformation taking place at Igbomina House and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to see the projects firsthand.

He acknowledged the progress recorded under Fakayode’s leadership and encouraged the Omo Ibile Igbomina leadership to remain committed to strengthening the institution and advancing the collective interests of the Igbomina people.

Hashim also reflected on Fakayode’s journey from public service and local government leadership to his present position as national president of Omo Ibile Igbomina, acknowledging the longstanding relationships, encouragement and support that accompanied the journey.

Beyond the immediate purpose of the visit, however, Hashim said his connection with Igbomina was deeply personal.

He explained that although his ancestral roots lie in Yauri, he has long regarded Igbominaland as home, having been raised within an Igbomina family that lived in New Bussa, Niger State.

According to him, that upbringing shaped his understanding of community, identity and belonging and exposed him to what he described as Igbomina’s remarkable tradition of accommodation and peaceful coexistence.

Hashim noted that Igbomina communities have historically existed alongside settlements and communities of people from different ethnic backgrounds, including Fulani, Hausa, Tiv, Zuru, Birom and Igala communities, among others.

He said these communities were not merely tolerated as outsiders but became part of the wider social, economic and political life of the communities around them while retaining their distinct identities.

For Hashim, that experience demonstrates that cultural diversity does not necessarily have to produce social fragmentation.

He described the social environment in which he was raised as an example of the “workability, resilience and strength of cultural pluralism,” arguing that people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds can live, trade, farm, build relationships and participate in shared social and political spaces without abandoning their identities.

“We don’t have to become identical to become one nation. We can be different and yet belong together,” Hashim said.

Hashim argued that Nigeria’s diversity can become a source of strength when supported by mutual respect, appropriate institutions and a shared sense of belonging.

The Accord presidential candidate further said his visit to Omo Ibile Igbomina House was more than a social engagement.

He described it as “a reminiscence of where I came from, a celebration of what I have experienced, and an inspiration for what Nigeria can still become.”

Hashim concluded that Nigeria’s diversity need not be a weakness, arguing that “properly organised, mutually respected and institutionally protected,” it can become one of the country’s greatest sources of strength.

PHOTO UPDATE; Earlier today, the CEO of Darosa Properties Management & Construction Ltd., Hon. Dr. Makanjuola Yahaya Lanre Darosa, graced the naming ceremony of the Kwara APC Governorship Candidate, Rt.Hon.Engr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), the current Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly.

The ceremony was a beautiful gathering filled with joy, prayers, goodwill and warm wishes for the newborn and the entire Danladi family.

Hon. Dr-Lanre Darosa joined family, friends, political associates and well-wishers in celebrating this special occasion and praying for the child’s good health, wisdom, greatness and a life filled with abundant blessings.

2027: Gbenga Hashim, Makinde agree on govt of national unity
•Prepare for post-APC federal government—Accord Party candidate

Presidential candidates of the Accord Party and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, have agreed on the need to form a Government of National Unity after defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Hashim disclosed this, yesterday. after meeting with Makinde, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said the two leaders agreed that Nigeria needs a peaceful political transition followed by a broad based government focused on rebuilding the country and restoring national unity.

“We are working hard to defeat the government of misery and hardship that the government has become,” Hashim posted on his verified page.

He said the agreement was not merely about defeating the ruling party at the polls but about ensuring that the political transition produces a stable and united Nigeria.

“We both agreed on unity, not just to achieve peaceful change, but a stable and united Nigeria through the formation of a post election Government of National Unity.”

Hashim said a post-APC Nigeria would require the participation of competent and patriotic Nigerians from across political parties and backgrounds.

“A post-APC led Nigeria requires the participation of the best of the most patriotic hands to bring our nation together after twelve years of the most virulent division in our history.”

The Accord Party candidate said Nigeria's challenges require a national response and that the country cannot afford a narrow, winner takes all approach to governance after the election.

He said the meeting with Makinde represents the continuation of broader consultations among political leaders committed to peaceful political change, stability and national reconciliation.

Hashim said political differences should not prevent cooperation among leaders after the election where such cooperation is necessary to stabilise and rebuild the country.

He dissclosed that there were prior consultations with other presidential candidates on the subject of formation of a Post-Tinubu Government of National Unity and the idea is gaining traction.

“The journey starts NOW, with clear understanding amongst leaders!”

Hashim said the proposed Government of National Unity would focus on restoring national cohesion, rebuilding public confidence, strengthening institutions and mobilising competent Nigerians to address the country's economic and security challenges.

He also added that, “Nigeria belongs to all of us. After the election, we must put Nigeria first.”

Chaos Returns to Oja-Oba as Soldiers Allegedly Withdrawn From Ilorin Emir’s Market

Traffic congestion and renewed roadside trading are reportedly returning to the popular Emir’s Market, otherwise known as Oja-Oba, in Ilorin following the alleged withdrawal of soldiers previously deployed to maintain order in the area.

The development comes amid concerns among residents and road users over the possible impact of the withdrawal on traffic management around the busy commercial corridor.

The market area, which stretches across parts of Ilorin East and Ilorin West Local Government Areas, had witnessed the deployment of soldiers following the reconstruction of roads around the market.

The military presence initially appeared to improve traffic flow, as traders were restricted from occupying portions of the roadway while motorists had relatively easier access through the corridor.

However, the deployment also generated controversy, particularly following reported confrontations between some traders and soldiers enforcing the restrictions.

Some traders, especially market women, had reportedly accused the security personnel of intimidation, harassment and excessive use of force. The allegations have been a source of concern among sections of the market community.

The state government had, however, maintained that firm enforcement was necessary to prevent traders and other commercial activities from obstructing the newly reconstructed roads.

Just Event Online TV gathered that the soldiers have now allegedly been withdrawn from the market.

A source familiar with discussions within government circles claimed that political considerations ahead of the 2027 elections may have influenced the decision.

According to the source, concerns had been raised that continued military presence in the market could further fuel resentment among traders and potentially become an issue during the election season.

“The government had been advised earlier in the year that whatever benefits were being derived from keeping soldiers there could be outweighed by the political consequences,” the source said.

“There had been sustained complaints from traders, and the opposition was already turning those complaints into a campaign issue. The advice was that the soldiers should be withdrawn, at least for the election period.”

However, the alleged withdrawal appears to have raised fresh concerns about traffic management in the area.

A commercial driver who regularly operates along the Oja-Oba corridor said congestion had begun to increase as traders and commercial activities gradually moved closer to the roadway.

“The difference is already clear. When the soldiers were here, everybody knew where to stop. Now people are coming back towards the road and vehicles are struggling to pass,” the driver said.

Another resident, Abdulraheem Jimoh, described the development as an election-season decision and urged residents and traders to consider broader issues when making their electoral choices.

The situation has therefore renewed the debate over how best to balance effective traffic management and protection of newly reconstructed roads with the concerns raised by traders over the methods used to enforce compliance.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Kwara State Government confirming the withdrawal of the soldiers or stating the reason for their alleged removal

JUST EVENT ONLINE

•70TH BIRTHDAY FELICITATION TO HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, OBA ABDULRAHEEM OLADELE ADEOTI, THE OLOMU OF OMU-ARAN•

Hon. Adamu Usman, the Kwara State Gubernatorial Candidate of the Accord Party, joyfully felicitate with His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, on the glorious occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary.

Kabiyesi, your 70th birthday is not just a celebration of age, but a celebration of a life dedicated to service, royalty, wisdom and humanity. In the seven decades of your sojourn on earth, and particularly on the revered throne of your forebears, you have distinguished yourself as a true custodian of culture, an embodiment of peace, and a beacon of unity for Omu-Aran and the entire Igbomina land.

Your reign as the Olomu of Omu-Aran has ushered in remarkable peace, cohesion and development. Your palace has become a rallying point for both the young and old, the rich and the poor, and your fatherly wisdom has continued to guide our people aright. You have ruled with the fear of God, fairness and uncommon humility, which has earned you love and respect far beyond your domain.

At 70, Your Majesty stands tall as an inspiration to many of us in leadership. Your counsel, your commitment to the preservation of our tradition, and your passion for the growth of your people are virtues we will continue to cherish and emulate. Kwara State is blessed to have a royal father like you.

As you join the league of septuagenarians, I pray Almighty Allah (SWT) continues to preserve you in excellent health, renew your strength, and grant you many more years of impactful reign on the throne. May your kingdom witness more prosperity and may your legacy continue to endure for generations to come.

Congratulations, Kabiyesi! Igba Odun, Odun Kan ni o.

Long live His Royal Majesty! Long live Omu-Aran Kingdom! Long live Kwara State!

Kwara Poly Expels 42 Students Over Examination Malpractice

The Management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has expelled 42 students found guilty of examination malpractice following investigations by the institution’s Examination Malpractice Committee.

The affected students comprise 31 Higher National Diploma (HND) and 11 National Diploma (ND) students drawn from various institutes and programmes of the Polytechnic.

The decision was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar, Academic Board Matters Division, Mr Ibrahim Esin, and obtained by 9jaParrot Media on Monday.

According to the statement, the students were found guilty of the allegations against them after due investigation by the Examination Malpractice Committee.

The Polytechnic said the offences contravened the Matriculation Oath sworn to by the students upon admission into the institution.

It added that the expulsions were approved in accordance with the provisions of the Polytechnic’s Students’ Handbook, effectively terminating the affected students’ status as members of the institution.

A breakdown of the affected students showed that 23 were from the Institute of Finance and Management Studies (IFMS), eight from the Institute of Technology (IOT), four from the Institute of Information and Communication Technology (IICT), two from the Institute of Health Technology (IHT), one from the Institute of General Studies (IGS), and four from the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE).

The expelled students were enrolled in programmes including Mechatronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Strategic Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, Accountancy, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Medical Imaging Technology, Microfinance and Entrepreneurship Development, Social Development, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, and Industrial and Labour Relations, among others.

The affected students include Rasaq Faruq Tolani, Adebiyi Eniola Kofoworola, Nzekwe Domic Chibuike, Adekunle Khalid Boluwatife, Raji Abdulhafeez Opeyemi, Magbagbeola Rofiat Adesewa, Abdulrasheed Ojuolape Mariyam, Abdullafees Khadijat Oritoke, Ibrahim Farida Adepate, Abdulrasheed Muhammed Alabi, Omidiji Oluwatosin Samuel, Jimoh Aminat Modupe, Balogun Yusuf Olalekan, Opadisi Ridwan Opeyemi and Oyewole Victoria Oluwaponle, among others.

The ND students affected are Ayinde Aishat, Ekunnus Fridays Sunmisola, Sanusi Fathia Ayomide, Ameenulah Idris Olamilekan, Magnus David Pelumi, Ishola Sulyman Atanda, Ibrahim Rofiat Elewuetu, Abdulgafar Abdulkareem Idowu, Oladele Opeyemi Miracle, Isiaq Mujeeb and Hammed Toheeb Oluwatosin.

The institution further directed the expelled students to hand over all Polytechnic property in their possession to their respective Heads of Department or other designated authorities.

Following the approval of the expulsions, the 42 students have ceased to be students of Kwara State Polytechnic, according to the statement

Electoral Act: Disband INEC over Appeal Court judgment—Gbenga Hashim

•Says everything INEC has done is a nullity

•Insists 2027 election risks becoming “coronation”

•Questions INEC’s fight to restore provisions Court of Appeal declared unconstitutional

Accord Party Presidential candidate and Co-Chairman of Movment for Democratic Renewal Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has called for the disbandment and reconstitution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its blatant disregard of a Court of Appeal judgment on the Electoral Act.

The Court of Appeal had voided Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, and held that the provisions were inconsistent with Sections 221 and 222 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Hashim said the implication of the July 16, 2026 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja instituted by the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) is far-reaching, arguing that actions taken by INEC under provisions subsequently declared inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) could no longer stand.

The judgment followed an appeal by the Zenith Labour Party challenging provisions dealing with political party membership registers and candidate nomination including the timetable and schedule of INEC activities .

The Court of Appeal held that ordinary legislation cannot impose restrictions on political parties that conflict with powers already guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution (as amended).

The Court of Appeal also stated that, “no other condition contained in a subsidiary law could disqualify an individual already qualified by the Constitution.”

Dr. Hashim insisted that reconstitution of the electoral body is germane to a transparent and credible 2027 general election.

Furthermore, he described ‘everything INEC has done’ under the disputed legal framework as a nullity; pending the final determination of the matter by the Supreme Court.

Hashim questioned why the electoral commission would seek to sustain statutory provisions which the Court of Appeal had declared inconsistent with the Constitution.

“The Constitution is supreme. The National Assembly makes laws. INEC administers elections. INEC is not the Parliament and INEC did not make the Constitution.

“So when a competent Court of Appeal declares specific provisions of an Electoral Act inconsistent with the Constitution, why is INEC fighting in court to restore those provisions rather than working with relevant political parties to address previous infractions?”

INEC has appealed the judgment to the Supreme Court.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the Supreme Court heard arguments in the appeal and reserved judgment.

A seven-member panel, led by Justice Adamu Jauro, said the date for judgment would be communicated to the parties.

Regardless, Hashim stressed that his objection was not against INEC’s legal right to appeal.

“Of course, INEC can appeal. The issue is not whether it has the right to appeal. The question Nigerians should ask is; ‘what institutional interest does the electoral umpire have in sustaining provisions which a competent appellate court has declared inconsistent with the Constitution?’

“Does this not raise questions about INEC’s complicity in the very process that Nigerians are asking it to be an umpire over?”

Hashim warned that the commission’s action could described as going against Nigeria’s democracy.

“INEC is fighting in all courts, including the Supreme Court, wasting public resources to hire big lawyers to sustain provisions of the Electoral Act that contradicts the Constitution. INEC is complicit in the perfidy to r**e Nigeria’s democracy.

“INEC, as presently constituted, is a threat to Nigeria’s democratic order.”

According to Hashim, an electoral commission should be the first institution to insist on constitutional compliance rather than defend statutory provisions that have been judicially declared inconsistent with the Constitution.

“An electoral commission should be the first institution to insist on constitutional compliance.

“It should not be seen as defending a statutory arrangement that has been judicially declared unconstitutional designed primarily by the ruling party legislators to constrict the democratic space"

Hashim said the development reinforces warnings he had made before now that the 2027 electoral process could become a “coronation” rather than a genuine democratic contest.

“We warned ever before now that what INEC seeks to do in 2027 is a coronation, not an election.”

He said the danger was not limited to election day, arguing that democracy also depends on whether citizens and political party members are allowed to genuinely participate in selecting candidates.

“An election means that citizens and members of political parties genuinely participate in choosing their candidates and ultimately their leaders.

“A coronation is the presentation of a predetermined choice for public endorsement through a process that constricts rather than widens the political space,” and added that, “from all indication, INEC is supervising coronation, not conducting election.”

Hashim also criticised what he described as the silence of some opposition candidates who, according to him, had become less vocal after securing party tickets.

“Some opposition candidates are deceived because they have been given gate-pass to attend the coronation ceremony and so, have lost their voices.

“We shall continue to speak because we are not just politicians. We are democrats.”

Hashim also questioned what he described as the “conspiracy of silence” of major media organisations over the Court of Appeal judgment and subsequent Supreme Court proceedings.

“How can a Court of Appeal judgment declaring portions of the Electoral Act unconstitutional, followed by an appeal by INEC to the Supreme Court, not be one of the biggest stories in Nigeria?

“How can a matter with direct implications for the rules governing political parties and candidates nomination ahead of 2027 election receive so little sustained national attention?”

He said Nigerians deserve to understand the constitutional questions before the Supreme Court without any attempt to interfere with judicial independence.

“I am asking Nigerians to understand what is before the Court. Judicial independence does not mean public silence,” Hashim insisted.

He questioned why major media organisations had not made the case a sustained National story.
“Where are the front-page investigations? Where are the prime-time constitutional debates? Where are the legal experts explaining to Nigerians what the Court of Appeal actually declared and what the Supreme Court has been asked to determine?

“Why are we discussing the politics of 2027 without sufficiently discussing the legal architecture under which the 2027 election will be conducted?”

Hashim said the fact that judgment had been reserved made sustained public attention even more important.

“The case is now before the Supreme Court. The parties have argued their positions. Judgment has been reserved.”

He warned against a situation where Nigerians would only begin to understand the significance of the legal dispute after the 2027 election.

Hashim said his intervention should not be viewed merely through the prism of his political ambition.

“I am not just a politician. I am first and foremost a crusader for the establishment and sustenance of the democratic order.

“My commitment to democratic governance predates this particular contest. I will continue to defend the Constitution and Nigeria’s democratic order; whether the issue concerns me personally or another Nigerian.”

Hashim reiterated that he would continue to pursue the matter through lawful and constitutional channels and collaborate with individuals, political parties and organisations committed to true democracy.

“I will pursue every lawful avenue available to defend democratic choice. I will challenge, through constitutional means, any action by public institutions which I believe compromises the democratic rights of Nigerians.”

Hashim consequently called for the disbandment and reconstitution of INEC, describing the move as necessary to restore confidence in the electoral process.

“I believe INEC should be disbanded and reconstituted.
“This is not a call to abolish elections or destroy electoral administration. It is a call to rebuild the institution responsible for conducting our elections.”

He said Nigeria needs an electoral commission that is institutionally independent and whose actions and activities are firmly anchored in the Constitution.

“We need an electoral commission that is constitutionally grounded, professionally competent, transparent and genuinely independent of the political interests of the government of the day.

“INEC must be stronger than individual politicians. It must be stronger than the government.
“It must be stronger than the opposition. And, its first loyalty must be to the Constitution and the democratic choice of Nigerians.”

Hashim said Nigeria could not afford an electoral system in which citizens were invited to vote after critical political choices had already been determined through processes beyond their control.

“The 2027 election must not become a ceremony for endorsing decisions already made elsewhere.

“It must be an authentic democratic contest in which the constitutional rights of political parties, candidates and voters are upheld."

Hashim said the central issue was ultimately whether Nigerians would be allowed to genuinely choose their leaders through a process in which constitutional rights and democratic choices were respected.

“Nigeria needs an election, not a coronation; constitutional supremacy, not administrative complicity with evil and impunity; and democratic choice, not institutional capture."