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2027: PGGSJ calls for revolutionary electoral reform, says electoral offenders should face death penalty
Professionals for Good Governance and Social Justice (PGGSJ), has called for a ‘Revolutionary Electoral Reform’ in Nigeria.
The group in a statement made available to NewsBand Newspaper, said Nigeria has reached a crossroads where both the leaders and the people must take a firm stance on the right path to take.
PGGSJ said the call became necessary after observing the flaws that greeted the 2023 General Elections and subsequent Governorship polls.
“We, members of Professionals for Good Governance and Social Justice, having observed the 2023 General Elections and subsequent Governorship polls, are calling for what we have termed a ‘Revolutionary Electoral Reform’.
“Nigeria has reached a crossroads where both the leader and the people must take a firm stance on the right path to take. What is all this noise about political alliances? Why do Nigerians take delight in putting the cart before the horse? How can the country’s democracy rise like a phoenix from the ashes when the fire destroying its electoral process still rages relentlessly? Should we not first put off the conflagration?
“It is pertinent that of all democratic elements—press freedom, multiparty system etc—, election is most crucial because it provides the only legitimate pathway for citizens to exercise their sovereignty, to hold their leaders accountable, and to shape the destiny of their nation.
“In light of this, Nigeria does not need a change! ‘Change’ was employed as a buzzword to evoke a false cult of personality around former president Muhammadu Buhari. Also, it was used as a tool of expediency, where corrupt oligarchs or godfathers formed a political alliance, not to genuinely serve the poor masses, but to capitalize on the security
challenges of the incumbent government in which they themselves were complicit.
In the same vein, Nigeria does not need a reform. Since 1999, the country has witnessed series of electoral reforms. From the card reader to the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System, the existence of reforms is incontestable”, the statement partly reads.
Speaking further, the group called on Nigerians to reject mere reforms or
changes but instead, they should demand for radical changes which it itemized and termed Revolutionary Electoral Reforms.
The statement added, “Dear, fellow citizens of Nigeria, it is time we leapt to our feet to reject mere reforms or changes. Instead, we should demand for radical changes which the PGGSJ has already itemized and collectively termed Revolutionary Electoral Reforms, RER.
“In this enterprise, the National Assembly, as the first arm of government, must get the ball rolling through radical and unambiguous pieces of legislation. First, it must enact a law to make real time/electronic voting compulsory, regardless of regulatory guidelines that may be established by the Independent National Electoral Commission. To ensure flexibility, thee-voting will involve two independent steps. The first step is the procurement of electronic voting machines to every polling unit, while the second step is remote e-voting where voters deliver their votes from the comfort of their homes. The utility of either step will depend on the discretion of the voter.
“Second, voters who desire to take pictures and videos of the electoral process must not be restrained from doing so. When voters are granted this liberty, electoral officials are more likely to adhere to the rules and guidelines. Thus, this visual evidence can serve as a deterrent against potential electoral malpractices and provide valuable insight into the electoral process. Additionally, it can foster voter engagement, as sharing one’s voting
experience on social media can encourage others to participate in the democratic process, ultimately leading to a higher voter turnout.
“Third, there must be strict enforcement of the secret ballot principle sanctified by the Nigerian constitution. The secret ballot eliminates problems, such as blackmail, bribery, threat, and violence, allowing voters to make their choices free from fear of retribution.
“Fourth, vote buying is another monster! Its danger resides in its insidiousness and false harmlessness. Therefore, to combat vote buying, the government must set up an early warning system to track potential violators and violations. This can be achieved through a combination of technology, community engagement and robust electoral laws.
“Fifth, to boost voter registration in Nigeria, several technological solutions can be explored. Online Voter Registration Platforms can be developed to allow citizens to register from anywhere, using their smartphones or computers. This platform can be integrated with the country’s national identity database to verify applicants’ information. Mobile Voter Registration Apps can also be designed to facilitate registration, especially in remote areas with limited internet access. These apps can be offline-enabled, allowing users to register and then sync their data when internet connectivity is available.
“Sixth, the government must establish a publicly accessible portal where citizens can monitor the electronic voting process in real-time. This portal should provide a secure and reliable platform for voters to cast their ballots electronically, with their votes being registered and updated simultaneously. Also, media organizations must be permitted to publicly disclose the voting process. Moreover, Civil Society Organizations that desire to mount independent tech monitors must be granted absolute leeway to do so. The idea behind all this is to ensure the integrity and transparency of our electoral process.
“Seventh, in a country where party ideology and loyalty are non-existent and defection is a hobby, independent candidacy could not be entirely strange. Independent candidates often emerge from the grassroots, giving a voice to marginalized communities that feel disenfranchised by traditional party system. In essence, the candidates are unencumbered by party affiliations, allowing them to approach problems with a clear and unbiased mind.
“Eighth, the National Assembly must legalize Diaspora Voting to ensure inclusivity and holistic representation. It can also promote global citizenship and engagement by encouraging citizens living abroad to stay connected with their home country.
“Ninth, it is imperative that election petition tribunal cases be concluded within one month before the swearing-in of a disputed president-elect. Rushing into inauguration without resolving these disputes can lead to a legitimacy crisis, undermining the stability of the government and creating an atmosphere of tension and mistrust. This becomes vital especially when the declaration of a candidate as winner is met with a resounding coldness across the nation.
“Tenth, the appointment of the Chairman of INEC must cease to be the responsibility of the President. To address this concern, a constituted body representative of the six regions or thirty-six states should take on the mandate. Another avenue is to adopt the Muhammadu Uwais Recommendation on Electoral Reform. By dint of this, the power to appoint the INEC board should transit from the president to the National Judicial Council, NJC, while its funding should be derived from the Consolidated Revenue of the Federation. Then, 48 hours to the election day, key electoral officials must be furnished with new telephone lines. Any form of communication or correspondence between electoral officials and the executive must be criminalized. This would help to ensure the independence and neutrality of the electoral body.
“The aforementioned strategies are mutually inclusive. This entails that they each depend on one another to succeed.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process is under siege, and drastic measures are needed to restore trust and accountability. The government must consider imposing the death penalty as punishment for those who engage in certain electoral malpractices, particularly electoral violence, vote trading and failure to make voting and election result portal accessible to the public.
“This may seem extreme, but the consequences of inaction far outweigh the perceived severity of this punishment.
“Electoral malpractices have become pervasive in Nigeria, with the 2023 presidential election being a grotesque reminder of the depths to which some individuals will sink to undermine the democratic process. The prevalence of vote-buying, ballot box snatching, and falsification of election results has eroded public trust in the electoral system. It’s imperative that the government takes bold action to address this issue.
“The death penalty may seem like a drastic measure, but it’s essential to consider the gravity of the offense. Electoral malpractices are not just a crime against the state; they’re a betrayal of the trust placed in individuals to uphold the integrity of the democratic process. By imposing the death penalty, the government can send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
“Moreover, the death penalty can serve as a deterrent to those who would otherwise engage in electoral malpractices. The fear of severe punishment can be a powerful motivator, and it’s essential to harness this fear to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
“As Nigeria hurtles towards the 2027 presidential election, it’s imperative that the government prioritizes revolutionary electoral reforms to prevent the chaos and controversy that has marred previous elections. The current system is fraught with vulnerabilities, from ambiguous language to loopholes that can be exploited by partisan actors. Without comprehensive reforms, every other effort to ensure free and fair elections will be rendered completely useless and abortive.
“Nigerians must stand boldly and consistently demand that their government takes decisive action to address these issues, lest the country be plunged into another cycle of electoral disputes and instability. The time for action is now, and the government must be held accountable for ensuring that the electoral process is transparent, accountable, and truly reflective of the will of the people.”
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The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.
In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”
Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.
If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.
Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.
Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.
Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.
Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.
The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.
“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.
Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.
“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.
The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.
“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.
“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.
“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.
I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.
The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.
Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.
The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.
President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.
“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.
Details of the JICA Loan Project
The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.
Key components of the project include:
Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines
Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines
Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations
Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses
According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.
“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.
This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.
Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.
He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.
The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a fierce warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City will face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
Katz, in a statement shared on social media on Friday, August 22, 2025, used sharp words to describe Israel’s next steps.
He said the “gates of hell” would open on Hamas if it failed to disarm and release all hostages.
“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote.
He added that if Hamas refused, Gaza City would suffer the same fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun, two cities previously flattened by Israeli offensives.
His comments mark one of Israel’s strongest warnings since the escalation of the conflict.
The minister’s remarks came only hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that negotiations had been ordered to free the hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu explained in a video address that Israel’s military operation in Gaza City would not stop during talks. “Defeating Hamas and releasing our hostages go hand in hand,” he said.
The prime minister also confirmed the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists to join the offensive.
Meanwhile, mediators have been waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire plan that Hamas accepted earlier in the week.
The proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, but Israel insists that only a deal ensuring the release of all captives at once will be accepted.
Israel’s hardened stance has sparked growing concern worldwide.
International leaders have cautioned that an expanded assault on Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in the region.
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began.
The United Nations considers these figures credible.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians.
Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.
With Katz’s threat to turn Gaza City into rubble if demands are not met, the conflict appears to be entering an even deadlier stage.
The international community continues to press for a ceasefire, but Israel’s leadership insists that victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages remain its top priorities.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the agency explained that the counterfeit milk is packaged to look like the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk,” but it is unauthorised and unsafe for consumption.
NAFDAC clarified that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authentic manufacturer, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023.
The product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, fake versions of the old product have found their way into Nigerian markets.
Picture of Fake cowbell milk.
The counterfeit sachets bear the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and familiar packaging design, making them difficult for unsuspecting buyers to identify as fake.
Health Dangers of Fake Cowbell Milk
NAFDAC warned that the consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks.
Fake milk could contain toxic chemicals, harmful additives, or diluted ingredients that endanger human health.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Possible dangers include:
- Foodborne illnesses
- Allergic reactions
- Organ damage
- Long-term health complications
- In extreme cases, death
Counterfeit Product Details
- Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
- Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
- Production Date: 04/2025
- Expiry Date: 12/2028
Picture of original cowbell milk.
NAFDAC Issues Strong Warning
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing the counterfeit milk.
Healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers have been advised to report suspicious sales of substandard or fake products immediately.
Reports can be made through:
The nearest NAFDAC office
Toll-free line: 0800-162-3322
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC also called on traders and retailers to stop selling the fake sachets.
The agency assured the public that strict enforcement measures are being taken to remove the counterfeit products from circulation.
This is not the first time Nigerians have faced risks from fake food and beverages.
Experts warn that counterfeit consumables are becoming more sophisticated, often making them difficult to spot.
Consumers are advised to always check product details, expiry dates, and packaging changes announced by manufacturers.
By highlighting the dangers and raising awareness, NAFDAC says it hopes to protect Nigerians from avoidable health crises linked to fake milk products
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