As Nigeria edges closer to another defining electoral cycle, momentum is building on multiple fronts. INEC has concluded its Continuous Voter Registration in Anambra, recording over 168,000 new voters, its highest two-week total since 2017, signaling strong public engagement ahead of the state’s governorship election. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has advanced the Electoral Bill...
Nigeria’s political stage is once again abuzz with shifting alliances, electoral preparations, and high-stakes positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a week marked by strategic moves, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar dramatically exited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the third time, signaling deep rifts within the opposition and a potential reshuffling of...
In this week’s edition of The Ballot, INEC has launched an online portal for political party registration as the number of applicants now stands at 129. Meanwhile, the commission has fixed August 16 for a by-election in Niger’s Munya Constituency, and in Osun, preparations are in full swing for both the 2026 gubernatorial election and the...
This week’s edition of The Ballot spotlights major developments shaping Nigeria’s political and electoral landscape. From a landmark civic training programme for young women leaders in Lagos to legal action challenging the structure of local elections, the political space continues to evolve in dynamic ways. We also take a look at the ongoing debate around the Rivers...
As Nigeria looks toward the 2027 general elections, the pressing question remains: are we building a stronger democracy, or simply reinforcing old patterns under new rhetoric? In this edition of The Ballot, we explore the widening gap between electoral reforms promised at the top and the demands echoing from civil society, youth groups, and local governance actors. President...
As Nigeria commemorates 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, we are compelled to ask: How far have we truly come, and how much further do we need to go? While this milestone deserves celebration, it also demands reflection. In this issue of The Ballot, we bring you stories that capture the duality of Nigeria’s democratic...
The spotlight this week fell on electoral reform as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, endorsed the Early Voting Bill—an initiative aimed at allowing military personnel and other essential workers, including INEC officials and journalists, to vote ahead of Election Day. With support from Yiaga Africa and other advocates of electoral inclusivity, the...
This week’s edition of The Ballot brings you critical updates from the electoral and political landscape—beginning with INEC’s official announcement of dates for the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, and the swearing-in of six new Resident Electoral Commissioners. We also spotlight important advocacy efforts, including Yiaga Africa’s push for early voting legislation, and the...
This edition of The Ballot INEC’s landmark step to establish an Artificial Intelligence Division, signaling a move toward a more technologically advanced electoral system. But will innovation translate into transparency? Meanwhile, President Tinubu has been adopted as the APC’s sole candidate, prompting reflection on the balance between party unity and democratic pluralism. Opposition dynamics are...
New developments continue to shape the nation’s democratic journey. In this edition of The Ballot, we explore major issues currently dominating the electoral landscape. We begin with the debate surrounding a proposed bill to enforce compulsory voting, raising critical questions about civil liberties and voter participation. Also under scrutiny is the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission...
