General
2023 Elections: SERAP Urges INEC to Investigate Electoral Violence
By Adedapo Adesanya
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate allegations of electoral violence and other electoral offences, including bribery against any state governors and their deputies during the just concluded general elections.
In the letter sent to Mr Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the electoral umpire, the group called on him to “promptly and effectively investigate reports of electoral violence and other electoral offences committed during the general elections, and to identify suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure their effective prosecution, regardless of their political status or affiliations.”
In the letter dated March 25, 2023, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “By allegedly engaging in electoral violence and other electoral offences in so blatant a fashion, suspected perpetrators and their sponsors have clearly acted in violation of constitutional provisions, international standards and the Electoral Act.”
SERAP said, “Section 52 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, allows INEC to seek the appointment of an independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral violence and other electoral offences such as bribery that may have been committed by any state governors and/or their deputies.”
According to SERAP, “INEC should promptly collaborate with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other law enforcement agencies to identify any politicians and their sponsors suspected to be responsible for electoral violence and other electoral offences during the elections.”
The letter, read in part: “Identifying, arresting, investigating and prosecuting those suspected of perpetrating electoral violence and other electoral offences during the 2023 general elections would act as a deterrent against electoral violence in future elections.
“We would be grateful if immediate steps are taken to implement the recommended measures within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.
“Acting swiftly to address the brazen impunity and reports of electoral violence and other electoral offences during the 2023 general elections would also send a strong message to politicians that the INEC under your leadership would not tolerate any infringement of the electoral process.
“Electoral violence is a threat to fair and representative elections. It is inconsistent and incompatible with the principles of democracy, the rule of law, transparency and accountability for politicians to allegedly use violence to disrupt the electoral process.
“When politicians and their sponsors decide to engage in electoral violence and other electoral offences rather than contest fairly for people’s votes, there are possibilities that such politicians will show a disregard for democratic rules and a disposition to adopt illegal means becomes inevitable.
“If voting is as important as INEC always claims it is, now is the time to take meaningful steps and action to end impunity for electoral violence and other electoral offences during elections.
“Ending impunity for electoral violence and other electoral offences promotes accountability of suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, ensures justice for victims, and ultimately advances the people’s right to vote and to participate in their own government, as well as bolsters voter confidence in the electoral process.
“Identifying, investigating, naming and shaming those suspected to be involved in electoral violence and other electoral offences during the 2023 general elections will also send a powerful message to politicians and their sponsors that they will not get away with their crime against the Nigerian people.
“Electoral violence and other electoral offences reportedly committed during the 2023 general elections are contrary to the express provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and international standards.
“Electoral violence and other electoral offences undermine the ability of INEC to discharge its responsibilities under Section 153 of the Nigerian Constitution and paragraph 15(a) of the third schedule of the Constitution, and the Electoral Act 2022.
“The Nigerian Constitution provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’
“Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act prohibit electoral bribery and undue influence before, during and after any election. Section 145(2) provides that ‘a prosecution under this Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission or any legal practitioner appointed by it.’ Under section 2(b), the commission ‘shall have the power to promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes.’
“According to our information, the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections and governorship elections in some states witnessed widespread reports of voter suppression, voter intimidation and the destruction or theft of election materials by political party agents and thugs across all six geopolitical zones.
“According to a report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), several polling units recorded violence and/or fighting across the country.
“These violent incidents were often focused in political strongholds of opposition or perceived opponents, which suggest that the use of BVAS – which limits overvoting when properly used – has resulted in a more concerted effort to stymie citizens casting their votes in opponent’s strongholds.
“Similar incidents of intimidation were reported in all geo-political zones.
“In several states, political thugs, apparently with the support of law enforcement officials, disrupted and sent back voters intending to vote for opposition parties. Party agents were reported to be directing people who to vote for while those unwilling to do as directed were denied ballot papers and forced to leave the polling units.
“There were reports of destruction of used ballot papers and vandalization of entire polling units in some states. Violence was also used to target BVAS machines in order to disrupt the process and ensure the cancellation of results.
“According to the CDD, there are reports of vote trading in zones across the country, with both cash and goods used by all political parties in an effort to entice voters to cast their ballots at their direction. The CDD noted vote buying at polling units during the elections across the country.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The European Union (EU) has officially removed Nigeria from its list of High-Risk Third Country Jurisdictions.
This decision follows Nigeria’s successful exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list” in late 2025, signaling international recognition of the country’s improved anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) frameworks.
The development is expected to ease trade, payments and investment flows between the country and Europe
The European Commission confirmed that Nigeria, alongside South Africa, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique and Tanzania, had strengthened its AML/CFT regimes and no longer posed “strategic deficiencies” under EU assessment standards.
The commission noted that the affected countries had implemented reforms that brought their financial systems in line with international standards set by the FATF.
Reacting to the development, the Minister of State for Finance, Mrs Doris Uzoka-Anite, described Nigeria’s removal from the list as a major boost to investor confidence.
On a post on X on Thursday, she wrote, “Big win for Nigeria! Removed from EU’s financial ‘high-risk’ list!Congrats to President @officialABAT on this achievement. As Minister of State for Finance, I’m proud of this boost to trade and investor confidence.”
Being on the EU’s high-risk list previously meant that transactions with European partners required enhanced due diligence, stricter documentation, and additional oversight.
Nigerian businesses and banks faced increased scrutiny, which slowed cross-border trade and complicated investment flows.
The lifting of enhanced due diligence requirements is scheduled to take effect on January 29, 2026, following confirmation by the Commission confirmed that Nigeria has addressed strategic deficiencies and strengthened its financial governance through critical legislative reforms, such as the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The development could have a series of positive impact including the provision of several immediate and long-term benefits as well as reduction of compliance costs.
As a result, EU financial institutions will no longer be legally required to apply “enhanced due diligence” to transactions involving Nigeria, which previously involved more intrusive checks and rigorous documentation.
It will also enhance smoother cross-border trade by simplifying trade and payment flows between Nigeria and European partners, reducing the complexity and time required for transactions.
Nigerian officials, including the Minister of State for Finance, have highlighted this as a “major boost” to investor confidence, positioning Nigeria as a more credible destination for international capital.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Cash and gifts worth about N15 billion were given out to distributors and customers of Dangote Cement Plc at a ceremony organised to reward their continued loyalty, resilience, and outstanding performance.
At the event, held recently at Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, the chairman of president of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Aliko Dangote, described the distributors as the heartbeat of the organisation and thanked them for their dedication in ensuring the Dangote products reach communities nationwide.
Business Post reports that the 2026 Distributors’ Awards Night, held under the theme, Partner for Growth, recipients received an impressive array of gifts, including cash prizes, containers of cement, high-end SUVs, and CNG-powered trucks.
Mr Dangote used the occasion to reiterate the company’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at transforming Dangote Group into a $100 billion enterprise by 2030.
The plan, he explained, focuses on industrial expansion, cross-border investments, and building Africa’s self-sufficiency in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
“Your tireless work in the field, your alluring commitment to our products and your direct engagement with our customers are what turn our vision and strategies into tangible results,” he posited.
“Vision 2030, an integral aspect of our Africa First project, was borne out of my firm belief that Africa’s future will be built by Africans who refuse to accept limits – people who dream big, work hard, and never stop believing in what is possible,” he added.
On his part, chairman of the board of Dangote Cement, Mr Emmanuel Ikazoboh, highlighted the critical role of distributor partnerships in ensuring the company’s products reach every corner of the country.
“Tonight, we are giving out about ₦9 billion in cash to our distributors. For some of you, it will be a double celebration, as you may receive two alerts in recognition of both your volume and growth results,” he disclosed.
“In addition to the cash prizes, we have prepared other exciting gifts, including CNG-powered trucks, high-end cars, and more, to show our appreciation for your commitment and outstanding performance,” he added.
The board chairman further outlined the company’s plans to start the year strong by supporting its distributor partners, stressing the importance of supply chain efficiency and profitability as key pillars for growth.
Mr Ikazoboh also noted that the company has invested in new CNG-powered trucks, as the company’s target at the end of 2027 is to have all its trucks CNG-powered, supporting both logistics efficiency and empowering customers.
“We have made significant investments in new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks. This initiative not only empowers our customers but also emphasises our dedication to corporate responsibility and global sustainability guidelines. These rewards reflect our promise to support customers and champion sustainable business practices,” he stated.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Navy has launched Operation Delta Sentinel, a new maritime security initiative designed to curb crude oil theft, secure critical oil assets and support the federal government’s ambition to ramp up crude production to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027.
The operation, which replaces Operation Delta Sanity II, was formally unveiled at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder Jetty in Port Harcourt, marking a renewed push to stabilise the Niger Delta and protect Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.
Speaking at the launch, Commander Task Group 26.1, Operation Delta Sentinel, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, said the initiative was aligned with the Federal Government’s drive to boost oil exploration and production under the Project 1 Million Barrels Per Day initiative of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
“The transformation from Operation Delta Sanity II to Operation Delta Sentinel is necessitated, among other considerations, by the Federal Government drive to increase oil exploration and production,” he said, adding that, “It is further anticipated that oil production would be about 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027.”
Rear Admiral Ibrahim, who is also the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, said Operation Delta Sentinel would run for an initial one-year period, subject to 90-day renewable mandates, and would focus on denying criminal networks access to Nigeria’s maritime and oil infrastructure.
“Our objective is clear and unambiguous: to deny criminal elements freedom of action, protect critical national oil assets, support legitimate economic activities and contribute to enduring peace and stability in the Niger Delta,” he stated.
He explained that the operation would rely heavily on intelligence-driven missions, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and advanced surveillance tools, including Maritime Domain Awareness infrastructure, new maritime platforms, and manned and unmanned air assets.
“Our approach will be deliberate, innovative and technology-enabled. These capabilities will enable us to optimise asset utilisation, improve situational awareness and maintain a proactive operational posture,” he added.
The Navy said early indicators already show progress, noting that crude oil losses have dropped by about 90 per cent, from 102,900 barrels per day in 2021 to 9,600 barrels per day as of September 25.
Earlier, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, highlighted the achievements of Operation Delta Sanity II, which was launched on December 30, 2024, to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
“Operation Delta Sanity II lived up to expectations and made measurable contributions to national security and economic stability,” the Naval commander said.
According to him, between January 1 and December 31, 2025, the operation led to the arrest of 203 suspects, the deactivation of 324 illegal refining sites, and the seizure of stolen petroleum products valued at over N3.65 billion.
“An estimated 3.78 million litres of stolen crude oil, over 1.09 million litres of illegally refined AGO, 86,210 litres of PMS and 74,300 litres of kerosene were seized and appropriately handled,” he disclosed.
Rear Admiral Okehie added that the Navy’s operations, supported by collaboration with regulators, security agencies, oil industry stakeholders and host communities, contributed to a significant decline in crude oil losses, with NUPRC reporting the lowest loss levels since 2009 in September 2025.
With Operation Delta Sentinel now in force, the Navy said it is positioning itself as a key enabler of Nigeria’s oil production growth, investor confidence and long-term stability in the Niger Delta.
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