General
Giraffes, Parrots, Seaweed, Others Risk Extinction—UN
By Adedapo Adesanya
The United Nations (UN) has said that around one million species are facing extinction, according to a report from IPBES, an independent intergovernmental science and policy body supported by the agency.
Among these threatened species are giraffes, parrots, and oak trees, as well as cacti and seaweed.
Seaweed is one of the planet’s great survivors, and relatives of some modern-day seaweed can be traced back some 1.6 billion years. Seaweed plays a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing habitats and food for marine lifeforms, while large varieties – such as kelp – act as underwater nurseries for fish. However, mechanical dredging, rising sea temperatures, and the building of coastal infrastructure are contributing to the decline of the species.
The world’s trees are threatened by various sources, including logging, deforestation for industry and agriculture, firewood for heating and cooking, and climate-related threats such as wildfires.
It has been estimated that 31 per cent of the world’s 430 types of oak are threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species and 41 per cent are of “conservation concern”, mainly due to deforestation for agriculture and fuel for cooking.
Giraffes are targeted for their meat, and suffer from the degradation of their habitat due to unsustainable wood harvesting, and increased demand for agricultural land; it’s estimated there are only around 600 West African giraffes left in the wild.
The UN noted that experts warn that the current biodiversity crisis will be exacerbated, with catastrophic results for humanity, unless humans interact with nature in a more sustainable way.
Mrs Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Division at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) noted, “The IPBES report makes it abundantly clear that wild species are an indispensable source of food, shelter, and income for hundreds of millions around the world.
“Sustainable use is when biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are maintained while contributing to human well-being. By continuing to use these resources unsustainably, we are not just risking the loss and damage of these species’ populations; we are affecting our own health and well-being and that of the next generation.”
The report also illustrated the importance of indigenous people being able to secure tenure rights over their land, as they have long understood the value of wild species and have learned how to use them sustainably.
Examples of the kinds of transformative changes that are needed to reduce biodiversity loss include equitable distribution of costs and benefits, changes in social values, and effective governance systems.
Currently, governments around the world spend more than $500 billion every year in ways that harm biodiversity to support industries like fossil fuels, agriculture, and fisheries.
Experts say these funds should be repurposed to incentivize regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems, and nature-positive innovations.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has approached the court against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over an alleged N800 billion campaign fund diversion.
The organisation is seeking to compel the electoral body to investigate allegations that about N800 million from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations was diverted by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to finance political and campaign activities.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, but no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus directing INEC to investigate the claims that the governors channelled public funds into a dedicated campaign account allegedly meant to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The organisation is also requesting an order compelling INEC to demand full disclosure from the governors and the APC on any contributions made to such a campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds.
In addition, SERAP wants the electoral commission to commence a comprehensive review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act by political parties and candidates, particularly regarding campaign financing and the sources of political donations.
According to SERAP, the allegations raise fundamental concerns about transparency in political financing, electoral fairness and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to participate freely in democratic governance.
The organisation argued that opaque campaign financing remains a major avenue for corruption and weakens public confidence in democratic institutions.
It maintained that the alleged misuse of public funds for political purposes threatens the credibility of the 2027 general election and undermines public trust in the electoral process.
In the suit filed by its lawyers, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Kehinde Oyewumi, SERAP argued that the reported diversion of public resources for campaign activities warrants immediate action by INEC under its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
The group stated: “The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust. Fairness, transparency, and accountability in political or campaign finance are essential safeguards against corruption, state capture, and undue influence in democratic processes.”
SERAP further argued: “The allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds pose a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.”
The organisation said large-scale public financial allocations, combined with weak oversight and limited transparency, provide sufficient grounds for INEC to activate its investigative powers.
Referring to Section 91 of the Electoral Act, SERAP noted that the law empowers INEC to regulate political donations, enforce contribution limits, demand disclosure of funding sources and impose sanctions where violations occur.
The organisation explained that political parties found to have exceeded donation limits risk fines of up to ₦10 million and forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals who exceed prescribed limits are liable to penalties amounting to five times the excess contribution.
SERAP also contended that campaign financing derived from public resources distorts electoral competition and violates constitutional principles guaranteeing free, fair and transparent elections.
According to SERAP, INEC has a constitutional duty to ensure compliance with campaign finance regulations and to investigate allegations that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted the deadline for political parties to submit the names and credentials of candidates seeking to contest the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
The electoral body announced that parties now have until midnight on Tuesday, July 14, to complete the process, extending the earlier deadline of Saturday, July 11.
Under INEC’s timetable for the 2027 general election, political parties were expected to upload the names and personal particulars of their presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates before the initial cut-off date.
Explaining the decision, INEC said the extension followed appeals from political parties that had encountered difficulties meeting the deadline.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Mohammed Haruna, said the request was formally conveyed through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
According to him, IPAC sought additional time on behalf of parties that were yet to complete the submission of their candidates’ details through the commission’s portal.
“The decision to extend was based on an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline,” Mr Haruna stated.
INEC noted that the extension is intended to give all eligible parties a fair opportunity to comply with the requirements of the electoral process while remaining within the framework of the law.
The commission also urged political parties to utilise the extra period to finalise and upload all required information ahead of the revised deadline.
“The commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline,” the statement added.
By Dipo Olowookere
Nigeria’s Vice President, Mr Kashim Shettima, will run as the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
President Bola Tinubu retained Mr Shettima as his running mate for re-election next year, according to the National Chairman of the APC, Mr Nentawe Yilwatda.
In a post on Friday on X, the ruling party chairman described this as “another significant milestone in the journey of our great party.”
He also said it reaffirms the party’s collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country.
It was gathered that Mr Tinubu submitted his presidential nomination forms today through his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Mr Ibrahim Masari.
The submission was done ceremony at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, attended by several party chieftains, including The event brought together an impressive array of leaders of our great party, including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Mr Hope Uzodimma; Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, as well as other governors, party executives and critical stakeholders from across the federation.
“The All Progressives Congress remains focused on strengthening its grassroots support, consolidating the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and working together to build a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria for all,” the party leader stated.
