In a significant development, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in Abuja. The lawsuit, initiated on April 6, 2026, seeks to compel the CCB to investigate allegations of electoral law abuse, particularly concerning the removal of electronic transmission provisions from the recently amended Electoral Act.

The lawsuit comes in the wake of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026, which was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly in February and subsequently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. Notably, Clause 60 of the new law makes the electronic transmission of results optional, raising concerns about transparency in the electoral process.

In addition to the electronic transmission issue, the new law imposes stringent requirements on political candidates. As many as 50% of candidates for the upcoming 2027 elections may face disqualification due to new tax compliance requirements. These stipulations mandate that candidates provide a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) linked to their National Identification Number (NIN) and company registration number.

The Nigeria Revenue Service has introduced an Integrated Tax Compliance Portal (ITCP) to facilitate automated verification of these TCCs. Furthermore, the Electoral Act maintains strict 14-day deadlines for pre-election challenges, which could further complicate the electoral landscape.

Critics argue that the new law disproportionately targets individuals outside the current power structure. An anonymous member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) described the tax compliance requirement as “a political purge disguised as tax administration.” Meanwhile, Senator Kawu Sumaila emphasized the importance of responsible financial contribution for those aspiring to manage national resources.

Chief Aiyenale Fred Jimoh remarked, “The era of the politically powerful who operate outside the fiscal system is over,” highlighting a shift towards greater accountability.

These developments follow a contentious legislative process, marked by alterations to the bill’s provisions without adequate debate or due process. As the situation unfolds, reactions from various stakeholders continue to emerge, reflecting a mix of support and criticism for the new electoral regulations.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of these changes, but the ongoing lawsuit and new compliance requirements are set to shape the political landscape in Nigeria as the 2027 elections approach.

Сообщение Election law: What Are the Latest Developments in in Nigeria? появились сначала на naijanewsreporters.

On April 6, 2026, Nigerian journalist Seun Okinbaloye found himself at the center of a controversy after Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, made a threatening remark about him during a media chat. Wike’s comment, which suggested he would have shot Okinbaloye if he could break the screen during a live broadcast, has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of journalists in Nigeria.

The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) responded swiftly to Wike’s comments, threatening to boycott any media engagements organized by him unless he issued an apology to Okinbaloye. This incident underscores the tense relationship between government officials and the media, particularly in a country where press freedom is already under scrutiny.

Okinbaloye, undeterred by Wike’s remarks, stated, “I no dey fear and I no go ever dey intimidated.” His determination to continue asking necessary questions reflects the resilience of journalists in the face of intimidation. The incident also prompted IBAN to express concern that Wike’s remarks could be interpreted as a direct threat to journalists, further complicating the already precarious situation for media professionals in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Wike’s threat illustrates the escalating dangers faced by journalists in the country. They condemned his comments and called for an investigation into the matter. This incident is particularly alarming given that Nigeria ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the press freedom index, highlighting the challenges faced by the media.

Wike later clarified that his comments were meant to be hyperbolic and taken out of context, but the damage had already been done. The Nigerian Constitution, enacted in 1999, guarantees the right to freedom of expression and press freedom, yet incidents like this raise questions about the enforcement of these rights. The media plays a crucial role in exposing abuses of power and ensuring public accountability, making the safety of journalists paramount.

In a further development, Okinbaloye received assurances of safety from the Department of State Services (DSS), indicating that authorities are aware of the potential risks involved. However, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of journalists in Nigeria, particularly in light of the 56 journalists who were assaulted or arrested in August 2024 alone.

The ongoing threats against Okinbaloye not only highlight the precarious nature of journalism in Nigeria but also reflect a troubling trend of increasing hostility towards the press. As the situation unfolds, the response from both the government and media organizations will be critical in shaping the future of press freedom in the country.

Сообщение Seun okinbaloye: What Happened to After Nyesom Wike’s Threat? появились сначала на naijanewsreporters.