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Renowned Legal Practitioner Exposes BPP Officials in Billions Corruption Scandal

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A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has announced plans to stage mass protests at the National Assembly and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) office, alleging that BPP Director General Dr Adebowale Adedokun and his chief of staff, Mr Olarewaju Obasa, received kickbacks totaling billions of naira through over 50 bank accounts. The CSOs are demanding accountability and transparency in the BPP’s operations, citing concerns over alleged corruption and mismanagement.

According to the national coordinator of the Coalition, Comrade Haruna AbdulSalam the plan protests are in response to a petition filed by a renowned legal practitioner, Musa Aliyu to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), exposing fraudulent activities and corruption by the accused officials.

The petition which was sighted by this media platform alleged that the BPP under the leadership of Dr Adedokun and Mr Obasa has been fundamentally compromised , issuing of certificate of NO objections has been brazenly monetized becoming a personal meal ticket used to seek gratifications in billions reportedly facilitated by a complex financial network

The CSOs are demanding immediate investigation and prosecution of Dr. ADEDOKUN and Mr. OBASA, citing overwhelming evidence of their wrongdoing.

This development comes amid growing concerns over corruption and mismanagement of public funds in Nigeria. The coalition’s action is seen as a bold move to hold government officials accountable and ensure transparency in public procurement processes

The BPP, established by the Public Procurement Act 2007, is responsible for regulating and overseeing public procurement in Nigeria “

T h e Executive Chairman
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

Dear Sir,
BUREAU O F PUBLIC PROCUREMENT – A CITADEL OF CURRUPTION UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF DR. ADEBOWALE ADEDOKUN, T H E NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR-GENERAL, A N D H I S C H I E F O F STAFF, M R . OLANREWAJU O B A S A – A PETITION FO R ALLEGED CORRUPTION AND ABUSE O F OFFICE.

I N T R O D U C T I O N

As a concerned citizen and a loyal party member of the All Progressives Congress
who has invested precious time and resources over the years to ensure the victory of Mr. President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his herculean task of establishing a solid foundation for good governance in our dear country Nigeria. Premised on the above abstract, I hereby respectfully submit this petition to your organization, statutorily charged with the responsibility of conducting an urgent and independent investigation into a series of alleged irregular series of criminal manipulation of procurement processes, such as issuance of Certificate of No Objection in favour of over-invoicing over-padded bids for monetary gratification attributed to Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, the Director General, and Mr Olanrewaju Obasa, Chief
of Staff to the Director General, who is also a staff member closely associated with
him. The alleged kickbacks so far received by the duo runs to billions of naira through over 50 bank accounts.

The urgency of this petition stems from alarming reports that the Bureau of Public
Procurement (BPP), under the leadership of Dr. Adedokun and Mr. Obasa, has been
fundamentally compromised. It is alleged that the critical public function of issuing Certificates of N o Objection has been brazenly monetized, becoming a personal “meal ticket” used to solicit gratification amounting to billions of Naira. This scheme is reportedly facilitated by a complex financial network, with over 50 bank accounts opened and maintained by the duo to obscure the origin and flow of these illicit
funds

The concerns raised herein are based on credible information received from
individuals within the procurement and contracting ecosystem. While I do not
presume to determine guilt, the nature of these allegations and their potential
implications for transparency, due process, and public trust necessitate thorough
scrutiny.

  1. Alleged Negotiation of Payments Before Issuance of Certificates of No
    Objection:

Several contractors and government agencies have alleged that the Director General
directly contacts vendors and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to
negotiate payments on behalf of ministries before issuing Certificates of No
Objection. In some cases, it is claimed that demands of up to 15% of contract sums
were made as a condition for processing or approving certificates. If true, such
practices undermine the integrity of the procurement process and violate due
process principles.

  1. Specific Allegation Involving CGC Construction Company Limited:
    According to reports, a staff member of CGC Construction Company, identified as
    Mr Kelvin, a representative of the company, was allegedly pressured to make a
    substantial payment before a Certificate of No Objection could be issued for a
    project under the Federal Ministry of Works. The sum involved is reported to be
    N300,000,000 (Three Hundred Million Naira). I respectfully request that this
    specific incidents be reviewed, as it may provide an audit trail for investigators to
    follow.
  2. Allegations Regarding Certificates of No Objection:

In some instances, the DG and his COS demand forex from contractors or MDAs
before issuing No Objection Certificates. In other instances, the DG appointed a
personal consultant to negotiate kickbacks on behalf of his principal, and most of
these bribes are paid in cash or in forex.

  1. Alleged Use of Personal or Connected Companies in Procurement-
    Related Activities:
    It has been alleged that Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa, purportedly the Chief of Staff to the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, operates entities such as:
  • Raboni Global Services Limited
  • ⁠Sevenoaks Project Limited

Mr Obasa Olanrewaju is reportedly a signatory to the accounts of these
aforementioned companies and has influenced the award of several contracts to
them in various government agencies. Investigators are urged to verify whether
these companies have participated in BPP-supervised processes, to determine if any conflicts of interest exist, and to further establish the extent of contract awards facilitated by Mr Obasa’s involvement.
Attached are the account numbers reportedly associated with Mr Obasa Olanrewaju personally, and with the companies:

DETAILS OF THE COMPANY ACCOUNTS RUN BY BOTH
ADEDOKUN AND OBASA FOR THEIR SYNDICATE ACTIVITIES IN
THE BPP
COMPANY BANK ACCOUNT
NUMBER
ACCOUNT NAME
RABONI GLOBAL
SERVICES
LIMITED
GTB 0161844632
RABONI FIXED
DEPOSIT
ACCOUNT
GTB 0159974697
GTB 0373806295 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0375281089 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0370698491 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0373806305 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0384682064 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0025366670 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
ACCESS 0047879845 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
ACCESS 0067314499 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
ACCESS 1156444933 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
ACCESS 1156444933 OBASA JOSEPH OLANREWAJU

SEVENOAKS
PROJECT LIMITED
STERLING
BANK
0085590594 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
SEVENOAKS
PROJECT LIMITED
STERLING
BANK
0086784945 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
SEVENOAKS
PROJECT LIMITED
STERLING
BANK
0086785124 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
STERLING
BANK
0090363277 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
STERLING
BANK
0079842524 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
These account numbers are purported to be linked to both Mr Obasa’s personal use
and the listed companies.

Alleged Receipt of Vehicles and Other Items from Contractors:

There are allegations regarding the receipt of luxury vehicles, including a
bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser and a Toyota Prado Jeep(picture attached
herewith), as well as additional inducements from contractors. Further allegations suggest that certain bank accounts may have been used to receive payments in both naira and U.S. dollars. I request a comprehensive forensic review of these transactions.

It is important to note that the Bureau of Public Procurement did not allocate funds
for these vehicles in its annual budget. If the Office did procure them, evidence of
purchase should be provided. Additionally, the Director General should clarify how
he acquired a luxury vehicle valued at N500,000,000.00 shortly after assuming
office.
A preliminary review suggests the Director General’s total income since taking office
does not justify such high-value acquisitions. Ongoing activities involving Mr. Adedokun, including the construction of multiple personal properties in Abuja,
further raise questions about the source of funding for these projects and purchases.
A review of the relevant bank accounts is recommended.

BANK NAME ACCOUNT NUMBER
ACCESS BANK 1211605299
0039359843
1211690778
0000348777
1211603343
0022912531
1205591474
0015583041
0015506668
0015571978
0039276355
0039342191
0039358925
1211573789
0022898983
1534153608
0039285599
0036079004
0027530163
0739608229
MONIEPOINT 5493459507
STANDARD CHARTERED 0004448777
MONIEPOINT 5629451270
ECO 0312022993
ZENITH 1000793776
STANBIC IBTC 6036803184
STANDARD CHARTERED 5000348789
GTB 0142792499
0681477978
0168493163
0023682200
0168493379
0022815531
0168754192
0025303859
0706336491
0677290666
0022815555
0022815548
0023682190
0604232589
STANDARD CHARTED 0092265504
0022912551
0022898387
6006716020
5006045440
0066716013
5006045479
5006045455
0006000275
STANBIC IBTC 0033851218
0021886110
ZENITH BANK 2000822505
GTB 0023684857
0052876218
STANBIC IBTC 0021903563
0021885704
ACCESS 0092265504
1211651629
1799272577
1797052528
1800170209
0027419602
0034483849
1119623041
1119684428
1211570740
1211684432
008824035
0023887759
1719527240
00285903777
0064758324
1800252848
1778945302

I am aware that the law does not stipulate or limit the number of bank accounts that
may be opened and maintained by individuals, however, having over 50 bank
accounts as a public servant in charge of a sensitive federal agency invokes a moral
burden upon concerned citizens and regulatory bodies to launch an investigation
into the activities of those accounts.
There are over 100 bank accounts suspected of being used for kickbacks or illicit
financial activities, spread across various banks. This indicates a highly organised
attempt to hide the origins and movement of these funds. Using such a large number of accounts typically aims to M U S A A L I Y

Address: No. 1 Herbert Macaulay Way, Wuse, Abuja – Phone: +234 8081 12 6685
T h e Executive Chairman
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
R E C E I V E D 2 4 ! An
Plot 301/302, Institution and Research Cadastral District
Jabi, Abuja.
А м и
Sign •****
RECEPTION
Dear Sir,
BUREAU O F PUBLIC PROCUREMENT – A CITADEL OF
CURRUPTION UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF DR. ADEBOWALE
ADEDOKUN, T H E NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR-GENERAL,
A N D H I S C H I E F O F STAFF, M R . OLANREWAJU O B A S A – A
PETITION FO R ALLEGED CORRUPTION AND ABUSE O F OFFICE.

I N T R O D U C T I O N
As a concerned citizen and a loyal party member of the All Progressives Congress
who has invested precious time and resources over the years to ensure the victory of Mr. President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his herculean task of establishing a solid foundation for good governance in our dear country Nigeria. Premised on the above abstract, I hereby respectfully submit this petition to your organization, statutorily charged with the responsibility of conducting an urgent and independent investigation into a series of alleged irregular series of criminal manipulation of procurement processes, such as issuance of Certificate of No Objection in favour of over-invoicing over-padded bids for monetary gratification attributed t o Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, the Director General, and Mr Olanrewaju Obasa, Chief of Staff to the Director General, who is also a staff member closely associated with him. The alleged kickbacks so far received by the duo runs to billions of naira
through over 50 bank accounts.

The urgency of this petition stems from alarming reports that the Bureau of Public
Procurement (BPP), under the leadership of Dr. Adedokun and Mr. Obasa, has been
fundamentally compromised. It is alleged that the critical public function of issuing Certificates of N o Objection has been brazenly monetized, becoming a personal “meal ticket” used to solicit gratification amounting to billions of Naira. This scheme is reportedly facilitated by a complex financial network, with over 50 bank accounts opened and maintained by the duo to obscure the origin and flow of these illicit
funds.

The concerns raised herein are based on credible information received from
individuals within the procurement and contracting ecosystem. While I do not
presume to determine guilt, the nature of these allegations and their potential
implications for transparency, due process, and public trust necessitate thorough
scrutiny.

  1. Alleged Negotiation of Payments Before Issuance of Certificates of No
    Objection:

Several contractors and government agencies have alleged that the Director General
directly contacts vendors and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to
negotiate payments on behalf of ministries before issuing Certificates of No
Objection. In some cases, it is claimed that demands of up to 15% of contract sums
were made as a condition for processing or approving certificates. If true, such
practices undermine the integrity of the procurement process and violate due
process principles.

  1. Specific Allegation Involving CGC Construction Company Limited:
    According to reports, a staff member of CGC Construction Company, identified as
    Mr Kelvin, a representative of the company, was allegedly pressured to make a
    substantial payment before a Certificate of No Objection could be issued for a
    project under the Federal Ministry of Works. The sum involved is reported to be
    N300,000,000 (Three Hundred Million Naira).

I respectfully request that this
specific incident be reviewed, as it may provide an audit trail for investigators to
follow.

  1. Allegations Regarding Certificates of No Objection:

In some instances, the DG and his COS demand forex from contractors or MDAs
before issuing No Objection Certificates. In other instances, the DG appointed a
personal consultant to negotiate kickbacks on behalf of his principal, and most of
these bribes are paid in cash or in forex.

  1. Alleged Use of Personal or Connected Companies in Procurement-

Related Activities:
It has been alleged that Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa, purportedly the Chief of Staff to the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, operates entities such as:

  • Raboni Global Services Limited
  • Sevenoaks Project Limited
    Mr Obasa Olanrewaju is reportedly a signatory to the accounts of these
    aforementioned companies and has influenced the award of several contracts to
    them in various government agencies. Investigators are urged to verify whether
    these companies have participated in BPP-supervised processes, to determine if any conflicts of interest exist, and to further establish the extent of contract awards facilitated by Mr Obasa’s involvement.

Attached are the account numbers reportedly associated with Mr Obasa
Olanrewaju personally, and with the companies:

DETAILS OF THE COMPANY ACCOUNTS RUN BY BOTH
ADEDOKUN AND OBASA FOR THEIR SYNDICATE ACTIVITIES IN
THE BPP
COMPANY BANK ACCOUNT
NUMBER
ACCOUNT NAME
RABONI GLOBAL
SERVICES
LIMITED
GTB 0161844632
RABONI FIXED
DEPOSIT
ACCOUNT
GTB 0159974697
GTB 0373806295 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0375281089 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0370698491 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0373806305 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0384682064 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
GTB 0025366670 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
ACCESS 0047879845 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
ACCESS 0067314499 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
ACCESS 1156444933 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
ACCESS 1156444933 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
SEVENOAKS
PROJECT LIMITED
STERLING
BANK
0085590594 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
SEVENOAKS
PROJECT LIMITED
STERLING
BANK
0086784945 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
SEVENOAKS
PROJECT LIMITED
STERLING
BANK
0086785124 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
STERLING
BANK
0090363277 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU
STERLING
BANK
0079842524 OBASA JOSEPH
OLANREWAJU

These account numbers are purported to be linked to both Mr Obasa’s personal use
and the listed companies.

  1. Alleged Receipt of Vehicles and Other Items from Contractors:

There are allegations regarding the receipt of luxury vehicles, including a
bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser and a Toyota Prado Jeep(picture attached
herewith), as well as additional inducements from contractors. Further allegations suggest that certain bank accounts may have been used to receive payments in both naira and U.S. dollars. I request a comprehensive forensic review of these transactions.

It is important to note that the Bureau of Public Procurement did not allocate funds
for these vehicles in its annual budget. If the Office did procure them, evidence of purchase should be provided. Additionally, the Director General should clarify how he acquired a luxury vehicle valued at N500,000,000.00 shortly after assuming office.

A preliminary review suggests the Director General’s total income since taking office
does not justify such high-value acquisitions. Ongoing activities involving Mr. Adedokun, including the construction of multiple personal properties in Abuja, further raise questions about the source of funding for these projects and purchases.
A review of the relevant bank accounts is recommended.

BANK NAME ACCOUNT NUMBER
ACCESS BANK 1211605299
0039359843
1211690778
0000348777
1211603343
0022912531
1205591474
0015583041
0015506668
0015571978
0039276355
0039342191
0039358925
1211573789
0022898983
1534153608
0039285599
0036079004
0027530163
0739608229

MONIEPOINT 5493459507

STANDARD CHARTERED 0004448777

MONIEPOINT 5629451270

ECO 0312022993

ZENITH 1000793776

STANBIC IBTC 6036803184

STANDARD CHARTERED 5000348789

GTB 0142792499
0681477978
0168493163
0023682200
0168493379
0022815531
0168754192
0025303859
0706336491
0677290666
0022815555
0022815548
0023682190
0604232589

STANDARD CHARTED 0092265504
0022912551
0022898387
6006716020
5006045440
0066716013
5006045479
5006045455
0006000275
STANBIC IBTC 0033851218
0021886110

ZENITH BANK 2000822505

GTB 0023684857
0052876218

STANBIC IBTC 0021903563
0021885704

ACCESS 0092265504
1211651629
1799272577
1797052528
1800170209
0027419602
0034483849
1119623041
1119684428
1211570740
1211684432
008824035
0023887759
1719527240
00285903777
0064758324
1800252848
1778945302

I am aware that the law does not stipulate or limit the number of bank accounts that
may be opened and maintained by individuals, however, having over 50 bank accounts as a public servant in charge of a sensitive federal agency invokes a moral burden upon concerned citizens and regulatory bodies to launch an investigation into the activities of those accounts.

There are over 100 bank accounts suspected of being used for kickbacks or illicit
financial activities, spread across various banks. This indicates a highly organised attempt to hide the origins and movement of these funds. Using such a large number of accounts typically aims to:

  • Avoid detection by financial regulators and bank monitoring systems.
    Move illicit funds through structured transactions kept below reportable thresholds

(a method known as “smurfing”).

  • Distribute funds among multiple individuals or entities, making tracing more
    difficult.

C O N C L U S I O N

Based on the serious and substantiated allegations detailed above, I respectfully urge your office to initiate a comprehensive investigation into these matters. This should include a full review of all pertinent financial transactions, bank accounts, and corporate entities implicated in these activities. I further appeal for the protection of whistleblowers and any individuals who may come forward with vital information.

Finally, I am faithful that, upon conclusion of the investigation, your office will take all necessary and appropriate administrative or legal actions as dictated by the
findings.

I trust this petition will receive the seriousness and confidentiality it deserves.
Thank you for your attention.

Yours faithfully,
M U S A A L I Y U
CC:

  1. President and the Commander in-Chief,
    Federal Republic of Nigeria
    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
    State House
    Aso Rock Villa
    Abuja.
  2. Hon Unyime Joshua Idem
    Chairman house committee on public procurement, National Assembly.
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Wimbledon Players End Prize-Money Protest After Talks

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Top tennis stars, including world number ones Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, have ended their protest over prize money at Wimbledon after holding constructive meetings with tournament organisers.

The players had initially limited their press conferences to 15 minutes during the opening week, a move aimed at drawing attention to what they described as unfair revenue distribution. They argued that players currently receive only 15 percent of Grand Slam revenues and demanded an increase to 22 percent.

In response, Wimbledon raised its prize money by 20 percent, with singles champions now set to earn £3.6 million ($4.76 million). This marks a significant increase from the £3 million awarded to winners in 2025.

The All England Club’s chief executive, Sally Bolton, expressed relief that the protest had ended, noting that discussions with players had been positive. “We’ve had fruitful conversations and agreed to continue in constructive dialogue,” she said.

ALSO READ

South Korea Exit World Cup, Coach Face Presidential Probe

Despite ending the protest, players stressed that the underlying issues remain unresolved. Their representatives confirmed that normal media duties would resume, but they will carefully evaluate Wimbledon’s proposals once presented.

Sabalenka, a three-time semi-finalist, said she hoped the matter would be settled permanently. “I really hope we can finally get to the table and come to a conclusion that everyone is happy with. Hopefully we’ll never have to do this again,” she remarked.

The protest at Wimbledon followed similar action at the French Open in May, where players restricted pre-tournament media duties. Their campaign highlights growing tension between athletes and organisers over revenue sharing at tennis’ biggest events.

Players argue that their performances drive ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals, yet they receive a relatively small share of the financial returns. The demand for 22 percent of revenues reflects a push for greater equity in the sport.

While Wimbledon’s prize money increase is seen as progress, players insist that dialogue must continue with all four Grand Slam tournaments. The outcome of these negotiations could reshape financial structures in professional tennis, potentially setting new standards for athlete compensation.

For now, the focus returns to the grass courts, with players and organisers keen to ensure that the championships proceed without further disruption.

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Immigration Debate: Ramaphosa Warns Against Violence

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the legitimacy of citizens’ concerns over illegal immigration but firmly warned that violence and intimidation will not be tolerated during the planned nationwide protests on June 30.

In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa stressed that while the right to protest is constitutionally guaranteed, it must be exercised peacefully. He cautioned that no grievance justifies unlawful conduct, adding that vigilantism has no place in a constitutional democracy.

Ramaphosa admitted that South Africans have raised genuine issues about undocumented immigration, weak border management, overstretched public services, and criminal syndicates exploiting the system. He said these concerns are valid and deserve attention.

The president assured citizens that his government is committed to reforming immigration controls. Measures include strengthening border security, improving enforcement against undocumented migration, tightening asylum and visa systems, and tackling corruption that has undermined immigration management.

While recognising the right to protest, Ramaphosa emphasised that freedom of expression does not permit threats, vandalism, or violence. He urged organisers and participants to respect the rights and dignity of others.

“Freedom comes with responsibility. The right to protest is one of the defining freedoms of our democracy, but every right carries corresponding responsibilities,” he said.

He warned against individuals taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, describing such actions as vigilantism. Only authorised law enforcement officers, he noted, have the constitutional mandate to demand identification and enforce immigration laws.

ALSO READ

INEC, Parties Clash Over Access Codes Ahead 2027 Elections

Ramaphosa disclosed that his government had consulted widely with traditional leaders, trade unions, business groups, and religious organisations to build consensus on immigration reforms. He said these engagements showed broad support for government’s stance.

He also reminded citizens that many foreign nationals legally reside in South Africa, contributing to the economy through work, education, and investment. Such individuals, he stressed, remain entitled to constitutional protection.

The president welcomed assurances from protest organisers that demonstrations would remain peaceful. However, he warned that anyone engaging in criminal acts would face prosecution.

“Where there is criminal conduct, those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course,” he said.

Ramaphosa urged South Africans to reject fear and division, recalling the painful history of racial profiling and humiliation under apartheid. He insisted that national security must be upheld alongside constitutional values.

South Africa has witnessed weeks of anti-immigration protests and sporadic xenophobic attacks. These incidents have prompted several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, to evacuate or assist in the voluntary repatriation of their citizens.

Observers say the June 30 protests will test South Africa’s ability to balance public concerns over immigration with its constitutional commitment to peaceful dissent and human rights.

Ramaphosa’s message is clear: immigration concerns are valid, but violence will not be tolerated. As South Africans prepare to take to the streets, the government faces the challenge of addressing public frustrations while safeguarding democratic freedoms.

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INEC, Parties Clash Over Access Codes Ahead 2027 Elections

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties are locked in a dispute over access codes required to upload candidates’ particulars for the 2027 general elections.

While INEC insists the codes have been released and training conducted, several parties maintain they are yet to receive them. The disagreement has raised concerns about compliance with the commission’s strict timetable.

INEC says it distributed the codes on Friday, June 26, 2026, and trained party representatives on Thursday and Friday to ensure smooth use of its online nomination portal. According to the commission, the deadline for uploading presidential and National Assembly candidates remains July 11, 2026.

Victoria Eta-Messi, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, dismissed claims of delay. She argued that parties must attend the training before receiving codes. “Were they expecting to have been given codes without the training?” she asked, stressing that the process was ongoing and support staff were available to assist.

The commission’s revised timetable shows that the portal for presidential and National Assembly candidates opened on June 27 and will close on July 11. For governorship and state assembly candidates, the portal opens July 18 and closes August 8.

Despite INEC’s assurances, many parties insist they have not received the codes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) said they were still waiting. The Labour Party (LP) also confirmed it had not been issued codes, though it had distributed nomination forms to candidates.

Factional disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) further complicate matters, with rival groups seeking INEC’s recognition to upload candidates.

ALSO READ

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) faces additional hurdles. A Federal High Court in Lokoja recently ordered INEC not to recognise the party pending resolution of legal disputes over its registration. The NDC has vowed to appeal, insisting its candidates, including presidential hopeful Peter Obi, remain on the ballot.

Among the parties, only the Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) party confirmed receipt of the access code. Its chairman, Sunny Adenuga, said the party would collect the code early in the week.

The clash comes amid heavy workload for INEC, which has just concluded an off-season governorship election in Ekiti and bye-elections in six states. The commission is also preparing for the Osun governorship election, where codes for uploading polling agents have already been issued.

Political parties, meanwhile, continue to grapple with internal litigations and factional disputes, adding pressure on the electoral body.

Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 requires that candidate nominations be submitted not later than 120 days before the election. INEC’s online portal is designed to enforce this deadline, with access codes serving as the gateway for parties to upload Forms EC9 and related documents.

The EC9 form captures candidates’ personal particulars, while EC9A to EC9E list nominated candidates for various offices.

The dispute highlights persistent challenges in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly the balance between INEC’s digital reforms and parties’ readiness. While INEC insists the system is straightforward, parties argue that delays in issuing codes could jeopardise compliance.

Observers note that the controversy underscores the need for transparency and coordination between the commission and political parties. With deadlines fast approaching, failure to resolve the disagreement could trigger legal battles and further strain Nigeria’s electoral system.

As the July 11 deadline looms, INEC and political parties must urgently reconcile their positions. The credibility of the 2027 elections depends on timely submission of candidate details, adherence to the Electoral Act, and cooperation between stakeholders.

The clash over access codes is more than a technical dispute; it is a test of Nigeria’s ability to manage electoral logistics in a digital age.

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