Today’s Headlines: 2027 election results will be decided by Nigerians, not algorithms – INEC; X-raying Obasanjo’s global verdict on Tinubu’s reforms

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that artificial intelligence (AI) and computer algorithms will not determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the assurance at the AI and Democracy Forum 2026 in Abuja, stressing that the power to choose the country’s leaders rests with voters.

According to reports, Amupitan made the clarification while responding to concerns about whether algorithms would determine the outcome of the next general election.

The 13th edition of the Financial Times Africa Summit brought together African and international leaders, policymakers, business executives, investors and other influential stakeholders to discuss the continent’s economic prospects, investment opportunities, political leadership and development challenges. This year’s high-profile gathering featured such eminent personalities as Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama; Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote; Kirsty McNeill, the UK minister for international development; Taiwo Oyedele, Nigeria’s minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, among other distinguished participants.

I also attended the event as a senior media professional, where, before a distinguished international audience, I witnessed former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo lay bare Nigeria’s economic predicament under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What struck me was not merely the bluntness of his remarks but also the agreement they attracted from many of the dignitaries present. Obasanjo had articulated what millions of Nigerians have been saying at home: the country is in distress, and the Tinubu administration has yet to convince them that its economic reforms are delivering meaningful relief.

𝗘𝘅-𝗜𝗚 𝗔𝗯𝗯𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘄𝗮 𝗶𝗳 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿

The Peoples Democratic Party senatorial candidate for Jigawa South-West, Suleiman Abba, who is a former Inspector-General of Police, has pledged to address the challenges confronting the district and other parts of the state if elected in 2027.

The pledge comes amid intensifying political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with aspirants across political parties stepping up grassroots mobilisation and consultations in Jigawa State.

Abba made the pledge on Monday while commencing his campaign and consultations in Gwaram and Birnin Kudu Local Government Areas of the state.

Speaking at the PDP local government secretariat in Gwaram, where party members and other supporters gathered, Abba expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to commence his campaign.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani says the All Progressives Congress (APC) will consider its performance a failure if any opposition candidate secures 25 per cent of the votes in the state during the 2027 general elections.

Sani stated this during an interview with TVC on Sunday, expressing confidence that Kaduna would deliver a higher share of votes for President Bola Tinubu.

“In Kaduna, we are not talking about 70 per cent. Allowing any candidate to even get 25 per cent in Kaduna is a failure on our side because President Tinubu has done for Kaduna something we never dreamt of having,” he said.

Jamiuwrite feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com