Featured

The Fact and the Law: How Shettima’s Nomination As Running Mate Violated Electoral Act

Published

3 years ago

May 8, 2023

Eric

THE FACTS

Kashim Shettima was nominated by the APC to INEC for the election into the Borno Central Senatorial District of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 17^th of June, 2022.

Kashim Shettima replaced one Ibrahim Kabir Masari, who was hitherto the Vice-Presidential candidate of the APC for the 2023 Presidential election. The Notice of Withdrawal reveals that Kashim Shettima appended his signature and affixed his passport photograph to the Notice of Withdrawal of Candidate as the new Vice-Presidential candidate of the APC. The Notice of Withdrawal dated 14^th day of July, 2022 was submitted to INEC by APC on the 14^th day of July, 2022 at 6:33pm. The acknowledgment copy of the Notice of Withdrawal of Ibrahim Kabir Masari and his replacement by Kashim Shettima showing that INEC received it on the 14^th day of July, 2022 at 6:33pm.

Having secured the Vice-Presidential ticket of the APC, Kashim Shettima decided to withdraw from the Borno Central Senatorial District election. Kashim Shettima appended his signature and affixed his passport photograph to the Notice of Withdrawal as the withdrawn candidate of the APC for the Borno Central Senatorial District Election. APC submitted the said Notice of Withdrawal to INEC on the 15^thday of July, 2022 at 05:13PM GMT+1. The acknowledgment copy of the Notice of Withdrawal of Kashim Shettima and his replacement showing that INEC received it on the 15^th of July, 2022 at 05:13pm.

THE LAW

Section 35 of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that “where a candidate knowingly allows himself to be nominated by more than one political party or in more than one constituency, his nomination shall be void.”

Section 142(1) of the Constitution provides that:

“In any election to which the foregoing provisions of this Part of this Chapter relate, a candidate for an election to the office of President shall not be deemed to be validly nominated unless he nominates another candidate as his associate from the same political party for his running for the office of President, who is to occupy the office of Vice-President and that candidate shall be deemed to have been duly elected to the office of Vice-president if the candidate for an election to the office of President who nominated him as such associate is duly elected as President in accordance with the provisions aforesaid”.

Section 142(1) of the Constitution makes the nomination of a President inchoate and therefore invalid without a running mate who shall be called a Vice Presidential candidate.

It is crystal clear that the Kashim Shettima had double nomination as at the 14^thday of July, 2022 in violation of Section 35 of the Electoral Act, 2022 which provides that “where a candidate knowingly allows himself to be nominated by more than one political party or in more than one constituency, his nomination shall be void.”

It is crystal clear that the Kashim Shettima had double nomination as at the 14^thday of July, 2022 in violation of Section 35 of the Electoral Act, 2022 thereby rendering his nomination as the Vice- Presidential candidate of the APC void.

It is a notorious fact that a Vice-presidential candidate does not emerge from a primary election conducted by a political party. This finds expression in Section 142 of the Constitution, By Section 142 of the Constitution, it is the Presidential candidate that appoints his running mate from his political party and the party forwards same to INEC.

The case of the PDP is not about the internal affair of the APC but the failure of INEC to enforce the provisions of Section 35 of the Electoral Act.

The nomination of candidates is complete when INEC receives the nomination forms of candidates from political parties and once nomination is complete, any grievance thereof is no longer an internal affair of the political party. A post-nomination grievance cannot be said to be an internal affair of a political party.

PDP is not challenging the process by which Kashim Shettima emerged as the Vice-presidential candidate of the APC. The choice and emergence of Kashim Shettima is an internal affair of the APC.

Featured

Sunny Irakpo Launches SILEC International Magazine in America

Published

2 hours ago

December 8, 2025

Eric

Drug Use Prevention Advocate, Founder and President of SILEC Initiatives, and U.S. Department of State Exchange Alumnus, Ambassador Sunny Irakpo, has unveiled SILEC International Magazine (SIM), a groundbreaking media platform exclusively dedicated to reporting drug-related issues across Africa, the United States, and the global community.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with partners in New Jersey, where Ambassador Irakpo is currently participating in a series of community-based and public-safety initiatives to deepen his expertise in combating substance use disorders and illicit drug trafficking both in the United States and worldwide.

A First-of-Its-Kind Platform for Drug-Focused Journalism

Ambassador Irakpo emphasized that SIM is designed to shape public consciousness by promoting value-driven storytelling and providing credible information on the rising tide of drug abuse and illicit trafficking—a crisis he describes as “a looming danger destroying the vibrant youth populations of many nations.”

He noted that the magazine will spotlight the work of NGOs, CEOs, advocates, and policymakers, churches, and companies with strong social responsibility particularly from African perspectives, while amplifying influential voices and advancing global understanding of effective anti-drug efforts.

Drawing inspiration from media leaders such as Dele Momodu, Chairman of Ovation Media Group, and Dr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Television, Irakpo described SIM as “a beacon of hope and a tool for societal transformation.”

Recognizing U.S. Efforts Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking

Ambassador Irakpo commended the United States for its continued commitment to combating drug trafficking and addiction—efforts strengthened under previous and current administrations. He particularly noted that the U.S. government under President Donald Trump demonstrated “exceptional courage, political will, and capacity in confronting the opioid crisis and the destructive forces fueling illicit drug trade,” encouraging world leaders to emulate such resolve.

He reiterated that addressing substance abuse requires a combination of drug-demand reduction, citizen sensitization, international collaboration, and sustained public education.

A Platform With Social Impact and Youth Empowerment at Its Core

Irakpo highlighted SIM as a top-tier media platform that will not only drive awareness but also create employment opportunities for young people and support underprivileged students—particularly in Nigeria, where more than 20 million children remain out of school due to financial hardship.

He added that SIM will serve as a sustainability engine for the ongoing anti-drug overdose campaigns of SILEC Initiatives, a leading nonprofit that has educated and sensitized communities for nearly two decades.

Experienced Editorial Leadership

As SIM prepares for its U.S. take-off, Irakpo announced the appointment of veteran journalist Julius Eto as Chairman of the Editorial Board. Eto brings more than four decades of experience across Nigeria’s premier news organizations, including The Guardian, ThisDay, The Punch, Daily Times, and The Trumpet.

He will be joined by distinguished academics including Prof. Oscar Odion Odiboh and other seasoned professionals committed to advancing the magazine’s mission.

A Call for Media Reawakening and Global Collaboration

Ambassador Irakpo called for a media renaissance in Nigeria to strengthen societal values and elevate African leadership in global discourse. SIM, he said, intends to claim its rightful place as “an African voice on the world stage.”

With the official launch of SILEC International Magazine (SIM) scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 in the United States, Ambassador Irakpo extended an invitation to corporate organizations, development partners, and well-meaning individuals worldwide to support this far-reaching vision.

“With hope, determination, and the resilience symbolized by the eagle, SIM is prepared to soar across the globe. Members of the public are respectfully enjoined to visit our friendly, rich anti-drug abuse website, www.silecinitiatives.org.ng,” he added.

Featured

How Tinubu Helped to Crush Military Coup in Benin Republic – Presidency

Published

6 hours ago

December 8, 2025

Eric

The Presidency, on Sunday night, said acting on the two requests by the authorities of Benin Republic, President Bola Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

The Presidency, in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu commended the swift response of the gallantry of Nigeria’s military.

The statement read: “President Bola Tinubu has commended the gallantry of Nigeria’s military on Sunday for responding swiftly to the request by the Government of Benin Republic to save its 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters who struck at dawn today.

“Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

“The Republic of Benin, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbal, requested immediate Nigerian air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”

“In the second request, the authorities in Benin requested the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets within Beninoise airspace for surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Benin-led coordination.

“The Benin government also requested Nigerian ground forces, “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups.”

“Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said all the requests have been fulfilled, with Nigerian ground forces now in Benin.

“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he said.

He further stated: “Constitutional order was upended in the Republic of Benin, Nigeria’s neighbour, when some soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri announced a coup on Sunday morning. The putschists seized the National TV and claimed they had toppled President Patrice Talon and suspended all democratic institutions.

“It took some hours before the government’s loyal forces, assisted by Nigeria, took control and flushed out the coup plotters from the National TV.

“In his remarks after the restoration of the democratic and constitutional order, President Tinubu saluted the Nigerian armed forces for standing firm as a protector and defender of democracy.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”

Featured

Ozekhome, Wife Josephine, Celebrate 34 Years of Marital Bliss

Published

18 hours ago

December 7, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Popular Constitution lawyer and renowned human rights activist, Prof Mike Ozekhome, and wife, Lady Josephine Ozekhome, has celebrated 34 years of living together as husband and wife.

The couple took time out to shower love, encomium and affection on each other, celebrating the goodness of Godd upon their lives and home in the last 34 years.

Speaking exclusively to The Boss, Ozekhome noted that on a day like this “I remember how we started; how we weathered the storm together, and conquered together. She is the best companion anyone can have, and I’m very proud of her, and to be her husband.”

Ozekhome once stated that his wife is “a great woman of uncommon virtues and humanity; my jewel of inestimable value, soulmate, sister, best friend and mother.”

While the wife is identified as Lady (Dr) (Senior High Chief) Josephine Mike Ozekhome LL.M, LSM, LL.D. D.Sc., the renowned constitution lawyer, a dotting and loving husband, and firebrand pro-masses Advocate, os identified as Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, CON, OFR, Ph.D, LL.D, D.Litt,D.Sc., among a host of other watering achievements.