Cynthia Mbamalu

The legal landscape across Africa and the global stage is evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation are brilliant women making huge strides. Meet five of them on this week’s #AWBList. 👇🏿 #WomenInLaw #AfricanWomenInLaw #LegalLeadership #AfricanExcellence

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and his government must urgently address the country’s horrifying spate of abductions targeting rural communities and internally displaced persons (IDP) in the northern part of the country, as at least 1,100 people have been abducted in three months – from January to April 2026. Those abducted are frequently subjected to torture, starvation, amputation, rape, forced to witness or commit atrocities. Many of the communities affected by the abductions have for years also endured frequent attacks by gunmen. Apart from killing people, gunmen are now on a rampage of abductions – largely for lucrative ransom. Some stay months at the mercy of gunmen in punishing situations. Estimates of the number of abductions by gunmen and armed groups across Nigeria vary and some of the commonly cited figures vastly understate the scale of the problem:

Amnesty International research shows that Tiger Base officials routinely exploit a prototype ex parte remand order issued by magistrates’ courts. This order typically authorizes an initial seven-day detention but is drafted to automatically extend for another seven days, then twenty-one days, and indefinitely thereafter. This mechanism enables Tiger Base officials to unlawfully detain suspects under the guise of ongoing investigation and to impose extortionate bail conditions. Amnesty International’s investigation confirms that most cases of arbitrary detention at Tiger Base involve the ex parte remand order that effectively permits indefinite detention. For example, in a recent case, a young man was detained; when his relatives sought his release after 24 hours, a magistrate issued an order extending his detention for another 21 days. We call on @TunjiDisu1 @PoliceNG @PoliceNG @PoliceServiceCom @NHRCNigeria to end abuses and ensure accountability. 📢 Email the Inspector General of Police now: amn.st/6015B6b2KB #EndTigerBase

Amnesty International strongly condemns the reckless and violent language of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mr. Nyesom Wike in which he stated that he can respond to a statement by a journalist with shooting. Mr. Wike stated on live television that: “If there’s anyway to broke (sic) the screen, I would have shot him…” Apart from inciting violence Wike’s remarks violated Nigeria’s broadcasting code that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is supposed to be enforcing. What Wike said carries the danger of normalizing violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job. This level of violent intent coming from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet is unlawful and unacceptable. Mr. Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologize.

Mass burial has been held for the people killed on Palm Sunday night at Angwan Rukuba Jos north LGA Plateau state. People are increasingly feeling unsafe and constantly on the edge. In Plateau State, from December 2023 to February 2024, at least 1,336 people were killed. Of those killed, 533 were women, 263 were children, and 540 were men. Over 29,554 people were displaced, out of which 13,093 were children while 16,461 were women. Consistent failure of the authorities to bring the suspected perpetrators to justice is emboldening impunity.

President Tinubu is failing to Protect Lives With the death toll from the Palm Sunday attack in central Nigeria surpassing 30 people, the Nigerian authorities must investigate the inexcusable security lapses that enbaled the horrific attack by gunmen on motorbikes on Anguwan Rukuba community of Jos north LGA of Plateau state. The area, nature of the attack and timing show how increasingly vulnerable people are to being killed anywhere and anytime. More dead bodies are still being found and conveyed to the morgue. Plateau state is increasingly becoming unsafe. Patterns of recent deadly attacks on rural and now on urban areas of Plateau state, clearly show, the Nigerian authorities have left these communities at the mercy of rampaging gunmen. Nigerian authorities’ failure to tame the tide of this violence is costing people’s lives and livelihoods, and without immediate action, many more lives may be lost. While President Bola Tinubu has been promising to implement new measures to address the rising insecurity in the country, the attacks in Plateau state and recently in parts of Benue, Zamfara and Kebbi highlight that safeguarding lives and property is not a priority for the current government. Issuing turgid statements condemning the attacks is not enough and genuine commitment to protecting the people must be demonstrated by adequately protecting lives, holding suspected perpetrators to account and ensuring justice. The almost daily nationwide bloodshed must end now!

Nigerian women continue to face complex, interconnected challenges from gender-based violence to digital harassment, barriers in governance, and limited access to justice. At From Rights to Reality: Nigerian Women in 2026, we’re bringing together a diverse panel of changemakers, advocates, thought leaders, and innovators to tackle these issues head-on. Why this matters: * Hear how safety, justice, and participation are evolving for women in Nigeria * Learn from multi-sector experts across law, tech, media, governance, and civil society * Explore actionable solutions for more inclusive, accountable, and equitable spaces Meet the speakers who will speak truth to how they have worked to push the needle, reflecting on where we are now, the progress made, and the urgent work still ahead. To close the gap between rights and real access to justice, we must first confront and understand the often unseen and evolving barriers that continue to stand in the way. Date: 27th March, 2026 Time: 10:00 am Register here: bit.ly/4sdQ72QIWDEvent We want to see you! Will you be there? If yes, comment “hi” below 👇🏽

It’s Day 13 of me sharing African women who shaped the political and social fabric of the African continent, yet you may or may not know them. Today we talk about Hajia Gambo Sawaba. She is known as the most jailed woman in Nigeria. Even so went on to be imprisoned 16 times for her activism against British colonialism in Northern Nigeria and her women's rights organizing. Hajia's influence shaped the role of women in political spaces in Northern Nigeria from passive agents to bold voices who defied cultural and religious barriers that told women to keep quiet and just handle domestic affairs. Hajia was definitely ahead of her time especially that she started her political activism at only 16 years old with no formal education. I read her memoir published in 1979 and truly what a woman and what a warrior. Through abuse, betrayal, frequent arrests and being jailed, she always came out of it more radical and ready to fight. Hajia fought so hard for women in the north to get voting rights that other women in part of Nigeria had received. As many women in the north of Nigeria followed the practice of purdah, a form of social seclusion, Hajia went from house-to-house to speak to them. This displeased the Authorities in Kano and, in 1952, she was hauled before the conservative Alkali (Magistrates) Court, on charges of “drawing out women who were in purdah”. The court sentenced her to three months in prison. Yet it didn't stop her. Every arrest, motivated her to do more.

Receiving the “Partner With Us on the Citizen Townhall” email from @ZikokoCitizen, further deepened our awareness that conversations around elections need to be expanded. It showed the varied nuances of the insights Yiaga Africa’s National Voter Intention Survey (NVIS) held beyond research and policy dialogue spaces. Our participation in the @ZikokoCitizen Townhall 2026 was more than a fireside chat. It reaffirmed the need to keep demanding accountable elections and amplifying citizen voices. @DCynthiaM's reflections at the Citizens Townhall centred on trust, inclusion, and electoral integrity. Together, the Zikoko Citizen Report (2nd edition) and Yiaga Africa’s NVIS findings show that participation in 2027 will depend on credibility, safety, and transparency. Get the full reports 📖 citizen.zikoko.com 📊 nvis.yiaga.org #YiagaAfrica #DemocracyinAction #ZikokoCitizen

Applications are now open! Join the Ready to Run network - empowering young Nigerians with the skills, strategies, and networks to lead. Supported by the @EU_SDGN Programme #readytorun #democracyinaction #yiagaafrica

#ReadytoRun to run for elective office? Here is your chance to chart your path to leadership. Discover the offices you can contest and get prepared at the hashtag#ReadytoRun Bootcamp. Start your journey at readytorun.ng/getinvolved Supported by the @EU_SDGN Programme #democracyinaction #yiagaafrica

The Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election reflecting these adjustments have been issued and can be accessed on the Commission’s official website and other official communication platforms. In addition, the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for Saturday, 8th August 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 15th August 2026. The Commission notes that some activities in respect of the Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections have already been conducted. However, the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026. The revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026. The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility. The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people. Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna National Commissioner, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee. 26th February, 2026

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION PRESE STATEMENT ISSUANCE OF REVISED TIMETABLE AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTION AND RESCHEDULING OF OSUN STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and issued a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election. The Commission had earlier fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2022. Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework. Accordingly, the Commission has resolved as follows: 1. Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027. 2. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027. Key Milestones in the Timetable In accordance with the approved Schedule of Activities: ✓ Conduct of Party Primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23rd April 2026 and end on 30th May 2026. ✓ Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026. ✓ Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9th September 2026. As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law. #NigeriaDecides2027

Special thanks to our panellists: Panel 1 comprising Cynthia Mbamalu, Barr. Festus Okoye, Dr Chidi Nwafor, Engr. Oluwadara Oluwalana, moderated by Opeyemi Adamolekun, discussed 'BVAS, IReV, and the Electoral Act 2026 — What the Law Now Says' #yiagaafrica #democracyinaction

I got to vote! I showed up early and voted amidst some challenges. I felt this sense of pride because I have not been able to vote since 2011… Voting still matters, we can change our system by voting right…change takes time. Power still belongs to the people. #FCTDecides2026

Abuja voters, please our Area Council election is as important as the National elections. Come out and vote. This #FCTdecides2026 will be determined by voters who turnout to vote.

Set-up of Polling units still ongoing in all the Polling units in Wuse 1, Pry Sch, Zone 2, Abuja when voting ought to commence at 8:30am! FCT voters, where are you voting from? Please no matter what, just vote today for your Local Government officials! #FCTdecides2026

Less than 24 hours to #FCTDecides2026 We’re on ground tracking the distribution of sensitive election materials across Registration Area Centres in FCT, from Gwagwalada to Kuje, Kwali to AMAC, as part of our #WatchingTheVote process ahead of tomorrow’s polls. Stay with us for real-time updates. Dust off your PVC. Show up. Vote. Count your vote, and make sure it counts. #DemocracyInAction #YiagaAfrica

Today, civil society organisations in a joint press conference expressed their dissatisfaction with the conclusion of the recent electoral reform process. In attendance was the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, who tried to respond to questions raised by Civil Society Actors, the Media and concerned citizens. @cemesoofficial @KukahCentre @IPCng @ElectHER_NG @womenfundng @TAF_Africa #YiagaAfrica, #democracyinaction, #watchingthevote #nigeriadecides2027

In this interview with AIT, Director of Programmes, @MbamaluCynthia, delves into the implications of the 2026 Electoral Bill on the 2027 National Elections. Watch the video to understand some of the key issues at stake. #yiagaafrica #nigeriadecides2027