“I am looking forward to leading discussions that are thoughtful, constructive and focused on impact,” he says. “At a time when technology is reshaping economies and societies at unprecedented speed, our task is to build a stronger, more responsive and future-ready ITU that works for every nation and every person.”
ITU Council focusing on critical issues shaping global technology ecosystem
Ahead of the meetings, Tijani says he has been engaging with senior ITU leadership, including Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas, to align priorities for the upcoming session.
“As I prepare to transition from my previous role as Vice Chair and start my term as Chair of the 2026 Council of the International Telecommunication Union, I have spent the last few days engaging with the ITU leadership team,” Tijani says.
Deliberations at the 2026 Council are expected to focus on critical issues shaping the global technology ecosystem, including broadband infrastructure, cybersecurity, spectrum management, interoperability standards and innovation policy.
“The Council sessions will consider priorities that will guide the Union’s next four-year strategic cycle, including inclusive and secure infrastructure, digital applications, spectrum use, global ICT interoperability and creating an enabling environment for innovation,” the Minister says.
Tijani adds that his objective is to steer practical, consensus-driven discussions that deliver measurable outcomes for member states.
“I am looking forward to leading discussions that are thoughtful, constructive and focused on impact,” he says. “At a time when technology is reshaping economies and societies at unprecedented speed, our task is to build a stronger, more responsive and future-ready ITU that works for every nation and every person.”
Founded in 1865, the ITU is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies, coordinating global radio spectrum, developing technical standards and advancing digital inclusion worldwide. While the Plenipotentiary Conference, next scheduled as ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26), serves as its supreme decision-making body, the Council meets annually to oversee implementation of strategic and administrative priorities.
The 2026 Council session is particularly significant as it represents the final major governance platform ahead of the Union’s next leadership elections, where member states will decide on leadership positions and budgetary direction through to 2030.
Under the current cycle, discussions are anchored on the Connect 2030 Agenda, which is targeting the expansion of global connectivity and bridging the digital divide that continues to leave billions without meaningful internet access.
The agenda aligns with the ITU’s broader mandate, where governments and industry stakeholders collaborate on spectrum coordination, telecom standards and digital inclusion initiatives.
This year’s Council meeting is also convening at a critical juncture for the global ICT sector, as policymakers seek to balance rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, satellite communications, cross-border data flows and the need for resilient digital infrastructure.
Key performance targets under review include universal broadband coverage, affordable internet access, connectivity for schools and households, and expanded ownership of internet-enabled devices. Member states are also assessing progress on strengthening national cybersecurity frameworks through policies, emergency response teams and legislative instruments.
Beyond connectivity, the Council is expected to evaluate progress towards broader digital transformation goals for 2030, including closing gender, age and urban-rural digital divides, improving digital literacy, expanding internet adoption by businesses, increasing access to e-government services and leveraging ICT for climate and environmental sustainability.
Nigeria’s leadership of the 2026 ITU Council places the country at the centre of these global conversations, offering an opportunity to shape policy directions that will define the future of digital development across both emerging and advanced economies.
A Senatorial Aspirant, Isaac Nwachukwu, has dragged Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, before a Federal High Court Sitting in Owerri, Imo State, over the fallout of the party’s National Assembly primaries.
Nwachukwu, in a suit filed through his Counsel, Cajethan Oguzie, accused the party of denying him the Imo North senatorial ticket after emerging a consensus candidate and paying N5m for the nomination form.
The suit also disclosed that Nwachukwu had paid N20m for the support of the party, but his support was unexplainably reduced to N10m when the list of those who supported the party was published.
The NDC Senatorial Aspirant, in his prayers before the court, demanded that a declaration should be made that he is the consensus candidate of the party in the state with regard to the Imo North Senatorial Zone in the 2027 General election.
“A declaration that the first defendant, NDC, be restrained from fielding another candidate except the plaintiff in the General election into the Imo North Senatorial Zone as he is the consensus candidate for the said election.
“A declaration that the second defendant, INEC, be perpetually restrained from recognising and accepting the candidacy of another person except the plaintiff in the Imo North Senatorial election pending the determination of the matter,” the suit stated.
In an affidavit supporting the originating summons, Nwachukwu stated that he purchased the expression of interest form to aspire for the position for Imo North senatorial zone, a copy of which is attached in the suit already filed.
The NDC Senatorial Aspirant added that upon the purchase of the form, he made a monetary contribution in support of the party’s growth in the tune of N20m into the party’s FCMB account number through his Counsel, receipt also attached in the suit as an exhibit.
“The first sign of irregularity and no compliance with the NDC constitution and electoral act came up when the N20m I paid for party support was allocated to one of the aspirants for my Senatorial District by the name Matthew Omegara, and the N10m that Matthew Omegara paid for party support was allocated to me by the Screening Committee headed by Sam Egwu and Buba Galadimma.
” In compliance with NDC’s directives, I participated in the NDC screening exercise and was successfully cleared as an aspirant to participate in the primary election.
After my consensus candidacy was ratified, my name was shortlisted as a Candidate for Imo North district. A copy of the result is hereby annexed as Exhibit 1U5,” the affidavit added.
Nwachukwu alleged that his name was substituted with Omegara after he had been declared the winner of the primary election.
The Imo North Senatorial Aspirant claimed that the National leader of the party, Seriake Dickson, had summoned him for a meeting telling him that his candidacy was affected after a party chieftain from his state said he didn’t know him.
Among other demands, Nwachukwu is asking the court to order NDC to issue him a certificate as its candidate for the Imo North Senatorial District.
Supporters and members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Anka and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas of Zamfara State have alleged attempts to manipulate the party’s membership records and card numbers ahead of internal political activities. The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Gusau by Nura Rabiu Cibiki, Director of Media and Strategy, Campaign and Mobilisation Committee for Abdulrahaman Yahaya, an aspirant for the House of Representatives seat representing Anka/Talata Mafara Federal Constituency.
The group warned against any attempt to alter or duplicate legitimate membership figures, saying such actions could deepen tensions within the party in the constituency.
“We strongly oppose any move to manipulate or duplicate legitimate membership figures, warning that such actions would only worsen existing tensions within the party and the Anka/Talata Mafara Federal Constituency,” the statement said.
The supporters maintained that ADC members in Anka and Talata Mafara were aware of the party’s authentic membership strength and were prepared to protect the integrity of the party’s records.
The statement added that while justice may be delayed, the truth could not be denied.
Meanwhile, Yahaya has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Gusau challenging alleged irregularities in the party’s primary election process in the constituency.
The court has fixed June 23, 2026, for mention of the case.
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