₦airaland Forum

The All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention is scheduled to hold from March 27–28, 2026.

Christopher Musa, the Minister of Defence, has vowed to deliver tight security for the forthcoming All Progressives Congress convention to ensure the maximum safety of party members.

Mr Musa, who was appointed to chair the 2026 APC National Convention Security Sub-Committee, assured the ruling party of maximum security during its convention at the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja on Friday.

“For a party of the stature and national reach like the APC, the National Convention will attract thousands of delegates, party leaders, government officials, and observers from across the country and beyond,” Mr Musa said.

He added, “With the wealth of experience represented in this committee, I am confident we will deliver a security framework that ensures a smooth and successful convention.”

The defence minister said the 2026 APC National Convention Security Sub-Committee would adopt a proactive approach to provide befitting security for the party members.

“The Convention must reflect the highest standards of organisation and security befitting a ruling party and a responsible national political institution,” Mr Musa said.

He added, “Our approach must be preventive rather than reactive. Potential threats must be identified early and mitigated well ahead of the event.”

Adamu Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to earlier reports, Adamu, a former commissioner in Adamawa State, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday.

Just hours after announcing his resignation, he completed his online registration with the ADC — the same party where his father is seeking to contest the 2027 presidential election.

In a post on X on Thursday night, Adamu urged his supporters to join him in the new party.

He wrote: “I call on all my supporters and well-wishers to join me by registering with the ADC as we work together to advance the cause of good governance and national development

Richtaiwo:
Which of the God do you know?

I'm just learning something new from headless mobs. I never knew God could be caught up in a power struggle with anyone to the point of being defeated.

So, Pitobi, the one supposedly ordained by God to be president, how is it that he’s now washing toilets, carrying luggage for celebrities at airports, and working as a steward at children’s birthday parties? Is this really how the God you know operates?"

Daniel Bwala, Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accused Al Jazeera of selectively editing his recent interview, alleging that the cuts created a misleading narrative that fueled incorrect opinions on social media.

It was recalled that the interview, titled Head to Head with Daniel Bwala and Al Jazeera journalist Mehdi Hasan, received backlash from various Nigerians, calling Bwala an embarrassment to the nation.

Bwala said, “There is a fact that was incorrectly portrayed and has formed the basis of many opinions online, which was unfortunately pushed by Al Jazeera. I asked them to put the record straight.”

He explained that the interview was conducted on February 11, 2026, and was originally intended to last one hour and 20 minutes. “The interview was conducted properly. Questions were asked, and I answered them. I didn’t deny anything,” Bwala noted.

However, he claims that when Al Jazeera uploaded the interview on March 5, only 49 minutes of the conversation were included, cutting out nearly 20 minutes of content. “They later produced an 8-minute version that joined and cut parts of the interview in a way that emphasized certain points while leaving out crucial context,” he added.

According to Bwala, the network had initially promised to air the full interview on television before uploading it online. “Their excuse was that trending matters around Israel, Iran, and the US affected the airing. But even so, they went ahead and uploaded the edited version on YouTube,” he said.

Bwala insists that the full video should be published to provide proper context. “It’s very important that they publish the full video,” he said.

The Daniel Bwala interview with Mehdi Hassan on @AlJazeera ‘s Head to Head program was a disaster of gargantuan proportions for Nigeria as a country, for President Tinubu’s administration, and for Bwala himself. Of these three, the last is the least important, because Bwala’s track record speaks for itself.

The interview made a spectacle of Nigeria, not just because of the reach of the program globally, but also the format in which there was a global audience in the room itself. What will EACH of those people think about Nigeria after such a fact-based shredding of the country’s leadership and its performance? It was a sad commentary on Nigeria’s political culture in which there are no beliefs, no policies, no ideology, just crass opportunism and the battle for political power. Turn-coatism is “it”.

Second, the fact that Bwala, given his record, is sent out to speak for the President of Nigeria on the international stage says much about the standards by which government in Nigeria recruits people for specific roles. In that universe “loyalty”, fleeting though it may be, is all that counts. Competence doesn’t. Mediocrity reigns.

Thirdly, why appoint former attack dogs of the political opposition as spokespersons and Ambassadors for the administration simply because they have “defected”? The baggage such individuals carry (especially when they did not espouse principled opposition that may later change, as sometimes happens in politics, but rather used incendiary and personalized attacks on President Tinubu)renders such persons lacking in credibility in representational roles. Bwala was left trying to eat his words with bare-faced lies!

I think there are people who could be far more credible spokesmen and women for Nigeria’s government, even with all its underperformance in governance. At least, the discussion will focus on the actual track record of the government, not on the government spokesman’s prior condemnations of that track record.

It was a sad day for our country. I’ve received several calls from friends from various countries around the world. All were in shock and felt sorry for our country to be put in such a spot. So many people are waiting and hoping for when Nigeria will “wake up” and take its rightful place under the sun. The citizens of Nigeria are brilliant, hardworking and respected all over the world, breaking barriers and achieving feats in various spheres. The government and incompetent governance of Nigeria by its politicians remains a sorry tale.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking removal Senator David Mark and former Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in her judgment that was delivered yesterday dismissed the suit on the ground that it bordered on the internal affairs of party to which the court has no jurisdiction to delve into it.


While the former Senate President, Mark, is the current national chairman of ADC, Aregbesola is the national secretary of the party.

In her judgment in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/13331/2025, filed by Dumebi Kachikwu and four others, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik upheld the preliminary objections filed by counsel for the ADC, Senator David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola.

The court held that the issues raised to the leadership and membership of the party, are matters that are non-justiciable, and accordingly declined jurisdiction.

Listed as defendants are; the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and Chief Ralph Nwosu as first to fifth defendants.

Justice Abdulmalik held that membership and leadership of a political party is voluntary on the ground that parties are voluntary associations that have no compulsion

Mr Abdullahi added that despite the current administration’s claim of “performing wonders,” Nigerians still live in poverty.


The African Democratic Congress has slammed President Bola Tinubu over the implementation of national budgets, describing his administration as the most incompetent in Nigeria’s history.

In a statement on Thursday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, cited reports that 30 per cent of the 2025 budget will run from February 2026 to November 30, 2026, while the remaining 70 per cent of the budget had been rolled over to the 2026 budget, which is still being debated at the National Assembly three months into the year.

“The ADC has noted recent reports that signify utter confusion and a historic level of incompetence in the Tinubu administration’s implementation of national budgets since 2024,” said Mr Abdullahi. “This is the first time in Nigerian history that any government would be running three budgets at the same time while implementing none.”

He noted that, according to reports, while the 2024 budget was rolled over to 2025, as of the third quarter of 2025, only 17.7 per cent of the capital budget had been released.

“Overall implementation hovered at less than 30 per cent, even as internal disbursements continued to lag.

“This situation becomes even more alarming when we recall that President Tinubu promised last year that all capital components of the 2024 and 2025 budgets would be concluded by March 31, 2026, less than a month away, knowing quite well that this is not possible,” he said.

He said that as of March 5, capital budget implementation for the Ministry of Power stands at 3.6 per cent; communications technology at 8.9 per cent; and education and health at 23.5 per cent and 32.5 per cent, respectively.

According to him, no serious government would leave the sectors, which are crucial to national human capital development, unfunded while government officials continue to live in obscene opulence in the midst of unprecedented poverty.

“It is noteworthy that the only ministry that has outperformed its budget, up to 113.45 per cent, is the Ministry of Defence, largely due to emergency funding through the inscrutable Service-Wide Vote,” Mr Abdullahi said.

“Yet, rather than abate, insecurity has continued to spread across the country. Recent reports indicate that in this month of Ramadan alone, up to 500 Nigerians may have been killed by terrorists in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Kebbi.”

He said Mr Tinubu’s government has continued to boast of historic revenue collection and unprecedented foreign reserve balances despite borrowing more aggressively than any other government in the country’s history.

“Yet, budgets remain unimplemented, and contractors remain unpaid. This is the reason Nigerians are suffering like never before and asking the most important questions: What is this government doing with all the money that accrues from all the loans, all the revenues, and all the increased taxes? Why are we worse off today than we were three years ago?” Mr Abdullahi queried.

Mr Abdullahi lamented that since Mr Tinubu assumed office, analysts have identified at least seven appointments and several policy decisions that his government has announced and reversed.

He further accused the government of gloating over the ruling party’s victory in the Federal Capital Territory polls and being obsessed with the ADC’s membership registration.

Mr Abdullahi added that despite the current administration’s claim of “performing wonders,” Nigerians still live in poverty, adding, “at least six out of every ten Nigerians are unable to feed themselves.”

Emu4life:
General Gowon!

The Coward's nightmare

Made someone dress like a woman. What a Coward

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has explained why he refused to answer investigators’ questions, saying his decision to remain silent was deliberate and based on his belief that the probe by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission is politically motivated.

In written responses to ICPC agents, the former governor presented his silence as both a constitutional right and a protest against what he described as a politically driven investigation. He insisted he would only respond to any allegations in court.

The position was contained in two handwritten statements he made under caution on 19 and 20 February 2026 while in ICPC custody and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.

El-Rufai may regain his freedom on Thursday if the ICPC fails to file charges against him before the expiration of the court-approved remand order. The anti-graft agency had obtained a 14-day detention warrant from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, which is due to lapse on March 5, 2026.


In his first statement dated 19 February, El-Rufai wrote in full: “I have read the above cautionary statement and I understand its meaning and implication. I wish to voluntarily state, in the presence of my lawyer, Ubong Akpan, Esq., from the chambers of Ubong Akpan. My name is Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. I was born in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, and grew up mostly in Kaduna State.

“I attended school in Kaduna, and went to Ahmadu Bello University from my first degree in Quantity Surveying. I also attended Harvard university and the University of London, among others. I studied Business Administration, Public Administration and Law, Public Administration and Law.

“My working career spans quantity surveying consulting, mobile telecommunications and public service. I was Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (1999–2003), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007) and twice- elected Governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023). I am retired and live mostly in Egypt with half of my family and 96-year-old mother.

“I am a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria, which is the real reason you are investigating me.


“In response to your question (and indeed all your questions), I have, on the advice of counsel, decided to exercise my right to silence. I will make no further statement or respond to any question. I believe that after nearly two years of intensive investigation, the ICPC should present its findings to a judicial tribunal and not to me. I will respond to any allegations in a court of law only.

“This is because I do not believe these investigations amount to lawful entitlement, as in political persecution, which only a judge can decide upon. Thank you.”


In a follow-up statement dated 20 February 2026, the former governor reiterated his position, writing: “In furtherance to my statement dated 19 February, 2026 and in the presence of my lawyer Ubong E. Akpan, I wish to state further that upon presentation of further documents and questions, I reserve my constitutional right to silence to all the documents and further questions. As clearly stated in my statement dated 19 February 2026, I will respond to these documents and questions only when presented in a Court of Law.”

The savage attack that took place in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 could be a sign that Nigerians might be in for a violent campaign and general election season.

African Democratic Congress, ADC, leaders, including former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, gathered in the home of one of the party’s national leaders, Chief John Oyegun, to receive former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Olumide Akpata (SAN) as their new member. Akpata was the candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the September 2024 Edo Governorship Election which produced the incumbent Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

Some armed thugs descended on the venue, sprayed bullets on the gate of Oyegun’s house and smashed the glasses of several vehicles belonging to the opposition party leaders. They also attacked the party secretariat. The ADC leaders called it an “assassination attempt”. But Governor Okpebholo, in a personally signed statement, portrayed the attack as an internal crisis within the ADC “taken too far”.


Condemning the incident, Okpebholo said: “As peace-loving people, the importation of thugs and miscreants from outside the state under the guise of party politics remains totally condemned and will not be tolerated going forward”. He said the objective was to undermine the reputation of Edo as a peaceful state.

The ADC also pointed accusing fingers at the Edo State Governor. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, recalled the “pattern of inflammatory rhetoric and threats that have preceded these events, including the outrageous claim by Governor Okpebholo who had earlier issued a threat that he would not guarantee the safety of Mr Peter Obi should he visit Edo State”.

Indeed, in July 2025, Governor Okpebholo had been on record threatening that he could not guarantee the safety of Obi, the former presidential candidate of the LP when the latter was visiting the state which is regarded as the “home” of the Obidient Movement. He had demanded that Obi should first obtain his clearance to enable him provide for his security.

Our worries over this violent episode stem from a similar gun violence that claimed the life of a police officer, Inspector Onuh Akoh, on duty at the Benin Airport during the governorship campaign on July 18, 2024. The camps of the main contenders, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, had also traded blames.


Till date, the culprits behind the policeman’s murder are yet to be named.

We urge politicians to eschew violence as we move into the campaigns and general elections. Freedom of movement and security of all political contenders are constitutional and fundamental rights and must be respected. If everybody resorts to violence, nobody will be safe.

Those behind the gun attacks on the ADC in Edo State must be fished out.

Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have adopted the Accord Party (AP)candidate in the forthcoming August 15 governorship election, Ademola Adeleke, as its candidate.

At an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting at the party secretariat in Osogbo, the chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, directed all PDP structures to move en masse and give total, unalloyed and uncompromising support to the re-election of Governor Adeleke under the platform of the Accord Party.


His words: “After wide consultations with our elders, stakeholders, leaders across the three senatorial districts, and after careful consideration of the overriding interest of Osun people, the Osun State Chapter of the PDP hereby directs all our structures, from the polling units to the wards, from the wards to the local governments, and from the local governments to the state executive committee, to move en masse and give total, unalloyed, and uncompromising support to the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke under the platform of the Accord.

He attributed the decision to the leadership crisis confronting PDP at the national level that was allowed to fester to the point where the party was unable to present a candidate for the August 15, 2026 governorship election in the state adding that Osun PDP will not allow a national leadership dispute to truncate the destiny of Osun people.

Bisi contended that the party will not allow internal crisis at one level to sabotage development in Osun, hence the need to give full support to the performing governor of Osun State in the person of the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.

In his response, Governor Adeleke who acknowledged his former membership of PDP accepted his adoption as their candidate for the coming governorship election and expressed his gratitude to the leadership and members of the party for the opportunity extended to him.

He said: “I love PDP but I have to leave to escape being trapped for my reelection. I confided in some of our leaders that I trust, we started consulting and praying to God over it. We were guided to the Accord Party, you see that the party is the first on the ballot”.

He urged them to vote massively for the Accord Party on August 15th, 2026 and assured them of victory as the people of Osun State are yearning for continuation of good governance in the state

WHEN Governor Monday Okpebholo, in July 2025, cautioned former governor of Anambra State Peter Obi against visiting Edo State and declared that anything that happened to him, “he will take it,” the statement was more than reckless rhetoric. It was ominous, unconstitutional, and profoundly undemocratic.

On Tuesday, barely seven months later, events in Benin City, the Edo capital, appeared to validate public fears.

Suspected political thugs opened fire on Obi’s convoy during a political engagement that included former Edo governor John Odigie-Oyegun and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress.

Obi and Odigie-Oyegun escaped unhurt, but vehicles were riddled with bullets, windshields smashed. Oyegun’s gate reportedly bore the scars of gunfire. The ADC secretariat was left in disarray — furniture overturned, injuries claimed, chaos reigning.

This was not a general election. It was not even party primaries. It was a pre-election political event.

If this is the temperature in the rehearsal, what inferno awaits in the main contest?

Nigeria’s political history offers grim reminders. The “Operation Wetie” violence of the First Republic helped set the stage for military intervention.

The corruption and unrest of the Second Republic ended in another coup. The 2011 post-election violence following Muhammadu Buhari’s defeat left over 800 people dead, according to human rights groups.

Even the 2023 presidential election — in which Obi placed third — was dogged by bitter disputes and allegations that strained public confidence in democratic institutions.

Nigeria cannot afford a repeat as 2027 approaches.

So, President Bola Tinubu must rise above partisanship and act decisively.

Democracy is not self-sustaining. It demands constant defence, particularly from those entrusted with executive authority. Silence at such a volatile moment risks being interpreted as indifference — or worse, acquiescence.

When an assassination attempt was made against Donald Trump in July 2024, his rival, Joe Biden, addressed Americans and urged them to “cool it down.” The message was simple: political competition must never degenerate into violence. That is the tone Nigeria needs now from its Commander-in-Chief.

The President should publicly affirm that every Nigerian — opposition or ruling party member — has the constitutional right to move freely, assemble peacefully, and campaign without fear.

He should direct security agencies to provide adequate protection to all major political actors, not selectively but uniformly.

Why, for instance, was Obi’s security apparently left so vulnerable? Reports suggest that, but for the intervention of the self-styled Department of State Security, the situation might have been worse. The police owe Nigerians an explanation.

The thugs who carried out the attack must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. Where did they obtain firearms? Who sponsored them?

Political violence in Nigeria often thrives because masterminds hide behind layers of deniability while foot soldiers disappear into anonymity. That cycle must end.

Okpebholo’s inflammatory remarks cannot be dismissed as mere political banter. Words matter.

In fragile democracies, they can mobilise mobs and embolden extremists. His statements should be investigated thoroughly. Immunity may shield a sitting governor from immediate prosecution, but not after his tenure expires.

Nigeria must resist sliding toward the troubling patterns visible elsewhere on the continent. In countries such as Uganda and Zimbabwe, opposition figures have faced harassment, arrests, violent crackdowns on rallies, and legal manoeuvres designed to constrict political space.

Such trajectories erode legitimacy and breed long-term instability. Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, must not normalise the persecution of dissent.

Contrast this with established democracies in Europe, Australia, and North America, where elections are civic festivals.

In the United Kingdom and Germany, campaigns are vigorous but largely peaceful, governed by clear rules and strong institutions.

In Australia, compulsory voting fosters civic participation without widespread violence. In the United States, despite deep polarisation, voters queue without fearing gunfire at campaign rallies. Elections are moments of choice — not battlegrounds.

Here, elections often resemble warfare. That perception fuels voter apathy. Why participate in a process that appears predetermined or perilous?

Cleaning up Nigeria’s politics requires structural reform. Real-time electronic transmission of results should be entrenched unequivocally in law to enhance transparency.

Politicians who deploy incendiary rhetoric must face sanctions from the electoral body, and, where appropriate, legal consequences.

Security agencies must demonstrate neutrality beyond a reasonable doubt. The judiciary must rediscover its spine, delivering judgements grounded firmly in law and public interest rather than technicalities that erode confidence.

Ultimately, however, the tone is set at the top.

Tinubu has a solemn responsibility to protect Nigeria’s multiparty system from descending into violent intimidation.

He must call the belligerents to account and insist that ambition never outweighs national stability. He must guarantee that opposition politics is not treated as a criminal enterprise.

The signs are ominous. The rhetoric is rising. The weapons are appearing.

Mr President, speak and act now. Save Nigeria’s democracy before the countdown to 2027 becomes a march toward chaos.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that the commission has the capacity to electronically transmit election results in 2027, but cautioned that it may not be able to guarantee a “100 per cent perfect election.”

Amupitan spoke on Sunday at the Citizens’ Town Hall programme aired live on major television networks and tagged, ‘Electoral Act 2026: What it means for your votes and the 2027 elections.’

The live electoral debate was anchored by popular presenter Seun Okinbaloye and the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo.

In attendance were the All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and Labour Party’s Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, former Minister od Education, Oby Ezekwesili, Senator Ireti Kingibe, among others.

Amupitan appealed to Nigerians to manage expectations, saying the commission would strive for excellence but could not promise perfection.

“Let me just appeal to Nigerians, because I have noticed now that what Nigerians desire is a perfect election. And INEC will strive as much as possible to give this country the best election.

“However, we may not be able to achieve a 100 per cent perfect election for now. But as far as electronic transmission of results is concerned, I said it before the FCT Area Council that we have the capacity to transmit the results, and that we’re going to transmit the results. The only concern was real-time,” he stated.

The INEC chairman described elections as central to democratic governance, emphasising the importance of voter education and institutional transparency.

“Election, for that matter, is the lifeblood of democracy. According to Abraham Lincoln, the ballot is more powerful than the bullets. Also, the ignorance of a voter is very inimical to the security of a nation.

“So, that is why we cannot underscore the role of INEC, as well as the civil society, in guaranteeing a transparent and credible election,” he stated.

Amupitan noted that INEC was actively involved in the process that produced the Electoral Act 2026, which he said began about three years ago through a joint committee comprising members of the National Assembly, civil society organisations and the commission.

“As of the time I was taking over, the work was almost concluded. But nonetheless, we still made some important provisions and recommendations in the new acts,” he said.

On the contentious issue of electronic transmission of results — a subject that dominated debates after the 2023 general elections — Amupitan disclosed that the commission pushed for mandatory transmission during legislative deliberations.

“Now, even talking about the transmission of the results, you will notice that the original provision that came out of the retreat from the National Assembly was not exactly what you have today.

“But when INEC came in, we talked of transmission being mandatory. But let us be sincere and honest. The only problem that we had was how to define what we call real time,” he stated.

He cited the recent Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections as a practical example of the challenges confronting real-time transmission, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

“Let’s look at the FCT area council election that just took place. Now, there are six area councils in the FCT. The results came out on time in five area councils. But in the Kuje area council, we have 10 wards. And the results in one ward, Kabi, did not come until the following day, Sunday.

“Now, on Saturday, when we mobilised and sent people to that ward from Kuje town, Kabi ward is about three-and-a-half hours’ drive. And the terrain is very bad. So I was worried.

“When we sent our polling officials and security agencies to that ward, the moment they entered that place, we could not reach them. They were not accessible by phone. And nobody could speak to them until we had to send somebody on Saturday morning, just to be sure that they were safe, before we now got the results.

“They brought the results to Kuje town. And then it was collated along with the remaining nine wards before the result could be declared,” he explained.

Despite the delay, the INEC boss insisted that transmission itself was not the core problem.

“I don’t see the issue of transmission as really a problem. I don’t see it as an issue because, from my little experience, over four months now in INEC, the problem is not even the network.

“The problem I have seen is the adequacy of the network we have. For instance, you expect that in a place like FCT, you should be able to transmit your results without any encumbrance. But we had a situation where it was impossible for us to have a real-time transmission of results, especially from the Kabi ward, until the following day. And in some of the wards, some results were transmitted,” he said.

Amupitan linked election credibility closely to logistics, warning that operational lapses could undermine public confidence.

“So, talking about logistics, I’ve said it often that your election can be as good as your logistics. So, where there is logistics failure, you know that you are beginning to fail.”

While admitting that the FCT poll experienced “some logistic issues,” including human errors, he said the commission was already addressing them.

“As a regulatory body, we’re determined to achieve all this. But nonetheless, we have to admit that there were some logistical issues. Some were purely human, which we are trying to address,” he added.

He, however, expressed optimism that the 2027 general elections would mark a significant improvement over previous polls, citing increased voter awareness and growing public demand for accountability.

“But I want to assure you that the election of 2027 will be the best election that Nigerians will have because Nigerians of 2023 are different from what you have in 2027. People are much more aware. And you know the correlation between elections and development.

“Nobody is happy about the classification of Nigeria as an underdeveloped country. So we want a situation where our process will be able to guarantee the confidence and the transparency that people want to see in their system.

“So, by the time you have a transparent election, and people begin to trust INEC and trust their leaders, then the country will move forward,” he stated.

INEC reviews regulations

Meanwhile, INEC has commenced a comprehensive review of its regulations and guidelines for political parties, as part of efforts to strengthen electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the exercise, convened in Abuja under the leadership of Amupitan, represented a critical phase in the commission’s ongoing reform agenda.

He added that the initiative was aimed at strengthening political party oversight, improving compliance culture, reducing pre-election disputes, and enhancing public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process by aligning existing party regulations with the recently assented Electoral Act 2026 and addressing emerging electoral realities.

The statement noted that the technical workshop on the revision of INEC regulations would involve national commissioners, directors across operational departments, legal experts, election administrators, and institutional stakeholders.

Participants are expected to “undertake a detailed clause-by-clause review of the 2022 regulatory framework governing political parties,” the statement said.

INEC explained that the Electoral Act 2026 introduces significant legal and operational changes affecting political party administration, candidate nomination processes, compliance obligations, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the commission’s regulatory mandate.

As a result, the commission is updating its subsidiary regulations to ensure full legal alignment and operational clarity well ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Beyond legal compliance, INEC is drawing lessons from previous elections to strengthen preventive regulation. The commission identified persistent challenges such as opaque party primaries, membership disputes, weak financial disclosure practices, and exclusionary participation patterns as factors that have contributed to avoidable litigation and electoral uncertainty.

To support evidence-based reforms, INEC is integrating findings from the Political Party Performance Index, a diagnostic tool designed to identify systemic weaknesses in party governance and compliance practices nationwide.

The commission stated that the objective was to shift regulatory oversight from reactive enforcement to proactive supervision anchored on measurable standards.

Speaking on the reform process, Amupitan emphasised, “For elections to inspire public confidence, the institutions that produce candidates must themselves operate transparently and within the law.

‘’The workshop is also expected to develop strengthened compliance mechanisms, clearer reporting obligations, and operational guidance for monitoring political party activities nationwide.

‘’Particular attention is being given to financial accountability, dispute prevention, accurate membership documentation, and measurable benchmarks for the participation of women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities within party structures.’’

INEC disclosed that technical facilitation support was being provided by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, alongside Nigerian legal and electoral experts, offering comparative technical insights in support of the Commission’s institutional reform objectives.

Commenting on the initiative, WFD Nigeria Country Director, Adebowale Olorunmola, described the review as a significant step towards strengthening political party regulation ahead of 2027.

“This isn’t just a review of a document; it is a reconstruction of the democratic foundation.

“We are moving toward an era where political parties are held to the same high standards of integrity as the electoral commission itself,” he said.

Olorunmola added that anchoring regulatory reforms on empirical evidence, including insights from the PPPI, would help deepen compliance, reduce avoidable electoral disputes, and promote greater transparency, inclusivity, and internal democracy within political parties.

The commission further stated that early alignment of party regulations with the Electoral Act 2026 would significantly reduce pre-election litigation and administrative disputes that often divert attention from election preparation and delivery.

At the conclusion of the exercise, a consolidated draft of the Revised Regulations and Guidelines (2026 Edition) will undergo internal validation before engagement with the Inter-Party Advisory Council and all registered political parties as part of implementation consultations.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to continuous electoral reform and to ensuring that political parties remain strong democratic institutions capable of producing credible leadership choices for Nigerians.

As part of moves to comply with the requirements of the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress have commenced nationwide digital membership registration exercises.

The Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee of the PDP, in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, announced that the party would commence its electronic membership registration nationwide on Monday (today).

Similarly, the ADC in a statement on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed that the party had begun free nationwide online membership registration and directed existing members to update and revalidate their information in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the guidelines of INEC.

Also, the ruling All Progressives Congress e-registration exercise, which started in January and was extended to February 8, may resume this week to enable more Nigerians to register as members of the party.

On February 13, the electoral umpire fixed the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for Saturday, March 6, 2027.

However, the timetable faced criticism from some Muslim stakeholders who pointed out that the dates coincided with the 2027 Ramadan period.

In response, the Senate amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, shortening the mandatory election notice period from 360 days to 300 days, thereby enabling INEC to revise the schedule.

INEC subsequently issued an updated timetable on Thursday, rescheduling the Presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections to February 6, 2027.

According to the revised timetable, political parties must submit a comprehensive digital membership register by April 2, 2026—a condition some stakeholders contend could potentially disadvantage opposition parties.

The National Working Committee of the PDP, led by Tanimu Turaki announced that it has authorised the launch of digital membership registration in all wards across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.


The PDP stated, “This exercise will begin on Monday, March 2, 2026, and will last for three weeks.

“The essence of this exercise is to compile the digital membership register in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, which requires all political parties to submit the digital register of their members to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“Registration will be held every day (except Sundays) at all ward, chapter, and state offices of the party (special cases will be handled at the National Secretariat) throughout the registration period. A special committee headed by the National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Shan, has been set up to oversee the exercise and handle any complaints that may emanate therefrom.

“Members and the general public are encouraged to visit the nearest PDP office within their ward to register. For more information and enquiries, please call 08035555800 or send a mail to info@iampdp.org.”

The ADC, which began its membership registration exercise last month, stated that manual registration would continue concurrently nationwide.

The party stated, “The African Democratic Congress has officially commenced free online membership registration across Nigeria, following the successful kick-off of its nationwide registration and revalidation exercise in Abuja last month.

“The new digital registration platform, accessible via www.adcregistration.ng, is designed to enable the party to meet the requirements of the new Electoral Act 2026 regarding the digital membership register. Accordingly, only individuals whose membership details are fully captured and verified in the Party’s official digital register will be eligible to vote or be voted for in the Party’s primaries.


“Since the launch of the physical and grassroots membership exercise in February, we have recorded strong interest from Nigerians across states and the diaspora. Apart from meeting legal requirements, the introduction of the free online option is designed to remove barriers to entry, simplify enrolment, and ensure that every eligible Nigerian who wishes to identify with the ADC can do so seamlessly and securely.

“Members who have registered on the party’s previous platform are also required to revalidate their membership on the new digital portal, as additional mandatory information is now required to ensure full compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.”

ADC further urged support groups and associations to utilise this opportunity by signing up at www.adcregistration.ng and completing the straightforward onboarding process.

It added, “ADC would like to emphasise that this exercise is without prejudice to our firm objections to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 that give undue advantage to the ruling party, as well as the consequential INEC timetable.

“The African Democratic Congress remains committed to building a modern, inclusive, and citizen-driven political movement capable of delivering credible leadership and a better Nigeria that works for all.”

A source within the APC disclosed that, following consultations among key stakeholders, the ruling party may reopen its e-registration portal to allow more members to sign up.

He stated, “With the new Electoral Act requirements, political parties are making efforts to adjust and fine-tune their schedules. As it stands, APC leaders, after consultations, discussions, and deliberations among key stakeholders, may resume the e-registration exercise this week to accommodate more members, especially as they still have sufficient time.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Thursday rejected the Electoral Act 2026, recently passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as anti-democratic and a move aimed at entrenching a one-party state.

At a press briefing, leaders of the two parties vowed to use all constitutional means to resist the implementation of the Act, stressing their commitment to safeguarding democracy and ensuring that the votes of Nigerians count in the 2027 elections.

Prominent attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ADC National Chairman David Mark, ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, former Cross River State governor Liyel Imoke, and NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed. Other figures included former lawmaker Linda Ukeje, Dino Melaye, Bolaji Abdullahi, Buba Galadima, Lawal Batagarawa, Salihu Lukman, and Yunusa Tanko.


The briefing also highlighted internal disputes within the opposition as a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki withdrew after being denied the opportunity to read the prepared statement.

Sources said that efforts by Senator Dino Melaye to mediate between the Turaki faction and other leaders reportedly failed, with organisers citing the faction’s lack of legal recognition.

Out of roughly 20 opposition parties, only the ADC and NNPP were present at the event, underscoring limited participation in the coordinated rejection of the new Electoral Act.

Tension gripped Benin City, Edo State, yesterday, as 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, former Governor of Edo State, John Odigie-Oyegun, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, escaped attacks from gunmen.


Few minutes after leaders of the ADC, including Peter Obi received former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and the LP Edo 2024 governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata into the party, gunmen attacked the facility at Ogbelaka Street, Off Sokponba Road, Benin City, and the residence of the party’s National Leader, Odigie-Oyegun.


Obi, narrating his ordeal, declared: “It is time to speak up. It is time those in government act. They are not going to be there forever. What they allowed to happen in the country today will take its revenge on all of us and the country.”

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, who arrived in an unmarked Sienna bus and on a motorcycle, fired several gunshots and vandalised party property, including chairs, canopies and banners. Some members reportedly sustained injuries.

Attack shifts to Oyegun’s residence
Not satisfied, the assailants reportedly proceeded to the residence of Odigie-Oyegun on Reservation Road, where more gunshots were heard and vehicles parked near the gate were riddled with bullets.

A video circulating online showed damaged vehicles and a gate perforated with bullet holes.

Speaking in the video, Obi said: “This is a former governor of the state(Odigie-Oyegun). You can see what happened in front of his house where hoodlums came, shooting.Look at the gate, see the bullet holes at the gate, several cars damaged. That is where our democracy has reached.”

National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, alleged that the attackers trailed the leaders from the secretariat.

“The leadership of the ADC is under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State. Armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun and shot at the gate, destroying several vehicles,” he said.

We got intelligence — Oyegun

Speaking to journalists, Odigie-Oyegun warned that the development could trigger chaos if not checked.
“I am afraid that our leaders, both at the centre and in this state, are playing with fire. The consequences could be terrible, much more than any of you expect,” he said.

According to him, the meeting at the secretariat was duly scheduled when they received a security alert.
“Halfway through the proceedings, we got intelligence report certainly from one of the security agencies that they have information that the place is going to be attacked, so we should please try to wind up.

“You can’t ignore information. So we cut short our proceedings and I think we were just barely lucky to have left there in time because thereafter it looked like all hell broke loose. People arrived here in about 10 vehicles shooting all over the place… People were injured.”

He questioned the absence of coordinated security response.

“There was no cooperation, coordination between the security agencies such that that venue at least will get emergency protection. People were able to come in so many vehicles, shoot their way, break into the building… and go away. And this is a state where we have a governor and where the first duty of any government is to protect us?”

On the attack on his home, he added: “We had a guest… the former governor of Anambra and one of the prominent leaders of the ADC. From all indications, an aspirant.

“The government here had threatened that if he came to Edo State without permission, his security cannot be guaranteed. He was paying a courtesy visit to me and bullets started raining all over the place… When did we degenerate to that kind of level?”

ADC alleges APC involvement
Edo State Chairman of ADC, Kennedy Odion, accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, of masterminding the attack.

“We heard APC was coming to attack us. We quickly cut short the event and ended the programme. Few minutes after we ended, we heard thugs stormed the venue. They injured three people… After they scattered the place, they came to Oyegun’s house where we were having another meeting. All the vehicles parked outside were destroyed.”

“Myself, Peter Obi, Senator Owie and Oyegun have left the venue when we heard about the thugs’ attack. They injured three people. ”

“We have reported the matter and the Commissioner of Police came to see the level of damage that has been done. He assured them they will investigate. I told him not to allow this attack slide. Three persons were injured. The vehicles destroyed were many.”

He said the Commissioner of Police visited the scene and promised investigation.

Edo govt, APC deny complicity
However, Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, attributed the violence to internal crisis within the ADC.

“The crisis has been ongoing. Even yesterday, we had to use the police to quell the crisis… What happened was just the height of it.”

On allegations that Governor Monday Okpebholo had earlier warned Obi against visiting Edo without permission , Afegbua said: “If Peter Obi had informed the governor that he was coming, what happened today would not have happened. The governor would have provided security for him… Thank God nothing happened to Peter Obi.”


Similarly, Edo APC Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, denied involvement.

“Did the attackers wear APC uniforms? What is happening in ADC is a factional fight. You saw Owie fighting Oyegun. They should not drag us into their fight.”


Owie: No crisis between me and Oyegun
Speaking on the issue, Senator Owie, in a chat with Vanguard there is no rift between him and Oyegun and attributed the attacks to the poor governance of Governor Okpebholo.

Asked what happened, he said: “We were at the ADC secretariat where Mr Olumide Akpata came to declare for the ADC. We rounded off the programme and left for home. I later saw on the television that they raided the secretariat and atacked former Governor Oyegun’s house.

What they are turning Edo State into is unfortunate.”


On allegations that criss in ADC between him and Oyegun were responsible for the attack, Owie said: “How can that be? There is nothing like that. This government has tunred the state upside down. Strange things are happening in the state now. There is no government in the state. Insecurity has been high in Edo since Okpebholo took over.”

Akpata: Opposition under attack
Akpata described the incident as a sad commentary on democracy.

“Such happening makes someone very sad but it shows that people are not comfortable with opposition which should be part of democracy. Opposition must be allowed to thrive, that’s what makes democracy. As far as I am concerned, it is because we are in the opposition that is why we are under attack.”


Police confirm attack

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident.
Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said: “On 24 February 2026 at about 2:55 p.m., a political gathering was held at the ADC State Secretariat… Shortly after the event concluded, a group of suspected hoodlums disrupted the premises and chased attendees away. Personnel of the Command responded swiftly…


“Some plastic chairs and canopies were damaged… No casualties were reported. Security has since been reinforced… Investigations are ongoing.”

However, when Vanguard visited both locations, armed policemen were stationed around the facilities.

Police take over facilities

When Vanguard visited the ADC secretariat at Ogbelaka and Odigie-Oyegun’s house along Reservation Road several armed policemen were sighted around the facilities.

Atiku condemns attack
Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, described the incident as “utterly condemnable.”


“The violent attack on Peter Obi, John Oyegun, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Olumide Akpata, and other Coalition ADC leaders in Benin… is utterly condemnable and unacceptable in any democracy.

“In recent times, we have witnessed reckless and inflammatory rhetoric from elements within the ruling party in Edo State… Words, when weaponised, often precede actions. What happened in Benin did not occur in a vacuum.

“Nigeria must not descend into a theatre where politics is settled by violence.”*

The attack has heightened political tension in Edo State, with opposition figures warning of creeping intolerance, while the state government and APC insist the violence stemmed from internal party disputes.”

As investigations commence, the question on many lips remains: Is Nigeria’s democracy coming under siege?

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticized opposition parties over their allegations of widespread irregularities in the recent election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing their claims as baseless and exaggerated.

In a post shared on his official X account on Sunday, Keyamo accused opposition figures of making “futile excuses” for their defeat at the polls, asserting that Nigerians had clearly expressed their will.

“This set of opposition fellows are a bunch of lazy and shameless characters,” he wrote. “The futile excuses they give for losing elections have become their opium to numb their pain, disappointment and shame for their rejection by the electorate after all their theatrics and grandstanding. Nigerians are NOT FOOLS.”

The minister argued that out of the 2,822 polling units in the FCT, the opposition had pointed to fewer than 10 units where result sheets were allegedly corrected as evidence that the entire election was flawed.

“Even if it is 50 units that had corrected (or mutilated) sheets, that leaves you with over 2,770 units,” he stated, adding that in some of the cited cases, the corrected figures reportedly favoured the opposition parties.

Keyamo further accused opposition leaders of attempting to create “mass hysteria” by claiming that Nigeria’s democracy was under threat.

“They go further to use this flawed logic to create mass hysteria that ‘our democracy is in danger’ and attempt to stir social unrest amongst unsuspecting Nigerians,” he wrote.

According to him, certain opposition actors consider elections to be free and fair only when the ruling party loses.

“The only election that can be free and fair, in their own warped minds, is when the ruling party loses,” Keyamo added. “These guys are prepared only for propaganda, not elections. It is as simple as that.”

The Senator representing Ekiti State District, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed the real reason behind the removal of “real time” from the 2026 Electoral Bill.


He clarified this in a statement issued through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Sunday.

Bamidele explained that the Senate had previously rejected Clause 60(3) of the bill, which mandated that the presiding officer “shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in real time…”.

The clause was subsequently redrafted to retain electronic transmission of results while omitting the “real time” requirement.

Bamidele described Clause 60(3) as “an initiative that any legislature or parliament globally would ordinarily have embraced.”

He added that the Senate had to consider the country’s infrastructural realities before making its decision.

Drawing on data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Bamidele noted that broadband coverage stood at about 70 percent in 2025, while internet penetration was 44.53 percent of the population.

He cited the Speedtest Global Index, which ranked Nigeria 85th out of 105 countries in mobile network reliability and 129th out of 150 countries in fixed broadband reliability.

“Based on the Speedtest Global Index, Nigeria’s mobile network reliability was 44.14 megabits per second. This is extremely low compared with the UAE, which has 691.76 mbps; Qatar with 573.53 mbps; Kuwait with 415.67 mbps; Bahrain with 303.21 mbps; and Bulgaria with 289.41 mbps.

“The Index placed Nigeria far below the global average.

“Nigeria’s fixed internet broadband rating is quite low by global standards. Out of 150 countries, Nigeria occupied the 129th position with only 33.32 mbps.

“In this rating, Singapore came first with 410.06 mbps, followed by the UAE with 382.35 mbps; France with 346.25 mbps; Chile with 348.41 mbps; and Hong Kong with 345.25 mbps,” he stated.

He further highlighted that around 85 million Nigerians, roughly 43 percent of the population, lack access to grid electricity.

“This shortfall speaks to the state of our power infrastructure. Even though our generation capacity hovers roughly between 12,000 and 13,500 megawatts, our distribution and transmission capacity are acutely limited.

“As we all know, it can only deliver 4,500 megawatts to households nationwide. But with the Electricity Act, 2025, our power sector will record significant growth from this financial year,” the lawmaker added.

Bamidele warned that enforcing real-time transmission under these conditions could lead to instability.

“The data speak directly to the stark realities of our federation, not emotion or sentiment. As representatives of the people, we cannot enact laws based purely on public emotion or sentiment,” he stated.

According to the Senate leader, the removal of “real time” aims to ensure the electoral framework aligns with Nigeria’s current capabilities while still addressing public concerns about transparency

Kwara State Government on Saturday reacted to a viral video clip released by armed bandits on the tragic February 3,2026, bloody attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government of the state.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, “the government is deeply concerned over the disturbing video released by terrorists earlier today, allegedly showing some persons taken during the tragic February 3 attack on Woro community.

“As always, our thoughts are with all the families affected, and we reaffirm our commitment to securing the safe return of all those impacted.


“We acknowledge the anxiety that this footage may cause. Government officials and security agencies are carefully analysing the video to establish the identities of the individuals shown,” the statement added.

DAILY POST reports that since the incident, there have been varying accounts regarding the number of persons abducted and killed during the bloody invasion of the community.


“For this reason, neither the state government nor security agencies have announced a definitive figure. Our priority remains the safe rescue of every affected citizen and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.

“We have engaged Woro community leaders to assist in identifying individuals seen in the footage. As of now, a few persons have been preliminarily identified from the video as residents of Woro.

"Community representatives have also indicated that more individuals remain unaccounted for. It is important to note that some persons initially reported missing have since reunited with their families, while others may have temporarily relocated to neighbouring communities, including Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.”


The Government’s response committee, led by His Highness Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, continues to work with security agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to coordinate efforts, humanitarian support, and the safe return of displaced persons.

The government assured the public that verified updates will be provided as more information becomes available through proper coordination with security and community leaders.

It urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue cooperating with authorities.