Category: News

The newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State, Aminu Idris, has formally assumed his role at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), vowing to uphold the integrity of the 2027 general elections. In a media briefing in Makurdi, Idris emphasized that every eligible Nigerian citizen deserves the chance to vote freely and fairly.

Idris underscored the media’s critical role in strengthening democracy by providing accurate electoral updates and educating the public on INEC’s initiatives. He called on journalists to work closely with the commission to ensure transparency throughout the electoral process.

The commissioner also updated citizens on the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive, now in its final phase. He urged all unregistered eligible residents to seize the opportunity before the deadline. On the restoration of state constituencies, Idris reported that work has been completed in four out of five affected local government areas, with the remaining one soon to be finalized.

Reassuring Benue residents, Idris affirmed that INEC remains committed to conducting its duties with impartiality, transparency, and professionalism, strictly adhering to its constitutional mandate.

The industrial action that paralyzed judicial activities in Abia State for two months has been called off. The Abia State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) announced the end of the strike on Thursday, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government.

The strike, which started on March 15, 2026, was suspended immediately after the union’s congress ratified the agreement. The union’s chairman, Chinedu Ezeh, and secretary, Chibueze Nwachukwu, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the MoU substantially addressed the workers’ demands.

The union expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for his intervention and commitment to improving the welfare of judiciary workers. JUSUN also thanked the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, judges, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the public for their support during the strike.

The union called for the full implementation of all agreements to strengthen the judiciary and enhance justice delivery across the state.

China has once again underscored its unwavering adherence to the One-China policy, emphasizing that Taiwan is not a sovereign state but rather an integral component of Chinese land. This assertion was delivered by Dong Hairong, Counselor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, during a media gathering in Abuja on Thursday.

The event, hosted by the Centre for China Studies and the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, served as a platform for Hairong to call for enhanced global comprehension of the Taiwan issue and China’s territorial stance. She highlighted recent events, such as Taiwanese regional leader Lai Ching-te’s visit to Eswatini and reports of interactions between Nigerian journalists and Taiwanese representatives, as instances of efforts to promote separatist viewpoints.

“Since ancient times, Taiwan has been an inseparable part of Chinese territory,” Hairong declared. “Taiwan has never been a country, is not one now, and will never become one.”

Echoing this sentiment, Otunba Segun Showunmi, Convener of The Alternative Movement, urged Nigeria to deepen strategic collaboration with China, citing Beijing’s rise as a global economic and technological powerhouse. Showunmi argued that Abuja would derive greater benefits from robust ties with China than from separate dealings with Taiwan. “In another century, the advantages Nigeria will gain from a solid partnership with China far exceed what Taiwan could offer in a millennium,” he stated.

Furthermore, Prof. Ghali Ibrahim, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and Director of the Centre for China-Africa Research, affirmed that the One-China principle enjoys widespread international acceptance due to Taiwan’s lack of sovereign legal status. “Taiwan is not an independent sovereign entity; it is a territory belonging to China,” Ibrahim noted.

President Bola Tinubu continues to enjoy firm backing from the North, according to Abdullahi Yakasai, his Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the Northwest region. Yakasai made this known during a television interview, countering claims that the president has lost favor in the region.

Yakasai dismissed reports of waning support as politically motivated narratives spread by opposition parties as the 2027 elections approach. He argued that suggesting Tinubu no longer has a political base in the Northwest is baseless and merely negative talk.

He emphasized that the president’s initiatives should make the northern part of the country appreciative. When questioned about persistent hardships under Tinubu’s administration, Yakasai pointed to efforts aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and development.

He further explained that many responsibilities affecting citizens’ welfare fall under state and local governments, not just the federal government. This, he said, shifts the blame for living conditions away from the presidency.

Yakasai’s remarks come amid rising political activities and speculation about alliances shaping up for the next general election. His statements are expected to reassure APC supporters in the North.

The Alliance for Democratic Action (ADA) promoter, Umar Ardo, has opened up on his objections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registering the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). During an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Ardo accused the NDC of bypassing the constitutional and electoral procedures mandated for political party registration.

According to him, the first step to register a party is forming an association, followed by sending a formal letter of intent to INEC that includes the proposed party name, acronym, and logo. Ardo stated that the NDC wrote to INEC seeking registration, but the commission rejected the request, citing that the party’s logo resembled those of existing political parties and associations.

He explained that the law requires the association to challenge INEC’s decision in court within 14 days, but the NDC instead penned another letter asking the commission to reconsider its stance. Ardo claimed that after receiving no reply, the group eventually went to court with only the letter of intent, which he argued was insufficient to demonstrate compliance with the Electoral Act and constitutional provisions.

Ardo noted that a political association seeking registration must fill out Form EC15 and upload several documents to INEC’s portal, including the party constitution, manifesto, details of national executive members, and proof of payment of the prescribed fee. He alleged that the NDC failed to complete the form or upload the necessary documents before approaching the court.

Ardo maintained that INEC was aware that the association had not fulfilled the registration requirements and therefore should have opposed and appealed the court judgment in favor of the NDC. He said, ‘Why I oppose NDC? I need to explain that so that the castigation against me and then the misunderstanding by a lot of Nigerians, maybe assuaged.’

He elaborated on the steps: ‘You see, before you register a political party, the steps are one, you form an association. So they formed an association of Nigerian Democratic Congress NDC. Then you will write a letter of intent to INEC and say to INEC that we have formed this association and is serious to be registered as a political party. This is the name of the association. This is the acronym of the association, and this is the logo of the association, can you open the portal for us so that we apply in the portal by filling from EC15. This is the form that you must fill in if you want to register.’

Ardo continued, ‘NDC wrote to INEC this letter of intent. INEC then wrote back to NDC, said that, look, NDC, this your registration, we cannot continue with it, because your logo is different. It is similar to other political parties and political associations, therefore we cannot continue with you. Then the law says that if INEC writes to such a letter within 14 days, you should go to court. But NDC now wrote back to INEC and said, INEC, reconsider your position. INEC did not answer. After about a month or so, NDC wrote again. It said, we are giving you one month, you know, one week to reconsider. INEC did not answer. And then NDC picked this letter and went to court. And with that letter, the court said NDC had fulfilled all the requirements of the Constitution, all the requirements of the Electoral Act and all the guidelines, which is not true.’

He added, ‘This is because until you fill the form EC 15, where you upload the name of your party. Two, you upload this acronym. Three, you upload the logo. Four, you upload the Constitution. Five, you upload the manifesto. Six, you upload the executive members, national executive members. Seven, you upload the fee. You have to even pay a fee and get the receipt for INEC to give you the access the portal. You have to upload it. You have to upload 29 documents for you to be that you have applied. NDC did not do that. NDC did not pay. NDC did not fill that form. NDC did not do anything. NDC just took one letter to court, and the court said, You have fulfilled everything. If NDC can mislead the court, if NDC can beguile the gullible Nigerians, NDC could not do that to INEC because INEC knows the truth. INEC knows that NDC did not apply. So once they come with that judgment, INEC ought to have resisted and appealed.’

In a scathing interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Umar Ardo, a prominent figure of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), publicly criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for aligning with the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Ardo asserted that he had forewarned both politicians about the party’s unresolved legal issues, but they chose to ignore his advice.

Ardo clarified that his opposition to the NDC’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dates back to February 6, before Obi and Kwankwaso showed any interest in the party. He emphasized that his stance was never about them personally, but about what he perceives as irregularities in the party’s formation.

According to Ardo, after uncovering these irregularities, he reached out to associates close to Obi, urging them to advise the former presidential candidate to avoid the NDC and consider other political platforms instead. He also disclosed that he had a personal meeting with Kwankwaso and later called him shortly before their alleged move to the NDC, detailing the problems the party was facing.

Despite these warnings, both politicians proceeded with their involvement. Ardo stated that their entry has not improved the situation, which he described as “as bad as it has always been.” He expressed concern that the NDC’s unresolved legal troubles could be a “national fraud” on the country. “You cannot come through this way and expect people to vote for you,” he added.

Ardo made it clear that his actions were motivated solely by a desire to prevent a fraudulent situation from undermining Nigeria’s political process, not by any personal rivalry with Obi or Kwankwaso.

The Chairman of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Hussaini Aliyu Bena, who is also a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress, has firmly rejected rumors making rounds on social media about a political crisis within the state government. He specifically countered claims that the government has already picked a preferred candidate for the Zuru/Sakaba/Fakai/Danko-Wasagu Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at an event in Birnin Kebbi, Bena stated that the reports are entirely false and are being propagated by individuals who are not part of the APC and those who oppose the developmental achievements of the current administration. He reiterated that Governor Nasir Idris has not imposed any candidate on the party and that all interested aspirants are free to compete for party tickets without any interference.

According to Bena, the governor’s administration is committed to upholding internal democracy and fair political competition within the APC. He urged all party stakeholders in the state to ignore what he termed as misleading content on social media, emphasizing that such narratives will not undermine party unity in the region.

Honourable Mansur Manu Soro, who represents the Darazo-Ganjuwa Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has officially declared that he will not be participating in the 2027 general elections. The announcement came through a statement released on May 11, 2026, which was signed by his Legislative Aide, Safiyanu Ibrahim Darazo.

In the statement, the lawmaker clarified that he would neither pursue the Bauchi Central Senatorial seat nor seek another term for his current federal constituency. This decision marks a significant shift from earlier speculation that he might contest under a different party platform.

Manu Soro took the opportunity to express gratitude to the people of Darazo-Ganjuwa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Governor Bala Mohammed for their support during the 2023 elections, which secured his return to the National Assembly. Despite stepping away from electoral politics, he assured his constituents that his commitment to the development of the constituency remains steadfast, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.

He highlighted key projects undertaken during his tenure, including the establishment of gifted primary and secondary schools, a National Open University of Nigeria study centre, and four pediatric hospitals spread across the constituency. These initiatives reflect his ongoing dedication to improving local infrastructure and services.

It is worth noting that Manu Soro resigned from the PDP on May 1, 2026, citing persistent internal crises and unresolved divisions within the party over the past two years. Following his departure from the PDP, he defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), which fueled widespread speculation that he intended to vie for the Bauchi Central Senatorial seat or return to the House of Representatives under the APM banner.

Attempts to obtain a comment from the APM State Chairman, Auwal Isah, were unsuccessful. Calls placed to him went unanswered, and text messages sent to his phone had not been responded to at the time of filing this report.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially commenced the screening process for its aspirants vying for the presidency and various governorship positions in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This development marks a significant step in the party’s internal electoral preparations.

Organized under the leadership of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee, the screening activities are being hosted at the party’s National Secretariat Annex, situated at Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja. The exercise is designed to evaluate the qualifications and readiness of candidates seeking to fly the party’s flag in the national and state-level contests.

According to a statement from the National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, the screening for governorship aspirants will kick off at 12 noon on Thursday, while the presidential aspirants’ session is scheduled for 2 PM on the same day, both taking place at the same venue. The timing underscores the party’s commitment to a structured and timely vetting process.

Notable figures have been appointed to lead the screening committees. The presidential screening committee is chaired by former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, with Hassan Sokodobo acting as Secretary. Other committee members include Alhaji Abba Isawa, Senator George Sekibo, Sodipo Semiu, Mrs. Chinelo Chidebelu, Nasiru Mohammed, Senator Zainab Kure, and Lindsey Sora. Their collective expertise ensures a thorough evaluation of all aspirants.

For the governorship category, the committee is headed by former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, with George Ariolu serving as Secretary. The committee also features Dr. Ibrahim Umar, Prof. Aisha Madawaki, Tajudeen Yusuf, Dr. Abdulganiyu Oloyin, Babangida Modibbo, Alhaji Buba Biri, Olaniyi Ogungbuji, Mike Ahumibe, Gabriel Igboko, Pastor Tony Effiong, and Mrs. Precious Ojelabi. This diverse panel reflects the party’s commitment to inclusive and rigorous candidate assessment.

In a yet-to-be-released interview with News Central TV, Peter Obi, a frontline presidential aspirant of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has made serious allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan. The former governor of Anambra State claimed that Amupitan is merely executing a script authored by President Bola Tinubu.

According to excerpts from the interview, Obi disclosed that he recently wrote to the INEC Chairman, cautioning him that his tenure is temporary. The NDC aspirant expressed disbelief that elections could be conducted by academics and still result in such poor outcomes. “If anyone had told me that using professors to run our elections would make things worse, I would have strongly disagreed,” Obi stated.

When asked directly whether INEC acts as an agent of the president, Obi responded affirmatively. “Yes, completely. Everything the INEC Chairman is doing today reflects the directives of the person who appointed him,” he emphasized. Obi reiterated that his letter reminded Amupitan of the impermanence of his position, implying that accountability would eventually catch up with him.

The interview is expected to air in full soon, potentially stirring further debate about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral body ahead of future elections.