Category: News

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled Saturday, June 20, 2026, for conducting bye-elections across six states in Nigeria. This announcement came alongside the formal reception of a new National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (retired).

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the disclosure during a brief ceremony at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, where the new commissioner was welcomed.

According to the Chairman, the bye-elections will coincide with the Ekiti State Governorship Election set for the same day. The elections aim to fill senatorial vacancies in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo States, as well as a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State.

“We are approaching several off-cycle elections. The Ekiti Governorship Election is slated for June 20, 2026. On that day, the Commission will also hold bye-elections to address vacant positions,” Professor Amupitan stated.

He elaborated: “The vacant senatorial seats in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo will be contested, along with the Kebbi State Assembly seat and the Kano Federal Constituency seat.”

Regarding the new appointee, the Chairman praised Rear Admiral Malafa (retired) as a highly experienced professional with a strong background in both military service and electoral processes. He highlighted her previous collaboration with INEC on logistics and her tenure as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy, noting her valuable administrative and legal expertise.

The INEC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to its constitutional duties. “Our mandate is clear. We are committed to conducting credible and transparent elections for President, National Assembly, Governors, State Assemblies, and Area Councils,” he emphasized.

In her response, the newly inaugurated National Commissioner thanked the Commission for the warm welcome and vowed to contribute effectively to its objectives. “I am delighted to be here and grateful for the reception. I look forward to collaborating with everyone for the nation’s development and stability, and for the success of upcoming elections,” she said.

The event was attended by various National Commissioners, the Commission’s Secretary, the Director-General of The Electoral Institute (TEI), senior officials, and family members of the new commissioner.

The Osun Fulani Farmers Unity Forum has firmly denied reports that its members have thrown their support behind any particular candidate for the upcoming governorship election in the state. The association described such reports as entirely false and deceptive.

In a statement released on Thursday, Alhaji Saheed Meiburuji, the forum’s president, emphasized that the alleged endorsement does not align with the views of the Fulani community in Osun. He clarified that no recognized group or individual has the authority to declare support for any political candidate on behalf of the Fulani people.

The forum stressed that the Fulani community in Osun State has not yet made any endorsement regarding the upcoming gubernatorial poll. It pointed out that all political engagements involving the Fulani must adhere to established traditional procedures and respected leadership structures. As part of this process, political parties and contestants seeking the community’s backing are required to engage through appropriate channels, including consultations with the Seriki, Ardos, and other chieftaincy institutions.

Furthermore, the forum disclosed that it maintains a comprehensive database of Fulani residents across all local government areas in the state, estimating their population to exceed 30,000. It called on the public, political stakeholders, and the media to verify any information before circulating it, and to uphold the integrity of Fulani traditional institutions.

Dele Momodu, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has publicly rejected a campaign poster that portrays him as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The poster, which features the tagline AtiDele 2027, has been circulating online, but Momodu insists it is nothing more than a prank aimed at diverting attention from the party’s objectives.

In a statement on X, the publisher and former presidential candidate clarified that he has no intention of contesting any election in the future. Instead, he expressed his willingness to back the coalition of opposition parties to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accuses of plunging the nation’s democracy into disorder.

Momodu described the poster as a joke that initially amused him but later became a nuisance as it spread widely. He urged his supporters and party members to ignore the unsolicited material, emphasizing that there are more capable leaders within the ADC who deserve their support.

The ADC chieftain reiterated his commitment to rallying behind the party’s eventual candidates, stating that his focus remains on fostering unity among opposition groups. This clarification comes amid heightened political activity following the Supreme Court’s recognition of the David Mark-led ADC leadership.

Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, who represents the Borno Central Senatorial District, has officially withdrawn from the state’s governorship race and thrown his support behind Mustapha Gubio as the consensus candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This development emerged from a crucial stakeholders’ meeting convened in Abuja on Thursday, as disclosed by Usman Alkali, the senator’s legislative aide. The gathering, which included key party figures and stakeholders, reached a unanimous agreement for Lawan to step aside, allowing Gubio to emerge as the party’s flagbearer.

According to Alkali, the senator is anticipated to retain his position in the Senate following this decision. The meeting was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima and saw the participation of Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, alongside APC leaders, National Assembly members, and representatives of the Borno Elders Forum.

The statement emphasized that the move was aimed at fostering unity and enhancing cohesion within the party as elections approach. In a related development, the Borno State Government confirmed that the APC has adopted Gubio as its consensus governorship candidate.

Dauda Illiya, the governor’s spokesperson, noted in a separate statement that Zulum presented Gubio to Vice President Shettima in Abuja as the party’s preferred candidate. Zulum described this selection as a unified stance within the party in the state and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and encouragement. He also acknowledged the Vice President’s role in promoting harmony among party stakeholders in Borno.

Following these events, party leaders and stakeholders are set to return to Maiduguri for further consultations.

The Imo State Government has issued a strong warning to the public, particularly applicants in the ongoing teacher recruitment exercise, to ignore unauthorized lists circulating on social media. The clarification comes from the Office of the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Schools, Bernard Thompson Ikegwuoha.

In a press statement personally signed by Ikegwuoha, he explained that the Ministry became aware of a fraudulent list being shared online by individuals who are intent on causing confusion and discrediting the recruitment process. He stressed that this list is neither authentic nor approved by the Ministry.

Ikegwuoha noted that the circulation of such bogus information is the work of mischief makers trying to politicize the situation and stir up unnecessary tension among applicants. He strongly advised everyone to disregard the fake document completely.

The Commissioner further warned that no applicant should make any payment to any person or group claiming to facilitate recruitment, as the Ministry does not charge fees for its hiring processes. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and urged the public to await official communication from the Ministry for genuine updates.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar believes the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has the potential to transform into a formidable opposition capable of defeating the current ruling party. He made these remarks in a series of posts on his X account on Thursday evening.

Atiku disclosed that he recently convened with other prominent members of the party to chart the way forward and outline strategic priorities. He described the gathering as a demonstration of the party’s internal unity and resolve.

The ADC, according to Atiku, is committed to strengthening its organizational framework and preparing for the political challenges that lie ahead. He emphasized that the party is working to build a robust platform that can effectively challenge the existing administration and provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.

Beyond merely winning elections, Atiku stressed that the party’s broader mission includes restoring hope, rebuilding public trust, and steering the nation back onto a path of sustainable growth and purposeful leadership. He underscored that unity and unwavering dedication among party members will be crucial to achieving these objectives.

The Gombe State Police Command has officially refuted a viral story that claimed the residence of Mr. Nafiu Bala, a factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was set on fire. The false information, which included a video of flames purportedly showing the attack on Bala’s property, began circulating around 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

In a statement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, authorities categorically denied the incident. “The Command confirms that the report is false, as no such event has occurred anywhere in the state,” the statement read.

Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, also called on the public to ignore the baseless claims. He reaffirmed the command’s dedication to maintaining peace and security across Gombe State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made changes to its official website, now recognizing the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) headed by David Mark. The update, which took place around 9:58 p.m. on Thursday, also includes Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, Mani Ibrahim Ahmad as national treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as national financial secretary, and Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor as national legal adviser.

This development comes shortly after the Supreme Court nullified a Court of Appeal decision that had required parties involved in the ADC leadership dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum. In a unanimous verdict, the apex court instructed all parties to return to the Federal High Court for the substantive case to be heard. Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, delivering the judgment, affirmed that the lower court was correct in asking the defendants to show cause why the ex parte application should not be granted.

The controversy began when Nafiu Bala Gombe, an aggrieved member, filed a lawsuit challenging Mark’s emergence as ADC national chairman and sought a court order to prevent his faction from acting as the party’s leadership. Following a prior ruling by the Appeal Court, INEC had removed the Mark-led executive from its portal, stating it would not recognize any faction. However, the latest update indicates a change in stance, as the commission now lists the Mark-led ADC while the legal proceedings continue.

The Abia State Government has expressed strong disapproval over the recent threat by the Nigerian Bar Association’s forum of chairmen in the state, who vowed to mobilize lawyers for a public demonstration if the ongoing strike by judiciary workers is not resolved.

According to the government, the NBA chairmen’s claims that their attempts to meet with Governor Alex Otti and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, were ignored are baseless and not reflective of the current state of negotiations.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Umuahia, the Director General of the Strategic Communication Bureau, Onyebuchi Ememanka, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified that the government has made significant progress in addressing the issues raised by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria.

They noted that the misunderstanding over leave allowance, which was one of the key issues, has been resolved after it was discovered that the government’s position—that consolidated salaries already include a leave component—was correct.

Regarding financial autonomy for the judiciary, Ememanka stated that the state has substantially complied, with the Chief Judge having the authority to determine fund allocation for the judiciary branch.

He further explained that matters of employment, promotion, payment, and retirement of judiciary workers are handled by the Abia State Judiciary Service Commission, not the executive arm.

The government also denied allegations that Governor Otti and the Attorney-General snubbed a scheduled courtesy visit by the NBA chairmen, calling the claim false and misleading.

In Benue State, local government leaders from Oju and Obi have taken action following a violent confrontation between two communities that forced residents to flee their homes. The conflict involved the Ukpute settlement in Oju and the Adiko community in Obi.

Hon. Ominyi Jackson Adah, chairman of Oju Local Government, and his Obi counterpart, Hon. Silas Odeh, personally traveled to the Ukpute area in Ainu Ette after the violence erupted earlier this week. Their visit aimed to calm tensions and restore peace.

According to local accounts, the trouble started on Monday when a woman from Ukpute was allegedly assaulted and severely wounded while farming. This incident reportedly provoked a retaliatory action by young men from Ukpute, resulting in the capture of 19 individuals.

In response, the council chairmen coordinated with security forces, including the military and police, to bring the situation under control. Their efforts led to the successful rescue and return of all those taken.

During their visit, the chairmen urged residents to remain calm and avoid any further acts of revenge that could worsen the situation. They emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence.

Meanwhile, the Omi Ny’Igede Youth Wing Development Association (ONYDA) Worldwide is calling on the Benue State Government and federal agencies like SEMA and NEMA to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the displaced. The group highlighted that many families lack food, shelter, and medical care due to the disruption.

The clash underscores ongoing tensions in parts of Benue, often fueled by land and boundary disputes. Authorities continue to stress the importance of dialogue and early intervention to prevent such conflicts from escalating. Security personnel remain stationed in the area to maintain peace.