National

INEC Moves Presidential, Guber Elections to January and February Respectively

Published

4 weeks ago

February 26, 2026

Eric

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly election to Saturday, January, 16, 2027, following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections has also been shifted to Saturday, February, 6, 2027.

The Commission said the adjustment ensures full compliance with the new legal framework and allows for orderly conduct of electoral activities, including party primaries and campaigns.

Previously, the Presidential election was slated for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls were scheduled for March 6, 2027.

The timetable drew criticism from sections of the public, particularly Muslim groups, who argued that the proposed dates clashed with the holy month of Ramadan.

INEC in a statement on Thursday by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.

He revealed that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23rd April 2026 and conclude on 30th May 2026.

Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections are set to begin on 19th August 2026, with campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections starting on 9th September 2026.

The Commission emphasised that, as provided by law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day, and parties are expected to adhere strictly to these timelines, with compliance enforced by INEC.

INEC noted that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted, all remaining processes will proceed strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.

“The revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.

“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility.
The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people”, the commission said.

The Guardian

National

Eid-el- Fitr: Interior Minister Announces Thursday, Friday As Public Holidays

Published

1 week ago

March 18, 2026

Eric

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.

The minister extended warm greetings and congratulations to Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

Tunji-Ojo urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice emphasised during the holy month.

He also called on Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity, and prosperity of the country.

“The federal government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians,” he said.

The minister encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.

He noted that Eid-ul-Fitr represents a period of reflection, gratitude, and compassion, urging Nigerians to uphold these values beyond the festive season.

The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity and strengthening peaceful coexistence across the country.

National

Nine Senators Announce Defection to ADC

Published

2 weeks ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

Nine senators on Thursday announced their defection from their various parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Five of the senators dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), three left the Labour Party (LP), and one from the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

The defectors from PDP are Senators Dauda Yaroe, Lawal Usman, Ogochi Onawe, Aminu Tambuwal and Austin Akubondu.

The LP defectors are Senators Ireti Kingibe, Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye.

Eight of the senators who dumped the PDP and LP cited leadership crises in their parties for their defection.

However, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe said he dumped APGA because the party sacked him in September 2025.

National

Police Council Confirms Tunji Disu As Substantive IGP

Published

3 weeks ago

March 2, 2026

Eric

The National Police Council has confirmed Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police.

His name is now to be sent to the Senate for screening.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Disu as the acting IGP on February 25, 2026, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

Tinubu, in a statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, had said he would convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive IGP, after which his name would be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation,” he said.

The former AIG assumed office as the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) last Wednesday.

Disu, 59, took over the reins as Nigeria’s new police chief at a brief ceremony at the Louis Edet House in Abuja, shortly after President Bola Tinubu decorated him as the acting IGP.

Until his appointment, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

He was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police last year.