The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate, Hon. Zadna Dantani, has officially withdrawn from the race, throwing his support behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Dantani stated that his decision followed the intervention of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and that he has formally submitted a withdrawal letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking to journalists, Dantani said:

“I am Hon. Zadna Dantani, the PDP Chairmanship candidate for AMAC in the Saturday’s Area Council elections. I sincerely appreciate everyone who supported us. This decision is not about personal interests but the collective good.

Following the counsel of our party leader and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, I recognize that this is a brotherhood election. After wide consultations, I have agreed not to contest against my brother, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, in support of the good works of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

I have submitted my letter of withdrawal to INEC and urge all my supporters across AMAC’s 12 wards to come out en masse and support Hon. Christopher Maikalangu of the APC.”

In his letter to INEC, Dantani reiterated that his withdrawal was voluntary and made after consultations with his family and key stakeholders. The letter read in part:

“I, Hon. Zadna Dantani of Gosa Village along Airport Road, FCT Abuja, a PDP member and chairmanship candidate, have decided to voluntarily withdraw from contesting for the Chairmanship position of Abuja Municipal Area Council in the forthcoming Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026. This decision follows careful consideration and consultations with my family and relevant stakeholders, and is made of my own free will.”

DAILY POST reports that this development comes less than 24 hours after the PDP chairmanship candidate for Bwari Area Council, Julius Adamu, also withdrew from the race in favor of APC candidate Joshua Ishaku Musa.

A coalition of prominent civil society organisations (CSOs) has criticised the newly signed Electoral Act 2026, describing it as a missed opportunity to implement the comprehensive reforms needed to boost public trust ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The CSOs raised concerns over the way the National Assembly processed the bill, highlighting issues with transparency and accountability. They noted that last-minute amendments were reportedly added to the harmonised version of the bill without prior publication or public scrutiny before adoption by both chambers.

President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Amendment Act 2026 into law on Wednesday evening, officially making it the legal framework for the 2027 elections.

However, the coalition argued that the presidential assent was rushed and seemingly premeditated. They warned that significant flaws in the law could undermine electoral integrity, entrench incumbency advantages, and disenfranchise millions of Nigerians from meaningful political participation.

These concerns were outlined at a joint press briefing by the Centre for Media and Society, The Kukah Centre, the International Press Centre (IPC), ElectHer, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, TAF Africa, and Yiaga Africa.

In a communique read by TAF Africa President Jake Epelle on behalf of the coalition, the CSOs acknowledged that while the Act retained important provisions from the 2022 framework, it left loopholes unaddressed and introduced new barriers to political participation.

The coalition noted that despite protests and engagements between the bill’s passage and presidential assent—urging retention of safeguards such as real-time electronic results transmission, downloadable voter cards, and established electoral timelines—their recommendations were ignored. They argued that the President’s decision to sign the bill reflects political expediency over electoral integrity and risks weakening public confidence in the electoral process.

The communique stated:

“We register our profound concern about the process through which the Electoral Bill was passed between the third reading and adoption of the harmonised version. The speed and opacity raise serious concerns about legislative transparency and the commitment of lawmakers to genuine electoral reform.
At a time when public confidence in elections remains fragile, this law should have strengthened transparency, eliminated ambiguities, and deepened safeguards against manipulation. Instead, it creates additional vulnerabilities in the electoral process.”

The CSOs also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently publish a revised timetable for the 2027 elections, issue clear regulations under the new law, and conduct a nationwide simulation of electronic results transmission across all polling units in line with the new 300-day notice requirement.

They urged political parties to publicly commit to supporting electronic results transmission and called on the National Assembly to publish the signed Act for public access, stressing that clear electoral timelines are essential for all stakeholders to prepare adequately.

Ekpelle added that INEC must issue detailed regulations addressing: the definition and threshold for IReV “communication failure,” standards for monitoring and certifying political party primaries, and disability-inclusive voter registration procedures. He stressed that regulatory ambiguity at this stage could lead to disputes and litigation.

He further recommended a national simulation exercise of IReV electronic transmission across all 176,866 polling units with independent observers, followed by a comprehensive technical report detailing success and failure rates, connectivity gaps, vulnerabilities, and remediation plans ahead of 2027.

In response, Akin Rotimi, spokesperson for the House of Representatives, defended the legislature’s actions. He stated that due process was followed in accordance with committee rules, explaining that the bill’s quick passage and submission for presidential assent were lawful. Rotimi also noted that this is the first time in Nigeria’s history that a genuine amendment has been introduced to the Electoral Act. He described civil society protests and lawmakers’ walkouts as normal legislative occurrences that should not be interpreted negatively.

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has announced a 25-player squad for Nigeria’s upcoming double-header friendlies against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Star forward Asisat Oshoala is the most notable omission from the list.

Key players named include captain Rasheedat Ajibade, dependable goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Michelle Alozie, and Esther Okoronkwo. Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale, Halimat Ayinde, and Deborah Abiodun are also part of the squad.

The first friendly will take place next Saturday, followed by the second on Tuesday, March 3. Both matches are scheduled to be held in Yaoundé, the Cameroonian capital.

At the WAFCON 2026 finals, Nigeria will face debutants Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt in Group C.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers:

• Chiamaka Nnadozie

• Comfort Erhabor

• Anderline Mgbechi

• Fatima Oloko

Defenders:

• Osinachi Ohale

• Michelle Alozie

• Oluwatotosin Demehin

• Ashleigh Plumptre

• Shukurat Oladipo

• Glory Ogbonna

• Sikiratu Isah

• Chidinma Okeke

• Christy Ucheibe

Midfielders:

• Halimat Ayinde

• Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene

• Jennifer Echegini

• Deborah Abiodun

• Precious Christopher

Forwards:

• Rasheedat Ajibade

• Gift Monday

• Chinwendu Ihezuo

• Ijeoma Okoronkwo

• Omorinsola Babajide

• Folashade Ijamilusi

• Joy Ogochukwu Omeha