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Yilwatda Uproar: APC Breaks Silence, Dares Opponents Over INEC ‘Witch-Hunt’

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed concerns raised by opposition parties over the appointment of Nentawe Yilwatda as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, calling such fears “unfounded and baseless.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Yilwatda’s emergence as the new national chairman of the APC has triggered criticism, particularly from opposition groups, over his past affiliation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He previously served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), a role that placed him at the heart of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Appointed REC in July 2017, the former engineering lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, was posted to Benue State. During his four-year stint, he played a key role in supervising elections in Benue, Anambra, Osun, Rivers, and Cross River states before resigning in 2022.

Reacting to his appointment, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Peter Ameh, described it as a threat to democratic integrity. Speaking to Punch, Ameh argued that elevating someone with recent electoral commission experience to a high-ranking political role undermines public trust and weakens institutional safeguards meant to ensure impartial elections.

“The appointment of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, a former INEC REC, as APC’s national chairman should raise serious alarm regarding the independence of the electoral commission and the health of our democracy,” Ameh said. “This move suggests a deliberate dismantling of the guardrails that uphold free and fair elections.”

Ameh further noted that Yilwatda’s political involvement began shortly after his resignation from INEC. He contested in the APC’s 2022 governorship primary in Plateau State and later served as the state coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima campaign in the 2023 general elections. According to Ameh, this trajectory signals a troubling erosion of neutrality between the electoral body and partisan politics.

“This seamless transition from a supposedly neutral electoral officer to a partisan figure within the ruling party fuels public suspicion about potential collusion,” he added. “It sends the wrong message and casts a shadow on the credibility of both past and future elections.”

In a swift rebuttal, APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, defended Yilwatda’s appointment, stressing that his previous INEC role does not compromise the integrity of the party or the electoral system.

“Is INEC a cult?” Ibrahim queried. “Can’t someone who worked with INEC go on to serve in a political party? Many former electoral officials serve as consultants or advisers — there’s nothing illegal or unethical about that.”

He likened Yilwatda’s experience to that of a retired coach offering tactical insight to a new team, or an ex-police officer serving as a security consultant.

“Yes, our national chairman once worked with INEC, but that doesn’t mean he has any special access to the commission’s current operations,” he added. “If anything, his familiarity with electoral processes will help the APC avoid mistakes and operate within the law.”

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Currency Watch: Dollar Holds Firm Against Naira At ₦1,378 Amid Economic Uncertainty!.

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On June 26, 2026, the dollar-to-naira exchange rate at the Lagos parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, saw sellers offering the dollar at ₦1402, while buyers were purchasing it at ₦1391, according to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources. It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize this market and advises individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through their respective banks.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Additionally, the CBN’s official rates for the same period ranged from a high of ₦1385 to a low of ₦1376. Please be aware that actual transaction prices may vary and might differ from the figures provided in this report.

Exchange Rate Summary (June 26, 2026)

  • Parallel Market (Selling): ₦1402

  • Parallel Market (Buying): ₦1391

  • CBN Official Rates: ₦1376 – ₦1385

What specific aspect of the current foreign exchange market or its impact on consumer trends would you like to discuss further?

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Betrayal Exposed? Faction Demands Police Probe Into Fraudulent Leadership Claims Sent To INEC!.

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The legal firm Ogbeide Associates, representing a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, requesting a formal investigation into PDP secretary Samuel Anyanwu and factional National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key aspects of the petition include:

  • Allegations of False Representation: The petition challenges a November 3, 2025, letter sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which falsely claimed that the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) had replaced acting national chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum with Mohammed.

  • Contradictory NWC Records: Petitioners assert that the NWC’s November 1, 2025, emergency meeting actually resulted in the suspension of Anyanwu and three other officers due to alleged anti-party activities, and no record exists to support the claim that Damagum was suspended or Mohammed appointed.

  • Legal Precedents: The lawyers referenced an October 10, 2024, Federal High Court judgment that recognizes Damagum as the acting national chairman and prohibits INEC from accepting documents without his signature. Furthermore, they noted that the Court of Appeal upheld the NWC’s suspension of Anyanwu on March 9, 2026.

  • Call for Institutional Review: The petitioners have requested that the IGP investigate how INEC processed the contested November 3 letter despite being aware of the existing court orders and the NWC’s official resolutions.

  • Stated Objective: Counsel for the petitioner emphasized that the action is intended to address the integrity of public institutions and prevent the use of misleading internal party documentation, noting their readiness to provide supporting court judgments and party records to the police.

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The Drama Of 2026! Turkey Goes Home Fighting While Ivory Coast And Australia Advance to Knockouts!

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  • Turkey vs. USA: Despite Turkey securing a dramatic 3-2 victory—their first World Cup win since 2002—they were eliminated from the tournament. The USA, despite the loss, qualified for the Round of 32 and is set to face Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 2.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • Ivory Coast’s Historic Qualification: Ivory Coast advanced to the knockout stage for the first time in their history after defeating Curacao 2-0, with Nicolas Pepe scoring both goals. This result secured them second place in Group E with six points.

    • Australia and Paraguay: Australia qualified for the Round of 32 as Group D runners-up following a 0-0 draw with Paraguay. Paraguay’s result keeps them in contention to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

    • Sweden and Japan: Sweden earned a 1-1 draw against Japan, with Anthony Elanga’s strike securing them a spot in the knockout stage as one of the best third-place finishers. Japan advanced as the runners-up of Group F.

    • Netherlands vs. Tunisia: The Netherlands defeated Tunisia 3-1, confirming their position at the top of Group F. The Dutch will face Morocco in the next round, while Tunisia was eliminated after failing to earn a point in their three group matches.

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