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2027 Elections: INEC Responds After Atiku, Others Challenge Poll Dates.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that it will provide fair and equal access to voting for all citizens.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

INEC had announced on Friday that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Assembly elections will take place on March 6, 2027. The commission also set party primaries for candidate selection between May 22 and June 20, 2026.

However, some Nigerians, particularly Muslims, have raised concerns over the February 20 date, noting that it falls within the holy month of Ramadan. Critics argue that the physical demands of fasting could affect voter turnout and slow the work of election officials and observers.

Former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar highlighted the issue on his official X account, stating that the date “falls right in the middle of the Ramadan period (February 7 to March 8, 2027), a special time for fasting, reflection, and spiritual observance for many Nigerian Muslims.”

Similarly, Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, urged INEC to reconsider the timing. In a post tagging the commission, he noted:

“If the goal is to promote full and inclusive participation in the election process, holding such an important national event during Ramadan could create difficulties for many people. Many Muslims scale back daily tasks to focus on religious duties. Considering the large Muslim population in Nigeria, it may be wise to reassess the timing to ensure wider participation and ease of conduct.”

In response, INEC, through Mohammed Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, explained that the schedule follows constitutional and legal requirements, including the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Conducting Elections 2022.

Haruna pointed out that the regulations, effective since 2019, mandate that:

  • Presidential and National Assembly elections take place on the third Saturday of February in any general election year.

  • Governorship and State Assembly elections are held two weeks later.

Accordingly, the commission set February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for Governorship and State Assembly elections.

INEC said it has noted concerns from stakeholders regarding potential clashes with nationally recognized holidays and events. The commission emphasized that it is consulting relevant groups and may seek legal adjustments if necessary, while ensuring all actions remain compliant with the law and constitution.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and credibility in conducting the 2027 general elections and promised to keep the public informed of any updates.

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“BRUTAL REALITY CHECK: Oseni Tears Into Wike—’If You’re So Popular, Why Did You Lose PDP Ticket To Atiku?'”.

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Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has publicly questioned the political influence asserted by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, specifically challenging Wike’s claim that he can secure electoral victories for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Oseni raised these doubts on Wednesday while analyzing the ongoing political disputes between Wike and governors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has controversially pledged his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, despite his party’s intention to field its own candidates in 2027.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oseni further critiqued the tendency of politicians to cite their political “structure” as proof of their ability to dictate election outcomes. He specifically referenced Wike’s 2019 re-election as Rivers State Governor, a process marked by significant disruption and a 22-day suspension of result collation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before Wike was declared the winner. While INEC records show Wike won that election with 886,264 votes against the AAC candidate’s 173,859, Oseni highlighted irregularities in the process.

Additionally, Oseni pointed to reports regarding the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State, noting a discrepancy between official results, which favored the APC’s Bola Tinubu, and independent tallies, which suggested the Labour Party’s Peter Obi won by a wide margin. Questioning the nature of the “structure” politicians rely on, Oseni asked, “Is it the structure that we can turn INEC around? Is it because INEC is not as independent as an institution as it should be?”

Oseni concluded by referencing the 2022 PDP presidential primary, where Atiku Abubakar defeated Wike with 371 votes to Wike’s 237. Arguing that Wike’s claims of “delivering” candidates do not align with his own performance in internal party contests, Oseni stated, “If Wike was that popular, why didn’t he win the primaries in the PDP and beat Atiku Abubakar? … Politicians keep acting as God.”

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Wike Looked Healthier, Happier When We Worked Together – Peter Obi.

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Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has addressed his relationship with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, affirming that the minister remains a good friend despite his repeated criticisms of Obi’s 2027 presidential ambitions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reflecting on the time they crossed paths in government between 2011 and 2014—when Obi served as Anambra State Governor and Wike as Minister of State for Education—Obi recalled how Wike used to visit Anambra to inspect and commission education projects like renovated secondary schools. During an online interview, Obi noted that Wike appeared significantly healthier and happier back then, remarking, “Someone even told me that Wike said if I became president, he would be the first person I would come after. But I’m not campaigning to become president to start pursuing people. I want to go into office to focus on tomorrow, not chase people around.”

Obi further emphasized that he harbors no ill feelings toward Wike, concluding that true contentment transcends wealth: “Sometimes, you can have too much money and everything, but you don’t have happiness.”

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“FINAL CURTAIN FOR A LEGEND: Veteran Nollywood Icon Olu Jacobs Passes On!”.

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Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, globally celebrated as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. His passing was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, via an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Honored with the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), the family paid tribute to the icon as “The Lion of Lufodo” while respectfully requesting privacy from bloggers and social media influencers during this time of grief.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Born on July 11, 1942, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and raised partly in Kano, Jacobs developed an early passion for drama and debate. He traveled to Britain to receive professional training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. Following his studies, he built an extensive international portfolio, performing on stage and featuring in British television and film productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals, The Tomorrow People, and The Venturers.

Upon returning to Nigeria, Jacobs cemented his legacy as a foundational pillar of the country’s creative industry, starring in over 100 films and earning widespread acclaim for portraying authoritative figures, kings, and traditional leaders. Beyond his monumental acting career, he actively contributed to the growth and development of Nollywood. He is survived by his wife, renowned actress Joke Silva, and his sons, Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs.

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