latest
2027 Elections: CSOs Blast 2026 Electoral Act As Rushed, Warn Of Risks To Democracy.
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.
latest
Police Arrest NSCDC Officer With Pistol, 17 Bullets At Abuja Kubwa Market.
An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been arrested for allegedly firing gunshots into the air during a confrontation with traders at Kubwa Market in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The officer, identified as Onoja Samuel, reportedly arrived at the market armed with a pistol following allegations that some traders had assaulted his wife.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed the incident while addressing journalists at the command on Wednesday, Naija News reports.
Sanusi said the police received a distress call from Kubwa Market, located in the Bwari Area Council, reporting that a man was shooting into the air.
Following the report, officers attached to the Kubwa Police Division were deployed to the scene, where they arrested the suspect.
According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that Samuel holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) in the NSCDC.
He explained that the officer allegedly fired several shots during an argument with the traders.
“During the ensuing argument with the traders, Onoja Samuel, who is a DSC with the NSCDC, fired several shots into the air,” Sanusi said.
The police recovered a CZ pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition from the suspect.
Sanusi added that Samuel remained in police custody and would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The commissioner also urged personnel of other security agencies operating in the FCT to exercise restraint and notify the police divisions responsible for their areas before conducting authorised operations.
He stressed that effective coordination among security agencies was essential to preventing confrontations and maintaining peace across the territory.
latest
‘We Don’t Want Another Mohbad Case’ – Laolu Gbenjo Speaks On Toluwanisings.
Nigerian gospel singer Laolu Gbenjo has cautioned the public against spreading unverified information about the circumstances surrounding the death of his colleague, Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbenjo’s warning comes amid growing controversy surrounding the late singer’s death and burial arrangements, with reports of disagreements among members of his family.
The gospel singer spoke on Tuesday during a night of tributes held in honour of Toluwanisings in Ibadan, Oyo State. He warned against allowing the situation to degenerate into a controversy similar to the one that followed the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad.
Describing the deceased as a devoted Christian and a genuine servant of God, Gbenjo said Toluwanisings was passionate about his faith and had a good relationship with people.
He urged the public to stop fuelling unnecessary controversy over the late singer’s death, particularly through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
“You can never see Toluwani in the midst of jobless people. He had a good heart. He was a friend to everybody. He served the Lord with all his heart. Don’t turn Toluwani into Mohbad. That madness on TikTok and Instagram must stop. If you are jobless, go and look for a job,” Gbenjo said.
Meanwhile, comedians Ayobami Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, and Olamide Oladimeji, also known as Dele Omo Woli, have threatened legal action against individuals allegedly linking them to Toluwanisings’ death.
Woli Agba disclosed this in a public notice shared on his Instagram page on Sunday.
In the notice issued by their solicitors, Gemgold, the comedians warned members of the public against publishing or circulating allegations they described as false and defamatory against them.
The legal notice maintained that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage the reputations of the two entertainers.
latest
El-Rufai’s ₦1bn Legal Battle Takes New Turn As Court Fixes Judgment Date.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 2, 2026, for judgment in the ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other respondents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the date after lawyers representing the parties adopted their respective court processes.
However, El-Rufai’s lawyer was absent when the case was initially called. The judge subsequently deemed the former governor’s filed processes adopted.
Counsel to the ICPC, Abdul Mohammed (SAN), adopted the commission’s court processes and urged the judge to dismiss the suit in its entirety.
Similarly, the lawyer representing the Inspector-General of Police, ACP Ezekiel Rimamsomte, and Maimuna Lami-Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), adopted their respective processes and asked the court to dismiss the case.
During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, arrived in court and apologised for his lateness.
When Akpan sought the court’s permission to adopt his client’s processes, Justice Abdulmalik informed him that the documents had already been deemed adopted.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until December 2, 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered.
-
latest1 year ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest3 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment3 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest3 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics3 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest3 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics3 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest3 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
