latest
Lawmakers, Opposition Clash Over Penalties For Dual Party Membership.
According to Nivo News, a recent amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, imposing a ₦10 million fine or two years’ imprisonment for individuals holding membership in more than one political party, has sparked intense debate across Nigeria’s political landscape. The proposal, passed by the House of Representatives, has divided lawmakers and drawn criticism from opposition figures and analysts, who warn it could infringe on constitutional rights and undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The amendment, introduced barely a month after the Electoral Act 2026 was signed into law, adds three new clauses to Section 77, which governs political party membership. Sponsored by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, the bill criminalises dual party membership, stating that any person found to belong to more than one political party at the same time “commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦10 million or imprisonment for a term of two years or both.” It also provides that dual membership “shall be void” until properly regularised.
The proposal has divided lawmakers. Jonathan Gaza, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, supported the amendment, describing dual membership as “mischievous and deceptive.” In contrast, Abubakar Fulata, Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, warned that the measure may conflict with Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu defended the bill, describing dual membership as “fraudulent misrepresentation” and insisting that individuals should align with parties reflecting their ideological beliefs.
Opposition parties have strongly rejected the amendment. Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader Adewole Adebayo described the bill as unconstitutional and an attack on democratic freedoms. He argued that while candidates must be sponsored by a single party during elections, there is no law preventing them from belonging to multiple political associations. Adebayo accused lawmakers of advancing partisan interests rather than democratic principles, suggesting the amendment is designed to protect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from internal defections.
Legal and public affairs analyst Maarcellus Onah linked the amendment to fears of defections within the ruling party amid worsening economic conditions, insecurity, and declining public confidence. Onah criticised the National Assembly for failing to hold the executive accountable, noting that some supporters of the bill had previously switched political parties themselves. Analysts have also questioned the necessity of the amendment given the APC’s current dominance across state and federal levels, but opposition leaders stressed that popular support ultimately lies with the people.
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) began nationwide on Thursday, with over 2.2 million candidates expected to participate across accredited centres.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The exam, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will run from April 16 to April 22 in multiple daily sessions.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, urged examination officials to remain highly committed and professional, noting that the success of the exercise depends largely on their dedication.
He gave the charge during a virtual final briefing for technical officers ahead of the examination, where he also praised staff, ad hoc personnel, service providers, and technical advisers for their roles in the successful conduct of the mock exam.
Oloyede said many of the issues recorded during the mock exercise were due to poor assessment of centres by some technical officials.
He further stated that incentive packages would be awarded to teams that perform exceptionally, particularly in handling exam materials and submitting timely reports.
Reiterating JAMB’s zero-tolerance stance on malpractice, he warned candidates against bringing prohibited items into examination halls.
He also disclosed that biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems have been deployed to protect the integrity of the exercise.
Candidates whose biometrics cannot be verified, he added, will be rescheduled to write the exam at approved centres.
Meanwhile, a NAN correspondent monitoring proceedings at Aduvie International School, Jahi, reported that the first session scheduled for 8:30 a.m. began slightly behind schedule at about 8:40 a.m.
The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, on Thursday inspected security deployments at Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the inspection is part of proactive measures to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and hitch-free conduct of the ongoing examinations.
The UTME is scheduled to run nationwide from April 16 to 18, 2026.
During the exercise, CP Sanusi assessed security arrangements put in place to safeguard candidates, examination officials, and CBT facilities.
He also engaged with centre supervisors, assuring them of adequate security presence throughout the examination period.
Adeh added that the CP reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, warning that any attempt to disrupt the examinations would be met with decisive action in line with the law.
Over 700 former terrorists who have undergone deradicalisation and rehabilitation are set to be reintegrated into their communities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Nigerian military has also dismissed reports alleging that beneficiaries of Operation Safe Corridor are being recruited into military institutions.
According to African Independent Television, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier-General Yusuf Ali, made this known during a media tour of the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre in Gombe, North-East Nigeria.
He said many Nigerians still misunderstand the Federal Government’s structured counter-terrorism initiative, which is designed to restore peace in communities affected by insurgency.
Brigadier-General Ali explained that the programme focuses on rehabilitation and peaceful reintegration of repentant individuals into society.
During the tour, some of the participants also shared accounts of their involvement in offences that led to their admission into the programme.
The facility inspection was part of preparations for the graduation of over 700 clients who have completed the deradicalisation and rehabilitation process and are set for reintegration.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges