Category: Politics

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that workers may embark on mass action if the Senate fails to legalise the real-time electronic transmission of election results in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act.

In a statement on Monday, NLC President Joe Ajaero urged the Senate to issue an immediate and unambiguous clarification of its decision on the transmission of results, stressing that Nigerians deserve a transparent electoral process where votes are not only counted but seen to count.

The warning comes as the Senate announced an emergency plenary sitting scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, amid nationwide controversy over its handling of Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Amendment Bill. The clause sought to make real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing (IReV) portal mandatory.

Although the Senate passed the amendment bill on February 4, it retained the existing provision of the Electoral Act 2022, which gives INEC discretion over the mode of transmitting results, rather than mandating electronic transmission.

The NLC said the decision, and subsequent conflicting explanations from the Senate, have deepened public confusion and could undermine confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections. It warned that any ambiguity in the law risks repeating past electoral disputes.

The Senate’s position differs from that of the House of Representatives, with both chambers now relying on conference committees to harmonise their versions of the bill before transmission to the President for assent.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has acknowledged the country’s ongoing economic challenges, saying they stem from reforms inherited by the current administration, while accusing critics of using the approaching re-election season to portray Nigeria negatively abroad.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News Digital shared by Arise TV on Monday, Mrs Tinubu said Nigeria recently emerged from a prolonged economic crisis, noting that the removal of fuel subsidy and limited domestic refining capacity had placed pressure on the economy.

She said the administration was implementing reforms to stabilise key indicators, including domestic fuel refining and exchange rate management. According to her, increased local refining has reduced fuel imports and contributed to greater currency stability.

The First Lady also suggested that some criticisms of the government, including allegations by foreign lawmakers of widespread religious persecution, were politically motivated.

“Nigeria is a democracy, and as we approach re-election, there will be attempts to shape narratives for the outside world,” she said.

On security, Mrs Tinubu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on insecurity in November 2024, leading to the recruitment of 50,000 police officers, 24,000 soldiers and the arming of 10,000 forest guards. She added that over 11,500 police officers previously assigned to VIP duties had been redeployed to security flashpoints such as Plateau, Benue and Taraba states.

She said the government was also seeking international partnerships to support development efforts, acknowledging that Nigeria failed to make sufficient long-term investments during earlier periods of economic growth.

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has upheld the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate, ruling that the red chamber acted within its constitutional and procedural powers.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Monday by a three-member panel in appeal number CA/ABJ/CV/1107/2025, the court dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s challenge against the Clerk of the National Assembly and three others, holding that her suspension did not violate her parliamentary privileges or fundamental rights.

However, the appellate court set aside the contempt proceedings and the N5 million fine earlier imposed on the senator over a satirical apology she addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice A. B. Muhammed ruled that the Senate President acted in accordance with Senate Rules when he denied Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to speak during plenary on February 20, 2025, on the grounds that she was not seated in her officially assigned seat.

The court held that the Senate President has the authority to reassign seats to lawmakers and that senators are only permitted to speak from their designated seats during plenary sessions.

The ruling effectively affirms the Senate’s disciplinary powers over its members, while limiting sanctions that fall outside established parliamentary procedures.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the registration of two new political parties — the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) — as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, announced the decision on Thursday in Abuja during the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties in 2026.

Amupitan said the commission received 171 applications from associations seeking registration but only a few met statutory requirements under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC regulations.

According to him, 14 associations passed the initial screening, eight uploaded required documents, and only two qualified for final assessment. He said DLA fully complied with all legal requirements and was approved for registration with effect from February 5, 2026.

He added that INEC also registered the Nigeria Democratic Congress in compliance with a Federal High Court order issued by the Lokoja division in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025.

With the additions, Nigeria now has 20 registered political parties.

Amupitan warned political parties against internal leadership disputes and excessive litigation, noting that such conflicts undermine public confidence. He also cautioned against vote buying and urged parties to mobilise supporters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the February 10 deadline for ongoing distribution in the FCT.

The INEC chairman disclosed that the timetable for the 2027 elections has been finalised and announced plans for a nationwide voter revalidation exercise.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council urged INEC to remain impartial and transparent, while calling for electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 polls.

Former Benue State Governor and ex-senator, Gabriel Suswam, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State.

Suswam registered as a member of the ruling party at his Mbagber Council Ward in Logo Local Government Area during the APC’s ongoing electronic registration exercise. His registration was confirmed in a statement posted on social media by his media aide, Bartholomew Bede.

The exercise was conducted by the APC State Organising Secretary, James Ornguga, alongside Angura Bishop, with Ornguga presenting Suswam with his membership card on behalf of the state chairman.

Suswam defected after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last year following a prolonged leadership dispute with his successor, former governor Samuel Ortom. He is expected to lead a significant number of his supporters into the APC.

Meanwhile, the PDP has dismissed claims that Suswam recently defected from the party, stating that he had ceased to be a member long before his registration with the APC.

In a statement issued by the PDP Publicity Secretary in Benue State, Tim Nyor, the party said Suswam had already been expelled for failing to pay membership dues for more than 12 consecutive months, in line with Section 8 of the PDP constitution.

The party added that Suswam had openly aligned himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), participated in its activities in the state and donated property for its use, arguing that he could not resign from a party of which he was no longer a member.

The Senate has rejected a proposed amendment seeking to make the electronic transmission of election results compulsory in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The decision followed consideration of an amendment to Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Amendment Bill during plenary on Wednesday. The proposal would have required presiding officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to electronically upload polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal in real time after completing and endorsing Form EC8A.

Lawmakers, however, voted to retain the existing provision of the Electoral Act, which allows INEC to determine the method of transmitting election results. The current law states that “the presiding officer shall transfer the results, including the total number of accredited voters and the results of the ballot, in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.”

The rejection means that electronic transmission of results will remain at INEC’s discretion rather than being a statutory requirement.

Supporters of the amendment had argued that mandatory electronic transmission would enhance transparency and reduce disputes, while opponents maintained that operational flexibility was necessary given infrastructural and logistical challenges in some parts of the country.

The Senate’s decision preserves the status quo as deliberations continue on other provisions of the Electoral Amendment Bill.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed reports suggesting he has been picked as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

Yilwatda also rejected claims that the ruling party is considering dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing the reports as baseless.

He said the speculation amounted to “raising dust where there is no dust at all,” adding that discussions about the 2027 ticket are premature.

According to the APC chairman, decisions on presidential candidates and running mates can only be made after the party’s primary elections, stressing that no such conversations are currently taking place within the party.

Yilwatda attributed the rumours to opposition elements, urging the public to disregard what he described as unfounded political speculation.

By Jabiru Hassan

Chairman of the Kano State Youth Association for the Defence of Good Governance, Comrade Mustapha Umar Tallo Gwarzo, has said that the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will further strengthen democratic values in Kano State, particularly as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

Gwarzo made the statement in an interview with journalists in Gwarzo town on Monday.

According to him, Governor Yusuf is a visionary leader whose policies and initiatives have continued to drive development across both rural and urban areas of the state. He noted that the governor’s decision to join the APC would create more opportunities to fully actualise his transformation agenda.

He expressed confidence that Kano State would witness even greater development under the APC, adding that residents are already experiencing visible progress under the Abba Gida-Gida administration without discrimination.

“I am of the opinion that His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, will double his efforts to ensure that his campaign promises are fulfilled because he is a leader with listening ears,” Gwarzo said.

The youth leader also commended the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, for stepping down from his reported gubernatorial ambition to support Governor Yusuf, describing the move as a major boost for the APC in Kano State.

He said the development would promote unity within the party and enhance the prospects of a smooth and credible 2027 general elections.

“I am optimistic that our great party, the APC, remains an avenue for progress. With the sacrifices and leadership demonstrated by Distinguished Senator Barau I. Jibrin, the 2027 elections will be hitch-free and fair, as the party will present united and widely respected candidates,” he said.

Gwarzo urged the people of Kano State to continue supporting the present administration, stressing that such support would promote good governance and strengthen democratic practices in the state.