President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has attributed Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges to what he described as the poor privatization of the power sector by previous administrations.

Speaking on the issue, Tinubu said the decisions made during the privatization process have significantly contributed to the country’s current power problems. He urged Nigerians to hold past leaders accountable for what he termed a “terrible” handling of the sector.

The President lamented the continued instability in electricity supply, noting that many Nigerians still face frequent outages and unreliable power due to deep-rooted structural issues.

Despite the challenges, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforming the economy and revitalizing the power sector. He called for unity and patience, expressing optimism that ongoing reforms will deliver long-term stability and national development.

He added that with sustained efforts and collective support, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and achieve lasting progress.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle affecting the Federal Executive Council (FEC), with key changes in the finance and housing ministries.

According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, have been directed to step down from their positions.

Taiwo Oyedele has been elevated to serve as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. He previously held the position of Minister of State in the ministry.

In the housing sector, Muttaqha Rabe Darma has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister-designate for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

All affected officials have been instructed to complete their handover processes on or before Thursday, April 23, 2026.

The presidency said the reshuffle is aimed at improving coordination in governance and delivering better economic outcomes under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The President also thanked the outgoing ministers for their service and wished them well in their future endeavors.

The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has stated that the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act were the outcome of broad consultations with stakeholders rather than unilateral decisions by the National Assembly.

In an Easter message issued on Sunday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele explained that the new electoral law aligns with global best practices and was not designed to serve any political interest. He urged political actors to adhere to the rules collectively established to ensure stability, peace, and order within Nigeria’s democratic system.

His remarks come amid criticisms from opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which alleged that certain provisions—such as Sections 77 and 84 of the Act—were introduced to weaken their chances ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, Bamidele dismissed the claims, insisting that all sections of the law were products of consensus involving civil society groups, development partners, and other stakeholders.

He defended the requirement for political parties to submit a digital register of members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as a transparency measure aimed at preventing undue influence by individuals outside party structures. According to him, the reform is essential for strengthening internal democracy and ensuring that party decisions reflect the will of legitimate members.

Bamidele also justified the restriction of candidate nomination processes to either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, noting that the move is intended to eliminate the delegate system, which he said had been susceptible to manipulation by wealthy individuals. He added that the new system empowers party members and reinforces majority rule in line with democratic principles.

Beyond electoral matters, the Senate leader condemned recent violent attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states, describing them as unacceptable acts against innocent citizens. He assured that the National Assembly is collaborating with federal and state authorities to tackle insecurity and prevent further loss of lives.

He disclosed that ongoing legislative efforts, including amendments to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, are aimed at introducing stricter penalties for kidnappers, their sponsors, and collaborators. Bamidele expressed confidence that these measures would help restore security and stability across the country.

Reflecting on Easter, Bamidele called on Nigerians, especially political leaders, to embrace the values of sacrifice, tolerance, and unity exemplified by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, urging a collective commitment to nation-building.