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Published

11 hours ago

February 14, 2026

House of Representatives in Session

The House of Representatives will reconvene for an emergency sitting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to deliberate on issues arising from the recently released timetable for the 2027 General Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The decision was announced in a statement signed by the House spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, who said members were notified through an internal memorandum issued by the Office of the Speaker late Friday.

According to the statement, the emergency session underscores the constitutional and national significance of the development and the need for prompt legislative attention.

“The emergency sitting demonstrates the House’s resolve to respond swiftly to issues with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic process,” the statement said.

Lawmakers are expected to focus on legislative matters connected to INEC’s announcement, in line with the constitutional responsibilities of the National Assembly.

“All legislative business relating to the matter is expected to be addressed expeditiously,” the statement added, noting that members have been strongly advised to prioritise attendance due to the importance of the issues under consideration.

The House reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions through responsive lawmaking in the interest of Nigerians.

INEC had on Friday announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would be held on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027. The commission also fixed party primaries between May 22 and June 20, 2026.

The announcement has generated concerns among some Nigerians, particularly Muslims, who noted that February 20, 2027, falls within the holy month of Ramadan. They expressed worries that fasting could affect voter turnout as well as the efficiency of electoral officials and observers.

Among those who raised concerns is former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who urged INEC to reconsider the date due to its overlap with Ramadan.

Responding to the concerns, INEC said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections.

In a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the commission stated that the regulations, in effect since 2019, guide the scheduling of elections.

He added that the commission is undertaking consultations and may seek legislative intervention where necessary to address the concerns, while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory provisions.

INEC reiterated its commitment to transparency, inclusivity and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election, assuring the public that it would provide updates on any further developments.

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Tinubu to Attend Argungu Fishing Festival, Commission Projects in Kebbi

Published

1 day ago

February 13, 2026

News Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu will pay a one-day official visit to Kebbi State on Saturday, where he is scheduled to inaugurate a number of infrastructure and public service projects completed by the state government.

In a statement from the State House, the visit was described as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen development and enhance service delivery under the administration of Governor Nasir Idris.

A major highlight of the visit will be the President’s role as special guest of honour at the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, one of Africa’s best-known cultural tourism events.

Held at the historic Matan Fada riverside, the festival features traditional fishing contests, music, dance, and other cultural exhibitions that attract local and international visitors. The event has also received global recognition from UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

According to the State House, the President’s participation underscores the federal government’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and positioning major festivals as drivers of tourism and local economic growth.

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News

Senate Approves Electronic and Manual Transmission of Election Results

Published

4 days ago

February 10, 2026

News Editor

Senate Logo

The Senate has approved the adoption of both electronic and manual methods for the transmission of election results from polling units nationwide.

The resolution was reached during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, following sustained public pressure against proposals to restrict electronic transmission in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act 2022.

As part of the amendment, lawmakers revised Clause 60 of the Act to mandate presiding officers at polling units to electronically transmit election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing (IREV) portal.

Announcing the decision, Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that where electronic transmission is not feasible due to network or communication challenges, the manual result sheet—Form EC8A—will serve as the primary document for collation.

According to him, the dual transmission system is designed to address technical limitations in some areas while ensuring compliance with the provisions of the amended electoral law.

The Senate’s approval comes after days of protests and public outcry at the National Assembly, with civil society organisations and demonstrators calling for the retention of electronic transmission as a safeguard against electoral manipulation and a means of restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

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DSS Arraigns Malami, Son Over Alleged Terrorism Financing, Illegal Firearms Possession

Published

2 weeks ago

February 3, 2026

News Editor

FMR AG Abubakar Malami

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences.

The defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Tuesday and were docked on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Both men pleaded not guilty to all charges.

According to the charge, Malami is accused of allegedly facilitating terrorism financing by failing to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism, whose case files were reportedly forwarded to his office during his tenure as AGF.

The father and son were jointly charged in counts two through five, which relate to alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The prosecution alleged that the defendants were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without valid licences.

The prosecution further claimed that the alleged possession amounted to preparation for acts of terrorism, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.

During the court proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Dr. C.S. Eze, requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody pending trial. However, defence counsel, S.A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application for bail, which was declined by the court. Justice Abdulmalik ruled that bail applications must be formally filed in writing in accordance with court procedures.

The case has been adjourned until February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.

The DSS maintains that the alleged offences fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

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