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2027: LG Councillors Rally Support for Tinubu’s Second-Term Bid

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2027: LG Councillors Rally Support for Tinubu’s Second-Term Bid

Nigerian local government council members, both current and previous, have supported President Bola Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.

The forum promised to organize Nigerians, especially those at the grassroots level, supporting Tinubu’s bid for a second term when it made the announcement on Wednesday during a news conference in Abuja.

The lawmakers justified their support for Tinubu for a second term in office by citing the administration’s efforts to press for local government autonomy and other important reforms.

Nigeria has seen forward-thinking leadership since Tinubu took office as president in 2023, according to Dr. Evoh Ugochukwu, President of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria, who spoke on behalf of the current and previous local council legislators.

The restoration of local government autonomy, increased grassroots funding and accountability, a renewed emphasis on rural development, the growth of social investment programs, significant investments in infrastructure and security, and calculated changes in agriculture and economic management have all occurred under his administration.

“These policies are not just pledges. These are facts that are changing people’s lives in our communities, according to Evoh.

He claims that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is now a living example throughout Nigerian towns, villages, and wards, rather than just a catchphrase.

The current and former local council lawmakers, Evoh continued, recognized the Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve national security by modernizing the Armed Forces, integrating intelligence and technology more effectively, improving security personnel’s welfare and manpower, and taking decisive action against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

Evoh, the council member for Enenaezeraku Ward in Ohaozara Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, stated, “These interventions have brought renewed confidence to our people and created safer environments for economic and social activities.”

The National Councillors Forum of Nigeria is made up of 8,809 council members from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the 36 states’ 774 local government units.

Evoh stated the council members’ collective stance, saying, “As grassroots leaders, we have consulted with our members across the nation extensively.”
The voices of our communities have been heard.

“This administration’s performance has been assessed. We’ve come to a unified and unambiguous decision based on facts, evidence, and the actual situation.

“Therefore, I hereby formally declare our complete, unwavering, and unconditional support for His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027 on behalf of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria, 8,809 councillors, 176,836 polling places, and millions of grassroots supporters.”

Evoh stated that the local council legislators think Tinubu has shown bravery, skill, and dedication and that they believe he has established a solid basis for the country’s success.

Evoh called on all current and past council members, ward leaders and coordinators, grassroots mobilizers, and community stakeholders to join the nationwide mobilization for Tinubu’s reelection.

Our people need to be mobilized, organized, and educated. He emphasized that we need to deliver this message to every home, district, and polling place.

Chief Okorie Ikechukwu Raphael, National Coordinator, Citizens Network for Peace and Development, and Hyacinth Horvel Turnoe, National Coordinator, ST/HT Grassroots Coordinators of Development, both signed the speech given by Evoh.

Police Harassment: Lawyer Urges Court To Decline Jurisdiction

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Police Harassment: Lawyer Urges Court To Decline Jurisdiction

A lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa has asked a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to decline jurisdiction in the case brought against him and one other, Bukola Ibitade, by the Nigeria Police.

In the motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court, Giwa said the court has no power to try him on the charge brought against him by the Nigeria Police.

He urged the court to decline jurisdiction.

The police had accused Giwa of forging letterhead paper of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Awa Kalu.

But Awa Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode. Egebtolun, put a lie to the allegation of the police against Ibitade amd Giwa.

Despite the letter of Prof. Awa Kalu to the Inspector-General of Police, formally distancing himself from the allegation of forgery and impersonation against Giwa and Ibitade, the police have gone ahead to press charge against Giwa.

Chief Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had said his letterhead was never forged and that he had not at anytime lodged any complaint to the police about forgery of his document.

Professor Kalu, in a letter dated May 30, 2025, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, clarified that he neither filed a complaint nor reported Mr. Giwa for allegedly forging his firm’s letterhead
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During the proceedings Wednesday, Counsel to Giwa, Mr Farooq: Akanbi from. Dr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, Chamber, told the court about the pending application, challenging the jurisdiction of the court.

He said the application borders on jurisdiction which touches on the soul of the case.

Akanbi said, “The 1st defendant has an application seeking to relist the motion on notice earlier struck out by the court.

“The applications have been served on all the parties. The prosecution served us a counter-affidavit this morning. This motion should be taken before other pending applications.”

Police Prosecution, Theophilous Silas, said he filed a counter-affidavit and served the defendant adding that no copy of the application has been served on the court.

“We filed a counter affidavit and served but the court’s copy is not yet in the court’s file. The motion is not ripe for hearing and the court’s copy, although, served on the court, the registrar of the court said it will be put in the file after today’s proceedings.

“Furthermore, the 1st defendant hasn’t supplied a single basis, authority or facts that will suggest that the motion will take precedent over the prosecution’s motion. We urge the court to hold that the prosecution should move his motion.”

Ogbu Aboje, Counsel to Ibitade, confirmed receipt of the mtion from the 1st defendant and was also served with the counterr-affidavit this morning.

He told the court that the motion should be taken first because it challenges the jurisdiction of the court.

He argued that issues have been joined in the application and urged the court to consider the application first so that the records of the proceedings of the court will be straight.

In a short ruling, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, adjourned the case till February 12′, 2026 for all the pending applications to be taken

APC Chairman Yilwatda Claims Party Outnumbers ADC Six to One

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APC Chairman Yilwatda Claims Party Outnumbers ADC Six to One

Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has minimized the African Democratic Congress’s (ADC) political significance, maintaining that the ruling party is still far stronger and more powerful.

According to reports, Yilwatda characterized the ADC as a weak opposition force in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday. He quoted notable members of the opposition coalition, such as former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Yilwatda also denied that the opposition’s coalition of powerful politicians is unsettling the ruling party, emphasizing that the APC is unbeatable and citing continuous defections by opposition governors as proof of the ruling party’s increasing popularity.

The APC chairman emphasized that the party’s control is founded on voluntary support rather than coercion or intimidation, stressing that the government is neither threatened nor desperate.

“ADC is not a match at all (for the APC),” he said. We have five or six of them for every one they have.

Yilwatda vehemently refuted allegations that the APC is pressuring civil officials to join its ranks, urging detractors to produce evidence.

He added that the APC is obviously favored by numerical strength and suggested that such charges might be an attempt by the opposition.

We have never made an appeal to any civil worker or asked anyone,” he continued. No civil servant has been coerced verbally, in writing, or in a video, and I will apologize.

JAMB Disburses Over N2.4bn to Tertiary Institutions in Nine Years – Oloyede

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JAMB Disburses Over N2.4bn to Tertiary Institutions in Nine Years – Oloyede

Through its NATAP-M awards, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board claims to have given tertiary institutions more than N2.4 billion to support openness and merit-based admissions.

Over the previous nine years, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has awarded N2.42 billion to tertiary institutions throughout Nigeria through its National Tertiary Admissions Performance–Merit Awards (NATAP-M).

This was revealed by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Board Registrar, at a meeting with State Commissioners of Education in Lagos.

During his presentation, Oloyede described how the NATAP-M award, which was created in 2018, was intended to promote merit-based, transparent, and equitable admissions procedures among postsecondary institutions while also encouraging rigorous adherence to national admission rules.

He recalled that N125 million was awarded in the first edition of the awards in 2018. In 2019, this jumped to N375 million, and in 2020, it reached N500 million.

He claims that during a combined award ceremony for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 editions, the prize money was adjusted increased and a total of N710 million was given out. The top-performing institution overall received N500 million during a second combined session for the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 cycles, which was reorganized into sectoral prizes.

According to Prof. Oloyede, organizations have used the money for worthwhile projects including building roads, creating Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers, building hostels, upgrading infrastructure, and fixing facilities.

He gave two examples: Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria built access roads, and the University of Ilorin used its award cash to establish a hostel called the JAMB Merit Award International Hostel.

The JAMB Merit prize-Spider FM Radio Station, a medical laboratory, and the renovation of Kaduna Polytechnic’s administration block—all dubbed in honor of the prize—were established using the award funds.

Other recipients include the Federal University, Wukari, which used its cash to build access roads and infrastructure, and the Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, which built a CBT center worth millions of naira.

Sokoto Panel Reveals N117 Billion Missing During Tambuwal’s Tenure

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Sokoto Panel Reveals N117 Billion Missing During Tambuwal’s Tenure

The Sokoto State Government has received the report of its judicial panel of inquiry, which claimed that while previous Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s eight years in office, more than ₦117 billion was embezzled.

According to reports, retired justice Mu’azu Abdulkadir Pindiga, the commission’s chairman, turned in the findings on Tuesday.

The commission found widespread financial irregularities connected to abuses of power during the previous administration, violations of existing laws, and noncompliance with due process, according to Justice Pindiga.

He said that abuse of executive authority, lax financial controls, and disrespect for procurement laws were the main causes of the alleged embezzlement.

In accordance with constitutional rules and the public interest, he added, the investigation was set up to examine the prior administration’s actions through verifiable records and sworn testimony.

The report’s five main sections, according to the chairman, include the inquiry’s background, the testimonies that were received, the specific findings, recommendations, and a summary that will direct government action.

In addition to hearing testimony from witnesses selected from pertinent ministries, departments, and agencies as well as other stakeholders associated with the administration under examination, he said the panel also reviewed papers, contracts, and financial data.

Justice Pindiga praised the commission’s members for their commitment, professionalism, and honesty, pointing out that the task was completed without fear or favor.

After reviewing the findings, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu stated that the panel’s formation was a constitutional obligation rather than a political grudge.

He further stated that a committee will be established to draft a white paper based on the study, guaranteeing that the procedure would be carried out honestly and fairly for all those impacted.

House of Reps Debunks Reports of Hindering Electoral Act Amendment

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House of Reps Debunks Reports of Hindering Electoral Act Amendment

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill is allegedly being purposefully delayed by the National Assembly, but the House of Representatives has denied this, stating that the slowing is procedural rather than political and that they are certain the bill will be harmonised next week.

According to Adebayo Balogun, the chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, there is no intentional delay in the bill’s progress, which is being worked on in both houses of the National Assembly.

“The Senate is now debating the bill. In the Ibeju-Lekki Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Balogun told Punch, “I hope the harmonisation will be finished by next week.”

He continued by saying that the law will be delivered to the President for assent in preparation for the 2027 general elections once the House and Senate have finished harmonizing.

Senate Cannot Finish Bill Again
The Senate once again failed to finish work on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill on Tuesday, retreating into a protracted closed-door session that ended without a clear outcome regarding the planned revisions, despite assurances of progress.

The report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, which was chaired by Senator Simon Lalong, and the opinions of a seven-member ad hoc committee tasked with addressing controversial provisions in the bill were discussed by lawmakers for around four and a half hours during an executive session.

However, the bill remained in limbo for the second consecutive sitting when plenary reconvened at around 5:35 p.m. with no information on the debates or outcomes revealed.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, moved for the chamber to dissolve into a Committee of the Whole for clause-by-clause scrutiny of the measure, which opened the executive session.

Senators decided to discuss the findings of the ad hoc committee, which was chaired by Senator Niyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), behind closed doors despite it being on the Order Paper for presentation.

When the Senate reconvened, Senate President Godswill Akpabio provided a hazy summary of what had happened.

After stating that the Senate discussed issues pertaining to the Senate’s operations in particular and the country as a whole during the executive session, Akpabio asked senators to verify that the statement accurately represented the session.

Lawmakers unanimously said “aye,” and the issue was quickly resolved.

Shortly after, Bamidele moved to postpone plenary till Wednesday. He did not specify whether the bill had reached third reading or when it would be brought back for final passage.

Polls in 2027 Cause Anxiety Due to Slow Pace
Concerns regarding Nigeria’s electoral system’s preparedness for the general elections in 2027 have been raised by the recurrent delays. Most people agree that the election Act Amendment Bill is essential to enhancing public trust, preventing election fraud, and preserving electoral integrity.

Mandatory real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results, harsher penalties for electoral offenses like result manipulation and ballot-box snatching, substituting the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System for references to the “smart card reader,” safeguarding vulnerable voters, including those with visual impairments, from interference, and making it illegal for presiding officers to refuse to sign and stamp electoral materials are some of the major proposals that are currently before the Senate.

Major opposition parties have criticized what they say is a lack of urgency in changing the Electoral Act, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the Labour Party (LP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The credibility of the 2027 polls and public trust in the democratic process could be damaged by more delays, they cautioned.

The delayed progress of the bill in the final quarter of 2025 drew harsh criticism from the public. Before the House’s Christmas break, the bill was originally scheduled for consideration, but it was withdrawn because MPs were not given enough copies.

Accusing the National Assembly of purposefully ignoring the bill last week, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana claimed that lawmakers would rather keep things as they are.

“Clearly, from the conduct of both chambers of the National Assembly, it is very clear that the members simply want the status quo retained,” Falana stated during an Arise News broadcast.

The goal of this rigmarole is to make Nigerians believe that the proposed Electoral Act is being discussed.

Falana emphasized that in an environment of “reckless impunity,” lawmakers are prioritizing defections over substantive election change.

The National Assembly’s leadership insists that delays are caused by legislative processes and the requirement for both chambers to agree before the law can be sent for presidential assent, despite growing opposition.

Kannywood Actress Samha Inuwa Arrested by EFCC Over Alleged Naira Mutilation

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Kannywood Actress Samha Inuwa Arrested by EFCC Over Alleged Naira Mutilation

Due to alleged Naira abuse, Samha Inuwa, a well-known actress in the Kannywood film business in Northern Nigeria, has been arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Inuwa was arrested by agents from the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate.

The actress was seen wiping snot from her nose with Naira notes in a social media video that went viral, which led to her detention.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development in a statement, stating that the video led the Commission to move quickly.

When the video went viral, Oyewale claims that EFCC agents followed the actress and arrested her to question her about the alleged currency mutilation.

He revealed that Inuwa is being held in the Commission’s facilities while the probe is ongoing.

Oyewale also stated that after the inquiry was finished, the actress will face charges in court.

INEC Tasks Media with Boosting Voter Awareness Ahead of FCT Area Council Elections

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INEC Tasks Media with Boosting Voter Awareness Ahead of FCT Area Council Elections

In advance of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections on February 21, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the media to strengthen voter education, encourage professionalism, and respect ethical norms in election coverage.

The call was made Tuesday in Abuja at a forum for media executives, producers, reporters, and on-air personalities organized by the commission as part of its ongoing stakeholder engagement for the upcoming election. Malam Mohammed Haruna, the FCT’s Supervising National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), made the statement.

Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, the INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, emphasized in a statement released on Tuesday that responsible reporting and voter engagement are still essential to the legitimacy of elections.

Ten of the thirteen major tasks included in the calendar and schedule of activities for the election had been effectively completed, according to Haruna.

According to him, copies of the final voter registration, which was released on January 14, 2026, and given to all political parties running in the election, was the most recent significant event.

“The remaining activities are the Notice of Poll publication on February 7, the conclusion of political party campaigns on February 19, and Election Day on February 21,” he stated.

The media accreditation portal is still open until February 8, the national commissioner said, even though the observer accreditation site has closed. He urged media organizations that have not yet applied to do so as soon as possible to allow for the timely distribution of accreditation cards.

Regarding logistics, he disclosed that the commission had purchased almost all of the non-sensitive goods needed for the election and arranged them in batches based on the FCT’s 2,822 voting places, 62 wards, and six area councils.

In front of party agents, security services, civil society organizations, and the media on February 18, Haruna announced that sensitive materials, such as ballot papers and result sheets, will be printed ahead of time and formally received by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), FCT Branch.

He also revealed that sufficient Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices were being set up and ready to be installed in every polling place.

According to Haruna, Section 299 of the constitution applies to the FCT “as if it were one of the states of the federation,” despite the fact that FCT Area Council elections are comparable to local government elections held by State Independent Electoral Commissions.

He claimed that elections for the FCT Area Council are practically held similarly to those for governorships.

He emphasized that more people vote in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) than in Bayelsa and Ekiti States.

He continued by saying that the Territory’s position as Nigeria’s political capital inevitably draws attention from both domestic and foreign sources.

He emphasized that as this was the first FCT Area Council election since the Electoral Act increased the council’s term from three to four years, the commission was committed to doing everything in its power to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election.

Aminu Idris, the FCT’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), has characterized the forum as a critical platform for enhancing cooperation and coordinating expectations between INEC and the media prior to the elections.

He pointed out that public trust in elections is influenced not just by how the process is carried out but also by how it is covered and disseminated.

Idris stated that the assistance of an accountable and competent media is essential to INEC’s commitment to a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive election.

He revealed that INEC had authorized Danbaki Titus to be the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Igu Ward in Bwari Area Council after Zachariah James Danbaki, the original candidate, passed away.

In order to test election technology, such as BVAS accreditation, voting procedures, and fake result uploads to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, Idris further declared that the commission would carry out a sham accreditation exercise in 289 chosen polling places among the six area councils.

Lawmaker Urges Investigation Following Death of Delta Vigilante Leader in Police Custody

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Lawmaker Urges Investigation Following Death of Delta Vigilante Leader in Police Custody

Duakpemi Kunu Gift, the head of the Warri North Local Government Legislative Arm, has asked the Delta State Government to look into the death of Liberty Kunu, the team leader of a security vigilante (SOS).

In a statement on Tuesday, Gift—who was also the deceased’s brother—made the demand.

After being detained on suspicion of robbery, Liberty Kunu is said to have passed away while in police custody.

However, Gift insisted that his brother was not guilty of the claimed crime, pointing out that he had previously worked with security services.

He demanded a comprehensive, open, and impartial investigation into the events leading up to his brother’s death, claiming that the Delta State Police Command was mislead to designate his brother as a gun runner and robbery suspect.

“My younger brother, Commander Liberty, gave his life to protect Delta State, and his wrongful death and subsequent false labeling have caused me great anguish and pushed me to speak out.

In order to defend people and property in Warri, Sapele, and other areas, Commander Liberty collaborated closely with the Delta State Police Command and, consequently, the Delta State Government.

“A comprehensive, transparent, and impartial inquiry has not been carried out by the Nigeria Police Force, Delta State Command, or the Delta State Government. Rather, they have decided to posthumously call my brother a kidnapper, which is an unethical course of action.

“regardless of how high up. There must be justice.

“My grief has been intense. I was shocked, hurt, and respected due process, so I kept quiet for a long time. But I cannot remain silent any longer while a government of which I am a member refuses to conduct a thorough investigation and instead makes a heartless, false, and destructive statement about a guy who sacrificed his life for the sake of public safety.

“This injustice is intolerable,” Gift declared.

Keep in mind that Kunu’s death was already connected by the Delta Police Command to his alleged criminal participation.

Umar Sani Calls Court’s Nullification of PDP Ibadan Convention an ‘Abuse of Power

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Umar Sani Calls Court’s Nullification of PDP Ibadan Convention an ‘Abuse of Power

Umar Sani, a PDP chieftain, has characterized the Federal High Court’s decision to declare the party’s National Convention in Ibadan invalid as an abuse of authority and a case of judicial overreach.

“The Federal High Court, Ibadan’s ruling by Justice Uche Agomoh has raised serious legal and institutional questions that go beyond the immediate dispute within the PDP,” Sani said in a statement released on his verified X handle on Tuesday.

According to him, the decision highlights more serious issues about the growing belief that the Federal High Court is now susceptible to outside influences.

At the time the suit was filed and contested, the question of creating a National Caretaker Committee had not come up, he said, adding that the ruling explored ground that had never been brought before the court.

By ruling on the legitimacy of a caretaker committee that did not exist when the lawsuit was pending, the court essentially awarded relief that was never requested, according to the PDP stalwart, who argued that it was neither an issue joined by the parties nor a remedy sought by any of them.

“The court’s case was specific and limited. An order of mandamus requiring INEC to list the Turaki-led PDP on its portal was the only remedy requested.

“The Anyanwu/Wike faction’s attitude was similarly limited when they requested to join; they claimed that the prayer ought to be turned down. The court was not presented with any counterclaims, supplemental reliefs, or requests to reorganize the party’s leadership.

But the ruling probed internal party management and went well beyond simply issuing or refusing mandamus.

“The lawsuit exhibited every sign of a procedural misuse. The same applicants had previously petitioned Justice Joyce Abdulmalik for the same reliefs. An appeal was already made when the result turned out to be unfavorable.

Instead of pursuing that appeal to its logical conclusion, the applicants sought the identical reliefs in another Court of Coordinate Jurisdiction by going back through the back door. It is a settled law practice. In essence, it is an offer for a court to hear an appeal over a court of equal status. “Such behavior ought to have been strongly condemned,” he contended.

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