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Folarin Kehinde

BREAKING: INEC announces timetable, schedule of 2027 elections

by Folarin Kehinde February 13, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced the timetable and schedule for the 2027 general election.

At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, slammed earlier reports which suggested that the electoral umpire had released the timetable for the election.

Amupitan said the release of the timetable for the general election was in line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended.

He said that Presidential Election will hold on 20th February, 2027, while the governorship, senatorial and other elections will hold on the 6th of March, 2027.

February 13, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Aso Rock to disconnect from nat’l grid in March – Perm Sec

by Folarin Kehinde February 12, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Aso Rock Presidential Villa is expected to fully disconnect from the national electricity grid by March 2026 following the completion of its solar power project, the State House Permanent Secretary, Temitope Fashedemi, has disclosed.

Fashedemi made the revelation on Wednesday while defending the State House 2026 budget before the Senate Committee on Special Duties at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

This is according to details of the proceedings transmitted to State House correspondents by the Presidency on Wednesday evening.

He told the committee, chaired by Senator Kaka Lawan (Borno Central), that the solar installation was completed towards the end of 2025 and had been undergoing testing since December.

“We are hopeful that maybe by March we’ll be able to do a full cutover,” Fashedemi said, adding that the transition would deliver significant cost savings for the government.

The Permanent Secretary cited the State House Medical Centre as proof of the project’s viability.

The facility, he argued, completed its own solar installation in May 2025 and has since operated entirely without generator power.

He stated, “I have to say that since that time, the generator in that State House Medical Centre has not been put on for one minute since May last year.

“Only a couple of months, we used three per cent from AEDC (Abuja Electricity Distribution Company), so the rest has been strictly from the solar and from the battery electric storage system.”

The Federal Government budgeted N10bn for the “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid” project in 2025.

The move that sparked widespread criticism from Nigerians who argued that the decision to install solar panels at Aso Rock amounted to an admission that the Tinubu administration could not fix Nigeria’s epileptic power supply.

The 2026 Appropriation Bill contains an additional N7bn allocation for the project.

However, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, defended the project in April 2025, describing it as unsustainable for the Villa to continue paying an estimated N47bn annual electricity bill.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had also cited the White House’s use of solar energy as justification for the initiative.

February 12, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Valentine’s Day: FG bans money bouquets, warns against currency abuse

by Folarin Kehinde February 12, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has banned the use of banknotes to create money bouquets, towers, and decorative cakes ahead of the 2026 Valentine’s Day celebrations, warning that such practices violate Nigeria’s currency laws.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the misuse of the naira constitutes abuse of the national currency and is punishable under the law.

The apex bank stated that spraying, arranging, or moulding banknotes into celebratory displays for gifts or events amounts to defacing and mishandling legal tender.

According to the CBN, these practices undermine the integrity and value of the naira, stressing that the currency must be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

The bank warned that individuals and businesses involved in producing or using money bouquets and similar items risk facing legal consequences, including fines and prosecution.

Authorities further advised Nigerians to adopt alternative gift options during celebrations rather than using cash in ways that damage or disrespect the nation’s currency.

The warning comes ahead of Valentine’s Day, a period when money bouquets and cash-themed gifts have become increasingly popular at parties and romantic celebrations across the country.

February 12, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

INEC Proposes ₦873.78 Billion Budget for 2027 General Elections

by Folarin Kehinde February 12, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has submitted a proposed budget of ₦873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections. The commission also requested ₦171 billion for its 2026 operations, including bye-elections and off-season polls.

INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan presented these figures to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja. The proposals comply with the Electoral Act 2022, which requires election budgets to be prepared at least one year in advance.

2027 Election Budget Breakdown (₦873.78 billion total)

Operational costs- N379.75 Billion

Administrative costs – N92.32 Billion

Technological costs – N209.21 Billion

Election capital costs – N154.91 Billion

Miscellaneous expenses – N42.61 Billion

This represents a significant increase from the ₦313.4 billion released for the 2023 general elections.

2026 Operations Budget Proposal (₦171 billion requested)

Personnel costs – N109 Billion

Overheads – N18.7 Billion

Election-related activities – N42.63 Billion

Capital expenditure – N1.4 Billion

The Ministry of Finance provided an envelope of only ₦140 billion, which INEC says is insufficient due to the need for urgent and flexible funding.

February 12, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Engine Failure: Passengers escape death as Arik Air makes emergency landing

by Folarin Kehinde February 11, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

It was panic galore on Wednesday morning among passengers of an Arik Air flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt when the aircraft was diverted after developing an engine issue mid-flight.

The airline confirmed that its Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, operating Flight W3 740, was descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the flight crew heard a loud bang from the left engine.

Arik Air in an update confirmed that all 80 passengers and crew members on board disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, registration 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos (LOS) to Port Harcourt (PHC) earlier today, experienced an in-flight engine anomaly and diverted safely to Benin Airport (BNI).

The Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, in a press statement on Wednesday said during the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines.

She explained that in accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin.

She said the aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported.

She also assured that preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.

“In line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with international standards under ICAO Annex 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the occurrence.

“A preliminary assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.

“The NSIB is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors.

“A Preliminary Report will be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions.

“A Final Report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.The safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains our highest priority.

“The NSIB encourages any member of the public with relevant information regarding this occurrence to contact the Bureau through its official channels,” she said.

February 11, 2026 0 comments

Politics

Tinubu Welcomed into Labour Party – Abia Deputy Governor Emetu

by Folarin Kehinde February 10, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of Abia State and chairman of the party’s National Steering Committee on Membership, Revalidation and e-Registration, has declared that the party is inclusive and welcomes anyone who wishes to join.

Speaking during the presentation of the new membership drive report by the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee, Emetu said, “The Labour Party is a party for all, irrespective of who they are.”

“The Labour Party is a national party and is not a cult group, where people will be restricted to coming into the party,” he added.

According to the deputy governor, even President Bola Tinubu is free to join the party.

“Even Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, can decide, on or before the 2027 elections, to join the Labour Party, and we will gladly accept him.

“This is a national party; it is not a cult group where people are restricted from joining. It is a party for everybody,” Emetu declared.

February 10, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Senate adopts electronic, manual transmission of election results

by Folarin Kehinde February 10, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Senate on Tuesday made a U-turn by rescinding its earlier decision rejecting real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission Results Viewing Portal (IReV) “provided that if the electronic transmission fails and it becomes difficult to transmit the results, the form EC8A will be the primary means of collation.”

The resolution followed its consideration and approval of a motion moved by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) during its emergency plenary session in Abuja.

The Minority Leader, Abba Moro, seconded the motion.

The proposal in clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026, was amended by the Senate before it was passed by the Senate.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the new amendment before putting it to vote.

Akpabio said: “The clause being debated provided that presiding officers shall electronically transmit the results from the polling units to the INEC’s IReV portal and provided that if the electronic transmission fails and it becomes difficult to transmit the results, the Form EC8A will be the primary means of collation.”

Monguno’s motion titled “Motion for rescission on clause 60(3) of the electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026” read: “The Senate: Recalls that the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill was passed by the Senate on Wednesday, 4th February, 2026;

“Notes that upon careful examination of the Bill, fresh issues have emerged in respect of Clause 60(3), which requires further legislative consideration in order to ensure the conduct of smooth, transparent, and credible elections in Nigeria; and

“Relying on the provisions of Orders 1(b) and 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended).

“Accordingly resolves to: (i). Rescind its earlier decision on Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill as previously passed; and (ii). Recommit Clause 60(3) to the Committee of the Whole for further reconsideration and passage.”

Monguno said the decision to rescind the Senate’s earlier rejection of electronic transmission was informed by the need for the Electoral Act to reflect the wishes of Nigerians.

“This amendment is to bring our laws to make it a replica of the wishes and aspirations of the people,” he said.

Majority of Senators voted to approve the new amendment when the new amendment was put to vote.

February 10, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Peter Obi joins #OccupyNationalAssembly protest over electronic transmission of results

by Folarin Kehinde February 9, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday February joined Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of 70 non-governmental organisations, during the #OccupyNationalAssembly protest in Abuja.

The protest is happening day before emergency plenary session by the Senate.

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February 9, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Tension As Popular Gospel Singer, 3 crew members found Dead Inside Studio

by Folarin Kehinde February 9, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

Confusion, tears, and rage from residents have followed the death of a gospel artiste, Matthew Ogundele and three of his crew members who were found dead in a Lagos music studio in Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State.

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the incident, even as it commenced investigation to unravel the mystery behind the deaths.

“Investigation is ongoing, as there was no sign of violence on the remains of the victims,” Police source stated.

It was gathered that the victims stayed overnight after performing at a birthday praise event, and were later discovered unresponsive.

The deceased crew members were identified as Joseph Sanya, Itunu Ogundele, and a blogger, Matthew Awosanya, otherwise known as JoesTv.

It was gathered that the victims were invited to perform on Tuesday, February 3, which was the second day of a three-day birthday praise organised by another female gospel artiste, Olanireti Akinbola.

A police source disclosed that the crew finished late and decided to sleep over in the studio, where their remains were later found the following day,

According to the source: “The convener invited some gospel artistes to minister during her three-day birthday praise, which started on Monday.

“Segun Praise was scheduled to minister on the second day, and he came with his crew. The session started in the evening and ran late, so they decided to stay overnight in the studio.

“It was the following morning that we heard that their lifeless bodies were found in the studio.”

In reaction to the sudden deaths, some colleagues and friends of the deceased have, in a series of posts online, demanded justice for them.

Pictures of the victims circulating on social media show blood stains in their noses, ears and mouths, fueling concern and speculation over the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

When contacted, Abimbola Adebisi, the Lagos Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident, saying the incident was reported on Wednesday, February 4, by the owner of the studio, Akintayo Akinbola, who is also the husband of the celebrant.

According to her, Akintayo said he left the artistes at his music studio located inside the HFP Shopping Complex on Tuesday night, February 3, after buying food for them, as they were preparing for a music concert.

He explained that the artistes returned to the studio after collecting the food, while he went home.

Adebisi said: “However, at about 11 am on Wednesday, Akintayo said he returned to the studio and discovered that the door was locked from the inside.

“Alarmed by the situation, he reportedly called for help, and the door was eventually forced open. On entering the studio, the lifeless bodies of the four artistes were discovered.”

She added that detectives from the command visited the scene, where photographs were taken, confirming that no marks of violence were found on the bodies, while investigation has commenced into the incident with a view to get to the bottom of it.

February 9, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

2027: Wike Establishes Radio Station For Tinubu Campaign In Rivers

by Folarin Kehinde February 7, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has established a new radio station, Majority FM 89.5, for the reelection campaign of President Bola Tinubu.

The radio station is located inside the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The development came amid intensified political mobilisation for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign in the South-South.

In a video circulating online, Wike is seen inspecting the newly launched radio facility, moving through the studio and interacting with staff. The station, according to sources, was designed to serve as a strategic communication platform for the Renewed Hope movement, a group widely known for its alignment with Tinubu’s administration.

“This will take messages from all over the 666 units of Rivers state, we are ready for this job, we are ready for 2027,” Wike said during the commissioning.

Political observers said the establishment of Majority FM further cements Wike’s influence in the state’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.

As of press time, Wike and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors were yet to issue an official statement on the operational direction of the station.

February 7, 2026 0 comments

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