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Folarin Kehinde

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INEC Proposes ₦873.78 Billion Budget for 2027 General Elections

by Folarin Kehinde
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.

 

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Headlines

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

by Folarin Kehinde
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.

 

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Politics

Tinubu Welcomed into Labour Party – Abia Deputy Governor Emetu

by Folarin Kehinde
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.

 

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Headlines

Senate adopts electronic, manual transmission of election results

by Folarin Kehinde
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.

 

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Headlines

Peter Obi joins #OccupyNationalAssembly protest over electronic transmission of results

by Folarin Kehinde
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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Police
Headlines

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

by Folarin Kehinde
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.

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Headlines

2027: Wike Establishes Radio Station For Tinubu Campaign In Rivers

by Folarin Kehinde
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.

 

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Headlines

2026 budget: Borno Govt allocates N150m to feed sheep, goats

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Borno State Government has earmarked N150 million for the feeding of sheep and goats kept within the Government House, according to details contained in the state’s 2026 budget estimates.

The allocation, listed under recurrent expenditure, was captured in the approved budget documents published on the official website of the state government.

The provision is understood to cover the cost of animal feed and routine upkeep for the livestock maintained at the Government House.

A breakdown of the estimates did not immediately specify the number of animals involved or the duration the funds are expected to cover.

However, officials familiar with the budget process said such provisions are typically made annually for the maintenance of livestock used for official functions and ceremonial purposes.

The development has sparked mixed reactions among residents and civil society groups, with some questioning the size of the allocation at a time when the state continues to grapple with humanitarian challenges and post-insurgency recovery needs.

As of the time of filing this report, the Borno State Government had not issued an official statement explaining the rationale behind the N150 million provision.

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Headlines

Former NEXIM MD bags 490-year jail term

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

An FCT High Court has convicted and sentenced a former managing director of Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Robert Orya, to 490 years in jail over a N2.4 billion fraud.

Justice F.E. Messiri on Thursday sentenced Orya to 10 years imprisonment for on each of the 10-count charge after finding him guilty of the allegations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed the charge through its counsel, Samuel Ugwuegbulem.

Orya served as the managing director of NEXIM Bank from around 2009 to 2016, during which time he had been credited with efforts to refocus the bank on supporting non-oil exports and turning around its performance after earlier financial challenges.

The EFCC had brought the 49-count charge alleging that Orya fraudulently diverted funds amounting to about N2.4 billion.

 

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EFCC Arrests Kannywood Actress for Using Naira to Wipe Nose

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Kannywood actress, Samha Inuwa, over an alleged case of naira abuse after a video showing her using currency notes to wipe mucus from her nose went viral on social media.

Operatives of the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate picked up the actress on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, following public outrage generated by the clip.

In the viral video, Inuwa was seen wiping her nose with naira notes, an act the anti-graft agency described as currency mutilation and abuse under existing financial laws.

Sources within the Commission said the arrest was in line with EFCC’s ongoing enforcement against the abuse and defacement of the naira, which is prohibited by law.

The EFCC has repeatedly warned members of the public, celebrities and social media influencers against mishandling the national currency, stressing that acts such as spraying, tearing, stamping on or defacing naira notes constitute punishable offences.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and the actress is expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.

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