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2027 Elections

INEC
Headlines

INEC Shifts 2027 General Elections to January, February Over New Electoral Act

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable for the 2027 General Election, shifting the Presidential and National Assembly polls to January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections to February 6, 2027.

The electoral body said the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced changes to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities.

INEC, in a statement, explained that the Commission had earlier scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly Elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections for Saturday, March 6, 2027.

However, with the coming into force of the new Electoral Act, 2026, the Commission reviewed and realigned its schedule to ensure compliance with the new legal framework.

Under the revised timetable, Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

INEC also released key milestones leading up to the polls.

According to the Commission, conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, will commence on April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026.

Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly candidates are scheduled to begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.

The Commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day, in line with the law.

It urged parties and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the revised timetable, warning that it would enforce full compliance with the provisions of the new Electoral Act.

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Headlines

FCT Poll: PDP defeats APC in Gwagwalada

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election conducted on Saturday.

While declaring the result, the INEC Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, announced that PDP polled the highest votes in the council.

Kasim polled 22,165 votes to defeat his closest rival, Yahaya Shehu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 17,788.

The election was a tight race between Kasim and Yahaya Shehu of the APC with speculations of withdrawals dogging the campaigns ahead of the Saturday election.

However, both candidates came out to deny hat they had stepped down.

Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship vote breakdown

• PDP (Mohammed Kasim): 22,165

• APC (Yahaya Shehu): 17,788

• ADC: 1,366

• APGA: 1,687

The local elections were conducted by INEC across the FCT’s six area councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

The victory comes at a time the PDP is facing one of its toughest battles since it’s establishment in 1998.

Before Saturday’s victory, Gwagalada was under the control of APC. Abu Giri,member of the ruling party, is the outgoing chairman.

 

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Tinubu
Politics

APC Senator Seeks 16-Year Single Tenure for Nigeria’s President

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Kenneth Eze (APC–Ebonyi) has called for a nationwide debate on replacing Nigeria’s current two-term, four-year presidential cycle with a single 16-year tenure.

Mr Eze, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, made the call on Monday while addressing journalists at his country home in Ohigbo-Amagu, Ezza South LGA.

He argued that frequent election cycles undermine policy continuity and slow national development.

“Every four years, we return to campaign mode. By the third year, governance slows as attention shifts to re-election; that is why projects are abandoned and policies are not allowed to mature.

“Nigeria’s constitution provides for a four-year presidential term, renewable once, but if you ask me, I will advocate one tenure of 16 years.

”It sounds controversial, but it will allow policies to run their full course and stabilise the system,” he said.

The lawmaker proposed scrapping the two-term structure in favour of a single, extended tenure that would free leaders from electoral pressure and enable long-term reforms.

He noted that critical sectors such as power, infrastructure, agriculture and fiscal reform require sustained commitment beyond short political cycles.

According to him, irrigation schemes, mechanised farming programmes and energy reforms need continuity to deliver measurable impact.

Mr Eze also defended recent economic measures, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing them as necessary to avert fiscal collapse.

“We were borrowing to pay salaries. That is not sustainable for any country; tough decisions are necessary to secure long-term stability,” he added.

He maintained that the proposal should be viewed as a governance discussion rather than an attack on democracy, calling for a broader national dialogue on constitutional reform to assess whether a longer tenure could improve policy implementation while preserving checks and balances.

Mr Eze acknowledged that any constitutional amendment would require approval by the National Assembly and ratification by state legislatures, stressing that the process must be transparent and participatory.

Beyond tenure reform, he urged citizens to embrace civic responsibility and patriotism, challenging journalists, teachers, civil servants and parents to promote national values, noting that policy changes alone cannot transform the country.

 

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Headlines

BREAKING: INEC announces timetable, schedule of 2027 elections

by Folarin Kehinde
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.

 

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Headlines

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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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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Tinubu
Headlines

Opposition Coalition Accuses Tinubu Government of Politicising EFCC Ahead of 2027

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A coalition of opposition leaders has accused the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a political instrument to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.

The opposition leaders said the alleged selective application of anti-corruption laws by the EFCC and other security agencies undermines the credibility of the anti-graft campaign and erodes public confidence in state institutions.

The allegation was contained in a joint statement endorsed by the Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Lawal Batagarawa; Bode George; Peter Obi; and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun.

Titled “The Weaponisation of the EFCC,” the statement accused the anti-graft agency of persistently targeting opposition figures for political advantage in favour of the ruling APC.

According to the opposition leaders, the trend reflects a past remark by former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who once suggested that defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would have their past “sins” forgiven upon joining the APC.

They said the comment, whether made casually or deliberately, has reinforced a troubling perception that allegations against members of the ruling party are often ignored, while opposition figures are aggressively investigated and subjected to intense media scrutiny without proven evidence.

The coalition called for the immediate removal of political interference from the EFCC’s operations, stressing that the agency must function independently and professionally.

“The EFCC must be insulated from partisan control and must not function at the behest of any president, political party, or faction,” the statement said.

The opposition leaders further urged the Federal Government to restore the EFCC to its original legal mandate, insisting that its responsibilities do not include selective prosecution or the harassment of political opponents.

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HeadlinesUncategorized

2027: You are banned from playing politics — FG to civil servants

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Ahead of the 2027 general election draws nigh, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoS), Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has issued a stern warning to civil servants against engaging in political activities while in service.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday during the Quarterly Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement interactive session, Mrs Walson-Jack emphasised that civil servants must remain neutral and uphold the rules of the service.

Addressing concerns about a trending Supreme Court judgement, she clarified that while civil servants are allowed to be card-carrying members of political parties to protect their fundamental right of association, this does not permit partisan conduct.

Mrs Walson-Jack stated, “It’s an old judgement, and it is still very much in force.

But what that judgement said was that civil servants can be card-carrying members of a political party, just so that their fundamental human right of association is not denied. It went on to caution that civil servants must abide by the terms and conditions of their service.

“We all know a civil servant is supposed to be non-political. So your first responsibility is to be neutral, non-political, and do your job.”

She further warned, “You cannot go and be partisan. You serve the government of the day with neutrality. Anything contrary will be dealt with in accordance with the rules and regulations of the public service.”

 

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sowore
Headlines

Nigeria Needs Competent Leaders, Not Rotational Presidency – Sowore

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised Nigeria’s practice of rotational presidency, arguing that competence — not geography — should determine who leads the country.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Sowore said Nigerians are more concerned about having an effective leader than where such a person comes from.

“If I have a good president in Nigeria who can run this country very well, I don’t care where he comes from,” he said.

According to him, zoning the presidency based on region is counterproductive and undermines the principles of merit and fairness.

“That is what the majority of the Nigerian people are aspiring for. That is the idea of this federation — that all federating units should have an opportunity,” he stated.

He argued that the current arrangement often pits regions against one another, without guaranteeing that the best candidates emerge.

“When you zone it to the north, the majority of the northerners want to take a shot at it. When you zone it back to the south, the south is not just Yoruba or Igbo alone. It is senseless,” he said.

Sowore insisted that every presidential hopeful should be allowed to contest irrespective of their region, with emphasis placed on qualification, vision, and capacity.

Zoning the presidency to the worst character in the country is not going to make you get anywhere,” he warned.

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