INEC revises 2027 general election timetable
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the dates for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections following concerns that the earlier timetable clashed with the Ramadan fasting period.
In a statement on Thursday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, its national commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC said the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the signing of the new Electoral Act 2026 by President Bola Tinubu.
Under the revised schedule, presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are fixed for February 6, 2027.
The Commission had initially scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the governorship and state assembly polls for March 6, 2027, but reviewed the timetable to comply with the new law and ensure inclusivity.
Disu replaces Egbetokun as IGP
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Tunji Disu as acting inspector-general of Police following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
In a statement issued Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, the President accepted Egbetokun’s resignation, which he said was due to “pressing family considerations.”
Tinubu is expected to convene the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive IGP, after which his nomination will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation, in line with the Police Act 2020.
The President expressed confidence in Disu’s experience and leadership, noting that his appointment would provide steady direction for the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen national security.
Peter Obi attacked in Edo
Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, reportedly survived an alleged assassination attempt in Benin City, Edo State, after gunmen opened fire on members of his Obidient movement.
The incident was said to have occurred during the defection of Olumide Akpata, former governorship candidate of the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The attackers allegedly trailed Obi and ADC leaders from the party secretariat to the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun. former national chairman, according to a statement by the Obidient Movement.
The statement claimed the gunmen fired at the gate and damaged several vehicles in what was described as an assassination attempt, heightening concerns over political tensions and security in the state.
US Congress asks Nigeria to dump Russian military equipment for American weapons
The United States Congress has urged Nigeria to divest from Russian military equipment and instead procure American defence systems as part of efforts to deepen security cooperation and address insecurity.
The recommendation was contained in a congressional statement titled “Ending The Persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” and shared by Riley Moore. Lawmakers called on Nigeria to “continue and expand security cooperation with the United States, including by divesting from Russian military equipment for American military equipment through sales and financing.”
The proposal reflects Washington’s broader push to strengthen defence ties with Nigeria and reduce Moscow’s military influence in the country.
US lawmakers also alleged that illegal mining involving Chinese actors is funding armed militias and urged Nigeria to counter such activities. They further recommended reviewing livestock exports linked to armed groups and enhancing the capacity of Nigerian security forces.
The Congress said the measures form part of a wider framework to support Nigeria in tackling armed violence, improving counterterrorism efforts, and restoring stability in affected regions.
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Fintiri dumps PDP for APC
Ahmadu Fintiri, the governor of Adamawa State, has defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ending months of speculation about his political future.
In a 14-minute statewide broadcast on Friday, Fintiri said he defected alongside his entire cabinet, PDP officials, and political structure across the state, describing the move as being in the developmental interest of Adamawa and its people.
He said the decision followed careful consideration of the state’s future, urging his supporters to register with the APC and align with the new political direction.
Following the announcement, PDP flags were removed from the Government House, signaling the formal transition of the state’s political leadership to the APC.
Southern Kaduna clink glasses over El-Rufai’s probe
A coalition of youth leaders in southern Kaduna has called on anti-corruption agencies to continue investigations into alleged financial mismanagement involving former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
The protesters staged a demonstration on Thursday in Kafanchan, headquarters of Jama’a Local Government Area, urging the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the alleged misappropriation of N432 billion during el-Rufai’s administration.
In a statement, the group also called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to sustain ongoing investigations, insisting that the former governor must be held accountable.
They said their demand was rooted in citizens’ constitutional right to transparency and accountability in governance, stressing that the people of Kaduna deserve justice.
Court sends Malami, wife, son back to prison
The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, pending the determination of their bail applications.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik directed that Malami and his son be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre, while his wife was remanded at the Suleja Medium Correctional Centre.
The order followed their re-arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an amended 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, concealment, and laundering of alleged unlawful proceeds totaling N8.71 billion.
