Author: News Editor
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed calls for the resignation of its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), describing such demands as an attack on the Commission’s constitutional independence. In a statement issued on Thursday night in Abuja, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, said recent allegations by some political actors claiming bias on the part of the Chairman were unfounded. The criticisms followed the Commission’s decision to comply with a recent ruling of the Court of Appeal. According to the statement, INEC’s leadership structure, including the appointment, tenure, and removal of its Chairman and National Commissioners, is clearly…
The unfolding situation surrounding the University of Maritime Studies, Oron (UMSO) presents a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, institutional coherence and policy credibility. What should have been a seamless and legally straightforward transition, from the defunct Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron to a fully established specialized University, has instead deteriorated into a troubling example of administrative inertia, institutional resistance and governance failure. In 2022, the National Assembly enacted, and presidential assent was duly granted to, the University of Maritime Studies, Oron (Establishment) Act. By the clear operation of law, this Act repealed the Maritime…
Abuja — The Nigerian Senate has approved a ₦68.323 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, marking a significant increase from the ₦58.47 trillion initially proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The upward revision of over ₦9.09 trillion followed a fresh request by the President to accommodate legacy commitments, particularly in the transportation and health sectors, as well as additional provisions, including funding for the judiciary. The approval came after the Senate adopted the joint report of the National Assembly on the 2026 Appropriation Bill during plenary. A breakdown of the revised budget shows that ₦4.799 trillion is allocated for…
Abuja — The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday formally declared three senatorial seats vacant following the deaths of serving lawmakers. The affected constituencies are Enugu North Senatorial District, Nasarawa North Senatorial District, and Rivers South-East Senatorial District. Announcing the development during plenary, Akpabio said the vacancies were in line with constitutional provisions and would pave the way for fresh elections to fill the positions. “Due to the tragedies that have befallen the 10th Senate, vacancies have been created for midterm elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that we fill the seats left vacant…
Chief Patrick Edeke, ANIPRPublicity Secretary
A major realignment in Nigeria’s political landscape gathered momentum on Monday as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), strengthening a growing coalition seeking to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general election. Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and one of the country’s most prominent opposition figures, announced his defection just a day after resigning from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), where he had been a leading figure. In a statement, Kwankwaso said his decision was driven by the need for “strategic realignment” in response to the current political climate. “I have…
The leadership of the Asiwaju Disciples Movement has formally announced the appointment of Chief Effiong Etim Johnson as the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the group, expressing confidence in his capacity to strengthen the movement’s presence in the state. In a statement released by the leadership, the group congratulated Johnson on his appointment and commended his acceptance of the role, describing it as a step toward advancing the objectives of the movement at the state level. The statement highlighted Johnson’s track record in public service, particularly his tenure as a former Honourable Member of the State House of Assembly and…
With hearts overflowing with gratitude and a deep sense of pride, the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) extends its profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, for his remarkable goodwill, maturity, and statesmanship which greatly contributed to the successful participation of our delegation at the just-concluded APC National Convention held at the historic Eagle Square in Abuja. In moments where political divides could have created barriers, Your Excellency chose the higher path of unity, peace, and inclusiveness. This rare gesture has not only strengthened democratic values but…
KANO — Strong indications have emerged that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State, will formally defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday. This development was disclosed by the Kwankwasiyya movement, a political group loyal to the former governor, which confirmed that the defection ceremony will take place in Kano. According to sources within the movement, Kwankwaso is expected to be accompanied by several key members of the NNPP, signaling what observers describe as a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. The planned move is seen as…
A court has adjourned the bail hearing in the alleged corruption case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to March 31, 2026. The adjournment followed proceedings held on Tuesday, during which both the prosecution and defence teams presented their arguments before the court. Counsel to the prosecution urged the court to deny bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need to ensure that the defendant is available for trial. The prosecution also raised concerns about the possibility of interference with witnesses. In response, defence counsel argued that the charges against the former governor are bailable and maintained…