A United States-based Nigerian activist, Baba Adam, has written to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the ambassadorial nomination reportedly given to Reno Omokri over concerns about credibility, loyalty and Nigeria’s international image.

In the petition dated February 15, 2026, Adam argued that Omokri’s past public remarks and social media posts raise questions about his suitability for diplomatic service.

He maintained that ambassadors act as direct representatives of the President and the Nigerian state, and any perceived ambiguity in allegiance could undermine the country’s foreign policy posture.

The petition was addressed to the President and copied to Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, among other senior diplomats and public figures.

Adam cited a television interview in which Omokri reportedly said he “works for Nigeria” and not for the President, describing the statement as one capable of creating uncertainty about diplomatic coherence.

He also alleged that posts on Omokri’s verified Facebook page referring to the President in harsh terms remain publicly accessible, which he said could weaken Nigeria’s global standing if left unaddressed.

According to the activist, permitting a nominee who had previously criticised the sitting President to serve as ambassador could expose the country to ridicule and damage its diplomatic credibility.

Copies of the petition were also forwarded to notable figures including former Chief of Staff Ibrahim Gambari, ex-Foreign Affairs Minister Bolaji Akinyemi, and media personalities Seun Okinbaloye and Reuben Abati.

As of the time of reporting, the Presidency had not issued an official response, while Omokri had yet to publicly react to the call for the withdrawal of his nomination.

The development follows earlier controversy involving activist Omoyele Sowore, who had presented a video in which Omokri allegedly made strong allegations against the President during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Sowore is currently facing trial over alleged cyberstalking of the President in a case instituted by the Department of State Services.

During the proceedings before Justice Mohammed Umar, defence counsel Abubakar Marshal questioned a DSS operative, Cyril Nosike, on whether the agency conducts background checks on nominees for sensitive public offices such as ambassadors, ministers and judges.

The witness reportedly said he was not aware whether such vetting processes were carried out, a development that has further stirred debate around the nomination and screening of individuals for diplomatic roles.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 24, 2026, to hear a suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress and several other political parties over alleged violations of constitutional provisions.

The case, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, lists the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants alongside five political parties, including the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Alliance.

The matter, assigned to Justice Peter Lifu, was initially slated for mention but did not proceed.

The court subsequently adjourned the case to February 24 for hearing.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Ruba, said the suit seeks judicial interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions guiding the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.

He explained that the action is aimed at determining whether some parties have acted contrary to the Constitution and whether the electoral body is obligated to enforce compliance.

Court documents indicate that the suit was initiated through an originating summons based on relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules.

At the centre of the dispute is whether INEC is constitutionally required to deregister political parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds.

These benchmarks include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in one state during a presidential election, winning a local government area in a governorship election, or obtaining at least one elective seat from councillorship to the National Assembly.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether INEC is empowered or compelled to enforce these standards against parties that allegedly failed to win any ward, legislative seat or elective office in previous elections.

They are also seeking clarity on whether such parties remain eligible for legal recognition and participation in political activities, including primaries, congresses, campaigns and the 2027 general elections.

Among the reliefs sought are declaratory orders affirming that INEC must enforce constitutional benchmarks as a condition for party registration and participation in elections.

The plaintiffs also want the court to compel the commission to deregister the affected parties and restrain it from recognising their activities unless they comply fully with constitutional and statutory requirements.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, deposed to by Igbokwe Nnanna, the forum accused INEC of neglecting its constitutional responsibilities by continuing to recognise parties that allegedly failed to meet required performance thresholds.

The group claimed that the parties have not won elective seats at any level of government and failed to secure the stipulated 25 per cent votes in at least one state during presidential elections.

The plaintiffs further argued that continued recognition of such parties could overcrowd ballot papers, strain administrative resources and mislead voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Describing the case as a public interest action, the forum urged the court to compel strict enforcement of constitutional provisions to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process and uphold the rule of law.

Justice Lifu adjourned proceedings to February 24, 2026, for further hearing.

A Nigerian lawmaker, Kenneth Eze, has called for a nationwide conversation on replacing the country’s current two-term presidential system with a single 16-year tenure, arguing that longer leadership cycles could strengthen policy continuity and national development.

Speaking with journalists at his country home in Ohigbo-Amagu, Ezza South Local Government Area, the senator said the frequent election cycle disrupts governance and slows implementation of major policies.

He maintained that by the third year of every administration, attention often shifts to re-election campaigns, leaving critical projects unfinished.

According to him, Nigeria’s constitution currently provides for a four-year presidential term renewable once, but a single extended tenure could allow administrations to fully execute long-term reforms and stabilise governance structures.

He described the idea as controversial but necessary for serious national reflection.

Eze noted that sectors such as power, infrastructure, agriculture, and fiscal policy require sustained commitment beyond short political cycles.

He said programmes like irrigation schemes, mechanised farming, and energy reforms need time and continuity to produce meaningful results.

He also defended recent economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, describing them as difficult but unavoidable decisions aimed at preventing fiscal collapse and strengthening long-term stability.

The senator stressed that his proposal should not be viewed as a threat to democracy but as part of a broader governance conversation.

He called for a transparent and participatory constitutional reform process involving the National Assembly and state legislatures.

He added that any constitutional amendment must follow due process and reflect the will of the people.

Beyond tenure reform, Eze urged Nigerians to embrace civic responsibility and patriotism, saying national transformation requires both institutional reforms and citizens’ commitment to shared values.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has arraigned former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unlawfully intercepting telephone communications linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to court filings, the former governor appeared on Arise TV on February 13, 2026, where he was alleged to have admitted involvement in the interception of the NSA’s communications.

He was also said to have acknowledged knowing those responsible for the act but failed to report them to relevant security authorities.

The charge, filed under suit number TABU/DET/CR/99/2026, contains three counts.

The first count alleges that El-Rufai admitted during the televised interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the National Security Adviser’s phone communications, an offence said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act.

The second count accuses him of failing to report individuals who carried out the alleged interception, also under the same law.

The third count alleges that he deployed technical systems in a way that compromised public safety and national security and instilled fear among citizens, contrary to the Nigerian Communications Act.

The prosecution team is led by M.E. Ernest, alongside O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and V.E.G. Orubor, all representing the Federal Government.

Officials said the case falls within the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the former governor is expected to enter his plea as trial proceedings begin.

The case is anticipated to attract significant public attention given the prominence of the accused and the national security concerns surrounding the allegations.

Protesters staged a renewed demonstration at the National Assembly on Monday, calling for the compulsory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026.

Civil society organizations, including Situation Room and Action Aid, led the protests, insisting that manual collation be fully eliminated to prevent result manipulation.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that security operatives blocked access to the Assembly complex, forcing demonstrators to hold their rally outside the gates.

The demonstrators argued that full transparency must be ensured, pointing out that the election budget already covers the necessary technological infrastructure.

They stressed that manual backups are unnecessary and could compromise the integrity of the results.

The protest follows last week’s Senate emergency plenary, where Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill was revisited.

Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), moved to remove the term “real-time” and replace “transmission” with “transfer,” triggering objections from senators including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), who repeatedly raised points of order.

At the conclusion of the deliberations, the Senate approved electronic transmission to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal but retained manual collation as a contingency for technical failures.

The Senate is expected to reconvene on Tuesday, February 17, at 11 a.m. to further deliberate on national issues.

Protesters have vowed to continue their advocacy until real-time e-transmission is guaranteed.

In a surprising development, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has denied re-election tickets to a total of 11 serving local government chairmen in Anambra State, including six additional incumbents, ahead of the August 29, 2026, polls.

The affected council chairmen, often referred to as Mayors under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, were sworn in for a two-year tenure in October 2024.

The outgoing officials have now been replaced by new nominees: C. Ofobuike (Aguata), Romanus Ibekwe (Anaocha), Alphonse Ofumelu (Ayamelum), Chinedu Ononiba (Njikoka), Chimezie Obi (Ekwusigo), Amaka Obi (Idemili South), Franklin Nwadoalo (Ogbaru), Anthony Nworah (Onitsha North), Emeka Orji (Onitsha South), and Emma Nwele (Oyi).

Investigations revealed that Iyom Amaka Obi of Idemili South, who is reportedly close to the State First Lady, may have been dropped because she is being considered for the position of Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, confirmed in a statement titled “Anambra Local Government Election 2026 List of Cleared Aspirants for APGA Primaries (Local Government Chairmen/Mayors)” that the nominated aspirants were unopposed during the party primaries conducted on February 15, 2026.

The primaries saw candidates elected by voice affirmation to carry the APGA flag in the upcoming elections.

Following the announcement of results, Stanley Nkwoka, winner of his council primary, thanked Governor Soludo, the party hierarchy, members, supporters, and delegates for their confidence.

He urged stakeholders to remain focused on the August polls, even as his current two-year tenure continues until October 2026.

The Office of the National Security Adviser has responded to allegations raised by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai over the alleged importation of a toxic substance from Poland, stating that no such procurement was made and directing security authorities to investigate the claim.

El-Rufai had earlier written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, seeking clarification after claiming that opposition figures were aware of the alleged purchase of about 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate.

In his letter, the former governor outlined concerns about public safety and accountability and requested detailed explanations.

”Given that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, I believe it is important for public safety, democratic accountability and for maintaining public trust to confirm the following details:

”1. The intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate.

”2. The supplier identity and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit.

”3. The total quantity and specific form or concentration being procured or already procured.

”4. The storage and security arrangements for the maserial upon arrival.

”5. The regulatory oversight and coordination in place with NAFDAC, NCDC, and relevant public-health and environmental agencies.

”6. Whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been developed, given the compound’s extreme toxicity.

”I want to stress that this inquiry is made in good faith, solely to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed. Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed.”

In a reply reported by TheCable, the ONSA denied the allegation and said security agencies would investigate the claim, asking the former governor and any other persons with relevant information to present evidence.

The response, signed by Brigadier-General OM Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, read:

“I have the honour to present the compliments of the National Security Adviser and to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s correspondence received on 11 February 2026 requesting clarification regarding the alleged procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

”The correspondence further indicated that information concerning the purported procurement is reportedly available to the political opposition leadership. In this regard, I am directed to respectfully convey that ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so.

”However, I am further directed to state that the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation. Your Excellency and other parties involved, who may possess relevant information relating to this claim will be duly invited by the Service to provide any evidence that may assist in an in-depth investigation, establishing the facts and ensuring due diligence.

“Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards of the National Security Adviser.”
El-Rufai has yet to publicly respond to the development, though the report indicated that the letter was eventually delivered to his camp on Sunday after initial difficulties.

A security aide was said to have received it on his behalf.