The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged that by 2027, no judge serving in the FCT High Court will reside in rented accommodation.

Speaking at the official launch of the design and construction of residences for Heads of Courts in Abuja, Wike affirmed that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, judges should be provided with permanent homes.

“Before the end of Mr President’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented quarter,” Wike declared.

“I didn’t say Federal High Court or Industrial Court, but specifically the FCT High Court.”

Wike noted that the project is anchored in the FCT 2024 and 2025 budgets, duly approved by the National Assembly and signed by the President.

He emphasized that the commitment to improve judges’ welfare comes directly from presidential policy.

He warned against the risks associated with judges living in rented homes:

“Sometimes, you don’t even know the landlord or the neighbours. These judges preside over sensitive matters, and we cannot anticipate what might happen,” he said.

Under the scheme, once judges retire, the houses will become their personal property, a gesture with presidential approval, Wike added.

Certificates of Occupancy have already been issued in the names of intended beneficiaries.

The housing initiative will cover multiple senior judicial positions, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judges of the FCT and Federal High Courts, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court.

Wike clarified that constructing judicial residences does not amount to interference in the judiciary’s functions, citing the role of the Federal Capital Development Authority in building public infrastructure in the FCT.

Supporting the initiative, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, described the project as a forward step toward strengthening judicial independence.

He also suggested that having secure, dignified housing will help reduce temptations or perceptions of corruption.

“Accommodation should no longer be a ground for suspicion. Their housing is guaranteed,” he said.

In a bold shake-up of Nigeria’s electoral calendar, the National Assembly has proposed shifting the 2027 presidential and governorship elections to November 2026, about six months ahead of the usual schedule.

The proposal was unveiled at a public hearing convened by the Joint Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters, where the draft amendments to the Electoral Act were laid bare.

Under the plan, polls for president and governors would be held not later than 185 days before the outgoing term expires, placing the elections in November 2026.

Key reforms on the table includes:

– Shortened litigation timelines: Tribunal rulings reduced from 180 to 90 days; appeals from 90 to 60 days, all within a 185‑day window.

– Mandatory e‑transmission of results: The draft mandates that presiding officers transmit results electronically (and manually), with stiff penalties for noncompliance.

– Early voting: Certain groups, security personnel, INEC officials, observers, journalists, would be allowed to vote up to 14 days before election day.

Hon. Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, explains that the aim is to clear electoral disputes before inauguration day, thus avoiding the recurrent overlap of court cases with new administrations.

At the hearing, INEC’s representative, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, threw support behind the proposed changes, particularly the push for electronic voting and result transmission.

Several civil society groups and political actors also hailed the reforms as much‑needed steps toward greater electoral credibility.

However, the proposal is not without controversy. Critics warn of constitutional hurdles and implementation challenges, especially in regions with weak infrastructure or security constraints.

If adopted into law, these changes would reset Nigeria’s political calendar, giving more breathing room for dispute resolution, reducing election stress on the courts and potentially redefining how Nigerians conduct and perceive elections.

Rev’d Dr. Uma Ukpai, the internationally known evangelist and President of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, has passed on.

His family confirmed his death on Monday, saying he entered into glory on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.

In a statement titled “Glorious Transition,” the family described Ukpai as a devoted soldier of the cross who devoted more than six decades to fiery evangelism, powerful teaching, and acts of prophecy.

They say his ministry transformed lives across Nigeria and around the globe.

“With hearts full of gratitude, we rejoice in the triumphant homecoming of Rev’d Dr. Uma Ukpai, A faithful soldier of the cross has been called to rest.” the statement read.

Known as a spiritual general and founding father of faith, Dr. Ukpai is remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to many.

While his physical presence is gone, his legacy of faith, integrity, and transforming ministry continues.

Funeral and memorial details will be announced by the family in due time.

“In life, he served with power and love. In death, we celebrate that he has finished his race and now rests in eternal praise.”

A veteran politician and influential PDP stalwart, Engr. Vita Abba, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after years of dedicated service to the party.

Abba, a former Chairman of the PDP in Enugu State and one-time governorship aspirant, made the announcement in a heartfelt resignation letter submitted to the party’s leadership on Saturday.

His departure adds to the growing list of high-profile exits rocking the party in recent weeks.

“After profound introspection and meticulous deliberation, I hereby tender my formal resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” Abba wrote.

In the letter, he expressed deep appreciation for the opportunities and trust the party had extended to him over the years, stating that his journey with the PDP was filled with “memorable moments, invaluable lessons and lifelong relationships.”

“I remain eternally grateful for the trust bestowed upon me, the party’s support, and the camaraderie extended by leaders and members at all echelons,” he added.

Although he did not disclose his next political move, sources close to Abba suggest he may be aligning with Governor Peter Mbah’s expected transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Former PDP National Secretary, Rt. Hon. S.K.E. Udeh‑Okoye has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, asserting that it has abandoned the founding principles that once gave it meaning and purpose.

In a resignation letter dated October 13, 2025, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Agbogugu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Udeh‑Okoye said he arrived at the decision after “deep reflection and careful consideration.”

He lamented that the party he once believed in “strayed far from the ideals of its founding fathers.”

“PDP once stood for hope, democracy, accountability, and genuine service to the people. Today, it has lost its moral direction,” he wrote.

Udeh‑Okoye, who previously served as PDP National Youth Leader and as a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, declared his intention to pursue a path devoted to restoring democratic values and public accountability, principles he argues have been neglected.

His departure comes at a time of intense internal turbulence within the PDP, especially over leadership legitimacy.

The party has been mired in conflict following the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, a move Udeh‑Okoye strongly contested.

Earlier in 2025, a Court of Appeal recognized Udeh‑Okoye as the rightful National Secretary, only for the Supreme Court to later rule that leadership disputes within political parties are matters internal to the party and not subject to judicial adjudication.

This left both Udeh‑Okoye and Anyanwu laying claim to the same post.

In April, PDP governors recommended that a Deputy National Secretary temporarily fill the role until a permanent appointment could be made from the South East Zone.

Despite this, Anyanwu resumed operations at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja in October, deepening the schism.

When contacted, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, downplayed the resignation, asserting that Senator Anyanwu’s current responsibilities are limited to administrative oversight, such as logistics and facility matters.

Hon. Raymond Ugwu, the member representing Enugu East Rural Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, has officially dumped the Labour Party (LP) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking exclusively to DAILY GAZETTE on Sunday, Hon. Ugwu said his decision was largely influenced by Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership style, which he described as transformative and progressive.

“Governor Mbah’s governance approach is practical, people-centered and focused on real development. As someone elected to serve my constituents, I can no longer remain in a party that is not aligned with the direction I believe Enugu should go. I’m joining him in this journey for the good of our state,” Ugwu stated.

He also cited internal crises, persistent infighting and ongoing litigations within the Labour Party as major reasons for his decision to seek a new political home.

Hon. Ugwu, who was elected on the LP platform in 2023, told DAILY GAZETTE that he consulted with critical stakeholders and constituents before making the switch.

He insists his defection is in the best interest of his people.

“This is about effective governance and being on the side of progress. Enugu deserves leaders who are not afraid to make bold choices,” he added.

Efforts to reach the Labour Party leadership in Enugu for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

In a dramatic political turn, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Dr. Martins Chukwunweike, has resigned from the party and is set to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, DAILY GAZETTE can authoritatively report.

Dr. Chukwunweike, a former commissioner for health and long-standing figure in the PDP ’s dominance in Enugu State, confirmed his resignation in a statement on Monday morning.

Detail shortly…