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Gambia Announces Date For 2026 Presidential Election

 

The Gambia will hold its next presidential election on December 5, 2026, according to an announcement made Thursday by the country’s electoral body.

The declaration comes as President Adama Barrow’s decision to run for a third term continues to stir political tension both domestically and internationally.

President Barrow, who first took office in 2016 after defeating longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh, sparked surprise earlier this year when he confirmed plans to seek re-election.

While The Gambia’s 1997 constitution allows a third term, many Gambians had expected Barrow to step aside after two terms, particularly given his earlier commitment to constitutional reform.

Barrow’s original victory raised hopes for democratic renewal, including the introduction of presidential term limits.

A proposed constitution, drafted after his election, sought to limit future presidents to two five-year terms.

However, in 2020, Barrow’s allies in parliament rejected the draft due to a retroactive clause that would have barred him from contesting again.

A second version, which excluded the retroactive rule, was submitted four years later but also failed to pass in July 2024.

The president’s decision to run again under the National People’s Party (NPP) has been met with growing criticism.

Opposition leaders and civil society groups argue that Barrow is betraying the democratic promises he once championed.

Last month, the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) formally named seasoned politician Ousainou Darboe as its presidential candidate for 2026.

Darboe, a prominent figure in Gambian politics, previously served as vice president and foreign minister under Barrow before their political split.

Despite criticism, Barrow remains the frontrunner in the upcoming election, largely due to a fragmented opposition landscape that has yet to form a united front.

Joseph Colley, chairman of The Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), confirmed the election schedule at a press briefing.

The presidential election is set for December 5, 2026, with parliamentary elections to follow on April 10, 2027.

The December 5 date aligns with the electoral calendar outlined in the current constitution and is consistent with previous voting cycles.

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Governor Mbah’s Infrastructure In Action: From Vision Boards To Construction Site By Evang. Richard N

 

In the dynamic landscape of governance and development, the ability to translate vision into tangible outcomes stands as the hallmark of true leadership.

This is precisely what Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State has exemplified through his ambitious and results-oriented infrastructural agenda.

From conceptual blueprints to the humming sounds of machinery across project sites, Mbah’s administration has moved decisively from planning to implementation, demonstrating that visionary leadership is not about rhetoric but about visible, measurable progress.

Governor Mbah’s infrastructural drive is anchored on a bold vision to make Enugu State the most attractive destination for investment, business, and living in Nigeria.

His administration’s master plan – spanning roads, bridges, housing, water and power supply, healthcare, and education, was not merely drawn up for political showmanship. Rather, it was developed as a comprehensive framework to reposition Enugu as a modern, economically viable, and livable State.

The governor’s philosophy of disruptive innovation has reshaped how projects are conceived and executed, emphasizing speed, transparency, and sustainability.

One of the most striking hallmarks of Mbah’s infrastructure revolution is his emphasis on road construction and connectivity. Recognizing that infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth, Mbah’s administration has embarked on an unprecedented road development initiative that connects urban centers with rural communities.

Key roads within Enugu metropolis such as the New Market- Enugu – Abakpa dualization, the Opi – Nsukka – Adani corridor, and the ongoing reconstruction of major township roads, have been upgraded to modern standards.

These projects are not just easing mobility; they are expanding trade routes, opening new markets, and reviving local economies across the State.

Beyond roads, Mbah’s infrastructural vision extends into the realm of water supply and urban renewal.

His administration’s flagship “Water for All” initiative, aimed at restoring 24-hour potable water supply in Enugu metropolis, reflects a determined effort to address one of the most persistent urban challenges.

Within months of assuming office, Mbah’s government revitalized key water schemes like the Ninth Mile 24/7 Water Project, installing new transmission pipelines and treatment plants.

The successful reactivation of these systems has already begun to deliver steady water flow to several parts of Enugu, fulfilling one of his earliest campaign promises and proving that meticulous planning can yield swift, practical results.

In the educational and healthcare sectors, infrastructure under Mbah has taken on a transformative dimension.

The administration’s investment in modern classroom blocks, smart schools, and digital learning hubs has redefined the learning environment across the State. Similarly, healthcare infrastructure is being revitalized through the renovation of general hospitals, establishment of primary healthcare centers, and equipping of facilities with modern technology.

These efforts aim not only to improve access to services but to create environments where innovation and excellence can thrive.

Another notable dimension of Mbah’s infrastructure in action is his commitment to urban renewal and housing development.

Through partnerships with private developers and public institutions, new housing layouts, industrial parks, and civic centers are springing up across Enugu State. The goal is to build modern, well-planned communities that reflect the aesthetics and efficiency of a 21st-century city.

Urban renewal projects in places like Independence Layout, GRA, and the new Enugu Smart City are being executed with sustainability in mind, integrating eco-friendly materials, proper drainage systems, and green spaces.

What sets Mbah’s infrastructure approach apart is his insistence on transparency, accountability, and efficiency. His administration has introduced a digital project-tracking system, ensuring that citizens can monitor progress and hold contractors accountable.

The governor’s frequent on-site inspections also symbolize a hands-on leadership style that prioritizes results over rhetoric.

By engaging local contractors and artisans, he is not only stimulating economic activity but also building local capacity for sustainable development.

From vision boards in government offices to construction sites bustling with cranes and workers, Mbah’s infrastructural vision is visibly reshaping the physical and economic landscape of Enugu State.

Each project represents more than concrete and steel, it represents jobs, opportunities, hope, and a renewed belief in governance that delivers.

In conclusion, Governor Peter Mbah’s infrastructural strides are a testament to what purposeful leadership can achieve when vision meets execution.

His ability to transform plans into projects, and projects into progress, has placed Enugu on a new trajectory of development.

The roads, water systems, schools, and hospitals being built today are not just physical structures, they are symbols of transformation, resilience, and the promise of a prosperous Enugu State where dreams conceived in vision boards are realized on construction sites. Mbah’s infrastructure in action is not just about building Structures; it is about building the Future.

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Forensic Institutes Petition Enugu Attorney General, Demand Prosecution Of Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji Over Alleged Certificate Forgery

 

Two leading advocacy groups, the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) and the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), are urging law enforcement authorities to investigate and prosecute former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji resigned from office earlier this year following a report by PREMIUM TIMES which revealed discrepancies in his academic credentials.

However, the groups say resignation is not enough, calling instead for full legal accountability.

In a statement released Thursday, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki, Chairman of CIFCFIN’s Governing Council, warned that the increasing cases of forgery in public office signal a dangerous trend enabled by institutional failure and lack of deterrence.

He urged the federal government to restore integrity in governance by launching a nationwide forensic audit of credentials for civil servants, ministers, and public officials, an initiative CIFCFIN says it is prepared to lead.

“We must choose between impunity and accountability. Prosecuting offenders is the first step. Otherwise, we continue to build on a foundation of deception,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, CASER’s Executive Director, Frank Tietie, said his organisation had submitted a formal petition to the Attorney General of Enugu State, calling on him to prosecute Nnaji under Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers state AGs to initiate criminal proceedings for offences under state law.

Tietie criticised what he described as federal inaction in the case, accusing national agencies of “dragging their feet” for political reasons.

“When federal bodies fail to act, states must step up. This is not political; it’s about restoring the rule of law and ensuring no one is above it,” he said during a press briefing in Abuja.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disclaimed the Bachelor of Science degree claimed by Nnaji. According to UNN’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon U. Ortuanya, Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but never completed his studies or graduated from the institution.

In a further blow to the former minister’s credibility, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also stated it could not verify the authenticity of the discharge certificate Nnaji had presented, describing it as “strange” to their records.

As pressure mounts, attention now shifts to both state and federal authorities to determine whether criminal proceedings will follow.

Advocacy groups insist that anything short of prosecution would undermine efforts to uphold integrity in public service.

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BREAKING: Venezuela’s Opposition Leader Wins Nobel Peace Prize, Trump Misses Out

 

Venezuelan opposition leader and pro-democracy activist Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday.

Machado was recognised for her relentless advocacy for democratic freedoms in Venezuela and her efforts toward a peaceful transition from authoritarian rule to democracy.

“She has been a unifying voice in a fractured opposition movement, standing firm against an oppressive regime while her country faces a deep humanitarian and economic crisis,” said Jorgen Watne Frydnes, Chair of the Nobel Committee, during the announcement in Oslo.

The committee praised Machado’s personal courage, noting that she has remained in Venezuela despite grave threats to her safety and periods of living in hiding over the past year.

“Her choice to stay and fight for democratic reform has inspired millions across Latin America,” Frydnes added.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who began his second term in January, had openly expressed his desire to win the prize, claiming credit for various conflict resolution efforts globally.

However, Nobel observers said his “America First” policies and self-promotion were at odds with the values enshrined in Alfred Nobel’s 1895 will, which emphasizes peace, diplomacy, and human rights.

“His chances were never serious,” noted an Oslo-based analyst ahead of the prize announcement.

The Nobel Peace Prize, awarded exclusively in Oslo, comes with a gold medal, a diploma, and a $1.2 million cash award.

The official ceremony will be held on December 10, marking the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896.

Last year’s Peace Prize went to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese grassroots group of atomic bomb survivors advocating against nuclear weapons.

On Thursday, the Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai, acclaimed for his postmodern explorations of despair and dystopia.

The final Nobel award this year, for Economics, will be announced on Monday.

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Burkina Faso Rejects US Plan To Deport Migrants To Its Territory

 

Burkina Faso’s military-led government has firmly rejected a proposal from the United States to accept deported migrants under a controversial immigration policy pushed by President Donald Trump.

In a televised address on Thursday, Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore denounced the idea as “indecent” and incompatible with the country’s values, making Burkina Faso one of the few African nations to publicly refuse cooperation with the US deportation scheme.

“This proposal runs completely contrary to the principle of dignity,” Traore said, emphasizing that Burkina Faso would not serve as a dumping ground for migrants who have no ties to the country.

The rejection is seen as a direct rebuke of the Trump administration’s strategy to deport individuals, including asylum seekers, to so-called “third countries,” regardless of any prior connection to those nations.

While Eswatini, Ghana, Rwanda, and South Sudan have accepted US deportees in recent months, Burkina Faso has taken a different stance, consistent with its current government’s anti-Western orientation.

In what appears to be a retaliatory move, the US Embassy in Ouagadougou has suspended most visa services for Burkinabe citizens, announcing that all consular matters will now be handled through the embassy in Lome, Togo.

This development has raised eyebrows in Burkina Faso, with Foreign Minister Traore questioning Washington’s motives.

“Is this pressure? Is this blackmail? Whatever it is, Burkina Faso is not a place of expulsion, it is a destination of dignity,” he stated.

Since coming to power in a military coup in September 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré has distanced the West African country from traditional Western allies, especially France, and pivoted toward closer ties with Russia.

Positioning himself as a Pan-African, anti-imperialist leader, Traoré’s administration has increasingly clashed with Western policies, particularly on military cooperation, aid, and migration.

Burkina Faso’s rejection of the US deportation deal marks another chapter in the country’s evolving foreign policy under the junta, which appears determined to chart an independent course in regional and global affairs.

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JUST IN: Thousands Of Gazans Move North Following Announcement Of Israeli Ceasefire

 

Thousands of residents in Gaza have started moving northward after the Israeli military declared a ceasefire that took effect on Friday morning, AFP footage revealed.

Scenes captured by news cameras showed long lines of men, women, and children walking along the coastal road shortly after the truce began at 0900 GMT.

The announcement of the ceasefire has sparked cautious hope across the region, following a recent deal between Israel and Palestinian factions that includes a hostage release and a step toward ending years of conflict.

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BREAKING: Peru’s President Impeached By Congress

 

In a dramatic turn of events, Peru’s Congress has voted to impeach President Dina Boluarte, marking another chapter in the country’s ongoing political instability.

The decision comes after months of mounting public dissatisfaction, rising crime and multiple scandals linked to Boluarte’s administration.

Late Thursday night, lawmakers held an extraordinary session where Boluarte was summoned to respond to charges of “permanent moral incapacity” to govern.

However, she declined to attend the 11:30 p.m. hearing, prompting a swift vote that resulted in 118 legislators supporting her removal.

Congressional leader Jose Jeri has since been sworn in as Peru’s interim president and is expected to remain in office until the scheduled general elections in April 2026.

Boluarte, who assumed power in December 2022 after the impeachment of former president Pedro Castillo, has faced persistent protests and political backlash.

Her time in office has been marred by several controversies, including a “Rolexgate” scandal involving undeclared luxury gifts and a controversial self-approved pay hike in July.

A recent law passed on September 5, which forces young people to contribute to private pension schemes despite precarious employment conditions, triggered a new wave of protests.

This unrest has been further fueled by a surge in violent crime and gang activity.

The former president’s approval ratings had sunk significantly, and she had already survived multiple impeachment attempts before this final vote.

Peru has now seen six presidents in just nine years, underscoring the deep-rooted political volatility in the South American nation.

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APC Expresses Readiness To Work With New INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared its full support and willingness to cooperate with the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joas Ojo Amupitan.

Reacting to Amupitan’s appointment, Hon. Duro Meseko, the APC’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, described him as a “perfect choice” made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and expressed confidence in the President’s decision.

“Anyone appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to head INEC, in accordance with the powers vested in him by the Constitution, is fully welcomed by the APC. We have no reason to oppose this decision,” Meseko stated.

He further assured that the ruling party would work with Prof. Amupitan in a manner that respects the rule of law and democratic principles.

“We welcome the new INEC chairman and assure him of our cooperation within the ambit of the law. We wish him success in his new role,” he added.

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New INEC Chairman Faces Intense Pressure To Restore Public Confidence After Disputed 2023 Elections

 

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, is already under significant pressure from various political actors and civil society groups to rebuild the commission’s battered credibility following the controversial 2023 general elections.

Opposition parties and stakeholders have called on Prof. Amupitan to place national interest and electoral integrity above political loyalty as he assumes leadership of Nigeria’s top electoral body.

In a statement, Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urged Amupitan to prove his commitment to Nigerians rather than those who appointed him.

“His allegiance must be to the people, not the government. He has the opportunity to build a legacy or tarnish his name. His tenure will likely exceed one electoral cycle, so his decisions must reflect long-term national interest,” Abdullahi said.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms to restore public trust.

CUPP’s National Secretary, Peter Ameh, acknowledged Amupitan’s qualifications but stressed that his performance would be judged by action, not academic accolades.

“Prof. Amupitan brings legal expertise in governance and evidence law, but Nigerians expect him to demonstrate courage and independence,” Ameh said.

He highlighted the failure of the 2023 elections, which were promoted as technologically advanced but ended in widespread disappointment.

CUPP cited the breakdown of the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) and low real-time result uploads to the IReV (INEC Result Viewing Portal) as key issues that fueled suspicion of electoral malpractice.

“Less than 25% of results were uploaded in real time. Observers recorded vote-buying, over-voting, and result manipulation, all worsened by poor communication and planning,” CUPP lamented.

The coalition recommended an immediate audit of INEC’s technological tools and a renewed commitment to transparency, efficiency, and open engagement with stakeholders.

CUPP also urged Amupitan to revisit the 2008 Justice Uwais Electoral Reform Report, which identified major systemic weaknesses including political interference and weak institutional capacity.

“He must embody the omoluabi values, character, courage, and conscience, if INEC is to regain its independence,” Ameh concluded.

Also weighing in, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, demanded that INEC and other regulatory bodies begin verifying all academic and professional certificates submitted by political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement on social media titled “Certificate Integrity and the Future of Nigerian Leadership,” Obi warned that fraudulent qualifications erode democratic credibility.

“These issues are not minor; they constitute serious criminal offences,” he said, referencing the recent resignation of Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, over discrepancies in his records, and the earlier resignation of Kemi Adeosun under President Buhari.

Obi emphasized that Nigeria must follow examples like Ghana, where candidates’ credentials undergo thorough scrutiny.

He urged INEC to immediately demand certificate submissions from all political aspirants, from presidential hopefuls down to local councillors, for verification and public transparency.

“Leadership must be built on truth and integrity, not deceit,” Obi said.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed full support for Amupitan’s appointment.

Duro Meseko, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, stated that the ruling party would cooperate with the new INEC chairman in line with constitutional provisions.

“We trust the president’s decision and welcome Prof. Amupitan. The APC will work with him in accordance with the law,” Meseko said.

Senator Steve Karimi of Kogi West also praised President Bola Tinubu for nominating what he described as “one of Nigeria’s finest scholars and administrators” to lead INEC.

In a statement from his media aide, Karimi said the appointment was “a personal gratification” as Amupitan hails from his constituency, although the professor has spent most of his life in Plateau State.

“He is a true Nigerian, with roots in Kogi, an academic career in Plateau, and national service in Bauchi,” Karimi said.

The Kogi State Government also hailed the appointment. In a statement signed by Commissioner for Information Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the state described it as a “testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to excellence and inclusion.”

“Prof. Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and legal scholar, has all the qualities required to lead INEC with impartiality and integrity,” the statement said.

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Udeze Denies Alleged Court Order For Arrest Of Ex-INEC Chairman Yakubu

 

Chief Kenneth Udeze, National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), has firmly denied reports claiming that a Federal High Court in Osogbo ordered the arrest and imprisonment of former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Udeze dismissed the reports as entirely false and urged the public to disregard the misinformation.

“Some individuals are spreading untrue claims that a court ordered the arrest of former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. No such judgment exists. I advise Nigerians and our party members to treat these rumours with the contempt they deserve,” Udeze said.

Earlier reports had suggested that Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi had issued an arrest order for Professor Yakubu over alleged non-compliance with a ruling that required INEC to restore certain Action Alliance officials to its official website.

These claims stemmed from a legal action initiated by former party member Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and his group, who sought formal recognition from INEC as the legitimate leaders of the party.

However, Udeze categorically stated that these claims were being propagated by individuals who had already been expelled from the party.

He emphasised that the issue of AA’s authentic leadership had been conclusively resolved in his favour by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

“The courts have ruled in our favour regarding the leadership of Action Alliance. Omoaje and his associates, after repeatedly losing in court, are now resorting to desperate and illegal tactics, including securing what we believe is a fraudulent ruling from Osogbo,” Udeze explained.

He went on to describe the supposed judgment as “fraudulently obtained,” noting that the party’s legal team had been instructed to take appropriate action to nullify it.

“We’ve directed our lawyers to pursue all legal avenues to overturn this bogus judgment. I urge all AA members and supporters to remain calm and focused. We will not be distracted by these destabilisation attempts,” he added.

Udeze reaffirmed his position as the officially recognised National Chairman of Action Alliance and encouraged party members to stay united and law-abiding as the legal process continues.

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