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.

Governor Soludo,

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has concluded its local government primaries in Anambra State, dropping five incumbent council chairmen as part of a broader reshuffle ahead of the August 29, 2026 local government elections.

The final list of candidates, released by the party’s publicity leadership, showed that 16 sitting chairmen secured return tickets, while five were replaced following the primaries conducted across the state’s 21 local government areas.

Those affected include the chairmen of Onitsha South, Idemili South, Aguata, Anaocha, and Ekwusigo councils.

Party sources indicated that many of the displaced officials had earlier served two terms as transition committee chairmen before emerging as elected council leaders under APGA.

Their replacements include new candidates selected for Ekwusigo, Aguata, Idemili South, Onitsha South, and Anaocha LGAs, in what observers describe as a strategic political recalibration within the party.

The development has generated mixed reactions across Anambra, particularly as the affected chairmen are widely seen as allies of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and were previously perceived as politically secure.

While the party has not officially stated the reasons for their removal, insiders suggest the move is aimed at revitalising grassroots governance and introducing new leadership dynamics ahead of the polls.

Speaking on the development, APGA’s national publicity leadership dismissed claims that the decision was punitive or based on performance concerns.

According to the party, the affected chairmen had demonstrated capacity but needed to give way for fresh participation and renewed ideas in local administration.

The party maintained that the reshuffle reflects its commitment to strengthening grassroots governance by injecting new energy into the local government system while acknowledging the contributions of outgoing chairmen.

The changes highlight evolving internal power dynamics within APGA as it balances continuity and renewal in preparation for the council elections.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission had earlier released the timetable and guidelines for the 2026 local government elections, assuring residents of a credible and transparent process.

Chairman of the commission, Genevieve Osakwe, said the primaries would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with electoral regulations and fairness among participating political parties.