The presidency has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will make a careful decision on whether electronic transmission of election results should be fully implemented, taking into account the country’s present realities.

Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare explained that the president would be guided by national interest and practical considerations, especially infrastructure limitations, before assenting to any amendment on the matter.

The Senate recently passed an amendment to the Electoral Act approving electronic transmission of results from polling units to the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission, with provisions allowing manual transmission where network challenges occur.

The move followed sustained pressure from civil society groups calling for mandatory real-time electronic transmission.

Speaking during a television interview, Dare described Tinubu as a committed democrat who would act responsibly, stressing that no country operates a flawless electronic system.
Opposition parties react

The Peoples Democratic Party criticised the stance, arguing that the administration appears reluctant to guarantee real-time electronic transmission.

The party said the All Progressives Congress had previously supported electronic voting before assuming power and questioned why it now appears hesitant.

Similarly, the African Democratic Congress accused the federal government of making excuses for the electoral body, suggesting that resistance to electronic transmission reflects fears about transparency and the credibility of elections.

Political analyst Jide Ojo maintained that the fate of electronic transmission should not depend solely on the president, noting that electoral laws fall under the authority of the National Assembly.

He argued that the legislative provision allowing electronic transmission as a backup remains a practical compromise.

Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa said opposition to electronic transmission often stems from concerns about transparency, adding that both manual and electronic systems are vulnerable if not managed with integrity.

He also clarified that once the National Assembly passes an amendment, it is forwarded to the president for assent, and lawmakers retain the constitutional power to override a refusal.

Addressing infrastructure concerns, Itodo referenced findings from a joint committee of INEC and the Nigerian Communications Commission which indicated that most polling units already have some level of network coverage.

He added that electronic transmission was deployed in parts of the 2023 general elections, suggesting the current debate is more political than technical.

Lawmakers at the National Assembly are set to begin harmonisation of the Electoral Amendment Bill on Monday as efforts intensify to forward a unified version of the legislation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

Members of the joint conference committee drawn from the Senate and the House of Representatives have been given a one-week window to resolve differences in the versions earlier passed by both chambers.

Central to the deliberations are provisions relating to the electronic transmission of election results and the broader role of technology in collation.

The reconciliation process follows legislative procedure, which requires both chambers to produce a single agreed text when separate versions of a bill are adopted before it is transmitted to the president.

Public interest in the amendment has grown since controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections, particularly the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission to upload presidential election results to its Result Viewing Portal in real time.

The Senate had earlier passed the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026 after reviewing all 155 clauses, making adjustments to several sections while retaining the bulk of the original provisions.

One of the notable changes was the reduction of the timeframe for INEC to issue a notice of election from 360 days to 180 days.

The proposal was championed by Senator Tahir Monguno, who argued that the earlier timeline had become impractical and could hinder preparations for future elections.

The ongoing amendment process comes amid mounting pressure on lawmakers to finalise the legal framework guiding Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of upcoming polls, with debates continuing over transparency, credibility and public trust in the process.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, accusing the agency of acting in a partisan manner after what he described as a failed attempt to arrest former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai at an airport.

In a statement shared on social media, Atiku said he visited El-Rufai in solidarity following the incident, which reportedly occurred when the former governor returned to Nigeria.

He described El-Rufai as a key figure within the African Democratic Congress and condemned what he termed an unjustified move against him.

Photos posted online showed Atiku meeting privately with El-Rufai at his residence after the development.

The anti-corruption agency has yet to issue an official response to the allegation.
Rising political tension

The incident comes amid heightened political activity surrounding El-Rufai’s recent alignment with the ADC and his public criticism of federal authorities.

In recent weeks, the former governor had expressed concerns about possible actions by security agencies, citing his growing involvement in opposition politics.

Reports indicated that operatives attempted to stop him at the airport upon arrival, though no arrest was eventually made.

His aides claimed the officials did not present a warrant during the encounter, leading to a brief confrontation before he was allowed to leave the terminal.

As of the time of reporting, neither the ICPC nor any other security agency has formally confirmed the incident.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council, directing all commissioners and special advisers to hand over to permanent secretaries or the most senior officials in their ministries with immediate effect.

The decision was conveyed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi.

Fubara expressed appreciation to the outgoing council members for their service and wished them success in their future pursuits.

The move comes barely 48 hours after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, confirmed renewed reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving the prolonged political crisis in the state.

Wike had disclosed that President Bola Tinubu recently met with key political stakeholders from Rivers, including Governor Fubara and his predecessor, in a bid to ease tensions stemming from the power struggle in the state.

The closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa also involved other prominent leaders from Rivers.

The intervention followed an ongoing impeachment process initiated against the governor by lawmakers believed to be loyal to Wike — the third notice served so far — which has now become the subject of litigation.

Speaking after inspecting projects in Abuja earlier in the week, Wike said the peace meeting was convened at the instance of the President, expressing optimism that it would bring a lasting resolution to the crisis.

He urged both the state assembly and the governor to cooperate with the reconciliation process.

Observers had also noted that Fubara accompanied Wike to his Abuja residence after the Villa meeting, a development interpreted by some as a possible sign of easing tensions.

It remains uncertain, however, whether the pro-Wike lawmakers will withdraw the impeachment notice or if the ongoing talks will lead to a durable political settlement in the oil-rich state.

Justice Obiora Egwatu on Thursday stepped down from presiding over the Federal High Court’s asset forfeiture suit involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two others, citing personal reasons.

Addressing the court shortly after counsel for the parties made their appearances, Justice Egwatu said, “For personal reasons and in the interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case.”

He directed that the case file be forwarded to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.

The recusal comes amid a high-stakes legal battle over 57 properties valued at approximately ₦213.2 billion, which Justice Emeka Nwite had temporarily ordered forfeited to the Federal Government last month.

The interim forfeiture, granted on January 6, followed an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which claims the assets are suspected proceeds of unlawful activity linked to Malami and his sons.

The portfolio includes university buildings, hotels, plazas, filling stations, residential estates, and large tracts of land across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states.

Justice Nwite’s interim order also directed the EFCC to publish the notice in a national newspaper and invite interested parties to show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.

Malami, however, has challenged the forfeiture order, insisting that his wealth was lawfully acquired and fully declared to the relevant authorities.

He urged the court to dismiss the proceedings, warning against what he described as “conflicting outcomes” and “duplicative litigation,” while asserting that the action violates his rights to property, presumption of innocence, and family life.

He also sought to restrain the EFCC from interfering with his ownership, possession, and control of three specific properties listed in the EFCC’s application, noting that one property is held in trust for the estate of his late father, Kadi Malami.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed claims by ex-Ekiti State Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose, describing him as a “serial political gossip” and urging the public to disregard his so-called stories about vice-presidential arrangements.

Atiku clarified that during his recent visit to the residence of former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida, there were no discussions or negotiations regarding vice-presidential tickets.

Fayose had alleged that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde agreed to run as Atiku’s running mate in exchange for a ₦10 billion contribution, a claim Atiku’s camp calls entirely false.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, said, “Our attention has been drawn to a reckless fabrication titled ‘Between Atiku and Makinde, Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday,’ attributed to Peter Fayose.”

“Let it be stated clearly: the entire publication is a shameless concoction—a tissue of lies stitched together by a serial purveyor of political gossip.”

Shaibu added that there were no secret deals, zoning manipulations, or financial arrangements as alleged.

“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar’s political engagements are broad-based, principled, and national in scope—not the narrow, transactional theatrics invented in that publication.”

“Falsehood may trend briefly, but it collapses under the weight of truth,” the statement read.

The statement advised the public to treat Fayose’s claims with contempt and reiterated that Atiku conducts politics transparently, without secret deals, bribery, or transactional desperation.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has kicked off a nationwide membership drive aimed at strengthening its grassroots presence and positioning itself as a formidable contender in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the launch event in Abuja on Thursday, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, expressed confidence that the party would form the government in 2027.

He urged party officials to register all interested Nigerians, emphasizing that membership cards would be issued to anyone willing to abide by ADC’s rules.

“ADC is a new bride in town. Everywhere you go, people want to join ADC. The cards are out now, and this is the foundation we are laying for 2027,” Mark said.

The launch featured other key party leaders, including Registration Committee Chairman Kashim Imam, Deputy Chairperson and Head of Digital Platform Aisha Yesufu, and National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

They outlined the party’s approach to building a credible, transparent, and verifiable membership register.

In a keynote titled ‘A Register of Conviction, Not Convenience,’ Aregbesola warned against inflating membership figures with fake or duplicate entries.

“A party of ghosts cannot win elections, govern effectively, or hold its leaders accountable. Every member must be real, documented, and verified,” he said.

Yesufu highlighted the party’s digital registration platform, describing it as fast, secure, and accessible, including features like passport photos, QR codes, and verification via voters’ identification numbers.

Imam explained that membership cards would be issued on demand to avoid hoarding and that registration would be both manual and online to ensure wide accessibility.

“The ADC does not merely seek to participate in Nigeria’s democracy; we aim to redefine it,” Aregbesola said.

“We will govern ourselves with integrity first, ensuring transparency, accountability, and respect for all members. Only then can we expect Nigerians to trust us with their government.”

The party emphasized that this membership drive is the foundation for a disciplined, credible, and robust organization ready to challenge established political forces in 2027.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is set to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, following an attempted arrest by security operatives at the Abuja airport.

Ubong Esop Akpan, counsel to El-Rufai, disclosed that the former governor was approached by security personnel on Thursday afternoon upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt, via Egypt Air flight MS 877.

According to Akpan, the attempted arrest violated constitutional rights and demonstrated executive overreach.

“The EFCC had delivered an invitation to Malam El-Rufai while he was abroad, making an immediate arrest impractical and unreasonable. We formally communicated with the EFCC in December 2025, assuring that he would comply upon his return,” Akpan said.

The lawyer explained that the EFCC was notified that El-Rufai would voluntarily appear at their office at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, specifying the exact time and place.

“Arresting him despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” Akpan added.

He further argued that the attempt infringed on key constitutional provisions, including personal liberty, freedom of movement, and property rights.

“Despite intelligence suggesting plans to intercept him, Malam El-Rufai returned after medical treatment abroad, affirming his willingness to face any legitimate inquiry. This premeditated interception at the airport is a clear abuse of state power,” Akpan said.

The lawyer demanded the immediate cessation of all unlawful detention efforts, the return of El-Rufai’s passport, and a formal apology for the infringement of his rights.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of N873.78 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, with major spending planned for operations, technology, administration and capital projects.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Thursday during a budget defence session before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly.

He explained that preparations for the 2027 polls were already underway, in line with legal provisions requiring election funding to be approved at least 360 days before the exercise.

The session was chaired by Senator Simon Bako Lalong alongside his House of Representatives counterpart, Hon. Adebayo Balogun.

According to Amupitan, early appropriation is critical to ensure effective planning and smooth execution of the nationwide electoral process.

A breakdown of the proposal shows that election operations will take the largest share at N375.75 billion, covering core activities directly tied to the conduct of the polls.

Administrative expenses are projected at N92.31 billion, while N209.21 billion is earmarked for election technology, reflecting the commission’s continued reliance on digital and tech-driven systems.

INEC also proposed N154.90 billion for capital expenditure.

The four key components total N832.17 billion, with an additional N41.61 billion set aside for miscellaneous expenses, bringing the overall proposed budget for the 2027 elections to N873.78 billion.

Amupitan noted that the capital component is higher than in previous election budgets, explaining that several capital items previously not fully captured have now been consolidated into the 2027 proposal.

He added that detailed cost codes and itemised explanations for the proposed expenditure are contained in the supporting document submitted to the National Assembly.