The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 local government elections, citing recent changes in Nigeria’s electoral legal framework.

In the updated timetable obtained by DAILY GAZETTE and endorsed by the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Chris Ngwu, ENSIEC explained that the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.

The commission noted that the new schedule is designed to align the electoral process with the provisions of the updated law and other relevant statutes governing elections in the state.

ENSIEC recalled that it had earlier issued a notice of election on August 20, 2025, along with an initial timetable.

However, the revised framework now provides a fresh sequence of activities leading to the polls.

According to the commission, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between January 23 and May 26, 2026, in line with the Electoral Act 2026.

Campaigns are scheduled to commence on April 29, 2026, and will end on September 25, 2026, a day before the election.

The submission of nomination forms by political parties will close on May 29, 2026, while the publication of candidates’ personal particulars is slated for June 19, 2026.

The final list of nominated candidates will be released on July 27, 2026.

Other key activities include the submission of polling agents by August 31, 2026, and the publication of the official notice of poll on September 11, 2026.

The commission confirmed that the local government elections will take place on September 26, 2026, with voting expected to run from 8am to 3pm using the open secret ballot system.

In the event of inconclusive outcomes, rerun elections will be conducted on October 10, 2026.

ENSIEC reaffirmed that the revised timetable was issued in line with its constitutional responsibilities and in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable laws.

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State have distanced themselves from moves to endorse the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, for a third term ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party stakeholders described as undemocratic the call by former Deputy Governor, Rev. Peter Obadan, for Agbebaku to emerge as the sole candidate of the APC in the constituency.

Obadan had urged political actors across Owan to rally behind the Speaker, citing his performance, relationship with constituents, and what he termed an inclusive leadership style.

He also credited Agbebaku with maintaining stability in the Assembly and sustaining a cordial relationship with the executive arm of government.

However, APC leaders in Owan West rejected the endorsement, insisting that it does not reflect the position of the party at the grassroots.

They argued that the constituency has not witnessed satisfactory representation under the Speaker.

In a statement signed by key party officials, including Osumah Raymond, Ayeni Iyabo, and Frank David, the leaders urged party members and stakeholders to disregard Obadan’s appeal, describing it as lacking legitimacy.

They further alleged that Agbebaku’s role during the last governorship election contributed to internal divisions within the party, claiming that some members were subjected to intimidation and harassment.

The leaders also questioned his alignment with the party structure at the ward and local government levels, insisting he is yet to be fully recognised within the APC leadership framework in Owan West.

Reaffirming their stance, they maintained that any attempt to impose a sole candidate would undermine internal democracy within the party.
Reacting to the development, Agbebaku insisted he remains a loyal and bona fide member of the APC.

The Speaker had defected to the APC in May 2025 alongside two other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will only support National Assembly aspirants with proven records of achievement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor made this known during the commissioning and inspection of projects executed by the Senator representing Ebonyi North, Peter Nwebonyi. Nwifuru was represented at the event by the state APC chairman, Stanley Emegha.

According to him, the party is shifting its focus toward performance-based evaluation, stressing that only candidates who have delivered tangible results in office will be considered for tickets in the next election cycle.

He praised Senator Nwebonyi for initiating impactful projects in his constituency, including the construction of a three-bedroom bungalow for a local party leader, describing such efforts as beneficial to grassroots development and political inclusion.

Nwifuru noted that initiatives like these not only improve living conditions but also encourage greater participation of women in politics.

He urged other lawmakers to follow similar examples by investing in meaningful projects that directly affect their constituents.

“The era of automatic tickets is over. Only those who can point to visible achievements will be given another opportunity to represent the party,” he said, warning that underperforming lawmakers risk being sidelined in 2027.

In his remarks, Senator Nwebonyi explained that his projects were aimed at supporting the developmental agenda of the state government.

He added that some of the interventions, particularly in education, were designed to address the rising number of out-of-school children in the district.

He highlighted the construction of classroom blocks and other facilities across communities as part of efforts to improve learning conditions and encourage school attendance.

Community leaders and traditional rulers who attended the events expressed satisfaction with the projects delivered, citing improvements in infrastructure such as roads, schools, and street lighting across Abakaliki, Izzi, and Ebonyi local government areas.

Nwebonyi reaffirmed his commitment to raising the standard of representation, stating that he aims to set a benchmark that would be difficult to surpass if given another mandate in 2027.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party has reaffirmed that Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe remains the party’s legitimate National Chairman, dismissing claims suggesting otherwise.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the leadership emphasized that no court ruling has removed Gombe from office.

It added that his position has been duly confirmed by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

The party accused some individuals of spreading misinformation, warning that repeated false claims could mislead the public if not countered with facts.

According to the statement, recent court judgments related to party primaries in Ekiti and Osun states did not address or alter the party’s leadership structure.

Clarifying the legal issues, the SDP explained that a case filed by Babatunde Tosin Fayemi at the Court of Appeal focused solely on disputes arising from the Ekiti governorship primaries. Tl

The court, presided over by Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, ruled on March 27, 2026, that leadership matters within political parties fall outside judicial jurisdiction and remain internal affairs.

The statement further noted that former chairman Shehu Musa Gabam was neither part of the suit nor mentioned in the court’s judgment.

It maintained that Gabam is no longer a member of the party, having been expelled over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office—decisions that were ratified by the NEC in March 2026.

Reiterating its stance, the SDP said it would not engage with expelled members, particularly those facing ongoing legal proceedings.

The party stressed that Gombe continues to lead its affairs and that its internal structures remain stable.

The NWC also assured members and supporters nationwide that the party is focused on strengthening its base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It highlighted ongoing efforts such as membership registration, organizational expansion, and collaboration with like-minded political and socio-cultural groups.

According to the party, these steps are part of a broader strategy to position the SDP as a credible alternative capable of driving national transformation and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

The Federal Government has downplayed concerns following a recent advisory by the United States authorising the withdrawal of non-essential personnel from its embassy in Abuja, describing the action as a standard precaution rather than a reflection of Nigeria’s overall security situation.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement issued through his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, reassured Nigerians and the international community that the country remains stable, with normal activities ongoing across sectors.

According to the minister, the US decision was based on its internal security protocols and should not be interpreted as an indication of widespread insecurity in Nigeria.

He acknowledged that while certain areas continue to face security challenges, these are limited and do not represent the general state of the nation. He stressed that law and order remain intact in most parts of the country.

Idris highlighted ongoing efforts by security agencies, noting that coordinated military operations and intelligence-driven strategies have continued to yield positive results.

He added that these efforts have helped to weaken criminal networks and improve safety in affected regions.

“Our security agencies are working tirelessly to protect lives and property, and the progress made is becoming increasingly visible,” he said.

The government also reaffirmed Nigeria’s position as a safe destination for investment, tourism, and business activities, pointing to ongoing economic reforms aimed at strengthening investor confidence and international partnerships.

While recognising the right of countries to issue travel advisories, the Federal Government called for fair and updated assessments that reflect the realities on ground.

It further urged international partners to maintain active engagement with Nigerian authorities to gain a clearer and more accurate understanding of the country’s security landscape.

Reiterating its commitment to national security, the government assured citizens and visitors alike of sustained efforts to enhance safety and preserve Nigeria’s image as a secure and welcoming nation.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed strong optimism about its long-term political future, stating that the party has the capacity to remain in power in Nigeria for the next 100 years.

This position was made known by the Yobe State Chairman of the party, Muhammad Gadaka, during the 2026 Yobe Leadership and Innovation Summit held in Damaturu.

Represented at the event by the State Youth Leader, Muhammad Musa Gulani, Gadaka said the APC’s policies and programmes have positioned it as a dominant political force capable of sustaining governance across all levels—federal, state, and local—for decades to come.

According to him, the party remains committed to improving the lives of Nigerians and building a stronger, more united nation.

He added that with continued strategic planning and effective implementation of policies, the APC can maintain its leadership role well into the future.

He also called on Nigerians to remain patient and supportive, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms will eventually yield positive results for citizens, particularly in the area of economic development.

Gadaka noted that the party is currently reviewing its progress while refining its strategies to ensure that its policies translate into measurable impact nationwide.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Convener of the summit, Faruk Abdullahi Chiromari, said the gathering was organised to highlight the achievements of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni.

He praised the governor for creating opportunities for young people to actively participate in governance, noting that many youths in the state have been appointed into key roles, including commissioners, advisers, and members of various government agencies.

Chiromari added that the administration has demonstrated confidence in youth capacity, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to governance and development in Yobe State.

A Federal High Court sitting in Yola, Adamawa State, has ordered the suspension of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) state congress following an escalating leadership dispute within the party.

The crisis is linked to a power struggle between former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and former governorship candidate, Aisha Dahiru Binani.

Despite the court order, the party’s congress committee insisted that the exercise at the polling unit, ward, and local government levels was ongoing.

Chairman of the committee, General Ishaya Bauka, made this known during a press briefing in Yola, dismissing reports of the suspension as mere speculation.

However, Justice Ahmed Isah of High Court No. 6 issued an order restraining the conduct of the congress pending the determination of a suit before the court.

The case has been adjourned to April 15, 2026, for further hearing.

The legal action was initiated by the state chairman of the party, Comrade Shehu Yuhanna, against the state transition committee led by Barrister Sadiq Dasin.

Yuhanna alleged that he was sidelined in the planning and execution of the congress.
The ADC in Adamawa has been grappling with internal crisis, which intensified following the defection of several prominent political figures into the party.

At the heart of the dispute is the contest over party leadership in the state.

Babachir is reportedly backing Mustapha Arabi as the state chairman, in place of Yuhanna, who currently occupies the position.

This disagreement has triggered a series of legal and political battles.

To manage the situation, a caretaker transition committee headed by Sadiq Dasin was constituted.

However, another faction loyal to Senator Binani, led by Sai’du Komsiri and supported by Umar Bello Jada, a member of the party’s National Working Committee, emerged as a parallel leadership structure.

With at least three factions now laying claim to the party’s leadership in Adamawa, Yuhanna approached the court to challenge the legitimacy of both the Dasin-led committee and the Komsiri faction.