A socio-political group in the South-South region has appealed to former President Goodluck Jonathan to consider contesting the 2027 presidential election, citing his experience in governance and commitment to democratic values.

The call was made in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, through a communiqué issued by the South-South Vanguard Renaissance Group and signed by its spokesperson, Mr Henry Tamuno.

Tamuno said the group believes Jonathan’s experience as president positions him to contribute meaningfully to national leadership at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic and governance challenges.

He noted that the former president’s leadership style and record in office continue to resonate with Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in the country.

Describing Jonathan as a seasoned democrat, Tamuno said his tenure demonstrated a commitment to national unity and democratic principles that deserve renewed consideration ahead of the 2027 polls.

He stressed that the group’s appeal was not driven by regional or sectional interests, insisting that leadership should be assessed based on competence, experience and a national outlook rather than geographical origin.

According to him, Nigerians are currently experiencing hardship under the administration of the All Progressives Congress, making it necessary to reassess leadership options ahead of the next general election.

Tamuno also cautioned against framing the 2027 election along regional lines, noting that Jonathan enjoyed broad national support during his time in office.

The group maintained that the forthcoming general election offers Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on leadership choices and demand policies that promote economic stability, national cohesion and inclusive governance.

He urged Nigerians to remain actively engaged in the democratic process and to continue expressing support for leaders capable of steering the country toward stability as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

The duo appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge filed by the Federal Government.

In the first count, Malami was accused of knowingly aiding terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office while he served as Attorney-General in November 2022.

The prosecution alleged that his failure to act amounted to abetment of terrorism financing, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Malami and his son were jointly charged in counts two to five for offences bordering on unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as engaging in conduct preparatory to acts of terrorism.

According to the charges, the defendants allegedly possessed, without a valid licence, a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in December 2025.

The prosecution contended that the possession of the firearm and ammunition constituted preparatory conduct for terrorism, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and relevant provisions of the Firearms Act, 2004.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read in open court.

Following their plea, prosecuting counsel, Dr C. S. Eze, informed the court that the case was ready for trial and applied for the defendants to be remanded in DSS custody pending the commencement of proceedings.

However, lead defence counsel, S. A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application for bail on behalf of the defendants.

Justice Abdulmalik declined the request, ruling that the court could only entertain a formal written bail application. She consequently directed the defence to file and serve the appropriate processes.

The judge adjourned the case to February 20, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.

The DSS had earlier sought the continued detention of the former AGF to conclude investigations into alleged terrorism financing following his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre in December 2025.

Malami was initially arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of conspiracy with his wife, Asabe, and their son to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities valued at about N8.7bn.

The EFCC alleged that the offences involved the use of multiple corporate entities, bank accounts and high-value real estate transactions in Abuja and other locations.

The former AGF, his wife and son were arraigned on December 29, 2025, on 16 counts bordering on money laundering and conspiracy, to which they pleaded not guilty.

Meanwhile, Malami has also challenged an interim court order forfeiting some of his properties to the Federal Government, insisting that the assets were legally acquired and duly declared.

The Senate on Tuesday failed once more to pass the much-anticipated Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, ending another lengthy closed-door deliberation without disclosing any concrete outcome.

Lawmakers spent over four hours in an executive session reviewing the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, chaired by Senator Simon Lalong, alongside submissions from a seven-member ad hoc committee set up to reconcile disagreements over contentious provisions of the bill.

Despite expectations of progress, plenary resumed around 5:35 pm with no clarity on whether the proposed reforms had advanced.

The closed session followed a motion by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, shortly after 1:00 pm, asking the chamber to dissolve into a Committee of the Whole for clause-by-clause consideration of the bill.

Although the ad hoc committee’s report was listed on the Order Paper for final consideration, senators chose to deliberate behind closed doors.

When the Senate reconvened, Senate President Godswill Akpabio offered only a vague summary, stating that discussions focused on matters concerning the Senate and the nation at large.

The chamber endorsed his remarks without further debate, after which the issue was effectively shelved.

Moments later, the Senate adjourned plenary till Wednesday, with no indication of when the bill would return for final passage or whether it had reached the third reading stage.

The continued delay has deepened uncertainty around the fate of the Electoral Act amendment, widely viewed as critical to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The bill seeks to close loopholes identified in recent polls, enhance transparency, and restore public confidence in elections.

Among the key proposals are mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results, stiffer penalties for electoral offences, updated legal recognition of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, and safeguards to protect vulnerable voters.

Other recommendations include criminalising the failure of election officials to properly endorse ballot papers and results.

Opposition parties have criticised the repeated postponements, warning that prolonged delays could undermine the credibility of future elections.

While the Senate insists the ad hoc committee will accelerate the process, Tuesday’s outcome suggests that consensus on the reforms remains elusive.

Late Senator Okey Ezea

Prominent political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, and ex–Senate President Ken Nnamani, on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to the late Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Okey Ezea, describing him as a principled legislator and a committed party man.

They spoke at a Service of Songs held in his honour at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.

Ezea, a member of the 10th Senate, died in November 2025 after a brief illness. In a statement signed by his son, Jideofor Ezea, the family said the lawmaker passed away at a private hospital in Lagos at about 11:07 pm.

Until his death, Ezea was widely regarded as one of the outspoken lawmakers from the South-East and a notable voice in the Red Chamber.

Speaking at the event, Akpabio described Ezea’s death as painful, noting that the National Assembly had suffered multiple losses in recent times.

He said the late senator was a disciplined legislator whose contributions on the Senate floor stood out, adding that his passing was a reminder of the fragility of life, even for those in public office.

Peter Obi, while addressing the senator’s children, said their father lived a consistent and exemplary life.

He described Ezea as one of the few politicians whose lifestyle reflected integrity, adding that Nigeria would be better governed if more leaders lived by similar values.

Also speaking, Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, described the late senator as a loyal and committed party member.

She said Ezea remained passionate about the welfare of his people even while battling health challenges, noting that the party would greatly miss his dedication.

Chairman of the occasion, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, recalled Ezea as a determined politician who never gave up on his aspirations, while Senator Victor Umeh described him as humble, gentle, and impactful both within the Senate and his constituency.

The event drew lawmakers, party leaders, and associates who gathered to honour the life and service of the late Enugu senator.