Author: Damilola

President Bola Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) Bill into law, concluding months of deliberations and revisions by the national assembly. The legislation was formally endorsed at about 5:00 pm on Wednesday at the State House in Abuja, with senior leaders of the national assembly in attendance. Lawmakers had passed the bill a day earlier after revisiting contentious provisions. Addressing guests shortly after the signing, Tinubu praised the legislature for what he described as constructive engagement in refining the law. “The essence of democracy is to have very solid brainstorming discussions committed to national development and nation building,…

Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has argued that mandating electronic transmission of election results will not automatically ensure credible elections in Nigeria. Sani made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television, reacting to public backlash over the senate’s decision not to make real-time electronic transmission compulsory in the amended Electoral Act. The controversy has sparked protests in Abuja, with tensions spilling into the national assembly. Both the senate and the house of representatives witnessed heated exchanges on Tuesday, with some lawmakers staging a walkout during plenary. Addressing the debate, Sani said while technology can improve transparency,…

At least two people were reportedly killed on Wednesday after violence broke out during the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress in Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State. Several others sustained injuries in the clash, which also saw a vehicle set ablaze. The disturbance followed closely on the heels of another disruption less than 24 hours earlier, when suspected political thugs invaded a stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s secretariat in Akure. That meeting was chaired by the state APC chairman, Ade Adetimehin. Sources in Idanre said the ward congress could not proceed in some areas after hoodlums…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set February 26, 2026, as the closing date for registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The announcement was made on Wednesday in a statement issued by JAMB’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin. According to the board, the sale of e-PINs — required for candidates to begin the registration process — will end at midnight on Thursday, February 26, 2026. However, candidates who have already purchased their e-PINs will still be able to complete their registration at accredited centres until Saturday, February 28, 2026. JAMB disclosed that more than 1.5 million…

Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has projected that the naira could strengthen to about N1,100 against the US dollar before the end of the year, expressing confidence in the impact of ongoing economic reforms. Dangote spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the unveiling of the Nigeria Industrial Policy, an event attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima and other senior officials. According to Channels Television, he said recent policy measures by the federal government are already yielding visible gains, particularly for manufacturers. “I mean, today, if you look at it, Your Excellency, I believe with the policies that you have…

Bukayo Saka has agreed a new long-term contract with Arsenal F.C., making him the highest-paid player at the club. According to the BBC, negotiations between the winger and the North London side have been concluded, with both parties settling on a five-year extension. Under the improved terms, Saka is set to earn about £300,000 per week. His previous deal had been due to run out next summer, prompting Arsenal to secure the 24-year-old’s future well in advance. The development comes as a significant lift for manager Mikel Arteta, whose side remain in contention across four competitions as they chase their…

Former Abia State governor and senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has said he will not support the re-election bid of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, in the 2027 governorship election. Kalu, who spoke during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, emphasised that political allegiance must take precedence over personal relationships. While acknowledging his cordial relationship with Otti, Kalu maintained that their differing party affiliations make it inevitable for them to stand on opposite sides of the contest. The senator is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), whereas Otti belongs to the Labour Party. “I always…

The South East chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the federal government of fueling the party’s lingering internal crisis as part of a broader scheme to sideline it from the 2027 general elections. The allegation was raised on Tuesday by the party’s South East Vice Chairman, Ali Odefa, during the inauguration of the Abia State PDP Caretaker Committee at the party’s zonal secretariat in Enugu. Odefa argued that the leadership disputes rocking the PDP are neither accidental nor organic but are being driven by forces aligned with the administration of President Bola Tinubu. According to him, the…

The Senate has revised clause 28 of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, reducing the mandatory notice period for general elections from 360 days to 300 days in a move aimed at preventing a potential clash between the 2027 polls and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The upper chamber rescinded its earlier passage of the bill and returned it to the committee of the whole after concerns emerged that the 360-day requirement could compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to schedule the presidential and national assembly elections during Ramadan. Senate leader and lawmaker representing Ekiti central,…

The Football Federation of Iran has announced that the country’s senior men’s team will square off against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in an international friendly on March 27. Tehran Times, a government-owned news platform, reported that Amirmahdi Alavai, spokesperson of the Iranian FA, confirmed the scheduled encounter on Tuesday. The exact venue and kick-off time are still to be determined. The match is part of Iran’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. In addition to facing Nigeria, Iran are set to play Costa Rica in another preparatory friendly on…