INEC Releases Final List of Candidates for June 2026 Ekiti Governorship Election

INEC has released the final list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 Ekiti governorship election, clearing 12 political parties for the race. Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji will contest on the APC platform with Monisade Afuye as deputy, while the Labour Party fields Olajuyin Ikusayede Gbegbe Oyebanji. Younger contenders from NNPP and AAC are also in the race. Candidates’ qualifications range from primary school certificates to PhDs, sparking debate as campaigns intensify ahead of the poll.


#Ekiti2026 #INEC #GovernorshipElection #NigerianPolitics #EkitiDecides

Can Anyone Really Push Wike Out of Rivers Politics? FCT Minister Boasts of Unshakable Control, Defies Rivals, and Says Only His Camp Truly Delivered Tinubu’s 2023 Victory

Is Nyesom Wike still the most powerful political force in Rivers State, and can any group truly challenge his grip on the state’s politics? The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister has answered that question with confidence, declaring that no political camp can push him or his loyalists out of Rivers State, despite threats, attacks, and growing opposition since the 2023 general elections.

Speaking during a visit to the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area Secretariat, where he met party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth groups, Wike insisted that his political structure remains intact and battle-tested. “Nobody in this state can push us out. We have led this war since 2023 and we have never reneged,” he said, adding that his supporters had stood firm in the face of intense pressure.

The former Rivers governor explained that his ongoing tour of the state’s 23 local government areas was both a show of appreciation to his supporters and a rallying call to maintain backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. According to Wike, Rivers State remains one of the President’s most dependable strongholds.

“If there is one state the President knows he can go home and sleep with his two eyes closed, it is Rivers State,” he declared, arguing that his political camp paid the price for its early and unwavering commitment to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Wike also fired back at politicians he accused of opportunism, claiming that those who failed to support Tinubu in 2023 are now attempting to take over the Renewed Hope movement. He dismissed such efforts as dishonest and bound to fail. Using a vivid metaphor, he said they were like people who contributed nothing to a meal but suddenly wanted to eat first once the food was ready.

Describing Port Harcourt as a politically complex, cosmopolitan city, Wike said electoral victories there are particularly difficult, making any success significant. He further claimed that Rivers State is unique in its ability to bring leaders of the two major political parties together to work as a team—a strategy he said was central to Tinubu’s victory.

“This is the only state where you can see the leadership of two major political parties working as a team,” he said, urging other states to emulate Rivers rather than resent it.

While projecting strength, Wike also called for unity, humility, and responsive leadership within the state. “Leadership is not a birthright,” he warned, adding that good leaders must listen to the people and be willing to change when advised. He concluded by praising the Port Harcourt City council leadership for its cooperation and urged sustained unity to drive development.

His bold remarks raise key political questions: Is Wike’s dominance in Rivers truly unbreakable? Are his rivals capable of mounting a serious challenge? And will Rivers remain a decisive power base for Tinubu as the 2027 elections approach?

Prominent Kwara Cleric Warns APC, PDP Against Zoning 2027 Governorship Ticket Outside Ilorin, Traditional Rulers Back Kwara North Power Shift

Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kwara state, Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Labeeb Agbaji has warned political parties against zoning the governorship ticket outside Ilorin, stressing that doing so could result in electoral failure. While the cleric emphasized Ilorin’s central role in state development, leaders from Kwara North, including traditional rulers, are pushing for a historic power shift due to insecurity and underdevelopment in the region. The Emir of Yashikira and other monarchs highlighted the need for local security models and equitable governance, with Kwara South rulers expressing support for the initiative, signaling growing consensus for a Kwara North governor in 2027.

INEC Hosts PDP Factions

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has met with the two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP at its headquarters in Abuja.

The meetings aims at resolving the lingering leadership crisis within the PDP.

Chairman of the Commission Prof. Joash Amupitan says INEC has the responsibility in line with its mandate to resolve issues within political parties especially ahead of the FCT area councils election, Ekiti and Osun off cycle governorship elections.

On the entourage of the kabiru Turaki led national working committee is BoT chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Governor of Niger state Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, among others.

The Abdulrahaman Mohammed-led national working committee is accompanying by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Captain Umar Bature and a host of others.

Borno state independent electoral commission has commenced the distribution of sensitive and non sensitive materials to the twenty seven local government areas of the state ahead of December 13th local government election.

Chairman of the commission, Dr. Tahiru Shettima says the Commission is fully prepared for the chairmanship and councillorship election with measures in place to ensure no eligible voter is left out even in hard to reach areas, urging political parties to abide by the electoral guidelines and calling on voters to turn out in large numbers to exercise their civic duty.

Falana Warns Nigeria Risks Military Coup Without Political Pluralism, Open Civic Space

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has warned that Nigeria must urgently embrace political pluralism and expand civic freedoms to avoid the growing wave of military coups destabilising West Africa. Speaking on Channels TV, Falana said widespread poverty, insecurity, shrinking civic space, and the criminalisation of dissent are fueling public anger across the region. He criticised INEC for restricting the registration of ideological political parties and warned that Nigeria risks sliding toward a one-party state. Citing the recent failed coup in Benin Republic, Falana stressed that suppressing opposition, jailing critics, or limiting political space undermines democracy and increases instability.

Nigeria Withdraws Fighter Jets as order is restored in Benin Republic After Failed Coup

Nigeria has recalled the fighter aircraft deployed to Benin Republic after authorities confirmed that Sunday’s abrupt coup attempt had been contained and the situation stabilised. The jets, sent from Lagos for aerial surveillance, were ordered back after intelligence showed that loyalist forces had regained control of Cotonou and that Nigeria faced no immediate security risk.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported on X that the attempted takeover of President Patrice Talon’s government was swiftly foiled. The crisis began when mutineers attacked the president’s residence in the early hours. Their assault was repelled, prompting them to storm the national broadcaster, ORTB, where they attempted to seize the state signal. Benin’s security forces responded rapidly.

National Guard units surrounded the ORTB headquarters and cut off escape routes as they moved to isolate the rebels. “The situation is under control. The National Guard has everything surrounded,” a senior security official said. Local media, including 24 Hours in Benin, reported that some mutineers were still barricaded inside the TV station on Sunday evening, with negotiations underway for a peaceful surrender.

Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed that the coup attempt had been thwarted after soldiers briefly appeared on state TV claiming to remove President Talon, close borders, and suspend political parties. The presidency also reassured the public that Talon was safe, saying the regular army was steadily restoring order.

The coup plotters, identifying as the Military Committee for Refoundation and reportedly led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, had declared him “chairman of the military re-establishment committee” during their brief broadcast. West Africa continues to see a troubling rise in coups, raising fresh concerns about the region’s democratic stability.

Truly Atiku Abubakar was a founding member of both PDP and APC he is known to decamp from one party to another instead of staying to reform it, all the political parties in Nigeria

Anambra governorship election: “You’ll suffer” — AAC’s Ifemeludike alleges in new video as she warns Anambra residents against re-electing Governor Soludo.

African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Chioma Ifemeludike, has cautioned Anambra residents and alleged that they will “suffer” if they reelect Governor Chukwuma Soludo instead of voting for her in the November 8 election.

The Nollywood actress and producer criticized Soludo over the poor condition of roads in Awka, particularly Uche Ekwunife Crescent, which she described as “totally dilapidated.” She accused the governor of neglecting basic infrastructure while constructing a new Government House with “wide, paved roads for himself and his generations.”

Ifemeludike said Soludo’s administration has failed to deliver good governance or quality social amenities, claiming he is only interested in showmanship. “If you miss out, you will suffer for it because Soludo is not ready to provide real leadership,” she said.

In a Facebook post directed at the governor, she asked, “@ccsoludo, why are you afraid to repair the capital city’s bad roads? Awka shouldn’t look so rural and undeveloped. With FAAC, local allocations, and IGR, we should have Dubai/Taiwan-style infrastructure.”

She urged voters not to be deceived but to come out en masse to make a better choice on election day. “On November 8, you have a choice — and that choice is Chioma for governor 2025,” she declared.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that 16 political parties will participate in the Anambra governorship election.

INEC Yet to Show Readiness for Credible Polls — Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Using State Power to Intimidate Opposition


Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns over what he described as the declining independence of Nigeria’s electoral system and the misuse of state power ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, speaking through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, in an interview with Punch Newspaper, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using government institutions, including anti-corruption agencies, to intimidate opposition leaders and force mass defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The Constitution provides for freedom of association. As a democrat, Atiku Abubakar will not dictate to others whom they associate with. But it is clear that the Tinubu-led APC has been using state power to coerce opposition figures,” he said.


According to Atiku, the wave of defections across political parties does not reflect genuine political conviction but rather self-preservation by politicians seeking protection and personal gain.

“All of these defectors do not have the people’s interest at heart. What they are doing is to protect their own interests,” he added.


The former Vice President emphasized that despite the ongoing political realignments, ordinary Nigerians remain the ultimate deciders of the 2027 election outcome.

“It is Nigerians — the long-suffering, impoverished citizens who can hardly feed, educate their children, or access basic healthcare — who will determine the fate of 2027. The battle line has been drawn between the forces of good and evil,” Atiku declared.


He expressed disappointment that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to demonstrate genuine commitment to reforming the electoral process, warning that without concrete improvements, the 2027 elections could mirror past irregularities.

Atiku, however, expressed optimism that the will of the people would prevail over political manipulation and state-backed coercion.

NNPP Denies Plans to Endorse Tinubu for 2027 — “We’ve Made No Such Decision,” Says Party Chairman Agbo Major



The National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Agbo Major, has firmly denied speculations that the party plans to adopt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, Agbo Major clarified that the NNPP has not taken any formal decision to align with President Tinubu or the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing that such claims are unfounded.

“There are two separate issues here — individuals within the party who may be eyeing the APC, and the party itself as an institution,” he said.
“It is not unusual for political parties to explore collaborations for national stability, but as a party, the NNPP has made no such move or decision to adopt Tinubu or merge with the APC.”


Agbo Major also addressed the ongoing wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling APC, clarifying that former NNPP members, including Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who were expelled from the party, are acting independently and not on behalf of the NNPP.

Speaking on the political future of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Agbo Major noted that the governor’s case was “peculiar.”

“Governor Yusuf came into the NNPP through Kwankwaso’s movement and won the election. However, since assuming office, he’s been under intense control from Kwankwaso, who dictates his every move from Abuja,” he explained.
“If the governor decides to leave NNPP to free himself and serve the people of Kano more effectively, that’s understandable. We won’t hold it against him.”


When asked whether Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf could coexist in the APC, Agbo Major expressed doubt.

“It would be very difficult for both men to work together again under one roof unless the governor completely surrenders himself. Kwankwaso is extremely domineering — loyalty to him is total.”


Agbo Major’s statement comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as key figures across major parties reposition themselves for influence and power.

Benjamin Kalu Reflects on Nigeria’s 26 Years of Democracy, Calls for Renewed Commitment to Justice and Freedom

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, highlighting both its achievements and ongoing challenges 26 years after the country’s return to civilian rule.

In a video shared by Symfoni TV, Kalu reminisced about the nation’s optimism at the dawn of democracy in 1999, following decades of military dictatorship. He said Nigerians had hoped that the new era would usher in freedom, justice, and prosperity for all citizens.

Speaking during an update on the ongoing constitutional amendment process, Kalu stated that the 1999 Constitution was designed to lay the foundation for a Nigeria where citizens wield real power, rights are protected, and government institutions exist to serve the people.

However, he questioned whether that vision has been fully realized, noting that while progress has been made — including seven peaceful general elections and smooth power transitions between political parties — more work still lies ahead.

Kalu acknowledged that civil society has grown stronger, the media enjoys greater freedom, and the judiciary, despite challenges, continues to assert its independence.

He also emphasized the role of political parties as vital channels for citizen participation, noting that millions of Nigerians continue to cast their votes because they believe in the value of democracy.

“The Constitution of 1999 brought about the return of Nigeria to democratic governance 26 years ago. For a moment, there was great anticipation — we dared to think that a new era of freedom, justice, and prosperity was finally within reach,” Kalu reflected.

Kalu concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain steadfast in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that the ideals envisioned at the beginning of civilian rule continue to guide the nation’s path forward.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the start of campaigns for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections. Campaigns officially began on September 24, 2025, and will run until February 19, 2026, in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s timetable.

INEC reminded political parties and candidates to avoid hate speech, violence, and destruction of opponents’ campaign materials. It also stressed that all parties must have equal access to public facilities and media, while the use of incumbency for advantage is prohibited.

The FCT area council elections are scheduled to hold on February 21, 2026.

INEC Clears 14 Groups, Rejects 157 In Fresh Political Party Applications.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 14 political associations have cleared the first hurdle in their bid for registration as political parties, while 157 others have failed to meet the preliminary requirements.

Photos: INEC Presents Certificates Of Return To Winners Of Bye-Elections
Naija News reports that the decision was taken at INEC’s regular meeting on Thursday, during which the commission also reviewed preparations for the November off-cycle governorship polls and the FCT Area Council elections.

The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed that INEC received 171 applications.

Olumekun said in a statement, “Each request was assessed based on its prima facie compliance with the provisions of Section 222 of the Constitution, Section 79 (1, 2 and 4) of the Electoral Act 2022, and Clause 2 (i and ii) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.”

Of the applications, 14 associations satisfied the initial criteria, while 157 did not. INEC said it will notify all applicants of its decision within 24 hours.

Olumekun cautioned that scaling the first stage does not guarantee registration.

“In addition to uploading the required information to the portal, the commission will physically verify all claims by each association. The final determination of their registrability will be made after this verification to ensure full compliance with the legal framework,” he explained.

The interim chairmen and secretaries of the 14 associations have been invited to a briefing on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Tinubu Didn’t Sign Peace Accord, Committee Can’t Force Edo PDP — Kukah
“It’s a pity but we are not going to take anybody to court for not signing the Peace Accord," he said.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan-Kukah, says the failure of political parties and their candidates to sign the Peace Accord to shun electoral violence sends a wrong signal to Nigerians.

2027: Jonathan keeps mum as northern opposition intensifies pressure.

Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, pressure is mounting on former President, Goodluck Jonathan to join the race.

The former president is under pressure, especially from the northern opposition, to declare his interest to run against President Bola Tinubu.

Jonathan served as Nigerian president for about five years.

The former Bayelsa State governor became a president by chance following the death of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in May 2010.

Yar’Adua served as the president of Nigeria from 2007 until his death in May 2010.

He won the Nigerian presidential election held on 21 April, 2007, and was sworn in on 29 May 2007.

On Thursday May 6, 2010, Jonathan was sworn in as 14th head of state and 4th executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

After completing the tenure of Yar’Adua, Jonathan contested and won the presidential election in 2011 but was defeated by the coalition of political parties under the All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2015, in his second attempt.

Atiku Abubakar Declares 7th Presidential Ambition on ADC Platform

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is preparing for another run at Nigeria’s presidency, this time on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

At 78, Abubakar has been in the race for Nigeria’s top office since 1993, contesting under various political parties without success. His most recent attempt was in 2023, when he ran on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket but lost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abubakar’s defection to the ADC earlier this year has sparked fresh debate about his political relevance. While some see him as a persistent statesman, others question the sustainability of his ambition.


Insiders say Abubakar’s ambition is unsettling many original ADC promoters. “It’s not about Atiku’s credentials, it’s the perception of perpetual ambition without results,” a senior party source said.

In his home state, Adamawa, the reception has been tepid. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has stayed away, while the PDP in the state openly rejected following Abubakar into the ADC. State party chairman Ibrahim Tahir argued that the former vice president would gain more respect as an elder statesman rather than continuing as a presidential contender.


The defection has also highlighted cracks in Abubakar’s network. Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, denied rumors of aligning with him in the ADC. Ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai is also said to be uneasy about the move.

Political analysts believe the lack of a strong base and the relatively weak structure of the ADC could make his 2027 campaign less formidable than his previous bids.


Despite the doubts, Abubakar’s loyalists maintain that he is a credible option. Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a Port Harcourt politician and former aide, said:

“You can’t deny him his right to contest. As a Nigerian, he is free to contest the 2027 presidential election, no matter what people feel about his candidature.”



He also dismissed zoning concerns, insisting the North is still entitled to produce a president.

As 2027 approaches, Atiku’s latest presidential ambition may prove to be his most challenging yet, with questions over age, political structure, and fractured alliances clouding his path.

#AtikuAbubakar #ADC #NigeriaPolitics #Elections2027 #BreakingNews #PDP #APC

Wike Purchases $2 Million Florida Mansion Under Wife and Children’s Names.

Fresh disclosures from U.S. public records have revealed that Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, acquired a $2 million mansion in Florida through his wife and children.

The property, it is understood, is located on Spring Creek Lane in Winter Springs, Florida, and was purchased in March 2025 and registered under the names of Wike’s wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, and their children, Joaquin, Jazmyne, and Jordan.

The records further indicate that Justice Eberechi Wike, currently serving as a judge in Nigeria, is also a registered member of the U.S. Democratic Party—an affiliation that appears to conflict with provisions of Nigeria’s Judicial Code of Conduct.

Sources familiar with the transaction revealed that Wike deliberately kept his own name off the property deed, allegedly to avoid questions over asset disclosure and the source of funds, a report by West Africa Weekly alleged.

The mansion, built in 1997, is a two-storey structure sitting on a 4,076-square-foot lot, with a garage and two parking spaces. It is located at 113 Spring Creek Lane, Winter Springs, Florida 32708.

It can be recalled that has previously been linked to a $3.6 billion land scandal in the FCT. The minister was found to have splurged Abuja properties on his family members, particularly his two sons.

Now, critics have questioned how a cabinet minister, whose official annual salary and allowances amount to about ₦7.8 million (roughly $5,000), could afford a multimillion-dollar U.S. property. The development has raised concerns about possible breaches of Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Attention has also turned to Justice Eberechi Wike’s role in the acquisition. Legal experts note that under the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, judges are required to avoid situations that could compromise, or appear to compromise, their impartiality. Rule 9.3a of the Code specifically bars judicial officers from belonging to political parties or organizations whose activities are likely to expose them to public controversy.

PDP, ADC, LP kick as APC sweeps bye-elections.

By Clifford Ndujihe, Vincent Unumadu, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Omeiza Ajayi, John Alechenu, Wole Mosadomi, Ozioruva Aliu, Bashir Bello, Femi Bolaji, James Ogunnaike, Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo, Mohammed Abubakar, Luminous Jannamike & Adeola Badru

THE All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, showed its electoral might by clinching 12 of the 16 legislative seats contested in Saturday’s bye-elections across 12 states of the country.

According to the results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the APC won all seats on offer in the bye-polls in Ogun, Edo, Niger, Kaduna, Taraba, Jigawa, Adamawa and Kogi.

It shared the two seats in Kano with the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP but had no answer to the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra; and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Oyo. As it is, the APC won in 12 constituencies; APGA won in two; PDP won in one, and NNPP in one.

On a day President Bola Tinubu saluted the victors across party lines, opposition parties, including PDP, LP, coalition-backed African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, picked holes in the bye-elections, which they said were rigged.

They also warned that repeating same in 2027 would spell doom for the polity.

In Kano, the APC and NNPP shared the two seats contested. The APC defeated the ruling NNPP, in the rerun election for Ghari/Tsanyawa state constituency seat

Declaring the result, the INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Mohammed Yusuf, announced APC’s candidate, Ya’u Garba Gwarmai, winner with 31,472 votes, defeating his closest rival, Mohammed Yusuf Ali of the NNPP, who polled 27,931 votes.

FG Reacts as Canadian Court Labels APC, PDP as Terrorist Groups.

The Federal Government has condemned a Canadian Federal Court ruling that classified Nigeria’s two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as terrorist organisations.

The government’s reaction was contained in a statement on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa. According to the government, the label, linked to an immigration case involving Nigerian national Douglas Egharevba, was “reckless, baseless, and an unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.”

Egharevba, who arrived in Canada in 2017 seeking refugee status, had his case reviewed under allegations that certain Nigerian political parties had terrorist affiliations. The court in its judgment extended the allegations to the APC and PDP.

“The Court made a sweeping accusation against the entire membership of political parties that have produced democratically elected presidents, instead of focusing on individuals found guilty of offences,” the ministry said. “Such classification is false, unacceptable, and carries dangerous implications.”

The government stressed that Nigeria’s political parties operate within a robust constitutional and legal framework, warning that the ruling could spread misinformation and inflame tensions.

Calling on Ottawa to retract the designation, the FG urged Canadian authorities to avoid endorsing politically motivated narratives that misrepresent Nigeria’s democratic system. It reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fighting terrorism and cooperating on global security, while cautioning citizens against misrepresenting the country for asylum or immigration advantages.

“Nigeria remains committed to the global fight against terrorism and has made significant strides in countering extremism. The international community should disregard this misguided ruling,” the statement said.