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Osun Governorship: PDP Missing As INEC Clears Adeleke, Accord Party, 13 Others

February 15, 2026

Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has cleared 14 political parties to participate in the governorship election of Osun state, slated for August 8 this year.

The personal particulars of candidates and their running mates for the upcoming governorship election in Osun State were released, except that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) missing.

A statement issued on Sunday by INEC’s Public Affairs Officer in Osun State, Musa Olurode highlighted the development.

The statement, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, confirmed that 14 political parties successfully uploaded the names and required documents of their candidates within the stipulated timeframe.

“The submission followed the conclusion of party primaries and the closure of the designated portal for uploading candidates’ particulars,” the statement said.

The qualifying parties are Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The PDP, which produced the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, is missing in the published list.

INEC explained that the list was released from its headquarters in Abuja after verifying that all submissions met constitutional and regulatory requirements.

The publication was carried out in accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Item 4 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Osun State Governorship Election.

The Commission noted that copies of each candidate’s Form EC9, academic credentials, and other supporting documents will be displayed at its state office and all local government offices.

The documents will be available for inspection from Monday, 16 February 2026, at the state office, all 30 local government area offices, and the area office in Osun State.

“The Commission hereby notifies political parties and the general public that fourteen political parties have successfully complied with the requirements within the stipulated timeframe,” the statement added.

INEC advised political parties, candidates, and members of the public to inspect the published documents as provided by law and clarified that only the fourteen listed parties are eligible to participate in the forthcoming governorship election, having met the necessary conditions within the prescribed period.

Meanwhile, Dr. Agboke reassured stakeholders of the Commission’s commitment to transparency and professionalism.

“The Commission remains firmly committed to the conduct of credible elections in accordance with the law and best democratic practices,” he said.

The election is fixed for August 8, 2026, while political campaigns are slated to kick off on March 11, 2026.

Umahi To Ndigbo: “Tell Our Brother, Peter Obi That It Is Not Yet Our Time To Be President Of Nigeria”

Suleiman Anyalewechi

February 15, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For the umpteenth time, Engr David Nwaeze Umahi, the Minister of Works, has said it is not yet time for his Igbo kits and Kin to aspire to govern Nigeria at the highest level-

Peter Obi, a former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, Umahi insisted, should be so told in a clear and unmistakable terms to bury his ambition of contesting for the country’s topmost job in 2027 and back the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during an assessment tour of the reconstruction of the Aba end of the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway, Umahi the immediate past Governor of Ebonyi state, expressed serious fears that Obi’s insistence on vying for the Presidency could have disastrous consequences for Ndigbo and South East region.

The Source reports that Obi, who commands a significant following in contemporary Nigeria’s democratic arrangement through his people-centred and vocal Obidient Movement, has signaled his unflinching commitment and intention to be on the ballot come 2027.

The former LP Presidential flag bearer who is among some prominent political figures behind the emerging opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has also sworn never to be a running mate to anybody in the count down to the 2027 presidential race.

However, Umahi said rather than throwing his hat into the ring, Obi, who is widely perceived as the candidate to beat should subordinate his ambition to a wider South East strategic political blueprint aimed at supporting President Tinubu for a second tenure.

According to the Minister of Works, the president having erased the nightmarish word “marginalization” from the memory of Ndigbo through intentional integration of South Easterners into mainstream governance, deserved to be appreciated and his gestures reciprocated by the people of the region.

“Unless we are not telling ourselves the truth, there is no more marginalization in the South East”, the Works Minister said.

Citing his appointment as the first and only Nigeria’s Minister of Works of Igbo extraction, as well as an avalanche of Federal Government ongoing projects

and infrastructural facilities in the South East, Umahi explained that it will not augur well for the interest of the region should Obi insist on contesting for the presidency in 2027.

“Before now, the region had never had the opportunity to be appointed to the position of Minister of Works. It is time for the South East to be strategic, and support President Tinubu. We should tell our brother Peter Obi that it is not yet our turn to be president of Nigeria.

“To have given the South East the Minister of Works portfolio, President Tinubu has shown interest and respect for the region. Before now, the region had never occupied the position.

“You can, therefore, see the intention and good heart of the President. So, I believe that the time is now ripe for us to reciprocate his gestures.

“We should not engage in sentiments. We should not engage in non-strategic moves ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We should be bold and sincere enough to tell our brother, Peter Obi that it is not yet our turn. When it is our turn, Nigerians and South Easterners will know that it is truly our turn,

” Never in the history of Nigeria have we, the South East region, benefited so much in terms of Federal Government-backed development projects ,and infrastructural facilities.

” I was a Deputy Governor, and then Governor for eight years, no single Federal Government project came to Ebonyi state throughout the period.

But today, Ebonyi can boast of a number of Federal Government projects that are ongoing. We can boast of trillions of Naira projects ongoing in the South East region just like in other regions of the country” Umahi noted.

He, however, expressed serious concern that these ongoing projects and developmental strides already made may suffer abandonment should President Tinubu not be returned for a second term in office.

El-Rufai Once Masterminded My Abduction, Detention – Activist Kefas Claims

Ayodele Oni

February 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Activist Steven Kefas, has revealed that he was once a victim of abduction and unlawful arrest allegedly masterminded by the former Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai.

Kefas gave an account of the scary story of his alleged abduction and unlawful arrest in 2019 on the orders of El-Rufai when he served as Governor of Kaduna State.

Kefas, who took to his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, February 15, 2026, gave a vivid account of how he was allegedly tracked, trailed, abducted, and unlawfully detained by plainclothes police officers he said were allegedly deployed by El‑Rufai.

The Activist further alleged that El-Rufai’s men followed him to Port Harcourt and arrested him without a valid warrant of arrest.

In the words of Kefas; “The deployed officers on arresting me, immediately seized my phones to prevented me from making calls.

“They also instructed the Mini Okoro Police Station, where I was detained, not to allow anyone to see or speak with me.

“The situation changed around 8 p.m. after I pleaded with a policewoman, who was elderly and compassionate, to help me contact my family.

“The officer used her personal phone to call my brother, a move I believe saved my life and prevented me from the ‘Dadiyata model” outcome,” he explained.

Kefas also alleged that when the officers returned at about 5 a.m. on May 9, 2019, to transport him to Kaduna State, they appeared surprised to discover that news of his abduction had spread across the media.

In his words; “They had no choice but to take me to Kaduna alive”.

Kefas referenced the torturing experience and said; “I had to endure the harsh and tortuous experiences on the way and in detention.

He assured that the details of what took place while he was in prison would be shared at a later date and time.

Kefas disclosure comes as El-Rufai on Friday on Arise Television programme, alleged a plot to abduct him from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

El-Rufai alleged that Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met and decided on his abduction.

Again, El-Rufai Accuses NSA Of Importing Poisonous Chemical Into Nigeria, Demands Purpose

Ayodele Oni

February 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

As altercations between the office of the National Security Adviser and former Governor of Kaduna state gets messier, the social media is awash with a letter written by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai accusing the National Security Adviser, (NSA) to the President, Nuhu Ribadu of allegedly importing into the country poisonous substance allegedly meant for assassination.

Former Kaduna State Governor’s letter was dated January 30, 2026, to the Office of the National Security Adviser, and received on February 11, 2026 by ONSA. In the letter, El-Rufai is seeking clarification over the alleged procurement of a toxic chemical substance, Thallium Sulphate, reportedly by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

In a letter addressed to the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja, acting “as a concerned citizen” in requesting details about what he described as the procurement of “approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate” allegedly sourced from a supplier in Poland.

According to Science Direct, Thallium sulfate is a highly toxic, tasteless, odourless, and colourless crystalline powder, historically used as a potent rodenticide and insecticide.

Due to extreme toxicity, with a human fatal dose as low as 8–12 mg/kg, it is tightly restricted or banned in many countries.

It mimics potassium in the body, causing severe nervous system damage, hair loss, and potential death.

The letter, titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” raised a number of questions about the purpose, regulatory compliance and safety arrangements surrounding the reported acquisition.

“I am writing as a concerned citizen to seek clarification and reassurance regarding information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), reportedly from a supplier in Poland.

“Given that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, I believe it is important – for public safety, democratic accountability and for maintaining public trust – to confirm the following details.

“The intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate. The supplier identity and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit.

“The total quantity and specific form or concentration being procured or already procured. The storage and security arrangements for the material upon arrival.

“The regulatory oversight and coordination in place with NAFDAC, NCDC, and relevant public-health and environmental agencies. Whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been developed, given the compound’s extreme toxicity.”

El-Rufai emphasised that his inquiry was not intended to inflame tensions, but to ensure due process and transparency.

“I want to stress that this inquiry is made in good faith, solely to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed.

“Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed,” he stated.

He further requested continued engagement from the National Security Adviser’s office, writing, “If possible, I would appreciate a response or a point of contact within your office for further engagement to reassure those of us that are Nigerian citizens in opposition.”

El-Rufai further revealed that copies of the correspondence are sent to the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as well as the National Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Suspected ISWAP Members Attack Military Barrack In Borno

Ayodele Oni

February 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Casualties among military personnel have been reported as suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a Nigerian military camp in Pulka, Borno State, late Saturday night.

Local sources reported that the attack lasted approximately one- and- a -half hours, during which heavy gunfire was heard across the town.

Data from the Fire Incident and Risk Management System (FIRMS) indicate that the camp was set ablaze during the attack.

Several casualties among military personnel were reported, though official figures had not yet been released at press time.

Security operatives are said to have responded to the incident, but details on the outcome of any counter-operations remain unclear.

On Friday, SaharaReporters reported that suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters abducted five civilians in Doro Baga, a community in Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, amid a fresh wave of insecurity in Nigeria’s North-East.

The attack reportedly occurred on Friday morning when armed militants stormed a local fish market, seizing five residents.

The victims were seized at about 7 a.m. while purchasing fresh fish at the busy market.

A security expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident, quoting sources familiar with the development.

The victims were identified as Alhaji Sani Boyi, Bullama Dan Umaru, Baba Inusa, Abubakar Jan Boris, and Mallam Shaibu.

They were reportedly rounded up by the armed insurgents and taken to an unknown destination, sparking panic among traders and residents in the fishing community, which has suffered repeated attacks by insurgent groups operating around the Lake Chad region.

Reports said troops of Operation HADIN KAI under Sector 3, alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, immediately responded after receiving distress calls from residents.

Security sources revealed that relevant intelligence had already been gathered regarding the movement of the attackers and the possible location of the abducted victims.

Doro Baga and surrounding communities have remained vulnerable to attacks and abductions by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, who continue to target fishermen, farmers, and traders despite ongoing military operations in the region.

Outrage As APC Names Serving Supreme Court Judge As Member

The Source

February 15, 2026

Honourable Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim: Is he an APC member?

By Stanley Ekpenyong, South South Bureau Chief

The All Progressives Congress, APC in Cross River State has stirred an octane controversy with the listing of a serving Supreme Court and Court Magistrates as well as a deceased General of the Nigerian Army among hundreds of the party’s stakeholders scheduled to meet with the state Governor, Bassey Otu on Monday February 16, 2026.

According to a local tabloid, CrossRiverWatch, Honourable Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, a Chief Magistrate, David Edogi, and a late Major General, Edward Unimna, a member of the late General Sani Abacha military Junta, were listed as members of the party’s stakeholders expected to meet with the governor.

A statement issued by the the party state Publicity Secretary

Emmanuel Edem Inyang dated February 14th, 2026 reads: “The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Cross River State Chapter, Ntufam Ekum Ekok Ojogu, cordially invites the underlisted critical stakeholders across the 18 Local Government Councils to a Pre-Congress briefing by the Leader of our Party in the State, His Excellency, Sen. Prince Dr. Bassey Edet Otu, Executive Governor of Cross River State,”

A PDF file of the statement, which includes the names was first shared on WhatsApp platforms before it was reproduced by aides of Council Chairmen on social media.

The Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on New Media, Mr. Owai Obo also shared it on his Facebook page.

The meeting is slated for Monday, February 16th, 2026 at the Calabar International Convention Center, CICC by 3:00PM.

The statement went on to warn that, “only invited persons will be allowed within the vicinity of the meeting.”

Also, members of the State Caretaker Committee and the Chapter Chairmen are expected to attend.

In Obudu local government area, former Governor Benedict Ayade is listed first. He is followed by the former Minister of State, Power, Prince Goddy Jedy Agba. Listed at number 3 is Major General Edward Unimna (rtd). But, General Unimna died in March 2025 while Justice Emmanuel Agim is listed at number four.

Justice Agim, 66, is a serving Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. An Alumni of the prestigious Mary Knoll College, was called to the Nigerian Bar in October 1986. He will proceed to the Gambia where he served as Director of Public Prosecution, Justice and later, President of the Court of Appeal of the Gambia and eventually Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia. He also served as one of the first five black Justices of the Supreme Court of Swaziland before returning to Nigeria where he served in the Court of Appeal before his elevation to the Supreme Court where he is expected to serve until 2030.

Justice Agim has delivered a plethora of Supreme court judgements including the restoration last year of the 27 pro- Wike Rivers Lawmakers who had earlier been stripped of their seats by a lower court. Justice Agim also in May 2024, delivered the apex court’s lead judgement conferring financial autonomy on local government administration in Nigeria.

The late General Unimna was a prominent officer during the General Sani Abacha regime and retired from service in 1997. He is mostly known for his role as the head of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II), a UN peacekeeping operation, from October 1991 to December 1992.

He was appointed after the regime replaced Major General Lawrence Uwumarojie who had been earlier announced and cleared by the UN Security Council.

Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda — **APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda**

A human rights activist and social crusader, Agba Jalingo who also hails from Obudu as Justice Agim and the late General Unimna expressed outrage at the list.

Writing on his social media handle, Jalingo described the development as a “Comedy of Nonsense”

Said Agba: “The nonsense inside is that:

Number 3 on the list, General Edward Unimna Rtd, is dead and has been buried since last year.

“Number 4 on the list, Honorable Justice Emmanuel Agim is a sitting Justice of the Supreme Court, and I think My Lord will be thoroughly embarrassed to see his name listed as a stakeholder of a political party.

“The list in other Senatorial districts also carried a litany of embarrassment.

“The VC of UNICAL and UNICROSS, who will usually be Returning Officers, during the general elections were also listed.

Professor Oti, was also listed on the list for Obanlikwu LGA.

“Maybe the party is telling us clearly that all these people have already been compromised ahead of the elections”

Truck Concealing 61 Suspected Bandits Intercepted In Ondo

Ayodele Oni

February 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

In a sweeping joint operation by security agencies in Ondo State, no fewer than 95 suspected criminals have been apprehended. 34 of them have been paraded while 61 others are currently being profiled.

The operation, spearheaded by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, was carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services.

The Commander of Amotekun in the State, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that 61 of the suspects were intercepted while being transported in a trailer truck along the troubled Akure North axis, an area that has witnessed recurring cases of kidnapping and violent crimes in recent weeks.

According to Adeleye, security operatives acted on credible intelligence before intercepting the trailer conveying the 61 suspects under suspicious circumstances.

“We have intensified operations across flashpoints, particularly in Akure North. Acting on intelligence, we intercepted a trailer conveying 61 individuals. They are currently undergoing profiling and investigation to determine their level of involvement in criminal activities.”

According to him, the operation forms part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating within forest reserves and border communities.

Of the 34 suspects paraded before journalists, 19 were arrested for breach of law and order; three were linked to anti-grazing-related disputes between farmers and herders; and 12 arrested in connection with kidnapping cases.

“Those apprehended for kidnapping-related offenses were arrested in various communities, including Ilu-Abo, Ayede-Akure, Iloro, Oba-Ile, and around the Akure North Airport axis. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to establish the extent of their involvement.

“Security operatives also arrested one Ali Abubakar, who reportedly confessed to stealing 50 cows belonging to another Fulani herder. He allegedly indicated willingness to assist authorities in recovering the remaining cattle.

“In separate incidents, suspects identified as Gbenga (27), Abiodun (37), and Adebayo (29) were arrested for allegedly stealing iron rods, roof and a generator. Another suspect, Ajibade (31), was apprehended in Ajue for allegedly stealing an air conditioner.

“Two suspects, Monday (28) and Ibrahim (25), were arrested for allegedly receiving stolen property in the Shasha area. Ibrahim was reportedly found in possession of the stolen items at the time of arrest.

“On illegal mining activities, a suspect identified as Usman was arrested for allegedly attempting to kill the owner of a plot of land believed to contain gold deposits.

“Others arrested in connection with illegal mining include Abubakar, Aruna, Amodu (55), and Suleiman (20). Authorities said some of them are also being investigated for possible links to kidnapping.”

The Amotekun corps commander expressed confidence that the sustained joint operations, by security agencies, particularly in Akure North, would restore peace and stability to affected communities.

Adeleye reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to maintaining law and order, warning criminal elements to either relocate or face the full weight of the law.

“The message is clear. Ondo State is not a safe haven for criminals. We will continue to collaborate with sister agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property,” he stated.

FCT Area Council Poll: Only Tinubu’s Loyalists Will Win Says Wike

Ayodele Oni

February 15, 2026

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike

By Ayodele Oni

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to stop any candidate that has not keyed into President Bola Tinubu ambition from winning Saturday’s Abuja Area Council council Election.

Wike maintained that he will only support whoever supports President Bola Tinubu’s reelection, irrespective of political party in the FCT Area Councils’ election, scheduled for February 21.

A statement by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant, Public Communications and Social Media stated that Wike made the declaration in Abuja on Saturday, during Senator Sandy Onor’s 60th birthday, a celebration of six decades of scholarship, leadership, service and meaningful impact.

The Minister who said he owed no one an apology for supporting Tinubu, promised to support any candidate that supports the President irrespective of party affiliation.

“We have the FCT Area Council election coming up on February 21 and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win.

“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate that is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology on my stand,” Wike said.

Speaking on the celebrant, the Minister described him as a credible ally, a trustworthy friend and good brother.

According to him, Onor is not just a friendly, but a reliable friend, even in times of trouble and that is when you know who is a friend.

“I will continue to be with you and work with you, because I know even if I am not alive today, you will not abandon my family,” Wike said.

Reading the citation of the celebrant, Prof. Anthony Eyang said, Onor, born on February 14, 1966 in Ikom, Cross River State, was raised in an environment deeply rooted in community values, discipline and faith.

Eyang said that the journey of Onor, a Professor of History began from the lecture halls of the University of Calabar to the floor of the Nigerian Senate, and onward to Cross River State politics.

“This reflects a life devoted to learning, leadership, and the advancement of society,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman planning committee, Senator Philip Aduda, said that the event was a thanksgiving of God’s faithfulness on Onor’s life both as an academic and a politician.

On his part, Mr Samuel Otom, former governor of Benue, described Onor as an “icon”, a great Nigerian, and a man who had prepared himself and fit for leadership.

Otom, who stood in for the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, former governor of Abia State and Ambassador designate, equally described Onor as a “good man.”

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) described the celebrant as a courageous and intelligent man, saying; “I love Senator Sandy Onor because he is not one of those who stigmatize the constitution as a product of the military. He is a courageous and intelligent man.”

In his remarks, the celebrant said he had realised in his 60th year of life that it was good to be a man of excellence and a man of character, adding that hard work pays.

Onor, however, said that “everything becomes insignificant if the finger of God is absent”.

He thanked his family, friends and well-wishers for the show of love, adding that their support would be taken for granted.

Gov Yusuf Sacks Buba Galadima As Chair, Kano Poly. Governing Council

The Source

February 15, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Buba Galadima, an Engineer and chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP has been sacked as the Chairman of the Governing Council of Kano State Polytechnic by Governor Abba Yusuf.

His sack was contained in a statement released on Saturday, February 14, signed by Governor Yusuf’s Spokesperson, Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Galadima, a former Director General of the Maritime Authority, was the only person affected by the sack as other Council members remain in office.

The Emir of Gaya, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, was immediately appointed as Galadima’s replacement.

The decision to relieve Galadima in that position, according to the statement, follows “the reconstructing and alignment with Kano First Agenda.”

The statement reads in part: “Although the tenure of the Governing Council is for a period of three years, the appointment of the Chairman was terminated before expiration due to the ongoing reforms for optimal performance of the Polytechnic.

“Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to Engr. Buba Galadima for the services he rendered to the institution during his tenure as Chairman of the Governing Council.

“The Governor urged the newly appointed Chairman, the Emir of Gaya, to bring his wealth of experience, leadership and commitment to bear in repositioning Kano State Polytechnic for greater academic and administrative excellence.” The statement added that Governor is determined to put Kano first.

However, not a few people insist that Galadima’s sack is a fallout of the Political realignment in the State triggered by the defection of Governor Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Galadima is a staunch political ally of Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, the estranged political godfather of Yusuf. Since Yusuf’s defection, Galadima has been up in arms against his decision to dump NNPP and Kwankwaso, and at a point, said the Governor has dug his political graveyard by the defection.

Galadima, himself, a foundation member of the APC and a staunch political ally of late President Mohammadu Buhari, with whom he was in the defunct CPC, defected the NNPP after he fell out with Buhari even though one of his daughters was a Special Adviser to President Buhari.

INEC Considers Shifting Dates For 2027 Polls

Ayodele Oni

February 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may shift earlier scheduled dates for the conduct of next year’s general elections.

The commission has hinted about a shift in dates earlier announced as they fall within the months of Ramadan.

Aside this, voices have risen against the dates with a former presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar accusing INEC of not preparing for the general elections.

INEC clarified the rationale behind the dates fixed for the 2027 General Election, following concerns raised by stakeholders over the timing of the polls.

In a press statement issued, the Commission said the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election were developed in strict compliance with existing constitutional and legal provisions.

The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

INEC explained that the dates were determined in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.

According to the Commission, the regulations, which have been in place since 2019, clearly stipulate when general elections are to be conducted.

“The INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, made since 2019, fixed the dates elections are to be held,” the statement read.

“Paragraph 2 of the Regulation provides: ‘Election to the office of President and Vice President, as well as National Assembly, shall hold on the Third Saturday of February of any General Election year, while election to the Office of Governor and Deputy Governor and the State Houses of Assembly shall hold two (2) weeks thereafter.’”

The Commission, however, acknowledged concerns expressed by some stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances.

“Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission has taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances,” INEC stated.

“The Commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.”

INEC further disclosed that it is currently consulting relevant stakeholders on the matter and may seek legislative intervention if necessary.

“In view of these representations, the Commission is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention to address the concerns raised, while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to credible polls, the Commission pledged transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process.

“INEC reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election. The public will be duly informed of any further developments,” the statement reads.

Former Vice-President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar taunted the INEC of being incapable of conducting proper polls, if it cannot properly handle “something as basic as choosing a broadly acceptable date” for the 2027 general elections.

Raising concerns over the just released elections timetable, Atiku urged INEC to reconsider the February 20, 2027, and March 6, 2027 election dates given that they fall within Ramadan, a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.

Seriously warning the Commission against mishandling such an important national assignment, Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wrote in a post on his Facebook page, that if the issue of timing is not well handled by INEC, “what assurance do we have that it will competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027”.

The ADC stalwart further said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must urgently reconsider the February 20, 2027 date it has announced for the general elections.

“,That date falls squarely within the Ramadan period (February 7 – March 8, 2027), a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.

“Elections are not mere administrative rituals; they are national exercises that demand maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus.”

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