Bashir, Fmr Gov. El-Rufai’s Son, Defends Father Over Allegation Of Tapping NSA Phone

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February 15, 2026

Nasir El-Rufai and Son - Bashir El-Rufai — Nasir El-Rufai and Son, Bashir El-Rufai

By Ayodele Oni

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has clarified that his father was being misinterpreted over claims of wire-tapping phone of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Bashir, defended his father’s after allegations that the former governor admitted to wire-tapping phone of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Sharing on X, formerly Twitter, Bashir clarified that his father did not claim to have tapped any phone himself, explaining that El-Rufai was referring to information allegedly shared with him by a third party.

“He did not say HE tapped anybody’s phone. He alleged someone else did and unsolicitedly shared the information to him,” Bashir said.

Bashir’s statement comes amid growing public attention and speculation following El-Rufai’s interview, in which he claimed that communications he intercepted linked the National Security Adviser to a plan targeting him.

The interview sparked debates across social media and news platforms, with many questioning whether El-Rufai was admitting to illegal phone tapping.

Bashir sought to clear the air, urging the public and authorities not to misinterpret his father’s statements.

“No dey try help dem put my Papa for prison abeg,” he wrote, appealing for calm and caution against unnecessary escalation.

El-Rufai had claimed that his associates intercepted communications showing that Ribadu allegedly gave orders targeting him. He said the information was unsolicitedly shared, which led him to make public statements about possible threats.

The controversy involves multiple federal agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), as El-Rufai alleged that the ICPC had been used as a personal tool of the National Security Adviser.

El-Rufai’s claims have heightened public interest, especially as they touch on sensitive issues of national security, federal investigations, and the roles of high-profile security and anti-corruption agencies.

The former governor’s office has not released an official statement beyond Bashir’s defence, but the clarification may help reduce the risk of legal misunderstandings or misrepresentation in the media

come to his father’s defence after allegations that El-Rufai admitted to wire-tapping phone of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Sharing on Twitter, Bashir clarified that his father did not claim to have tapped any phone himself, explaining that El-Rufai was referring to information allegedly shared with him by a third party.

“He did not say he tapped anybody’s phone. He alleged someone else did and unsolicitedly shared the information to him,” Bashir said.

Bashir’s statement comes amid growing public attention and speculation following El-Rufai’s interview, in which he claimed that communications he intercepted linked the National Security Adviser, (NSA) to a plan targeting him.

The interview sparked debates across social media and news platforms, with many questioning whether El-Rufai was admitting to illegal phone tapping.

Bashir sought to clear the air, urging the public and authorities not to misinterpret his father’s statements.

“No dey try help dem put my Papa for prison abeg,” he wrote, appealing for calm and caution against unnecessary escalation.

El-Rufai had claimed that his associates intercepted communications showing that Ribadu allegedly gave orders targeting him.

He said the information was unsolicitedly shared, which led him to make public statements about possible threats.

The controversy involves multiple federal agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), as El-Rufai alleged that the ICPC had been used as a personal tool of the National Security Adviser.

El-Rufai’s claims have heightened public interest, especially as they touch on sensitive issues of national security, federal investigations, and the roles of high-profile security and anti-corruption agencies.

The former governor’s office has not released an official statement beyond Bashir’s defence, but the clarification may help reduce the risk of legal misunderstandings or misrepresentation in the media.

El-Rufai Faces Probe Over Claim Of Wire-Tapping NSA’s Phone

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Ayodele Oni

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February 15, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

More trouble looms for former Governor of Kaduna state Mallam Nasir ElRufai asT the Presidency ordered a thorough investigation into his alleged confession over claims that someone wire-tapped the phone of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga questioned the implications of the alleged admission and urged relevant authorities to take action.

He wrote, “El-Rufai confesses to wire-tapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wire-tapping facilities?

“This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out. El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law.”

On Friday evening, the former governor had made the confession while speaking on Arise TV.

He said: “Ribadu made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks that they’re the only ones that listen to calls.

But we also have our ways. He made the call. He gave the order that they should arrest me.” He also acknowledged that the action may have been technically wrong.

“Because that technically is illegal. I know, but the government does it all the time. They listen to our calls all the time without a court order. But someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order.”

El-Rufai son, Bashir had defended his father over the claim saying he was quoting a report made to him by a third party.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme: A Grateful State Honours Iconic Daughter

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The Source

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February 14, 2026

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Honourable Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme: Honoured.

By Charles Igbo

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Government and people of Imo State rolled out the red carpet for the Honourable Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, a Justice of the Supreme Court, and a distinguished daughter of the State.

It was the grand finale of a week long activities by the State Government to mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of the State.

So, Governor Hope Uzodinma, on the recommendation on the Committee he set up, decided to honour 50 of the indigenes of the State, out of many, who had, in one way or the other, contributed to the progress and upliftment of the State in one way or the other.

Those honoured in the different categories of the awards include past Governors of the State – military and civilian – and the incumbent, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

Two former Civilian Governors – Achike Udenwa and Rochas Okorocha – were absent at the high profile event attended by Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. The surprise physically-present was, however, The Rt. Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, Governor Uzodinma’s immediate predecessor in office.

Given the circumstances which surrounded his exit from office and the bitter politics in the State, not a few people, including Vice President Shettima, were excited that he rose above all that to attend.

However, one of those honoured for whom everybody chorused “deservedly”, is the Honourable Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme a Justice of the Supreme Court.

Nwosu-Iheme, a no- nonsense Jurist, incorruptible all those who had come across her say, is a combination of many things – courageous, bold, brilliant, hardworking, committed to fairness and rule of law.

Her reputation is so well known that even when she was kidnapped, once her abductors, found out who they had unknowingly kidnapped, treated her with reverence – new bedsheets, new wrappers, hot water for her bath, and dubbed her “Madam Justice”.

To top it all, she capped her enviable carriage with academic prowess.

She does not flaunt it, but Justice Nwosu-Iheme is the first Nigerian female Judge to acquire a PhD in Law.

Born on February 2, 1959, she was first appointed a Judge of the Imo State High Court in 1995 on which position she handled some of very difficult cases, including the infamous, notorious “Otokoto saga” which shook the State to its foundation.

Expectedly, because of her grasp of law, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2018. And, on February 26, 2024, she was elevated to the Supreme Court.

With her elevation, the Honourable Justice Nwosu-Iheme became the second Imo State daughter to be elevated to the position of a Justice of the Supreme Court. The first was the Honourable Justice Mary Peter-Odili, rtd, an Mbaise daughter, who is married to a former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili.

Nwosu-Iheme, a native of Nkwerre, Imo State, is married to a distinguished gentleman, businessman and entrepreneur, Chief Uzoma Nwosu-Iheme, also from Nkwerre, to whom she has been married for decades, and with whom she has successful children.

It is no wonder, then, that her appreciative State, on its 50th anniversary, honoured her with the award of the Grand Service Star of Imo State, GSSI, second only to the one awarded to the first civilian governor of the State, Chief Samuel Mbakwe, PhD, and the incumbent Governor, Senator Uzodinma.

In giving her the award, the Government and people of Imo State are confident that she would continue to make the State proud, and be its exemplary Ambassador within and outside State.

Again Over 30 Killed, Several Abducted In Terrorist Attacks on Niger State Communities

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 14, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Niger State Police Command said concerted efforts are underway to rescue victims of yet another gruesome insurgent attacks on the twin communities of Tugan-Makeri ,Konsoko and Pissa in Borgu Local Council of Niger state.

The Source reports that the attacks carried out between 3.00 am and 6.00 am on Saturday, left over 30 persons dead, and several homes , including a Police station razed.

According to local witnesses and Police accounts, the suspected terrorists had first struck at about 3.00 am on Tunga-Makeri, killing six people, and abducting several others.

They then stormed Pissa community a few hours later, and killed 26 people.

Several homes were set ablaze and a significant number of people reportedly abducted.

However, there are fears that the number of deaths and abducted persons far exceed the figures being quoted.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, informed that the attack on Tugan-Makeri which occurred at about 3:00 am on Saturday claimed six lives, with several houses razed ,and unspecified number of people kidnapped.

He, however, could not give the exact casualty figures in the attack on Konsoko community.

“On 14/2/2026, at about 6:00 am, a report was received indicating that at about 3:00 am, suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village via Shafachi District in Borgu LGA.

“During the attack, six persons lost their lives, some houses were set ablaze ,and a yet-to-be-ascertained number of persons were abducted.

“The terrorists were also reported to have moved to Konkoso village while other details remain sketchy” Abiodun stated.

He, however, informed that a joint security team has been deployed both for the enhancement of security in the affected areas ,and the rescue of the abducted victims.

The Source further reports that Niger, Kwara and Kogi States have, of recent, assumed the status of epicentres of insurgency ,in the North Central region of Nigeria, with hundreds killed, and several hundreds equally abducted.

INEC Disqualifies ADC, PDP From Participating In Rivers By-Election

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Ayodele Oni

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February 14, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Failure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to upload result of the primary election it conducted to the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has led to its disqualification from participating in the February 21 by-election in Rivers state.

Also, INEC disqualified the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from participating in the by-election.

INEC revealed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) will not participate in the February 21 by-election in Rivers state.

The election will be held in Ahoada east constituency 2 and Khana constituency 2.

Both seats were declared vacant in the Rivers assembly following the resignation of Edison Ehie, who was appointed as chief of staff by Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers; and the passing of Dinebari Loolo in September 2023.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Gabriel Yomere, INEC resident electoral commissioner (REC) in Rivers, said candidates of seven political parties have been cleared to contest the polls.

He listed the participating parties as AA, APC, APN, BP, NNPP, YPP and ZLP.

“These are the parties that will participate in the elections,” he said.

Yomere assured residents of a free, fair, and credible election, explaining that the PDP, LP, and ADC were excluded for failing to meet the stipulated requirements.

Yomere said the PDP did not conduct primaries, while the LP cited ongoing litigation.

He said although the ADC conducted primaries, it failed to upload the results to the INEC headquarters portal within the prescribed period, as required by law.

“That’s why they were excluded. Nobody is interested in excluding them,” Yomere said.

Yomere said all Bimodal Voter Accreditation system (BVAS) machines for the poll have been configured and non-sensitive materials distributed, noting that only INEC staff — and not ad hoc personnel — will conduct the exercise.

Dadiyata’s Disappearance: Ganduje Denies El-Rufai’s Claims, Calls For Unfettered Investigation

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 14, 2026

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Abdullahi Ganduje and Malam Nasir El-Rufai

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has vehemently rejected claims by the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, linking him to the abduction and subsequent disappearance of a social critic and activist Abubakar Idris, popular as Dadiyata.

The Source reports that the fiery activist, who was a Lecturer in the Department of English and Linguistics at the Federal University Dutsinma Katsina State, was on August 2 , 2019, reportedly abducted and whisked away by some masked gunmen.

He has since remained missing, with family members, relations and friends unable to account for his whereabouts.

However, following his abduction and disappearance, accusing fingers were pointed to the then Kaduna State Government led by El-Rufai, with not a few of the view that Dadiyata may have been targeted for his persistent and unrelenting criticisms of the State authorities.

But speaking on Arise Television on Friday, February 13, 2026, El-Rufai, while distancing himself and his administration from Dadiyata’s travails, however, domiciled the blame on the door steps of then Kano State Government led by Dr Ganduje.

According to him, contrary to widespread insinuations he was never a critic of the Kaduna State Government, but that of Kano state Government under Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

He revealed that soon after the unfortunate incident, a Police Officer who was transferred from Kano to Ekiti state confessed to being one of those detailed to come and abduct Dadiyata in Kaduna.

“Dadiyata’s timeline is still around, go and study it. He was not a fierce critic of the Kaduna state Government; he was a fierce critic of the Kano state Government.

” He is from Kano. He is a Kwankwasiyya guy; he lives in Kaduna and lectures at a University in Katsina state . Go and review his timeline. It was Ganduje that was his problem”,El-Rufai stated.

However, in a statement on Saturday February 14, 2026, from Mohammed Garba, his spokesperson, Ganduje described El-Rufai’s allegation as reckless, unfounded ,and a clear attempt to shift responsibility for an incident that occurred entirely within Kaduna State.

According to the former APC National Chairman, Dadiyata lived and operated in Kaduna where he was widely known for directing his criticisms at the El-Rufai-led Kaduna State Government.

“There is no credible record suggesting that the activist’s primary focus was the Kano State Government or Ganduje.

“Everyone in Kaduna knew the nature of the criticism he made, and who it was directed at. Responsibility at the time rested with the Kaduna State Government and the relevant federal security agencies operating there”,Ganduje noted.

The immediate past Governor of Kano State, therefore, called for a careful scrutiny of El-Rufai’s recent remarks, and noted that such serious allegations must be supported by verifiable evidence, rather than political rhetorics.

According to the statement, the tendency to drag Ganduje into Dadiyata’s disappearance, without proof, is not only tantamount to politicizing a painful, and unresolved episode, but also an ingenious ploy to further confuse the public on a sensitive case.

Ganduje emphasized that his administration’s examplary trajectories, rooted in manifest tolerance for criticisms, open media engagements, and acceptance of opposition voices, do not support El-Rufai’s claims.

“Unlike many political leaders who maintained strained relationships with the media, we allowed scrutiny, accommodated critical voices, and even learned from dissenting perspectives”, Ganduje stated.

Ganduje further noted that public discourse surrounding Dadiyata’s disappearance has, over the years, centred largely on events within Kaduna State, noting that former Senator Shehu Sani had openly remarked that many individuals in Kaduna State were reluctant to comment publicly on the case.

The statement similarly questioned why El-Rufai in whose state the abduction took place could not avail security agencies and other relevant authorities his claim that a police officer allegedly confessed to being sent from Kano to abduct Dadiyata for further action.

While reiterating sympathy for Dadiyata’s family, Ganduje stressed that what should be prioritized is the uncovering of the truth through lawful and transparent investigative processes behind the fate that befell Dadiyata.

NBA To Petition Police Over Kwankwaso’s Alleged Visit To Supreme Court Justices

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Adesina Soyooye

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February 14, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has said it would petition the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies over the claims by the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, in the 2023 General Elections, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, that he visited the homes of Supreme Court Judges in 2019 with the Kano Governorship Candidate then, now the Governor, Kabir Yusuf.

Kwankwaso said he took Yusuf, whose election case was before the Supreme Court at the time to the homes of the Justices.

The NBA is citing concerns about the damage Kwankwaso’s claims could have on the Judiciary.

The National Executive Council (NEC), of the NBA, described Kwankwaso’s comment as “deeply troubling and capable of undermining public trust in the judiciary and the entire electoral justice system.”

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the Secretary of the Young Lawyers’ Forum, Etaba Agbor, the NBA said that the NEC had in a unanimous decision agreed to submit a formal petition to the NPF and other security agencies seeking an investigation into Kwankwaso’s claims.

NBA: “The scope of this petition shall not be limited to Mr Kwankwaso alone. It will extend to any individual who has made statements or admissions indicating improper access to judicial officers or undue influence on judicial decisions.”

It explained that the petition should not be seen as a presumption of guilt but as a necessary step to defend the integrity of the legal system.

The statement said: “The objective is to ensure that allegations of this gravity are subjected to thorough, impartial, and professional investigation.

The statement continued: “False claims of judicial interference are dangerous and corrosive to constitutional democracy and must be firmly repudiated. And where such claims are found to be true, accountability must follow in accordance with the law.

“Only a robust, independent judiciary can guarantee democracy and uphold the rights of Nigerians.”

Kwankwaso made the damaging and embarrassing claims while addressing his loyalists after the Kano State Governor, after the defection of Governor Yusuf from the NNPP to the APC.

“You Are Economical With The Truth, Dadiyata Was Not A Critic Of Kano State Govt Or Ganduje” – Shehu Sani Replies El-Rufai

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 14, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

The Senator that represented Kaduna Central at the National Assembly between 2015 and 2019, Shehu Sani has insisted that missing social critic and activist, Abubakar Idris, popular as Dadiyata, was a die-hard critic of the Kaduna state Government under former Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

The Source reports that Dadiyata, a known media commentator on state and national issues was on August, 2, 2019, reportedly abducted by some masked armed men from his home, and taken away to an unknown destination.

The fiery social critic who was a lecturer in the Department of English and Linguistics at the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State, at the time of the abduction, has remained missing since the unfortunate incident that took place at his Kaduna residence.

At the time of his shocking abduction, and even of recent, accusing fingers had been pointed to the direction of the Kaduna State authorities led by then Governor El-Rufai, with not a few alleging that Dadiyata may have been targeted owing to his unrelenting attack on the Government.

But speaking on Arise News on Friday, El-Rufai explained that Dadiyata, contrary to widespread insinuations, was never a critic of the Kaduna State Government, but that of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State where he hails from.

The former Kaduna State helmsman washed his hands off any involvement or knowledge of what actually happened to the missing social critic.

“Dadiyata’s timeline is still around, go and study it. He was not a fierce critic of the Kaduna State Government; he was a fierce critic of the Kano state Government.

” He is from Kano; he is a Kwankwasiyya guy; he lives in Kaduna, and lectures at a University in Katsina State. Go and review his timeline. It was Ganduje that was his problem”,El-Rufai stated.

However , writing on his official sit, Senator Sani maintained that missing Dadiyata was a fierce critic of the Kaduna State Government under El-Rufai and not that of Kano State Government and or Ganduje.

“Dadiyata was an outspoken critic of Kaduna State Government and Governor, and not of Kano State or Ganduje.

“He is from Kaduna and lives in Kaduna with his family. Everyone in Kaduna knows the critical views of that young man.

Senator Sani also expressed serious concern that the Kaduna State authorities, ever since the sad incident, has neither reacted officially, nor paid sympathy or solidarity visit Dadiyata’s family.

The former Kaduna Central Senator challenged anyone who wants to get the facts of the matter to approach Dadiyata’s family members at their Kaduna residence.

FCT Minister’s Loyalists May Dominate New List Of Rivers’ Commissioner-Nominees

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Ayodele Oni

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February 14, 2026

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Nyesom Wike. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,

By Ayodele Oni

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reportedly forwarded a fresh list of Commissioner-nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and approval.

This is coming barely 24 hours after dissolving his cabinet and dismissing all Special Advisers.

The move has been described as one of the moves agreed upon in a new peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu between the governor and his estranged godfather, Nyesome Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).

The list was submitted to the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, signaling the beginning of a cabinet rebuilding process amid ongoing political reconciliation efforts in the state.

A government aide disclosed that some of the nominees may be drawn from the camp of former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as part of moves to consolidate peace.

The aide added that commissioners who distinguished themselves in the previous cabinet could also be reappointed.

According to the source, in line with that understanding, a new Chief of Staff may be appointed, while Governor Fubara’s former Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, is expected to remain away from Government House, Port Harcourt.

The aide further revealed that the newly reconstructed House of Assembly Complex will soon be commissioned, paving the way for lawmakers to return to the permanent facility for plenary sessions.

Reacting to the development, former National Assembly member and ex-Commissioner for Information, Ogbonna Nwuke, described the cabinet shakeup as a necessary step toward restoring peace in the state.

He emphasized that competent sons and daughters of Rivers State would be nominated to serve in the new cabinet.

Although the House of Assembly has yet to publicly confirm receipt of the list, lawmakers are expected to invite the nominees for screening in the coming days as the process of rebuilding the Rivers State Executive Council gathers momentum.

2027 Election Time Table: House Of Reps. Reconvenes For Emergency Session

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Ayodele Oni

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February 14, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives is expected to reconvene for an emergency session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

This is to enable the House deliberate on issues arising from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s, (INEC) release of the timetable for the 2027 general elections.

Spokesman of the green house, Rep. Akin Rotimi, who disclosed this in a statement, described the electoral body’s announcement as one of “constitutional and national significance.”

INEC had fixed February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

According to the statement, members of the Green Chamber were notified of the emergency sitting through an internal memorandum from the Speaker’s office.

The session is expected to focus on legislative matters connected to the newly released timetable, reflecting the House’s resolve to act promptly on issues affecting the nation’s democratic process.

Rotimi noted that all related business would be treated with urgency and urged lawmakers to prioritise attendance in view of the importance of the deliberations.

INEC had on Monday formally unveiled the comprehensive schedule for the 2027 polls, including timelines for party primaries slated for July to September 2026, as well as the commencement of Continuous Voter Registration in April 2026.

The development comes amid ongoing consultations and proposed amendments to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, had presented the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal of N873.778 and projected 2027 election costs before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.

He clarified that the N873.778 billion estimate is separate from INEC’s proposed N171 billion expenditure for 2026 operations, which covers by-elections, off-cycle polls, and routine activities.