Fubara, Remains APC Leader In Rivers, Party Has Nothing To Do With Wike – National Chairman, Yilwatda

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January 3, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike cannot determine the fate of any member of the party in Rivers State.

National Chairman of the Party, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, also affirmed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State.

Yilwatda, who made the declaration during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, explained that it is the APC’s policy to designate serving Governors as leaders of the party in their States.

He stressed, however, that the role requires collaboration with other party stakeholders to ensure unity and effective coordination.

“Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he would need to coordinate with every other person in the state.

“In all the states, we have the state governors lead the parties in their respective states. In APC, we give them that privilege, but we also ask the governors to ensure inclusion — to coordinate and carry everyone along.”

On whether Fubara would automatically receive the party’s backing if he seeks a second term, Yilwatda noted that the governor would still be required to participate in the party’s primary process, just like any other aspirant.

He cited the example of Ekiti State, where the incumbent governor had to contest in a primary election before emerging as the party’s candidate.

“We did primaries in Ekiti State, and the governor competed with other candidates before he became the APC flagbearer.

**Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike**

“The same rule applies to every state — even Governor Fubara will have to go through the normal process if he seeks the ticket,” he said.

Yilwatda also clarified that matters concerning APC activities in Rivers State would be discussed with Governor Fubara, not Nyesom Wike, who remains a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).

“If we are discussing elections, we will not be discussing with Nyesom Wike. He is not a member of our party. We will be discussing with Siminalayi Fubara because he is a member of the All Progressives Congress right now,” he explained.

Asked if Wike continues to influence APC politics in the state, Yilwatda dismissed the notion, insisting his concern is with APC members alone.

“I think we are overflogging what we don’t need to overflog. Wike is in PDP. Allow me to discuss members of my party, not people who are not members. I am chairman of the APC, not chairman of all political parties in Nigeria,” he added.

New Tax Law: Minority Caucus In House Of Reps Sets Up Fact-Finding C’mtee

By

James Orji

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January 3, 2026

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We wish to inform our members that after due consultations with relevant stakeholders on the unending controversy over the allegations of unlawful alterations made to the tax reform laws passed by the National Assembly and signed by the President, as well as the insistence of the Executive to proceed with implimentation of the Tax Laws from 1st January 2026, the leadership of the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, thought it expedient to institute a 7-man fact-finding committee to help our Caucus get to the root of all the issues surrounding this scandal.

As the opposition bloc in the House of Representatives, we believe that we owe it to Nigerians to make an independent and non-biased investigation, to establish all the facts and arrive at the truth in the matter of the Tax Laws. This committee has the mandate of:

1. Getting copies of the actual tax laws passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly and asserted to by the President;

3. Getting the federal government gazette bearing the purported forged version of the tax laws;

4. Scrutinizing copies of the actual tax laws passed by the National Assembly bto ascertain if they were the actual ones signed by the President, and then compare them with the ones gazetted by the gazetting agency of the federal government;

5. And recommending to the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives the possible actions that can be taken in the event any infractions have been proven to have occurred.

The membership of the committee is as follows:

1. Hon. Afam Ogene (Chairman)

2. ⁠Hon. Gaza Gbefwi Jonathan

3. Hon. MB Shehu Fagge

4. ⁠Hon. Aliyu Garu

5. Hon. Stanley Adedeji

6. Hon. Ibe Okwara

7. Hon. Marie Ibikake

The committee has seven (7) days within which it will complete its assignment and report its findings to the leadership of the Caucus.

Finally, we want to remind Nigerians of our unflinching commitment to the protection of their interests, and this step we have just taken is one of the ways we are using to get to the root of this controversy that has overheated our polity. We are determined, more than ever, to make sure our country’s citizens are not short-changed, especially the poor and vulnerable segments of our populations.

Rep. O.K Chinda

Minority Leader

Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C, PhD

Minority Whip

Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki

Deputy Minority Leader

Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi

Deputy Minority Whip

Venezuela: World Leaders React To Capture Of President Maduro By US Special Forces

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James Orji

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January 3, 2026

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FILES-VENEZUELA-US-CONFLICT-CRISIS — (FILES) Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures during the Meeting of Jurists in Defense of International Law at the Eurobuilding Hotel in Caracas on November 14, 2025. President Donald Trump said on January 3, 2026, that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump said on Truth Social. (Photo by Federico PARRA / AFP)

World leaders have reacted to the bombardment of Venezuela and capture of the country’s president, Nicholas Maduro.

The Venezuelan leader was captured on Saturday by US Special Forces after attack on the country on the order of President Donald Trump.

President Trump said earlier that US forces had captured Maduro and flown him and his wife out of the country.

According to him, Maduro and wife has been indicted in the US for allege involvement in drug trafficking, and will be charged to court forthwith, Trump said on his Truth social media platform, praising American military for the successful operation.

The Venezuelan government, has, however, decried what it termed an “extremely serious military aggression” by Washington and declared a state of emergency as several leaders allied with Caracas denounced the US action.

Also, Venezuelan South American neighbors and other world leaders have condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.

Iran

Iran, which has close links with oil-rich Venezuela, said it “strongly condemns the US military attack on Venezuela and a flagrant violation of the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Colombia

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called it an “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America, which would lead to a humanitarian crisis.

Colombia is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council this year, and leftist leader Petro called for the body to meet “immediately.”

Cuba

Cuba, a traditional regional ally, denounced what it called “state terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people” according to a statement by President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who urged a “response from the international community” following a “criminal attack” on Caracas.

Russia

Russia condemned the US military action as “an act of armed aggression against Venezuela.”

“This is deeply concerning and condemnable,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. “The pretexts used to justify such actions are untenable. Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism,” it added.

Spain

“Spain calls for de-escalation and restraint,” the foreign ministry said in a statement, adding it was “ready to help in the search for a democratic, negotiated, and peaceful solution for the country.”

Germany

Germany’s foreign ministry told AFP that “we are monitoring the situation in Venezuela very closely and following the latest reports with great concern. The foreign ministry is in close contact with the embassy in Caracas.”

Berlin added that the government’s crisis team was in session and “we are coordinating closely with our partners.”

Italy

The office of Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, said she was “closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela, remaining in constant contact with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, also in order to gather information about our fellow citizens.”

US Democratic senators

US senator Brian Schatz, a Democrat, said on X: “We have no vital national interests in Venezuela to justify war. We should have learned not to stumble into another stupid adventure by now.”

Fellow Democrat senator Ruben Gallego said on X: “This war is illegal, it’s embarrassing that we went from the world cop to the world bully in less than one year. There is no reason for us to be at war with Venezuela.”

Former Bolivian leader Morales

Former Bolivian president Evo Morales, a close Caracas ally, said on X he “forcefully rejected” the US “bombardment.”

Also, United Kingdom Prime Minister told journalists that his country was not involved in the overthrow of President Maduro, calling for more consultations among key allies.

AFP

Failed Ritual Attempt: Ondo Police Arrest Mother, Son, Rescue Victim

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Ayodele Oni

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January 3, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command has foiled an alleged money ritual plot involving a mother and her son, rescuing a 10-year-old boy who was reportedly about to be used for ritual purposes in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.

The operation led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Maria (female, 53 years) and Adewale (male, 28 years), while a10-year-old boy, who was allegedly intended to be used for a ritual was successfully rescued.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Abayomi Jimoh, the operation was foiled by a tip-off from a concerned resident who noticed suspicious movements suggestive of ritual activity.

“Our operatives acted swiftly on credible intelligence and successfully rescued a 10-year-old boy, who was allegedly intended to be used for money ritual,” the Police said in a statement issued on Saturday.

The child was immediately taken to a hospital for medical examination and care, while the suspects were taken into custody.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman allegedly conspired with her biological son to engage the services of an herbalist to carry out the ritual in a desperate attempt to acquire wealth.

“Investigations so far indicate that the suspects confessed to planning the ritual act before they were intercepted,” the Police disclosed.

Anthony Joshua’s Driver Arraigned In Court By Police

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 2, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the Driver that drove the Lexus SUV that led to the fatal car crash that led to the death of two associates of former Boxing Heavyweight Champion, Anthony Joshua on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has been arraigned by the Ogun State Police Command.

Kayode was arraigned before the Magistrate Court Sitting in Sagamu, Ogun State.

In a statement released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, on Friday, the Police said Kayode, 46, was charged on Friday, January 2, 2026, while the case was adjourned to January 20 for further proceedings.

“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the Anthony Joshua accident case, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode (male), aged 46, was charged at the Sagamu Magistrate Court today, 2nd January, 2026, and the case has been adjourned to 20th January, 2026,” the statement read.

He was given bail to the tune of N5m.

The arraignment followed investigations into the fatal crash that occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, near Sagamu.

The accident involved a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and members of his team and a stationary truck on the highway.

Joshua, who was in the vehicle at the time of the crash, sustained minor injuries and was later discharged from the hospital.

Two other occupants of the SUV, members of his support team, were confirmed dead.

It would be recalled that the driver has been detained as part of ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Who Will Think Nigeria Out Of The Hole?

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The Source

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January 2, 2026

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By Steve Osuji

Giant In A Hole: The only thing certain about Nigeria at the moment is that she’s in trouble, deep trouble.

Nigeria is indeed at the crossroads and if there was any time requiring national introspection and concerted thought leadership, that time is now.

This is not to say that she had never had ruptures and cataclysmic moments in her history. In fact, it can be said that Nigeria was conceived in the heat of a cunning colonial coitus and birthed in a charged atmosphere of upheavals waiting in the rafters. The flight of nationhood has therefore, been one of endless turbulence all of her three scores and five years.

This has spanned two military coups, one civil war, many skirmishes in between and now, 17 years of sustained extremist Islamic insurgency and terror which currently threatens Nigeria’s very sovereignty. Terror which has overwhelmed three successive presidents, including the incumbent.

And now this: America, or shall we say Mr. Donald Trump, incumbent POTUS walking into Nigeria, “gun a-blazing.” Nigeria is today besieged on many flanks and whatever is left of her sovereignty is being shredded before the eyes of the world.

IN NEED OF GOOD MINDS: The country is like a lady looking on helplessly as she’s being ripped apart by contending barbarians.

Nigeria has never been in need of thinking heads at any time more than now. We are in a moment begging for introspection. We are at a dire juncture where we are in need of eggheads, think-tanks, wise and wizened elders, just any elevated caucus of leadership that can piece our jigsaws together right now.

The point is that Nigeria must think herself out of this mess. It’s a matter of urgent national importance.

NO LEADERSHIP SUPPORT: But the trouble with Nigeria today is that she has become intellectually lame and bereft. It would seem that all the good minds in the land have gone into hiding.

Apparently, many don’t seem to want to be associated with the Bola Tinubu presidency.

President Tinubu himself has proved to be anti-intellectual. Not being a man of letters, not giving a damn actually, Tinubu’s main joy is playing political and power games. Tactic, stratagem; to wheel, to deal and to capture power. Not one for high ideals or the rigours of philosophy.

By the same token, Tinubu has no (high-minded) friends. He only has ‘boys’ and he has installed them in places requiring huge gray matter. But now is the time for mind work and he has no one to press to work.

IN THE CROSSFIRE: Nigeria is caught in the crossfire of the two major contending forces in the world today and sadly, she has no leadership. Nigeria is a miserable pawn in her own chessboard.

In 17 years, Nigeria couldn’t manage to devise a coherent strategy to defeat extreme Islamic insurgencies on her soil. Today, Nigeria still has no clear-cut roadmap for engaging the American intervention led by President Donald Trump.

Early November Trump had warned that the US would intervene if Nigeria’s leadership continues to dilly-dally on the extremists’ terror that’s encircling Nigeria.

On the midnight of December 25th the US struck in Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria. About 16 guided missiles were targeted at ISIS forward camps.

President Trump was first to inform the world via his social media handle that as Commander-in-Chief, he had ordered a strike in Nigeria.

Of course, he never mentioned any collaboration with the Nigerian government. There was probably none.

But hours after the reality of Trump’s brash offering had hit the world, Nigeria’s officials (Foreign and Information Ministers) made separate statements telling the world about “close coordination.”

Of course nobody believed Nigeria’s government. Not even Nigerians.

NEED FOR AN EMERGENCY TEAM: This initial embarrassment is more reason Nigeria must do more in this US-Nigeria collaboration. Setting up a small WAR-ROOM Team to manage this process may be in order.

A team with a leader that can be trusted by the US will deepen collaboration.

The leader must present as the face of the ‘war’ effort. He must be well respected by all. There must be regular briefings. There must be timelines, broad strategies, there must be regular briefing of Nigerians, most important, there must be timeframe for closure, etc

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC APPROACHES TOO: As the missiles fly and the mop-ups follow, there’s need not to neglect the social and even economic aspects so that the problem would be properly closed.

For instance, the almajiri system which provides manpower for terrorism in Nigeria must be outlawed.

Open grazing must be phased out and Sharia practices curtailed. Nigeria is a secular state.

On the economic front, the US could provide both technical support and funding for the rapid creation of model ranches across the 19 states of the north in the first phase. This would be a precursor for the gradual phase out of open grazing in Nigeria.

These are just pointers to some of the thoughts president should be thinking right now. He needs good minds around him now, more than ever.

BOTTOM LINE: THE SOVEREIGNTY BALONEY. Debates have raged about Nigeria’s nationhood in the face of the US hauling missiles on her soil almost unilaterally. The point is that Nigeria has been unable to protect her sovereignty for well over a decade. Nigeria has therefore, been exposed as a mere swathe of unmanned territory.

Nigeria definitely needs help to guard and manage her space like other countries.

America can provide that support right now and Nigeria should actually count herself lucky to have such a lifeline.

Recall that successive POTUS’ didn’t want to get involved.

Yes, it won’t come free, or cheap, but let it come, it’s the lesser evil. CAVEAT: Are we keeping our eyes open in all of this?

CSO Faults Public Outcry Against Ondo Commissioner, Insists On Judicial Process

By

Ayodele Oni

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January 2, 2026

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Mrs Seun Osamaye: Court Orders her arrest and detention.

By Ayodele Oni

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations under the aegis of Concerned Stakeholders for Women Development in Ondo State has rallied support for the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Seun Osamaye, maintaining that legal disagreements should be resolved strictly through judicial processes, rather than through public accusations capable of inflaming tensions and creating avoidable controversy.

Addressing journalists in Akure, the group’s coordinator, Mrs Omowunmi Adekunle-Falade, described the situation as an unfortunate development that should be handled with maturity and a sense of responsibility by all parties concerned.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Akure had ordered the arrest of the commissioner over allegations of assault involving Chief Magistrate Temitope Alphonso.

Court documents alleged that the incident occurred at the Ministry of Women Affairs during an official engagement involving the magistrate and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary.

An affidavit attached to the charge further claimed that the alleged altercation was linked to a judgment earlier delivered by the magistrate, which was reportedly unfavorable to the commissioner.

During the court proceedings, Mrs Osamaye was absent, with her counsel, Barrister Adewusi, informing the court that she was receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Ilara-Mokin. The defense requested a short adjournment to enable it to present proof of her hospitalisation.

Although a medical report was subsequently submitted, the prosecution challenged the document, leading the court to describe it as unsatisfactory and lacking essential details.

The magistrate consequently ordered the arrest and remand of the commissioner and adjourned the matter to January 12 for further hearing.

“We strongly believe that dragging the judiciary, the executive arm of government, and individuals through the media does not promote justice or development. Ondo State deserves peace and stability, not avoidable controversy,” Adekunle-Falade said.

The group further appealed to both parties involved in the dispute to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and the rule of law, stressing that public institutions must be protected from undue pressure and reputational harm.

They also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and inflammatory commentary, emphasising that the matter is still before the court and should be treated with seriousness, decorum, and respect for judicial independence.

“As advocates of women development and social justice, we urge everyone to focus on peace, unity, and the continued progress of Ondo State. The truth will emerge through due process, and all parties should be guided by that principle.

According to her, allegations against the commissioner should not be subjected to public trial or media sensationalism, stressing that claims remain mere allegations until proven by a court of competent jurisdiction.

“This is an unfortunate development that should not be allowed to degenerate into public mudslinging or institutional embarrassment.

Allegations remain allegations until proven in a competent court of law. We appeal to all sides to exercise restraint and allow justice to take its natural course,” Adekunle-Falade said.

“Atiku Loyalists, Money, Cannot Save You” – Wike Tells Gov Fubara

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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January 2, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal Capital Territory, Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Fridayn January 2, 2025, foreclosed the possibilities of any reprieve for his estranged political godson Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

This is as he insisted that there can never be two captains steering a ship at the same time.

In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council of the State in continuation of his thank-you-visit to the grassroots, the immediate past Governor of Rivers state reiterated that money cannot save his successor in office from a crushing and humiliating defeat in 2027.

According to Wike, Governor Fubara has demonstrated his inability to maintain a cordial working relationship with local council officials, state lawmakers and other critical stakeholders, and, therefore, clearly proven to be ineffective and untrustworthy.

The FCT Minister vowed that there will never be any second chance for Governor Fubara who he has accused of betrayal and inability to honour agreements.

Wike reaffirmed that no amount of Fubara’s professed support for President Bola Tinubu, nor the purported support of Atiku Abubakar’s loyalists in the State, will alter the resolve by the people to shove him aside in 2027.

“We must make decisions. I heard somebody saying that those who worked for Atiku Abubakar in Rivers state are back. They couldn’t secure even 10 per cent votes for Atiku in 2023. So, what is the importance of their coming together again? I will not call their names because you already know them.

“But the fact remains that Rivers State cannot afford to be led again by someone who cannot honour an agreement brokered by Mr President.

“Like I keep on saying, money and the gathering of Atiku Abubakar’s loyalists will not solve this problem the Governor has started.

“Tell Rivers State people what was discussed with the President. If you succeeded with the first act of betrayal, that was resolved, definitely you will not succeed with the second one.

“There cannot be two captains in one ship. So, whoever is assuring you (Governor Fubara) that when you shout “on your mandate we stand”, all is well, then you are being deceived”, Wike stated.

The Source reports that since last weekend, the FCT Minister has been hauling all manners of threats at the person and office of the Rivers state Governor, citing alleged unfulfilled pact brokered between his camp and that of Governor Fubara by President Tinubu as a major reason for his belligerent posture.

Consequently, Wike has vowed to supplant Fubara as the Rivers State Governor come 2027.

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara on Friday, swore-in five new Special Advisers with a charge to assist in the administration’s resolve to move forward and recover lost grounds.

He harped on the need for the new appointees to work together as well as remain dedicated and loyal to the ideals and vision of the administration with a view to ensuring effective service delivery and people-oriented governance.

According to the Governor, the appointment of the Special Advisers is aimed at strengthening governance structures, and ensures that the wheels of governance continue to function unimpeded.

The Source further reports that post emergency rule, the Governor has been forced by the usual unfriendly and uncooperative disposition of the pro-Nyesom Wike state lawmakers to be operating with mostly permanent secretaries in the absence of a properly constituted state Executive Council.

The Governor apart from a few Commissioners whom he worked with before he fell out with Wike, and who did not resign after they fell out, has not been able to submit a list of Commissioner-nominees as well as the 2026 fiscal estimate to the House of Assembly owing to the tense relationship between the two arms of Government.

“What we are doing this afternoon is bringing in some persons on board to ensure that the wheels of governance continue to roll smoothly in our state.

“I believe that these appointees are not new faces. They have been with us, and they had worked with us before in different capacities.

“They understand the philosophy of this administration and it will not be a problem following and ensuring that our goals are achieved

“So, my charge is not much because you already know what we have come to do. It is not pleasure. It is work. And every one of you here that had been assigned some responsibilities in time past had equally proven yourself. I am very sure that this time around it won’t be different.”

It is strongly believed that more of such appointments will be coming in the days ahead as a bait to the Wike conundrum.

INEC Releases Time Table For 2027 Polls

By

Ayodele Oni

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January 2, 2026

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Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold in Nigeria on Saturday, February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, March 6, 2027.

This was contained in a comprehensive time table released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The time table, which is for the 2027 general elections, and schedule of activities outline critical milestones for voter registration, political party primaries, campaigns, and the conduct of the polls.

According to the timetable, the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will commence in April 2026 and run until January 2027.

During this period, eligible Nigerians can register as new voters, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), transfer their voting locations, and update their personal records, including those who attain the age of 18.

INEC announced that political party primaries for all elective positions will hold between July 1 and September 30, 2026, giving parties a three-month window to conduct their internal democratic processes.

Parties are expected to organise congresses at the ward, local government, state, and national levels and submit the results of their primaries to the Commission within one week of completion.

The submission of candidates’ lists has been scheduled for October 1 to October 31, 2026, during which political parties are required to upload the names of their candidates and running mates via INEC’s online nomination portal. The final list of candidates will be published on November 15, 2026.

Campaign activities for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on November 18, 2026, and end on February 19, 2027, while campaigns for Governorship and State Assembly elections will begin on December 15, 2026, and conclude on March 5, 2027.

Other key activities in the timetable include the display of the voters’ register in October 2026, collection of PVCs from December 2026 to February 2027, training of ad-hoc election personnel within the same period, and the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials between February and March 2027.

The Commission urged political parties, stakeholders, and the electorate to strictly adhere to the timelines, stressing that full compliance is critical to ensuring a smooth, credible, and transparent electoral process in 2027.

Gov. Fubara’s Ally, Ewor, Says He’s Unreliable, Joins Wike’s PDP Group

By

Ayodele Oni

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January 2, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Dr Nname Ewor, factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State and former ally of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dumped him and has collapsed his faction into the Aaron Chukwemeka- led committee, supported by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Ewor announced the dissolution of the factional body during Wike’s “thank you” visit to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Area of Rivers on Friday.

“Today, I am handing over the chairmanship and leadership of my faction to Aaron Chukwemeka – led caretaker committee.

“PDP is no longer factionalised in Rivers. PDP is under one chairman, and under one leadership, that is the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike,” he said.

He explained that he left the Fubara camp because the governor could not be trusted.

He said that President Bola Tinubu mediated twice to resolve the political crisis in Rivers, alleging that Fubara failed to keep the terms of the agreement. If the president mediated twice, that means you cannot be trusted. Can such a leader be trusted? We can’t trust him.

Ewor also refuted claims by Fubara that Wike was intimidating and frustrating his leadership, stressing that the Minister has not done anything to undermine his office.

Governor Fubara had earlier in December 2025 dumped the PDP and pitched camp with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Earlier, Chairman of ONELGA, Mr Chukwu Ogbogu, commended Wike for the visit to interact with his people.

Ogbogu also thanked the Minister for the development interventions in the local government during his tenure as governor of the state.

He added that beside personal benefits as two time commissioner and currently the council’s chairman, courtesy of Wike, other sons and daughters equally benefitted from various appointments at the state and federal levels.

“I cannot thank you enough for this and many other things you have done for us,” he said.

He assured the minister of the local government’s continued support and pledged the people’s complete loyalty to Wike.