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  • You can’t sideline some members to hold convention, Wike tells PDP

    You can’t sideline some members to hold convention, Wike tells PDP

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has expressed displeasure over preparations for the upcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Wike, who has been at loggerhead with top members of the party, advised that exclusion of members for meetings will not help the progress of the party.

    Wike stated this on Friday during a live media parley monitored by our correspondent in Abuja.

    The Minister said he will not attend a convention that is not properly organised.    

    He said: “With what is going on politically, PDP will continue to lose if there is no change. It is very embarrassing, I know from the beginning that some PDP members are playing games. House that has died since. PDP did not do the right thing. They should follow due process to the national convention.

    “If you think you will sideline people to hold the convention, it will not be possible. If a proper convention is to be held I will attend, but if the convention is not a proper one, I will not attend.”

    Wike said the leadership had failed to complete necessary congresses and other key processes, which he claimed were stalling progress.

    “If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,” he said.

    The PDP has, in recent months, faced internal crises and a wave of defections involving top members such as Peter Mbah, Oborevwori, and Umo Enoh. The party is also battling multiple legal suits over its forthcoming convention.

    He said: “Have I not said it before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party.”

    Read Also: Wike: Africa trapped in poverty paradox

    The Minister questioned why his exclusion was justified simply because he no longer holds a governorship position.

    “I am the FCT Minister. Are you telling me that because I am not a governor, you will hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?” he queried.

    He added: “Assuming I am not a Minister, by the role I have played in the PDP till now, is it right to say I cannot be consulted in taking decisions of the party? Certainly not.”

    Wike further criticised the notion that internal crises could be blamed on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the PDP’s problems were self-inflicted.

    “All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?” 

  • FULL LIST: Five African countries Nigerians can visit without visa

    FULL LIST: Five African countries Nigerians can visit without visa

    Nigeria has joined a growing wave of African nations advocating for easier cross-border movement as several countries on the continent remove travel restrictions and open their borders to fellow Africans. This marks a major step toward regional integration and cooperation.

    The move toward visa-free travel aims to strengthen economic partnerships, boost tourism, and promote a deeper sense of African unity.

    Although many nations still require entry permits or visas, an increasing number have adopted open-border policies that allow Africans, including Nigerians, to travel freely, reflecting the continent’s growing commitment to a more connected and borderless Africa.

    Here are five African countries Nigerians can visit without visa

    1. Seychelles

    Seychelles has long been a pioneer in visa-free travel. The island nation has maintained an open-door policy for years, allowing visitors from all over the world—including every African country—to enter without a visa. As a tourism-driven economy, Seychelles thrives on accessibility and remains one of the most open destinations on the planet.

    2. The Gambia

    In 2019, The Gambia officially became a visa-free zone for all African nationals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that citizens from African countries, as well as visitors from the Commonwealth, the European Union, and other regions, could enter freely. This policy was designed to promote trade, tourism, and continental unity, making The Gambia a key gateway to West Africa.

    Read Also: Top seven strongest African passports in 2025

    3. Benin

    Also in 2019, Benin took a major step toward African integration when President Patrice Talon lifted all visa requirements for Africans. Inspired by Rwanda’s open-border policy, Benin’s decision was aimed at encouraging investment, regional mobility, and a stronger sense of solidarity among African nations.

    4. Kenya

    In October 2023, President William Ruto announced Kenya’s plan to eliminate visa requirements for all African travelers by the end of the year. The policy was implemented soon after, making Kenya one of the most accessible destinations in East Africa. The move reflects the country’s vision of boosting intra-African trade, tourism, and cooperation.

    5. Rwanda

    Rwanda joined the list of visa-free countries in November 2023 when President Paul Kagame declared that all Africans could now visit Rwanda without a visa. The policy strengthened Rwanda’s position as a leader in regional integration and tourism. With its beautiful landscapes, clean cities, and progressive policies, Rwanda continues to set an example of openness and hospitality on the continent.

  • BREAKING: Kanu’s trial stalled over claim of inability to access case file

    BREAKING: Kanu’s trial stalled over claim of inability to access case file

    The detained self acclaimed leader of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu failed to open his defence on Friday in his ongoing terrorism trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Kanu said he could not open his defence because he has not been handed the case file to familiarise himself with its contents to enable him adequately prepare for his defence.

    Following his inability to commence his defence on Thursday after he fired his team of lawyers led by former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Kanu Agabi, Kanu prayed the court to grant him a short adjournment till the next day.

    When the case was called on Friday, the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) told the court that the case was scheduled for the defendant (Kanu) to open his defence.

    When it was his turn to speak, Kanu said he would be representing himself.

    He then told the court that he would not be able to open his defence because he has not been able to access the case file.

    Read Also: Kanu sacks five SANs, others

    Kanu said those who were to bring the case file to him in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), where he is being held.could.not get to him. 

    He prayed the court for an adjournment till Monday, October 27 to enable access the case file and familiarise himself with its contents.

    Kanu told the court that he was expecting witnesses from all over the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Kenya and Ethiopia and applied for an order that the DSS should allow him access to people even on Saturday and Sunday for the purpose of preparing for his defence.

    Awomolo did not object, following which Justice Omotosho ordered the DSS to allow him to receive visitors in Saturday and Sunday. 

    He then adjourned till October 27 for the defendant to open his defence, warning that the six days granted Kanu to conduct his defence, which began on October 23, will not be extended.

  • 2027: Niger Delta politicians urge Jonathan not to run

    2027: Niger Delta politicians urge Jonathan not to run

    • Tompolo asks ex-leader to work for Tinubu

    Some Niger Delta kinsmen of former President Goodluck Jonathan have urged him not to run for president in 2027.

    They enjoined the former leader to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instead.

    Prominent Niger Delta ex-militant commander, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) is the arrowhead of the group persuading Dr. Jonathan to jettison his bid.

    The ex-militant commander, who has visited the former President in his native Otuoke, Bayelsa State, last week, said the public mood does not support his aspiration.

    The visit was Tompolo’s second public appearance in over a decade. He was accompanied by the Managing Director of his oil pipelines surveillance company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Chief Kestin Pondi, and the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election in Bayelsa State, Joshua Maciver.

    Sources said Tompolo told Dr. Jonathan that the psyche of his kinsmen in the Niger Delta was unfavourable to his rumoured ambition of returning to power.

    READ ALSO: Davido meets French President Macron

    Tompolo, who is the convener and founder of the “PBAT-Door-2-Door, also explained to him that his kinsmen were largely in favour of President Tinubu’s second term bid.

    He said Dr. Jonathan may not secure the “home support” if he insisted on running for president on the platform of any political party. 

    According to the sources, Tompolo impressed it upon Jonathan to support President Tinubu in the spirit of continuity. Tompolo urged former President Jonathan to borrow a leaf from his wife, Dr Patience, and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who had joined the movement for the re-election of the President in 2027.

    The sources also said the interests of the South, comprising the Southwest, the Southeast, and the Southsouth, should be considered.

    “Tompolo said the recent resignation of Diri from main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his anticipated defection into APC had made it imperative for Dr. Jonathan to team up with his team to ensure the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

    A source said: “Tompolo came to see His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan, in his village, Otuoke, on Friday, October 16 in what was a happy reunion since they have not met in over one decade. Contrary to the reports in the conventional and social media that they discussed issues bordering on peace and security in the Niger Delta, far from that, the meeting was political.

    “Tompolo came and unequivocally appealed to him to shelve his rumoured presidential bid in 2027. Although Tompolo acknowledged that the ambition is coming into the  public space as mere rumours, but he told Mr. President that he should shelve the idea if it’s true.”

    “Tompolo advised our leader not to be persuaded and not to give in to those political calculations that he could unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections. He stated categorically that the psyche of the citizens of the Niger Delta and indeed of the majority of Nigerians favoured the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2927.”

    “He made President Jonathan to understand that he won’t get the much-needed home support for his aspiration. He specifically pointed out the recent public statement made by his wife, Patience, endorsing President Tinubu for re-election and the recent resignation of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, from PDP and his planned defection to APC, as having diminished him.”

    “Tompolo told his host that nobody can defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a free and fair electoral contest in view of his superlative performance in less than 3 years in office. He said most reasonable and right-thinking Nigerians want President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue in office beyond 2027 to enable him to continue in the saddle till 2031.”

    “Consequently, he enjoined President Jonathan to join the vanguard for the re-election of Tinubu in 2027, that a contrary action will surely not going to be in his interest and in the overall interest of his people of the Niger Delta.”

    “He further counselled that former President Goodluck Jonathan does not have to defect to APC, that he can remain a statesman to work and deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term of office,” added the source, who craved anonymity.

    Another source at the meeting said Dr. Jonathan, who listened to his guest with rapt attention, promised to consider his advice.

    According to him, Jonathan acknowledged wisdom in his submissions.

    He said: “President Goodluck Jonathan appreciated Tompolo for his visit and acknowledged his wise counsel on the political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “President Jonathan promised to review his counsel and make public his decisions in the future.”

    Tompolo did not address reporters after the visit.

    But Dr. Jonathan, who addressed reporters afterwards, said Tompolo visited him to review the prevailing peace in the region.

    He said: “Since I left office, we have not seen each other. Tompolo is one young man, who has played a key role in the unity of our people.

    “There are issues people have been complaining about, so I decided to ask him so that we can have conversations to ensure the Niger Delta remains peaceful. He (Tompolo) has contributed significantly to the peace and the protection of oil installations.”

  • Kanu sacks five SANs, others

    Kanu sacks five SANs, others

    • IPOB leader insists on on self-representation

    The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday dismissed his entire legal team.

    He opted to conduct his terrorism trial personally before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Kanu, who announced the decision during yesterday’s proceedings, told Justice James Omotosho that he had taken back his case from his lawyers and was prepared to represent himself.

    Lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that the team’s presence was purely out of respect for the court.

    He announced that the senior lawyers, including Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), and Emeka Etiaba (SAN), had withdrawn from the case.

    Agabi explained: “The defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that decision.”

    Justice Omotosho turned to the defendant for confirmation.

    Kanu affirmed the sack of his lawyers, saying he would now handle his defence personally.

    The judge then ordered all remaining members of the defence team, except the SANs, to leave the courtroom, a directive they immediately obeyed.

    READ ALSO: Davido meets French President Macron

    Kanu subsequently informed the court that he would not proceed with opening his defence as ordered, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him.

    He raised four grounds for objection: first, that the Federal Government was allegedly in contempt of the Court of Appeal judgment, which, he claimed, had acquitted him.

    The second ground was that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013 and the Customs and Excise Act under which he was charged had been repealed.

    The third basis, according to him, was that he had been denied a fair hearing owing to his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Fourthly, he argued that a medical report submitted by a Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)-appointed team certifying him fit for trial was allegedly forged.

    Kanu denied ever being examined by the said medical panel or providing any samples for testing.

    He urged the court to declare the proceedings void and order his immediate release.

    Responding, prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) argued that the issues raised were baseless and had been resolved in previous rulings.

    He said Kanu’s claims should have been made formally via affidavit evidence, not oral argument.

    Awomolo clarified that the Court of Appeal judgment Kanu relied on had been set aside by the Supreme Court on December 15, 2023.

    He also faulted the allegation of forgery, noting that the same report had been reviewed and accepted by Kanu’s former senior lawyers without objection.

    Justice Omotosho reaffirmed that all the issues raised by Kanu had been addressed in his September 26 ruling, where he held that the defendant had a case to answer.

    He said the medical report had already been admitted and acted upon, and the court could not revisit it.

    “I call upon and appeal to the defendant to open his defence,” the judge said.

    “This is the opportunity the Constitution grants him under Section 36—to be heard or to waive that right expressly or by conduct.”

    At that point, Dr. Ikpeazu pleaded that Kanu be given time to gather his thoughts.

    Kanu himself told the court that he had not had adequate time to prepare, having only three hours of consultation the previous day.

    The prosecution did not object, prompting Justice Omotosho to adjourn the trial to today for Kanu to open his defence.

    The judge disclosed that he had signed the witness summons requested by the defendant, allowing him to call witnesses, including former and serving governors, ministers, and security chiefs.

  • Wave of defections bolsters APC across states

    Wave of defections bolsters APC across states

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday continued to attract major political figures and grassroots supporters across Nigeria.

    Several opposition leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) formally defected to the party in Zamfara, Kano, and Cross River states.

    In Zamfara, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, yesterday received 15 top PDP leaders into the APC, describing their decision as “bold, timely, and patriotic.”

    The defectors, comprising state and zonal PDP executives, were presented to the Minister in Abuja by Zamfara APC Chairman, Tukur Umar Danfulani, alongside Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura and Lawal M. Liman.

    Matawalle, a former governor of the state, assured the new members of equal treatment, noting that their defection reflected the growing acceptance of the APC nationwide.

    “Our party is more popular and united than ever before,” he said.

    “The APC will continue to strengthen its base with strategies and welfare programmes that directly impact the people.”

    READ ALSO: Davido meets French President Macron

    The Zamfara APC Chairman, Danfulani, said the defectors included PDP Youth Leader Isiyaka M. Dabo, Zonal Treasurer (Zamfara West) Nasiru Mohammed Anka, Organising Secretary (Zamfara North) Junaidu Magaji Kiyawa, and Assistant Organising Secretary (Zamfara West) Hon. Musa Halilu Faru. Others were PDP Zonal Secretary (Zamfara North) Alhaji Lawali Aliyu Shinkafi, and ex-officio members Hajiya Rabi Bakura and Hajiya Amina Duniya.

    Senator Kaura said a grand reception would soon be organised by Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Matawalle to celebrate the defectors.

    “Their coming strengthens our structure ahead of the 2027 elections,” he noted.

    In her remarks, Amina Duniya, who said she spent 25 years in the PDP, urged APC leaders to ensure fairness and justice, pledging to mobilise more women into the party.

    Another defector, Bashar Mohammed Dogon Kade, a former PDP aspirant, said he left because “the party only favours the rich.”

    Danfulani expressed optimism that the APC would reclaim Zamfara in the next general elections. “With our recent by-election victory and the calibre of leaders joining us, 2027 looks very promising for our party,” he said.

    500 NNPP supporters join APC in Kano

    Similarly, in Kano, no fewer than 500 supporters of the NNPP from Fagge and Ungogo local government areas dumped their party for the APC.

    The Managing Director of Hadejia received the defectors–Jam’are River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, who said their move reflected growing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and APC’s progressive vision.

    “People are aligning with APC’s policies on development and economic renewal,” Bichi said, citing recent defections of governors and top opposition figures as proof of the party’s appeal.

    He assured the new members of fair treatment and integration into the party, adding that APC’s economic and agricultural policies were resonating at the grassroots.

    Representing the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kano APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, commended the defectors for joining the “party of progress,” while the Kano Central APC Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Ungogo, said Tinubu’s reforms had “restored public confidence in governance.”

    The new entrants said they were impressed by the administration’s developmental strides, especially in infrastructure and economic growth, and pledged to mobilise more NNPP members to the APC ahead of 2027.

    Cross River PDP Senator, Jarigbe defects to APC

    In a separate development, the last remaining PDP senator from Cross River State, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, officially defected to the APC following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North Senatorial District, was accompanied to the closed-door meeting by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and was received by the President alongside Senator Kaila Dahuwa.

    The defection marks another major blow to the PDP in Cross River, coming barely four months after Hon. Peter Akpanke, member representing Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, also joined the ruling party.

    Jarigbe praised President Tinubu’s performance, saying, “Mr President is doing very well. His leadership inspires confidence, and I’m happy to align with his Renewed Hope vision.”

    Senate President Akpabio described the defection as “another testimony that the President’s leadership is uniting Nigerians,” adding that the new APC members “are Mr President’s children, committed to building a better nation.”

    Political analysts said Jarigbe’s defection further consolidates APC’s dominance in Cross River State, where most former PDP figures—including Governor Bassey Otu’s predecessors—have switched allegiance to the ruling party.

    The series of defections across regions signals renewed momentum for the APC as the country inches closer to the 2027 general elections.

    Party sources said the leadership plans to hold a national reception for recent defectors in the coming weeks.

  • Consensus chair bid: PDP split over ex-minister Turaki

    Consensus chair bid: PDP split over ex-minister Turaki

    There is division in the Northern Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the endorsement of former Minister of Special Duties in the Jonathan Administration, Kabiru Taminu Turaki (SAN) for the position of National Chairman as consensus candidate by some party leaders from the region.

    While Turaki was endorsed in Abuja at a meeting of party leaders led by the governors, other leaders from the Northwest rejected the endorsement, saying that they were not consulted.

    Following the adoption, Turaki’s name is expected to be presented to delegates at the November 15 Convention in Ibadan to replace the outgoing National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum.

    But the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, said Northwest had no hand in the selective endorsement.

    The opposition party had zoned the National Chairman to the North and the presidential ticket to the South.

    At its last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the party resolved that while all party positions should remain in their current zones, they should be micro-zoned by zonal leaders among the states constituting the region.

    READ ALSO: Quick steps to apply for NELFUND 2025/2026 student loan

    However, the proposed convention is a matter of litigation at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Also, crisis has broken out between the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who alleged that the signature on the party’s letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the convention co-signed by him and Damagum was forged.

    Sixty three-year old Turaki, who hails from Kebbi State, Northwest zone, is one of the Deputy Chairmen of the Convention Organising Committee.

    He was endorsed as candidate at the meeting of PDP Northern Stakeholders on Wednesday at the Adamawa Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

    Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri announced the endorsement at the end of the meeting, which was attended by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed , Plateau State Governor Caleb Matfwang, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas.

    Fintiri said all the 10 positions in the National Working Working (NWC) zoned to the North would be micro-zoned through consensus.

    He however, clarified that the adoption of consensus does not preclude any member of the party from contesting for any position in the party.

    Aspirants for positions in the National Working Committee  will appear for screening at the national headquarters, Legacy House, Abuja on Tuesday.

    Fintiri said in a statement last night that Monday is the last day for the purchase of nomination forms.

    The statement reads: “The screening of all aspirants for various National Offices in the 2025 PDP Elective National Convention has been scheduled for Tuesday, 28th October, 2025.

    “The Screening is to hold at the National Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC) Secretariat Conference Hall, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja at 2pm while the Screening Appeal has been slated for Thursday, 30th October, 2025

    “To this effect, Monday, 27th October, 2025 has been approved as the last date for the submission of already completed Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms by all aspirants to the NCOC Secretariat.”

    Signature not forged

    The BoT said the allegation by Anyanwu that his signature was forged is wrong.

    BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara said in a statement  that the National Secretary had misled party members and the general public.

    The statement is titled: “Re: Allegation of forgery by Senator Samuel Anyanwu  – A clarification of facts.”    

    Wabara said “the said INEC notification letter was jointly signed by the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary, on the 25th of August, 2025, during the 102nd meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP.”

    He said the signing took place in the presence governors, BoT members and NEC members.

    Wabara recalled that after signing the letter, Anyanwu was inaugurated as the Secretary of the Contact and Mobilization Sub-Committee for the convention.

    He insisted that in that capacity, he co-signed official communications of the sub-committee, including letters of appointment issued to its members, alongside the Sub-Committee Chairman, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri.

    The former Senate President also said that in his capacity as Sub-Committee Secretary, he also signed and transmitted a letter seeking financial approval for the inaugural meeting of the sub-committee.

    Wabara said these verifiable correspondences, bearing his signature, are in the custody of the Party and relevant Convention Committees.

    He added: “In view of these incontrovertible facts, the BoT finds Senator Anyanwu’s claim of forgery to be baseless, misleading, and to say the least, reprehensible being inconsistent with the documented record of events.

    “Such allegations, regrettably, can only be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to cast aspersions on the integrity of the Party’s leadership and processes, and to misinform security agencies and the general public.”

    Why his nomination is faulty

    Bature said the Northwest was not consulted before Turaki’s choice was announced by Fintiri.

    He told reporters after a meeting of some Northwest leaders in Abuja that while the position was micro-zoned to the region, its leaders never met to take a decision on who should be adopted as candidate.

    He said it was wrong for the Adamawa governor to announce a concensus candidate when the zone was not consulted.

    Bature said: “This meeting was at the instance of the Governor of Zamfara, with a view to adopting a particular individual for the national chairman zoned to the Northwest.

    “A meeting was held yesterday with other leaders of the northern zones, and the name of an individual was reportedly adopted. The Northwest has not met to agree on that position. That’s why we came for this meeting, and unfortunately, that meeting again was postponed.

    “So, what we want to make clear to everybody is that this zone has not adopted anybody as a candidate from this zone for the Peoples Democratic Party. There is a lot of resentment due to a lack of consultation among the leaders of this zone.

    “We believe we are the strongest zone in the PDP, and the attitude of our leaders in this regard made us take this position that we disagree with the governor’s position of yesterday, and we are going to have our own candidate that we will nominate for that position.”

    He added: “The Northwest is the zone to which the national chairman has been zoned.This position has been determined by other zones, and we feel it is unfair for other zones to determine a particular candidate when this zone has not been consulted. That’s why we are taking this position.

    “He said they can go ahead. Those who are interested in contesting can go ahead to contest. Do you think that’s fair, and is there any need for disagreement when it’s open that you can contest? If it’s open, then, why did they adopt somebody else? That would be the question you should have asked him.

    “If it’s an open contest, they should have allowed others to come out and contest. They shouldn’t have just zoned it to one person. If he knew that the chairmanship position has been zoned to the Northwest, why should he adopt a candidate when he has not met others?That’s why we’re here today.

    “Consensus about who? Consensus is made by consultation. We have not been consulted. The governor himself zoned these positions to the North West. We were supposed to meet yesterday at the instance of the Zamfara governor, who said he was traveling, and that meeting was suspended until today.

    “The governor then sat down and adopted a candidate. We didn’t sit down in the North West to adopt a candidate. That’s why we are expressing this position. As far as we are concerned, we do not have a candidate recognized as the North West candidate.

    “We are all stakeholders here. We are all party chairmen. We are all members of the National Assembly. None of us was consulted. We were at the meeting when these positions were zoned to the North West.

    “So, if Governor Fintiri can adopt his own in the Northeast, why can’t we, stakeholders of the Northwest, be allowed to sit down and adopt our own candidate?

  • UPDATED: Amupitan assumes duty as INEC chairman

    UPDATED: Amupitan assumes duty as INEC chairman

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan assumed duty on Thursday with a promise that the integrity of the nation’s electoral system was not negotiable. Amupitan arrived the INEC headquarters in Maitama area of Abuja at exactly 2.27 pm in a white coaster bus and a motor cade accompanied by the National Commissioners after his swearing in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    He was however ushered into the conference Hall of the Commission at about 2.57pm clad in white babariga with a Yoruba traditional cap to match, where he was introduced to the Directors of the Commission. 

    He was accompanied to the Commission headquarters by  his wife, who is said to be a Professor; the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos where he was Deputy Vice Chancellor; Registrar of the University of Jos; the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University; the Bursar of the university as well as  the University Librarian. 

    Amupitan, who was  cleared by the Senate recently after endorsement of his nomination by the National Council of State was sworn in on Thursday by the President.  

    Addressing the staff of the Commission, Prof Amupitan pledge his commitment to electoral integrity and ensuring that the vote of Nigerians count, saying the eyes of Nigerians was on the commission. 

    He said as Chairman of the commission, he will work with the staff to promote the highest standard of discipline, transparency and integrity of the electoral system in the country and carrying out the constitutional mandate of the commission which is to deliver credible, free and fair election. 

    While calling for teamwork, he said: “We must work together to improve the entire electoral system. The Anambra election is not just another election, but an avenue to demonstrate free and fair election.” 

    Amupitan said working in unity of purpose by the entire staff of the commission was paramount in assuring Nigerians that their votes will count. 

    Read Also: Tinubu to Amupitan: ensure free, fair, credible elections

    He told the staff not to compromise their values, saying the integrity of the electoral system was not negotiable, while assuring that staff welfare and training will receive the needed attention. 

    He said: “I want to assure you of my commitment to holding the highest standard of integrity, transparency and discipline in all our operations. I want to give you that assurance, and also to let you know that our mandate is very clear as INEC. 

    “INEC has a constitutional responsibility and a statutory mandate which is it to deliver free, fair and credible elections that reflects the will of Nigerian people? To achieve this, we must work together as a team. So that’s why it was so important for us to start our assignment with this interaction. 

    “We have to be team players. While we look at the KPIs of individuals. We will also look at how it’s tied to your overall performance as a team players, which is very, very crucial for us. Therefore, to achieve this, we have to work together, leveraging on our unique skills and expertise and improve our own process. So the essence is to tap your brains so that we’ll be able to achieve our mandates. 

    “As we gather for this meeting, it’s important to acknowledge the critical role of INEC tp the future of Nigeria. The upcoming Anambra State governorship election is not just Another electoral exercise. It represents an opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair and credible elections the eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that location.”

  • BREAKING: Amupitan assumes duty as INEC chairman

    BREAKING: Amupitan assumes duty as INEC chairman

    Prof Joash Amupitan arrived at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Maitama at exactly 2.27 pm in a white coaster bus and a motorcade accompanied by the National Commissioners after his swearing in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    He was ushered into the conference Hall of the Commission around 2.57pm clad in white babariga with a Yoruba traditional cap to match, where he was introduced to the Directors of the Commission. 

    He was accompanied to the Commission headquarters by  his wife, who is said to be a Professor; Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos where he was Deputy Vice Chancellor;  Registrar of the University of Jos; the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, the Bursar of the university as well as  the University Librarian. 

    Amupitan, who was cleared by the Senate recently after endorsement of his nomination by the National Council of State, was sworn in on Thursday by the President. 

    Details Shortly…

  • BREAKING: Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC Chairman

    BREAKING: Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC Chairman

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday swore in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), formally marking the beginning of his tenure as head of the nation’s electoral body.

    The ceremony took place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja ahead of an expanded meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC).

    Charging the new INEC Chairman, President Tinubu urged him to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Commission to deliver credible elections.

    Amupitan’s appointment followed the unanimous endorsement of his nomination by the National Council of State, to which the President had earlier submitted his name. 

    His confirmation by the Senate came after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    A Professor of law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. 

    He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014 and is widely recognised for his expertise in company law, law of evidence, corporate governance, and privatisation law.

    With his assumption of office, the new INEC boss faces immediate responsibilities, including preparations for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November this year and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections in February 2026.

    Details shortly…