Tinubu Signs Electoral Act 2026 Amendment Into Law
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, days after the Independent National Electoral Commission released the timetable for the 2027 general elections. The signing ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, at about 5:00 p.m., with principal officers of the National Assembly in attendance. The amendment concludes months of legislative deliberations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the next general polls.
El-Rufai Transferred to ICPC Custody After EFCC Bail
Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has been moved into the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). El-Rufai, who reportedly spent 48 hours at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was subsequently arrested by the ICPC after being granted bail by the anti-graft agency. Details of the allegations against him were yet to be officially disclosed at the time of filing this report.
Tinubu Orders Direct Remittance of Oil, Gas Revenues to Federation Account
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed an Executive Order directing the direct remittance of oil and gas revenues to the Federation Account as part of sweeping fiscal reforms. The directive is aimed at curbing leakages, eliminating duplicative deductions, and boosting revenue available to the federal, state, and local governments. The presidency said the order seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, and constitutional compliance in the management of Nigeria’s oil and gas earnings.
DIA Transfers Detained Cleric to DSS Over Alleged Coup Plot
The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has transferred detained Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria, to the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had earlier ordered the DIA to produce the cleric on February 18 to determine his bail application. Security agencies have yet to provide detailed evidence supporting the allegation.
INEC Empowers EFCC, ICPC to Arrest Vote Buyers in FCT Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned against electoral malpractice and given what it described as an “express mandate” to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to apprehend vote buyers during Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections. The commission said the move is part of measures to ensure credible and transparent polls in the FCT.
Naira Appreciates in Parallel Market, Slips in Official Window
The naira on Wednesday appreciated to N1,380 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,385 recorded on Tuesday. However, the local currency depreciated to N1,340 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM). The mixed performance reflects continued volatility in the foreign exchange market amid ongoing monetary interventions by fiscal and financial authorities.
Taraba Governor Denies Monetary Inducement to Join APC
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, on Wednesday denied allegations that governors who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were financially induced. Kefas dismissed the claims as unfounded and politically motivated, insisting his defection was based on conviction and strategic interests for Taraba State. He also refuted speculations of a strained relationship with elder statesman and former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma (retd).
FG Shuts Plateau Mining Site After 37 Villagers Die
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of a mining site in Plateau State after about 37 villagers reportedly died from inhaling toxic gases during artisanal mining activities. According to reports, 25 other persons were hospitalised following exposure to suspected carbon monoxide at the site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
INEC to Deploy BVAS, Upload FCT Poll Results to IReV
The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) will be deployed in all polling units for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections. The commission added that results will be uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this at a high-level stakeholders’ forum on Wednesday.
NDLEA Arrests 600 Suspected Drug Offenders in Bayelsa
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bayelsa State said it arrested 600 suspected drug offenders and seized 621.55 kilogrammes of illicit substances between January and December 2025. The State Commander, Kanu Chukwuemeka, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Yenagoa on Wednesday. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse in the state.