Low Turnout, Vote Buying Mar FCT Area Council Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday conducted the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections amid reports of low voter turnout and vote buying. Observers across several polling units noted sparse participation, while some incidents of inducement were alleged during the exercise.
Wike Laments Poor Voter Participation in FCT Polls
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment over the low turnout recorded in the ongoing Area Council elections. Speaking after touring polling units, including one in Karshi where no voters were present, the minister described the development as discouraging and urged residents to participate in the democratic process.
Police Repel Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists in Kebbi
The Kebbi State Police Command says it repelled an attack by suspected Lakurawa terrorists along the Maje border road in Bagudo Local Government Area. The command’s spokesperson, Bashir Usman, disclosed in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday that security operatives successfully thwarted the assault.
Radda Commends Security Agencies for Rescue of 21 Kidnap Victims
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, has applauded the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force for rescuing 21 kidnapped victims in the state. The commendation was conveyed in a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu.
APC Candidate Wins Ahoada East Bye-Election
INEC has declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ukalikpe Napoleon, as winner of the Ahoada East State Constituency II bye-election held on Saturday. The Returning Officer, Prof. Rosemary Ogbo, certified that the poll was duly conducted and contested.
FCT Police Commissioner Praises Peaceful Conduct of Council Polls
FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, has commended officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for their professionalism during the Area Council elections. After monitoring voting across several polling units, he described the process as peaceful and hitch-free.
Umahi Warns Against Vandalism on Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has decried acts of vandalism along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway corridor, warning that offenders will be prosecuted. During an inspection of the flagship project of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, he assured that a section of the road would be ready for commissioning by May.
PDP, NNPP, ADC Missing From Kano By-Election Ballot
Three opposition parties — the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — were absent from ballot papers in the Kano State House of Assembly by-election. The poll is being conducted to fill two vacant seats following the deaths of former lawmakers.
Army Intercepts Suspected Gun Runner, Recovers 969 Rounds in Taraba
Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, have intercepted a suspected gun runner and recovered 969 rounds of ammunition in Taraba State. The Nigerian Army said the arrest was made on February 21 in Ibi Local Government Area.
Katsina Government Confirms Rescue of 21 Kidnap Victims, Arrest of Four Suspects
The Katsina State Government has confirmed the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims and the arrest of four suspects during a joint security operation in Dargaza Hills, Danmusa Local Government Area. The operation involved the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Community Watch Corps.
ADC Slams Wike Over Alleged Interference in FCT Elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over what it described as interference in the Area Council elections. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the minister’s presence at polling units amounted to undue influence and raised concerns over reported disruptions to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal.
ADC Chieftain Demands Release or Trial of El-Rufai
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Usman Okai Austin, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to either charge former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to court or release him. He described alleged detention without conclusion of investigations as undemocratic.
Keyamo Says No Political Party Is Made Up of Saints
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said no political party can claim to be made up of saints. In a statement shared on social media, he maintained that while the APC is not perfect, it remains the best option for Nigerians compared to the past administration of the PDP.
Wike Fires Back at Senator Kingibe Over Movement Restriction
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has criticised Senator Ireti Kingibe over her remarks on the temporary restriction of movement imposed ahead of the council polls. Wike said the directive was issued with presidential approval and dismissed allegations of executive overreach.
Obidient Movement Raises Alarm Over INEC IReV Glitch
The Obidient Movement has alleged that results uploaded to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal during the FCT elections were not reflecting on the server. Its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, urged supporters to remain calm and vigilant while observing the collation process. INEC had yet to respond at the time of filing this report.
Adeyanju Criticises National Assembly Over Electoral Amendment
Activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has criticised the National Assembly led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, over the new Electoral Amendment Bill signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. Adeyanju described the legislature as regressive and accused it of undermining democratic progress.
Lizzy Gold Calls Out Ekene Umenwa Over Alleged False Claims
Nollywood actress Lizzy Gold has publicly accused fellow actress Ekene Umenwa of spreading false claims about her personal life. The allegations followed a viral video that triggered heated reactions within the movie industry.
Police Dismiss Papaya Ex’s Assault Allegations
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed assault allegations made by social media influencer Abike Raheem, popularly known as Papaya Ex. Police spokesperson, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the incident stemmed from a routine vehicle search and denied claims of misconduct.
Arokodare Describes AFCON Omission as Painful but Fair
Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has described his omission from Nigeria’s final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations as painful but fair. The forward, who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers, admitted that limited playing time and missed opportunities affected his chances of making the final list.