Senate Passes Electoral Act Amendment Bill, Rejects Mandatory Real-Time Result Upload
The Senate on Wednesday passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, after hours of heated debate, approving broad changes to Nigeria’s electoral framework. Lawmakers, however, rejected a proposal seeking to mandate the real-time electronic upload of polling unit results, retaining flexibility in the transmission process.
Suswam Resigns From PDP, Joins APC Over Internal Disputes
Former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing unresolved internal conflicts. In a letter dated February 4, 2026, addressed to the PDP chairman in Benue State, Suswam formally announced his exit and subsequently declared his defection to the All Progressives Congress.
DSS Arraigns Ex-AGF Malami, Son on Terrorism, Firearms Charges
The Department of State Services has arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The duo were charged with five counts bordering on terrorism and illegal possession of firearms in a case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026.
162 Killed in Deadliest Kwara Attack on Woro Village
No fewer than 162 people were killed on Tuesday when armed attackers stormed Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. A Red Cross official and local authorities confirmed the figure, as residents recounted mass executions and widespread arson in what is described as the deadliest attack in the state this year.
Insecurity Will End in 2026, Senate Assures Nigerians
The Senate on Wednesday assured Nigerians that cases of armed banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and destruction of property would end in 2026. Lawmakers pledged to review the 2026 budget with a view to increasing funding for the military to strengthen national security efforts.
Police Arrest Two Suspected Armed Robbers in Lagos Operations
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers during intelligence-led operations in Ajegunle and Ojo areas of the state. Police said firearms and ammunition were recovered, adding that the suspects allegedly operated with commercial motorcycles while armed with dangerous weapons.
Naira Appreciates to N1,450/$ at Parallel Market
The naira appreciated to N1,450 per dollar at the parallel market on Wednesday, up from N1,455 the previous day. The local currency also recorded its third consecutive gain at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, strengthening to N1,359 per dollar.
75 Killed for Resisting Extremists in Kwara, Governor Reveals
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has disclosed that at least 75 residents were killed in attacks on two villages in Kaiama Local Government Area. Speaking during a visit to the area, the governor said the victims were targeted for resisting extremists attempting to impose a “strange doctrine.”
Police Arrest Ghanaian for Allegedly De-Roofing Tenant’s Apartment in Rivers
Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a Ghanaian national, Samuel Frimpong, for allegedly removing the roof of his tenant’s apartment in Mgbuoba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The incident reportedly followed a dispute over the tenant’s failure to vacate the property after a grace period.
Gunmen Abduct Nine Family Members Along Benin–Akure Road
Suspected kidnappers have abducted nine members of the same family, including a nursing mother and children, along the Benin–Akure Road in Edo State. The victims were reportedly seized on Monday evening while returning from school in Evboneka community.
Senate Approves New Electoral Act, Reduces INEC Notice Period
The Senate on Wednesday passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, after considering all 155 clauses. One key amendment reduced the period for INEC to publish election notices from 360 days to 180 days ahead of polls.
NNPC Refineries Operating at Monumental Loss – Ojulari
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, has said Nigeria’s state-owned refineries were operating at “monumental loss,” prompting management to halt operations. Speaking at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026, he said continued operation would have worsened financial losses.
INEC Finalizes Timetable for 2027 General Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission has finalized the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the commission is prepared for the polls, noting that ongoing Electoral Act amendments may require minor adjustments.
Governor Alia Condemns Fresh Benue Attack, Orders Manhunt
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the killing of residents in Abande community, Kwande Local Government Area, by suspected bandits. He described the attack as a cowardly act of terror and directed security agencies to track down the perpetrators.
Kogi Explains Closure of Schools Over Security Concerns
The Kogi State government has explained that the temporary closure of schools was a preventive measure based on credible security intelligence. Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the decision was taken to protect students and teachers, adding that schools would reopen once it is safe.
Senate Denies Removing Electronic Transmission From Electoral Act
The Senate has dismissed claims that it rejected electronic transmission of election results. Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the amended Electoral Act still allows electronic transmission, describing reports to the contrary as misleading.
Actor Okunnu Accuses Marketer Olasco of Unpaid Movie Debt
Veteran Yoruba Nollywood actor, Wale Akorede, popularly known as Okunnu, has accused marketer Olasco Films of failing to pay him for a movie production. He said he did not receive any proceeds from the film despite producing and starring in it.
Ramadan Restricting My Performances in Nigeria – Fave
Singer Fave has said her plans to hold a birthday concert on March 13 were disrupted because the date falls within Ramadan. She said promoters informed her that music shows are not allowed during the fasting period, a situation she described as confusing.
Ronaldo Returns to Al Nassr Training Amid Speculation
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Al Nassr’s training ground on Wednesday, arriving two hours early ahead of the club’s next league fixture. His return follows speculation surrounding his recent absence amid reported tensions in the Saudi Pro League.
Why Eberechi Eze Declined Super Eagles Call-Up – Pinnick
Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick has explained that midfielder Eberechi Eze delayed his commitment to Nigeria despite advanced talks. Pinnick said all arrangements were in place before the player and his representatives opted to hold off on the decision.