INEC Announces 2027 Election Dates
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the dates on Friday at a news conference in Abuja, outlining the official campaign periods and timelines for Continuous Voter Registration and party primaries.
Edo Police Arrest 87 Suspected Kidnappers Since January
The Edo State Police Command has arrested 87 suspected kidnappers across the state from January 1 to date. Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said the arrests were aided by helicopters, drones, and dedicated officers. Some suspects were found carrying dane guns to pose as hunters. The briefing was held in Benin City on Friday.
Katsina Police Officer Killed in Bandit Attack
Bandits have killed the Divisional Police Officer of Rimi Local Government Area, CSP Muhammad Sani Kabir, during an operation targeting suspected cattle rustlers in Katsina State. The Ministry of Internal Security confirmed that three suspects were neutralised during a joint operation involving security forces and community members.
Federal High Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Over Alleged Coup Plot
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Defence Intelligence Agency to produce Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria, accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s government, on February 18. Justice Peter Lifu said all authorities are subordinated to civil authority under the current civilian rule.
Six Dead From Lassa Fever in Edo State
Edo State has recorded six deaths from Lassa Fever, with 28 confirmed cases, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, confirmed Friday. He addressed the situation at a press conference in Benin City.
El-Rufai to Honour ICPC Invitation
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has confirmed he will appear before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. El-Rufai said his lawyer communicated with the ICPC following an alleged attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Man Kills Brother Over Alleged Witchcraft in Rivers State
A man, Nwalozie Chiwendu, has allegedly killed his elder brother, Chidiebere Isaiah, in Ofeh community, Omuma Local Government Area, Rivers State. The incident occurred Thursday afternoon after Chiwendu accused his brother of blocking his success through witchcraft.
APC Launches Grassroots Campaign for FCT Area Councils
APC Secretary of the FCT Council Election Campaign Council and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has unveiled an intensive grassroots mobilisation strategy for Abuja’s area councils. Kalu announced the plan Friday during the inauguration of the FCT Council Election Campaign Council.
El-Rufai Alleges Tinubu Administration Linked to US Sanctions Against Kwankwaso
Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai alleged that the Tinubu administration may be involved in efforts influencing proposed US sanctions against ex-Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. He made the claim Friday on Arise Television, referencing a congressional bill proposing visa restrictions and asset freezes.
ADC Condemns Alleged Attempted Arrest of El-Rufai
The African Democratic Congress condemned an alleged attempt by security operatives to arrest former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, issued the statement Friday, warning against the intimidation of opposition figures.
INEC Releases 2027 Election Timetable
INEC has released the schedule for the 2027 general elections, setting Presidential and National Assembly polls for February 20, and Governorship and State Assembly elections for March 6. Campaign periods, continuous voter registration, and party primaries were also outlined by Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan during a press conference Friday in Abuja.
Presidency Criticises El-Rufai Over Phone-Tapping Remark
The presidency has criticised former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai for admitting on national television that he listened to a conversation by tapping the NSA’s phone. Senior Special Assistant Temitope Ajayi said Friday that El-Rufai’s comments suggest he would label President Tinubu a “tyrant” if authorities investigated the matter.
ADC Warns FG Against Weaponising Law After El-Rufai Airport Incident
The African Democratic Congress has condemned the alleged attempt to arrest former Governor El-Rufai without a warrant, warning that selective enforcement threatens democracy. In a statement Friday, ADC said law enforcement must not be used against political opponents and highlighted double standards in anti-corruption measures.
El-Rufai Vows to Oust Government in 2027 After Airport Episode
Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai said the alleged airport arrest attempt has strengthened his resolve to remove the Tinubu administration in the 2027 elections. He called for opposition unity, insisting he will honour lawful invitations from anti-corruption agencies if due process is followed.
ADC Welcomes 2027 Election Timetable, Questions Electronic Transmission
The African Democratic Congress welcomed INEC’s release of the 2027 election timetable but raised concerns over the integrity of real-time electronic transmission of results. The party stressed the need for transparency and adherence to due process throughout the electoral cycle.
PDP Chieftain Criticises Oluremi Tinubu Over US Airstrike Comments
PDP chieftain Jaffar Bello has criticised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for supporting US airstrikes in Northern Nigeria during a Washington, D.C. visit. Bello expressed frustration that no similar calls were made for Southeast Nigeria amid security challenges.
Onyi Alex Slams Igbo Elites Supporting Tinubu
Nollywood actress Onyi Alex criticised certain Igbo businessmen for supporting President Tinubu’s administration, describing their actions as betrayal. Alex raised concerns over insecurity in the Southeast and questioned the loyalty of elites aligning with the ruling party.
Whitemoney Announces Engagement on Valentine’s Day
Reality TV star Hazel Oyeze Onou, popularly known as Whitemoney, has announced his engagement. The former Big Brother Naija winner shared videos of his proposal on Instagram Friday, describing it as the “Best Valentine’s Gift Ever.”
CAF Confirms AFCON 2027 Will Take Place in June and July
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in June and July, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Motsepe dismissed speculation of postponement or relocation and expressed confidence in the hosts’ readiness, while inspections of infrastructure continue.
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