House Approves Tougher Penalties for Vote Buying, Imposes 10-Year Election Ban
The House of Representatives has approved sweeping amendments to the Electoral Act, prescribing stiffer penalties for vote buying and selling. The amendments provide for a two-year jail term or a fine of up to N5 million, or both, as well as a 10-year ban from contesting elections. The decision was taken during clause-by-clause consideration of the report of the House Committee on Electoral Matters at the Committee of the Whole. Lawmakers said the measures are aimed at strengthening electoral integrity and curbing malpractice.
ACP Slumps, Dies During Police Management Meeting in Ebonyi
An Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ogbon-Inu Taiwo Popoola, serving in the Ebonyi State Command, has reportedly slumped and died during a management meeting in Abakaliki. Sources said the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. during a meeting held in the office of the Commissioner of Police at the command headquarters. Details surrounding the cause of death were yet to be officially disclosed as of press time.
Troops Kill Notorious Boko Haram Commander, Foil Infiltration Attempt in Borno
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have thwarted an early-morning infiltration attempt by terrorists advancing from the Mandara Mountains towards Bitta. A military source said the encounter occurred at about 0030 hours on December 18, 2025, with troops using advanced surveillance to detect the movement. The operation reportedly led to the killing of a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander and several insurgents, dealing a major blow to their operational capacity.
Court Orders INEC to Grant Labour Party Access Code for FCT Polls
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to grant the Labour Party access code to upload details of its candidates for the 2026 FCT area council elections. Justice J.O.E. Adeyemi-Ajayi issued the order while ruling on an ex parte motion for interim injunctions filed by the party. The court held that the request was necessary to prevent irreparable harm ahead of the February 2026 polls.
Fubara Urges Support for Tinubu’s Re-election at Rivers Project Inauguration
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed his supporters to channel their loyalty towards the re-election of President Bola Tinubu. The governor made the call on Thursday while inaugurating the Ogbakiri Junction–Waterfront Road in Emohua Local Government Area. He said sustained collaboration with the Federal Government was key to development in the state.
FG Directs Reopening of 47 Unity Colleges Closed Over Insecurity
The Federal Government has ordered the reopening of 47 Unity Colleges earlier closed due to rising insecurity. The directive was announced in Abuja by the Ministry of Education through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Boriowo Folasade. The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding students and ensuring uninterrupted learning nationwide.
Reps Raise Campaign Spending Limits, Mandate Real-Time Result Transmission
The House of Representatives has approved increased campaign spending limits for candidates contesting elective offices. Under the amendments, presidential candidates’ spending cap was raised from N5 billion to N10 billion, while governorship candidates’ limit increased from N1 billion to N3 billion. The House also passed provisions mandating the real-time electronic transmission of election results by INEC.
NAFDAC Destroys N10.1bn Worth of Fake, Expired Drugs in Kano
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed over 618 tonnes of fake and expired drugs valued at more than N10.1 billion. The destruction took place at the Kalibawa site along the Kano–Daura highway. NAFDAC said the seized products were recovered from seven North-West states during enforcement operations.
Court Upholds EFCC Detention of Ex-AGF Malami
A Federal Capital Territory High Court has upheld the continued detention of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, by the EFCC. Justice Babangida Hassan dismissed Malami’s bail application, ruling that his detention was backed by a valid remand order. The court relied on provisions of the Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
149 Pioneer Firms to Retain Tax Holidays Despite New Regime — FG
The Federal Government says 149 companies currently enjoying pioneer status incentives will retain their tax holidays for at least two more years. The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja. It said transitional provisions would protect existing beneficiaries as Nigeria adopts a new tax regime in January 2026.
Tinubu to Present 2026 Budget to National Assembly on Friday
President Bola Tinubu will present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly on Friday. The President conveyed his intention in a letter read on the House floor by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. The budget presentation is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and marks the formal submission of fiscal proposals.
Education Ministry Reaffirms Reopening of 47 Unity Schools Nationwide
The Federal Government has reiterated the reopening of 47 Unity Schools previously shut due to security concerns. The Ministry of Education said the decision reflects its commitment to student safety and educational continuity. It assured parents that security agencies are working closely with school authorities to maintain stability.
Plateau Governor Mutfwang Defects from PDP to APC
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, announced the development at the party’s National Caucus meeting in Abuja. He said the move places the entire North Central zone under APC leadership.
Senate Confirms 64 Ambassadors, Notes Zamfara Omission
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed 64 ambassadorial nominees, comprising career and non-career diplomats. The confirmation followed the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. Lawmakers noted the absence of a nominee from Zamfara State, with assurances that additional names would be forwarded.
Court Dismisses Malami’s Bail Application Against EFCC
An FCT High Court has dismissed the bail application filed by former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami against the EFCC. Justice Babangida Hassan held that the anti-graft agency was acting on a lawful remand order. The court ruled that Malami’s detention complied with constitutional and statutory provisions.
I Was Never Truly PDP Member — Fubara Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said he was never genuinely a member of the PDP. Speaking in Abuja, Fubara blamed the party for his ordeal during the Rivers political crisis. He pledged to promote unity within the APC following his recent defection.
DeeOne Says Veekee James Was Former Girlfriend
Comedian Aderombi Adedayo, known as DeeOne, has disclosed that fashion designer Veekee James was once his girlfriend. He made the revelation while responding to comments she made during a podcast interview. DeeOne said the relationship ended years ago and that there is no bad blood between them.
Davido Tips Asake, Rema, Omah Lay as Next Afrobeats Stars
Afrobeats star Davido has named Asake, Rema and Omah Lay as artistes set to shape the genre’s future. He spoke during a livestream where he also discussed potential global collaborations. Davido said the trio would carry Afrobeats beyond the current generation.
Spain, Argentina to Clash in 2026 Finalissima in Qatar
UEFA and CONMEBOL have confirmed that Spain and Argentina will meet in the 2026 Finalissima. The match is scheduled for March 27, 2026, at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. The winner will be decided over 90 minutes, with penalties if the game ends level.
AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Arrive Morocco in Traditional Attire
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived in Morocco ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The team travelled from Cairo following an international friendly against Egypt. Players drew attention on arrival with coordinated traditional outfits, signaling readiness for the tournament.