Politics
FCT Council Polls:Amupitan Orders Sanctions for Late Opening of Polling Units, …. Swears-in Dr. Chukwu Chukwu-Emeka Joseph as new Abia REC
By George Mgbeleke
Disappointed with some infractions that almost marred the just concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area councils election,Chairman,Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC),Prof Joash Amupitan has warned that late opening of polling units will henceforth attract sanction.
This, is as Amupitan also directed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country to intensify voter education, strengthen logistics.
Amupitan also directed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country to intensify voter education, strengthen logistics.
The directive is coming amidst preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 General Election.
Prof. Amupitan gave the charge on Wednesday during a meeting with RECs at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, shortly before administering the oath of office to the newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner for Abia State, Dr. Chukwu Chukwu-Emeka Joseph.
Reflecting on the just-concluded February 21, 2026 Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as bye-elections in Kano and Rivers states, INEC Chairman expressed dissatisfaction with delays in the opening of polling units, despite the peaceful conduct of voting
According to him, only 45 per cent of polling units in the FCT commenced operations by 8:30 am on Election Day, though all units were fully operational by 10:00 am. He described the initial delay as unacceptable and warned that staff found culpable would face sanctions.
Prof. Amupitan revealed that some staff in Kuje Area Council and Kabusa Ward were being queried for logistics failures, while a transporter responsible for delays in Kwali Area Council would be blacklisted.
“Each polling unit that opens late erodes trust. Each staff member who neglects duty diminishes our collective reputation,” he warned.
He disclosed that as of 2:00 pm on Sunday following the FCT election, over 93 per cent of polling unit results had been uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to transparency. He later noted that the upload rate had averaged 97 per cent.
However, he acknowledged that voter turnout, though improved in the FCT, remained low. Participation rose from 9.4 per cent in 2022 to approximately 15 per cent in 2026, with over 239,000 voters casting ballots compared to 148,685 in the previous election cycle.
“No Voter Migration in 2026”
Addressing public concerns over alleged voter migration in the FCT, Prof. Amupitan reiterated that no voter was moved in 2026. He explained that the expansion and decongestion of polling units occurred in 2022 under the Commission’s Expansion of Voters’ Access initiative.
Nationwide, he said, more than 56,000 additional polling units were created, increasing the total from 119,972 to over 176,000. About 6.7 million voters were redistributed from roughly 12,000 congested polling units to 17,000 less crowded ones during that exercise.
the FCT alone, 411 polling units were decongested, with approximately 580,000 voters redistributed to 1,156 units. He stressed that the adjustments were administrative measures designed to ease accreditation and voting by splitting polling units with over 1,250 voters into voting points within the same premises.
He disclosed that text messages and emails were sent to affected voters ahead of the FCT election to help them locate their polling units using the Commission’s online Polling Unit Locator.
He also condemned the invasion of collation centres in Kuje and Kwali Area Councils by thugs during result collation, though he noted that the situation was brought under control and final results were collated without disruption. He commended security agencies for maintaining order throughout the voting process.
The INEC Chairman said the Commission had introduced additional safeguards to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to curb manipulation.
He explained that presiding officers are required to upload images of completed Form EC8A to the IReV portal and directly input party scores into the BVAS device. The system performs internal validation checks to ensure votes do not exceed accredited voters, figures are mathematically consistent, and over-voting is automatically flagged
Addressing viral allegations concerning a polling unit in Yangoji Ward, Kwali Area Council, where a party was reported to have scored 1,219 votes despite having 345 registered voters, Prof. Amupitan said investigations revealed the discrepancy resulted from a clerical error during score entry by the presiding officer.
He clarified that after a recount in the open, the correct figure of 121 votes was recorded and properly reflected at ward collation. The FCT REC subsequently issued a public statement on the incident.
He cautioned that Nigerians are scrutinising the Commission closely. “There is no room for error or excuse in this crucial process,” he stated.
Prof. Amupitan also informed the RECs that a new Electoral Act 2026 had been enacted after INEC had issued a Notice of Election on February 13 under the old law. He said the Commission would revise the timetable for the 2027 General Election to align with the new legislation.
He announced that a comprehensive voter register revalidation exercise would soon commence to further sanitise the register ahead of 2027. Meanwhile, the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which began on January 5, 2026, will run until April 17, 2026, with the full CVR cycle concluding on August 30, 2026.
The Chairman urged RECs to institutionalise post-election reviews, conduct internal audits, assess logistics timelines, strengthen voter sensitisation strategies, and enforce discipline among staff.
The meeting also featured the swearing-in of Dr. Chukwu Chukwu-Emeka Joseph as Resident Electoral Commissioner representing Abia State. Prof. Amupitan congratulated the appointee, describing the role as both a responsibility and an opportunity to strengthen public trust in the democratic process.
“As you embark on this second term, remember that your role is not just about overseeing elections but about fostering trust in our democracy,” he said.
He charged all RECs to return to their states with renewed commitment, vigilance and a clear message to staff that “excellence is not optional; it is mandatory.”
The meeting was attended by National Commissioners, members of the Executive Committee of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria (FOSIECON), and senior officials of the Commission.
Politics
President Tinubu Flags Off 2027 Campaign In Kaduna, Seeks Renewed Mandate
By Our Correspondent
The All Progressives Congress,( APC) has flagged off its campaign for the 2027 general elections on Saturday in Kaduna, with President Bola Tinubu seeking a second term on the strength of his administration’s record.
President Tinubu the declaration at the Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, saying that it was a great honour to return to the historic city where Nigeria’s early leaders converged before independence.
Tinubu thanked Kaduna voters for the victory they gave him in 2023, saying he had come to thank them and seek their mandate for a second term to fulfil his promises of prosperity, continuity and progress.
He dismissed opposition talk about hunger, saying “Who created it? They did. We are trying to eradicate it,” noting that his administration and APC governors now pay salaries regularly and are developing their states.
The President urged supporters to get their Permanent Voter Cards, (PVCs), and come out en masse on January 16, 2027 to re-elect APC at all levels. “Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more smuggling. We are ushering in a new era,” he said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigerians elected Tinubu in 2023 not because he was richest or best speaker, but because the alternative was calamity, and he urged Kaduna people to renew APC’s mandate.
Shettima listed gains in Kaduna, including Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Federal University of Education, Zaria, vocational institutes in Rigachikun, Soba and Samaru Kataf with over 4,000 graduates, and NELFUND support for students.
He said Tinubu has identified with the North for years, recalling how he gave political succour to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2007, supported Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and stood behind late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and 2019, describing Tinubu as a man of honour.
Director-General of APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, said Kaduna is the spiritual centre of Northern politics and that all northern governors were present to show support.
Yari said Tinubu’s economic record, from exchange rate reforms to subsidy removal and trade balance, shows improvement, adding that APC will campaign with its records in infrastructure, health, education and cash transfers.
Yari declared, “Northern Nigeria is 101 per cent for you, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by God’s grace.”
Governor Uba Sani, who welcomed guests, paid tribute to Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their love for Kaduna and the North, saying Renewed Hope Agenda has brought massive interventions in transport, education, healthcare, agriculture and security.
Sani recalled that Tinubu defied security advice to travel to Birnin Gwari in December 2022, and has now fulfilled his promises, with N117 billion released for the 123km Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road abandoned for over 40 years, and restoration of security on the corridor.
He also cited ongoing Zaria-Soba-Pambegua road, the $865 million Kaduna Metropolitan Red Line with $300 million already mobilized, N84 billion NELFUND benefit to North-West students, and 95 percent completion of N740 billion Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway.
Sani challenged the “so-called Northern candidate” to show track record of 200km of road while in office, noting that over 1,000km of roads have been constructed in the North under Tinubu and Shettima.
He warned supporters to be vigilant, alleging opposition has upgraded its campaign “from Facebook and Twitter to AI.”
Politics
APC Flags Off 2027 Campaign In Kaduna, Tinubu Seeks Renewed Mandate. From Cyril Mbah, Abuja. The All Progressives Congress, APC, on Saturday flagged off its campaign for the 2027 general elections in Kaduna, with President Bola Tinubu seeking a second term on the strength of his administration’s record. Speaking at the Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, President Tinubu said it was a great honour to return to the historic city where Nigeria’s early leaders converged before independence. Tinubu thanked Kaduna voters for the victory they gave him in 2023, saying he had come to thank them and seek their mandate for a second term to fulfil his promises of prosperity, continuity and progress. He dismissed opposition talk about hunger, saying “Who created it? They did. We are trying to eradicate it,” noting that his administration and APC governors now pay salaries regularly and are developing their states. The President urged supporters to get their Permanent Voter Cards, (PVCs), and come out en masse on January 16, 2027 to re-elect APC at all levels. “Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more smuggling. We are ushering in a new era,” he said. Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigerians elected Tinubu in 2023 not because he was richest or best speaker, but because the alternative was calamity, and he urged Kaduna people to renew APC’s mandate. Shettima listed gains in Kaduna, including Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Federal University of Education, Zaria, vocational institutes in Rigachikun, Soba and Samaru Kataf with over 4,000 graduates, and NELFUND support for students. He said Tinubu has identified with the North for years, recalling how he gave political succour to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2007, supported Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and stood behind late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and 2019, describing Tinubu as a man of honour. Director-General of APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, said Kaduna is the spiritual centre of Northern politics and that all northern governors were present to show support. Yari said Tinubu’s economic record, from exchange rate reforms to subsidy removal and trade balance, shows improvement, adding that APC will campaign with its records in infrastructure, health, education and cash transfers. Yari declared, “Northern Nigeria is 101 per cent for you, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by God’s grace.” Governor Uba Sani, who welcomed guests, paid tribute to Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their love for Kaduna and the North, saying Renewed Hope Agenda has brought massive interventions in transport, education, healthcare, agriculture and security. Sani recalled that Tinubu defied security advice to travel to Birnin Gwari in December 2022, and has now fulfilled his promises, with N117 billion released for the 123km Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road abandoned for over 40 years, and restoration of security on the corridor. He also cited ongoing Zaria-Soba-Pambegua road, the $865 million Kaduna Metropolitan Red Line with $300 million already mobilized, N84 billion NELFUND benefit to North-West students, and 95 percent completion of N740 billion Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway. Sani challenged the “so-called Northern candidate” to show track record of 200km of road while in office, noting that over 1,000km of roads have been constructed in the North under Tinubu and Shettima. He warned supporters to be vigilant, alleging opposition has upgraded its campaign “from Facebook and Twitter to AI.”
By our correspondent
As the 2027 election draws close, the All Progressive Congressive,(APC) on Saturday flagged off its campaign for the 2027 general elections in Kaduna, with President Bola Tinubu seeking a second term on the strength of his administration’s record.
The President who made this declaration at the Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, President said it was a great honour to return to the historic city where Nigeria’s early leaders converged before independence.
Tinubu thanked Kaduna voters for the victory they gave him in 2023, saying he had come to thank them and seek their mandate for a second term to fulfil his promises of prosperity, continuity and progress.
He dismissed opposition talk about hunger, saying “Who created it? They did. We are trying to eradicate it,” noting that his administration and APC governors now pay salaries regularly and are developing their states.
!
The President urged supporters to get their Permanent Voter Cards, (PVCs), and come out en masse on January 16, 2027 to re-elect APC at all levels. “Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more smuggling. We are ushering in a new era,” he said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigerians elected Tinubu in 2023 not because he was richest or best speaker, but because the alternative was calamity, and he urged Kaduna people to renew APC’s mandate.
Shettima listed gains in Kaduna, including Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Federal University of Education, Zaria, vocational institutes in Rigachikun, Soba and Samaru Kataf with over 4,000 graduates, and NELFUND support for students.
He said Tinubu has identified with the North for years, recalling how he gave political succour to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2007, supported Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and stood behind late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and 2019, describing Tinubu as a man of honour.
Director-General of APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, said Kaduna is the spiritual centre of Northern politics and that all northern governors were present to show support.
Yari said Tinubu’s economic record, from exchange rate reforms to subsidy removal and trade balance, shows improvement, adding that APC will campaign with its records in infrastructure, health, education and cash transfers.
Yari declared, “Northern Nigeria is 101 per cent for you, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by God’s grace.”
Governor Uba Sani, who welcomed guests, paid tribute to Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their love for Kaduna and the North, saying Renewed Hope Agenda has brought massive interventions in transport, education, healthcare, agriculture and security.
Sani recalled that Tinubu defied security advice to travel to Birnin Gwari in December 2022, and has now fulfilled his promises, with N117 billion released for the 123km Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road abandoned for over 40 years, and restoration of security on the corridor.
He also cited ongoing Zaria-Soba-Pambegua road, the $865 million Kaduna Metropolitan Red Line with $300 million already mobilized, N84 billion NELFUND benefit to North-West students, and 95 percent completion of N740 billion Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway.
Sani challenged the “so-called Northern candidate” to show track record of 200km of road while in office, noting that over 1,000km of roads have been constructed in the North under Tinubu and Shettima.
He warned supporters to be vigilant, alleging opposition has upgraded its campaign “from Facebook and Twitter to AI.” Flags Off 2027 Campaign In Kaduna, Tinubu Seeks Renewed Mandate.
F
Politics
Sea Incursion: Senate Demands Urgent Shoreline Protection As Ayetoro Community Faces Extinction
By our correspondent
Senate on Thursday called for immediate and comprehensive shoreline protection to save Ayetoro community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State from being wiped out.
The call followed a motion moved on Thursday by Senator Dayo Faduyile (Ondo South) on the urgent need to save the historic coastal community from sea incursion.
Presenting the motion, Faduyile told the Senate that homes, livelihoods, cultural heritage and public infrastructure in Ayetoro are being progressively destroyed by ocean surges, with recent reports indicating that about 80 per cent of buildings in the community have been lost to the sea.
He said the destruction has devastated schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship and traditional institutions, displacing thousands and disrupting fishing and other economic activities.
“Continued destruction of homes and community infrastructure has displaced families, threatened access to safe water and healthcare and put the future of the historic community in grave uncertainty,” he said.
The lawmaker expressed concern that previous shoreline protection interventions have faced implementation challenges, including reported delays in earlier Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) contracts, necessitating verification of project status, expenditure and outstanding obligations.
He noted that the scale of the crisis exceeds the capacity of residents and requires urgent intervention by the Federal Government, Ondo State Government, relevant development agencies and international development partners.
Faduyile added that the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has indicated that substantial financial resources are required to address the crisis, underscoring the need for adequate funding, sound engineering and sustainable protection measures.
He warned that further delay may result in additional loss of lives, property and livelihoods, while exposing vulnerable groups, particularly women, children and the elderly, to worsening humanitarian and environmental conditions.
The Senate, in its resolutions, called on the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Environment, the NDDC and other relevant agencies, to work with the Ondo State Government and OSOPADEC to implement an adequately funded shoreline protection programme for Ayetoro.
It also called for a transparent review of all ongoing shoreline protection contracts for the community, including their funding status, outstanding obligations and completion timelines, and for necessary remedial action to be taken.
The upper chamber urged the Federal Government to explore budgetary provisions and climate adaptation financing to support sustainable coastal protection, including construction of embankment where technically appropriate, and restoration of essential community infrastructure.
It further urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant authorities to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, safe water, healthcare and temporary shelter for residents whose homes and livelihoods are threatened.
The Senate mandated its Committees on Environment, Niger Delta Development, Ecology and Special Duties to liaise with relevant ministries and agencies on implementation and report back within four weeks.
It also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor implementation of its resolutions and report accordingly.
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