The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has won five of the six Area Councils in the nation’s capital, strengthening its hold on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the general election in 2027.
Yesterday, President Bola Tinubu praised the accomplishments of Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the by-elections held in the states of Rivers and Kano, stating that they had further reinforced the nation’s democratic institutions and culture.
The APC’s national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party’s wins in the Federal Capital Territory and the by-elections in the states of Kano and Rivers were a resounding indication of the party’s tenacity, cohesion, and grassroots power.
Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, praised Tinubu for the way the elections for the FCT area council were conducted on Saturday, claiming that the results had forced Democratic Democrats to see nothing positive in the nation and its administration.
Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State, led the Southern Governors’ Forum in praising the APC’s performance and claiming that the party’s impressive showing reflects widespread support among Nigerians.
The APC’s Lagos State chapter stated that the poll results were a positive reflection of Tinubu’s accomplishments.
In contrast, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was urged by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to promptly make public the results of two Kuje Area Council wards. According to PDP, there were signs that it was leading the two councils.
In the FCT elections, the party likewise congratulated its winning candidates.
Dr. Gbenga Hashim, a PDP presidential candidate, also characterized the results of the FCT elections as compelling proof that the party was regaining ground ahead of the general election in 2027, despite internal difficulties and political pressure.
As of yesterday’s press time, the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition coalition party, had not commented on Saturday’s elections.
Dr. Moses Paul, the ADC’s nominee for chairmanship of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), however, refused to accept loss, pointing to voting anomalies and promising to keep fighting for the mandate of the people.
However, INEC rejected voters who were moving to a different polling place from their original one during the FCT elections. During the FCT polls, 20 people were reportedly arrested by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) agents on suspicion of committing various electoral offenses.
In the Saturday, February 21 FCT Area Council elections, the PDP won Gwagwalada, while the APC won Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Kwali, Kuje, Bwari, and Abaji.
On Sunday morning, INEC proclaimed Mohammed Kasim of the PDP the victor of the election for chairman of the Gwagwalada Area Council.
Yahaya Shehu of the APC finished in second with 17,788 votes, while Mohammed received 22,165 votes to win a landslide victory in a fiercely contested race, according to INEC Returning Officer Philip Akpen.
Akpen confirmed that Mohammed complied with the law and may be reinstated as the legitimately elected chairman.
He said that even though the stakes were high, the election process was “peaceful and smooth.”
The election umpire also proclaimed Daniel Nuhu of the APC the victor of the race for chairman of the Kwali Area Council. In the election, Nuhu received 17,032 votes, defeating PDP candidate Haruna Pai, who received 8,575 votes and finished second.
INEC announced that APC candidate Joshua Ishaku has won the election to chair the Bwari Area Council.
Ishaku received 18,466 votes in total to win the election, according to Mohammed Nurudeen, the returning officer, who announced the results.
The commission proclaimed Zakka Christopher of the APC the victor of the election for the AMAC leadership.
After the ADC received 12,109 votes, the APC candidate received 40,295 votes, while the PDP received 3,398 votes.
Following INEC’s declaration that Hon. The winner of the Abaji Area Council election is Abdullahi Abubakar of the APC. With 15,535 votes, Abubakar received a total.
With 5,357 votes, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate, his closest opponent, was defeated. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) received 53 votes, the ADC received 37 votes, and the PDP candidate received 4,547 votes, which was in last place.
In addition, INEC announced Hon. The APC’s Samuel Shekwolo was elected as the Kuje Area Council winner.
It is thought that Tinubu and the APC have strengthened their hold on Abuja in anticipation of the general election in 2027 as a result of the results of the FCT area council election.
Even though the FCT election was held during the off-season, it could not be a reliable indicator.
Tinubu: The successful holding of elections in the FCT, Rivers, and Kano has made democracy stronger.
President Bola Tinubu emphasized that the FCT, Rivers, and Kano elections on Saturday were conducted successfully, further solidifying democratic institutions and culture.
Tinubu urged INEC to keep up its good work in order to provide ballots that are even more exceptional.
In a statement issued by his Information and Strategy Advisor Bayo Onanuga, the president congratulated the winners in the states of Kano, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Tinubu called on the winners to serve with deference, humility, and patriotism and to treat the people’s mandate as a sacred trust.
Wike received praise from him for his accomplishments in the FCT, which had benefited the ruling APC politically.
The president congratulated all APC members on their electoral successes, including the party’s national leadership, Kano leadership, and Rivers leadership.
He praised voters, INEC, and security forces for the successful and peaceful election process.
Furthermore, he praised the bravery and self-control of all the candidates, saying that democracy is enhanced by the energy of rivalry and participation.
Yilwatda: The APC’s triumphs are a blatant example of grassroots strength.
The APC’s national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party’s wins in the FCT and the by-elections in Kano and Rivers states were a resounding indication of its tenacity, cohesion, and ground-level power.
Yilwatda praised the discipline and commitment of party officials, fans, and stakeholders in the two states and FCT in a post on X.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, and Rivers States, he said, “I congratulate our throngs of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters on the peaceful and successful conduct of the polls on Saturday, February 21, 2026.”
The triumphs documented bear witness to our great party’s tenacity, solidarity, and grassroots power.
“I commend the PDP chairmanship candidate who won in Gwagwalada and the five APC chairmanship candidates who won in AMAC, Kuje, Abaji, Bwari, and Kwali.
“Voting has allowed the people to express themselves, and democracy has triumphed. The four state candidates for the House of Assembly who won in Kano and Rivers States deserve my congratulations as well.
FCT Poll Results Have Revealed Emergency Democrats, Wike
The results of the FCT elections have revealed emergency democrats, who find nothing positive in the nation and its leadership, said FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who complimented President Bola Tinubu on the polls’ peaceful conduct.
According to Wike, who spoke on television yesterday, the election results had made it clear to Nigerians which party was in power and who was the actual opposition.
According to him, the election’s calm conduct demonstrated the FCT’s citizens’ dedication to democracy and sound government.
“The citizens of the Federal Capital Territory showed that they are not fooled by emergency Democrats, who have decided not to see any positive aspects of our nation and its administration,” Wike stated.
For bringing the progress to FCT, he congratulated the president.
The minister claimed that the election was evidence of Tinubu’s vision and leadership and that the FCT’s residents now have hope and confidence thanks to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the results of this election have demonstrated that Nigerians are now aware of the true opposition party and the ruling party.
Additionally, the election has further highlighted the hypocrisy of those who purchase corn and groundnuts from street vendors for political campaigns in an attempt to mislead Nigerians.
“The people of the Federal Capital Territory showed yesterday that emergency Democrats, who have chosen to see nothing positive in our nation and its government, cannot fool them.”
“For the advancement he has brought to the FCT, I am grateful to Mr. President. This election reflects the president’s leadership and vision, and it is evidence that the FCT’s citizens now have hope and confidence thanks to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians, especially those living in the Federal Capital Territory, has undoubtedly been acknowledged.
“The FCT will continue to be a model of development and progress under his leadership, and the Renewed Hope Agenda has given us hope for a better future.”
“I commend the president for standing firm in his defense of democracy, particularly in ensuring the amendment of the Electoral Act to strengthen the conduct of credible elections,” Wike was able to add. His dedication to enhancing our democratic process is evident in this.
“At this point, I also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for carrying out an election that was credible, free, and fair. The dedication of President Tinubu to fortifying our democratic institutions and guaranteeing the transparency and dependability of our electoral procedures is reflected in this.
Hails Tinubu, APC, Southern Govs’ Forum
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun led the Southern Governors’ Forum in praising the APC’s performance in the area council elections, claiming that the party’s impressive turnout reflects Nigerians’ broad acceptance of the party.
In a statement released in Abeokuta, Abiodun said that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was supported by the APC’s impressive performance.
“The APC’s performance at the polls is a precursor to its impending victory in the 2027 general election,” Abiodun stated, congratulating the party’s chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the president, and the candidates on their outstanding performance.
Without a doubt, the results of the FCT’s area council elections made it abundantly evident that Nigerians are completely in agreement with President Bola Tinubu and the APC, and they will once more show this at the general election in 2027, the governor said.
“With the APC in control, the clear majority of Nigerians are confident that their country’s future is secure. I congratulate President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership on this outstanding performance, which is a sign of our 2027 victory.
Lagos APC: Tinubu’s Legacy Referendum
According to the Lagos State Chapter of the APC, President Bola Tinubu’s good work is demonstrated by the outcomes of Saturday’s elections in the FCT, Kano, and Rivers.
“The good people of Rivers and Kano States, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Nigerians at large for their overwhelming support for our great party and the president in the just concluded by-elections,” the party said in a statement released by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo.
The result of the by-elections in all impacted constituencies, according to Oladejo, represents a definite and unambiguous vote against Tinubu’s leadership and the progressive principles that still serve as the foundation for national governance.
“The overwhelming wins that our candidates have secured confirm the electorate’s faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda and the revolutionary policies being enacted at the federal and state levels,” Oladejo said.
During a period when critics and opposition forces have attempted to distort the nation’s course, the electorate has made a clear decision.
“These findings show that Nigerians can identify and appreciate strong institutionalization, economic reforms, infrastructure development, and bold leadership.”
ADC Candidate Pledges to Keep Fighting for the Future of AMAC
Despite the results of the poll, Dr. Moses Paul, the ADC chairman candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), promised to keep fighting for the people’s choice. He accused INEC of poll fraud in the results.
Paul said, “I stand before you today as a man grown by a movement, not a man diminished by an outcome.”
He continued, “A movement born out of conviction rather than convenience.” One that is driven by people, not by authority. A movement etched in sacrifice rather than pen.
“You rose,” Paul said, praising the bravery and tenacity of the AMAC people. You got to your feet. You took a stroll. You said. You held the belief. And I bend my head in thanks for that.
He made it clear that the fight for a better AMAC will go on.
“In history, no force has ever defeated an idea whose time has come,” he declared.
The ADC candidate thanked volunteers, supporters, and the people of AMAC and promised to continue to be dedicated to their cause.
“I am still answerable to you,” he declared. I continue to be one of you. Our adventure is not over yet. The start of a lasting awakening is here.
Assembly By-elections in Kano Are Won by the APC
The two seats in Kano State’s Kano Municipal and Ungogo local government districts were won by the APC in the by-election held on Saturday.
In Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies, INEC proclaimed APC candidates Nabil Aliyu Daneji and Aminu Sa’ad Sa’ad the winners of the elections to fill open legislative seats.
According to Professor Ibrahim Tajo Siraj, the Kano Municipal Returning Officer, Daneji received 7,484 votes, defeating eight other candidates.
After results from the impacted polling stations were compiled, the announcement was made, reaffirming the APC’s victory in the election.
Returning Officer Professor Ali Tijjani Abdullahi proclaimed Sa’ad the victor in the Ungogo constituency after he received 8,975 votes, more than any other candidate.
Thanking political parties, observers, and voters for their cooperation, Abdullahi confirmed that the result represented the will of the people.
However, the Kwankwasiyya movement clarified that Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), was the one who first proposed the two APC candidates in the Kano State by-elections.
The group’s spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, stated in a statement that Kwankwaso nominated the two candidates’ sons prior to their joining the APC.
He said that Kwankwaso’s choice to place the lawmakers’ kids in the state House of Assembly was an homage to their fathers, who died that same day while serving on the NNPP platform.
“National Leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso supported the nomination of their children as party flag bearers as a gesture of compassion and remembrance,” the statement read. The lawmakers’ dedication to the party and their sacrifices were acknowledged with this decision.
PDP Congratulates All Selected Candidates and Requests INEC to Announce Kuje Results
The PDP’s top brass demanded that INEC make the outcomes of the two Kuje Area Council ward elections public.
In the two wards, the party’s slight leads sparked concerns about manipulation.
“We are concerned that INEC has not yet announced the results from two wards in Kuje Area Council,” stated PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong in a statement.
“This delay has caused concern due to the Peoples Democratic Party’s slight advantage there, which we know is vulnerable to manipulation by security forces.”
As the majority of the results have been posted on the IREV, we urge the INEC chairman to promptly order the announcement of the results in Kuje Central and Kabi Wards.
“Anything less renders the entire election process void; the results must continue to accurately represent the people’s votes. The sanctity of the ballot should be respected.
PDP offered congratulations to its FCT election winners.
Emeombong also remarked in a statement that the celebration was “particularly gladdening because it comes against the backdrop of unprecedented intimidation, high-powered money politics, and brazen executive brigandage, even though the victory was smaller than we expected.”
There is a wealth of video footage and reports that show armed security guards were deployed to intimidate voters, carry away result sheets from polling places, and improperly affect the election’s outcome.
In particular, we congratulate Mohammed Kasim, the Gwagwalada Area Council chairman-elect, and the council members who have been deemed successful by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“We have assembled a dedicated legal team, led by National Legal Adviser Shafi Bara’u, Esq., to assist with post-election litigation and to address candidates with legitimate grievances resulting from these elections.
Delays in election petition cases can be fatal, so they should get in touch with the National Legal Adviser right away for swift action.
Emeombong claimed that the anti-people Electoral Act 2026 was the reason behind the voter indifference in the polls, as people had lost confidence in the results of elections held in accordance with the act.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, Olawepo-Hashim: FCT Results Point to the PDP’s Comeback
Notwithstanding internal difficulties and political pressure, PDP presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim characterized the results of the FCT elections as compelling proof that the party was regaining ground in front of the general election in 2027.
In response, Olawepo-Hashim praised the party’s members and supporters for what he called a “outstanding performance under difficult circumstances,” stating that the polls show the PDP is still structurally sound and competitive in the election despite internal issues.
“It is a resurgent party,” he remarked. People in the FCT remained loyal to the party despite national leadership conflicts and intentional attempts to undermine our organization.
He notably praised party followers, ward leaders, and polling unit agents for their “unshakable loyalty to the party logo,” saying, “You cannot suppress structure.” Conviction cannot be subdued. People at the bottom have spoken.
Claiming the PDP won Kuje and two other seats, the CP-PDP praises the party for Gwagwalada.
Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman-elect Mohammed Kasim and the other council members were congratulated by the Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP) on winning the FCT council elections.
However, Obinna Nwachukwu, the chairman of the CP-PDP, expressed concern over the APC’s purported intention to utilize compromised security forces to incite violence, terrorize the populace, and deny the PDP its victory in Kuje.
According to the conference, there was video proof of the heavy security forces firing, intimidating, and removing ballot boxes from locals while the results from the most popular wards, Kuje Central and Kabi, were being manipulated for the APC.
In Kuje, CP-PDP characterized the scenario as a recipe for a major crisis in the Federal Capital Territory. They urged the Inspector General of Police to step in and make sure that only the results that accurately represented the votes cast were declared.
“Despite the serial attacks, threats, intimidation, propaganda, lies, and extensive shenanigans by the APC using the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, the PDP’s manifest popularity and performance in the FCT election further underscore the undisputed strength and potency of the PDP at the grassroots level across the country,” the CP-PDP said.
Voters cannot move to another polling place during the FCT Council Elections, according to INEC.
During the elections in the Federal Capital Territory, INEC prohibited voters from moving to polling places other than their original ones.
According to a statement from Wilfred Ifogah, the Acting Director of INEC’s Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), the commission created split voting units at major polling places with more than 1,250 registered voters in order to prevent traffic on election day.
However, Ifogah said, “The commission observed that certain voters had difficulty finding their assigned polling places.
In order to prevent traffic on election day, the commission created split polling units in large polling units with over 1,250 registered voters, in direct opposition to the assertion made in some quarters that some voters were moved to new or different polling places from their original ones.
The split units are situated within the same premises as the original polling stations, a few meters away.
“The public will recall that the commission displayed the register of voters at designated centers/split polling units four days prior to the Area Council elections to enable voters to confirm their details and polling unit locations,” Ifogah continued.
On February 18, 19, 20, and 21, he said, the impacted voters received emails and texts with the precise locations of their divided voting places. The notifications were just meant to serve as reminders to help people locate their current polling places, he added.
All polling places were verified to be open by 10 a.m. on election day, but 45% of them opened for voting at 8:30 a.m., according to the commission’s Election Operations Dashboard, Ifogah said.
20 are detained by the EFCC for electoral fraud.
EFCC officers claimed yesterday that they had arrested 20 people suspected of committing various electoral offenses during the FCT elections.
The FCT’s local government councils have detained the offenders, according to a statement released by the anti-graft agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale.
To the tune of N17,218,700 (seventeen million, two hundred and eighteen thousand, seven hundred naira only), the suspects were arrested around the Federal Capital Territory for offenses ranging from vote buying and selling to obstruction of officials, according to the statement.
One of the suspects was apprehended in a car parked next to a polling station in the Kwali local government area with N13,500,000 (thirteen million, five hundred thousand naira).
According to Oyewale’s breakdown of the numbers, four of the suspects were apprehended in the Kuje and Kwali council areas, nine were apprehended in Gwagwalada, and two were apprehended in Abaji.
Following the conclusion of the inquiry, he continued, all individuals who were arrested would face charges in court.
LEAD IN SECOND
Senate Head: Before Tinubu’s “Swift” Assent, CSOs, AGF, and INEC Shaped the Electoral Act
*Assigns 24-hour presidential approval to two-year consultation
*Requires that the new law be based on feedback from the public rather than the legislature acting alone.
*To preserve democracy, Catholic bishops advise NASS to reconsider its stance on the Electoral Act.
*Akume asserts that no human law is flawless.
Abuja’s Sunday Aborisade and Onyebuchi Ezigbo
In defense of the “swift” presidential assent to the Electoral Act, 2026, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the new law was the result of two years of intensive engagement with important stakeholders.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), development partners, and civil society organizations (CSOs) were among the stakeholders, according to Bamidele.
Bamidele’s remarks came as some people expressed worry about how quickly President Bola Tinubu signed the bill into law—just 24 hours after the National Assembly passed it.
According to a statement released by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, the Senate leader maintained that the president’s quick consent was a reflection of the breadth of previous discussions that developed the legislation long before it was finally passed, rather than a rushed support.
It was “a collective work that involves nearly all critical stakeholders,” according to Bamidele, to create the Electoral Act, 2026. He made it clear that the National Assembly didn’t take any action alone.
Before the process was finally finished, the National Assembly collaborated with a variety of stakeholders, including the OAGF, CSOs, INEC, and our development partners, according to Bamidele.
The stakeholders also provided feedback as we moved forward, and the Act took into account all of their suggestions.
He said there was no need for a protracted executive review because of the thorough consultation and the time restrictions ahead of the 2027 general election preparations.
Bamidele said, “I don’t think the executive needs days or weeks to review it before assent because we all contributed to it, given the time constraints we are currently facing.” It is the result of the collective efforts of Nigerians, not just the parliament.
Prior to sending the final version of the Electoral Bill 2026 to the president, the National Assembly had already standardized various versions that had been approved by both houses, especially Clause 60(3), in order to prevent any administrative or constitutional issues in the run-up to the next general meeting.
With Tinubu’s approval, the new electoral governance framework went into effect, bringing with it extensive changes meant to improve accountability, increase transparency, and fortify institutional independence in Nigeria’s election administration system.
The act’s Section 3 established a special fund for INEC, which was one of its main provisions.
The measure ensured the commission’s administrative continuity, operational stability, and financial independence, according to Bamidele.
In order to remove last-minute financial bottlenecks, the law mandated that election money be released at least six months before to a general election.
Additionally, it gave INEC the authority to examine dubious performance reports that were provided under pressure or against established protocols.
The act additionally mandated that election results be transmitted electronically.
Section 60(3) mandates that INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV) receive polling unit results electronically. According to the statute, any presiding officer who willfully obstructs this procedure receives a prison sentence of six months, a fine of N500,000, or both.
IReV was not a platform for collation, Bamidele explained, but it did improve transparency by making polling unit results available to the public.
“Where electronic transmission failed due to communication difficulties, the law provided a conditional fall-back to manual transmission using Form EC8A,” he noted.
Furthermore, Section 47 requires that Voter accreditation be conducted using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) or any other technology that INEC specifies.
The commission’s standards required presiding officers to authenticate and confirm the information provided by prospective voters.
Beyond technology, the legislation imposed more stringent accountability guidelines. After payment, a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) is required under Section 74(1) to provide certified true copies of the requested electoral documents within 24 hours. The minimum penalty for noncompliance is two years in prison without the possibility of a fine.
A certified true copy of a court order announcing a winner was also adequate for swearing-in in the event that INEC failed, refused, or omitted to issue a certificate of return, according to Section 72(2).
Party primaries were redesigned under the act, which eliminated indirect primaries and restricted parties to direct and consensus options under Section 84(1-2).
The measure, according to lawmakers, was meant to increase party member involvement and reduce the income generated by delegate-based elections.
Political parties were required under Section 77 to keep digital membership registers, issue membership cards, and submit the register to INEC at least 21 days prior to primaries, congresses, or conventions in order to bolster internal democracy.
If a party did not comply, they were not allowed to run candidates in the election in question.
Along with tightening penalties for election offenses like vote buying, impersonation, and result manipulation—which carry jail sentences or fines upon conviction—the Act also increased campaign expenditure caps to match current economic realities.
Additional provisions encouraged compliance and inclusion.
When cultural norms demanded it, Section 49 permitted gender-sensitive queue arrangements; Section 54 created support systems for individuals with visual impairments; and Section 93(4) fined any political party that did not file accurate audited returns within the allotted time.
Nigeria’s voting system was consolidated and improved by the voting Act, 2026, according to Bamidele, despite persistent doubt in some civil society circles.
According to him, “The Act aims to strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria, decrease disputes, and improve electoral credibility.”
He restated that the rapid assent was the result of extensive, inclusive, and thoughtful legislative work rather than an act of haste.
To preserve democracy, Catholic bishops tell NASS to review their position on the Electoral Act.
Under the auspices of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Nigerian Catholic bishops urged the federal government and National Assembly members to immediately revise the Electoral Act in order to safeguard the nation’s democracy from preventable threats and to reflect the desires of Nigerians.
The federal government, however, filed a lawsuit asking for tolerance and understanding regarding the problems caused by the modified Electoral Act, claiming that any flaws in the legislation would eventually be fixed.
Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the president of CBCN and the archbishop of Owerri, called on the National Assembly to immediately review the amended Electoral Act as it relates to the electronic transmission of election results in order to reflect the aspirations of the majority of Nigerians during the organization’s First Plenary session in Abuja.
He noted that in order to protect the nation’s democracy from preventable threats in the run-up to the general election in 2027, Catholic bishops have called for a reform of the electoral legislation.
In order to preserve democracy in the nation, Ugorji said, “The National Assembly (NASS) should reconsider its recent stance on electoral reform and work to rebuild Nigerians’ trust by making sure that the Electoral Act provides for the mandatory transmission of election results in real-time from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) at the polling station to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal at the commission’s headquarters. This will prevent any human intervention with the expressed will of the electorate going forward”.
This is the people’s will, and it must be honored. Our country will have free, fair, and credible general elections as a result. Passing a bill that weakens the will of the people and allows for election results to be manipulated
The National Assembly had previously approved the 2025 Tax Bill, which required digital filing, record-keeping, and payments nationwide, the president of CBCN reminded them.
Ugorji, who was leaving his role as head of the Bishops Conference, stated that politicians shouldn’t let themselves be seen as taking conflicting and inconsistent stances when passing legislation.
Nigerians continue to hear heartbreaking stories of needless killings, mass funerals, and unending sorrow and tears, according to Ugorji, who also added that the nation has been facing increasing security issues.
He added that illegal mining connected to banditry activities and their foreign partners continued to cost the nation over $9 billion a year.
“The recent wave of mass kidnapping incidents by gunmen in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, and Kogi States, involving numerous students, pupils, and worshippers, has increased tensions in the country,” he stated.
According to Ugorji, CBCN insisted that the federal government take decisive action to apprehend and prosecute terrorists, bandits, and those who fund them.
On all fronts, however, the federal administration claimed that significant efforts were made to address the nation’s problems.
In his speech to the CBCN plenary, Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), stated that the nation was gradually overcoming the obstacles it faced.
Food price reductions were one of these areas, according to Akume, where notable success had been made. He also mentioned that many impoverished students were receiving loans to complete their education as a result of government actions.
Concerns raised by the newly signed modified Electoral Act were addressed by Akume, who stated that no human law was flawless and that the Bill had undergone due process before being passed.
He advised those who were dissatisfied with the modified Electoral Act to have patience and noted that any issues would be fixed eventually.
Regarding insecurity, Akume stated that significant efforts were being made to address the issue, which he claimed was not unique to Nigeria.
In some areas of the country, foreigners were responsible for the majority of banditry and terrorism assaults, Akume clarified.
“I want to give the situation a comprehensive perspective,” he said. A significant number of those who have been arrested do not speak English, I might mention. Although they know French, their Hausa is pretty weak. Does Nigerians speak French?“”
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, had earlier in his homily emphasized the importance of respect for one another and dedication to the common good.
Food prices are gradually declining in the nation, according to Kaigama, but he was concerned that fuel and transportation expenses have remained high, making life tough for Nigerians.
“The pairing of Lent and Ramadan serves as a reminder of our common beginning and end,” he said. In contrast to conflict, violence, and the pursuit of numerical superiority, it calls for a stronger commitment to the common good and more respect for one another.
Regarding electoral law, Kaigama encouraged the administration to make sure that the results of the general election in 2027 be transmitted electronically using a modern system.
As the event’s chairman, Mr. Mike Omeri, who spoke on the subject of “Power of Leadership,” stated that a good leader must possess humility, courage, and purpose.
He declared, “We need leaders who will work to close the wealth gap and prioritize the welfare of all Nigerians.”
