Appeal Court Restores INEC Guidelines, Paves Way for 2027 General Elections - Newstrends
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Appeal Court Restores INEC Guidelines, Paves Way for 2027 General Elections

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Appeal Court Restores INEC Guidelines, Paves Way for 2027 General Elections

Appeal Court Restores INEC Guidelines, Paves Way for 2027 General Elections

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has set aside a Federal High Court judgment that nullified key timelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 general elections, restoring the electoral body’s authority to enforce its Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities . In a unanimous decision delivered on Thursday by a three-member panel, the appellate court upheld INEC’s appeal against the May 20 judgment of Justice Mohammed Umar, ruling that the trial court failed to follow binding judicial precedents . The Court held that INEC’s Revised Timetable constitutes subsidiary legislation made pursuant to the Electoral Act 2026, and therefore carries the same force and effect as the principal legislation itself . According to the appellate court, every deadline contained in the revised schedule falls within the provisions of the Electoral Act, and the electoral commission validly exercised its statutory powers in issuing the timetable . The judgment effectively removes the legal uncertainty that had trailed preparations for the 2027 general elections after conflicting judicial decisions created concerns over the validity of the commission’s electoral calendar .

The dispute originated from a suit filed by the Youth Party, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, challenging key provisions of INEC’s revised timetable . The party had argued that INEC lacked statutory authority to prescribe the period within which political parties must conduct their primaries for nominating candidates for the 2027 general elections . Delivering judgment on May 20, Justice Mohammed Umar agreed with the Youth Party and declared that INEC could not lawfully abridge the statutory timelines provided under the Electoral Act by prescribing earlier deadlines in its election timetable . The trial court relied on Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, which gives political parties up to 120 days before an election to submit the personal particulars of nominated candidates, and held that INEC lacked the power to shorten that period . The Federal High Court also ruled that Section 31 of the Electoral Act permits political parties to withdraw and substitute candidates not later than 90 days before an election, making it unlawful for INEC to impose an earlier deadline . Similarly, the trial court held that Section 32 of the Electoral Act does not empower INEC to publish the final list of candidates earlier than the statutory minimum period of 60 days before an election . The court consequently invalidated INEC’s timelines for the conduct of party primaries, nomination of candidates, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, and also set aside the commission’s May 10 deadline requiring political parties to submit their membership registers and databases as a condition for participation in the 2027 general elections .

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Dissatisfied with the judgment, INEC filed a nine-ground notice of appeal dated May 25, urging the appellate court to overturn the decision . The commission argued that the trial court failed to determine a jurisdictional objection it had raised before proceeding to the substantive issues, thereby denying it a fair hearing . INEC maintained that the suit filed by the Youth Party was hypothetical and academic and that the party lacked legal standing to institute and maintain the action . The commission further contended that although Section 29(1) requires political parties to submit candidate names not later than 120 days before an election, the Act equally empowers INEC to coordinate and regulate the electoral process by issuing a timetable that ensures the orderly conduct of elections . INEC also argued that enforcing the Federal High Court judgment would disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections, submitting that “if the judgment is enforced or executed before the hearing and determination of the appeal, the entire electoral architecture and preparations for the 2027 general elections will be thrown into confusion” . According to the commission, the election timetable is an integrated programme in which every stage—from submission of membership registers and conduct of primaries to nomination of candidates, campaigns and publication of final lists—is interconnected .

The Court of Appeal agreed with INEC’s submissions, with the lead judgment prepared by Justice Adebukola Banjoko and read by Justice Okon Abang . The appellate court faulted the trial court for invalidating the administrative discretion of INEC, stating that “where INEC acts within its power, the courts cannot get involved” . The court also held that the Youth Party lacked legal standing to institute the case, as it did not explain how the guidelines affected its members in the conduct of primary elections for candidate nomination . “There was no deposition or threat that the respondent was prevented from conducting its primaries,” the court stated. “The respondent can only invoke the powers of the court where there are heavy threats to its participation in the election” . The ruling restores all timelines earlier fixed by INEC for party primaries, submission of candidates’ personal particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, publication of the final list of candidates, and other pre-election activities . With the appellate court’s verdict, political parties are now expected to align with the restored timetable as they prepare for primaries, candidate nominations and other activities leading to the next general election . Unless further appealed to the Supreme Court, Thursday’s decision restores the legal foundation for INEC’s 2027 election timetable, allowing the commission to continue implementing its schedule for the forthcoming general elections without the restrictions imposed by the earlier High Court ruling .

Appeal Court Restores INEC Guidelines, Paves Way for 2027 General Elections

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Nigerian Young Academy, LASU to Host 16th International Conference on Convergent Research

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August 11, 2026

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Nigerian Young Academy, LASU to Host 16th International Conference on Convergent Research

Nigerian Young Academy, LASU to Host 16th International Conference on Convergent Research

Five-day event to bring together academics, policymakers, industry leaders to explore interdisciplinary solutions to global challenges

LAGOS — The Nigerian Young Academy (NYA), in collaboration with Lagos State University (LASU), will host its 16th International Conference and General Assembly from 16 to 20 August 2026 at the LASU Ojo Campus, Lagos, the organisers have announced.

The conference, themed “Convergent Research for Global Impact: Integrating Knowledge, Innovation and Policy,” will convene academics, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, and civil society organisations from Nigeria and around the world to examine how interdisciplinary research can address complex societal and global challenges.

According to a press release issued by the Academy, the conference aims to showcase cutting-edge research, strengthen collaboration among emerging and established scholars, and promote evidence-based policies that support sustainable development. It underscores the Nigerian Young Academy’s commitment to advancing research excellence, innovation, and leadership.

The five-day programme will feature keynote and plenary sessions, lead paper presentations, oral and poster presentations, scientific awards, networking opportunities, and a pre-conference workshop on “Building Research Capacity in the AI Era: Grant Writing and Practical Data Analysis Using R.”

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Discussions will span a broad range of themes, including sustainable development, public health systems, disease prevention, urban resilience, smart cities, energy systems, environmental policy, human-centred technology, rural development, food security, agribusiness, ethics in convergence science, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in governance, planning, and risk assessment.

Keynote and Hosts

The conference keynote address will be delivered by Professor Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health. Professor Temitope Onuminya, President of the Nigerian Young Academy, will host the event, while Professor Ibiyemi I. Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, will serve as Chief Host.

Call for Abstracts and Registration

Researchers are invited to submit abstracts of no more than 250 words between 1 March and 14 June 2026, while submissions for poster presentations will remain open until 24 July 2026. The conference is open to participants from Nigeria and abroad.

According to the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Associate Professor Abdul-Azeez Adeyemi Anjorin of Lagos State University, the conference provides an important platform for researchers, professionals, and policymakers to exchange ideas, foster partnerships, and develop innovative solutions that can shape the future of research, innovation, and public policy.

Scholars, students, professionals, and stakeholders across academia, government, industry, and civil society are encouraged to participate. Registration details and additional information are available through the Nigerian Young Academy website.

About the Nigerian Young Academy

The Nigerian Young Academy (NYA) is Nigeria’s foremost interdisciplinary academy for outstanding early-career researchers and professionals. Established in 2010 by the Nigeria Academy of Science, with the support of the Nigeria Academy of Education and the Nigeria Academy of Engineering, the Academy promotes research excellence, leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement.

The NYA is affiliated with the International Science Council, the Global Young Academy, and the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC). Through its conferences, awards, publications, and capacity-building initiatives, the Academy supports the development of young researchers and contributes to national and global development through science, scholarship, and innovation.

For further information, contact:

Dr. Abdulmalik Salman
Conference Organising Committee, Nigerian Young Academy (NYA)
Email: amas2k7@gmail.com
Telephone: +2347039632128
Website: https://nigerianyoungacademy.org

 

Nigerian Young Academy, LASU to Host 16th International Conference on Convergent Research

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Trump smuggled out of Turkey in catering truck over Iran threat

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August 11, 2026

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Trump smuggled out of Turkey in catering truck over Iran threat

Trump smuggled out of Turkey in catering truck over Iran threat

US president secretly transferred from Air Force One to military jet before flying to Britain

WASHINGTON — United States President Donald Trump was reportedly smuggled out of Turkey in an airport catering truck after American intelligence agencies received information suggesting a credible threat against his life.

The extraordinary security operation was reportedly carried out after Trump attended engagements in Ankara, with officials taking elaborate measures to conceal his movements from potential attackers.

According to reports, Trump initially boarded Air Force One in full view of journalists and other observers at the Ankara airport, creating the impression that the presidential aircraft would take him directly out of Turkey.

However, the aircraft reportedly served as a decoy.

Trump and a small number of aides were subsequently moved from the presidential aircraft inside a large airport catering vehicle and taken to a smaller US military aircraft, reportedly a C-32A.

The president was then flown secretly to Britain, where he reportedly landed at RAF Mildenhall.

The unusual operation was said to have been prompted by intelligence concerning a possible Iranian threat against Trump.

Security officials reportedly feared that hostile actors could track the president’s movements and target his aircraft, prompting them to introduce an elaborate deception plan.

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The original Air Force One reportedly continued separately, reinforcing the impression that Trump was still travelling aboard the presidential aircraft.

The operation underscores the extraordinary lengths to which US security agencies can go to protect a sitting president when intelligence points to a potential threat.

The White House has not publicly released detailed information about the alleged threat or confirmed all the details of the reported evacuation operation.

However, administration officials have repeatedly acknowledged that Trump faces serious security threats and that protective agencies would take necessary measures to safeguard him.

The reported use of a catering vehicle has generated widespread interest because presidential movements are normally highly coordinated and closely monitored.

Security experts say the use of decoy aircraft, concealed transfers and sudden changes in travel arrangements can make it more difficult for hostile actors to establish the president’s exact location.

The incident also comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with concerns over possible attacks against senior US officials.

Trump’s reported secret departure from Turkey therefore illustrates the continuing security challenges surrounding the US presidency, particularly when the president travels internationally.

While the full details of the operation remain classified, the reported episode has highlighted the sophisticated measures employed by American authorities to prevent potential threats from tracking the president’s movements.

 

Trump smuggled out of Turkey in catering truck over Iran threat

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South Africa Visa Applications Double From Nigerians Despite Xenophobia Concerns – Envoy

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August 11, 2026

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South Africa Visa Applications Double From Nigerians Despite Xenophobia Concerns – Envoy

South Africa Visa Applications Double From Nigerians Despite Xenophobia Concerns – Envoy

South Africa’s Consul-General in Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has revealed that visa applications from Nigerians have nearly doubled in recent months, dismissing reports that South African missions have stopped issuing visas to Nigerians and insisting the country remains safe for travellers. Despite ongoing concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, interest in travelling to the country has surged, according to the diplomat. Moroe made the disclosure during an interview with Nigeria Info FM on Sunday, emphasising that South Africa remains open for tourism, business and other forms of travel.

Moroe sought to allay fears over the safety of Nigerians travelling to South Africa, describing reports that diplomatic missions had suspended visa issuance as “untrue”. In his words: “I just want to give reassurance that South Africa is open for business, South Africa is open for tourism, and South Africa is open for any other form of visit. And it is also untrue to suggest that South African missions in Nigeria do not offer visas to Nigerians anymore. But I can assure you and the listeners, that it is safe to travel to South Africa.” The Consul-General disclosed that visa applications have increased significantly, with the Lagos consulate alone processing between 100 to 130 applications daily.

This reassurance from Moroe comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where Nigerians and other African migrants have been targeted in pockets of violence across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Western Cape. The attacks, often fuelled by claims of job competition and criminality, have led to looting of foreign-owned shops, assaults and forced displacements, sparking outrage in Nigeria and across the continent. In response to the escalating violence, the Federal Government facilitated the repatriation of over 1,400 Nigerians who were stranded or feared for their safety in South Africa. Repatriated Nigerians have since warned compatriots against migrating to South Africa, describing the country as unsafe for foreigners. Earlier in June 2026, the government had announced plans to repatriate more than 1,000 citizens through a voluntary repatriation programme, following a similar action by Ghana.

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In a separate interview, Moroe rejected claims that xenophobia is prevalent in South Africa, stating that the government condemns attacks on both citizens and foreigners regardless of immigration status. The diplomat went further to argue that the term “xenophobia” has become unfairly associated with South Africa, noting that when similar incidents occur elsewhere, they are labelled differently. “There’s no xenophobia in South Africa,” he said when questioned about recurring reports of violence against foreign nationals.

The surge in visa applications may also be attributed to streamlined processes introduced after a January 2023 forum, which have reduced turnaround times significantly. Under the new arrangements, qualifying Nigerian businesspeople can now be granted five-year multiple-entry visas, making travel more convenient for frequent visitors. Moroe urged prospective travellers to obtain necessary visas before departure and comply with South Africa’s immigration laws, advising: “It is everybody’s responsibility to ensure that before you travel, you ensure that you have your visa, you comply with the immigration laws of the country, you become a good ambassador of your country.” He also cautioned Nigerians to familiarise themselves with South African laws, understand their rights and know the locations of law enforcement agencies in case of emergencies, adding: “When you get to South Africa, you know and understand your rights, but you must also familiarise yourself with the laws of the country. You choose places that you want to visit… and ensure that you also are familiar with the location of law enforcement agencies, just in case something happens.”

The Consul-General’s position on xenophobia has, however, been challenged by former Enugu State lawmaker Okey Onoh, who described Moroe’s denial as contradicting documented reports of attacks and discrimination against African migrants in South Africa. Onoh cited reports by advocacy groups, including Xenowatch, which have recorded hundreds of alleged xenophobic incidents annually, and criticised anti-immigrant groups including Operation Dudula. In a sharp rebuke, Onoh declared: “Keep your South Africa, we keep our Nigeria,” calling for greater protection of African migrants and urging African countries to reconsider their engagement with South Africa.

Despite these tensions and the contrasting narratives, Moroe expressed confidence that bilateral visits between both countries would continue to grow, stressing that South Africa valued its relationship with Nigeria and that people-to-people ties between the two nations remain active. Nigerian DJs perform in Johannesburg, South African gospel artists play in Lagos, students study in Cape Town and traders do business in Aba — these are the everyday connections that bind the two countries, mission officials noted, underscoring the deep and enduring links that persist even amid diplomatic friction and security concerns.

South Africa Visa Applications Double From Nigerians Despite Xenophobia Concerns – Envoy

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