Politics
INEC fixes Feb 26 for outstanding bye-election

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced Saturday, 26th February 2022 for the conduct of bye-elections in certain federal Constituencies in the country.
A statement on Friday by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye disclosed that the Commission arrived at the date after an extraordinary meeting.
The federal constituencies where the elections are expected to hold are Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency, Ondo State; Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, Plateau State; Pankshin South State Constituency, Plateau State; Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Cross River State.
Others were Akpabuyo State Constituency, Cross River State and Ngor-Okpala State Constituency, Imo State.
On Ekiti East 1 State Constituency election, INEC said it had resolved to combine it with the Governorship eEection in Ekiti, which would hold on 18th June 2022.
While restating its concern for the restoration of internal democracy in the political parties, the Commission urged parties that would field candidates to ensure that their standard-bearers emerge through Direct and Indirect Primaries. Okoye was however silent on the consensus arrangement enshrined in the Constitution of some of the dominant parties.
“Political parties fielding candidates for the bye-elections must comply with the activities and timelines set out in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the conduct of the bye-election and conduct transparent and valid direct or indirect primaries in accordance with the dictates of sections 85 and 87 of the Electoral Act 2010 [As amended].
“Political parties must note that the aspirant with the highest number of votes at the end of voting shall be declared the winner of the primary of the party and the aspirant’s name shall be forwarded to the Commission as the candidate of the party.
“Political parties that present to the Commission the name of a candidate who does not meet the qualifications stipulated in the Constitution and the Electoral Act shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a maximum fine of N500,000.00. The detailed Timetable and Schedule of activities has been uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms.”
Ahead of the February 12 Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Area Council Elections, the Commission appealed “to citizens who applied for fresh registration as well as transfers and replacement of the PVCs to do so immediately and avoid the last-minute rush for these cards, as has been the case in the past.
“The commission will continue to provide a regular update on the preparations for these elections in the days and weeks ahead.”
Politics
2027: Southern Kaduna group rejects El-Rufai, supports Tinubu

2027: Southern Kaduna group rejects El-Rufai, supports Tinubu
The Southern Kaduna Support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the president of block votes in future elections, citing his administration’s support for the region.
The group’s pledge comes in response to the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and his reported efforts to form a coalition against the current administration.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Dr. Joseph G. Ibrahim, and Director of Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Victor Bobai Mathew, the group said President Tinubu’s emergence has changed the fortunes of Southern Kaduna.
“With President Tinubu’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of Governor Uba Sani, we have witnessed transformational policies that have given us renewed hope for a more secure and prosperous future,” the statement read.
The group stated that Tinubu’s appointment of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff was a demonstration of trust in the people of Southern Kaduna.
“This appointment is a testament to our region’s contributions to nation-building and a strategic move toward ensuring security and stability,” it noted.
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Among the key infrastructural and security interventions credited to the Tinubu administration was the approval and construction of a military barracks in Samaru Kataf, which the group described as a “game-changer.”
“For years, Southern Kaduna was plagued by insecurity, making life unbearable for farmers, traders, and families. This permanent security presence will deter attacks, enhance safety, and restore confidence among our people,” it stated.
In the healthcare sector, the group lauded President Tinubu for approving the establishment of a Federal Medical Center in Kafanchan, describing it as a major milestone that would improve healthcare services, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and enhance the well-being of residents.
Education was also a focal point of the group’s commendation, as it celebrated the approval of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.
“For decades, Southern Kaduna was marginalized in education development. This institution will provide quality education, skill development, and create employment opportunities for our youth,” the group stated.
The group further credited President Tinubu’s leadership for improving security, allowing farmers to return to their lands, and fostering an economic revival in the region.
“The proactive security strategies by the Nigerian Armed Forces, led by General CG Musa, have ensured that farmers and business owners can operate without fear.
“With improved security and infrastructure, Southern Kaduna is experiencing a business revival. Traders, entrepreneurs, and investors now have the confidence to expand their businesses, leading to job creation and economic prosperity,” it added.
Expressing confidence in the government, the group reaffirmed its commitment to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that supporting the party at both state and federal levels was a demonstration of unity, patriotism, and commitment to national progress.
The group also praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for his dedication to the development of Southern Kaduna, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and security.
“His collaboration with General CG Musa has yielded significant gains. We will continue to stand by him to ensure that he completes his good works for the state,” the group assured.
2027: Southern Kaduna group rejects El-Rufai, supports Tinubu
Politics
El-Rufai given 48-hour ultimatum on NNPP crisis comment

El-Rufai given 48-hour ultimatum on NNPP crisis comment
The leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai over comments he made on the crisis rocking the party.
The NNPP condemned the former governor’s remark at the Social Democratic Party’s headquarters that the present government is responsible for the crisis rocking the opposition party.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the factional national chairman of the NNPP, Oginni Olaposi said El-Rufai lacks knowledge of the party workings and its challenges.
Also describing El-Rufai’s comment as unfounded, Olaposi urged the former governor to tender an unreserved apology to the NNPP or face legal action for such defamatory comment.
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He further asked the former governor to make efforts to find out from Rabiu Kwankwaso, the details of the crisis within the NNPP.
“We shall ask Mallam Nasir El Rufai to ask his friend (Kwankwaso) to answer the following questions before the allegations of interference or sponsorship by the federal government can be substantiated.
“Was it the federal government that asked Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to go to Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam in February 2022 to prostrate and beg for NNPP’s platform in the company of Buba Galadima, Senator Hunkuyi, and others?
“Was it the federal government that asked Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to insult the founder of NNPP, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam?
“Was it the federal government that asked Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to institute a case against the leadership and founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) at the Kano State High Court to challenge his expulsion?
“Was it the federal government that stopped Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf from appearing before the disciplinary committee set up by the party for internal resolution of crisis within NNPP?” Olaposi queried.
El-Rufai given 48-hour ultimatum on NNPP crisis comment
Politics
Defection: Sack Ned Nwoko from Senate, PDP tells court

Defection: Sack Ned Nwoko from Senate, PDP tells court
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sued the Senator representing the people of Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, over his recent defection to the All Progressive Congress (APC).
In the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the PDP prayed the court to declare vacant the Senator’s seat for leaving the party.
The PDP in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/454/2025, and filed through its Counsel, Dr. Ayo Asala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged the court to immediately order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye-election to fill the vacant position.
The originating summons dated February 27, 2025, had Nwoko, the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Independent National Electoral Commission as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants.
PDP also prayed the Court to direct Nwoko to return all salaries, allowances and other emoluments he received as a Senator from the date he defected from the PDP to the APC.
In the originating summons, PDP is asking the court to determine if Nwoko ought to have vacated his seat, having defected to another party after being sponsored by the PDP at the polls.
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The plaintiff sought the following reliefs; “A declaration that the 1st Defendant, having defected from the plaintiff being the political party(People’s Democratic Party) that sponsored him and on whose platform he was elected as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to another political party which is the All Progressives Congress (APC), ought to have vacated his seat in the said National Assembly with immediate effect by virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999(As Amended).
“A declaration that the 2nd and 3rd Defendants are under constitution and legal duties by virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999(As Amended) to declare the seat of the 1st Defendant as a Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly vacant , the 1st Defendant, having defected from the plaintiff being the political party that sponsored him and on whose platform he was elected as a Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to another political party,being the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“An order declaring vacant the seat of Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly currently occupied by the 1st Defendant and directing the 1st Defendant to with immediate effect, vacate the said seat by Virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999(As Amended). The 1st Defendant having defected from the plaintiff being the Political party(People’s Democratic Party)that sponsored him and on whose platform he was elected as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to another political party namely, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“An order of this Honourable Court directing the 1st Defendant to immediately vacate his seat as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly,having defected from the plaintiff being the political party that sponsored him as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to another political party to wit, All Progressives Congress (APC).
“An order of this Honourable Court directing the 4th Defendant to immediately conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat of the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon declaring the seat vacant.
“An order this Honourable Court to directing the 1st Defendant to return all salaries, allowances and other emoluments received by him as a Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly from the date he defected from the plaintiff to another political party to wit,the All Progressives Congress (APC).” the PDP added.
Defection: Sack Ned Nwoko from Senate, PDP tells court
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