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INEC May Adjust 2027 Election Dates Over Ramadan Concerns

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election in Nigeria

INEC May Adjust 2027 Election Dates Over Ramadan Concerns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged growing concerns over the timing of the 2027 general elections, which currently coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, and said it may seek legislative intervention if necessary to ensure full electoral participation.

In a statement released on Friday, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission is sensitive to public concerns and is consulting with stakeholders on possible adjustments to the election timetable.

The commission explained that the current schedule, developed in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and INEC’s own Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022, sets Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. Party primaries are slated for May 22 to June 20, 2026.

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However, INEC noted that these dates overlap with Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and religious observances for Muslims, which could affect voter turnout and participation, particularly in predominantly Muslim areas. The commission emphasized that any adjustment to the timetable will remain consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.

“The commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections. In view of these representations, INEC is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention,” the statement read.

Several political figures have already expressed concerns. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on INEC to reconsider the February 20 date, citing potential disruption of voting during Ramadan. Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also urged the commission to review the schedule to avoid disenfranchisement of Muslim voters.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent, credible, and inclusive elections. It promised to keep the public informed of any adjustments to the election timetable arising from consultations with political parties, civil society, and religious stakeholders.

The debate over the 2027 election schedule highlights the challenges of balancing constitutional timelines with religious and cultural sensitivities, underscoring the importance of ensuring accessible and fair elections for all Nigerians.

INEC May Adjust 2027 Election Dates Over Ramadan Concerns

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Four-Storey Building Collapses in Enugu, Workers Trapped Inside

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An early-morning building collapse in Enugu has left one person dead and four others injured after a four-storey structure under construction suddenly gave way in the Independence Layout area of the state.

 

The incident occurred around 6 a.m. on Sunday on Ogbalu Street, where workers were reportedly sleeping inside the construction site when the building collapsed.

Four workers were pulled from the debris alive and taken to the Enugu State Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.

Enugu collapsed building

Authorities said six people had been sleeping at the site before the incident, but one of them had reportedly stepped out shortly before the structure came down. The body of another victim was recovered from the rubble.

 

The rescue operation has drawn the involvement of several emergency and security agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency, Nigerian Red Cross Society, State Emergency Management Agency, Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority and the Police.

Officials are still working at the scene to determine whether anyone else may be trapped beneath the debris.

The cause of the collapse remains unknown as of the time of reporting.

The incident has also renewed questions about compliance with construction standards, site safety and the effectiveness of regulatory monitoring in Enugu.

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Adeleke Orders Arrests After Associate Ajagungbade Is Reportedly Killed in Ife

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Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies to arrest anyone found to have been involved in the reported killing of his associate, Olamilekan Ajagungbade, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade.

Ajagungbade was reportedly shot dead in Ile-Ife on Sunday amid a dispute connected to the leadership of a motor park.

Reacting to the incident, Adeleke ordered Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura to take immediate action against those responsible. The directive was disclosed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

The governor also ordered rival groups involved in the park dispute to leave the motor parks while security agencies work to restore calm.

There will be no sacred cows as all culprits will be brought to book” Adeleke said, while urging residents to remain calm.

As part of his response, the governor announced plans to bring back the Park Management System across the state, saying an Executive Order would soon be issued to provide the legal backing for the arrangement.

The renewed system is expected to regulate the operation of motor parks and garages and address disputes over their management.

Ajagungbade was described in the report as a close associate of the governor and a member of the Accord Party.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identities of those responsible had not been fully disclosed at the time of reporting.

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Police Arrest Two in Delta, Recover Guns, Daggers and Battle Axe

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Two suspects are in police custody in Delta State following separate raids that resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other items, the state police command has said.

The latest operation involved the arrest of Chukwuka Nzete, also known as “Ododo”, in Isupe Community, Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

Police said Nzete was suspected of dealing in illegal firearms and alleged that he ran a shrine used to fortify suspected criminal elements.

Items recovered during a search of his residence included a pump-action gun, four dagger knives, a battle axe and pots containing substances suspected to be charms.

The command said detectives were investigating to establish the extent of Nzete’s activities and whether he had links with other criminal groups.

A separate operation also led to the arrest of Joel Iwomi, 36, in Umuebu, Obiaruku.

According to the police, Iwomi resisted attempts by operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit to enter his residence before officers eventually gained access and conducted a search.

The search allegedly produced a pump-action gun and 18 live cartridges.

Both suspects have been taken into custody while investigations continue.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel E. Erale, said the command would continue efforts to keep illicit firearms away from criminal elements and prevent weapons capable of threatening public safety from circulating in the state.

He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements, illegal firearms and other criminal activities.

The police said information supplied by members of the public would be handled confidentially.

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