INEC Resumes Final Phase of Continuous Voter Registration May 11

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the resumption of the final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, scheduled to begin on May 11, 2026, as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission confirmed that the nationwide exercise will run until July 10, 2026, giving eligible Nigerians a final window to register and update their voter information.

INEC explained that the earlier suspension of the CVR on April 17 was necessary to allow for the cleanup of the voter register after its publication for claims and objections. This process, according to the commission, is aimed at removing duplicate entries, correcting errors, and improving the overall credibility of the database.

The commission has urged all Nigerians who have attained the age of 18, as well as those who missed previous registration phases, to take advantage of this final voter registration window. It also encouraged already registered voters to carry out necessary updates, including transfer of registration, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and correction of biodata.

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INEC advised that while online pre-registration remains available, applicants must visit designated registration centres for biometric capture to complete the process. The commission added that its offices across states and local government areas nationwide will remain open to accommodate applicants throughout the exercise.

To further ensure transparency, INEC disclosed that the updated voters’ register will be displayed from July 23 to July 29, 2026, in line with statutory requirements. During this period, citizens will have the opportunity to scrutinise the register, raise objections, and report any discrepancies.

The electoral body also revealed that it has expanded registration centres in densely populated and underserved areas while upgrading its digital infrastructure to enhance efficiency and reduce delays during the exercise.

INEC assured Nigerians that all necessary logistics and personnel arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth process nationwide. It emphasised that a credible and accurate voter register remains critical to delivering free, fair, and transparent elections.

The commission called on all eligible citizens to participate actively in the exercise, noting that voter registration is a fundamental step in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.

INEC Resumes Final Phase of Continuous Voter Registration May 11

Cleric Says ₦10m Was for Prayers, Not Coup Plot Against Tinubu

An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Bukar Kashim Goni, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the ₦10 million traced to his account was payment for spiritual services and prayers, not funding for an alleged coup plot against the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sheikh Goni is currently standing trial alongside several co-defendants over allegations of involvement in a failed plan to overthrow the federal government. The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The cleric firmly denied any participation in a coup plot in Nigeria, insisting that his role was strictly religious and focused on prayers, spiritual counselling, and charitable assistance. He maintained that the ₦10 million transaction credited to him was part of payments for religious consultations and had no political or security implications.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik presided over the presentation of video evidence showing Sheikh Goni’s interrogation by security operatives. In the recordings, investigators confronted him with financial documents allegedly linking him to multiple transfers from a military officer identified as Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji. One highlighted transaction was a ₦10 million payment made in October 2024.

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Security officials argued that the financial pattern suggested sustained contact between the cleric and the officer, with payments reportedly beginning as early as March 2023. Investigators also referenced coded phrases such as “access” and “work tools” found in recorded conversations, which they claim may indicate coordination of illicit activities. However, Sheikh Goni rejected the interpretation, insisting the discussions were spiritual in nature and related only to prayers and personal guidance.

The case also involves other high-profile defendants, including retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana and retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, among others accused of participating in the alleged conspiracy to destabilise the government. All defendants have denied the allegations.

Sheikh Goni told the court he previously fled insurgency-related violence in Maiduguri before relocating to the Karu area of Abuja. He insisted he has never engaged in political or military activities and has no involvement in any unlawful operations. He reaffirmed that his interactions with the military officer were strictly limited to Islamic prayers and spiritual support services.

The Federal High Court continues to examine financial records, digital communications, and witness testimonies as prosecutors attempt to establish links between the defendants and the alleged coup attempt. The defendants, however, maintain their innocence, arguing that the evidence being presented is being misinterpreted.

Cleric Says ₦10m Was for Prayers, Not Coup Plot Against Tinubu

Ganduje Recognises Sanusi as Emir of Kano in Major Political Gesture

Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has publicly recognised Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs, in a significant gesture that signals possible easing of tensions in the long-running Kano Emirate crisis.

Ganduje made the recognition on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, held at the Government House in Kano. While addressing dignitaries, he greeted Sanusi and addressed him by his full traditional title, a move that drew applause from guests and political stakeholders present.

The public acknowledgment is the first time Ganduje has openly referred to Sanusi in his reinstated position since their highly publicised political and traditional leadership fallout.

The Kano Emirate leadership dispute began in 2020 when Ganduje, while serving as governor, deposed Sanusi as Emir of Kano and installed Aminu Ado Bayero as his successor. The decision triggered legal battles, political divisions, and competing claims over the emirate throne.

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The crisis deepened when the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reversed the arrangement, reinstating Sanusi while relocating Bayero, a move that further intensified tensions and created parallel claims to the emirate stool. Since then, both factions have maintained differing positions, with court cases and political interpretations continuing to shape the outcome of the traditional leadership dispute in Kano.

At various stages, the crisis has reflected wider political alignments in Kano State, with supporters and stakeholders divided over the legitimacy of both traditional rulers. The dispute also contributed to heightened tensions during cultural events, including the Sallah Durbar, which was previously restricted due to security concerns. However, recent developments have seen a gradual easing of restrictions, with Sanusi’s participation in traditional events signalling a cautious return to normalcy within the emirate.

Analysts view Ganduje’s public recognition as a symbolic shift that could help de-escalate tensions surrounding the Kano Emirate leadership crisis. While no official policy change was announced, the gesture is seen as politically significant given Ganduje’s role in Sanusi’s initial deposition. Observers say such recognition from a key political figure could contribute to improving relations between rival factions and reducing uncertainty over the emirate’s leadership structure.

The development underscores the continuing intersection of politics and traditional institutions in Nigeria, particularly in northern states where emirate leadership holds strong cultural and political influence. Despite the latest gesture, the legal and administrative complexities surrounding the Kano Emirate remain unresolved, and stakeholders say further dialogue will be needed to achieve lasting stability.

Ganduje Recognises Sanusi as Emir of Kano in Major Political Gesture