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Presidency, APC Reject Opposition Claims on Electoral Act 2026

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election in Nigeria

Presidency, APC Reject Opposition Claims on Electoral Act 2026

The Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have strongly pushed back against demands by opposition parties — notably the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) — to revisit or scrap the recently signed Electoral Act 2026. The opposition figures, including former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Rauf Aregbesola, had accused the law of being “skewed in favour of the APC” and vowed to resist its implementation by all lawful means. Their statements at a high‑profile news conference in Abuja sparked a fierce response from the Presidency and leading voices within the ruling party.

The opposition’s public rejection of the law, read by NNPP chairman Dr. Ahmed Ajuji after procedural disagreement over speaking rights, focused on what they described as anti‑democratic provisions that could undermine electoral transparency and the sanctity of the ballot. Central to their critique was a controversial amendment to Section 60(3) of the Act, which they claim grants “wide and undefined discretionary powers” to presiding officers and negates the purpose of electronic transmission of election results from polling units.

According to opposition representatives, the proviso allowing printed results on Form EC8A to be deemed valid where network challenges occur could open the door to manipulation and delay of electronic results. They pointed to public statements by the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, noting that Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) equipment can operate offline with a success rate above 90 %, allowing results to be uploaded later when network availability improves.

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The Presidency swiftly rejected the opposition’s claims, describing their statements as “reckless” and “spurious.” In a strongly worded counter‑statement, the government accused the ADC, NNPP and allied civil society actors of waging a “relentless war of disinformation” against both the National Assembly and the Tinubu‑led administration. The Presidency emphasised that the 2026 Electoral Act, signed into law by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to improve electoral processes by allowing real‑time results transmission while recognising that network glitches remain a reality in many parts of the country.

According to the government, the law does not prohibit electronic transmission but provides a sensible backup mechanism that ensures election results are not invalidated simply because of temporary network outages. It noted that the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) is a public viewing system and not a collation centre, stressing that the primary source of validation remains the official Form EC8A.

The Presidency also defended other changes in the Act, including the removal of delegate‑based primaries in favour of direct primaries and consensus voting, which it described as democratic innovations that empower party members rather than party elites. Government spokespeople said it was “perplexing” that opposition parties would criticise reforms that bring Nigeria closer to international practices — citing similar candidate selection processes in countries like the United States.

Responding to claims that the law was designed to favour the APC, the Presidency reiterated that Nigeria remains a vibrant multiparty democracy, with more than a dozen legally registered political parties. It called on critics to focus on strengthening their organisational structures rather than blaming the legal framework for their challenges, accusing some opposition leaders of using “cheap shots” and political rhetoric to mask their own internal weaknesses.

The ruling party’s leadership also weighed in. APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru said the opposition’s resistance to the law was “feeble and illogical,” while National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the opposition’s fears over internet connectivity as exaggerated performances aimed at “playing to the gallery” despite understanding the realities of technological limitations in Nigeria’s electoral environment.

Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives of Nigeria acknowledged that calls for review and amendment of the Electoral Act fall within legislative norms. Deputy Spokesman Phillip Agbese said that while the law is a work in progress, any future changes should be pursued through a proper amendment bill that follows due legislative process, stressing that amendments must enhance transparency, credibility and public confidence rather than serve partisan interests.

House Spokesman Akintunde Rotimi also emphasised that late‑stage amendments so close to the 2027 general elections could introduce avoidable complexity into planning, logistics, training, procurement and voter education. He noted that the current provisions were the outcome of broad stakeholder engagement and bipartisan collaboration in the National Assembly, and that any effort to amend the law must maintain administrative stability for the electoral body.

The ongoing controversy over the Electoral Act 2026 underscores the high stakes in Nigeria’s political landscape as the nation prepares for its next general elections. With legal battles, political rhetoric and public debate now deeply intertwined with electoral reform, the dispute over the law’s interpretation and implementation is likely to remain a focus of national discourse in the months ahead.

Presidency, APC Reject Opposition Claims on Electoral Act 2026

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BREAKING: Tinubu Posts Yakubu, Omokri, Fani-Kayode, 62 Other Ambassadors (Full List)

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Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri
Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri

BREAKING: Tinubu Posts Yakubu, Omokri, Fani-Kayode, 62 Other Ambassadors (Full List)

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the posting of 65 Nigerian ambassadors and high commissioners to diplomatic missions across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy and international engagement.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that the list comprises 31 non-career diplomats and 34 career ambassadors whose appointments were earlier confirmed by the Senate.

The newly posted envoys include prominent politicians, retired military officers and seasoned diplomats tasked with representing Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic and strategic interests abroad.

Among the notable postings, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, has been posted to Qatar, while former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode will serve as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany.

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has been deployed to Mexico City, while former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has been assigned to Spain.

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Businessman and senator Jimoh Ibrahim will serve as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

According to the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already begun securing diplomatic approval, known as agrément, from host countries. The United Kingdom has granted agrément for Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, while France has approved the posting of Ayo Oke.

President Tinubu has also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately begin the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners, after which they will proceed to their respective missions once final approvals are secured.

The appointments are part of the administration’s broader effort to reinvigorate Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, attract foreign investment, strengthen bilateral relations and expand trade and security cooperation globally.


Non-Career Ambassadors / High Commissioners

S/N Name Mission
1 Senator Grace Bent Lome, Togo
2 Senator Ita Enang South Africa
3 Victor Ikpeazu Spain
4 Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu Tel-Aviv, Israel
5 Mahmud Yakubu Qatar
6 Paul Oga Adikwu Vatican City
7 Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Philippines
8 Reno Omokri Mexico
9 Abasi Braimah Hungary
10 Angela Adebayo Portugal
11 Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa Japan
12 Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Greece
13 Chioma Priscilla Ohakim Poland
14 Aminu Dalhatu United Kingdom
15 Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau China
16 Tasiu Musa Maigari Gambia
17 Olufemi Pedro Australia
18 Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu Argentina
19 Lateef Kayode Are United States
20 Joseph Sola Iji Russia
21 Jimoh Ibrahim United Nations
22 Femi Fani-Kayode Germany
23 Isaak Folorunso Adewole Canada
24 Fatima Florence Ajimobi Austria
25 Lola Akande Sweden
26 Ayo Oke France
27 Yakubu N. Gambo Saudi Arabia
28 Nora Ladi Daduut South Korea
29 Joe Okocha (SAN) Ireland
30 Kulu Haruna Abubakar Tunisia
31 Jerry Samuel Manwe Trinidad and Tobago

Career Ambassadors / High Commissioners

S/N Name Mission
1 Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka Cote d’Ivoire
2 Besto Maimuna Ibrahim Niger
3 Monica Okwuchukwu Enebechi Sao Tome & Principe
4 Mohammed Mahmud Lele Algeria
5 Endoni Syndoph Paebi Burkina Faso
6 Ahmed Mohammed Monguno Egypt
7 Jane Adams Michael Jamaica
8 Alexandra Clark-Omeru Zambia
9 Chima Geoffrey Lioma David Mali
10 Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah Equatorial Guinea
11 Wasa Segun Ige Lebanon
12 Ruben Abimbola Samuel Italy
13 Ogechukwu Kingsley Onaga Mozambique
14 Magaji Umar DR Congo
15 Muhammad Saidu Dahiru India
16 Abdussalam Habu Zayyad Senegal
17 Shehu Ilu Barde Ghana
18 Aminu Nasir Ethiopia
19 Abubakar Musa Musa Chad
20 Haidara Mohammed Idris Netherlands
21 Bako Adamu Umar Morocco
22 Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed Malaysia
23 Romata Mohammed Omobolanle Tanzania
24 Shaga John Shamah Botswana
25 Hamza Mohammed Salau Iran
26 Ibrahim Danlami Kenya
27 Ibrahim Adeola Mopelola Benin
28 Ayeni Adebayo Emmanuel Belgium
29 Wahab Adekola Akande Switzerland
30 Esther Arewa Adedokun Namibia
31 Gergadi Joseph John Gabon
32 Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata Sierra Leone
33 Danladi Yakubu Nyaku Sudan
34 Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru Thailand

BREAKING: Tinubu Posts Yakubu, Omokri, Fani-Kayode, 62 Other Ambassadors (Full List)

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US Releases Additional Epstein Files Containing Allegations Against Donald Trump

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U.S. President Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump

US Releases Additional Epstein Files Containing Allegations Against Donald Trump

The United States Justice Department has released additional FBI documents from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including interview records from a woman who alleged that U.S. President Donald Trump sexually assaulted her after being introduced to him by Epstein.

The newly disclosed documents were made public on Thursday as part of the ongoing release of records related to the Epstein investigation. According to the Justice Department, the materials were not included in earlier congressionally mandated disclosures because they had been incorrectly labelled as “duplicative” records during the document review process.

The files include summaries of several 2019 interviews conducted by the FBI with the woman, who claimed she was between 13 and 15 years old when she was sexually assaulted by Epstein in the 1980s.

According to the interview summaries, the woman told investigators that Epstein once took her to either New York or New Jersey and introduced her to Trump in what she described as a tall building.

She alleged that during the encounter, Trump attempted to force her to perform oral sex, but she resisted and bit him, causing the alleged assault attempt to stop.

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The woman further told investigators that Epstein had abused her repeatedly over several years and had sometimes arranged encounters with other men.

During the interviews, she also said that she and people close to her had received threatening phone calls over the years warning her to remain silent, which she suspected were connected to Epstein.

Despite the allegations, the FBI did not bring charges related to the claims, and records indicate that investigators eventually stopped communicating with the woman later in 2019.

Justice Department officials have cautioned that the allegations contained in the newly released documents are uncorroborated and noted that some materials submitted during the Epstein investigation included “untrue and sensationalist claims” involving President Trump.

President Trump has repeatedly denied any misconduct linked to Epstein or the allegations contained in the documents.

The release of the additional files has sparked renewed political scrutiny in Washington, with Democrats questioning how the administration handled the disclosure of the Epstein records.

Lawmakers argue that key materials may have been withheld or mishandled during the earlier releases.

In response, a House committee has voted to summon Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files and explain why some documents were not initially disclosed.

The Justice Department maintains that the omission resulted from administrative errors in the massive document review process, which involves millions of pages of records tied to the Epstein investigation.

The disclosures are part of a broader transparency effort following congressional legislation requiring the government to release large volumes of records connected to Epstein, whose high-profile criminal case exposed an extensive network of abuse involving underage victims.

US Releases Additional Epstein Files Containing Allegations Against Donald Trump

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US Lawmaker Raises Alarm Over ‘Convert or Die’ Threat Against Christians in Nigeria

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US lawmaker Riley M. Moore
United States lawmaker, Riley M. Moore

US Lawmaker Raises Alarm Over ‘Convert or Die’ Threat Against Christians in Nigeria

A United States lawmaker has raised fresh concerns over the killing of Christians by terrorists linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in northeastern Nigeria, warning that extremist threats against religious minorities in the region are worsening.

The lawmaker, Riley M. Moore, reacted after reports emerged that ISWAP fighters carried out a deadly attack in Adamawa State in February that reportedly left at least 27 Christians dead and several homes destroyed.

Security analyst Brant Philip had earlier shared details of the incident online, noting that the terrorists later admitted responsibility for the assault and issued a chilling ultimatum to Christian communities in the area.

According to a message circulating on social media platform X, the militants allegedly warned that Christians must “either pay the jizyah tax, convert to Islam, or be killed.” The statement described the ultimatum as a “fair deal,” sparking outrage among international observers.

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Reacting in a post on X, Moore condemned the threat and described the development as a clear case of religious persecution in Nigeria.

“Christians continue to be explicitly targeted for their faith in Nigeria,” Moore said.

ISIS-West Africa is slaughtering Christians and telling other Christians they must convert or die. In our report to the White House, we made it clear that increased American support is contingent on the Nigerian government doing more to defend Christians. Now is the time for Abuja to step up.”

The comments highlight growing international concern about terrorist attacks in Nigeria’s northeast, where insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have continued to target communities, places of worship and security forces.

Nigeria has been battling a prolonged insurgency for more than a decade, particularly in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, where thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced by extremist violence.

Human rights organisations and religious freedom advocates have repeatedly warned that Christian minorities in rural communities remain vulnerable to targeted attacks, especially in remote areas with limited security presence.

Although the Nigerian military has intensified operations against insurgent groups in recent years, attacks, kidnappings and raids by militants still occur across several parts of the northeast.

Moore’s latest remarks add to increasing international calls for stronger efforts to protect vulnerable communities and improve security in Nigeria’s conflict-affected regions.

US Lawmaker Raises Alarm Over ‘Convert or Die’ Threat Against Christians in Nigeria

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