“The decision to extend was based on appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline,” the statement read.

According to the commission, the extension reflects its commitment to inclusivity and adherence to the provisions of the law governing the electoral process.

“The extension underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices, while acting within the ambit of the law,” Haruna stated.

INEC urged political parties yet to complete the process to take advantage of the additional window and ensure that all required information is uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline.

The submission of candidates’ details marks a critical stage in preparations for the 2027 general election.

Under the revised timetable earlier released by the commission, political parties were required to upload nomination forms and candidates’ particulars for the Presidential and National Assembly elections between June 27 and July 11, 2026, through the dedicated Candidate Nomination Portal.

The revised electoral timetable was introduced after changes in the legal framework governing elections, which led to an adjustment of key pre-election activities and election dates.

Under the schedule, Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

Following the close of nominations, INEC is expected to publish the personal particulars of candidates submitted by political parties, allowing members of the public and stakeholders to scrutinise the information as provided under the electoral process.

The publication of candidates’ particulars for the Presidential and National Assembly elections is scheduled for August 14, 2026.

INEC reiterated that no further delay should be expected and urged all parties to comply with the revised deadline to avoid disqualification from the nomination process.

For decades, concerns over poor salaries, inadequate accommodation, delayed benefits and rising living costs have dominated discussions on military welfare.

Musa also dismissed allegations that soldiers were being poorly fed, describing claims circulating on social media as misleading.

Referring to a viral video involving a military officer identified as Justice Crack, he alleged that the footage was deliberately manipulated to create a false impression about the quality of meals served to troops.

“The soldier’s food was okay. There was meat; there was all this. But he told them to pull out those things and make it look as if those things were not there,” he said.

The minister’s remarks come as the Federal Government continues to pursue a mix of welfare reforms, increased security spending and renewed military operations aimed at improving the effectiveness of troops battling insecurity across the country.

But calls persist for greater investment in equipment, intelligence gathering and personnel welfare.

Musa maintained that Nigeria’s defence allocation remains inadequate to meet the enormous demands placed on the Armed Forces.

Responding to a question on whether the current defence budget was sufficient, he replied, “It’s not enough.”

He noted, however, that the government would continue investing in the welfare and operational capacity of the military to enable personnel to respond more effectively to the country’s security challenges.

The minister also advocated tougher punishment for kidnappers, calling for the introduction of the death penalty to discourage the growing wave of abductions across the country.

According to him, existing sanctions have failed to deter perpetrators.

“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” he said.

According to him, the founders recognised the importance of biodiversity conservation long before climate change gained global prominence.

“They deserve our commendation and gratitude because, but for their vision, Nigeria would not have had the strong foundation it has today for climate action,” he said.

Osinbajo said the effects of climate change had become increasingly evident across Nigeria through flooding, rising temperatures and other environmental challenges.

He noted that parts of Europe were experiencing temperatures of between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius, a development he said underscored the urgency of collective climate action.

“There is no question that we are living in the most challenging times with respect to climate change,” he said.

The former vice president, however, expressed optimism that advances in technology, innovation and scientific knowledge would provide opportunities to tackle environmental problems more effectively.

According to him, Nigeria has the tools required to make significant progress in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

Osinbajo described the NCF as Nigeria’s foremost non-governmental organisation dedicated to environmental conservation and climate action.

He commended the Foundation’s trustees, members, management, staff, volunteers and development partners for sustaining its conservation programmes over the years.

Accepting his new role, Osinbajo pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors and deepen collaboration with stakeholders.

“I accept this responsibility with great humility and gratitude.

“I look forward to working with the Board, management, staff, volunteers and partners to advance the Foundation’s mission and secure a healthier environment for future generations,” he said.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Foundation’s leadership role in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.