Politics

Fresh Crisis Hits APC as Popular Serving Senator Dumps Party

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

APC Schedules July 24 NEC For Ganduje Replacement

Senator Garba Maidoki, who represents the Kebbi South Senatorial District, has officially changed his political affiliation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This announcement was made during a Senate session on Tuesday, when Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin read the letter detailing Maidoki’s defection.

In his letter, Maidoki expressed that his decision was motivated by concerns regarding recent developments within the APC, highlighting issues of alleged injustice and ongoing internal conflicts within the ruling party.

His words: “I am writing to inform Your Excellency, the President of the Senate, and the distinguished colleagues of my defection from the All Progressives Congress APC to the African Democratic Congress ADC.

“My decision is based on the lingering internal crisis of the APC that has made my political inspiration a source of concern. I believe that the ideas of the ADC are better for the benefit of my senatorial district and Nigeria at large.

“The All Progressives Congress APC has not exhibited its slogan as justice, peace, and unity, especially in Kebbi State during the just concluded primary elections.

“It is in this regard therefore that I wish to inform you of my defection to the African Democratic Congress which I believe guarantees my political aspiration.”

Politics

INEC Issues Certificates Of Return To Winners Of Bye-Elections

Published

5 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to candidates who won the bye-elections held on June 20, 2026, in Rivers, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo and Kano states.

The electoral body announced the development in a statement, noting that the certificates were presented on behalf of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), by the Supervising National Commissioner for Rivers State, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu.

Addressing the newly elected officials during the presentation, Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated them on their victories and urged them to place the interests of their constituents above all else.

“The most important responsibility before you is to represent your constituents well,” Agbamuche-Mbu said.

She also reminded the winners of the trust reposed in them by the electorate, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, commitment and integrity.

INEC further disclosed that Certificates of Return would soon be presented to winners of other recently concluded elections, including the Zuru State Constituency election in Kebbi State and the Ekiti State governorship election.

According to the Commission, the presentation of the certificates followed the successful conclusion of the June 20, 2026, bye-elections.

Politics

BREAKING: PRP Breaks Silence Following Reports Of Selling Nomination Forms To Kwankwaso

Published

10 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has dismissed allegations that the former governor of Kano State and current vice presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, purchased dozens of its nomination forms to hijack its structure.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, the National Chairman of the PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, clarified that the party operates a centralized system where all nomination forms are strictly managed and distributed from its national headquarters.

“We do not sell nomination forms in Kano; all forms are sold from Abuja,” Baba-Ahmed said during the broadcast.

“The man who claimed that 69 forms were sold to Kwankwaso is not known to the party. He holds no position, has no authority to sell nomination forms on behalf of the party, and we do not recognize him.”

Recall that the Chairman of the PRP Northwest Stakeholders Forum, Abdulkadir Musa Guza, recently alleged that Kwankwaso had purchased all 69 nomination forms available for elective positions in the state.

Guza accused the former governor of executing a calculated plot to sponsor his own loyalists and take control of the political platform ahead of the upcoming elections.

Responding to these claims, Baba-Ahmed reiterated that the individual behind the allegations has no legitimacy to act or speak on behalf of the party.

Baba-Ahmed revealed that he phoned Kwankwaso and the former governor was as shocked as he is on the allegation.

News

UK Government Reacts To Ekiti Guber Polls, Gives Verdict

Published

10 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

The United Kingdom government has released its verdict on the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, praising the overall peaceful conduct of the exercise while raising critical concerns over technical glitches and the accessibility of polling stations.

In a statement issued through the British High Commission in Abuja, the UK government congratulated the voters of Ekiti State for their participation and extended congratulations to Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of the All Progress Congress (APC) on his re-election victory.

The commission welcomed the peaceful and orderly delivery of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other local stakeholders, noting a positive collaboration on the ground that kept voting mostly peaceful.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the election marked the first major test under the new Electoral Act 2026 and its associated guidelines. Ahead of the polls, a team of British High Commission observers met with key stakeholders, including police and INEC representatives, to understand how the new legal framework was being implemented.

While the observer team commended the prioritisation of vulnerable voters at several polling units, they expressed reservations regarding the physical layout of the voting areas.

“While our team noted the prioritisation of vulnerable voters at several polling units, which is commendable, the physical location and set-up of most polling units visited were inaccessible to voters with disabilities.”

The UK government encouraged continued collaboration among Nigerian stakeholders to scale up good practices at all polling units ahead of the general elections in 2027.

The British observer team also reported notable technical challenges involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) across multiple locations.

“Our observers also noted delays to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) at some polling units, which slowed down voting. Technical issues risk undermining voter confidence in electoral systems and can discourage turnout.”

Beyond technical hitches, the international observers expressed concern over malpractices in the field.

“Our observation team were concerned to see instances of vote trading and interference by party agents at polling units visited. Vote trading erodes public confidence and undermines the democratic process. We call on all actors to take urgent steps to address this corrosive practice.”

Looking forward, the UK government urged Nigerian electoral authorities and political actors to immediately absorb these lessons from Ekiti as the next off-cycle election approaches in Osun State. The statement emphasized that as Nigeria moves toward the 2027 general elections, maintaining a credible process will be vital for public confidence in democratic institutions, national progress, and Nigeria’s leadership role across Africa.

The UK reaffirmed its readiness to work alongside the Nigerian government and civil society groups to champion credible electoral processes, strengthen public institutions, and support organizations working toward a more inclusive and accountable system.