The Nigerian Senate has approved the use of both electronic and manual methods for transmitting election results, following widespread public criticism and protests over proposed restrictions on electronic transmission in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act....Click to Read Full Article Here>>

The decision was reached during Tuesday’s plenary session after lawmakers reviewed recommendations aimed at addressing concerns raised by citizens, civil society organisations, and political stakeholders.

According to reports, the Senate amended Clause 60 to mandate presiding officers at polling units to electronically upload election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing (IREV) portal. However, the amendment also provides that in cases where electronic transmission fails due to network or technical issues, the manual result sheet, Form EC8A, will serve as the official document for result collation.

The development comes after weeks of protests at the National Assembly, where demonstrators and advocacy groups insisted that electronic transmission of results is essential for improving electoral transparency and reducing manipulation during elections.

Supporters of the amendment believe the dual transmission system will ensure credibility while providing a backup in areas with poor network coverage. Analysts say the move could help strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of future elections.

Former Kaduna State Governor and prominent African Democratic Congress (ADC) figure, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has stated that the party will not zone its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election. He emphasised that all aspirants will be allowed to contest freely, ensuring a competitive selection process....Click to Read Full Article Here>>

El-Rufai shared this position during an exclusive interview on Trust TV’s 30 Minutes, as reported by Daily Trust, outlining the ADC’s strategy to position itself as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We will not have zoning. We will not have any of that. Everyone will be given the opportunity to contest, and whoever wins will be supported by all,” he said, stressing the party’s commitment to open and competitive primaries rather than imposing consensus candidates.

Grassroots Mobilisation and Party Organisation

Addressing concerns about the ADC’s public profile amid growing dissatisfaction with the APC, El-Rufai explained that the party is focusing on strategic grassroots mobilisation. He noted that, unlike APC in 2014, ADC is a coalition of individuals rather than existing parties, which requires careful structuring and organisation at the local level.

“A lot of background work is being done. A lot of outreach at the grassroots is going on, even if it is not visible in the media,” El-Rufai said. He added that membership registration has begun, with upcoming congresses and a national convention planned to consolidate party structures.

The ADC is actively engaging citizens at polling unit and ward levels, leveraging public frustration with governance and economic hardships. El-Rufai clarified that this mobilisation is non-violent and civic-focused, aimed at encouraging citizens to hold leaders accountable.

Policy Agenda and Ethical Governance

El-Rufai revealed that the party will soon launch a manifesto centred on ethical leadership, performance, and service delivery, presenting the ADC as a viable alternative to the Tinubu administration. “We are going to offer Nigerians an ethical government and a manifesto that works for the people,” he said.

He also criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of cronyism, tribalism, and ineffective governance. Reflecting on his support for Tinubu during the 2023 elections, El-Rufai noted that his backing was based on party loyalty and power rotation principles, not personal ties.

Support for Electoral Reforms

On electoral matters, El-Rufai expressed strong support for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units, warning that removing this provision could facilitate manipulation at collation centres. He said he would have joined ADC leaders, including Peter Obi, in protests at the National Assembly if he were in Nigeria.

“This is about the people of Nigeria. It is about giving Nigerians the opportunity to vote and ensuring that their votes are not manipulated,” he said, while remaining optimistic about the future of Nigerian democracy and the power of the electorate. ...Click to Read Full Article Here>>

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) carried out a raid on the notorious Ama Hausa drug enclave in Bonny Island, Rivers State, resulting in the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of a large quantity of illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and tramadol....Click to Read Full Article Here>>

The development was confirmed in a statement to Naija News by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday morning.

Tragically, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid lost his life after sustaining severe head injuries during a violent confrontation. The incident occurred when one of the suspects, Genesis George Benson, the gang leader, mobilized armed hoodlums to attack NDLEA operatives in an attempt to evade arrest. Despite emergency medical treatment at Bonny Island General Hospital, Mujahid succumbed to his injuries.

The operation, which took place on Friday, February 6th, 2026, successfully apprehended all six targeted suspects. Alongside Benson, the other arrested individuals include ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed, and Muhammed Yusuf.

The Ama Hausa area is well-known for criminal and drug-related activities, making the operation a critical step in combating illicit drug networks in the region.

Reacting to the incident, NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the courage and determination of the operatives who confronted the armed attackers despite the risks. He commended their professionalism and resilience in the line of duty.

This tragic event underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and highlights the agency’s continued commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the country. ...Click to Read Full Article Here>>