Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The National Assembly recently approved the electronic transmission of election results with manual collation retained as a fallback, sparking protests and heated debates in both legislative chambers. The discussions were marked by intense partisan divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections. In the Senate, a group led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe challenged a controversial provision in Clause 60(3) that designated manually completed Form EC8A as the primary source of results collation if electronic transmission fails. The House of Representatives' minority caucus staged a walkout in response to perceived attempts to push through amendments without enforcing mandatory real-time electronic transmission. Ultimately, both chambers passed the bill allowing the electronic upload of results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal, yet stopping short of ensuring real-time transmission without exceptions.The proceedings were complicated when discrepancies in the earlier passed Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026 led to a re-examination of certain clauses. The tension escalated particularly around Clause 60, which governs the transmission and collation of results, resulting in a vote that maintained the manual backup provision. The Senate’s majority supported keeping manual collation as a safety measure in case of technological failures.

Opposition political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and Labour Party, have seen a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP, NNPP, and Coalition of United Political Parties accused the APC-led Federal Government of exploiting state resources to coerce politicians into switching allegiance. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and all party members in the state have officially defected to the APC, citing internal conflicts and other issues. Senator Kawu Sumaila has formally confirmed his defection from the National Peoples Democratic Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Sumaila cited his commitment to his constituents as his primary concern, stating that all politics is local. His departure has also sparked rumors that former presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso may return to the APC. Oluwole Oke, a long-serving member of the House of Representatives, has also announced his resignation from the PDP. Meanwhile, LP Senator Neda Imasuen is on the verge of defecting to the APC, with efforts underway to strengthen the party's ranks nationally and in the state.

The African Democratic Congress has stepped up efforts to expand its political base ahead of the 2027 general election, calling on former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and other prominent political figures to join the party.he appeal followed the inauguration of the party’s North-East Zonal Congress Committee, which the ADC said marked a renewed push to strengthen its internal structures, promote internal democracy, and reposition the party for national leadership.The event, organised by the party’s national leadership, was presided over by Dr Muhammad Muhammad. In the communiqué, Gombe described the inauguration as a critical step towards consolidating the party’s presence in the North-East and ensuring transparent and credible congresses across the zone.The move comes amid renewed political realignments, barely two weeks after the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, defected to the David Mark-led ADC, a development that has further fuelled speculation about emerging alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.

The House of Representatives has dismissed allegations that the National Assembly is deliberately stalling the consideration and passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, saying the proposed legislation is likely to be harmonised next week.The Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Mr Adebayo Balogun, said the delay was procedural rather than political, insisting that work on the bill was ongoing in both chambers of the National Assembly.Balogun, who represents Ibeju-Lekki Federal Constituency of Lagos State, rejected the suggestion of deliberate delay. Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH, he said legislative work on the bill was progressing and expressed optimism that the harmonisation stage would soon be completed.The Senate is in session, considering the bill. Hopefully, the harmonisation will be completed by next week,” Balogun said.Lawmakers spent about four and a half hours in an executive session deliberating on the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, chaired by Senator Simon Lalong, alongside submissions from a seven-member ad hoc committee constituted last week to resolve contentious clauses in the bill.The leadership of the National Assembly, however, consistently maintained that the delay was due to legislative procedures and the need to achieve concurrence between both chambers before transmitting the bill for presidential assent.

The old guard of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has demanded that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) grant the ANPP bloc the 2031 presidential ticket to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027. The Association of Former ANPP Members, led by Prof. Vitalis Ajumbe, criticized the APC leadership for sidelining ANPP members in political appointments since the merger in 2013. Ajumbe urged Tinubu to ensure fairness by backing the ANPP, highlighting the need for increased representation of former ANPP members in key positions. Despite their grievances, the ANPP bloc pledged to support Tinubu's re-election and mobilize across local government areas. APC officials deemed the demands premature, emphasizing the need to focus on the upcoming 2027 elections.

Nigeria's security crisis has intensified with coordinated bandit attacks resulting in the abduction of over 490 individuals, including monarchs, students, and worshippers, across multiple states. The Senate has urged for the enhancement of community-based policing as security agencies struggle to address the escalating violence, despite a declared nationwide security emergency. Incidents report abductions and attacks from Sokoto to Kogi, with specific cases including the kidnapping of 38 worshippers, students, and a traditional ruler whose captors demanded a ransom of N150 million. Various officials have called for a more localized approach to security, emphasizing the role of community efforts in combating banditry. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria criticized the government's current strategies, asserting a lack of urgency and effectiveness in addressing terrorism and advocating for a more aggressive stance against perpetrators.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed concerns regarding Abba Atiku's defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, commending his father, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for his mature, non-influential response. APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, emphasized the party's strong internal discipline and structure, stating that one individual's influence could not destabilize the organization. Duru also expressed respect for Atiku Abubakar’s stance on his son's decision. Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar clarified that the defection was a personal choice and reiterated his criticisms of the APC-led government while advocating for improved governance.

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has opposed the expulsion of several prominent party leaders during a convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, which was attended by over 3,000 delegates despite conflicting court orders. A ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja had instructed that the convention be suspended due to concerns over member participation and constitutional guidelines, while an Oyo State High Court allowed the event to proceed. The resulting division has left the PDP fractured between Wike's faction and those aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde. Following the convention, expelled leaders, including Abdulrahman Mohammed, claimed the proceedings were illegal, and many vowed to continue their roles in the party. The PDP’s Southwest zone commended Makinde for his leadership, asserting that the convention was a significant step towards revitalizing the party for future elections.

The Senate confirmed Justice Joseph Oyewole to the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Tuesday. The decision followed a report from the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, presented by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire. President Bola Tinubu had formally nominated Justice Oyewole—who transitions from the Court of Appeal—pursuant to Section 231(2) of the 1999 Constitution. Following a screening process directed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the upper chamber officially approved the appointment.