Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is preparing for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 general election, emphasizing the need to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, highlighted the importance of leadership continuity based on purpose, integrity, and vision, while acknowledging the challenge of maintaining public trust amid misinformation. The commission is undertaking a strategic retreat to set directions for the upcoming elections, reinforcing its commitment to free and transparent elections. Additionally, the Permanent Voter Cards for those registered during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise are still under processing, with data verification ongoing to ensure credibility and accuracy in the voter register. INEC is enhancing its registration efforts to improve access, especially for rural residents, while ensuring all registrants comply with biometric capture requirements.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for two nights as his lawyer seeks bail. The EFCC is considering a remand order to extend his detention while it investigates allegations of N432 billion in corruption, linked to a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly on financial mismanagement during his tenure from 2015 to 2023. El-Rufai's lawyer asserts that he has cooperated fully and is not a flight risk. In addition to these allegations, the Department of State Services has filed criminal charges against El-Rufai for unlawfully intercepting communications of the National Security Adviser, with an arraignment pending.

The Federal High Court in Abuja will rule on November 13 regarding a no-case submission from Anamekwe Nwabuoku, the former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, accused of N868m fraud. Justice James Omotosho announced the date after both parties presented their final arguments. Nwabuoku's counsel, Norrison Quakers, argued that the prosecution, represented by Ekele Iheanacho of the EFCC, failed to establish a prima facie case. The EFCC claims Nwabuoku conspired with several companies to launder public funds while serving as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Defence from 2019 to 2021. He has pleaded not guilty, and the court will decide whether to dismiss the no-case submission or proceed with the defense on the scheduled date.

Former military generals have condemned a recent confrontation between Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and naval officer A. Yerima over disputed land ownership, arguing it undermines military respect and the chain of command. Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru stated that the ministry is investigating the incident and praised Yerima's conduct during the clash. General Tukur Buratai called for Wike to apologize, emphasizing that the minister’s public reprimand of a military officer threatens national security and discipline. Other retired generals highlighted the importance of proper channels for addressing such disputes, cautioning that public confrontations could damage military morale. Wike’s aide defended his actions as a response to a land scam, alleging that the former Chief of Naval Staff illegally partitioned land designated for park use into private ownership without proper approvals. The aide argued that the former naval chief was misled and should address the scam rather than seek military intervention.