Politics
2027 Election: N’Assembly in Crisis as Akpabio, Abbas Insist on Manual Result Transmission
What should have been a routine legislative correction to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill instead degenerated into one of the most dramatic sittings of the 10th Assembly, exposing deep partisan fault lines ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the Senate, 15 lawmakers, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (ADC, Abia South), stood defiantly against a controversial proviso in Clause 60(3) that recognises the manually completed Form EC8A as the primary source of collation where electronic transmission fails.
In the House of Representatives, the minority caucus staged a walkout, accusing the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas leadership of railroading amendments and frustrating attempts to insist on mandatory real-time electronic transmission without caveats.
Outside the complex, protesters — joined by former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili — accused lawmakers of attempting to dilute electoral safeguards.
President of the Senate Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Reps Abbas
By sunset, both chambers had passed versions of the bill that preserve electronic upload of polling unit results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal, while stopping short of making real-time transmission mandatory without exception.
At the heart of the storm lies a familiar Nigerian dilemma – whether technology alone can be trusted to safeguard democracy.
Senate torn apart
Tuesday’s Senate plenary was tense from the outset.
The Upper Chamber had earlier passed the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026, but was compelled to rescind its decision and recommit it to the Committee of the Whole after discrepancies were identified in several clauses, including those affecting timelines for the 2027 elections already announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
But it was Clause 60 — dealing with the transmission and collation of election results — that ignited tempers.
The final reenacted version of the controversial clause, particularly subsection (3), reads: “The Presiding Officer shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to the IREV portal, and such transmission shall be done after the prescribed Form EC8A has been signed and stamped by the Presiding Officer and/or countersigned by the candidates or polling agents where available, provided that if electronic transmission fails due to communication failure, Form EC8A shall remain the primary source of collation and declaration of the result.”
Proceedings later resumed with Abaribe demanding a division on the clause, insisting that senators must publicly record their positions.
The Abia South lawmaker had attempted a similar move during last week’s emergency plenary but withdrew under pressure, which sparked criticisms within the chamber.
His renewed insistence triggered a rowdy session but Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele intervened, stressing that “whether he has done it or not is now in the past. But it is within his (Abaribe) rights to call for it. Let us allow him.”
But Senate President Godswill Akpabio reminded the chamber of Abaribe’s earlier aborted attempt.
“People were mocking you on social media,” Akpabio said, noting that the previous demand had been withdrawn.
Opposition senators protested immediately, arguing that the matter was properly before the chamber.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin cited Order 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, contending that it would be out of order to revisit provisions already ruled upon by the presiding officer.
That submission sparked uproar.
Senator Sunday Karimi briefly confronted Abaribe across the aisle as voices rose.
Bamidele insisted that since he had moved a motion for rescission, previous decisions were void, and Abaribe’s demand for a division was procedurally sound.
Each time Akpabio referenced Abaribe’s earlier withdrawal in a tone some senators described as mocking, opposition lawmakers shouted him down.
Eventually, the Senate President put the matter to a vote.
Fifty-five senators that cut across the ruling All Progressives Congress and a few opposition members — including Deputy Minority Leader Lere Oyewunmi, Wadada Aliyu (SDP, Nasarawa) and Amos Yohanna (PDP, Adamawa) — stood in support of retaining the manual backup proviso.
When those opposed to it were asked to rise, only Abaribe and 14 others stood, a development that led to the ‘ayes’ carrying the day.
For the second time in two weeks, the Senate approved electronic transmission with manual collation as a fallback.
Under the amended proviso, the manually completed and signed Form EC8A will constitute the primary basis for collation and declaration of results where electronic transmission is disrupted by network or communication challenges.
2027 poll
Before the explosive division, the Senate had reversed its earlier passage of the bill.
Rising under Order 52(6), Bamidele moved that the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026 be rescinded and recommitted.
He explained that INEC’s announcement fixing the 2027 general elections for February 2027 had triggered fresh concerns.
Stakeholders argued that the proposed date conflicted with Clause 28 of the bill, which required elections to be scheduled at least 360 days before the expiration of tenure.
There were also concerns that February 2027 would fall within Ramadan, potentially affecting voter turnout and logistics.
Following the debate, the Senate amended Clause 28, reducing the mandatory notice period from 360 days to 300 days.
The revised clause now requires INEC to publish notice of election not later than 300 days before polling.
The 60-day reduction grants INEC flexibility to schedule presidential and National Assembly elections between late December 2026 and January 2027.
Lawmakers said the adjustment was necessary to accommodate religious sensitivities and logistical realities.
The motion also corrected discrepancies in the bill’s Long Title and multiple clauses — including Clauses 6, 9, 10, 22, 23, 28, 29, 32, 42, 47, 51, 60, 62, 64, 65, 73, 77, 86, 87, 89, 93 and 143.
A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has nullified the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for Enugu West Senatorial District, ruling that no valid primary was conducted and directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard Hon. Uche Eneh as the party’s candidate.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Segun-Bello in suit No. FHC/EN/C’S/153/2026, following a legal challenge instituted by Barr. Ugochi Ohajekwe, who is aligned with the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led Enugu State Working Committee of the party.
The court held that the NDC National Working Committee (NWC), which is legally empowered to conduct the party’s primary under the Electoral Act, did not organise any primary election for the senatorial district on May 29, 2026.
Justice Segun-Bello consequently ruled that the primary purportedly conducted by the state working committee was invalid, stressing that the committee lacked the legal authority to organise the exercise.
The judge further declared that no valid primary election was conducted by the NDC for Enugu West Senatorial District.
The suit was filed by Ohajekwe through her counsel, Kelvin Eya, Esq., who argued that the party’s national leadership failed to conduct a valid primary election in Enugu State.
She maintained that the only exercise held was organised by the state chapter under the leadership of Dr. Johnpaul Anih and challenged the process through which Eneh emerged as the party’s senatorial candidate.
The court also nullified INEC’s publication of Eneh’s name and ordered the commission to disregard him as the NDC candidate for the district.
The judgment came days after another Federal High Court sitting in Abuja removed Hon. John Nwokeabia as the NDC candidate for Awgu/Aninri/Oji River Federal Constituency and declared Hon. Chijioke Okereke the duly elected candidate.
Reacting to the Enugu judgment, the NDC State Secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, described the ruling as a victory for democracy.
Okafor accused the party’s National Working Committee of working against the presidential ambition of Mr. Peter Obi, alleging that its failure to conduct primaries in the state or initiate meaningful reconciliation had exposed its undemocratic approach.
He said the judgment had vindicated the position of the state leadership, adding that although the ruling might appear to be a setback for the party, it would strengthen internal democracy and discourage the violation of members’ rights.
According to him, the judiciary has once again demonstrated that no individual or group is above the law, stressing that political parties must respect fairness, transparency, equity and the rights of their members.
He described the judgment as a warning to party leaders against imposing candidates without following due process.
Okafor also warned that continued disregard for the Electoral Act and the legitimate aspirations of party members could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
The latest ruling adds to the legal disputes surrounding the NDC’s candidate-selection process in Enugu State, with the party’s national and state leaderships facing continuing disagreements over the conduct of its primaries.
Politics
‘The Lord Fights for the Righteous’ – Agbese Speaks on Quiet Project Delivery, Political Attacks and More
Honourable Ibrahim Sani Bsc
Hon. Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and Labour Party leader in Benue State, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering tangible results as the general elections approach.
While seeking re-election, the lawmaker insisted that his focus remains on the work rather than political distractions or personal glory.
Agbese said a responsible lawmaker must keep working without being drawn into the negative campaigns and underhand tactics of rivals.
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives says he draws quiet strength from his faith and prefers to leave every battle in God’s hands.
“The best advert for the kind of massive projects we have executed come from the people, not self-glorification,” Agbese stated.
“I deliberately refused to blow my own trumpet all these three years. I am grateful that critical segments of the society have taken notice of our monumental development projects.”
He added, “A good lawmaker works day and night and is not bothered by political opponents. I believe in the scripture that says we should leave vengeance to God. As it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’ The Lord fights for the righteous.
“From the onset, we made education a clear priority and by the grace of God, we are delivering. We have so far built seven schools across the constituency, all constructed to international standard and fitted with tiles for the children.
“The record is there. Among them is the first one-storey primary school in our federal constituency. Many of our projects have come under heavy attacks but thank God that in the end, light has prevailed.”
Beyond education, his interventions also include health and market facilities, ICT training and empowerment for the youths, a befitting royal home for a monarch, solar electrification, farm inputs and equipment, as well as recreation, sports and agricultural support.
Despite the volume of work, Agbese is known for shunning fanfare. He rarely commissions his own projects and is often already planning the next one once delivery is complete.
“I am not the kind of person who loves to show off, especially when there is still more work to be done. That is why I hardly commission my own projects,” Agbese explained.
“Each time a project is delivered, I am already looking forward to starting the next one and not taking glory. I dread fanfare and do not love the spotlight like many others. The work itself is what matters.”
Beyond constituency projects, Agbese has built a strong legislative record in the National Assembly.
He holds the distinction of moving the highest number of motions and bills by any lawmaker from Benue State, including the Bill for the establishment of the College of Agriculture, Agila, which has already been passed.
He has also been a consistent voice on national issues, notably championing equal national honours for the Senate President and the Speaker, and taking a frontline position during the state of emergency debates in Rivers State.
“The work continues with the same energy,” Agbese noted. “Whether it is constituency projects, motions, bills or standing up on issues of national importance, the responsibility is the same — to serve effectively and without distraction. We remain committed to the people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo.”
Politics
2027: Tomorrow Is Here Group Rallies Thousands of Nsukka’s Voters for APC, Mbah, Tinubu’s Re-elections
…Our zone has settled for APC, can’t be deceived again – Igboetiti boss
The Tomorrow Is Here Movement (THM), a prominent political support group in Enugu State, has mobilised thousands of voters across Enugu North Senatorial District, popularly known as Nsukka Zone, in support of the re-election of Governor Peter Mbah, President Bola Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
The mobilisation, which featured a victory walk across several communities in the district, attracted thousands of residents and supporters, with political leaders declaring that the zone was increasingly aligning with the APC ahead of the elections.
The Executive Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Hon. Martins Ugwu-Amadieze, reaffirmed the commitment of the zone to the APC, insisting that Nsukka voters would no longer be deceived by politicians without credible development agendas.
The rally, tagged “Victory Walk for All APC Candidates in Enugu North Senatorial Zone,” commenced at Opi, Nsukka, and proceeded through Orba, Obollo-Afor and Obollo-Eke in Udenu Local Government Area, before extending to Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike, in Igboeze North; Ibagwa-Aka in Igboeze South and other communities in Nsukka Local Government Area.
Speaking during the exercise on Monday, the Leader of the movement, Chief Tony Okonkwo, thanked the people for their massive participation, disclosing that the mobilisation, initially planned for about 200 persons, attracted thousands of supporters.
He attributed the turnout to the growing acceptance of the Mbah and Tinubu administrations, citing infrastructure development, educational interventions, healthcare delivery, agricultural empowerment and improved transportation.
“We were not prepared to see this number of people enduring a long walk across different parts of the zone that took several hours. Your presence today shows appreciation for what Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu are doing.
“The ongoing dual carriageway from 9th Mile through Igbo-Etiti, Nsukka and Udenu to Benue is a major infrastructure investment that will transform our communities. Nsukka has also produced its first indigenous Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Professor Simon Ortuanya, after 50 years. Our people are benefiting from federal appointments, agricultural programmes and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
“Under Governor Mbah, we have witnessed improved security, Smart Green Schools in every ward, modern healthcare facilities and ongoing road projects. Over 50 CNG buses are also operating from the Nsukka Central Terminal, providing affordable transportation and security to passengers.
“These are visible interventions. We are glad that our people are embracing the APC. The good work must continue, and this is possible if we support the APC from the Presidency to the House of Assembly,” he said.
In his remarks, Ugwu-Amadieze urged voters to reject attempts by opposition politicians to exploit tribal sentiments and political emotions ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the APC had demonstrated greater commitment to the development of the zone.
He said the massive turnout at the victory walk reflected the willingness of residents to identify with Governor Mbah, President Tinubu and other APC candidates.
“What happened today was a victory walk for Governor Peter Mbah, President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in the zone. From what we have witnessed across Nsukka, I can boldly tell you that our people are happy to identify with Governor Peter Mbah.
“Our zone has settled for APC. We cannot be deceived again by politicians who have no clear agenda for our people. Our people have embraced the ideology behind the broom and are ready to vote for all APC candidates.
“When we approached Governor Mbah with two requests; to assist in securing the Vice-Chancellorship of the University of Nigeria for an indigene of Nsukka and to consider the dualisation of the Penoks–Nike–Ugwogo–Ekwegbe–Opi–Nsukka road, little did we know that he would exceed our expectations within a short period of time. That has never happened in the history of our zone. The people of Nsukka are prepared to reciprocate his commitment through their votes in 2027,” he declared.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Igboeze North Local Government Area, Dr. Chris Onyekachi, reaffirmed his people’s support for the APC, attributing increased financial capacity of subnational governments to the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration.
He said improved allocations to state and local governments had created opportunities for increased development interventions and infrastructure delivery at the grassroots, urging residents to support the continuity of the ongoing reforms.
Similarly, the Deputy ALGON Chairman and council boss of Igboeze South Local Government Area, Barr. Ferdinand Ukwueze, said the achievements of the Mbah administration and interventions by local government councils had demonstrated the APC’s capacity to deliver development.
He expressed confidence that the party would secure victory across the senatorial district in 2027, assuring that APC candidates would receive massive support from voters in the zone.
Among dignitaries who attended the rally were the APC State Secretary, Chukwudi Nnadozie; APC State Financial Secretary, Hon. Ejike Idodo; Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezenta Ezeani; Dan Shere; William Amuta; Hon. Favour Asogwa; and the Deputy Mayors of Udenu and Igboeze South Local Government Areas.
Others included Chief Chukwukwurote Odo, popularly known as Messiah na Nsukka; Hon. Mrs. Nkiru Ugwuagu, Deputy Mayor of Ezeagu Local Government Area; Vitalis Okonkwo (Oil Money), Special Personal Assistant on Grassroots Mobilisation; Osita Ajih; Local Government Coordinators of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement; and several other APC and THM faithful.
2027: At last NDC Speaks On Peter Obi’s Healt
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed concerns over the health of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that the former Anambra State governor is in good health but requires adequate rest due to exhaustion from his demanding political schedule.
The party’s Deputy Campaign Spokesperson, Dr Sam Omale, gave the clarification during an interview on Channels Television, explaining that Obi’s frequent travels, hectic engagements and commitment to political activities had taken a toll on his energy.
According to Omale, the former governor maintains a demanding routine, often travelling between different locations within short periods while attending to numerous political and other responsibilities.
He noted that Obi hardly has enough time to rest, considering the intensity of his engagements and the energy he devotes to his political activities.
Omale expressed amazement at the presidential candidate’s ability to sustain such a hectic schedule, given the number of places he visits and the volume of activities he undertakes daily.
He, however, stressed that Obi’s need for adequate rest should not be interpreted as a sign of ill health, maintaining that the concern was primarily about physical exhaustion arising from his demanding schedule.
The party’s clarification comes amid public concerns over the presidential candidate’s health as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has said he and former governor Peter Obi remain close friends despite their political differences.
Soludo made the clarification during an interview with BBC News Igbo on Monday, where he addressed recent disagreements between his administration and Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The governor said the relationship between their families remained cordial, stressing that their political disagreements had not affected their personal relationship.
“Peter Obi and I are good friends. Our two families are on good terms,” Soludo said.
He added that although they had different political interests, both men understood that politics should not define their personal relationship.
“When it comes to politics, give me mine, give him his. It’s politics that is being done,” he added.
Soludo said Obi’s decision to support another candidate during the last Anambra governorship election did not affect their relationship, noting that he eventually secured victory.
“He has someone he thinks should be the governor of Anambra. I am also listening. He supported the person he wanted. But I won by the grace of God,” he said.
Obi governed Anambra State for two terms between March 2006 and March 2014 under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Soludo also disclosed that he personally invited Obi to join APGA in March 2022 to contest the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, the invitation was made at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, with the broader objective of mobilising the Igbo people politically.
“It was me myself who invited him to APGA so he could run, early March 2022 at Nnamdi Azikiwe University,” he said.
The governor, however, explained that he later withdrew his support for Obi’s presidential ambition because he believed his candidacy could weaken the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and improve the electoral chances of President Bola Tinubu.
“In fact, I also wrote to him that his participation would take away a lot of votes from the PDP and make it easier for Tinubu to win,” Soludo said.
He further argued that even a united opposition might struggle to defeat an incumbent administration, noting that political alliances alone do not guarantee electoral victory.
Soludo’s comments come amid a disagreement between the Anambra State Government and Obi over the state’s debt profile.
The controversy followed a September 14 statement by the state Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, who said the state was still repaying loans obtained by previous administrations, including those of Obi and his successor, Willie Obiano.
Obi rejected the claim, insisting that he left no outstanding debts when he left office. He also maintained that his administration did not owe salaries, pensions or contractors and left N2.1 billion in the state’s ecological fund.
However, the state government subsequently disputed his account, alleging that Obi left $123.77 million in debt.
Amid the exchange, Obi said there was no personal disagreement between him and Soludo, adding that he and his wife were godparents to the governor’s children.
Soludo’s latest remarks appear to reaffirm his position that the disagreement between them is political rather than personal.
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