Politics

President Bola Tinubu has signed the amended Electoral Act 2026 into law, establishing the framework for the 2027 general elections and reigniting discussions on electronic transmission of results.

The signing ceremony occurred on February 18, 2026, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, attended by principal officers of the National Assembly.

This development follows the National Assembly’s passage of the bill on Tuesday, after months of debates and amendments.

The amended act introduces key changes, including provisions for electronic transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV), while allowing manual records as a fallback in case of technical failures.

It also reschedules the 2027 elections to avoid overlapping with Ramadan, promoting inclusivity for Muslim voters. The legislation replaces the 2022 version, incorporating lessons from the 2023 elections to enhance transparency and efficiency.

The bill’s passage in the Senate was marked by a division vote, with opposition members advocating for stricter electronic mandates, but the majority prevailed.

“The signing ceremony occurred on February 18, 2026, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, following the Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act 2026.”

Critics argue the manual fallback could enable manipulation, while supporters highlight infrastructure challenges in remote areas.

The act is expected to strengthen INEC’s operations, with the commission already releasing the 2027 election timetable.

This reform aims to boost voter confidence and reduce disputes, setting the stage for a more credible electoral process in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Senate has passed the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, introducing provisions for electronic transmission of election results while incorporating safeguards for technical failures.

The legislation, approved on February 17, 2026, mandates that results be uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV) after being signed and stamped at polling units.

However, it does not require real-time transmission, allowing Form EC8A, the manual results sheet, to serve as the primary record if electronic upload fails due to network issues or other challenges.

The bill’s passage followed intense debate, with opposition senators pushing for mandatory electronic transmission without backups, but the majority upheld the proviso in a division vote of 55 to 15.

This compromise aims to enhance transparency and reduce manipulation while accounting for Nigeria’s infrastructure limitations.

“The bill’s passage followed intense debate, with implications for the 2027 polls, amid warnings from figures like El-Rufai that APC could be voted out in 2027.”

The act also reschedules the 2027 general elections to avoid overlapping with Ramadan, ensuring inclusivity for Muslim voters, and corrects inconsistencies in previous clauses for smoother implementation.

The House of Representatives is set to harmonize its version through a joint committee before sending the bill to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

Proponents argue the changes will strengthen democracy by enabling INEC to use technology effectively, while critics, including civil society groups, worry the manual fallback could enable fraud.

The bill builds on the 2022 Electoral Act, which first introduced electronic transmission, and addresses lessons from the 2023 elections.

This reform is expected to shape the 2027 polls, promoting credibility and voter confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process

The act sets the stage for 2027, with early indicators from APC’s win in AMAC FCT chairmanship election.”

The first contingent of United States troops and military aircraft has arrived in Nigeria to support joint operations against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

According to reports, five U.S. military cargo planes landed in the northeast region, with Maiduguri Airbase in Borno State serving as the primary hub for the deployment.

A U.S. military aircraft touched down in Maiduguri on Thursday night, followed by additional arrivals by Friday evening. One C-17A landed at Kainji Airbase, while three C-17As and one C-130J-30 headed to Maiduguri. All aircraft departed their bases on the same day they landed, indicating heavy equipment transport.

President Donald Trump approved the deployment of 200 U.S. soldiers to train Nigerian forces in air and infantry operations, intelligence gathering, and eliminating Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.

The troops are scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks, providing advisory and technical guidance without direct combat involvement. Maiduguri Airbase will likely be the main operations center, as ISWAP controls much of Borno State’s rural areas.

This move follows U.S. airstrikes on Christmas Day 2025 targeting ISIS-linked militants in Sokoto State, described as joint operations with Nigeria.

The deployment signals enhanced U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation amid escalating threats from Boko Haram and banditry.

Analysts suggest the volume of aircraft indicates delivery of advanced equipment, possibly including MQ-9 Reaper drones and attack helicopters.

The initiative underscores U.S. commitment to counter-terrorism in West Africa, with Nigeria’s service chiefs arriving in Maiduguri to coordinate. As operations unfold, this partnership aims to bolster Nigerian efforts against insurgents.

“The deployment follows U.S. airstrikes on Christmas Day 2025 and aligns with broader efforts like the US lawmakers’ bill on Christian persecution in Nigeria.”

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has raised alarms over a potential plot by the federal government to arrest him upon his return to Nigeria.

In an interview with BBC Hausa on February 11, 2026, El-Rufai claimed that four of his close associates have already been detained, signaling that he may be next.

He described the actions as politically motivated, aimed at silencing critics of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration under President Bola Tinubu.

El-Rufai, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated that security operatives are targeting opposition figures using state institutions.

“Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested, so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he said.

The former governor, who has intensified his criticism of the government, suggested that the arrests are part of a broader effort to harass perceived critics and suppress dissent.

The allegations come amid rising political tension in Nigeria, with El-Rufai’s lawyers issuing a statement condemning what they called “illegal attempts” to detain him on trumped-up charges.

He emphasized that such actions disregard the rule of law and constitutional safeguards. The situation has drawn attention to executive overreach, with calls for the government to respect democratic principles.

El-Rufai’s defection and outspoken stance have positioned him as a key opposition voice ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The former governor, who has intensified his criticism of the government, suggested that the arrests are part of a broader effort to harass perceived critics, as seen in his earlier statement on APC not ruling forever in 2027.”

Analysts view the developments as indicative of efforts to weaken potential challengers. The government has not responded directly to the claims, but security agencies continue investigations into El-Rufai’s governance from 2015 to 2023, which he insists are baseless.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about political freedom in Nigeria, with implications for the country’s democratic landscape.

The situation has escalated with El-Rufai filing an N1bn suit against ICPC over residence invasion.

The Enugu State High Court has issued a landmark ruling ordering the British government to pay £20 million to each of the families of 21 coal miners killed by colonial forces in 1949, totaling £420 million. Justice Anthony Onovo delivered the judgment on February 5, 2026, describing the incident as an unlawful and extrajudicial violation of the right to life.

The tragedy occurred at the Iva Valley coal mine in Enugu during a workers’ strike on November 1, 1949, demanding better wages and conditions.

British colonial police opened fire, killing 21 miners and injuring 51 others. The suit, filed by human rights activist Greg Onoh, sought acknowledgment of liability, a formal apology, and comprehensive compensation.

The court held the British colonial administration responsible, mandating reparations, diplomatic action, and formal apologies to the victims’ families.

This decision highlights ongoing efforts to address colonial-era injustices in Nigeria, where the massacre remains a symbol of resistance against exploitation.

While symbolically significant, some observers note the judgment may not be enforceable against the UK, as international courts or agreements could be required for implementation. The ruling has sparked discussions on historical accountability and reparations for colonial atrocities.

The case underscores Nigeria’s pursuit of justice for past violations, with potential implications for similar claims worldwide.

“The ruling has sparked discussions on historical accountability, similar to ongoing US-Nigeria security partnerships against threats.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has upgraded the licenses of several major fintech companies and microfinance banks, including Opay, Moniepoint, and Palmpay, to national status. This move allows these institutions to operate nationwide, expanding their services beyond previous regional limitations.

The upgrade reflects compliance with regulatory requirements, including increased capital thresholds and enhanced risk management standards.

Operators with national licenses can now open physical branches across all states, offer a wider range of financial products, and serve as salary accounts for employees. This change aligns with the CBN’s push for financial inclusion and a more robust digital banking ecosystem in Nigeria.

Fintech firms like Opay, Moniepoint, and Palmpay have grown significantly in recent years, providing mobile money, payments, and lending services to millions of Nigerians.

The national license status recognizes their systemic importance and subjects them to stricter oversight, including higher capital requirements (raised from previous levels) and mandatory geotagging of POS terminals for better transaction monitoring.

The decision comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s financial sector, where the CBN has been tightening regulations to reduce risks from rapid fintech growth. While the upgrade enhances operational flexibility, it also imposes greater accountability to prevent money laundering and ensure stability.

This development is expected to boost competition in the digital payments space, benefiting consumers with improved access to services. Further details on implementation will be monitored as the affected companies adjust to the new framework.

“The upgrade enhances digital banking amid positive forex trends such as the Naira appreciation to N1,490/$ in the parallel market.”