Connect with us

News

INEC: Tinubu Shops For Yakubu’s Replacement

Published

on

Plans are underway to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yakubu, who has served two terms, will complete his tenure in November.

Investigations reveal that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is yet to be fully involved in the selection process, key figures within and outside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa have already begun strategizing. These individuals, who are known allies of the President, are working to influence the appointment of Yakubu’s successor.

Leading this effort is said to be a former South-South governor, a member of the 1999 political class. Their goal is to install a candidate who will be loyal and easily controlled, raising concerns about the credibility of future elections.

Nigeria’s electoral body has faced intense criticism following the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-season elections. Amid declining public trust in INEC, the appointment of a new chairman is seen as a crucial step in restoring confidence in the electoral system.

Sources indicate that several names have been proposed for the position, though none have been officially disclosed. However, those being considered include former National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) with questionable track records. Their main qualification appears to be their willingness to comply with political influence, rather than their ability to conduct free and fair elections.

Political satire merchandise

The ongoing discussions about Yakubu’s replacement have drawn comparisons to a controversial decision made by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

On June 30, 2015, Buhari, who had just taken office, ignored established procedures and appointed Amina Bala Zakari, a relative, as acting INEC chairman. This move overruled the handover process initiated by the outgoing chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, who had designated Ambassador (Dr.) Ahmed Wali as his successor based on seniority.

Zakari’s appointment led to national outcry, forcing Buhari to reverse his decision months later. On October 21, 2015, he appointed Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the substantive INEC chairman. Yakubu then went on to oversee the controversial 2019 and 2023 elections, both of which faced allegations of irregularities.

With the ball now in Tinubu’s court, sources close to the presidency say the president understands the importance of free and fair elections.

A senior Aso Rock insider told Vanguard, “His declaration that NYSC members should be used to support the conduct of the coming census is not just about saving costs alone but about ensuring credibility of the process. It is the same way he is looking at the appointment of who will succeed Professor Yakubu. He wants a credible process, and he wants to help ensure that Nigerians’ confidence in INEC is not shaken.”

Advertisement

News

Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

Published

on

By

A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

Continue Reading

News

How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

Published

on

By

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

Continue Reading

News

Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

Published

on

By

The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending