The All Democratic Alliance, ADA, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of failing to register it despite meeting registration requirements.

“The All Democratic Alliance has provided INEC with all the documents they require for registration.

“INEC did not register any of the associations, not one. And incidentally, virtually every Thursday when INEC meets and comes up with a decision, they usually give out a press release, updating Nigerians, but incidentally, in this situation, it was mute, it never made the press release.

“It never posted anything on his website, because it knows that public opinion will be highly against it. Why? Because, out of the 172 that applied with letter of intent, they screened down to 14, and out of the 14, they sold the administrative fee of 2 million naira we paid, and then we went into its dedicated portal for the purpose of applying and we applied.

“Out of the 14, INEC pre-qualified eight and wrote us and said that we are ready for the next stage, which is the last stage for physical verification.

“INEC conducted our office verification, and our office is as well-equipped as any other political party’s office in terms of infrastructure. We ought to have at least 24 states and the FCT by law, but we have 36 states and the FCT represented.

“Now in acknowledging our application, there is a clause where INEC said that if there is any other any need for any information, they will contact us but they did not contact us,” he said.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has ordered the immediate removal of four of his aides following their alleged roles in the assault of a serving councillor.

The decision followed the conclusion of investigations into the attack on Abdulrahman Abubakar Sheriff, who represents Shamaki Ward in Gombe Local Government Area.

In a statement, the governor’s spokesperson, Ismaila Uba Misilli, said the directive was communicated by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, after a special committee set up by the state government submitted its findings.

The statement explained that the committee’s report, which was backed by information from security agencies, formed the basis for the governor’s action.

Those affected by the dismissal are Adamu Abdullahi Danko, Senior Special Assistant II (Domestic), Garba Mohammed Mai Rago, Senior Special Assistant II (Political), Rabiu Sulaiman Abubakar, Senior Special Assistant II (Social Media), and Ali Ibrahim Baban Kaya, Senior Special Assistant II (Community Relations).

Governor Yahaya directed that the dismissal should take effect immediately and instructed the former aides to return all government-owned items in their custody to the relevant authorities.

According to Misilli, the governor restated his administration’s firm stance against violence, misconduct and the misuse of public office, warning that such actions will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar have asked the Federal Government to stop the implementation of the new Tax Reform Acts, following claims that the laws were altered after they were passed by the National Assembly.

In a statement on Tuesday, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), said the controversy around the tax laws threatens the credibility of Nigeria’s law-making process and raises serious constitutional concerns.

He called for a full and transparent investigation, stressing that public trust in the legislature must be protected.

“The Nigerian Bar Association considers it imperative that a comprehensive, open, and transparent investigation be conducted to clarify the circumstances surrounding the enactment of the laws and to restore public confidence in the legislative process. Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be immediately suspended,” Osigwe said.

The NBA warned that uncertainty caused by the dispute could scare investors, disrupt businesses, and create confusion for individuals and institutions expected to obey the new laws.

Similarly, Atiku criticised the alleged changes, describing them as a “grave assault on legislative supremacy.”

He accused the executive arm of government of adding harsh enforcement powers and heavier financial obligations without the approval of lawmakers.

According to him, some of the alleged insertions include arrest powers for tax officials, seizure of property without court orders, and enforcement actions without judicial oversight.

“These provisions transform tax collectors into quasi-law enforcement agencies, stripping Nigerians of due process protections that the National Assembly deliberately included,” Atiku said.

He also raised concerns about increased financial pressure on citizens, including a compulsory 20 per cent deposit before appealing tax assessments and tougher reporting requirements for businesses.

The controversy began after a lawmaker from Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, told the House of Representatives that the version of the tax laws signed and gazetted by the Federal Government was different from what lawmakers approved.

In response, the House set up a seven-member committee to investigate the allegation.

The tax laws are scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.

Both Atiku and the NBA said the rollout should be suspended until the investigation is completed.

They urged the National Assembly to correct any illegal changes and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Atiku also called on the judiciary to strike down any unconstitutional sections and asked Nigerians and civil society groups to resist what he described as an attack on democracy.

“This draconian overreach by the executive branch undermines the foundational principle of legislative supremacy in the making of laws,” he said.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of two expansive parcels of land earmarked for the Goodluck Jonathan Legacy Model Housing Estate.

Justice Mohammed Umar made the order while ruling on a motion on notice filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which was moved by its counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha.

Justice Umar made the order as the defence counsel,  Hassan Liman (SAN), raised no objection.

In his ruling, Justice Umar directed the ICPC, on behalf of the Federal Government, to supervise the completion of the proposed 962 housing units on the forfeited land.

He ordered that the exercise be carried out in collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the sole respondent in the suit, to ensure that the housing units are ultimately allocated to intended end users.

The judge ordered the final forfeiture of Plot No. 5, Cadastral Zone D12, Kaba District, Abuja, measuring approximately 122,015.80 square metres and valued at N1.94bn, as well as Plot No. 4 in the same zone, measuring about 157,198.30 square metres and valued at N3.34bn.

The properties were declared suspected proceeds of unlawful activity.

Justice Umar further directed the ICPC to facilitate the handover of the forfeited properties to the FMBN, which he identified as the victim of the alleged unlawful activity.

He also ordered the ICPC and FMBN to constitute a joint committee to oversee the completion and implementation of the housing project.

The court recalled that on July 9, it had granted an interim forfeiture of the lands following an ex parte application by the ICPC, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1124/2025.

In documents before the court, the ICPC stated that the lands were freely allocated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration for the construction of 962 residential housing units under the National Housing Fund Scheme through the FMBN.

An affidavit deposed to by an ICPC officer, Iliya Marcus, revealed that the commission acted on intelligence reports indicating that the FMBN had engaged a private developer, Good Earth Power Nigeria Limited, to execute the project.

The project, approved on July 30, 2012, was to be known as the “Goodluck Jonathan Legacy Model Housing Estate.”

According to the affidavit, FMBN entered into a framework agreement with the developer and secured a $65m loan facility from Ecobank for the project, which was intended to benefit low-income earners and was expected to be completed within 18 months.

However, investigations showed that FMBN allegedly paid the full $65m project sum to the developer, including a N3.78bn drawdown made in November 2012, without evidence of progress on site or compliance with regulatory requirements.

The ICPC further alleged that no single housing unit was constructed despite full disbursement of funds.

The commission also told the court that the developer was allegedly making moves to sell off the land to unsuspecting members of the public, a development it said could frustrate recovery efforts.

Justice Umar, while granting the interim forfeiture earlier, questioned why the entire project sum was paid upfront without corresponding work on the ground, stressing the need to protect public assets and ensure that the project ultimately serves its intended beneficiaries.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced bye-elections for the Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies in Rivers State, scheduled for February 21, 2026.

The commission disclosed this during its extraordinary meeting held on Monday, where it also reviewed preparations for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, set for the same date.

DAILY POST reports that under Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), INEC is empowered to conduct bye-elections to fill vacancies in state assemblies.

Recall that the Ahoada East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its former member, while the Khana II seat was vacated due to the death of its representative.

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly has formally notified INEC of both vacancies.

A key member of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dele Momodu, on Monday disclosed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may become the Abraham Lincoln of Nigeria in 2027, if God permits.

Momodu insisted that Atiku stands a strong chance of becoming Nigeria’s president in 2027.

He spoke while fielding questions from participants of an X Space session titled “Avrilsspace: The Electoral Mathematics for 2027.”

Atiku has been contesting for the presidency since 1993, when he stepped down for MKO Abiola under the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Jos, Plateau State.

In the 2023 presidential election, Atiku lost to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Ahead of the 2027 election, there are indications that he might once again vie for the presidency.

Momodu said: “There is no conflict of interest anywhere, Atiku has been running since 1993 and if God favours him, he may likely become the Abraham Lincoln of Nigeria, I leave that to God.

“Like I said, I’m never a desperate supporter of any candidate, I’m a realist but I believe that he stands the best chance today. He’s in good health, his business is thriving, and his family is adorable.

“He has conducted his lifestyle in a very simple and straightforward manner; despite the occasional skirmishes with his then boss, Obasanjo, he has never uttered any insult against him.”

Fear has spread among residents of Lagos following the arrest of two suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, in the state, according to PREMIUM TIMES.

It was gathered that the suspects, identified as Modu Gana and Ibrahim Dugge, were arrested on Sunday, December 21, by operatives of the State Security Service, SSS.

A security source familiar with the operation disclosed that the arrests were carried out in the Apapa area of Lagos at about 8:45 a.m.

The source confirmed that both men are currently in detention and undergoing interrogation.

Investigations revealed that the arrests followed intelligence reports indicating that the suspects had relocated from Nigeria’s conflict-hit North-east to Lagos.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the SSS were unsuccessful, as a representative of the agency’s media unit said the incident had not yet been formally communicated to them.

Since the redeployment of its former spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, the SSS has maintained a low-profile media approach, citing operational effectiveness as the reason.

As of the time of filing this report, the purpose of the suspects’ presence in Lagos remains unclear.

There is also no immediate evidence suggesting plans to carry out attacks in the commercial hub.

Nevertheless, security analysts have warned that ISWAP has been seeking to extend its activities beyond its traditional strongholds in the North-east.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has reaffirmed that the Ogoni clean-up remains a top priority for his ministry.

Lawal made the statement when the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, led a presidential delegation, including the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and senior officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Limited, on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.

He said projects recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, are progressing steadily, including mangrove restoration, healthcare services, human capacity building, and women empowerment programmes.

Also speaking, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the company was fully committed to the ongoing Ogoni dialogue.

He added that the focus will now be on improving the lives of the people rather than oil activities.

The Federal Government has been in talks with the Ogoni people to resume oil exploration in the area after more than 30 years.

However, some rights groups and community members opposed the move, saying the land was still polluted.

Hundreds of artisans operating within the Isheri-Idimu Powerline corridor, on Monday, staged a protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, alleging threats to their livelihoods following moves to displace them from their workplace.

The protesters told reporters at the Assembly complex that suspected hoodlums, allegedly acting on the instruction of the Chairman of the Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Idris Balogun, were attempting to take over their mechanic village located along Oladun Road, Isheri-Idimu, for private interests.

Carrying placards with messages such as “Save us from land grabbers,” “Powerline belongs to government, not Omo Onile,” and “We demand competency and decency at Egbe-Idimu,” the artisans appealed to lawmakers to intervene and protect them from what they described as persistent harassment.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Chairman of the mechanic village, Adeleke Odufeko, maintained that the land was lawfully allocated to them by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.

“It was the Ministry of Transportation that allocated the space to us for use as a mechanic village. We have official approval,” Odufeko said.

He explained that the artisans were instructed not to construct permanent structures on the land and had strictly adhered to that directive.

“There are no permanent buildings there, only spaces where we keep our tools and equipment. We were also directed to pay annual royalties to the traditional rulers in Idimu and Isheri, and we have consistently done so,” he added.

Odufeko alleged that tensions escalated when Balogun, whom he described as a royal family member but not a reigning monarch, allegedly demanded payments from the artisans.

“He came and said we should start paying him money. He is related to the royal family, but he is not the king. His father was the late monarch. Since 2016, he has been harassing and intimidating us,” he claimed.

According to him, the artisans have suffered repeated arrests and intimidation.

“There is hardly any police station he has not taken us to. Some of our members were even sent to Ikoyi prison without committing any offence,” he alleged.

Odufeko also stated that despite a court order directing all parties to maintain the status quo, violence erupted at the site late last month.

“When the harassment became unbearable, we went to court in 2021. In 2024, the court ordered that the status quo be maintained and warned him not to interfere with us,” he said.

“However, on November 29, thugs accompanied by soldiers and police officers invaded the area. Vehicles undergoing repairs were damaged and shops were vandalised.”

He said officials of the Ministry of Transportation later intervened, deploying a task force to remove the hoodlums.

“But shortly after they left, the thugs returned and resumed attacks, beating people. Although some were arrested during a second intervention, we later learnt that influential individuals secured their release. Since then, peace has eluded us,” he added.

Odufeko said the artisans have been barred from operating and that he has personally been targeted because of his leadership role.

“They shut down the entire place and warned us not to work. I am being hunted because I am the chairman representing about 10,000 artisans. That is why we came to the Assembly for help,” he said.

Addressing the protesters, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency, Stephen Ogundipe, assured them that their grievances would be addressed.

“We are here on behalf of the Speaker, Mudashir Obasa. We have listened to your concerns and will formally present them to him,” Ogundipe said.

“We commend you for remaining peaceful. The House will invite all concerned parties, including the Ministry of Transportation and your representatives, and ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated. We urge you to remain calm and law-abiding.”