No One Can Stop Nigerian Muslims From Practicing Shariah, Says Supreme Council

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has reaffirmed that Shariah is central to Muslim life in Nigeria and cannot be dictated by any foreign power. The council’s Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, issued the statement in response to a recent US lawmakers’ report alleging persecution of Christians in the country. Lawmakers including Riley Moore and Chris Smith had submitted recommendations to Donald Trump, urging the repeal of Shariah and blasphemy laws, the establishment of a US–Nigeria security pact, and sanctions or visa restrictions on those accused of violating religious freedom. The council described claims of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria as misleading, insisting that Shariah practice is a constitutional right for Muslims. It said Shariah provides a complete framework for personal and communal life, covering spiritual, moral, social, and legal matters. Shariah courts, the council added, operate legally under the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and allows individuals to manage personal affairs according to their faith. It warned that attempts to delegitimise or criminalise Shariah, especially from external forces, threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty and religious freedom. The statement also highlighted that the country’s insecurity affects both Muslims and Christians and is fueled by terrorism, banditry, organised crime, and governance challenges. “The council unequivocally condemns all killings across Nigeria, mourns every innocent life lost, and rejects politicisation of human suffering,” it said, urging authorities to restore public confidence through justice and accountability. As Ramadan continues, the council called on Muslims to increase prayers, live righteously, obey the law, and maintain peaceful coexistence with all Nigerians. “Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our faith is not negotiable, our Constitution is clear, and our sovereignty must be respected by other nations and protected by our government,” it added.

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INEC Shifts 2027 Presidential Election To January 16, Moves Governorship Polls To February 6

The Independent National Electoral Commission has revised the timetable for the 2027 general elections, announcing new dates for the presidential, National Assembly and governorship polls. In a statement released on Thursday, February 26, and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission confirmed that the presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027. INEC explained that the adjustment became necessary following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced changes to statutory timelines guiding pre-election activities and other electoral processes. “Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” the statement read. Originally, the presidential and National Assembly polls were fixed for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections were scheduled for March 6, 2027. Under the revised timetable, governorship and state Assembly elections will now take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027. The commission also provided a breakdown of critical activities leading up to the elections. Party primaries, including the settlement of disputes arising from them, will begin on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026. Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates are set to commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state Assembly candidates will start on September 9, 2026. In accordance with the law, all campaigns must conclude 24 hours before polling day. “Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” INEC warned. In a separate update, INEC shifted the Osun State governorship election from August 8, 2026, to August 15, 2026. The commission noted that while some activities relating to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted under the old schedule, all remaining processes would now align with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. “The revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026,” the statement added. INEC urged political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to work together to ensure smooth and credible elections. “The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility. The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” the commission concluded. The updated election timetable has been made available on INEC’s official website and communication platforms. The shift also means the presidential election will no longer fall within the Ramadan fasting period, addressing earlier concerns raised over the initial February date.

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Senate Calls For Immediate Removal Of CAC Registrar-General Husaini Magaji Over Repeated Absences

The Senate has formally asked for the dismissal of Husaini Ishaq Magaji, the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), accusing him of repeatedly ignoring invitations to appear before lawmakers. The issue came to a head during a session of the Senate Committee on Finance attended by members of the President’s economic team. Proceedings reportedly began on a tense note when it was discovered that the CAC boss, who had been invited to brief the committee on the commission’s activities and financial records, was absent once again. Raising the matter, Orji Uzor Kalu expressed anger over what he described as a pattern of avoidance. He moved a motion seeking the immediate removal of the Registrar-General, insisting that the official had consistently failed to respect the committee’s summons. “Since I came to the Senate, he has always given excuses that he is in the Villa.” The Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Sani Musa, also voiced concern over unresolved discrepancies linked to the commission’s revenue reconciliation. He noted that Magaji’s repeated absence had stalled efforts to clarify the outstanding issues. In support of the motion, Adams Oshiomhole proposed tougher measures, including withholding legislative approval of the CAC’s 2026 budget until the concerns are properly addressed. After deliberations, the Senate adopted the motion calling on the President to remove the CAC Registrar-General from office.

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Tinubu Denies Forcing Opposition Defections, Says He Did Not Kill Opposition

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rejected suggestions that he is engineering the steady movement of opposition politicians into the All Progressives Congress, stating clearly that no one has been coerced into joining the ruling party. The President spoke on Wednesday evening during an interfaith Iftar with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he addressed growing claims that his government is weakening opposition structures. According to Tinubu, he has not used the powers of his office to intimidate or pressure any political actor. He stressed that those who defected made their own choices without interference from him. “Critics are entitled to their views. Some say I have killed the opposition, but I didn’t have a gun.” “Even though I have the authority, I have not misused it.” He argued that politicians are free to decide their political future, adding that he would not blame anyone for leaving a platform they believe is no longer viable, likening such moves to passengers stepping away from a troubled ship. Tinubu also used the occasion to call for cooperation across party lines in confronting Nigeria’s security threats, including terrorism and banditry. He urged lawmakers to put national interest above partisan differences. In addition, the President appealed to the National Assembly to begin the process of amending the Constitution to enable the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary reform to strengthen security and improve response to rising criminal activities nationwide.

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Rivers Governor Fubara Appoints Dr Dagogo Wokoma As SSG, Sunny Ewule As Chief Of Staff

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved the appointments of Dr Dagogo Wokoma as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Mr Sunny Ewule as his Chief of Staff (CoS). The announcement was made in a press statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt by Mr Onwuka Nzeshi, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary. Governor Fubara stated that the appointments take effect immediately and disclosed that the new officials would be sworn in at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Executive Council (Exco) Chamber, Government House, Port Harcourt.

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Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Five Worshippers In Mosque Attack In Kebbi State

Suspected Lakurawa militants have attacked a mosque in Kebbi State, killing five worshippers and injuring three others, authorities say, in retaliation after a failed ambush on a Nigerian Army General’s convoy. The attack occurred on Wednesday at the Dadinkowa community mosque in Maiyama Local Government Area, where congregants were performing evening prayers when gunmen stormed the premises and opened fire. Kebbi Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident, stating that the assault was a reprisal by suspected Lakurawa terrorists following their unsuccessful attempt to ambush troops from the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division. SP Usman said the events leading up to the attack began on February 24, when Maj.-Gen. Bemgha Koughna, General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, came under heavy gunfire while visiting frontline troops near Mayama Hill. “The GOC’s convoy was attacked by armed terrorists believed to be members of the Lakurawa group. Our troops responded with superior firepower, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, and neutralised five of them, foiling the ambush,” Usman said. He confirmed that five worshippers died from gunshot wounds during the mosque attack, while three others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

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Kaduna Youths Protest Detention Of El-Rufai, Demand Immediate Release

Hundreds of young people across Kaduna State staged coordinated protests on Wednesday, voicing outrage over the continued detention of former governor Nasir El-Rufai and urging authorities to set him free without delay. The protesters gathered at prominent locations in Kaduna metropolis and in parts of Southern Kaduna, waving placards and chanting songs in support of the embattled ex-governor. Messages displayed during the march included “Free El-Rufai Now,” “Justice for Our Leader,” and “Kaduna Demands Governance, not Revenge.” The crowd comprised youths, women, and other residents. The demonstrations followed the refusal of bail after El-Rufai’s arrest by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC). Speaking during the rally, Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi of the Arewa Youth Movement criticised the action against the former governor, describing it as unfair and politically influenced. “We are here to register our displeasure over the continued detention of our leader.” “We demand his immediate and unconditional release. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.” Sanusi warned that the agitation could intensify if the situation remains unresolved. “If this situation persists, Kaduna youths will have no option but to escalate our actions within the ambit of the law.” He also threatened that the group would organise a one-million-man march in Abuja should the federal authorities fail to release El-Rufai. According to him, youths in Kafanchan, headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area, also joined the action in what he described as a peaceful show of solidarity. In Kaduna city, demonstrators occupied sections of the Western Bye-pass, briefly disrupting vehicular movement, while security personnel monitored the protest to ensure it did not turn violent.

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Sowore Confronts Umahi At FCT Police Command Over Alleged Abuse Of Power

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on Wednesday challenged the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a tense encounter at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, accusing him of misusing law enforcement to pursue a personal dispute. The confrontation stemmed from a case involving a woman, TracyNither Nicolas Ohiri, who allegedly accused the minister of owing her N250 million for more than a decade. Sowore questioned why the matter, which he described as civil in nature, had escalated into a police issue. Tempers flared as some of the minister’s aides clashed verbally with the activist. During the exchange, Sowore shouted, “Don’t talk to me like that! I am discussing with a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” At another point, one of the aides shoved him, prompting Sowore to protest, “Don’t push me!” Although Umahi initially greeted Sowore with a handshake, his mood reportedly changed shortly after, and he was seen muttering inaudible remarks before leaving the scene. Posting a video of the incident online, Sowore wrote: “Today at the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, I confronted the Minister of Works, David Umahi, inside a conference room where police operatives had effectively set up shop for him to harass a woman who had accused him of owing her and making a pass at her years ago. “A married woman, TracyNither Nicolas Ohiri had been illegally arrested in Lagos on allegations of “cyberbullying,” flown to Abuja, and detained. Her alleged offense was accusing David Umahi of owing her N250 million for over 12 years, a claim that, at its core, is a civil dispute. “Rather than treat the matter as such, the police escalated it into a criminal spectacle. After unlawfully detaining her, the police facilitated a meeting in which Umahi was brought into the command to threaten, intimidate, and denigrate her inside a police facility until we arrived, and they immediately dismantled the “interview,” and Umahi left angrily. After Umahi left, they refused to grant her bail or release her. We later learnt Umahi promised that she’s not seen anything yet…” https://twitter.com/daily_trust/status/2026741829543080116/video/1

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