Labour Party Rules Out Merger Talks Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Labour Party (LP) has firmly stated that it is not in any merger discussions with other political parties as the 2027 general elections approach. Ken Asogwa, Special Adviser to Nenadi Usman, the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, clarified the party’s stance during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday. Asogwa confirmed that the Labour Party intends to stand alone in the upcoming elections, just as it did in the 2023 polls. “In 2027, we hope to contest that election as a standalone political party,” Asogwa affirmed. “We participated in the 2023 election as a standalone political party, and Nigerians trusted us with their votes.” The party garnered more than 6 million votes in 2023, a figure that Asogwa described as a “shocker” to the nation. However, he acknowledged that certain issues prevented the party from clinching victory. “Some of those bottlenecks are being corrected now,” he said, adding, “So we believe that when those things are properly fixed, Labour Party will be in a position in the coming elections.” The Labour Party’s position signals its confidence in its independence as it prepares for the 2027 elections, with the goal of building on the momentum from 2023.

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Police Arrest Omoyele Sowore Again After Court Appearance In Abuja

90% of Lawmakers Would Lose Seats If Elections Were Transparent – Sowore

Human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, has claimed that 90 per cent of Nigerian lawmakers and other elected officials would not retain their positions if elections in the country were conducted transparently. Sowore made the statement while reacting to the controversy surrounding recent amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly provisions relating to the electronic transmission of election results. On Tuesday, February 10, the Senate amended the Electoral Act to permit the electronic transmission of election results — a reform widely demanded by many Nigerians. However, lawmakers retained a clause allowing manual collation of results in areas where internet connectivity fails, a provision that has drawn criticism from several stakeholders. Speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday, February 11, Sowore argued that many lawmakers are hesitant to fully embrace electoral reforms because transparent elections would threaten their political survival. According to him, the justification that poor network coverage necessitates manual collation is merely an excuse. “This excuse that there is no network in some states is just another balloon air on the part of these guys. They don’t want transparent elections because if elections are transparent, 90 per cent of them will not make it to the National Assembly and of course the presidency and other elected positions — they know that,” Sowore said. The debate over electronic transmission and manual collation continues to generate reactions across the country, as stakeholders weigh concerns about transparency, logistics, and electoral integrity.

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US Troops

Insecurity: U.S. to Deploy 200 Military Personnel to Nigeria

The United States has announced plans to deploy approximately 200 military personnel to Nigeria in the coming weeks to support the country’s armed forces in combating Islamist insurgent groups that have plagued parts of the nation for over a decade. The Wall Street Journal first reported the development, noting that the deployment will supplement a small team of U.S. military specialists already stationed in Nigeria to assist with air strike targeting. The move represents a significant expansion of U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation. It follows a series of recent actions, including joint American airstrikes in Nigeria last December and the earlier deployment of U.S. military experts to provide advisory support. According to officials, the additional personnel will focus on training, technical guidance, intelligence sharing, and operational coordination with Nigerian forces. They will not participate in direct combat operations. Instead, their role will center on planning and synchronizing complex joint missions, including coordinated air and ground operations against jihadist groups. “We are getting U.S. troops to assist in training and technical support,” Major General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, told AFP. A spokesperson for U.S. Africa Command also confirmed the deployment, reiterating that the troops would provide “training and technical guidance,” particularly in coordinating simultaneous air strikes and ground troop maneuvers. The decision comes amid heightened diplomatic engagement between both countries over Nigeria’s security challenges. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously described the violence in Nigeria as “persecution” and “genocide” against Christians, increasing pressure on Abuja to address insecurity more decisively. Despite diplomatic tensions, both nations have continued to strengthen military collaboration. In December, U.S. forces targeted militants in Sokoto State in a joint operation with Nigerian troops, officials from both countries confirmed. Going forward, the U.S. military is expected to expand intelligence support for Nigerian air operations and facilitate expedited arms procurement. While the deployment marks a notable scale-up in cooperation, Nigerian officials have emphasized that U.S. personnel will remain in advisory roles. “U.S. troops aren’t going to be involved in direct combat or operations,” Uba told the Journal, adding that Nigeria formally requested the additional assistance. If implemented as outlined, the deployment could signal a new phase in bilateral security ties as both countries intensify efforts to curb insurgency and restore stability in affected regions.

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Tinubu to Sign Amended Electoral Act into Law This Month – Akpabio

President Bola Tinubu is expected to sign the amended Electoral Act into law before the end of February, according to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpabio made the disclosure on Tuesday, February 10, during an emergency plenary session of the Senate, where lawmakers constituted a conference committee to harmonise the Senate’s version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill with that passed by the House of Representatives. “I believe that if you are able to conclude within this, in the next few days or one week, the President should be able to sign this amended Electoral Bill into an Act of Parliament within this month of February,” Akpabio told his colleagues. “So I wish you a worthy deliberation with your colleagues.” The 12-member conference committee is expected to meet with representatives of the House to reconcile differences between both chambers’ versions of the bill before forwarding a unified draft to the President for assent. Describing the assignment as urgent, Akpabio urged the panel to expedite its work. “The conference committee, when you meet, you should recognize that this is a matter of urgency,” he said, noting that the expansion of the committee followed consultations with Senate leadership to ensure alignment with the House of Representatives. The emergency session followed public backlash over recent amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly changes to Clause 60(3), which addresses the electronic transmission of election results. Last week, the Senate rejected proposals that would have made real-time electronic transmission of results mandatory, opting instead to retain provisions from the 2022 Electoral Act that grant the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) discretion over the mode of transmission. The decision drew criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argued that removing the real-time requirement could undermine electoral transparency. Protests were subsequently staged at the National Assembly. In response, the Senate on Tuesday reversed its earlier stance and approved electronic transmission of results, albeit without including the “real-time” provision. Lawmakers also stipulated that in areas where internet connectivity fails, Form EC8A will remain the primary instrument for result collation. If harmonisation with the House is concluded within the projected timeframe, the amended Electoral Act could be signed into law before the end of February.

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke Assures Tax Reform is Fair and Non-Exploitive

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reassured residents that the newly introduced tax reform policy is not intended to create additional hardship, but rather to promote fairness, equity, and sustainable revenue generation for the state. The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, made this assurance during a three-day stakeholders’ engagement held on Tuesday at the Centre for Black Culture in Osogbo. The event focused on the implementation of the new tax law in the state. Adeleke emphasized that while taxation remains a key source of revenue for the government, the reforms are designed to ease the financial burden on citizens while improving the efficiency of the tax system. He explained that the primary aim of the reforms is to expand the tax net by ensuring more informal sector operators comply with the system, which would, in turn, increase the funds available for essential social services and infrastructure development. “This retreat is timely and necessary as the new tax Acts are not designed to place undue burden on citizens or businesses. Rather, they are intended to promote fairness, expand the tax net, improve compliance, and strengthen Osun State’s revenue base through transparency, efficiency, and digital innovation,” Adeleke said. The governor also highlighted that the policy framework is people-oriented, pro-business, and investor-friendly, with particular attention given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and job creation. “Our approach to tax reform is deliberate and people-centered. The new framework recognizes the importance of SMEs and provides a gradual, fair, and supportive pathway for integrating the informal sector into the formal economy,” he stated. Adeleke further pointed out that measures have been put in place to protect low-income earners, including reliefs, exemptions, and reduced tax rates where applicable. “Our goal is balance. We want to grow revenue without harming livelihoods and build compliance without eroding public trust,” he concluded. With the new reforms in place, the state aims to foster a more transparent, inclusive, and efficient tax system while promoting sustainable development and the welfare of its citizens.

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Trump Pushes Ahead With 250-Foot ‘Independence Arch’ Despite Preservation and Air Safety Concerns

Trump Pushes Ahead With 250-Foot ‘Independence Arch’ Despite Preservation and Air Safety Concerns

US President Donald Trump is advancing plans to construct a massive 250-foot monument in Washington, DC, even as preservationists and aviation experts warn that the project could face significant legal and safety hurdles. The proposed structure, named the Independence Arch, is intended to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. If completed as designed, it would surpass Paris’ Arc de Triomphe in height and become the largest monumental arch in the world — standing roughly as tall as a 16- to 20-storey building. Trump has reportedly championed the project as a future global landmark. The design features a towering stone arch crowned with a 60-foot gilded Lady Liberty statue, alongside decorative columns, eagles and wreath motifs. Although smaller versions of the monument were considered during planning, the President is said to favor the largest and most ambitious option. However, the proposed location — a traffic circle at the base of the Arlington Memorial Bridge — has sparked criticism from historians and preservation advocates. Opponents argue that the structure would obstruct the historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House, a view widely regarded as symbolically significant in American history. Architectural historian Bryan Clark Green noted that while he is not opposed to a monument at the site, the sheer scale of the arch is troubling. He warned that the project could dominate its surroundings and overwhelm nearby historic landmarks. Beyond concerns about visual impact, aviation safety experts have also raised alarms. The site lies close to flight paths leading into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Aircraft approaching from the north typically pass the area at relatively low altitudes, prompting fears that a structure of such height could reduce safety margins in an already congested airspace. Although federal planning commissions are expected to review the proposal, the project would still be subject to environmental and historic preservation laws. As a result, additional assessments and public consultations are likely required — processes that could significantly delay construction. Legal experts suggest that if the administration proceeds without adhering to established review procedures, lawsuits are almost certain. Critics maintain that the monument’s scale, location and potential impact on protected historic resources make it highly vulnerable to court challenges. As debate intensifies, the future of the Independence Arch now hinges not only on political will but also on regulatory approvals and potential legal battles.

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Nigeria Ranks 36th Most Corrupt Country in the World in 2025

Nigeria Ranks 36th Most Corrupt Country in the World in 2025

Nigeria has been ranked as the 36th most corrupt country globally in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)released by Transparency International, a global anti-corruption watchdog. In the latest CPI report, Nigeria scored 26 points out of 100, where 0 indicates a highly corrupt public sector and 100reflects very clean institutions. The country placed 142nd out of 182 countries, slipping two spots from its 140thposition in 2024. Despite sliding in the overall ranking, Nigeria retained its status as the 36th most corrupt nation worldwide, sharing the position with countries such as Cameroon, Guatemala, Guinea, Kyrgyzstan, and Papua New Guinea. The Corruption Perceptions Index assesses perceived levels of public-sector corruption across countries and territories on a 0–100 scale, with lower scores indicating higher perceived corruption. Globally, Denmark topped the index as the least corrupt country with 89 points, followed by Finland, Singapore and New Zealand among the cleanest nations. No African country made the top 10 least corrupt list, though nations like Seychelles, Cabo Verde, and Botswana were among the continent’s better performers. Meanwhile, countries such as South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela ranked among the most corrupt. Transparency International noted that corruption remains a major global challenge, with many nations showing stagnation or decline in efforts to curb graft, contributing to weak governance and public distrust.

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Senate Steps In To End ASUU Strike, Sets Meeting With Education Minister And NUC

BREAKING: Senate Amends Electoral Act to Allow Electronic Transmission of Results

The Senate has amended Section 60 of the Electoral Act to permit presiding officers at polling units to electronically transmit election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Results Viewing Portal (IREV). The amendment was approved on Tuesday during an emergency plenary session, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio explaining how the new system will operate. According to Akpabio, presiding officers will transmit results electronically after completing the required documentation at the polling units. “The presiding officer shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to the IREV portal after Form EC8A has been signed and stamped by the presiding officer, and/or countersigned by the candidates or polling agents where available at the polling units,” he said. He, however, noted that provisions have been made in situations where electronic transmission is not possible. “Provided that if the electronic transmission of the results fails as a result of communication failure, the manually signed and stamped Form EC8A shall be the primary source of collation and declaration of results,” Akpabio added. The amendment, adopted as Clause 60(3), followed a motion by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, who sought to reverse the Senate’s earlier decision rejecting real-time electronic transmission of results. Previously, the Senate had retained sections of the 2023 Electoral Act that restricted electronic transmission. With the new amendment, presiding officers may now electronically transmit results where technology permits, while the signed Form EC8A will serve as the authoritative document in cases of technical failure. The decision generated debate on the Senate floor, with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe initially calling for a division before later withdrawing his request.

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