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Tag: Election

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

Wale busari04 mins

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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FCT Council Elections: Wike Declares Friday Work Free, Restrict Movement

Wale busari04 mins

Ahead of the Saturday, February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced work free day on Friday, as well as restriction of movement from 8pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday. The Minister, who made this known in a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday, urged residents of the FCT to come out enmasse to vote for candidates of your choice. In the broadcast the Minister said; “On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory. The election of either new or returning Chairmen and Councilors for the six area councils is a momentous occasion, and I urge you to come out in your numbers to exercise your right to vote. “I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility. “As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election. We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum. “At this juncture, with the approval of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a Work Free Day to enable movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections. “Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8pm of Friday, February 20 to 6pm of Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive. “Let me again use this opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment bill 2026 into law. This demonstrates his commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are free, fair, and transparent. “My dear residents, Democracy has always been a work-in-progress due to the evolving democratic process. However, we will keep getting better by always looking into the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process. “To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026 and vote for the candidates of your choice. “Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of such quality leaders that will contribute meaningfully to development, peace and prosperity in the FCT. “Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our territory.”

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INEC Receives Over N1 Trillion In 2026 Budget Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Wale busari04 mins

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to receive N1,013,778,401,602 in the 2026 budget presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking one of the largest allocations in the commission’s history. The funding comes as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. The details were released in the 2026 Appropriation Bill by the Budget Office of the Federation, which proposes a total budget of N58.18 trillion, with projected revenue of N34.33 trillion and expenditure including N15.52 trillion for debt servicing. The budget has been dubbed the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity.” INEC has long stressed the importance of sufficient funding to conduct credible elections. The new allocation will be critical in covering the extensive logistics required for nationwide polls, including technology procurement, voter education, and staff deployment. Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 mandates that election funds must be released at least one year before the polls. In recent years, election budgets have risen significantly. The National Assembly approved an increase for INEC in 2025, raising its budget to N140 billion from an initial N40 billion proposal. The 2023 general elections cost N313.4 billion, though only part of the approved N355 billion had been released by September 2023. In comparison, the 2019 elections cost N143 billion, while the 2015 elections were conducted at N108.8 billion. Professor Bolade Eyinla, former Chief Technical Adviser to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, projected that the 2027 elections could cost around N870 billion (about US$600 million). Speaking at a Yiaga Africa 2027 Elections Scenarios and Election Manipulation Risk Index retreat in Abuja, Eyinla described Nigeria’s elections as among the largest peacetime civil operations, requiring significant financial, technological, and logistical resources. The projected costs reflect the scale of the upcoming polls, with over 93 million registered voters, 176,846 polling units, and 1,558 electoral constituencies. After accounting for inflation and operational expansion, the estimated N870 billion is considered realistic. On a per-voter basis, this amounts to roughly US$6.72, within international norms for transitional democracies. Eyinla compared Nigeria’s election costs with other countries, noting that Kenya’s cost per voter was US$25.9 in 2017 and US$14.9 in 2022; Ghana’s was US$13.1 in 2016 and US$7.7 in 2020; South Africa’s was US$5.1 in 2019 and US$7.1 in 2024; the Democratic Republic of Congo spent US$22 and US$14.37 per voter in 2023; Liberia’s cost was US$22 per voter in 2023; and India’s 2019 election cost US$8.5 per voter. “Given the current economic conditions, inflation, and consumer price trends, conducting the 2027 general election is projected to require about US$600 million (roughly N870 billion), assuming INEC manages its resources efficiently,” Eyinla said.

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Gen Mamady Doumbouya Wins Guinea Presidency Amid Opposition Claims of Fraud

Wale busari03 mins

Gen Mamady Doumbouya has been elected president of Guinea, according to preliminary results from the country’s election commission, securing a decisive majority of the vote. The junta leader, who seized power in a coup four years ago, is seeking to legitimize his rule through the election. A civil society group advocating for a return to civilian governance denounced the vote as a “charade,” noting that Doumbouya’s main rivals were barred from running. Opposition figures also raised concerns about irregularities during the election. On Monday, internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that access to social media platforms including TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook was restricted as citizens awaited the full results. While authorities have not commented on the restrictions, critics view the move as an attempt to suppress dissent. Provisional results released on Tuesday indicated Doumbouya won 86.72% of votes cast on 28 December, well above the threshold required to avoid a runoff, granting him a seven-year term. The Supreme Court has eight days to confirm the results if any challenges are filed. Opposition candidate Faya Millimono alleged “systematic fraudulent practices,” citing incidents of poll observer expulsions, ballot stuffing, and voter intimidation. The government and ruling party have yet to respond to these allegations. After ousting then-83-year-old President Alpha Condé in 2021, Doumbouya had pledged not to contest elections and to transfer power to civilian leadership. “Neither I nor any member of this transition will be a candidate for anything… As soldiers, we value our word very much,” he had said at the time.

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Anambra Government Declares Friday Public Holiday To Enable Workers Vote In Governorship Election

Wale busari02 mins

The Anambra State Government has declared Friday a work-free day for civil servants to allow them to prepare and travel for Saturday’s governorship election. In a statement released on Thursday in Awka, the Head of Service, Mrs. Theodora Igwegbe, said Governor Chukwuma Soludo approved the decision to ensure that state workers have the opportunity to return to their hometowns and take part in the electoral process. Igwegbe described the gesture as part of the government’s commitment to encouraging civic participation and strengthening democracy through active involvement of citizens in elections. She noted that voting is not just a right but a civic duty, urging all public servants to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of good governance by casting their votes. The Head of Service also directed all political appointees, permanent secretaries, and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies to notify their staff and ensure full compliance with the work-free directive.

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Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan Wins Second Term Amid Protests

Wale busari04 mins

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing a second term in office despite widespread unrest and allegations of electoral irregularities. According to the National Electoral Commission, Samia won nearly 98% of the votes, receiving around 31.9 million of the 32 million ballots cast, with voter turnout reported at approximately 87% of the nation’s 37.6 million registered voters. Electoral chief Jacobs Mwambegele confirmed the result on Saturday, announcing, “I hereby declare Samia Suluhu Hassan as the winner of the presidential election under the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.” In Tanzania’s semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, incumbent President Hussein Mwinyi of CCM also won decisively with nearly 80% of the vote. Opposition parties in Zanzibar, however, accused authorities of “massive fraud,” and Mwinyi’s swearing-in ceremony is currently underway at Amaan Complex Stadium. The election period was marred by significant unrest. Demonstrators in Dar es Salaam and other major cities took to the streets, tearing down campaign posters and clashing with security forces, despite warnings from the army chief to end the protests. Most of the protests were led by young Tanzanians who condemned the election as unfair, citing the suppression of opposition leaders—one in jail and another barred from running due to technicalities. Chadema, the main opposition party, claimed that around 700 people were killed in clashes with security forces, while a diplomatic source indicated credible evidence of at least 500 fatalities. The Tanzanian government, however, has downplayed the violence, with Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit describing incidents as “a few isolated pockets” and asserting that security forces acted decisively. Only two main opposition candidates were allowed to contest: Tundu Lissu, detained on treason charges he denies, and Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, who was excluded on technical grounds. Sixteen smaller parties also participated but hold little political influence. The ruling CCM party has dominated Tanzania’s politics since independence and has never lost a national election. Ahead of the vote, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, raised alarms over government repression, citing enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures. The government denied these claims, insisting the election would be free and fair. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female president, assumed office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. Despite the official results, tensions remain high across the country, with heavy security presence continuing in major urban centers.

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Tanzania Election Violence Escalates as Opposition Reports Hundreds Dead Amid Internet Blackout

Wale busari04 mins

Tanzania is facing a mounting crisis after three days of violent protests following Wednesday’s elections, with the main opposition claiming hundreds have been killed while the government denies using “excessive force.” The country remained under an internet blackout on Friday, restricting access to information. Security sources and a diplomat in Dar es Salaam told AFP that the death toll could be in the “hundreds” as demonstrations continued. President Samia Suluhu Hassan had aimed to secure a strong mandate and consolidate her power, with many of her key challengers either jailed or barred from participating. The elections, however, quickly spiraled into chaos. Protesters took to the streets in Dar es Salaam and other cities, tearing down campaign posters, clashing with police, and attacking polling stations. Authorities responded with a curfew and an internet shutdown. Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo told Al-Jazeera that the government had “no figures” on fatalities and that “no excessive force has been used.” Chadema, the main opposition party, reported far higher numbers. Spokesman John Kitoka said about 350 people were killed in Dar es Salaam and over 200 in Mwanza, with nationwide deaths potentially reaching 700. He warned the toll could rise further during curfew hours. A security source estimated as many as 700–800 fatalities across the country. With foreign journalists largely barred and communications restricted, independent verification has been difficult. The United Nations reported “credible reports” of at least 10 deaths, while Amnesty International cited at least 100 killed. Many hospitals and clinics refused to comment out of fear. Hassan has yet to publicly address the unrest, and local news outlets have not posted updates since Wednesday. Army chief Jacob Mkunda labeled the protesters “criminals” on Thursday. In Zanzibar, Hassan’s party, CCM, was declared the winner of local elections, but opposition party ACT-Wazalendo rejected the results, alleging voter fraud and demanding a rerun. Opposition officials claimed ballot boxes were stuffed, multiple votes were cast without ID, and election observers were removed from counting rooms. Residents in Zanzibar expressed fear, with many unwilling to speak openly due to potential reprisals. Analysts say Hassan has faced resistance from factions within the army and supporters of her late predecessor, John Magufuli, since taking office in 2021. Ahead of the vote, authorities banned Chadema and put its leader on trial for treason. Human rights groups condemned a “wave of terror” across the country, including high-profile abductions in the final days before the election. Much of the public anger has focused on Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who is accused of overseeing the crackdown. While ACT-Wazalendo could contest local elections in Zanzibar, its candidate was barred from running against Hassan on the mainland.

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Ivory Coast Votes in Pivotal Election Likely to Extend Ouattara’s Rule

Kamal Yalwa02 mins

Voters in Ivory Coast headed to the polls on Saturday in a tense presidential election widely expected to deliver a fourth term to incumbent Alassane Ouattara. Polling stations opened at 8am across the West African nation, with nearly nine million eligible voters choosing from five candidates. Key opposition figures — former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex–Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam — were barred from contesting, a move critics say has tilted the race heavily in Ouattara’s favor. Ouattara, 83, has been in power since 2011, presiding over strong economic growth but also deep political divisions. His decision to seek another term, despite constitutional limits of two, has drawn sharp criticism. The president argues that the 2016 constitutional amendment effectively “reset” his term count. Security is tight, with 44,000 officers deployed nationwide amid opposition calls for a boycott and fears of unrest similar to the 2020 post-election violence that left at least 85 people dead. Among the challengers are former Trade Minister Jean-Louis Billon, ex–first lady Simone Gbagbo, Pan-Africanist Ahoua Don Mello, and centrist Henriette Lagou Adjoua. None, however, are seen as serious threats to the ruling Rally of Houphouetistes for Democracy and Peace (RHDP). Turnout will be crucial in determining the legitimacy of the vote. Results are expected early next week, with observers predicting Ouattara will likely win outright in the first round.

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