Author: Opalim Lifted

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ukalikpe Napoleon, has been declared the winner of the Ahoada East State Constituency bye-election conducted on February 21, 2026, in Rivers State. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the result at the close of collation, with the Returning Officer, Prof. Rosemary Ogbo, confirming that the election was duly conducted and contested. Announcing the final tally, Prof. Ogbo said Ukalikpe polled 3,980 votes to defeat six other candidates. His closest challenger, Godstime Egor of the Action Party of Nigeria (APN), garnered 38 votes, while Ego Marvellous of the Action Alliance (AA) secured…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the cancellation of by-election in the Shanono-Bagwai constituency and the rerun election in the Ghari constituency of Kano State. The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made the call in a statement on Saturday, alleging widespread violence and disruption of the exercise by armed thugs in several polling units. He claimed that voters were forced to flee polling areas, while security personnel deployed to the affected constituencies were overwhelmed by the attacks. According to him, the situation makes the conduct of a credible election impossible. Two killed, five injured in APC ward…

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State, Gabriel Yomere, has described the bye-election in the state as peaceful and orderly. Mr Yomere made the remarks while speaking to reporters during an assessment tour of voting activities in wards 8, and 3 in Khana constituency ll, in Rivers. The state House of Assembly Constituencies by-election is for Ahoada East and Khana in Rivers. He stated that the exercise had progressed without incidents of violence, describing the development as commendable and reassuring. Commenting on voter apathy observed in some areas, Mr Yomere said that…

Voting in the Khana Constituency 2 bye-election has ended, with final results now being awaited at the collation centre in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area. The poll, conducted across 16 polling units, recorded generally low voter turnout. However, a relatively higher number of voters was observed at the polling unit of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate compared with other units monitored. In a dramatic twist, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly left Polling Unit 13 for the collation centre without counting votes at the unit, raising concerns among observers. The restriction of movement order…

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Dr Paul Moses, has described the ongoing AMAC election as largely peaceful across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Moses spoke after casting his vote at Abacha Estate, Zone 4, FCT where accreditation preceded voting in an orderly process. Observers at the polling unit said the exercise was calm and well organised, with officials guiding voters through the process. While acknowledging minor delays linked to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the ADC candidate commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for what he called professional conduct. “The process…

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that passengers are free to record personal selfie videos at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), provided they do not film restricted security areas or other travellers without consent. The clarification follows an incident involving a passenger who recorded a video inside a restricted security screening zone at the Lagos airport. In a statement issued on Saturday, FAAN explained that the passenger was filming in an area where signage clearly prohibits recording. “We understand the concerns raised and appreciate the conversation around this incident. The passenger was recording video within a…

AP Mcnisi Initiatives Limited has been convicted and fined N500,000 for operating a Bureau De Change business without a licence. Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, handed down the sentence after the AP Mcnisi pleaded guilty to illegal foreign exchange transactions. The case was brought by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Prosecution evidence showed that the company received N10 million for conversion to 9,000 dollars but did not deliver the foreign currency to the customer. Investigations revealed the firm was not authorised by the Central Bank of Nigeria…

The Federal Government is reviewing the raw shea nut export ban following concerns from producers and exporters over its economic impact. At a validation session in Abuja, Industry Minister Jumoke Oduwole confirmed that consultations are underway and findings will be presented to Bola Tinubu before a final decision is taken. The six-month ban, introduced in August 2025, was designed to boost local processing and curb the export of unprocessed commodities. Since then, shea butter exports have risen by 250 per cent, with improved rural incomes. However, exporters warn of lost foreign exchange earnings. CPPE to FG: Ban on shea nut…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned an auto dealer, Tunji Adewumi Adepoju, and his company, West Quantum Auto Products Ltd, over an alleged N53 million fraud in Lagos. Adepoju was brought before Justice O. A. Okunuga of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. According to the EFCC, the defendant and his company face a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing. The anti-graft agency alleged that Adepoju dishonestly converted proceeds from the sale of eight cars belonging to Mr Idowu Raji, valued at N53,000,000, to personal use. The commission said…

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory face a 12-hour FCT movement restriction today as the Nigeria Police Force enforce tight measures for the Area Council Elections. The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Miller G. Dantawaye, said movement across Abuja will be restricted from 6am to 6pm on Saturday, 21 February 2026. In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer Josephine Adeh, authorities said the directive is to guarantee security and ensure the smooth conduct of the polls across the six area councils. The FCT movement restriction applies to all residents. However, essential service providers and duly accredited election officials…