Headlines
INEC Shifts Bayelsa, Kogi Gov Polls by Two Weeks
The Independent National Electoral Commission has postponed the governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states, earlier fixed for November 2 by two weeks.
While announcing November 16 as the new date for the elections, the commission said the timelines for all other activities leading to the elections had also been adjusted to align with the new date.
“The run-off election to the office of governor of a state (if any)will be held within 21 days after the announcement of result of the election in accordance with Section 179 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended – 4th Alteration).
“This timetable and schedule of activities supersede the one issued on April 9 2019,” the electoral body said in a notice signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and made available to journalists on Thursday.
The decision to change the date of the elections came barely 48 hours after the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, John Jonah, led stakeholders from the state on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, demanding an adjustment in date of the election.
Jonah had hinged the demand for adjustment in the date on the fact that the date early fixed for the election clashed with the state annual thanksgiving day.
A statement by INEC National Commissioner and chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said the decision was taken “after a careful consideration of the appeals” during the commission’s regular weekly meeting held on Thursday.
He said, “It will be recalled that on April 9, 2019, the Independent National Electoral Commission released the timetable and schedule of activities for the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections. The commission fixed November 2 for the elections to hold in both states.
“However, the commission has received several appeals from the government, state Assembly, elders, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders in Bayelsa State that the election date coincides with the state’s annual thanksgiving day which is backed by the Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day Law 2012.
“After careful consideration of the appeals. the commission at its regular weekly meeting held on Thursday, May 16 decided to shift the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states to Saturday, November 16, 2017.
“The timelines for all other activities leading to the elections have also been adjusted to align with the new date.”
The PUNCH reported that the tenure of the governor of Kogi State would elapse on January 26, 2020 , while the tenure of the governor of Bayelsa State would expire on February 13, 2020.
INEC said, “Pursuant to the provision of Section 178(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 25 (7) and (8) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), the earliest date for the election into the office of governor, Kogi State shall be August 31, 2019, and the latest date for election shall be December 28 2019.
“For Bayelsa State, the earliest date for election to the office of governor shall be September 17 2019, while the latest date shall be January 15 2020. By virtue of Section 178(2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 25 (8) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), election into the office of a state governor shall hold not later than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder.
“The commission is, by virtue of Section 30(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), expected to issue notice for the election not later than 90 days before the date of the election.”
According to Oriaran-Anthony, the notice of election and collection of Forms CF001, CF002 by political parties has been fixed for August 17 and 18, 2019, at INEC headquarters.
Similarly, the conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from the primaries would take place between August 18 and September 5, 2019, to enable political parties to nominate their candidates for the election.
The campaigns by political parties would commence on August 18 in line with Section 99(1)of the Electoral Act, 2010, which provides 90 days before Election Day.
While September 9 is the last day for the submission of Forms CF001 and CF002, the publication of particulars of candidates (CF001) and the list of candidates has been fixed for September 16.
The last day of withdrawal by candidate(s)/replacement of withdrawn candidate(s) by political parties will be September 23, while October 2 is the last day for the submission of nomination forms by political parties.
Also, the publication of official register of voters will be on October 3, while the final list of nominated candidates would be published on October 17.
Also, on November 2, INEC will publish the notice of election while same day will be last day for the submission of names of polling agents for the election to the electoral officer.
The commission also fixed November 14 as the last day for campaigns by political parties.
The Punch
Veteran journalist and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Dele Momodu, has declared that a joint presidential ticket between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi represents the strongest strategy for the opposition to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Momodu said the emerging ADC coalition is gaining momentum as a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he accused of promoting “one-man rule” and weakening democratic institutions.
Momodu argued that an Atiku–Obi ticket offers both experience and electoral appeal, noting that both politicians already command significant national followings from previous elections. He recalled their collaboration in 2019, adding that Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election provides a ready base of supporters that can be consolidated.
According to him, the coalition is further strengthened by the involvement of political heavyweights such as Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, making it a formidable opposition alliance.
“The candidates who placed second, third, and even fourth are aligning. That naturally builds a strong challenge,” Momodu said, suggesting that this development could unsettle the APC ahead of 2027.
He also accused the Tinubu administration of centralising power and undermining democratic processes, claiming that key institutions—including the legislature and electoral system—are increasingly influenced by the executive arm of government. He warned that such a trend poses risks to Nigeria’s democracy.
Momodu further alleged that opposition parties face systemic obstacles, including difficulties in accessing venues, legal pressures, and institutional interference. He argued that these challenges have made opposition unity not just strategic, but necessary.
Dismissing concerns about possible cracks within the ADC coalition, Momodu described such fears as speculative, insisting that current political realities have effectively forced major opposition figures to work together.
The Supreme Court has scheduled hearing for April 22 in the appeal filed by the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, in relation to the leadership dispute in the party.
Mark’s appeal is against the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his appeal against the September 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja refusing to grant some injunctive reliefs contained in an ex-parte application filed by a chieftain of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba chose the date on Tuesday after granting accelerated hearing in the appeal marked: SC/CV/180/2026.
The court ordered Mark’s lawyer, Jibril Okutepa (SAN) to file the appellant’s brief and serve on Wednesday.
It ordered the respondents to each file and serve on the appellant, a respondent’s brief within three days of being served with the appellant’s brief.
The appellant, according to the court, is to file a reply brief, if needs be, within one day of being served with the respondents’ briefs.
Headlines
Amid Denials, ADC Reportedly Secures Rainbow Event Centre As Venue for National Convention
Baring any last minute change, the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National chairman and National Secretary respectively will hold the party’s National convention at the National Rainbow Event Centre in Garki on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has being denied two venues without any cogent reasons despite early arrangements, according to sources.
First, it was alleged that the Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotels, which was initially approached, turned down the ADC request to use it’s facility.
The ADC, having sensed sabotage, has kept the Rainbow Event Center under rap as it’s definite venue.
The last National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party was held at the same venue.
Located adjacent the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters, the event centre will host the second NEC meeting of the ADC and it’s forthcoming national convention.
According to The Guardian’ report, the ADC leadership has communicated the venue to state chapters with the caveat not to escalate it.
The ADC is in a battle of survival against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and has approached the Supreme Court for intervention.
The INEC national chairman Prof Joash Amupitan has suspended recognition of the David Mark-led ADC rendering a leadership vacuum in the party.
INEC said it’s decision was on the basis of an Appeal Court pronouncement that ordered statusquo ante-bellum be maintained.
Reports say that why the venue is being quietly decorated moderately for the event, the ADC intends to fully move in the early hours of Tuesday.
The Guardian
