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BREAKING: President Tinubu Signs Electoral Act Amendment Bill into Law Ahead of 2027 Polls
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, signed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 into law at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, around 5:00 p.m., finalizing sweeping changes to Nigeria’s electoral framework just days after the National Assembly passed the harmonized version and following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) release of the 2027 election timetable.
The ceremony was attended by principal officers of the National Assembly, marking a swift assent to the legislation that repeals the 2022 Act and enacts fresh provisions to govern federal, state, and FCT elections.
Key highlights of the new law include a hybrid approach to result transmission: mandatory electronic upload of polling unit results to INEC’s IReV portal where feasible, with manual collation retained as a fallback option in cases of network failures, technical glitches, or other disruptions a provision that sparked intense debate and opposition protests during legislative proceedings.
The Senate’s passage on Tuesday featured a dramatic division vote on Clause 60(3), with 55 lawmakers supporting the retention of the manual proviso against 15 opponents, largely from opposition parties.
The House of Representatives saw rowdy sessions, opposition walkouts, and chants of “APC, ole” (thief) in protest over what critics called a dilution of full electronic transmission.
Other notable amendments include adjustments to election timelines (reducing the mandatory notice period to align with the 2027 calendar, avoiding overlaps with Ramadan), provisions on party primaries (emphasizing direct primaries while allowing consensus in some cases), and clarifications aimed at enhancing procedural efficiency for the February 20, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6 gubernatorial and state assembly polls.
The signing has reignited nationwide controversy. Opposition figures and civil society organizations have condemned the hybrid transmission clause as a step backward from transparency gains in the 2022 Act, warning it could enable manipulation and erode public trust. Former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini had urged Tinubu not to assent, describing the bill as a “recipe for chaos” that favors elites over voters.
Supporters, including ruling APC lawmakers, argue the changes provide necessary flexibility for Nigeria’s diverse terrain and infrastructure challenges, ensuring elections proceed smoothly even in remote or poorly connected areas.
INEC is expected to issue guidance on implementing the new provisions soon, as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The development follows months of legislative back-and-forth, public hearings, and heated plenary sessions, underscoring deep divisions over electoral integrity in Africa’s most populous democracy.
President Tinubu’s swift assent has drawn mixed reactions on social media and among stakeholders, with calls for judicial challenges already emerging from critics who view the law as undermining the push for fully digital, tamper-proof elections.
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JUST IN: IGP Disu Assigns Portfolios to New DIGs
DIG Zachariah Fera Achinyan has been deployed to Legal Services, DIG Zango Ibrahim Baba to Research and Planning, and DIG Isyaku Mohammed to Training and Development departments.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has assigned the new Deputy Inspectors -General of Police (DIGs) their duties responsibilities.
Sources said that the DIGs were assigned departments based on their areas of competence.
DIG Zachariah Fera Achinyan has been deployed to Legal Services,
DIG Zango Ibrahim Baba to Research and Planning, and DIG Isyaku Mohammed to Training and Development departments.
Similarly, DIG Margaret Agebe Ochalla has been posted to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID);
DIG Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman to Finance and Accounts; DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie will oversee the Force Intelligence Department (FID); DIG Fayoade Adegoke will head Information and Communication Technology, while DIG Umar Shehu Nadada has been posted to Operations departments.
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Airport Access Gates: FG Approves Cash and FAAN Go Cashless Cards for Payment
The statement also noted that motorists who already possess FAAN Go Cashless Cards can continue using them until further notice.
In addition, other electronic payment channels, including Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and approved digital platforms, will remain available
The Federal Government has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to accept both cash and electronic payments at airport access gates nationwide, as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion.
The directive followed a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and officials of the FAAN, alongside senior officials of the ministry, on Tuesday.
The move comes after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the suspension of the full cashless payment system at airport access gates following complaints that it had caused traffic gridlocks.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the government has resolved to gradually transition to a fully automated payment system at airport access points.
As part of the interim measures, the ministry announced that a hybrid payment system allowing both cash and card payments will take effect at all airport access gates from March 13, 2026.
The statement also noted that motorists who already possess FAAN Go Cashless Cards can continue using them until further notice.In addition, other electronic payment channels, including Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and approved digital platforms, will remain available
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LASEMA Cautions Social Media Platforms Against Circulating False News
LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, made the call today following his visit to a collapsed three-storey school building at Yemco Schools, Daycare Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College, located at 11, Adu Street, Behind County Hospital, Aguda, Ogba, Lagos State.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has cautioned news platforms, especially social media against the circulation of misleading information.
LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, made the call today following his visit to a collapsed three-storey school building at Yemco Schools, Daycare Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College, located at 11, Adu Street, Behind County Hospital, Aguda, Ogba, Lagos State.
He said : “In situations like this, inaccurate reports and exaggerated claims can create unnecessary panic within the public.
“We urge members of the public and media platforms to rely only on verified information released by official government agencies such as LASEMA and other authorized emergency management bodies.
Spreading unverified information during emergencies can hinder response operations and misinform the public.
” First and foremost, I want to reassure the public that this incident did not result in any loss of life.”
He emphasised:” After careful assessment and rescue operations, I can confirm that all individuals within the vicinity of the building were accounted for and no casualties were recorded. Because no lives were lost, we categorize this situation not as a disaster but as an emergency incident, which was quickly managed through coordinated response efforts.”
According to him, emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and other first responders were immediately deployed to the scene to conduct a thorough search and safety assessment.
Our emergency teams promptly secured the environment, carried out safety checks, and ensured that there were no trapped victims within the structure.
The safety of residents, students, and staff remains our top priority.
The Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting lives, ensuring rapid emergency response, and maintaining public safety across the state.
We will continue to work with relevant authorities to assess the structural integrity of buildings across Lagos and enforce safety regulations where necessary.
Once again, I want to reassure residents that the situation has been fully contained and there is no cause for alarm.”
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