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Nigerian Senate Passes Controversial Electoral Act Amendment Bill Amid Heated Debate

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The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026, following intense deliberations and a dramatic division vote on the contentious issue of electronic transmission of election results.

The bill, which seeks to repeal and re-enact the existing Electoral Act to address perceived gaps ahead of the 2027 general elections, was approved after a rowdy plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Key amendments include provisions allowing both electronic and manual transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) IReV portal, with manual transmission permitted as a fallback in cases of network failure or technical issues.

The most heated contention centered on Clause 60(3), which includes a proviso retaining the option for manual transmission. Opposition senators, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, demanded a division vote under Senate rules. In the tally, 55 senators voted in favor of retaining the proviso, while 15 opposed it primarily from opposition benches.

The passage came after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to reverse an earlier consideration and recommit the bill to the Committee of the Whole for fresh review.

Debates also covered adjustments to election timelines, including a reduction in the mandatory notice period for elections to avoid overlapping with the 2027 Ramadan period, as well as other legal and procedural clarifications.

The House of Representatives has since aligned with the Senate’s position on key issues, including the dual transmission mechanism and the scrapping of indirect party primaries in some contexts, passing a harmonized version amid protests and walkouts in the lower chamber.

Critics, including opposition parties like the PDP, have described the retention of manual transmission options as a “treacherous betrayal” of Nigerians’ demand for fully electronic processes to enhance transparency and reduce electoral malpractices. Supporters argue the hybrid approach provides necessary flexibility in areas with poor network coverage.

The harmonized bill now awaits concurrence between both chambers (if not already fully aligned) before transmission to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

The amendments aim to strengthen preparations for the 2027 polls, though they have sparked widespread debate on the future of electoral integrity in Nigeria.

The development follows earlier versions passed by the House in December 2025 and the Senate’s initial considerations earlier this month.

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Politics

JUST IN: Adeboye says he Admires Trump, declaring “He is the best politician I’ve met’

To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left – that’s what makes you a professional politician.

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The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has described United States President Donald Trump as the “best politician” he has ever known, saying the American leader keeps his promises and acts decisively on them.

Adeboye made the remarks when he spoke at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C.

The cleric said that he admired Trump not because he agreed with all his policies, but because he believed the US president was a leader who followed through on his commitments.

His words, “I’ve never met Trump, but I’ve followed him, and I like him. It doesn’t mean I agree with all his ways, but what I like about him is if you want the truth, he’s the best politician I’ve ever met.

During the first time, an ambassador in Nigeria then visited me in my home, and he said, ‘What do you think about our new president?’ ‘I said, ‘I like him because he’s doing what he promised he will do.

Adeboye emphasised that unlike many politicians who make conflicting statements, Trump says what he intends to do and carries it out.

“To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left – that’s what makes you a professional politician, and then I like him because when he says he wants to do this, you better get ready because many times he would have done what he’s going to do before he tells you.”

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2027: Atiku Alleged Plot To Keep ADC Off Ballot

” We therefore call on all Nigerians—not just ADC members and supporters—to rise in defense of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election.”

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Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, alleged a plot by the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and elements within the judiciary to remove the ADC from the ballot ahead of the 2027 general election.

The allegation was contained in a statement signed by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, and released on Monday.

In the statement, Atiku disclosed that he had received credible information indicating that renewed efforts may be underway to use political and legal machinations to keep the ADC off the ballot in 2027 general election.

He said there was a coordinated onslaught by anti-democratic elements within the ruling party aimed at ensuring that the ADC is excluded from next year’s ballot.

“We are fully aware of their plots. While they seek to sow confusion within the opposition, we know their real target is the ADC because it represents the most credible alternative.

“We therefore call on all Nigerians—not just ADC members and supporters—to rise in defense of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election.”

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2027 Polls: NDC Deregistration Cannot Stand – Peter Obi

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Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed the Kogi State High Court ruling in Lokoja ordering the deregistration of the party, describing it as a “bizarre temporary breakdown” that will not derail the party’s mission.

In a swift reaction on Friday, Obi expressed strong optimism that the party’s journey remains on course, insisting that while there may be detours, the final destination is non-negotiable.

A statement issued by the Spokesperson of Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Idris Zekeri Jnr, quoted Obi as urging NDC members and supporters not to be discouraged but to remain calm and focused.

The statement described the court ruling as “a hurdle, not a stop sign,” adding that the party’s legal team is thoroughly reviewing the judgment with plans to initiate immediate corrective and appellate measures.

“We always knew that the journey to dismantle a deeply entrenched and grossly underperforming political status quo would be met with fierce institutional resistance and unexpected legal detours,” the statement noted.

Obi called on all supporters, coalition partners, and patriots nationwide to “remain absolutely calm and focused,” reaffirming the party’s commitment to building a transparent, legitimate, and formidable political alternative for Nigerians.

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