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Reps thrash compulsory voting bill after public outcry

The Speaker said that the decision followed “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders” across the country.“

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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn a bill he sponsored to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians.

The bill, co-sponsored with Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to enforce compulsory voting as a means of deepening democratic participation.

In a statement issued Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker said the decision followed “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders” across the country.“

From the outset, the bill was introduced with the best of intentions—to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout,” the statement read.

Citing global examples, the speaker noted that compulsory voting has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent in countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, with similar practices adopted in Argentina and Singapore.

However, he emphasised that Nigeria must pursue democratic reforms that reflect its unique context and public sentiment.

“Lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and any reform must respect individual freedoms,” Speaker Abbas stated.

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BREAKING: AAC sues Tinubu, NASS over Europe vacation

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The African Action Congress (AAC) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Attorney General of the Federation over the President’s prolonged Europe vacation.

In an originating summons filed on Monday, September 28, 2026, the party alleges that Tinubu breached Section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution by leaving the country without transmitting a written declaration to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The suit, variously reported under suit numbers including FHC/ABJ/CS/2358/2026, lists Tinubu, the AGF, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and the National Assembly as defendants.

According to the AAC, Tinubu departed Nigeria for Europe on August 30, 2026, and remained abroad as of the date the suit was filed. The party claims the failure to notify lawmakers before the trip was undemocratic and a gross violation of the Constitution. It further argues that the National Assembly failed in its duty under Section 145(2) by not passing a resolution to authorise Vice President Kashim Shettima to act as President after the absence exceeded 21 days.

The AAC is seeking declarations that Tinubu’s actions and the National Assembly’s inaction were unconstitutional, as well as a perpetual injunction restraining the President (and future presidents) from embarking on any vacation—within or outside Nigeria—without first transmitting the required written declaration. The suit was filed through the party’s National Legal Adviser, Inibehe Effiong.

Tinubu’s trip, initially described by the Presidency as a three-week working vacation that began in London and continued in Paris, was later extended. The development has drawn criticism from opposition figures who question compliance with constitutional handover provisions.

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2027: Atiku, ADC Move to Amend Suit Challenging Tinubu’s Eligibility

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are set to amend their lawsuit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Legal sources close to the matter confirmed that the planned amendment seeks to strengthen the grounds of the suit, which questions Tinubu’s constitutional qualification to run for a second term.

The original filing is expected to be updated with additional arguments and supporting documents before the next court hearing.

Atiku and the ADC have maintained that the challenge is rooted in constitutional provisions regarding eligibility. The move comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures intensifying scrutiny of the president’s candidacy.

Tinubu’s camp has previously dismissed similar eligibility challenges as baseless and politically motivated. No formal response to the planned amendment has been issued yet.

The case is being closely watched by political observers as parties position themselves for the next electoral cycle.

Further details on the amended suit are expected in the coming days.

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Again, Desmond Elliot begs political mentor,Gbajabiamila , “I’m sorry, Daddy”

The latest apology is not the first time Elliot has publicly sought forgiveness from Gbajabiamila over the political disagreement.

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“I’m sorry. I have no excuse; I have nothing other than to say I’m deeply sorry. I’m deeply sorry, sir. And in our culture, we prostrate. Don’t be angry, Daddy.”

The above statement was made by

Lagos State lawmaker and actor, Desmond Elliot, during a meeting with Femi Gbajabiamila, and other party chieftains in Lagos, where he went on his knees and prostrated before the Chief of Staff (CoS) to President Bola Tinubu
. In a video shared by Lagos Junction on X on Sunday, Elliot begged for forgiveness and reconciliation following his actions during the last All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.

The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly also reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC leadership and appealed for an end to any disagreement between him and Gbajabiamila.

The latest apology is not the first time Elliot has publicly sought forgiveness from Gbajabiamila over the political disagreement.

During an earlier appearance on TVC’s Your View, Elliot acknowledged that he may have offended his political mentor through his political engagements, while maintaining that any misunderstanding between them was not deliberate.

“I’m not saying, oh, yes, media will come out, oh yes, Desmond begs again. Yes, because he’s my egbon. And I grew up learning everything I knew in politics through him,” he said.

He added, “To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way.”

The dispute occurred amid the political tensions surrounding the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis, during which Gbajabiamila said he faced difficulties at the Presidency over allegations concerning Elliot’s political activities.

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