Yiaga Africa To NASS,Others: Release Tinubu-Signed Electoral Act 2026

Yiaga Africa’s Call for Transparency on the Electoral Act 2026

The recent appeal by Yiaga Africa to the National Assembly and other stakeholders to release the Electoral Act 2026, reportedly signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, underscores a critical tension in Nigeria’s democratic process: the gap between legislative action and public accessibility.

While the signing of the amended electoral bill represents a milestone in electoral reform, the continued delay in making the document available to citizens risks eroding trust in the very system it seeks to strengthen.

Trump Crossed a "Very Dangerous Red Line" with Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader

Trump Crossed a "Very Dangerous Red Line" with Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader

In an exclusive interview with CNN, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh declared that U.S. President Donald Trump had crossed “a very dangerous red line” following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The statement underscores the gravity of the incident and its potential to destabilize the Middle East and beyond.  

The Incident

On March 1, 2026, coordinated U.S.-Israeli military strikes targeted Iran, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media confirmed the death, and the Iranian cabinet declared a 40-day mourning period along with a week of public holidays to honor the late leader.

Trump crossed a ‘very dangerous red line’ with killing of supreme leader, Iranian official tells CNN

Trump Crossed a "Very Dangerous Red Line" with Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader

In an exclusive interview with CNN, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh declared that U.S. President Donald Trump had crossed “a very dangerous red line” following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The statement underscores the gravity of the incident and its potential to destabilize the Middle East and beyond.  

The Incident

On March 1, 2026, coordinated U.S.-Israeli military strikes targeted Iran, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media confirmed the death, and the Iranian cabinet declared a 40-day mourning period along with a week of public holidays to honor the late leader.

Governor Otti’s Clash with the Press in Context

Governor Otti’s Clash with the Press in Context

The confrontation between Abia State Governor Alex Otti and journalist Chika Nwabueze has ignited a national conversation about the fragile relationship between political authority and press freedom in Nigeria. The International Press Centre’s (IPC) swift condemnation of the governor’s remarks underscores the seriousness of the incident, but it also invites comparison with similar episodes in Nigeria’s democratic history. 

The IPC’s Rebuke of Governor Otti and the Lessons for Press Freedom

The IPC’s Rebuke of Governor Otti and the Lessons for Press Freedom

Setting the Stage

The clash between Abia State Governor Alex Otti and journalist Chika Nwabueze during a media chat in Umuahia has become more than a fleeting controversy. It has evolved into a test case for the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic values, particularly the right of journalists to question those in power.  

The Timeline of Events

The confrontation began when Nwabueze asked Governor Otti to provide verifiable evidence that his administration’s policies had improved the lives of Abia residents beyond visible infrastructure projects. Rather than respond substantively, the governor lashed out, reportedly calling the journalist “stupid” and ordering him to “shut up.” The exchange quickly drew public attention, with many interpreting it as a dismissal of legitimate journalistic inquiry. 

International Press Centre Faults Otti Over Clash with Reporter at Media Chat

International Press Centre Faults Otti Over Clash with Reporter at Media Chat

The International Press Centre (IPC) has strongly condemned Abia State Governor Alex Otti following a heated confrontation with journalist Chika Nwabueze during a media chat in Umuahia. The incident, which unfolded in late February 2026, has sparked widespread debate about press freedom, accountability, and the responsibilities of elected officials in Nigeria.  

The Incident

During the media chat, journalist Chika Nwabueze of Don Media Group posed a question requesting verifiable data to demonstrate how Governor Otti’s policies had tangibly improved the economic and living conditions of Abia residents beyond infrastructure projects. Instead of addressing the query, Governor Otti reacted angrily, reportedly calling the journalist “stupid” and telling him to “shut up.”  

Eight lessons from FCT Area Council elections that may shape 2027 polls

Eight Lessons from FCT Area Council Elections That May Shape 2027 Polls

The recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections were far more than a local contest; they offered a revealing glimpse into the dynamics that could shape Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Though the elections were limited in scope, their implications are national, serving as a rehearsal for the larger democratic exercise ahead. Here are the key lessons that emerged.

Warning signs for 2027

Warning Signs for 2027: An Editorial

The phrase “warning signs for 2027” has begun to echo across Nigeria’s political landscape, not as a prophecy but as a sober reflection of recent events. 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections of February 2026 have become a microcosm of what may lie ahead.

 Tear gas at polling units, allegations of tampered result sheets, and the visible frustration of ordinary citizens like Blessing Yakubu, who closed her salon to vote only to face chaos, paint a troubling picture of democratic fragility. 

Pope Leo Announces Ten-Day Africa Tour

Pope Leo Announces Ten-Day Africa Tour

In a landmark announcement from the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV has confirmed plans for a ten-day apostolic journey across Africa, scheduled for April 13–23, 2026.

This will be his first major overseas trip of the year and a significant pastoral mission to the continent where Catholicism is experiencing rapid growth. The tour will include visits to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, but notably excludes Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and home to one of the largest Catholic communities on the continent.

Senate’s Demand for CAC Registrar-General’s Removal - A Familiar Struggle for Accountability

Editorial: Senate’s Demand for CAC Registrar-General’s Removal - A Familiar Struggle for Accountability

The Current Crisis

The Nigerian Senate’s recent resolution calling for the removal of Husaini Magaji, Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), is not an isolated incident. His repeated refusal to honour invitations from the Senate Committee on Finance has been interpreted as a blatant disregard for legislative oversight. Lawmakers, frustrated by his absence, unanimously demanded his removal, underscoring the tension between the legislature and executive agencies over accountability.

Senate Demands Removal Of CAC Registrar-General Over Failure To Honour Invitations

Senate Demands Removal of CAC Registrar-General

On February 26, 2026, the Nigerian Senate adopted a resolution demanding the removal of Husaini Magaji, the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). 

This decision followed his repeated failure to honour invitations to appear before the Senate Committee on Finance. The motion was raised during a session attended by the President’s economic team, where lawmakers expressed frustration over the CAC boss’s absence.

Tinubu Urges Senators To Review Constitution For State Police

Tinubu Urges Senators to Review Constitution for State Police

On February 26, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a significant appeal to the leadership of Nigeria’s 10th Senate, calling for constitutional amendments to establish State Police. This move, he emphasized, is crucial to addressing Nigeria’s mounting security challenges and ensuring that states have the capacity to respond effectively to threats within their jurisdictions.

The Appeal for State Police

Speaking during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu underscored the urgency of decentralizing Nigeria’s policing structure. He argued that a state-controlled police system would complement the existing federal security framework, strengthen grassroots policing, and promote intelligence-driven, community-focused law enforcement.

We Must Never Give in to Despair - CBCN

We Must Never Give in to Despair - CBCN

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has issued a powerful moral and spiritual appeal to the nation, urging citizens not to succumb to despair despite Nigeria’s worsening security and socio-political challenges.

In a communiqué released during their plenary sessions, the bishops emphasized that despair is not an option for a people of faith, and that hope must remain the guiding light in the face of adversity.

Catholic Bishops Urge Action on Insecurity, Credible Elections at Abuja Plenary

Catholic Bishops Urge Action on Insecurity, Credible Elections at Abuja Plenary

Abuja, Nigeria - February 25, 2026  

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and ensure credible elections in 2027. The appeal came during a media briefing held after the closing Mass of the Conference’s first plenary of 2026 at the Catholic Secretariat, Durumi, Abuja.

Communiqué of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of NigeriaAfter the First Plenary of 2026

Communiqué of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria After the First Plenary of 2026

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), having gathered in plenary at the Catholic Secretariat, Durumi, Abuja, from 21–25 February 2026, issues the following communiqué after its closing Mass and media briefing:  

Leadership Transition  

The Conference announces the election of Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna as President of the CBCN, succeeding Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri. The bishops express gratitude for Archbishop Ugorji’s service and pledge support to Archbishop Ndagoso in his new role.

Theme of the Plenary  

The plenary was held under the theme “The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria.” The bishops reflected deeply on the moral responsibilities of leaders, the pursuit of justice, and the need for governance rooted in service and integrity.  

Press Briefing After the Closing Mass of the First Plenary of the 2026 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria

Press Briefing After the Closing Mass of the First Plenary of the 2026 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) concluded its first plenary of 2026 at the Catholic Secretariat, Durumi, Abuja, with a solemn closing Mass followed by a media press briefing that captured the essence of the bishops’ deliberations and resolutions.  

The briefing opened with the announcement of Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna as the newly elected President of the CBCN, succeeding Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, whose tenure ended at the plenary.

The Resolutions of the Bishops’ Plenary

The Resolutions of the Bishops’ Plenary

The closing Mass of the First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja was not only a liturgical climax but also the moment when the bishops’ collective voice was crystallized into a communiqué.

This document, issued at the Catholic Secretariat in Durumi, captured the essence of their deliberations and set forth a roadmap for the Church’s engagement with Nigeria’s pressing realities. 

Editorial: A Sacred Culmination at Durumi

A Sacred Culmination at Durumi

Yesterday, the Catholic Secretariat in Durumi, Abuja, became the spiritual epicenter of Nigeria’s Catholic community as the First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for 2026 drew to a close with a solemn Mass.

The week-long gathering, themed “The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria,” was not merely an ecclesiastical formality but a profound reflection on the Church’s prophetic role in guiding a nation at a crossroads.  

Archbishop Ndagoso and the New Era of Catholic Leadership in Nigeria

Archbishop Ndagoso and the New Era of Catholic Leadership in Nigeria

The election of Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso as the new president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) marks a significant turning point in the life of the Church in Nigeria.

His rise to this position is not merely a matter of succession; it is a story of resilience, faith, and the enduring relevance of the Catholic Church in a nation grappling with social, political, and spiritual challenges.

Ndagoso Elected New President Of Catholic Bishops Conference Of Nigeria

The Story of Archbishop Ndagoso’s Election as CBCN President

In the heart of Abuja, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, a new chapter unfolded for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). The bishops gathered for their first plenary assembly of 2026, and from their deliberations emerged a new leader: Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna.

He was elected as the new president of the CBCN, succeeding Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Owerri, whose four-year tenure had come to an end.

Tinubu Appoints Tunji Disu As Acting Inspector-General Of Police

Tinubu Appoints Tunji Disu As Acting Inspector-General of Police

In the unfolding narrative of Nigeria’s security leadership, a new chapter was written on February 24, 2026 as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally accepted the resignation of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down citing pressing family considerations.

His departure marked the end of a tenure that began in June 2023 and was originally slated to run until 2027. Tinubu, in his statement, expressed deep gratitude for Egbetokun’s decades of service, praising his professionalism and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

AGF withdraws criminal charges against Mike Ozekhome

AGF Withdraws Criminal Charges Against Mike Ozekhome

On February 24, 2026, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) formally withdrew the criminal charges filed against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome.

The charges, which revolved around allegations of forgery, had been initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). This development marks a significant turn in a case that had attracted considerable public and legal attention.  

FULL LIST: ADC Records Zero Victory As APC, PDP Share Spoils In FCT

ADC Records Zero Victory as APC, PDP Share Spoils in FCT

The recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections have underscored the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s capital, with the party securing five out of six chairmanship seats.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed to clinch only one seat, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) failed to secure any victories, highlighting its diminishing influence in the region.

According to official figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC candidates emerged victorious in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje Area Councils.

Akume’s Call for Faith-Government Synergy

Akume’s Call for Faith-Government Synergy

At the first plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) 2026, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Catholic Church.

His message was not merely ceremonial; it was a deliberate appeal to strengthen the moral and institutional partnership between state and faith in pursuit of national stability and development.

The Themes Shaping the 2026 CBCN Plenary

The Themes Shaping the 2026 CBCN Plenary

The Opening Mass of the First Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja has set the stage for a week of intense reflection and dialogue.

Beyond the liturgical solemnity, the bishops have signaled the issues that will dominate their deliberations, and these themes reveal both the pastoral concerns of the Church and the pressing realities of Nigerian society. 

Opening Mass of the First Plenary of the 2026 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria

Opening Mass of the First Plenary of the 2026 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) formally commenced its First Plenary of 2026 today, Sunday, February 22, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Durumi, Abuja.

The event began with the solemn Opening Mass, a liturgical celebration that set the spiritual tone for the week-long deliberations of the bishops. 

CBCN Resolutions Versus Nigeria’s Political Realities

CBCN Resolutions Versus Nigeria’s Political Realities

The First 2026 Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria was a moment of moral clarity, but its resolutions now stand in stark contrast to the political realities of the nation.

The bishops’ call for integrity in leadership was unequivocal, urging those in power to abandon corruption and self-interest. Yet Nigeria’s political climate continues to be marred by allegations of graft, patronage, and a lack of transparency.

The bishops’ vision of governance as service remains aspirational, while the lived reality often reflects entrenched systems of privilege and exploitation.

Resolutions of the First 2026 CBCN Plenary

Resolutions of the First 2026 CBCN Plenary

The First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in 2026 was more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a moral intervention at a time of national uncertainty.

Meeting in Abuja under the theme “The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria,” the bishops issued a communiqué that blended pastoral concern with civic urgency. Their resolutions spoke directly to the conscience of both the Church and the nation.  

At the heart of their message was a call for integrity in leadership. The bishops insisted that Nigeria’s political class must abandon corruption, nepotism, and self-interest, replacing them with service, accountability, and a genuine pursuit of the common good.

Special Report: The First 2026 CBCN Plenary

Special Report: The First 2026 CBCN Plenary

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) convened its first plenary assembly of 2026 in Abuja, marking a significant moment of reflection and pastoral direction for the Church and the nation.

The gathering opened with a solemn Mass at St. Gabriel’s Chaplaincy, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, on the First Sunday of Lent. Archbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama of the Abuja Archdiocese delivered the homily, urging Christians and national leaders alike to resist the allure of worldly pleasures and instead embrace integrity, service, and spiritual renewal.

Dangote Refinery, NNPCL Will Work Together, ‘Make Nigerians Proud’ - Dangote

Dangote Refinery and NNPCL - A Partnership to Make Nigerians Proud

In a moment of optimism for Nigeria’s energy future, Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has reaffirmed his company’s commitment to working hand in hand with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

During a tour of the Dangote Refinery by NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, Dangote emphasized that both organizations share a common mission: advancing Nigeria’s industrial and energy capacity. His words, “I think the sky is the limit… we will cooperate and also make sure that we work together to make sure that we make Nigerians proud,” capture the spirit of collaboration that could redefine the nation’s economic trajectory.

Wike Describes FCT Council Polls as ‘Peaceful’

Wike’s Peaceful Polls and the Persistent Challenge of Voter Turnout

The recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections have been described by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, as peaceful.

His assessment, delivered after monitoring polling units across Abuja, paints a picture of an orderly exercise unmarred by violence or ballot snatching.

Yet beneath this calm lies a deeper issue that continues to plague Nigeria’s democratic process: voter apathy in urban centres.

The First 2025 CBCN Plenary: An Editorial Reflection

Symbolic Photo

The First 2025 CBCN Plenary: An Editorial Reflection

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) convened its first plenary of 2025 at the CSN Resource Centre, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja, from March 8 to 14.

The gathering was framed under the theme “The Jubilee Year of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria”, a deliberate invocation of renewal and resilience in a nation grappling with political, economic, and social turbulence.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria: A Voice of Unity and Faith

Symbolic Photo

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria: A Voice of Unity and Faith

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) stands as the collective body of Catholic bishops across the nation, representing more than thirty million faithful spread throughout Nigeria’s thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Established formally in 1977, the CBCN embodies the collegial spirit of the episcopacy, serving as a forum where bishops, archbishops, and cardinals unite in communion with the Pope to guide the Church in Nigeria. It is both a spiritual and organizational anchor, ensuring that the Catholic Church speaks with one voice on matters of faith, morality, and national life.

Abuja’s Area Council Elections: A Catalyst for National Electoral Reform

Abuja’s Area Council Elections: A Catalyst for National Electoral Reform

The Federal Capital Territory’s Area Council elections have long served as more than a local democratic exercise, they have become a proving ground for Nigeria’s broader electoral ambitions. 

Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Abuja’s unique status has meant that its local elections are conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), unlike other states where local government elections fall under state electoral commissions. This distinction has positioned the FCT polls as a benchmark for electoral integrity and innovation.

FCT Residents Head To Polls For Area Council Elections

FCT Residents Head to Polls for Area Council Elections

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) witnessed a significant democratic exercise on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as residents turned out to elect chairmen and councillors for the six Area Councils.

Unlike the 36 states of Nigeria where such polls are referred to as local government elections, the FCT uniquely designates them as Area Council elections. 

These councils, Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali, serve as the closest elected bodies to the people, directly responsible for essential services such as water, sanitation, local roads, schools, and healthcare.

Civil Society Advocacy and INEC’s Public Engagement: Lessons from Abuja’s Area Council Elections

Civil Society Advocacy and INEC’s Public Engagement: Lessons from Abuja’s Area Council Elections

The Area Council elections in Abuja have not only shaped local governance but have also become a focal point for civil society advocacy aimed at reforming Nigeria’s electoral landscape. 

Over the years, organizations such as the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Centre LSD, and others under the Nigeria SCALE project have leveraged these elections to push for greater transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

How Past Area Council Elections in Abuja Have Influenced National Debates on Electoral Reforms

How Past Area Council Elections in Abuja Have Influenced National Debates on Electoral Reforms

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections have long served as a crucible for testing Nigeria’s electoral integrity. 

Unlike other local government elections conducted by state electoral commissions, Abuja’s polls are administered directly by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), making them a unique benchmark for national standards. 

Over the years, these elections have not only shaped local governance but have also sparked broader conversations about electoral reforms across the country.