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  • INEC to Introduce Downloadable PVCs for Lost, Damaged Cards Ahead of 2027 Elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to introduce downloadable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for registered voters whose physical cards have been lost, damaged or defaced ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The initiative is part of the commission’s wider efforts to modernise Nigeria’s electoral system and improve access to voter services.

    Who qualifies for the digital PVC?

    INEC said the downloadable PVC will only be available to registered voters who had previously collected their physical voter cards before they were lost or damaged.

    The commission explained that the digital option will not apply to new registrants or individuals who have never collected their original PVCs.

    Eligible voters will still be required to complete the official replacement process at INEC offices and meet the stipulated deadline of at least 90 days before an election.

    Digital card recognised for accreditation

    According to INEC, the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2026 recognise both a valid physical PVC and a downloadable copy for voter accreditation, alongside the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    The commission said the initiative is expected to reduce the cost and logistical burden of reprinting replacement voter cards while making the process more convenient for affected voters.

    The Electoral Act 2026 also contains provisions allowing eligible voters to print downloadable replacement copies of their PVCs after completing the necessary procedures.

    Mixed reactions trail announcement

    The proposed digital PVC has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians.

    While many welcomed the move as a step towards improving electoral services and reducing costs, others raised concerns about possible security risks, implementation challenges and the potential for abuse if adequate safeguards are not put in place.

    INEC also reiterated its plans to introduce full online voter registration as part of its ongoing electoral reforms and advised Nigerians to rely only on its official platforms for information regarding voter registration and PVC replacement.

    The commission said additional guidelines on accessing and downloading the digital PVC will be released in the coming weeks.

    For more information, eligible voters can visit INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration portal at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org.

  • Court Sets Aside Judgment That Registered Peter Obi’s NDC, Orders INEC to Withdraw Recognition

    A Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, ordering that all actions taken under the previous ruling be reversed.

    The decision followed an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that the NDC was registered using a logo it had previously submitted to INEC.

    Court reverses earlier decision

    Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Isah Dashen held that the court’s December 10, 2025 ruling affected the rights of the PMP, even though the party was not joined in the original suit.

    The judge consequently vacated the earlier judgment and ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the December 10, 2025 decision. He also directed the claimants to include all necessary parties in the case before a fresh determination is made.

    INEC ordered to withdraw recognition

    Speaking after the ruling, counsel to the PMP, C.S. Ekeocha, said the judgment means every action taken by INEC based on the previous court order must be withdrawn.

    According to him, this includes the recognition of the NDC as a political party, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s official records and any appearance on ballot papers, pending the final determination of the substantive suit.

    Case not yet concluded

    Ekeocha clarified that the court did not determine the substantive dispute but only set aside its earlier judgment to ensure all parties affected by the case are given an opportunity to be heard.

    He also dismissed claims that the court merely ordered parties to maintain the status quo, insisting that the ruling specifically restored the position that existed before the December 10, 2025 judgment.

    The case is expected to return to court after the necessary parties have been joined for a fresh hearing.

     

  • Biodun Oyebanji Wins All 16 LGAs to Secure Historic Second Term in Ekiti

    Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been re-elected as governor of Ekiti State after recording a sweeping victory in Saturday’s governorship election.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyebanji winner in the early hours of Sunday after he secured 319,224 votes and won in all 16 local government areas of the state.

    Oyebanji Defeats PDP, ADC Candidates

    INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, announced that the APC candidate defeated his closest rivals by a wide margin.

    According to the results, Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 40,543 votes, while Oluwadare Patrick Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured 12,872 votes.

    A total of 375,777 valid votes were recorded, while 6,332 votes were rejected. About 384,940 voters were accredited for the election.

    Oyebanji’s total represented nearly 85 per cent of valid votes cast, underlining the APC’s dominance in the poll.

    Historic Re-Election Victory

    The outcome marks a major political milestone in Ekiti State.

    Oyebanji has become the first governor since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 to win re-election and secure a second consecutive term in office.

    Political observers have long described Ekiti as a state with strong anti-incumbency tendencies, making the governor’s victory particularly significant.

    Election Day and Voting Process

    Voting took place across the state’s 16 local government areas, 177 wards and 2,445 polling units.

    Election observers reported largely peaceful conduct, with INEC officials and security personnel deployed across voting centres. Accreditation and voting were conducted using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    While the process was generally peaceful, there were reports of isolated cases of vote-buying, voter inducement and minor technical issues in some locations.

    INEC also uploaded polling unit results to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV) during the collation process.

    Reactions Trail Victory

    Reacting to the outcome, Oyebanji described the result as a vote of confidence in his administration and pledged to continue delivering on his campaign promises.

    The election attracted 14 candidates, although the APC, PDP and ADC accounted for the overwhelming majority of votes cast.

    Opposition parties are yet to formally announce whether they will challenge the outcome in court.

     

  • Top 10 News Updates You Should Know Today

    1. INEC Begins Ekiti Election Collation as Oyebanji Takes Early Lead

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the formal collation of results from the Ekiti State governorship election following the conclusion of voting across the state. Electoral officials gathered at the State Collation Centre in Ado-Ekiti to receive and verify results from the 16 local government areas, while the commission reported that more than 97 per cent of polling unit results had already been uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

    Early results from several local government areas indicate that incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji has established a strong lead over his closest challengers. In Ekiti South West Local Government Area, one of the state’s politically significant constituencies, official figures showed the ruling party maintaining a clear advantage. INEC says the final declaration will be made after all results are collated, verified, and certified at the state headquarters.

    2. IMF Calls for Deeper Electricity Tariff Reforms

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Federal Government to accelerate reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector, warning that current pricing structures continue to create financial pressures that threaten fiscal sustainability. In its latest Article IV Consultation Report, the IMF noted that electricity tariffs in several categories remain below cost-recovery levels, resulting in substantial subsidy burdens and limiting investment in the sector.

    According to the Fund, recent adjustments have improved revenue generation, but deeper reforms are required to build a commercially viable power industry. The IMF recommended a gradual transition toward cost-reflective tariffs while introducing targeted support measures for low-income households. Analysts believe the recommendations could influence future government decisions as authorities seek to improve electricity supply without worsening the cost-of-living burden on consumers.

    3. Nigeria, Cameroon Sign New Security Agreement

    Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a comprehensive defence cooperation agreement aimed at tackling insurgency, arms trafficking, kidnapping, and other cross-border crimes. The pact establishes new frameworks for intelligence sharing, coordinated border surveillance, joint military training, and operational cooperation along both countries’ shared boundaries.

    Security officials say the agreement is particularly important for the Lake Chad Basin region, where insurgent groups often exploit border gaps to evade security forces. The partnership also extends to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, where both nations plan to strengthen collaboration against piracy, oil theft, and smuggling activities that continue to threaten regional economic stability.

    4. Tinubu Extends Customs CG Adeniyi’s Tenure

    President Bola Tinubu has approved a six-month extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, allowing him to remain in office until February 2027. The Presidency said the extension is intended to ensure continuity in ongoing customs reforms, including digital modernization projects and efforts to improve trade facilitation at Nigeria’s ports and border posts.

    The Nigeria Customs Service has recorded significant growth in revenue generation under Adeniyi’s leadership while also intensifying anti-smuggling operations across the country. Maritime stakeholders and industry operators believe the extension will provide policy stability for businesses as customs authorities continue implementing reforms designed to boost efficiency and improve government revenue collections.

    5. Data Protection Commission Investigates Alleged INEC Data Leak

    The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched a formal investigation into the Independent National Electoral Commission following reports that sensitive voter information belonging to prominent Nigerians was exposed online. The commission said the inquiry is aimed at determining whether there were breaches of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and whether existing safeguards were adequate.

    Investigators are reportedly reviewing INEC’s internal systems, access controls, and data management procedures to establish how the information became public. The development has renewed concerns about cybersecurity within government institutions and triggered calls from civil society groups for stronger protections around citizens’ personal and biometric information.

    6. Diezani Speaks Out After UK Court Acquittal

    Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has accused British authorities of damaging her reputation following her acquittal on corruption-related charges in the United Kingdom. In a statement released after the verdict, she maintained that the allegations against her were built on claims that ultimately failed to stand up in court.

    The case attracted international attention due to its links to Nigeria’s oil sector and long-running asset recovery efforts. Legal analysts say the acquittal could influence ongoing discussions surrounding anti-corruption enforcement, international investigations, and related civil proceedings connected to assets previously associated with the former minister.

    7. AFN Delays Commonwealth Games Trials

    The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has postponed the start of the country’s Commonwealth Games trials by 24 hours following severe weather disruptions in the United States that affected travel plans for several foreign-based athletes. The federation said numerous competitors experienced flight delays and cancellations, making it difficult for them to arrive before the scheduled start date.

    Officials explained that the postponement was necessary to ensure fairness and allow all qualified athletes an opportunity to compete. The trials remain a crucial stage in selecting Nigeria’s team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with sports administrators hoping the additional time will enable all participants to complete registration and medical requirements.

    8. Kano School Crisis Leaves Hundreds Out of Class

    Hundreds of pupils have reportedly dropped out of Kauyan Mai Unguwa Primary School in Danbatta Local Government Area of Kano State following severe damage to classrooms caused by heavy rainfall. Community leaders said collapsed structures, damaged fences, and unsafe learning conditions have made it difficult for children to continue attending school.

    Education advocates warn that the situation reflects wider challenges facing rural schools across northern Nigeria, where infrastructure deficits continue to contribute to the out-of-school children crisis. Residents have appealed to authorities for urgent intervention, stressing that further delays could permanently disrupt the education of many children in the affected communities.

    9. Community Youths Help Rescue Kidnap Victims in Abia

    A joint rescue operation involving community youths and security operatives has led to the successful recovery of two kidnap victims in Ohuhu community, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. The operation was launched after local intelligence identified the suspected location of the abductors inside a forest area.

    Police authorities said the coordinated action forced the kidnappers to abandon their hideout and flee before they could be apprehended. Security officials have praised the role played by local residents, describing community participation and intelligence sharing as critical tools in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crime across rural communities.

    10. Obasanjo, Dabiri-Erewa Push for Stronger Diaspora Investment

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, have called for stronger collaboration between Nigerians at home and abroad to accelerate economic growth and investment opportunities. Speaking at the Afretrade Entrepreneurs’ Festival in Lagos, both leaders stressed the importance of leveraging diaspora networks to support local industries and innovation.

    The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and business leaders from across Africa and beyond to explore new trade and investment opportunities. Participants highlighted the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and concluded discussions with several partnership agreements aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and expanding access to capital.

     

  • INEC Holds Party Stakeholders Meeting Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Election, Appeals Court Judgments on Election Timetable

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has held a consultative meeting with political party leaders ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026, as part of final preparations for the poll.

    The meeting, which took place in Abuja, brought together INEC officials, national commissioners, and representatives of political parties to review readiness for the election and address outstanding concerns.

    Stakeholders Review Election Preparedness

    INEC said the engagement was part of its scheduled consultations with political parties aimed at ensuring a smooth electoral process in Ekiti State.

    The Commission noted that the discussions were focused on strengthening coordination and ensuring that all parties are aligned ahead of the poll, which is now about eleven days away.

    Officials said the meeting also provided an opportunity to fine-tune logistical arrangements and address operational issues ahead of the governorship election.

    INEC Defends Election Timetable

    Meanwhile, INEC has confirmed that it has filed appeals against two Federal High Court judgments that questioned parts of its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the Commission believes the electoral timetable is a structured and interconnected process that cannot be selectively altered without affecting the entire electoral calendar.

    He made the remarks during the Commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja.

    Court Judgments Under Review

    The Commission is appealing a May 20, 2026 ruling in a case filed by the Youth Party, as well as a May 26, 2026 judgment involving the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    While the SDP ruling affirmed INEC’s authority to issue an electoral timetable, it also nullified certain timelines related to candidate nomination and substitution.

    INEC said the judgments raise important legal questions about its constitutional and statutory powers in managing elections and has therefore taken steps to seek clarification from higher courts.

    INEC Lists Key Electoral Processes

    Prof. Amupitan explained that several electoral activities operate within the broader timetable, including party primaries, nomination processes, voter education, material deployment, and configuration of election technology systems such as BVAS.

    He stressed that these processes must be harmonised to ensure transparency, efficiency and equal treatment of all political parties.

    INEC maintained that despite the legal challenges, it remains committed to conducting elections in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

    Preparations for Candidate Nomination Portal

    The Commission also announced that it will issue access codes to political parties on June 26, 2026, to enable them upload candidate details through its nomination portal.

    INEC warned that the system is fully automated and will close once the submission window expires.

    The electoral body assured stakeholders that preparations for both the Ekiti governorship election and the 2027 general elections are ongoing as scheduled.

  • INEC Registration Centres Hit by Network Glitches as PVC Applicants Face Delays

    Many Nigerians seeking to register for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or complete voter registration processes were left stranded on Monday following network disruptions at several offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The situation reportedly affected registration activities in multiple locations, forcing applicants to wait for hours without being attended to.

    Applicants Lament Delays

    A viral video circulating on social media showed large crowds gathered outside an INEC office, with many applicants sitting on staircases and pavements while waiting for the registration system to come back online.

    Some of those affected said they had visited the registration centre on previous occasions but were unable to complete the process due to similar technical issues.

    Several applicants expressed frustration over the repeated delays, saying they had spent valuable time and resources travelling to the centres without success.

    Citizens Express Frustration

    In the video, some applicants questioned why registration activities could not proceed despite the growing demand for PVCs ahead of future elections.

    Others appealed to INEC to improve its infrastructure and address the recurring challenges affecting voter registration.

    The incident generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians criticising the disruption and calling for a more efficient registration process.

    Concerns Ahead of Future Elections

    The development has renewed concerns about the readiness of electoral infrastructure to support voter registration and other election-related activities.

    Some social media users alleged that the persistent network issues could discourage eligible voters from registering, while others called for urgent intervention to prevent further disruptions.

    As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official statement regarding the reported network failures.

    Calls for Improved Service Delivery

    The latest disruption has added to ongoing conversations about the need for improved digital infrastructure and service delivery within the electoral process.

    Despite the setbacks, many Nigerians have continued to express determination to obtain their PVCs and participate in future elections.

  • INEC Opens Investigation Into Alleged Misuse of Voter Data Access in CVR Database

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched an investigation into allegations of unauthorised access and misuse of its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database following reports linked to the alleged exposure of a voter’s personal information.

    The commission disclosed this in a press statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

    Investigation Commences

    INEC said it had commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident to establish how voter information was accessed and disclosed.

    According to the commission, preliminary findings show that the matter involved internal access credentials issued to authorised registration officers during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

    INEC stressed that these credentials are strictly for official use and are withdrawn after the exercise.

    No External Breach Detected

    The electoral body clarified that there was no hacking or external breach of its voter database.

    It explained that preliminary audit findings indicate that the information was accessed using valid internal credentials but released without authorisation.

    “There was no external breach of the CVR database, no hacking incident, and no unauthorised external access to the Commission’s ICT infrastructure,” the statement said.

    INEC added that the incident involved access to a specific voter record and did not compromise the broader voter registration system or the data of over 90 million registered voters.

    DSS Also Investigating

    The commission further disclosed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has commenced an independent investigation into the matter.

    It assured that it would cooperate fully with security agencies and take disciplinary or legal action against anyone found culpable.

    INEC urged the public and media to avoid speculation while investigations continue, promising to update Nigerians once the process is concluded.

    The development comes amid public debate over alleged exposure of voter information linked to a political figure in the Federal Capital Territory.

  • Emeka Ike Threatens Legal Action Against Wike’s Aide Over INEC Data Leak

    Actor and politician Emeka Ike has threatened legal action against Lere Olayinka over the alleged publication of his personal information obtained from the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    Ike made the declaration while reacting to social media posts by Olayinka following the recently concluded House of Representatives election for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory.

    Controversy Over Voter Information

    Olayinka had claimed that Ike was originally registered as a voter in Imo State before transferring his voter registration to the FCT on May 15, 2026.

    In a post shared on X, the media aide questioned the actor’s eligibility to contest in Abuja and attached screenshots that appeared to contain details from an INEC administrative portal.

    The images reportedly displayed Ike’s application number, voter identification details, registration centre, profile photograph and other personal information.

    ‘Height of Political Rascality’

    Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Ike condemned the publication of the information, describing it as an abuse of access to sensitive records.

    “It’s quite shocking, extreme and it is the height of political rascality for a government officer to access a citizen’s information from the INEC cyber,” he said.

    According to him, the incident raises concerns about privacy and the security of personal data belonging to Nigerian citizens.

    “He is telling every Nigerian that whoever you are, I can pull your information from anywhere and I can do what I want. That rascality needs to be stopped,” Ike added.

    Actor Vows Court Action

    The former House of Representatives candidate said he was prepared to challenge Olayinka over the publication of his personal details.

    “Actions are ready, I’m ready to take him on. He has no right to exploit my privacy and insult Nigerians the way he did. If he has been doing it in the past, this should be the last time he does it,” he stated.

    Why He Contested in Abuja

    Ike also explained why he chose to contest for a federal legislative seat in the FCT instead of his home state.

    According to him, he initially planned to pursue his political ambition in Imo State but changed course after repeated appeals from supporters in Abuja.

    “I actually wanted to run in my state, but a couple of people came to me. It was like a clarion call. They told me, ‘Sir, you need to do this now, we need you in Abuja,’” he said.

    The actor said concerns about development and governance in the municipal area influenced his decision to contest in the FCT.

  • INEC Appeals Court Judgment Nullifying 2027 Election Guidelines

    The Independent National Electoral Commission has approached the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to challenge a Federal High Court judgment that nullified part of its guidelines for the 2027 general election.

    INEC is specifically seeking to overturn the ruling which voided its directive requiring political parties to submit membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026.

    Court Ruled Against INEC Guidelines

    Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja had last week ruled that INEC lacked the legal authority to impose deadlines outside what is already provided under the Electoral Act 2026.

    The judgment followed a suit filed by the Youth Party challenging the legality of the commission’s directive.

    According to the court, Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act gives political parties up to 120 days before an election to submit candidate particulars, adding that INEC could not shorten the timeline through administrative guidelines.

    INEC Heads To Appeal Court

    In a notice of appeal dated May 25, 2026, INEC, through its lawyer, Alex Izinyon, asked the appellate court to set aside the judgment.

    The electoral commission also requested an order staying the execution of the Federal High Court ruling pending the determination of the appeal.

    The legal dispute is expected to shape preparations and timelines ahead of the 2027 general election as political parties and electoral stakeholders monitor the outcome closely.

  • Court Voids INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable Over “Illegal” Primary Deadlines

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the 2027 election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ruling that parts of the schedule violated provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

    Justice Mohammed Umar delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the Youth Party against INEC.

    The court held that INEC lacked the legal authority to impose timelines for political parties to conduct primaries and other pre-election activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Court Faults INEC’s Powers

    In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, the Youth Party challenged the legality of several deadlines contained in INEC’s revised timetable.

    Justice Umar ruled that the commission cannot lawfully shorten statutory timelines already provided under the Electoral Act.

    According to the court, INEC’s powers to monitor and receive notices of party primaries do not include fixing the period within which political parties must hold primaries.

    “A declaration is hereby made that the powers of the defendant to receive notice of party primaries… does not extend to fixing or prescribing the timetable within which political parties may conduct their primary elections,” the court ruled.

    Sections Of Timetable Nullified

    The court also set aside portions of the timetable relating to submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, and campaign deadlines.

    Justice Umar held that:

    • INEC cannot reduce the 120-day constitutional window for submission of candidates’ particulars.
    • The commission cannot shorten the 90-day period allowed for withdrawal or substitution of candidates.
    • INEC cannot publish the final list of candidates earlier than the minimum 60 days provided by law.
    • The commission also lacks power to compel campaigns to end exactly two days before elections.

    The judge subsequently nullified all sections of the revised timetable inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026.

    Parties Already Conducting Primaries

    Before the ruling, political parties had already begun complying with INEC’s timetable.

    The revised schedule required parties to submit membership registers by May 10 and conclude primaries and candidate replacements before the end of May.

    However, the process has generated controversy in several states, especially within the ruling All Progressives Congress, where protests, withdrawals and allegations of candidate imposition have trailed ongoing primaries.

    The judgment is expected to trigger fresh legal and political debates over the conduct of the 2027 elections and INEC’s regulatory powers.