Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending months of speculation about his political future.

Fintiri, who was elected on the platform of the PDP, announced his defection in a statewide broadcast on Friday. He disclosed that the move was taken alongside members of his cabinet and all PDP officials across the state.

According to the governor, the decision to join the APC was made in what he described as the “developmental interest” of the people of Adamawa State. He noted that aligning with the ruling party at the federal level would enhance collaboration and accelerate ongoing infrastructure and social development projects in the state.

The defection marks a significant political shift in Adamawa, a state long considered a stronghold of the PDP in the North-East region. Political observers say the move could alter the balance of power ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Details of the governor’s formal reception into the APC and reactions from party stakeholders are expected in the coming hours.

The presidency has dismissed allegations by opposition parties concerning the recently amended Electoral Act, describing their claims as misleading and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on February 26, 2026, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, criticised leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for what he termed “reckless and spurious allegations” against President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.

The opposition parties had raised concerns over certain provisions in the amended Electoral Act, particularly the inclusion of Form EC8A as a backup in cases where real-time electronic transmission of results fails.

Responding to the criticism, the Presidency said the amendment does not prohibit real-time transmission of election results but provides a contingency plan in the event of technical or network challenges. It maintained that Form EC8A remains a primary source document for validating election results.

The statement also clarified the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Results Viewing Portal (IReV), noting that it is meant for public viewing of uploaded results and not for official collation.

On the issue of party primaries, the presidency defended the provision for direct primaries and consensus arrangements, arguing that the system promotes broader participation by party members. It criticised the delegate-based system, which it described as prone to corruption.

The presidency further rejected claims that the amendment was pushed through without adequate consultation. According to the statement, the National Assembly engaged stakeholders, experts, and members of the public over a two-year period before passing the amendment.

Addressing accusations that President Tinubu aims to create a one-party state, the Presidency described the claim as unfounded, stressing that Nigeria remains a multiparty democracy with several registered political parties.

The statement concluded by asserting that the new Electoral Act strengthens Nigeria’s electoral framework and closes perceived loopholes in the previous law.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable for the 2027 general election and adjusted the schedule for the 2026 Osun State governorship election following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.

The commission disclosed this in a statement issued late Thursday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to the revised timetable, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

The adjustment follows the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022, which previously guided electoral timelines, and the introduction of new statutory provisions under the 2026 law.

The commission explained that the review was necessary to ensure compliance with the updated legal framework governing pre-election and electoral activities.

Under the new schedule, political party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.

Presidential and National Assembly election campaigns will commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026.

INEC reiterated that all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and urged political parties to strictly adhere to the approved timelines, warning that the commission would enforce compliance.

The commission also confirmed that preparations for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already begun but stated that outstanding activities would now be conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

INEC stressed that the revised timetable aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and called on political parties and stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.

“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” the commission said, urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral process.