General News
New Electoral Act Forces INEC to Rework 2027 General Election Schedule
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed it will issue a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, made this known on Wednesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, explaining that the earlier Notice of Election released on February 13, 2026, was based on the Electoral Act 2022.
According to him, the emergence of the new law makes it necessary for the Commission to adjust its schedule to ensure compliance with the updated legal framework governing elections in the country.
“We had on 13th February, 2026 issued a Notice of Election before the new Act was enacted. The Notice was issued under the old law. With the introduction of the new Electoral Act, we have to make some adjustments and issue a revised Timetable for the 2027 General Election,” he said.
The INEC Chairman noted that beyond the revised timetable, the Commission would also review its Regulations and Guidelines for the 2027 polls to align with the new provisions.
He disclosed that preparatory activities are already underway, including a Voters Revalidation Exercise to further sanitise and strengthen the voters’ register. He added that the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which began on January 5, 2026, will continue until April 17, 2026, as part of a broader process expected to conclude on August 30, 2026.
The meeting also served as a post-election review session following the February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election and bye-elections in Kano and Rivers states.
While commending the peaceful conduct of the polls and the high rate of result uploads to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal—averaging 97 per cent in the FCT exercise—Prof. Amupitan identified voter education, punctuality in opening polling units, and logistics as areas requiring urgent improvement.
He directed RECs to intensify voter sensitisation efforts, insisting that public awareness must be continuous rather than episodic. The Chairman also expressed dissatisfaction with reports that only 45 per cent of polling units opened at 8:30 a.m. during recent elections, describing the figure as unacceptable.
“As Resident Electoral Commissioners, you are the Commission in your states. The buck stops with you. You must strengthen supervision, ensure early deployment of personnel and materials, and hold your Electoral Officers accountable,” he warned.
The session also featured the swearing-in of Dr. Chukwu Chukwuemeka Joseph as the new REC for Abia State.
In addition, INEC received a delegation from the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON), led by its National Chairman, Mamman Nda Eri. The forum proposed enhanced collaboration with INEC in capacity building, technology deployment, voter education, and policy engagement.
As stakeholders await the revised timetable, attention is expected to focus on how the new Electoral Act will reshape critical milestones such as party primaries, nominations, campaigns, and polling dates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has suspended a medical officer serving at one of the state’s secondary health facilities for allegedly reporting to duty under the influence of alcohol and engaging in unprofessional conduct while on duty.
The incident, which occurred at a government-owned health facility in Kano State, was promptly reported to the management of the Board. Preliminary findings by the authorities reportedly confirmed misconduct, prompting swift disciplinary action against the doctor.
The Board, however, did not disclose the name of the medical officer or the specific hospital where the incident occurred.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, approved the immediate issuance of a formal query to the doctor and directed his suspension pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
In a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Sulaiman, the management described the alleged behaviour as grossly unacceptable and a clear violation of the ethical standards and professional code guiding medical practice.
The statement emphasised that healthcare delivery demands the highest level of responsibility, discipline and sound judgment, particularly in secondary health facilities where patients’ lives are entrusted to medical personnel.
Dr. Nagoda further stressed that the present administration under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to restoring professionalism, accountability and excellence across all health institutions in the state.
According to him, any act capable of undermining public trust in the health system would be met with firm and appropriate sanctions.
The Board assured members of the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing and pledged that further action would be taken in line with civil service regulations and established medical ethics once the process is concluded.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding patient safety, maintaining discipline among healthcare workers and ensuring quality service delivery across all secondary health facilities in Kano State.
A 10-year-old Primary Five pupil of Diamond Specialist School, Owerri, Jeffery Obinna, has emerged winner of the fourth edition of the Smart Kids Mathematics Competition organised by Shekinah British International School (SBIS), Ihiagwa, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The competition, held in Owerri, rewarded the champion with ₦500,000 cash, a ₦15 million education scholarship grant and a brand new laptop.
Two other pupils — Okwaraoka Chinedu and Jekwu Ebere, both aged 10 and from Limitless School, Owerri — clinched the second and third positions respectively. They received ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 cash prizes, alongside brand new laptops. About 20 other participants received consolation prizes.
The initiative, sponsored by the Chairman/CEO of SBIS, Chief Dr. Obinna Smart Unegbu, provided free online registration to ensure broad participation by interested pupils across the state, regardless of background or location.
Participating schools included Living Word Academy, Rosykids, White Label School, Great Achievers School, New Day School, Dayton’s Montessori Academy, Our World International School, Great Excel, Milky Way and Best Kids Montessori School, among others.
Out of 145 pupils who took part in the first stage, only eight finalists advanced after screening and a keenly contested Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Speaking at the event, the Imo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. B.T.O. Ikegwuoha, who was represented by the Director of School Sports in the ministry, Mr. Joseph Chukwuemeka Nwonu, described the initiative as a major step toward rekindling interest in mathematics among young learners, many of whom tend to favour arts-related subjects.
He commended SBIS for setting a standard worthy of emulation by both public and private schools and reaffirmed the state government’s willingness to partner with initiatives that promote academic excellence.
In his remarks, SBIS Chairman, Unegbu, said the competition was borne out of a passion to nurture a new generation of mathematicians capable of transforming society. He noted that many pupils perceive mathematics as difficult, stressing the need to build strong foundational skills early.
Expressing gratitude, the winner, Jeffery Obinna, thanked God, his teachers and the school’s management for the opportunity.
“I thank the proprietor of Shekinah British International School for giving me the scholarship, the computer and the cash prize. May God replenish him,” he said, adding that the victory has motivated him to aim higher in his academic pursuits.
Some mathematics teachers at the event, including Mr. Amadi Chigozie of Award International Nursery and Primary School, Owerri, and Mr. Kalu Michael John of Limitless School, described the competition as a milestone in boosting awareness and strengthening mathematical competence among pupils.
The event drew commendations from stakeholders who described it as a laudable effort to promote excellence in science and mathematics education in Imo State.
The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) has pledged full support to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) toward the successful hosting of the upcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) scheduled to take place in Abuja this November.
The World Public Relations Forum, organised under the auspices of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, is a globally recognised platform that convenes communication experts, policymakers, academics, business leaders, and public relations professionals from around the world. The forum focuses on emerging trends, ethical standards, innovation, and the future of strategic communication.
Nigeria recently secured the right to host the prestigious “3-in-1” global event in its capital city, Abuja.
On Monday, Acting President of NIPR, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura led members of the WPRF National Planning Committee on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of NASC, Chief Saviour Enyiekere The visit aimed to brief the commission on preparations and seek institutional collaboration for the event.
Speaking during the meeting, Chief Enyiekere reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the Institute to ensure the forum is both successful and memorable. He noted that hosting such a global gathering would significantly boost Nigeria’s international image and strengthen institutional communication systems.
He expressed particular excitement that the event is expected to attract participants from about 150 countries, especially at a time when concerns about insecurity have shaped perceptions about Nigeria abroad.
“It is a great feat to bring the world to Nigeria at this period when many foreigners are hesitant to visit because of security concerns,” he said.
Earlier, Prof. Dandaura stated that hosting the forum presents an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s professional competence, cultural heritage, and communication expertise to a global audience.
According to him, the event will:
Position Nigeria as a strategic communication hub in Africa
Stimulate tourism and the hospitality sector
Encourage international partnerships and investment
Promote ethical standards and innovation in public relations practice
The NIPR leadership also emphasized the need for stronger government backing to effectively regulate the public relations profession and project a positive national narrative.
The Institute urged the Commission to comply with existing NIPR regulations, which prohibit unqualified individuals from serving as spokespersons or protocol officers without proper certification and registration.
Additionally, the NIPR encouraged NASC to enrol its public relations personnel in professional training and capacity-building programmes organised by the Institute. Prof. Dandaura further called on the Commission to sponsor its PR staff to actively participate in NIPR activities to enhance productivity and professional standards.
The Institute also invited Chief Enyiekere to participate in its upcoming legislative session during the forum.
The visit was facilitated by the WPRF-NIPR Legislature Team in collaboration with the NASC Department of Public Affairs.