The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has assured Nigerians that the 2027 General Election will be conducted in a free, fair, transparent and technology-driven manner, stressing that the Commission will not condone any form of misconduct in the electoral process.

Speaking in Lagos at the Commission’s 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat, held from January 9 to 10, Amupitan said INEC was positioning itself to meet the demands of a fast-changing electoral environment and the rising expectations of Nigerians.

“We gather here today not merely as electoral administrators and leaders, but as the custodians of the will of the Nigerian people.
“This retreat serves as a bridge between our institutional experience and the innovative demands of a rapidly evolving electoral landscape,” he said.

He commended INEC staff for their conduct during the November 2025 Anambra State governorship election, describing it as a significant milestone at the start of his tenure.

Amupitan explained that preparations for the 2027 General Election would include key electoral activities such as the February 2026 FCT Area Council elections and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

“These elections are not just routine exercises; they are the testing grounds for our resolve and our readiness. They offer us the chance to refine our processes… ensuring that every technical and logistical gear is perfectly oiled before the grand national exercise of 2027,” he said.

The INEC chairman identified five core principles that would remain central to the Commission’s operations: free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

“We are here to organise elections that are free from any form of interference; fair to all contestants and political parties; credible in the eyes of the global community; transparent in every process… and inclusive of every Nigerian, regardless of physical ability or location,” he said.

He drew attention to the growing influence of first-time voters in 2027, noting that young Nigerians would insist on openness and instant transparency.

“Millions of young citizens will be approaching the ballot box for the very first time. These are digital natives who demand transparency in real time and have little patience for opacity. It is our duty to prove to these tech-savvy, and often sceptical, young voters that INEC can be trusted,” he said.

On the legal framework guiding elections, Amupitan emphasised unwavering compliance with the law, declaring, “Let it be known that under my leadership, the rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system.”

He disclosed that discussions at the retreat would cover 17 critical thematic areas, including logistics, ad-hoc personnel, transportation, voter registration, election security and political party administration.

“We must ensure that the Continuous Voter Registration and revalidation exercises are beyond reproach. We will discuss election security… and how to enforce internal democracy and transparency in party finances,” he stressed.

According to Amupitan, INEC now has a rare opportunity to redefine Nigeria’s electoral history by setting bold objectives for 2027.

“The 2027 General Election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s election history. Let it be said that under our watch, INEC became the best Election Management Body in Africa — a beacon of integrity, a model of technological efficiency, and a fortress of democratic values,” he declared.

He cautioned that violations of the Commission’s principles would not go unpunished.

“I reaffirm my commitment to your welfare, but I must also reiterate that any compromise on our values or processes will have consequences. There is no room for misconduct, whether by omission or commission.
“Let us use this retreat to break down silos, foster open communication, volunteer constructive feedback and emerge as a united front,” the INEC chairman said.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Ayobami Salami, welcomed participants and described the retreat as an important step in the Commission’s ongoing development.

He said the programme was aimed at building leadership capacity and improving operational readiness, noting that public expectations of the electoral process were “higher than ever” and urging officials to meet those expectations.

Salami added that the retreat would enhance institutional knowledge and encourage peer interaction, providing an opportunity for collaboration and the exchange of ideas to strengthen INEC as a unified institution.

“As we advance towards the 2027 General Election, the importance of early planning, strategic coordination and institutional cohesion cannot be overstated,” Salami said.

The Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, stated that he never expressed interest in contesting for the presidency in 2027.

Datti made the remarks on Friday during an interview, explaining that he only emphasized that he remains a member of the LP.

“I never declared to contest the presidency even though there could be a possibility of that happening. I certainly did not declare for the presidency. I simply reiterated my membership of the Labour Party,” he said.

“That is all and in the submissions I made, I clearly stated that one will have to wait for the INEC timetable and for the party to make the call for people to indicate their interest.”

He criticized social media users who spread sensational stories, accusing them of creating false narratives to manipulate emotional listeners.

His statement follows news of Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, aligning with the coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“Today is an important day; today is the last day of 2025, so we are ending this year with the hope that, in 2026, we will begin a journey of the rescue of our country for proper socio-economic development that will be unifying and inclusive,” Obi said at an event in Enugu, where he and some South-East leaders formally declared for the ADC.

Datti and Obi ran on a joint ticket in that election, but Datti has remained with the LP, asserting that the party is strong enough to vie for Nigeria’s highest office.

The Kaduna-born politician added that Obi’s decision to join the coalition does not affect his relationship with the former Anambra State governor.

“I also said if Peter Obi does not get the ticket there in ADC, he is more than welcome back to the Labour Party. I will stand there and nobody will do anything bad to Peter Obi. It is better for him to come back than for him to do another type of agenda,” Datti stated.

He further urged Obi to submit his resignation letter and membership card to the LP, emphasizing that he “never heard him say defecting to ADC. I did not hear that, maybe I missed it but please find out if he said joining the coalition or joining the ADC.”

The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved a ₦4.4 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year following the adoption of the report from the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget.

Chairman of the committee, Sa’ad Olumoh, presented the report during Thursday’s plenary, detailing the assumptions, projections, and framework of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, dubbed the “Budget of Shared Prosperity.”

According to the report, this budget marks the third budget cycle of the current administration and is the final new-cycle budget for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

It aligns with the administration’s development agenda, which is built on four strategic pillars: human-centric development, modern and adaptive infrastructure, a thriving 21st-century megacity economy, and effective governance that surpasses citizens’ expectations.

Olumoh noted that the budget framework was guided by key macroeconomic indicators, including an exchange rate benchmark of ₦1,512 to the dollar, a projected inflation rate of 14.7 per cent, oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day, and a benchmark oil price of $64 per barrel.

The committee also reviewed the 2025 budget performance, reporting a cumulative achievement of 79 per cent as of November 2025. Capital expenditure performance was 75 per cent, recurrent expenditure stood at 87 per cent, and overall revenue performance reached 79 per cent.

For the 2026 fiscal year, the approved budget totals about ₦4.4 trillion, comprising a proposed recurrent expenditure of ₦2.052 trillion and capital expenditure of ₦2.185 trillion. The significant allocation to capital expenditure highlights the state government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

The budget includes provisions for personnel costs, overheads, debt servicing, and debt repayment, with a projected deficit of approximately ₦243 billion, to be financed through approved deficit financing measures.

During deliberations, lawmakers praised the budget, describing it as realistic and growth-oriented.

Aro Moshood revealed that an additional ₦171 billion was incorporated into the budget during the review process.

Femi Saheed stated that the size and structure of the budget demonstrate that Lagos State remains on a strong economic footing, provided all stakeholders fulfill their responsibilities.

Similarly, Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa Constituency II, stressed the importance of revenue reforms and prudent loan repayment strategies, noting that effective implementation would further enhance the state’s fiscal position.

The Assembly also received assurances from relevant officials that revenue-generating agencies would collaborate to meet—and possibly exceed—the projected revenues.

Following deliberations, the House adopted the committee’s report, conducted the third reading, and passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier submitted a ₦4.237 trillion spending proposal to the House on November 25, 2025, noting that the budget was designed to accelerate economic growth, deepen infrastructure development, and maintain fiscal responsibility.

He also disclosed that the budget anticipates total revenue of about ₦3.99 trillion, with ₦3.12 trillion expected from internally generated revenue and ₦874 billion from federal transfers, while the deficit financing plan is projected at approximately ₦243.3 billion.

The political landscape in Rivers State, Nigeria’s oil-rich southern hub, has been engulfed in a prolonged political crisis since 2023, pitting former Governor Nyesom Wike against his successor, Siminalayi Fubara.

What began as a mentorship gone sour has escalated into repeated impeachment attempts, a state of emergency, and interventions by President Bola Tinubu.

The dispute has deeply entangled the Rivers State House of Assembly, most of whose members are aligned with Wike, and has implications for national politics, especially within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

As of January 9, 2026, the standoff remains unresolved, with new impeachment proceedings once again bringing tensions.

What Is The Crisis

At its core, the Rivers State political crisis is a power struggle over control of the state’s governance, resources, and political machinery.

It involves allegations of betrayal, constitutional violations, and financial misconduct.

The Rivers State House of Assembly, largely controlled by lawmakers loyal to Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has repeatedly moved to impeach Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

This has led to divisions within the assembly, legal battles, and disruptions to state administration.

Beyond the state, the crisis has fueled defections to the APC, sparked accusations of anti-party conduct, and intensified demands for federal intervention. It has also highlighted tensions between state autonomy and national political alliances, with President Tinubu’s peace accords failing to hold.

The latest escalation occurred on January 8, 2026, when the assembly initiated a third impeachment process against Fubara, citing gross misconduct such as unauthorized spending and demolition of the assembly complex.

The Root Cause

The roots trace back to the 2023 governorship election, where Wike, then Rivers Governor and a PDP leading figure, selected Fubara as his successor to maintain influence.

However, relations soured shortly after Fubara’s inauguration, with Wike accusing him of betraying a “peace agreement” that allegedly included not seeking a second term and allowing Wike’s allies to control key appointments.

Fubara has since moved to assert his autonomy, triggering disputes over budget approvals, the appointment of commissioners, and the control of local government funds.

The rivalry revolves around control of the PDP in Rivers State, fracturing the party and culminating in Fubara’s defection to the APC in December 2025. While the move strengthened the APC’s foothold in the state, it also deepened Wike’s resistance.

Wike has openly pledged to “correct the mistake of 2023” by preventing Fubara from securing a second term in 2027, arguing that such a victory would undermine his political legacy.

The crisis has been further inflamed by accusations of spending outside approved budgets, alleged refusal to release funds to the House of Assembly, and failure to comply with Supreme Court judgments affirming legislative autonomy.

Public exchanges have sharpened the rift, with Wike describing Fubara as a “mistake,” while the governor’s supporters counter with chants such as “Wike, you no be God,” framing the conflict as one driven by personal pride.

Political observers have characterised the standoff as a proxy battle, in which Wike is said to be using his federal cabinet role and loyal lawmakers to weaken Fubara, against the backdrop of wider national political manoeuvring.

The Events Shaping The Crisis

The Rivers State crisis has progressed through distinct stages, shaped by impeachment attempts, presidential interventions, and repeated breakdowns in reconciliation efforts.

Shortly after Fubara’s May 2023 inauguration, tensions emerged. In December 2023, Wike-loyal lawmakers attempted the first impeachment, citing gross misconduct. President Tinubu brokered a peace deal, but it quickly unraveled.

In March 2025, a second impeachment push prompted Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency in the state, leading to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire House of Assembly. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as administrator.

A fresh peace deal, again facilitated by Tinubu in June 2025, resulted in Fubara’s reinstatement in September, but disagreements over a supplementary budget and key appointments lingered.

Fubara’s defection to the APC in December 2025 triggered further political realignments, including defections by prominent figures such as former PDP national chairman Uche Secondus and ex-Governor Peter Odili. While this eroded Wike’s influence, it also intensified resistance from his allies.

The latest chapter unfolded on January 8, 2026, when the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, cut short its recess and issued Fubara an impeachment notice endorsed by 26 lawmakers.

The allegations span eight counts of misconduct, including alleged financial recklessness and actions said to obstruct legislative activities.

The notice, controversially addressed to Fubara as “madam,” is required under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution to be served within seven days.

The assembly also prevented the governor from presenting the 2026 budget pending the outcome of its probe. Around the same time, Fubara travelled abroad, reportedly to brief President Tinubu.

Under the constitution, the impeachment process involves the issuance of a notice, the setting up of an investigative panel, and a final two-thirds majority vote in the assembly for removal.

Different Perspectives From The Conflict

The crisis has produced sharply contrasting narratives, with key actors taking positions shaped largely by loyalty and political alignment

Wike

As FCT Minister and Fubara’s former mentor, Wike portrays the governor as ungrateful and untrustworthy.

He claims Fubara violated on agreements from Tinubu’s mediations, including not pursuing a second term and reinstating key allies like Sergeant Awuse as traditional rulers’ council chairman.

Wike has dismissed critics, calling himself “too strong” and accusing others of meddling in Rivers politics.

On his X handle (@GovWike), posts emphasize his governance legacy and subtly criticize disloyalty, though no direct recent statements on the impeachment . Supporters argue the crisis stems from Fubara’s “stolen mandate” and failure to honor pacts.

Fubara

Governor Fubara, via his X handle (@SimFubaraKSC), focuses on development and peace, urging Rivers residents to prioritize governance over conflict.

He denies reneging on agreements and accuses Wike of undue interference.

In a New Year’s message, Fubara pledged support for Tinubu without threats, emphasizing peaceful progress. His defection to APC was strategic to counter Wike’s leverage, with insiders noting it aimed to strengthen ties with Tinubu.

Fubara has remained silent on the latest impeachment but is reportedly seeking presidential intervention.

The Rivers Assembly

Led by Speaker Amaewhule (@rvhaofficial on X, though inactive in recent searches), the assembly insists the impeachment is constitutional, not Wike-influenced.

Amaewhule called Fubara a “mistake” and “threat to democracy,” citing budget refusals and assembly undermining. Lawmakers like Major Jack listed specifics: unconstitutional spending, illegal appointments, and fund seizures. They reject political solutions, vowing to proceed.

APC Governors And Leaders’ Perspectives

The APC Progressive Mandate Group condemned the impeachment as unconstitutional and a slap to Tinubu’s peace efforts, urging suspension.

Rivers APC, led by Chief Emeka Beke, rejected it as destabilizing, noting Fubara’s defection strengthened the party. However, some governors like Hope Uzodinma have backed Fubara, drawing Wike’s ire. National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda expressed support for Fubara’s re-election, signaling Aso Rock backing.

Political Leaders’ Reactions

Reactions to the renewed impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara have been sharply divided

The APC Leaders Forum and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement called for Wike’s removal over alleged insubordination and anti-party activities, staging a protest at the APC headquarters in Abuja on January 7, 2026.

Likewise, the APC Progressive Mandate Group denounced the impeachment as unconstitutional and a direct challenge to President Tinubu’s peace efforts, urging immediate intervention.

APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru publicly backed Fubara and demanded Wike’s resignation for interfering in party matters.

Several APC governors have reportedly rallied behind Fubara’s 2027 re-election campaign, viewing it as a strategic blow to Wike’s influence.

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed accused Wike of “terrorism” through EFCC investigations, drawing a sharp rebuttal from the minister.

John Mbata of Ohanaeze Ndigbo also criticized Wike, calling him “semi-illiterate,” which provoked strong responses.

Ethnic and regional organizations, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), condemned the impeachment attempt and urged a focus on governance rather than political squabbles.

Analysts like Ben Ukeji described the situation as a “distraction” that hampers development, while former militant Gabriel Asabuja called for resistance to what he termed Wike’s plot.

The Presidency has remained largely silent, with no official statements from aides such as Bayo Onanuga or Daniel Bwala, though past interventions suggest possible future involvement.

The crisis risks setting a “dangerous precedent” nationwide, with calls for National Assembly intervention.

As the proceedings continue, Rivers State’s political stability remains uncertain, underscoring the enduring influence of godfatherism in Nigerian politics.