Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated seasoned financial expert Lamido Abubakar Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), marking a return to the country’s apex banking institution for the veteran economist and former capital market regulator.
The nomination, which is subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, follows the appointment of former Deputy Governor Bala Bello as Special Adviser to the President on Political Economy.
Yuguda’s appointment places him at the centre of Nigeria’s monetary policy leadership at a time when the country is navigating complex economic challenges, including inflation, currency stability, and financial sector reforms.
A Return to the Central Bank
Before his nomination, Yuguda served as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria from 2020 to 2024, where he oversaw regulatory reforms in Nigeria’s capital market and efforts to strengthen investor confidence.
However, his relationship with the Central Bank of Nigeria dates back decades. Yuguda began his career at the apex bank in 1984 as a Senior Supervisor in the Foreign Operations Department. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, eventually serving as Director of the Reserve Management Department, a role he held for six years before retiring from the institution in 2016.
His extensive experience in reserve management and monetary policy is expected to strengthen the leadership team at the CBN.
International and Academic Background
Yuguda also brings international policy experience. Between 1997 and 2001, he worked as an economist in the Africa Department of the International Monetary Fund, contributing to economic analysis and policy development for countries across the continent.
Academically, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from Ahmadu Bello University and a Master’s degree in Money, Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.
He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder, credentials that underscore his expertise in financial management and capital markets.
Role in Nigeria’s Financial System
With decades of experience spanning central banking, international finance and capital market regulation, Yuguda is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most experienced financial technocrats.
If confirmed by the Senate, his appointment as CBN Deputy Governor will place him in a strategic position to contribute to the formulation and implementation of Nigeria’s monetary policies and financial sector reforms.
Nigerian midfielder Daniel Daga has emerged in recent years as one of the promising young talents in Nigerian football. However, the 19-year-old player is currently facing a major legal challenge in Norway that has cast uncertainty over what had been a rapidly rising career.
Early Life and Football Development
Born in Nigeria, Daga began his football journey through grassroots development programmes before gaining recognition at youth level. His early career included spells with Nigerian clubs such as FC One Rocket and Dakkada FC, where he developed a reputation as a hardworking and versatile midfielder.
His performances eventually earned him a move to Enyimba FC, one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs. At Enyimba, Daga impressed scouts with his physical strength, tactical awareness, and ability to operate in multiple roles across midfield and defence.
International Recognition
Daga’s breakthrough came on the international stage when he represented Nigeria with the Nigeria national under-20 football team.
He played a key role during the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, starting every match as Nigeria reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by South Korea. His performances during the tournament earned him praise from analysts and scouts, positioning him as one of Nigeria’s emerging midfield prospects.
Move to Europe
In 2025, Daga took a major step in his professional career when he signed for Norwegian club Molde FK on a three-year deal.
At Molde, he quickly became part of the first-team setup, making several appearances and scoring a few goals in the Norwegian league. The move was seen as a crucial opportunity for the young midfielder to develop in European football and potentially attract attention from bigger clubs.
Legal Challenges in Norway
Daga’s career trajectory took a dramatic turn in 2026 after a Norwegian court found him guilty of committing a sexual act without consent following an incident reported in April 2025. The Nordmøre and Romsdal District Court sentenced the midfielder to six months in prison and ordered him to pay legal costs of 10,000 Norwegian kroner.
The player has denied wrongdoing. Through his lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, Daga maintained that the encounter was consensual and announced plans to appeal the verdict. Because the case is being appealed, the ruling is not yet considered legally final.
Following the court’s decision, Molde confirmed that the midfielder would not be included in matchday squads while the legal process continues, although he may continue training with the team.
Uncertain Future
The case has drawn significant attention in both Norway and Nigeria, particularly because of Daga’s reputation as a rising football talent. With an appeal underway, the final legal outcome could determine both his immediate future in European football and his long-term career prospects.
For now, the young midfielder’s journey, once defined by promise and rapid progress, stands at a critical crossroads.
At least 14 people have lost their lives and several others were injured in two separate bandit attacks in Katsina State’s Dandume and Musawa local government areas.
In the first incident, armed assailants stormed the Dansoda community in Dandume LGA around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, killing 11 residents.
A local, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the harrowing attack:
“People ran helter-skelter as the bandits shot sporadically and also targeted some of the fleeing community members. After they left, we cautiously came out and discovered that 11 people had been killed during the mayhem.”
The victims were buried according to Islamic rites on Wednesday morning, while the injured were taken to hospitals for treatment. As of filing this report, the state police command had not commented on the Dandume incident.
In a related attack, Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed that bandits struck Jikamshi village in Musawa LGA at about 6:10 p.m. the same day, leaving three people dead and 11 others injured.
“On March 10th, 2026, at about 1805 hrs, a distress call was received at Musawa Division that suspected armed bandits attacked Jikamshi village, injuring 14 persons before the arrival of security agencies. A joint security team responded and engaged the bandits in a gun duel, successfully foiling the attack,” DSP Sadiq said.
He added:
“The injured victims were rushed to the nearest hospital. Unfortunately, three were confirmed dead, while 11 are receiving treatment. The Commissioner of Police condemned the attack and directed further investigation to apprehend the perpetrators.”
Sources revealed that the bandits operated for over an hour, looting shops and carting away food items and other valuables worth millions of naira. Residents had reportedly informed security operatives and government officials prior to the attacks.
These incidents come shortly after a peace agreement between security-prone communities and repentant bandits, which included the release of about 70 suspected and convicted bandits, a move that drew criticism from many Nigerians.
Ukraine says its forces have targeted one of Russia’s major military manufacturing facilities, a factory believed to produce electronics and key components used in missile systems. Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the strike hit a critical production site responsible for supplying parts used in missiles that have been launched against Ukrainian towns and cities.
“The plant produced electronics and components for Russian missiles. The very missiles that strike our cities, our villages and civilians,” he said.
Ukraine’s military reported that the Kremniy El plant in the Bryansk border region was struck using Storm Shadow missile systems. However, Russian authorities claimed the attack caused civilian casualties. Officials in the region said at least six civilians were killed and 42 others injured in what they described as a “terrorist missile attack.”
Reacting to the strike, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it was “obvious that the launch of these missiles was impossible without British specialists.”
“In order to prevent such barbaric actions by the Kyiv regime from continuing, the special military operation is being conducted,” Dmitry Peskov said, using the Russian description for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine that Vladimir Putinordered on 24 February 2022.
Russia maintains that one of the goals of the operation is to demilitarise Ukraine, a position repeatedly emphasized by Putin. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to receive military support from Western allies to defend its territory, while Russia has relied on assistance from partners including Iran, which has supplied Shahed drones, and North Korea, which has reportedly sent troops.
Recent fighting has continued across several fronts. Ukrainian officials said a drone strike killed two people and injured five in Kharkiv, while another Russian attack in Slovyansk left four dead and 16 wounded.
Although the conflict has recently appeared to reach a stalemate, both sides continue military operations while diplomatic efforts move forward. Zelensky indicated that another round of talks involving Russian and American representatives may take place next week, with negotiations reportedly being pushed by Donald Trump in an effort to end the war.
One of the key sticking points in the discussions involves parts of the Donbas region, made up of Donetsk and Luhansk. Russia currently controls more than 80 percent of the territory, but Ukraine has insisted it will not agree to relinquish those areas.
Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, on Wednesday strongly condemned a deadly missile strike that hit a school in Minab during the early stage of the ongoing Middle East war 2026. Speaking before the Italian Senate, the leader described the incident as a tragedy and called for those responsible to be identified.
“On behalf of the government, I express my firm condemnation of the massacre of girls at the school in Minab, southern Iran,” she said, while also expressing solidarity with the families of the “very young victims” and stressing that she hopes “responsibility for this tragedy be swiftly ascertained”.
Authorities in Iran have accused the United States and Israel of carrying out the strike, an allegation both countries dispute. Donald Trump stated that the United States is investigating the incident, while Israel has denied any involvement. Iranian media reports claim at least 165 people were killed in the attack, which occurred on the first day of the conflict, though independent verification of the location and casualty figures has not yet been possible.
Parallex Bank Limited has successfully met and exceeded the ₦50 billion minimum capital requirement set for regional commercial banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s growth and positioning it for expanded operations.
The bank announced that the recapitalisation strengthens its financial base and reinforces its status as a resilient and forward-looking institution within Nigeria’s evolving banking sector. The development places Parallex Bank among the financial institutions that have complied with the apex bank’s directive aimed at strengthening the capital base of deposit money banks.
The recapitalisation programme introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria is designed to enhance the stability of the financial system, improve the capacity of banks to withstand economic shocks, and enable the sector to play a stronger role in supporting national economic growth.
Speaking on the achievement, the Managing Director of Parallex Bank Limited, Olufemi Bakre, said the milestone reflects the bank’s commitment to excellence and sustainable performance.
According to him, the strengthened capital base will allow the bank to expand its lending capacity, deepen financial inclusion, and continue delivering innovative and customer-focused financial solutions across various sectors of the economy.
Bakre also commended the bank’s stakeholders, particularly the Board of Directors, for their strategic guidance and support, which he said were instrumental in meeting the recapitalisation requirement within the stipulated timeframe. He noted that the board’s commitment to strong governance and long-term value creation helped drive disciplined capital planning and effective execution across the institution.
Nigeria today paused to honour General Murtala Ramat Muhammed on the 50th anniversary of his assassination, remembering a leader whose brief tenure left an indelible mark on the nation.
Commemorative events were held across the country, including wreath-laying ceremonies at the Murtala Muhammed Arcade in Abuja, national moments of silence, Anti-Corruption Day activities, and lectures organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF).
President Bola Tinubu described the late general as “a moral compass for Africa,” while former heads of state, diplomats, and civil society leaders gathered to reflect on his decisive 200-day leadership that reshaped governance, confronted corruption, and elevated Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.
Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, the general’s daughter and MMF CEO, captured the mood of the nation: “His sacrifice was worth it. The legacy lives on.”
Dignitaries attending the ceremony at the Murtala Muhammed Arcade included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, the Ambassador of Angola, and other distinguished guests.
The events highlighted the enduring relevance of Murtala’s leadership and his commitment to anti-corruption, national discipline, and African unity.
Early Life
Murtala Ramat Muhammed was born on November 8, 1938, in the Kurawa quarters of Kano, into a family with rich Hausa-Fulani and Kanuri heritage.
His father, Risqua Muhammed, served in the Kano Native Authority, while his mother, Uwani Ramatu, came from a lineage known for its Islamic scholarship and judicial service.
He began his education at Cikin Gida and Gidan Makama primary schools before attending Government College Zaria (now Barewa College), one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions.
At 19, he enlisted in the Nigerian Army, training initially in Ghana and later at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1961.
Murtala’s military career advanced rapidly. He served in the Congo under the United Nations peacekeeping mission, rose to brigadier general by 1971, and played a crucial role in the Nigerian Civil War as a divisional commander.
His leadership style was defined early on by decisiveness, patriotism, and a reputation for discipline.
His Family
In 1963, Murtala married Hafsatu Ajoke Muhammed, who would later serve as Nigeria’s Fourth First Lady and champion conservation efforts. Together, they had six children: Aisha, Zakari (deceased), Fatima, Abba (Risqua), Zeliha, and Jummai.
Ajoke Muhammed has been a steadfast custodian of her husband’s legacy, establishing the Murtala Muhammed Foundation to promote leadership, anti-corruption initiatives, and development across Africa.
The family has remained committed to preserving his vision and principles decades after his death.
His Legacies
Fifty years after his death, Murtala’s contributions remain deeply ingrained in Nigeria’s identity. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos stands as a daily reminder of his forward-looking vision.
The announcement of relocating the nation’s capital to Abuja during his tenure paved the way for a neutral, purpose-built center of governance. His uncompromising stance against corruption established a benchmark for integrity in public service.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Murtala left a lasting intangible legacy: a belief in decisive, bold leadership capable of reshaping a nation. Analysts frequently cite his tenure as evidence that transformative governance is possible even in a short span.
Impact
Murtala’s 200 days in power brought swift and profound changes. He restored discipline in the civil service, overhauled Nigeria’s foreign policy with a Pan-African emphasis, and positioned Nigeria as a leading voice against apartheid and colonialism.
At the 1976 OAU summit in Addis Ababa, he declared that “Africa has come of age,” signaling a new assertiveness in African diplomacy.
Domestically, he created seven new states, addressing regional imbalances and ethnic tensions, and laid the groundwork for a planned transition to civilian rule. His leadership inspired a generation, generating what many referred to as the “Murtala effect”, a surge in national pride, accountability, and hope.
Challenges and Criticisms During His Tenure
No tenure is without controversy. Murtala’s mass civil service purge in 1975, which dismissed over 10,000 officials—including judges, diplomats, and administrators—was seen as heavy-handed and caused social disruption. Critics argue the abrupt approach created insecurity and hardship, even as it sought to cleanse the system of corruption.
His temporary control of major newspapers, including the Daily Times and New Nigerian, drew criticism for perceived authoritarianism. Additionally, some policies were implemented without sufficient planning or resources, highlighting the risks of rapid reform. His casual approach to personal security, often driving with minimal escort, ultimately made him vulnerable.
Achievements
Despite his short tenure from July 29, 1975, to February 13, 1976, Murtala achieved reforms that have endured for decades.
His anti-corruption drive implemented strict accountability measures with public officials facing trials, asset seizures, and in one high-profile case, execution for gross misconduct.
Civil service reform restructured public service, instilling discipline and efficiency.
He created Bauchi, Benue, Gongola (now Adamawa/Taraba), Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Bendel (now Delta/Edo), increasing Nigeria’s states from 12 to 19, promoting balance and reducing ethnic tensions.
The move of the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja established a purpose-built, central capital.
A Constitution Drafting Committee was formed, democratic timelines set, and key government institutions restructured to ensure a smooth transition to civilian rule.
In foreign policy, he championed African liberation movements, recognised the MPLA in Angola, and positioned Nigeria as a leading voice against colonialism and apartheid.
National development initiatives included reviewing the Third National Development Plan, demobilising post-civil war troops, cancelling the 1973 census due to irregularities, and promoting unity by neutralising regional attachments.
Foundations for future national projects and modernization initiatives were also laid.
His swift, decisive reforms showed that even a brief period in office could leave an enduring impact.
At 37, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed became Nigeria’s youngest head of state to die in office, yet his influence persists across generations.
The 50th anniversary commemorations, spanning Abuja, Kano, and beyond, reaffirm that his courage, discipline, and vision remain guiding principles for Nigeria’s ongoing pursuit of good governance, national unity, and African leadership.
The message from today’s events is clear: the spirit of Murtala Muhammed continues to inspire, challenge, and call Nigeria to action.
The attempted arrest of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja has sparked nationwide debate and drawn fresh attention to ongoing corruption investigations linked to his administration.
The incident, which occurred on February 12, 2026, followed long running probes by anti graft agencies into alleged financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s eight year tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
Attempt Arrest
Tension unfolded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja when security operatives approached El-Rufai shortly after he arrived from Cairo aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877.
His media aide Muyiwa Adekeye disclosed the development on X, stating that the former governor was confronted by security personnel upon disembarking. El-Rufai reportedly declined to accompany the operatives, insisting on a formal warrant or invitation.
His lawyer Ubong Esop Akpan later accused the Department of State Services of attempting an unlawful arrest and confiscating El-Rufai’s international passport through one of his aides. The legal team argued that his constitutional rights to liberty and property were violated.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission denied involvement in the airport confrontation. Its spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the commission had earlier invited El-Rufai in December 2025 while he was abroad for medical treatment and that his team assured the agency he would appear voluntarily at its Abuja office on February 16, 2026.
Reports indicated that the Department of State Services may have acted in collaboration with anti graft agencies to ensure compliance with the invitation.
Videos of the confrontation circulated widely on social media, showing El-Rufai engaged in a heated exchange with security personnel as onlookers gathered.
The Allegations Against Him
At the heart of the EFCC interest is a 2024 probe by the Kaduna State House of Assembly which indicted El-Rufai and several former officials over alleged financial irregularities amounting to N423 billion.
An ad hoc committee of the assembly accused the former administration of mismanaging loans obtained for infrastructure projects. Lawmakers claimed that substantial portions of the funds were not applied to their intended purposes, leaving the state with heavy debt obligations.
The probe also cited contract irregularities, including a controversial light rail project. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission obtained a court order for the temporary forfeiture of N1.37 billion linked to the project.
Further allegations involved abuse of office and money laundering. Some former appointees have already faced arraignment in connection with alleged diversion of public funds, including a former finance commissioner accused of laundering N64 million through a company associated with an aide.
Investigators also reportedly discovered that a Kaduna State capital projects account remained linked to El-Rufai and former officials months after he left office in 2023.
El-Rufai has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that no evidence of corruption has been established against him despite multiple investigations.
Political context
The airport incident has intensified speculation about political undertones surrounding the investigation.
El-Rufai was once a close ally of President Bola Tinubu and played a prominent role in the 2023 presidential campaign. However, his ministerial nomination was later rejected by the Senate, after which he distanced himself from the ruling All Progressives Congress and joined the African Democratic Congress.
Since then, he has emerged as a vocal critic of the Tinubu administration and has pledged to oppose the president’s reelection bid in 2027.
His successor in Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has publicly accused the previous administration of gross corruption, while several of El-Rufai’s former associates have been questioned or detained in related investigations.
El-Rufai himself alleged in an interview that he was being targeted as the “next victim” after associates were arrested.
Supporters of the former governor describe the probe as politically motivated, while critics insist that the allegations warrant thorough scrutiny.
What Next
El-Rufai has indicated that he will honour the EFCC invitation scheduled for February 16, 2026. His legal team is demanding the immediate return of his passport and a formal apology over the airport incident.
As of February 13, 2026, neither the EFCC nor the Department of State Services has issued a detailed public statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest.
The outcome of El-Rufai’s scheduled appearance before the EFCC could determine whether formal charges will follow or whether the matter will be resolved without prosecution.
For now, the case has reignited broader concerns about rule of law, selective prosecution, and the role of anti corruption agencies in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has clarified that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), were responsible for the attempt to detain him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and not officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as earlier reported.
El-Rufai made the clarification during a television interview on Friday, insisting that the DSS approached him upon his return from Cairo, Egypt, and attempted to take him into custody without presenting a warrant or formal letter of invitation.
“It wasn’t the EFCC. It was the DSS,” he said. “But the DSS were procured to abduct me by the ICPC that has never communicated with me ever.”
According to him, shortly after disembarking from his flight, a DSS operative approached and asked him to accompany him to their office.
“I came out of the plane and a young man in a suit said he was from the DSS and wanted me to follow him to their office. I asked, ‘Where is the letter of invitation?’ He said his bosses had it and he would escort me to them. I told him I had to go through immigration first, just bring me the letter.”
The former governor alleged that more operatives later surrounded him as he made his way toward the immigration desk.
“Apparently, they had moved about 50 DSS operatives to the airport with specific instructions that I should be detained, abducted and detained,” he claimed.
El-Rufai maintained that he refused to comply without proper documentation.
“They said we need to go to our office. I said I’m not going anywhere. If you don’t have a letter, I’m not going. Even the president cannot tell me I have to do anything. It’s a free and democratic country.”
He said he completed immigration formalities and walked out of the airport, though operatives continued to follow him. He also alleged that one of his aides was assaulted and his passport seized during the confrontation.
“That’s the aide that got beaten up and they seized the passport from him. If I had the passport with me, I would not be talking this,” he said.
Clarifying the role of the anti-graft agency, El-Rufai explained that the EFCC had earlier written to him while he was abroad and that his lawyers had responded.
“The EFCC wrote to me while I was away saying they would like to have a chat. My lawyers replied that I was on annual vacation and once I return I will inform them. I will celebrate my birthday and come to see you at 10 a.m. on February 16.”
He further alleged that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was behind the airport incident, claiming it enlisted the DSS to intercept him.
“Subsequently, we found out that it was the ICPC that procured the DSS to abduct me and then hand over to them,” he said.
El-Rufai described the development as politically motivated and warned that such actions could erode public trust in security institutions.
“Once people begin to lose confidence in the neutrality of such institutions, we are on our way to anarchy,” he added.
Meanwhile, security sources have maintained that although El-Rufai had been invited by the EFCC, the anti-graft agency was not involved in the airport encounter. The DSS has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
El-Rufai has repeatedly stated that he is willing to honour lawful invitations from relevant authorities but insists that due process must be followed.
“I will go to them. I have nothing to hide. But I will not submit to being abducted. There is a difference between lawful process and political intimidation,” he said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has outlined a projected total expenditure of N873,778,401,602.08 for the organisation of the 2027 general elections.
Joash Amupitan made this disclosure on Thursday while presenting the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal together with a detailed cost breakdown for the 2027 polls before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.
According to the breakdown, the cost for Election Operational activities is estimated at N375,748,195,271.47, while Election Administrative expenses are projected at N92,311,591,396.58.
The Commission has also allocated N209,205,589,977.70 for Election Technology, covering electronic systems and associated infrastructure, while Election Capital expenditures are projected at N154,904,529,641.94.
Combined, these four budget components total N832,169,906,287.69.
INEC has further set aside N41,608,495,314.39 for Miscellaneous Expenses, bringing the grand total for conducting the 2027 general elections to N873,778,401,602.08.
Amupitan clarified that the proposed election budget is separate from the Commission’s recommended N171 billion allocation for the 2026 fiscal year, which is intended to support routine operations, including by-elections and off-cycle polls.
He noted that the submission is in accordance with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires the Commission to present its budget for general elections at least one year before the polls.
During the presentation, lawmakers expressed concerns regarding funding arrangements and the implementation of certain provisions in the amended Electoral Act, particularly the aspect involving electronic transmission of results.
Samuel Lalong, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, said the National Assembly would conduct a thorough review of the budget proposal before approving what it considers sufficient to ensure smooth nationwide operations.
He emphasised that, while INEC submits its cost estimates, the constitutional responsibility for approving and appropriating funds lies with the legislature.
The committee also mentioned plans to review funding for members of the National Youth Service Corps who are to be deployed for election duties, following a request from the scheme seeking increased financial support.
Under the budget proposal, each corps member is to receive N127,000, in addition to N4,500 for feeding and N5,000 for a five-day training programme.
Approximately 450,000 corps members are expected to be deployed for the upcoming general elections.
The budget submission comes amid debates over the Senate’s amendment of the Electoral Act 2022, which had sparked controversy after initially rejecting a proposal to make real-time electronic transmission of results mandatory.
The controversy began on February 4 when the Senate passed the amendment bill after extensive deliberations, including a provision reducing the timeline for INEC to publish a notice of election from 360 days to 180 days.
Central to the disagreement was Clause 60(3), which would require presiding officers to transmit polling unit results electronically to INEC’s Result Viewing portal in real time after completing Form EC8A.
This clause was intended to make electronic transmission a legal obligation rather than a discretionary action.
However, the Senate rejected this provision, retaining Section 60(5), which allows INEC to determine the method for transmitting results.
The Senate’s decision sparked protests from civil society groups at the National Assembly, led by Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and later joined by former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives adopted the clause mandating real-time transmission of results.
Under mounting pressure, the Senate convened an emergency plenary on Tuesday, February 10, where it reversed its earlier stance, approving electronic transmission of results to the IReV portal while allowing manual collation as a backup in case of technological failure.
The amendment, sponsored by Tahir Monguno and supported by Minority Leader Abba Moro, was passed by voice vote.
Both chambers of the National Assembly are now expected to reconcile their differing versions of the amendment bill.
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