Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has called for an urgent amendment of Nigeria’s electoral law, warning over what he described as a “dangerous loophole” in the Electoral Act.

He said these flaws poses a serious threat to the credibility of future elections.

The former Vice President in a terse statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, urged the National Assembly to urgently review provisions of the law that allow discretion in the validation of ballot papers by electoral officials.

He pointedly raised concerns about Section 63 of the Electoral Act, which he said permits ballot papers without official markings to be accepted or rejected at the discretion of returning officers.

According to the Adamawa born politician, such discretion introduces ambiguity into a process that should be strictly defined, warning that it could open the door to manipulation and disputes during elections.

“This is not a minor technical issue—it is a direct threat to electoral integrity,” he said.

Also, Atiku argued that any provision that leaves room for subjective judgment in determining the validity of ballot papers risks undermining the will of voters and weakening public confidence in the electoral process.

He noted that democracy depends on clarity and certainty, insisting that electoral rules must be unambiguous and uniformly applied.

“A democracy cannot survive on ambiguity. A ballot must either meet the standard or it does not,” he said. “The moment you leave such a critical decision to subjective judgment, you invite manipulation, dispute, and ultimately, chaos.”

He acknowledged that the provision may have been intended to prevent voter disenfranchisement but argued that its current wording is overly broad and vulnerable to abuse.

“At a time when Nigerians are demanding transparency and credibility, it is reckless to retain a clause that weakens confidence in the very foundation of democracy—the vote,” he added.

Atiku called on lawmakers to immediately amend the Electoral Act to remove discretionary interpretation in ballot validation and replace it with clear, enforceable standards.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to tighten its operational guidelines to ensure that electoral officers are not placed in positions where personal judgment could override established rules.

Mr Atiku further appealed to international observers and democratic partners to closely monitor Nigeria’s electoral framework, stressing that legal clarity is as important as procedural integrity in ensuring credible elections.

He expressed disappointment that the provision had survived multiple legislative reviews, describing it as a recurring weakness in Nigeria’s electoral reforms.

According to him, the National Assembly should have exercised greater caution in handling provisions that directly affect the credibility of elections.

He also pointed to the role of the executive, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu bears responsibility for ensuring that only robust and credible legislation is signed into law.

“Leadership demands vigilance. The document he assented to ought to have passed the most stringent integrity test,” he said.

Mr Atiku stressed that addressing the issue was not about assigning blame but about strengthening democratic institutions.

“This is not about blame—it is about responsibility. And this provision must be corrected to restore public confidence and protect the sanctity of the vote,” he said.

He concluded with a warning that Nigeria cannot afford electoral uncertainty, insisting that democracy must be anchored on certainty rather than discretion.

“This loophole must be corrected. Democracy thrives on certainty, not discretion—and Nigeria cannot afford anything less,” he said.

Adebayo Adelabu has stepped down as Nigeria’s Minister of Power, saying he wants to fully focus on his plan to run for governor of Oyo State.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said his exit will take effect from April 30.

The letter was submitted through the office of the George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to ensure a smooth handover.

He described his time in office as an honour, saying he was grateful for the opportunity to serve and contribute to reforms in the power sector an area he called critical to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Adelabu explained that stepping down now would allow him to focus fully on his long-standing political ambition.

He noted that his governorship bid dates back to 2016, during his time at the Central Bank of Nigeria, where he served as a deputy governor before resigning in 2018 to pursue the same goal.

He also pointed to the Electoral Act 2026, which bars serving political office holders from contesting elections, saying his resignation was necessary to comply with the law.

“Serving in this administration has been a privilege,” he said, adding that he remains proud of the role he played in efforts to improve Nigeria’s power sector.

The Presidency has clarified that the former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun was never sacked by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, rather  he tendered his resignation from office, citing health reasons.

The clarification was made in a statement issued by the spokesman of the president, Chief Bayo Onanuga.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced tax czar, Taiwo Oyedele as his replacement on Tuesday.

Onanuga also clarified that the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, similarly resigned and thanked the President for the opportunity given to him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

According to the statement, Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda”, his letter read.

“Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected.

“I wish you and the administration every success in the future”, he wrote.

He said on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa.

He held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.

Dangiwa, an architect, previously served as the managing director of the Federal Mortgage Bank between 2015 and 2022, as well as  Secretary to the Katsina State Government, before President Tinubu appointed him as housing minister in August 2023.

Edun, an economist and investment banker, served as Lagos State commissioner for finance between 1999 and 2004, during the tenure of then Governor Bola Tinubu.

Before then, he worked from 1980 to 1986 at Chase Merchant Bank (later Continental) in Lagos. He joined the World Bank in September 1986 through the elite Young Professionals program, where he worked on economic and financial packages for several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In 1989, he co-founded Investment Banking & Trust Company Limited (now Stanbic IBTC) and served as executive director. In 1994, he founded Denham Management Limited, which has since become the Chapelhill Denham Group. He served as chairman from 2008 to 2021.

However, President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.

Bayo Onanuga added that President Tinubu will soon send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation.

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria’s Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting will continue to shape how federal, state, and local governments fund essential services as it distributes N2.04 trillion for March 2026, reflecting a rise of N150 billion compared to February allocations.

The FAAC allocation will be shared among the three tiers of government following discussions held during the March 2026 meeting in Abuja on 26 March 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (WAT) at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning headquarters.

Officials confirmed that the increase in distributable revenue signals stronger inflows into the Federation Account, driven largely by improved collections from oil-related receipts, value-added tax (VAT), and exchange rate gains. The committee will continue to position these revenues as critical buffers for Nigeria’s fiscal stability amid ongoing economic pressures.

The FAAC structure will allocate funds through statutory revenue, VAT proceeds, electronic money transfer levies, and other distributable income streams. Federal, state, and local governments will depend on these allocations to finance salaries, infrastructure projects, healthcare systems, and education programs across the country.

Economic analysts will interpret the N150 billion increase as a modest but important signal of improved fiscal performance. They will note that Nigeria’s revenue trajectory remains closely tied to global oil prices, domestic production levels, and tax efficiency reforms introduced by financial authorities.

The federal government will continue to rely on FAAC distributions to meet budgetary obligations, especially as debt servicing and subsidy-related adjustments place pressure on available liquidity. States, on their part, will likely use the increased allocation to stabilise payroll commitments and accelerate capital projects that have slowed due to earlier revenue constraints.

Local governments will also expect improved cash flow, which will support grassroots development initiatives such as rural healthcare delivery, primary education funding, and local infrastructure maintenance.

Nigeria’s revenue-sharing framework will remain anchored on constitutional provisions that require equitable distribution of national income. The FAAC mechanism will continue to serve as a central pillar of fiscal federalism, ensuring that resource allocation reflects national ownership of oil and non-oil revenues.

The March 2026 distribution will also highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen non-oil revenue sources, as economic managers push for diversification away from crude oil dependency. Authorities will likely intensify tax reforms, improve compliance systems, and expand digital revenue collection platforms to sustain future growth.

Observers will expect that future FAAC meetings will continue to track revenue volatility, especially as global energy markets fluctuate and domestic production challenges persist. Policymakers will also monitor inflationary pressures and exchange rate dynamics, which directly influence distributable revenue figures.

As Nigeria advances through 2026, the FAAC system will remain central to fiscal planning, ensuring that revenue inflows translate into public sector funding across all levels of government.

ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written to the Senate seeking confirmation of a new nominee for the position of Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as part of efforts to strengthen leadership within the country’s apex financial institution.

The request was formally presented on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., during plenary at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where the Senate acknowledged receipt of the presidential communication.

According to the letter, the President nominated Yuguda for appointment as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, subject to legislative approval in line with constitutional provisions. The move is aimed at filling a key leadership position within the bank and enhancing its operational capacity.

Senate leadership subsequently referred the nomination to the relevant committee for screening and further legislative action. The nominee is expected to undergo a confirmation hearing where qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role will be assessed.

The Central Bank of Nigeria plays a critical role in managing the country’s monetary policy, financial stability, and currency regulation. As such, appointments into its leadership structure are closely scrutinised due to their potential impact on the national economy.

Government sources indicate that the nomination aligns with ongoing efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s financial system and strengthen institutional effectiveness within key economic agencies. The appointment of experienced professionals into strategic roles is seen as part of broader reforms under the current administration.

Yuguda’s nomination comes at a time when the CBN continues to navigate economic challenges, including inflationary pressures, currency fluctuations, and the need for policy consistency. Analysts say strong leadership within the bank is essential to addressing these issues effectively.

Lawmakers are expected to deliberate on the nomination in the coming days, with the screening process likely to focus on the nominee’s track record in economic management and financial governance.

If confirmed, Yuguda will join the leadership team of the Central Bank, contributing to policy formulation and implementation at a critical time for Nigeria’s economy.

As the Senate begins its review, attention will remain on the outcome of the confirmation process and its implications for monetary policy direction and financial sector stability.

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector have called on the Federal Government to urgently address insecurity and expand youth participation in farming, warning that persistent challenges continue to threaten national food security.

The concerns were raised on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., during a stakeholders’ policy dialogue held at a conference centre in Abuja, where industry players, experts, and policymakers gathered to assess the state of agriculture and propose reforms.

Participants at the forum identified insecurity as one of the most critical threats facing agricultural productivity across the country. They noted that frequent attacks on farming communities, particularly in rural areas, have forced many farmers to abandon their fields, reducing food output and disrupting supply chains.

In addition to insecurity, stakeholders highlighted low purchasing power among Nigerians as a major factor affecting food access and affordability. They explained that rising inflation and economic pressures have made it increasingly difficult for households to afford basic food items, further worsening the country’s food crisis.

The discussion also focused on weak agricultural value chains, which continue to limit productivity and profitability within the sector. Experts pointed out that inadequate storage facilities, poor transportation networks, and limited access to processing infrastructure have contributed to significant post-harvest losses and reduced market efficiency.

Stakeholders stressed the need for targeted government interventions to strengthen the entire agricultural ecosystem, from production to distribution. They called for increased investment in modern farming techniques, improved rural infrastructure, and policies that support smallholder farmers.

Youth inclusion emerged as a major theme during the dialogue, with participants urging the government to create incentives that attract young people into agriculture. They argued that the sector holds significant potential for job creation and economic growth but remains underutilised due to lack of access to finance, training, and modern technology.

Speakers at the event emphasized that empowering young farmers through education, grants, and innovation hubs could transform agriculture into a more productive and sustainable sector. They noted that without deliberate efforts to involve youth, the future of food production in Nigeria remains uncertain.

The stakeholders also called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, and development partners to implement long-term solutions that address structural weaknesses in the sector.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising food prices and supply shortages, analysts say addressing insecurity, strengthening value chains, and promoting youth participation will be critical to achieving sustainable food security and economic stability in the coming years.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the remand of six defendants in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) following their arraignment on a 13-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism.

The proceedings, which started at about 1:46pm on Wednesday, saw the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, inform the court that the charge was ready for reading to the defendants.

Though, the session was momentarily interrupted when the third defendant informed the court that his counsel was indisposed.

While counsel to the sixth defendant stated that his client understood only Arabic and Hausa, prompting the court to stand down the matter to secure an interpreter.

However, when the court reconvened at about 2:18 pm, all six defendants took their pleas and denied the allegations, pleading not guilty to the 13 counts.

Following their arraignment, the prosecution counsel requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody and urged the court to grant an accelerated hearing of the case.

The judge adjourned the matter till April 27, 2026, for commencement of trial.

More details to follow…

President Bola Tinubu has approved fresh appointments for the National Examinations Council, NECO, National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, Federal Polytechnic N’yak-Shendam, Plateau, and the National Library of Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the appointments are part of efforts to strengthen institutions under the Federal Ministry of Education.

The President appointed Prof. Modupe Adeola Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council, while retaining the Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi.

He also named Prof. Babatunde Salako as Chairman of the National Board for Technical Education, while earlier reappointing the Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, for a second and final term of five years.

In the polytechnic sector, Tinubu appointed Dr Bongfa Binfa as Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, N’yak-Shendam, Plateau State, for a single term of five years. Binfa succeeds the pioneer rector, Dr Mukaila Zakari Ya’u, whose tenure ended in March 2026.

Until his appointment, Binfa was the Deputy Rector (Academic) at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, and previously lectured at the Federal Polytechnic, Idah.

The President also renewed the tenure of Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi as Director-General of the National Library of Nigeria for a final term of five years.

Anunobi, who was first appointed in September 2021, has led “several institutional reforms aimed at repositioning the National Library as a modern technology-driven knowledge institution” including the development of digital platforms such as the National Repository of Nigeria and the National Virtual Library.

The statement noted that Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State and ex-chairman of the NBTE, brings extensive experience in educational administration, while Salako is a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research.

It added that the renewal of Anunobi’s tenure is expected to ensure continuity in ongoing reforms and the completion of the National Library headquarters project in Abuja.