Echotitbits – Nigeria News

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Senate Reopens Electoral Act Talks Amid National Outcry Over Data Transmission

In an update published by The Punch, the Nigerian Senate is set to convene an emergency plenary session today, February 10, 2026, to address the heated controversy surrounding the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The legislative move follows a week of intense public backlash after lawmakers removed the requirement for “real-time” electronic transmission of election results, a decision that critics argue could undermine the transparency of the 2027 general elections.

The session, directed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, aims to harmonize the Upper Chamber’s position with that of the House of Representatives. Tension has mounted as civil society organizations and opposition leaders, including Peter Obi, led “Occupy National Assembly” protests in Abuja to demand a reversal of the clause. Lawmakers are expected to deliberate on whether to reinstate the “real-time” terminology to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

Beyond the electoral dispute, the Senate is also facing internal shifts following the recent loss of two members and the appointment of another to a diplomatic role. This emergency sitting is viewed as a critical moment for the 10th Assembly to prove its commitment to legislative integrity and respond to the demands of a restive citizenry.

Validating reports from Channels Television and Daily Post confirm the legislative urgency. Channels Television noted that “security operatives have been placed on high alert around the National Assembly complex as protesters gather,” while Daily Post reported that the Senate Spokesman stated the chamber is “not averse to public criticism and will resolve the issue in the interest of the nation.”

Echotitbits take: The Senate’s decision to backtrack and hold an emergency session suggests that the pressure from “Occupy National Assembly” is working. If the “real-time” transmission clause is not reinstated, expect a further breakdown in trust between the youth-led electorate and the ruling class ahead of 2027.

Source: TribuneOnline – https://tribuneonlineng.com/updated-electoral-act-senate-summons-emergency-plenary/, February 10, 2026

Photo credit: TribuneOnline

February 10, 2026
Senate Under Fire as Stakeholders Reject Changes to Electoral Act

In an update published by Premium Times, civil society organizations and political analysts have voiced a strong rejection of the Senate’s recent vote on the Electoral Act amendment bill. The upper chamber’s decision to decline provisions for the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results has sparked fears that the 2027 general elections could be compromised, as critics argue that digital transparency is essential for credible outcomes.

The legislative move has been described as a setback for Nigeria’s democratic evolution, with experts warning that it risks erasing the progress made during the 2023 polls. Opponents of the Senate’s stance argue that without a legal mandate for electronic results, the window for manual manipulation during collation remains dangerously wide.

This growing outcry was corroborated by Daily Post, where analyst Mahdi Shehu stated, “The Senators have abandoned the very reasons Nigerians elected them,” emphasizing that the move is an “assault” on the electorate. Similarly, The Nation reported that legal experts are already preparing for a constitutional challenge, with one lawyer noting that “the law must reflect the technological realities of the 21st century to ensure every vote counts.”

Echotitbits take: This is a high-stakes political tug-of-war. By stripping away mandatory electronic transmission, the National Assembly is essentially opting for a “status quo” that favors established political structures over grassroots transparency. Expect this to become a primary rallying cry for opposition parties and the “Obidient” movement as the 2027 election cycle begins to heat up.

Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/854928-csos-reject-senate-vote-on-electoral-bill-warn-of-threat-to-credible-elections.html?tztc=1, February 7, 2026

Photo credit: Premium Times

February 7, 2026
Senate Faces Public Backlash Over Controversial Electoral Act Amendments

Reporting by Leadership indicates a growing wave of public anger directed at the Nigerian Senate following the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026. Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, admitted during a television appearance that lawmakers have been subjected to insults because the version of the bill passed—specifically regarding the electronic transmission of results—did not reflect the expectations of the citizenry.

The legislative tension was further highlighted by Daily Trust and Sahara Reporters, both of whom documented the disconnect between the Senate’s “transmission” versus “transfer” terminology. Daily Trust noted that “voters feel betrayed by the lack of real-time upload requirements,” while Sahara Reporters quoted Senator Umeh saying, “We have to take the insult because we have disappointed the people with the news they got.”

The controversy centers on whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is mandated or merely permitted to use electronic means to transmit results. Civil society organizations have already begun mobilizing for a protest, demanding a further review of the bill before it receives presidential assent.

Echotitbits take: The “transmission vs. transfer” debate is more than semantics; it is the frontline of Nigeria’s democratic transparency. Expect legal challenges to follow if the President signs the bill without clarifying these controversial clauses.

Source: Vanguard — https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/electoral-act-senate-passes-bill-rejects-mandatory-electronic-transmission-of-results/, February 6, 2026

Photo credit: Vanguard

February 6, 2026
Senate Rejects 10-Year Jail Term for PVC Buyers and Sellers

In an update published by Vanguard, the Nigerian Senate has turned down a proposal to impose a 10-year prison sentence on individuals involved in the buying and selling of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). During the debate on the Electoral Amendment Bill, lawmakers opted to retain the existing two-year imprisonment term. However, the Senate agreed to significantly increase the financial penalty, raising the fine from ₦2 million to ₦5 million under Clause 22 of the bill.

The decision was reached following heated deliberations on the proportionality of the punishment. Proponents of the 10-year term argued that stiff penalties are necessary to deter electoral fraud ahead of the 2027 general elections. Conversely, the majority of senators felt that the increased fine, combined with the current jail term, provides a sufficient deterrent without overburdening the judicial system.

Premium Times and ThisDay have reported on the legislative session. Premium Times noted that “the rejection of the longer jail term has sparked debate among electoral reform activists.” ThisDay cited a senator who remarked, “we must focus on the enforceability of these laws rather than just the severity of the sentences.”

Echotitbits take:

While the increase in fines is a step toward making electoral malpractice “expensive,” the rejection of a longer jail term might be seen by critics as a soft stance on vote-buying. With the 2027 elections approaching, the focus should now shift to how INEC and security agencies will actually catch and prosecute those participating in the PVC black market.

Source: Vanguard – vanguardngr.com/2026/02/senate-rejects-10-year-jail-term-for-pvc-traders-amends-electoral-timelines/, February 5, 2026

Photo credit: Vanguard

February 5, 2026
INEC Formally Recognizes Nenadi Usman as Labour Party Leader

According to Vanguard, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially uploaded the particulars of Senator Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha as the legitimate Chairman and Secretary of the Labour Party (LP). This move follows a protracted leadership tussle that saw the party split into factions. By recognizing the Usman-led interim leadership on its website, INEC has complied with a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the tenure of the previous executive led by Julius Abure.
The interim leadership expressed its relief, stating that the move allows the party to focus on repositioning itself as a credible opposition ahead of future elections. The development is seen as a major win for the “Abia faction” of the party, supported by Governor Alex Otti, who has been vocal about the need for constitutional order within the LP. However, the opposing faction is yet to fully concede, leading to fears of further litigation.
The recognition was also reported by Channels TV and Tribune. Channels TV noted that “the update on the INEC portal has effectively settled the administrative dispute,” while Tribune stated that “Labour Party members are being urged to unite under the newly recognized leadership.”
Echotitbits take:
Nenadi Usman’s recognition is a stabilizing force for the Labour Party, but the wounds from the leadership battle are deep. Watch for whether Peter Obi fully aligns with this new structure or if a third force emerges from the remnants of the Abure faction.

Source: Channel TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/30/inec-recognises-nenadi-usman-led-lp-after-court-order/, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: Channel TV

January 31, 2026
Judicial Ruling Ousts Abure, Recognizes Nenadi Usman as Labour Party Leader

Judicial Ruling Ousts Abure, Recognizes Nenadi Usman as Labour Party Leader

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled Julius Abure’s tenure expired and ordered INEC to recognize the Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party caretaker committee.

Further reporting across multiple outlets indicates the development is drawing heightened attention, with stakeholders watching for next steps from relevant authorities and institutions.

Echotitbits take: This judgment aligns with the Peter Obi-led faction’s efforts to stabilize the party ahead of the 2027 cycle. Watch for potential realignments as the Nenadi Usman committee prepares for a national convention to elect permanent executives.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/lp-crisis-abure-to-appeal-courts-recognition-of-otti-faction/ (2026-01-21)

Photo credit: The Punch

2026-01-21 10:00:00

January 21, 2026
Renewed Voter Registration Exercise Kicks Off Across Nigeria

In an update published by Vanguard, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially resumed its nationwide continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise today, January 6, 2026. This phase is intended to capture new voters, allow for transfers of registration, and enable the replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of upcoming off-cycle elections and the 2027 general polls. INEC officials emphasized that the process has been streamlined with more digital touchpoints to reduce queuing times at local government offices. The commission urged citizens who have turned 18 since the last exercise to take advantage of this window to ensure their participation in the democratic process. The resumption was also validated by Channels TV and Daily Post. Channels TV reported that ‘INEC resumes second phase of continuous voter registration,’ while Daily Post highlighted the importance of the exercise for the ‘Ekiti 2026’ off-cycle governorship election.

Echotitbits take: By starting the CVR early in 2026, INEC is attempting to avoid the last-minute rush that usually plagues Nigerian elections. The focus on Ekiti is a strategic test run for the commission’s new logistics and digital registration platforms. Expect civil society groups to ramp up mobilization campaigns this quarter.

Source: InsideBusiness – https://insidebusiness.ng/237638/inec-restarts-nationwide-voter-registration-as-second-phase-of-cvr-begins/ January 6 2026

Photo Credit: InsideBusiness

January 6, 2026
Anglican Bishop Urges Credible and Bloodless Ekiti and Osun Elections

In an update published by The Punch, an Anglican Bishop has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties to ensure that the upcoming off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun are free, fair, and devoid of violence. Speaking at a New Year service, the cleric emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford another ‘flawed electoral exercise’ which further erodes public trust in democratic institutions.

The Bishop also called on the youth to resist being used as ‘political thugs’ by candidates who keep their own children safely abroad. He urged the electorate to focus on ‘issue-based voting’ rather than ‘stomach infrastructure,’ noting that the economic choices made during these state elections will have long-term consequences for regional development.

Corroborating details from The Nation and Leadership highlight the religious focus on politics. The Nation noted that ‘other religious bodies are planning a joint peace accord,’ while Leadership quoted the Bishop: ‘The ballot must be more powerful than the bullet in Ekiti and Osun.’

Echotitbits take: Off-cycle elections are often ‘test runs’ for the general election. With Ekiti and Osun coming up, the Church is positioning itself as a moral watchdog. Watch for whether INEC introduces new ‘anti-rigging’ technology specifically for these two states to address the ‘judicial technicalities’ Falana recently complained about.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/anglican-bishop-calls-for-credible-ekiti-osun-polls/ January 5, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

January 5, 2026
Court warns INEC chair against ignoring Labour Party-related FCT poll orders

2026-01-01 07:20:00
A report carried by The Nation says an FCT High Court warned INEC leadership against disregarding its earlier directives tied to Labour Party candidate processing for the FCT area council elections.

The warning follows interim orders on portal access and candidate publication timelines, signalling possible contempt consequences if compliance is not met.

At the core is a procedural dispute over whether INEC must grant the party digital credentials to submit candidates and publish their details as ordered.

The Nigerian Observer also reported the court warned INEC against disregard of the order on Labour Party candidates.

Punch earlier reported the underlying directive, stating the court ordered INEC to “grant the Labour Party an access code.”

Echotitbits take:

Candidate-list disputes can trigger legitimacy problems long before voting day. Watch for INEC’s documented compliance steps, and whether the matter escalates into contempt proceedings or further interim orders.

Source: The Nation — January 1, 2026 (https://thenationonlineng.net/court-warns-inec-chair-against-disobeying-order-to-recognise-lps-candidates-for-fct-polls/amp/)

The Nation 2026-01-01

Photo Credit: Punch

January 1, 2026
Court orders INEC to grant Labour Party access code for FCT area council candidates

2026-01-01 07:15:00
In an update published by Punch, an FCT High Court ordered INEC to provide the Labour Party an access code to upload candidate details for the February 2026 FCT area council elections.

The interim orders also directed INEC to upload and publish the party’s candidates’ particulars across the six area councils within a short window, pending the hearing of the substantive motion.

The dispute reflects wider tensions around party factions, candidate recognition and administrative access to INEC’s nomination portal.

The Nation similarly reported INEC was ordered to “grant access code” for uploading candidates’ particulars.

TheCable also reported the Abure-led Labour Party faction requested INEC portal access to upload candidates for the council polls.

Echotitbits take:

This is a reminder that election credibility can be undermined by back-end administrative fights. Watch for INEC’s compliance response and whether other parties pursue similar court pathways to compel portal access.

Source: The Punch — December 19, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fct-council-poll-court-orders-inec-to-recognise-lp-candidates/)

The Punch 2025-12-19

Photo Credit: The Nation

January 1, 2026