Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nigeria politics

  • NJC integrity screen drops 34 nominees as judicial recruitment tightens

    NJC integrity screen drops 34 nominees as judicial recruitment tightens

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    In an update published by Punch, the National Judicial Council reportedly shortlisted 28 nominees for Federal High Court appointments while 34 candidates were said to have failed an integrity test under updated recruitment guidelines.

    The screening reflects an institutional push to reduce the entry of persons of doubtful character into the bench, amid fragile public trust in justice delivery.

    The Guardian also reported that “No fewer than 34 lawyers… have failed the integrity test” and were removed from consideration, noting that petitions featured in the eliminations.

    If sustained, the reforms could shift incentives—making reputational vetting and petition handling as important as technical competence in judicial appointments.

    Punch reported the integrity test filtered out dozens of applicants, while The Guardian wrote, “No fewer than 34 lawyers… have failed the integrity test.”

    Echotitbits take: Integrity screening is welcome, but transparency is key. Watch whether NJC clarifies criteria, petition handling timelines and appeal safeguards so the process doesn’t become opaque or politically weaponised.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/csp-33-others-fail-judges-integrity-test-njc/ — December 29, 2025
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: National Judicial Council

  • Tinubu heads to Europe ahead of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week trip

    Tinubu heads to Europe ahead of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week trip

    2025-12-28 09:00:00
    In an update published by Channels Television, the Presidency said President Bola Tinubu departed Lagos for Europe to continue his end-of-year break, ahead of an official trip to Abu Dhabi for ADSW 2026 in early January.

    The trip is being framed as part of Nigeria’s engagement with global sustainability, innovation and finance conversations, with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week positioned as a convening point for government, business and civil society.

    A State House statement echoed the itinerary and purpose, saying the President left for Europe ahead of the Abu Dhabi engagement and noting the summit theme and timing.

    The messaging emphasises schedule and participation rather than announcing any immediate domestic policy actions tied to the travel.

    Channels quoted a Presidency statement that Tinubu would continue “his end-of-year break… ahead of his official trip to Abu Dhabi,” while the State House said he “departed Lagos… for Europe” ahead of the summit.

    Echotitbits take: If Abuja wants value from ADSW, outcomes should be measurable—climate-finance pipelines, project partnerships or investment commitments. Watch for what Nigeria returns with, beyond summit optics.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025
    The Punch 2025-12-28

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Obi’s ADC talks deepen as opposition parties jockey for a 2027 coalition lane

    Obi’s ADC talks deepen as opposition parties jockey for a 2027 coalition lane

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    According to PUNCH, discussions around Peter Obi potentially aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have intensified as the party plans a convention and opposition actors reposition ahead of 2027.

    Analysts say the move—if it materialises—would reflect a broader scramble to consolidate structures, ballot access, and negotiating power across rival opposition blocs.

    The ADC has presented itself as an organising platform for coalition talks, though details of timelines and agreements remain fluid.

    PUNCH’s political desk flagged the convention as a key milestone that could shape coalition bargaining going into 2027.

    Echotitbits take: Coalition politics is about structure, not slogans. Watch whether ADC can unify factions, secure credible primaries, and avoid the fragmentation that weakened past “third force” efforts.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/obi-set-to-join-adc-as-party-plans-convention/)

    The Punch December 28, 2025

    https://punchng.com/obi-set-to-join-adc-as-party-plans-convention/

  • Makinde dares Fayose: ‘Bring proof’ over alleged ₦50bn Tinubu payout claims

    Makinde dares Fayose: ‘Bring proof’ over alleged ₦50bn Tinubu payout claims

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    In an update published by PUNCH, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde challenged former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose to provide evidence for claims that ₦50bn was paid to him in connection with the aftermath of the 2024 Ibadan explosion.

    Makinde’s camp described the allegation as baseless and insisted government actions around the explosion response were transparent.

    The exchange adds to widening PDP infighting and raises questions about how emergency support funds are tracked and communicated in politically heated periods.

    PUNCH quoted Makinde’s spokesperson saying, “If he (Fayose) has proof… he should provide it,” while The Nigerian Voice quoted the aide: “He who makes an allegation must provide evidence.”

    Echotitbits take: Allegations like this thrive when public finance reporting is weak. A routine, publishable disaster-response ledger—covering inflows, approvals, and disbursements—would reduce rumor cycles and sharpen accountability.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/prove-i-took-n50bn-from-tinubu-makinde-tells-fayose/)

    The Punch December 28, 2025
    https://punchng.com/prove-i-took-n50bn-from-tinubu-makinde-tells-fayose/

  • Reps constitution review: new push to tighten how state electoral commissions are appointed

    Reps constitution review: new push to tighten how state electoral commissions are appointed

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    Reporting by PUNCH indicates the House of Representatives is advancing constitutional changes aimed at strengthening State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), focusing on clearer appointment criteria and expanded operational powers.

    Supporters argue the changes could improve credibility of local and state elections, while critics caution that reforms must also address funding independence and enforcement capacity.

    The move fits into a wider constitutional review agenda that lawmakers say targets governance and electoral reforms before the next cycle.

    AllAfrica, citing Leadership, listed proposed bills to “provide the criteria for appointing members of the State Independent Electoral Commission” and to “grant the commission additional powers.”

    Echotitbits take: If appointment rules tighten but funding remains politically controlled, SIECs may still struggle. Watch whether reforms include financial autonomy and penalties for electoral offences at the state level.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/reps-move-to-strengthen-state-electoral-commission/)

    The Punch December 28, 2025
    https://punchng.com/reps-move-to-strengthen-state-electoral-commission/

  • APC fixes late-March 2026 convention date and releases congress timetable nationwide

    APC fixes late-March 2026 convention date and releases congress timetable nationwide

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-20 16:00:00

    As detailed by Punch, the APC has released a timetable for ward, local government, state and zonal congresses, culminating in its national convention scheduled for March 25–28, 2026.

    The schedule outlines e-registration, form sales, screening, appeals and delegate selection steps, positioning the party for internal elections and leadership refresh.

    With 2027 politics in view, the congress timeline will shape control of party structures and delegate lists, often determining which factions dominate.

    APC’s official channel posted a “TIMETABLE FOR NATIONWIDE CONGRESSES,” while Kemi Filani also reported the party “has published its schedule” ending with the March 2026 convention.

    Echotitbits take:
    Watch for disputes over delegate lists, court cases challenging congress outcomes, and how closely the party follows INEC-facing rules to avoid a legitimacy crisis after convention.

    Source: Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/apc-fixes-march-2026-for-national-convention/)
    Punch 2025-12-20

  • EFCC Clarifies Sylva Probe, Says Abuja Home Was Marked, Not Sealed

    The EFCC denied reports that it raided or sealed the Abuja residence of former petroleum minister Timipre Sylva, saying the property was only marked as part of an ongoing investigation. The commission urged the public to avoid mischaracterising standard investigative processes.

    The clarification followed heightened political and public interest in the scope of anti-corruption probes within the petroleum sector.

    2025-12-10

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-10

  • Tinubu Meets Fubara, Nwifuru Behind Closed Doors

    President Bola Tinubu held separate closed-door meetings with Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru at the State House. No official details were disclosed publicly at the time of reporting.

    The Fubara meeting drew heightened attention given ongoing political tension and shifting alignments in Rivers State.

    2025-12-08

    The Nation

    2025-12-08