Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nigerian politics

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
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Reveals Death Threats During EndSARS Protests

In a report by The Punch, Nollywood veteran Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has opened up about the harrowing experience her family faced during the #EndSARS protests. The actress revealed that her children received death threats, which prompted her to be more cautious about her public political stances in recent years.

According to Omotola, the period was one of extreme anxiety, as her vocal support for better governance made her family a target for online and offline harassment. She emphasized that while she remains committed to a better Nigeria, the safety of her children remains her primary concern.

This revelation comes as a response to recent criticisms of celebrities who have stayed silent during recent economic hardships. Omotola urged Nigerians to seek leaders who are selfless and willing to “die for the cause,” while acknowledging the personal cost of activism.

* The Cable Lifestyle: “Omotola: My kids got death threats during #EndSARS. We need leaders who are selfless.”

* Daily Nigerian: “Rapper Falz and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde urge leaders and citizens to take responsibility for Nigeria’s future.”

Echotitbits Take: This admission sheds light on the “invisible” pressure Nigerian celebrities face when engaging in politics. While the public demands they use their platforms, the security risks are often ignored. Omotola’s story serves as a reminder that the digital space in Nigeria can be as dangerous as the physical one for high-profile activists.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/my-children-got-death-threats-during-endsars-omotola/ February 9, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

February 9, 2026
“30-Day Rant” Challenge Sparks Viral Political Discourse on Nigerian TikTok

A TikTok video by @TheJohnOlonade has ignited a massive “30-Day Rant” challenge across Nigeria, where creators are using the platform to voice frustrations regarding the current economic climate and government policies. The trend has quickly shifted from lifestyle venting to a significant political movement, with thousands of users participating daily.

The challenge involves creators filming short, unfiltered clips highlighting specific issues like inflation, infrastructure, and security. What started as a social media experiment has now caught the attention of mainstream media and political commentators, as the hashtag dominates the “For You” pages of millions of Nigerians.

BBC News noted the trend’s impact, quoting a participant who said, “Our phones are now our placards.” Sahara Reporters also validated the movement, reporting that “the dissent is no longer just in the streets; it’s on phone screens in every living room,” citing the viral nature of the challenge as a new form of digital protest.

Echotitbits take: This is “Digital Activism 2.0.” Unlike previous movements, this is decentralized and relies on the TikTok algorithm to maintain momentum. While the government has previously warned content creators against violating certain rights, the sheer volume of this trend makes it difficult to suppress, marking a shift in how the Nigerian youth engage with politics ahead of local elections.

Source: Tiktok — https://www.tiktok.com/@justicecrack/video/7483815984713764102 February 5, 2026

Photo Credit: RollingStone

February 5, 2026
APC Strengthens Northern Grip as Kano Governor Formally Joins Ruling Party

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has finalized his political transition from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is scheduled to officially register at his Gwale ward on January 26, 2026, a move that signals a major realignment in Nigeria’s most populous northern state.

State officials have described the move as a “homecoming.” The governor’s camp says the shift will improve coordination between Kano’s government and the federal administration in Abuja. The transition reportedly includes the defection of 22 state lawmakers and 44 local government chairmen, potentially reshaping legislative and administrative alignments across the state.

While supporters frame the decision as a pathway to accelerated development, critics argue it may narrow political diversity in Kano. Separate reporting has described the defection as further consolidating the APC’s position nationally, with Kano officials also pushing back against narratives that the state’s political future should revolve around any single individual.

Echotitbits take: This defection effectively collapses the NNPP’s strongest base. Watch for how the Kwankwasiyya movement reacts—this could either lead to a total APC hegemony in Kano or trigger a new, aggressive opposition coalition.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/kano-gov-to-formally-rejoin-apc-monday/ 2026-01-26

Photo Credit: The Punch

January 26, 2026
Sunday Igboho Set for Hero’s Return to Nigeria Following Exile

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has reportedly been cleared to return to Nigeria from self-exile. The breakthrough follows interventions from prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who are said to have negotiated his safe reintegration without fear of prosecution.

Punch Newspapers quoted Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, saying he is a free man and would soon return to Ibadan. The Cable also reported that authorities are no longer seeking his arrest, signalling a major shift from the tension that forced him into exile.

Echotitbits take: Igboho’s return is a major cultural and political development for the South-West. While his homecoming is being framed as a move toward peace, it will be telling whether his presence reignites Yoruba Nation advocacy or evolves into a more traditional role under the guidance of the monarchs who helped secure his freedom.
Source: MatazaRising – https://matazarising.com/2026/01/25/sunday-igboho-set-to-fully-return-to-nigeria-from-self-exile/#google_vignette 2026-01-25
Photo Credit: MatazaRising

January 25, 2026
Proposed ‘Anim State’ Gains Momentum Among South-East Leaders

Traditional rulers and political leaders in the South-East are reportedly rallying behind the creation of “Anim State” (an Anambra–Imo-derived proposal) as a path to addressing perceived regional marginalization and balancing the number of states across zones.

Advocacy: Prominent voices are urging various state-creation movements (Anioma, Aba, Adada, and others) to align behind a unified proposal to improve chances of meeting constitutional requirements.

Political context: Supporters argue the initiative could help reduce political tensions and refocus attention on development, though critics question fiscal viability in the current climate.

Echotitbits take: State creation is constitutionally demanding and politically complex. Even if momentum grows, economic viability and revenue sustainability will be the decisive hurdles, especially under tight federal allocations.

Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/25/additional-state-will-bring-development-to-south-east-not-division-imo-monarch/ (January 25, 2026)

Daily Post 2026-01-25

Photo Credit: Daily Post

January 25, 2026
Information Minister Defends Tinubu’s Economic “Long-Term Foundation”

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Nigerians to remain patient, arguing that the Tinubu administration is laying a “strong foundation” for shared prosperity. He cited reform outcomes and international compliance developments as evidence that policy direction is yielding early signals.

Other reports continue to highlight cost-of-living pressures and the lag between macro indicators and household welfare.

Echotitbits take: Communications can steady expectations, but credibility ultimately tracks lived experience. The decisive metric is whether inflation and purchasing power trends improve—especially for food and transport—within a politically relevant timeframe.

Source: Facebook -https://web.facebook.com/dailynigerian/posts/pfbid027sZ9GZHwc3PZbiAnEX52uRnBH4A4PpNpnk9uwqLaL9Q9V4znYdZ2reUou8EfAZhTl/ (January 17, 2026)
Photo Credit: Facebook

January 21, 2026
Suspended Kwara Lawmaker Saba Gideon Challenges Illegal Pay Freeze

In an update published by The Punch, suspended Kwara State House of Assembly member Saba Gideon has filed a formal challenge against the ‘illegal’ freezing of his salaries and allowances. Gideon, who was suspended following a protocol dispute with the House leadership, argues that withholding his pay is a violation of his constituents’ rights and an extra-judicial punishment that exceeds the House’s disciplinary powers.

The House of Assembly, however, defended its decision, citing a breach of internal protocol and ‘unparliamentary conduct.’ The case has drawn national attention to the power of state house speakers to ‘financially starve’ opposing members. Gideon’s legal team is seeking an immediate court injunction to restore his benefits, arguing that a suspension from sitting does not equal a termination of employment.

Further reporting from Daily Post and Leadership tracks the legislative standoff. Daily Post reported that ‘constituents in Gideon’s district have staged protests,’ while Leadership quoted a parliamentary expert: ‘Suspending a lawmaker’s pay is a grey legal area that the courts need to clarify once and for all.’

Echotitbits take: This is a classic ‘political bullying’ tactic seen in many state assemblies. By cutting off a lawmaker’s pay, the leadership effectively disables their ability to fund constituency projects or legal defenses. The court’s ruling on this will be a landmark for legislative independence in Nigeria.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/suspended-kwara-lawmaker-denies-secret-recording-slams-three-month-ban/ January 5, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

January 5, 2026
Nigerian Lawmakers Move to Recover Trillions in Withheld Local Government Funds

Reporting by The Authority indicates that Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, has announced plans for new legislation to assist President Bola Tinubu in recovering trillions of Naira in local government allocations. These funds, allegedly diverted or withheld by various state governors over several years, are at the center of a renewed push for grassroots fiscal autonomy. The move is designed to ensure that the 774 local government areas receive their constitutional dues directly, bypassing state interference.

The legislative push follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling from 2024 that declared the control of local government resources by governors as unconstitutional. Despite this legal victory, several states have reportedly continued to disregard the apex court’s directive, prompting the National Assembly to consider stricter enforcement mechanisms. The recovered trillions are expected to be funneled into primary healthcare, local infrastructure, and basic education projects at the community level.

Validating reports from Vanguard and The Punch confirm that the Senate is prioritizing this fiscal cleanup. Vanguard noted that ‘this legislative backing is the final nail in the coffin for the controversial joint-account system,’ while The Punch quoted a constitutional lawyer who argued, ‘Without criminal consequences for governors who divert these funds, the Supreme Court ruling remains a paper tiger.’

Echotitbits take: This is a high-stakes power struggle between the federal center and the state executives. Recovering ‘trillions’ is an ambitious claim that will likely face fierce legal and political resistance from the Governors’ Forum. If successful, it could fundamentally shift the balance of power in Nigeria, making local government chairmen more powerful—and more accountable—than ever before.
Source: Thisdaylive – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/04/karimi-national-assembly-will-back-tinubu-on-recovery-of-trillions-of-naira-stolen-lg-funds/ January 5, 2026

Photo Credit: Thisdaylive

January 5, 2026
Governor Fubara Assures Residents of Stability Amid Heightened Political Rhetoric

According to Premium Times, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has addressed the state, urging calm in the face of what he termed ‘sounds of war’ coming from political opponents. The Governor’s broadcast was a direct response to recent threats of administrative disruption by factions loyal to the former Governor, Nyesom Wike.

Fubara maintained that his administration remains focused on delivering infrastructure and social services, despite the intense political friction within the state assembly. He also announced the appointment of new special advisers aimed at strengthening his team’s ‘execution capacity’ for the 2026 budget.

The Guardian Nigeria reported that ‘Fubara tells new special advisers to strengthen teamwork,’ reinforcing his message of administrative continuity. Daily Post also highlighted the tension, quoting the Governor’s speech where he sought to ‘assure Rivers people of peace’ despite the political climate.

Echotitbits take: Fubara is attempting to project the image of a focused leader unbothered by ‘distractions,’ but the underlying struggle for control of the Rivers State treasury is far from over. Investors will be watching the state assembly closely to see if political deadlock stalls the N1.8 trillion budget.

Source : The Punch — https://punchng.com/ignore-sounds-of-war-fubara-tells-rivers-people/
The Punch January 3, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

January 3, 2026