POLITICS
Bayelsa BIR Chairman Pledges to Prioritize Infrastructure if Elected Governor
Executive Chairman of Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR), Dr. Ayawei Nimibofa on Monday said that he would prioritise provision of infrastructure if elected Governor.
Nimbofa and 14 others have purchased the expression of interest forms to contest for the governorship position on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
Speaking to newsmen in Yenagoa, Nimbofa said his governorship ambition was backed by various stakeholders, groups and individuals across the state ahead the governorship election in Bayelsa slated for Nov.
16.The BIR Chairman said he decided to run for the number one seat to consolidate on the gains of the current administration in the critical areas of infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.
He also pledged to ensure that the robust education policy of Gov Seriake Dickson led. administration is further expanded under his watch.
According to Nimbofa, if elected, Bayelsa people will get a fair deal as he would run an all-inclusive government that would prioritize human capital development.
He further assured that a new era of progress and development has come and appealed to all to key into it.
Other aspirants who have collected the PDP nomination forms include former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe.
Also in the race is former cabinet member in the state, Mr Reuben Okoya and an ex-militant leader, Great Joshua MacIver.
Others are the incumbent Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd.); a businessman, Kenebi Okoko; former Commissioner for Works and Transportation, Mr Franklin Osaisai and Chief Benson Agadaga.
Rep. Fred Agbedi, Sen. Douye Diri, representing Bayelsa Central; Chief of Staff Government House, Mr Talford Ongolo; and Secretary to the State Government, Mr Kemela Okara, have also collected nomination forms.
On the side of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Sen Heineken Lokpobiri, has picked the expression of interest form for N2.5 m.
The aspirants on the APC platform are expected to pay a total of N22.5 million, comprising N2.5 m for expression of interest and N20 m, for the nomination form payable to APC National Secretariate.
Each of the 15 PDP aspirants paid N1 million for the expression of interest form while an additional N20 million is paid to the PDP National Sectariate on submission.
Also expected of the aspirants is the payment of a N3 million administrative levy to be paid to the state Executive of the party.
POLITICS
INEC Rolls Out Voter Registration Drive in Adamawa, Targets Eligible Citizens
From Yagana Ali, Yola
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa State has launched a second phase of mass voter registration at the bustling Jimeta Ultra-Modern Market. The initiative aims to empower eligible citizens, particularly traders and youths, to participate in the electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Muhammed Nura, emphasized the commission’s commitment to strengthening democracy and promoting civic engagement.
“We’re here to ensure every eligible Adamawa indigene gets their voter’s card, a crucial document that allows citizens to shape their future,” he said.Residents welcomed the effort, praising INEC for bringing registration closer to the people. Ahmed Muhammad, changing his name on his card, thanked INEC staff for their efficiency. Muhammad Umar, who relocated from Borno State, appreciated the hassle-free process, saying, “The staff were friendly and got me done quickly.”
Young voters like Ummi Muhammed Bello are excited to register, eager to exercise their franchise. “I’m voting for someone who’ll secure my future,” she said.
INEC deployed 40 staff and 20 voter registration machines, working in pairs to ensure swift processing. The exercise will continue across strategic locations, targeting maximum coverage.
This drive aims to boost voter turnout and reinforce democracy in Adamawa State. Would you like more information on INEC’s voter registration efforts or the upcoming elections?
POLITICS
APC E-Registration: Benue Records Over 383,496 Members in First Phase
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) have registered over 383,496 members in Benue State in the e- registration exercise embarked upon by the party.
Recall that the e-registration was flagged off in Benue state on January 12th, 2026 with Governor Hyacinth Alia enrolled at his polling unit in Mbangur, Mbadede Council Ward, Vandeikya Local Government Area as 001.
The Benue State APC Organizing Secretary/Publicity Secretary, James Ornguga who announced this in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday, disclosed that Benue State ranked 2nd in the North Central behind Kwara state.
He also said with this figure, the State is ranked 11th out of the 36 states, stressing that the registration has been suspended at the moment.
He added that the party would resume the e – registration after the National Convention of the party slated for between March 25th 28th, 2026.
“The person in charge of the ICT at the National Secretariat of the party had a zoom meeting with all organizing secretaries across the states and told us that the exercise would be temporarily halted so as to collate the number for our national convention. After the convention, the exercise will resume.
“So far, the exercise has been impressive with a massive turn out of members. The good thing about this e-registration is that there are no manipulations. Members are registered using their BVN. There were no issues as both the SGF and the governor’s agents cooperated and all the registration was collated into one portal.
“We appeal to those yet to be registered to be patient as they will be captured as soon as they exercise resumes”.
POLITICS
Transmission of election results electronically and manual recipe for Chaos – Atiku
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has warned that the decision of the Senate to approve dual election transmission of election results through electronic and manual means will spell doom and cause chaos for the 2027 general election.
The Former vice President stated this at the residence of former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida while speaking to journalists shortly after a closed door meeting with the elder statesman.
He explained that the decision to grant electronic transmission of election results alongside using manual means is deliberately done to orchestrate chaos in the transmission of results.
According to him, the amendment of section 60 of the electoral act by the Senate was to afford Nigerians the opportunity of real time electronic transfer of election results at different levels.
“But what we got is a mixture of manual and electronic which is going to cause chaos
“I think there is urgent need for all opposition parties to come together, so that we do not allow this issue to rest, where they want it to rest”
On his plans to contest the 2027 Presidential election, the former number two citizen of the country said, noted that the issue of contesting does not even arise as he and other ADC leaders are now busy trying to firmly build the party from the ward, Local government, State and at the national level.
“We are now busy mobilising for membership and register as many members as possible”
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar also debunked the notion that the party has a zoning policy in place, noting that it has never inserted such in its constitution.
“ADC as no zoning in ADC constitutional provision, it only PDP that has it”
Speaking on the controversy over the alleged forging of the recently gazetted tax law, the Former vice President described APC as a party of Forgets.
“What do you expect from APC, generally they are a party of Forgets and election riggers
“They forge everything, they forge certificates, they forge age declaration, they simply forge everything that is the hallmark of APC”.


