POLITICS
INEC Fixes Feb. 21 for 2 By-elections in Rivers
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Feb. 21, 2026, for the conduct of by-elections into Ahoada II and Khana II state constituencies of Rivers.
The commission disclosed this in a statement by Malam Mohammed Haruna, Chairman, Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee, in Abuja on Monday.
Haruna said that the commission, at its Monday extraordinary meeting, reviewed its preparations for the end-of-tenure Area Council election for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) fixed for Feb.
21.He added that the commission also considered and approved the draft timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of by-elections into Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers.
He noted that provisions of Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) empowered the commission to fix dates for elections and conduct by-elections for vacancies.
Haruna said that arising therefrom, it had fixed Feb. 21, 2026 for the conduct of the elections into the two state constituencies.
“The vacancy in the Ahoada East II Constituency arose as a result of the resignation of its member while that of Khana II resulted from the death of its member.
“The Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly had since notified the commission of the existence of the vacancies.
“By the Commission’s decision today, the notice for the two elections will be published on Jan. 22, 2026, while political parties will conduct their party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, between Jan. 23 and Jan. 27, 2026.
“Parties and candidates will then commence their campaigns on Feb. 8, 2026 to end on Feb. 19. The elections will be held in Feb. 21, 2026.
NEWS
Tinubu Mourns Death of Two Kano Lawmakers
From Askira Aliyu, Kano
President Bola Tinubu has sent a message of condolence to the government and people of Kano State over the passing of two members of the state’s House of Assembly, Aminu Saad Ungogo and Aliyu Sarki Daneji, representing Ungogo and Kano Municipal constituencies respectively, both of who died in separate incidents within an hour on Wednesday.
President Tinubu described the death of the two legislators as sad, tragic and painful.
He noted that their departure has created a void, depriving the people of the two constituencies of committed representation.
The President said, “I offer my condolences to their families and constituents as well as the government and people of Kano State.
“I also commiserate with the presiding officers and all members of the Kano State House of Assembly over the demise of their respected colleagues” Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga said in a statement.
The President prayed for the repose of the souls of the late lawmakers and divine comfort to their families.
POLITICS
APC Probes Assault on Serving Councilor in Gombe
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has ordered an investigation into the assault of Abdulrahman Abubakar, a serving councillor and member of the party.
Abubakar in a viral video was seen being assaulted by Adamu Danko, another member of the party and an aide in the office of the Chief of Staff to the state Governor.
The APC, while reacting to the video via a press statement issued in Gombe on Tuesday by its Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, condemned the assault.
Kyari expressed concern over the issue, stating that the act of violence was alien to the values, discipline, and democratic culture that the APC stands for.
He said it was in that regard that the APC in the state launched a comprehensive internal investigation.
Kyari said the party has summoned the individuals involved to ascertain both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident.
“This decisive step is necessary to uphold accountability, safeguard the integrity of the party, and ensure that corrective measures are taken to prevent future recurrence.”
Kyari also absolved the party of any involvement, stating that Danko acted independently, taking the law into his own hands, without any instruction, approval, or authorisation from the Party or any government office.
“Such conduct is wholly unacceptable, runs contrary to the values we uphold, and will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
“The Party also commends the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Inuwa Kari for his prompt action in suspending the aide, Danko, pending the outcome of investigations.
“This is a demonstration of commitment to discipline and justice,” he said.
The secretary assured the general public that the ongoing investigation would be thorough, transparent, and firmly guided by the Constitution of the APC, relevant laws, and established procedures.
According to him, the Party will fully cooperate with lawful authorities as required and will take decisive internal measures to enforce discipline and prevent any recurrence.
He said any individual found culpable at any stage would be subjected to appropriate sanctions, strictly in accordance with party rules and the law.
“The APC Gombe State chapter remains firm in its commitment to peaceful engagement, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law, and will continue to uphold these principles both in word and in deed.”
POLITICS
Akpabio Announces Automatic Employment for sons Of Deceased Police Aide
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has announced automatic employment for the two sons of his police rider, Hussani Ibrahim, who died in a ghastly accident on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Sunday.
The announcement was made on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday as Akpabio informed his colleagues of the tragic incident.
Ibrahim, who served as the Senate President’s rider, has since been buried according to Islamic rites.
In a heartfelt condolence speech, Akpabio eulogised the late officer as a man who deeply understood the value of work and service.
Addressing the family, Akpabio said: “Your late father understood the value of work and service.
“He devoted himself to it.
Unfortunately, instead of earning a laurel for the devotion, he earned death. But it is death that is not in vain. It is death that testifies to his legacy of service. May the Lord accept his soul.”The Senate President extended his sympathies to the bereaved family, the Inspector General of Police, and the entire Nigeria Police Force.
“I commiserate with the family, the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force over the loss of this courageous, fearless, and daring officer.
“While I pray to God to accept his soul, may He in His infinite mercy grant the family and the Nigeria Police Force the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
The offer of automatic employment for DSP Ibrahim’s sons stands as a direct gesture of support from the Senate President to the family of the officer, honouring his legacy and sacrifice.
In a related development, the Senate also honoured Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur who also recently passed on.
He was a dedicated driver of 25 years for the Senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, Sen. Jibrin Isah.
The Senate in plenary observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased and prayed Almighty God for the repose of their souls.

