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Bill to establish LG election independent commission passes first reading at Senate

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If the bill is enacted, the commission will take over the functions of the 36 states’ independent electoral commissions.

A bill seeking to establish a Local Government Independent Electoral Commission has passed its first reading at the Senate.

The bill was passed Thursday during the plenary after the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, introduced it.

It was sponsored by Sani Musa (APC, Niger East).

It seeks to establish a National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) responsible for conducting elections to the office of the local government chairman and councillors and any other matter thereof to do with local government as a third tier of government.

Last week, the Supreme Court affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local governments.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, recentlyalleged that some state governors divert local government allocation to personal use.

Currently, all 36 states have independent election commissions which organise local government elections in the states.

However, elections for the area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

If the bill is passed, the state independent electoral commissions (SIEC) will be replaced by NILGEC.

Content of the bill

Establishment of NILGEC

According to the bill, the NILGEC will be an autonomous body to organise, oversee, and conduct elections for the offices of local government chairman and councillors in all 36 states and the FCT.

Functions and Powers

– To conduct free, fair, and transparent elections for Local Government Chairman and Councillors.

– To prepare and maintain an accurate and up-to-date voter register.

– To ensure voter education and public awareness regarding the electoral process.

– To set and enforce electoral guidelines and regulations for Local Government elections.

– To recruit and train electoral officers and staff for efficient election management.

– To monitor and supervise all electoral activities and processes.

– To investigate and adjudicate electoral disputes and grievances.

Composition of NILGEC

The bill says NILGEC shall consist of a chairperson and six commissioners, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

The chairperson and commissioners shall serve for five years, renewable once.

Independence and Autonomy

NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference.

The commission shall have its own budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence.

Electoral Process and Procedures

NILGEC shall develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and the conduct of elections.

The commission shall ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics for the smooth conduct of elections.

Election Timeline

NILGEC shall announce the election schedule at least six months before the date of the election.

Elections for the offices of local government chairman and councillors shall be conducted every four years.

Electoral Offences and Penalties

NILGEC shall define and enforce penalties for electoral offences, including but not limited to voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and electoral violence.

Offenders shall be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the laws of the land.

Collaboration with Other Agencies

NILGEC shall collaborate with other relevant government agencies, security forces, and civil society organisations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process.

Transitional Provisions

Upon the establishment of NILGEC, all powers and functions related to the conduct of Local Government elections previously vested in any other body or authority shall be transferred to NILGEC.

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Gov Yusuf immortalizes Kano athletes killed in auto-crash

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Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has immortalized 22 Kano athletes who lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival in May 2025.

Yusuf made the announcement during a ceremony held at the Government House in Kano.

He said the Kano State Sports Institute will now be known as the ‘Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Institute’.

In addition, the governor said that the Kano State Sports Commission will bear the name, ‘Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Commission’, in honour of the late sportsmen and women.

“These young heroes made Kano proud. They should be remembered forever. Their commitment and sacrifice to the state will not be forgotten,” the governor said.

The governor made the announcement during a courtesy visit by representatives of the First Lady, Mrs Remi Tinubu, who donated N110 million to the bereaved families.

He appreciated the First Lady for the donation to the families, whom he said were going through unimaginable grief.

“We are grateful to Her Excellency, the First Lady, for this generous support. These families are going through unimaginable grief, and this act of kindness provides not only relief but also recognition,” the governor added.

Yusuf pledged the Kano government’s continued support for the families of the deceased.

DAILY POST reports that tragic incident, which occurred just five kilometres away from Kano, shocked the nation and plunged the sports community into mourning.

Recall that the athletes were returning home after representing Kano at the National Sports Festival, where they had reportedly delivered outstanding performances.

A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, reiterated that the fallen athletes were heroes who fought for the success of Kano State and deserve to be immortalised for their patriotism and excellence.

According to the statement, the renaming of the two key sports institutions would stand as a permanent symbol of honour, reminding future generations of the sacrifices made by those who wore the state’s colours with pride.

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Mass Exodus Looms: Thousands of APC Members in Adamawa Prepare to Defect to ADC Coalition

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By Emmanuel Kwada

In a significant political development, a group of prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Adamawa State convened a strategic meeting in Yola to discuss defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and forming a new coalition to challenge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The meeting, held at the residence of Engr. Omar Suleiman, a former Nigerian Ports Authority official and ex-Ambassador to Sudan, signals a potential shift in the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

The coalition includes loyalists of high-profile figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Murtala Nyako, former Governor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani, and Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo.

The group aims to position the ADC as a formidable force to unseat the PDP, which has maintained control under Governor Ahmadu Fintiri

These APC stalwarts expressed frustration with internal party dynamics, citing a lack of reward systems and vested interests as key reasons for their dissatisfaction. The group aims to position the ADC as a formidable force to unseat the PDP, which has maintained control under Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

Engr. Omar Suleiman, a long-time APC member who unsuccessfully contested for the Adamawa Central senatorial seat in 2015 and 2019, hosted the meeting. Sources revealed that discussions centered on a strategic plan to take over Adamawa State, leveraging the ADC as a new political platform.

Gov Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri

 

Another key figure, Engr. Dr. Umar Buba Bindir, a former Secretary to the Adamawa State Government and senatorial aspirant, addressed the coalition, emphasizing that the ADC has been adopted at the national level as a party for all registered and loyal members. Bindir vowed to work collaboratively to dislodge the PDP, criticizing the APC for its failure to reward loyalty.

Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Dasin, a former state and federal lawmaker and active APC member, also attended the meeting, calling for unity among the coalition to achieve their shared goal. “We must come together with a clear purpose to bring change to Adamawa,” Dasin urged, highlighting the need for a cohesive strategy to challenge the PDP’s dominance.

We must come together with a clear purpose to bring change to Adamawa

The meeting underscores ongoing internal crises within the Adamawa APC, with prominent members like Nyako, Bindow, Binani, and Abbo previously boycotting a reconciliation meeting organized by the party’s national leadership in December 2024.

The ADC coalition’s emergence could further weaken the APC’s position in the state, especially following the expulsion of Senator Abbo and other internal disputes that have plagued the party. In

The Adamawa State ADC leadership has yet to issue an official statement, but the coalition’s activities are expected to intensify in the coming months as they work to expand their base and finalize their strategy.

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Tinubu arrives in Saint Lucia [PHOTOS]

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President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday at 5.30 p.m. local time.

This was disclosed in a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Saturday night.

He said, upon Tinubu’s arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was accorded full military honours and received by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, His Excellency Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.

According to Onanuga, the visit marks the first leg of his two-nation trip to the Caribbean and South America.

Tinubu will kick off the state visit on Sunday by paying courtesy calls on the Governor-General and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.

The President will address a special joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia on Monday.

The event will take place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.

“Guests include the Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior Saint Lucian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and the Director-General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules.

“President Tinubu will hold a high-level working luncheon with the Heads of Government of OECS after the joint session of the Parliament of Saint Lucia.

“Discussions will centre on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS, focusing on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity for shared prosperity.

“According to the President’s itinerary, he will visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to strengthen educational ties and promote academic exchange.

“President Tinubu’s visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean states, particularly within the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which recognises the African diaspora as a vital partner in the continent’s development”, the statement partly reads.

After his engagements in Saint Lucia, the President will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7, 2025.

President Tinubu would be attending the BRICS summit at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, based on Nigeria’s status as a ‘partner country’—a ‘membership category short of full membership.

The partner status is higher than that of a guest country, as has been the case in the past. South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia are African members of BRICS.

The 17th BRICS Summit will focus on “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”.

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