2027 Elections - Housing TV Africa

Tinubu Returns to Nigeria as 2027 Politics, Constitutional Dispute Intensify

Taiwo — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:43:04 +0000

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a four-week stay in Europe, with his arrival in Lagos coming amid renewed political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections and continuing debate over his prolonged absence.

Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 6:22 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, after travelling from Paris. He had left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency described as a working vacation.

APC supporters gathered at the airport to welcome the President, while senior political figures, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, were among those present.

Tinubu: ‘Healthy, Sound and Ready to Go’

Speaking after his arrival, Tinubu dismissed concerns about his health and said he was ready to resume activities in Nigeria.

Asked about his stay in Europe, the President said: “I enjoyed myself. Fantastic.”

On concerns over his health, he said: “Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong.”

“Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain, I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go,” he added.

President Set for Lagos Engagements

The Presidency said Tinubu chose to return through Lagos ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He is expected to attend the premiere of a production honouring the late MKO Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre on October 1.

The State House also said Tinubu would hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos in preparation for the 2027 elections before returning to Abuja.

During his European stay, Tinubu held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré. He also witnessed the signing of an agreement involving the Ogun State Government and DP World for a proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone.

Four-Week Absence Triggers Constitutional Debate

Tinubu’s prolonged absence generated political and legal questions, particularly over Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.

The provision states that when the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office, he is to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives. It further provides for the Vice-President to perform presidential functions as Acting President until a contrary declaration is transmitted.

Opposition figures have questioned whether the required constitutional procedure was followed during Tinubu’s extended stay abroad.

The African Action Congress has also instituted a legal challenge concerning the President’s absence and the National Assembly’s handling of the matter, according to reports.

The Presidency, however, has maintained that Tinubu remained engaged with government affairs while abroad and described the trip as a working vacation.

Jimoh Ibrahim Defends Tinubu’s Absence

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, defended Tinubu’s decision to remain in Europe during the 81st UN General Assembly.

Ibrahim argued that Tinubu’s continued engagement in official matters meant the President had not abandoned his constitutional responsibilities.

“The president hasn’t committed any offence,” Ibrahim said, describing the trip as a working leave.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the UN General Assembly, where he delivered Nigeria’s national statement and participated in high-level engagements.

Bode George Raises Opposition Concerns

Former PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George has separately argued that opposition parties need stronger coordination ahead of 2027.

George said continued division among opposition parties could provide the APC with greater political space ahead of the election.

His comments come as opposition figures continue discussions around possible alliances and platforms for the 2027 contest.

The political debate is expected to intensify as Tinubu resumes activities in Nigeria and begins his scheduled engagements ahead of the Independence anniversary and the 2027 electoral cycle.

The post Tinubu Returns to Nigeria as 2027 Politics, Constitutional Dispute Intensify appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Agada Unveils 2027 Blueprint: 8,809 Ward Housing Clusters, Jobs and Lean Government

Taiwo — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 08:36:35 +0000

… YPP presidential candidate proposes ward-based development centres, 200 housing units per ward, direct-labour construction and technology-driven settlements to tackle Nigeria’s housing and economic challenges.

By: Prince Folorunsho Adegoke, Housing TV Africa

Arc. Dr. Peter Agada, a prominent Nigerian architect, acoustic engineering specialist and presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) ahead of the 2027 general elections, has unveiled an ambitious development blueprint centred on decentralised economic activity, affordable housing, direct-labour construction and a leaner cost of governance.

Agada said his vision is to transform Nigeria into a “project site” by taking government intervention directly to communities and linking housing delivery with employment, agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises, energy, healthcare and infrastructure.

He revealed this during an interview with the Housing Development Programme on News Central TV and Housing TV Africa, where he outlined his proposals for addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, unemployment, cost-of-living pressures, rural-urban migration and what he described as the disconnect between macroeconomic indicators and the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

According to Agada, his approach is built around what he calls “LabourDirect”, a model that seeks to reduce construction and project-delivery costs by changing the way government contracts and development projects are executed.

8,809 wards as centres of development

At the heart of Agada’s proposed economic and housing strategy is a ward-by-ward development model.

He said his team has been developing a plan based on the comparative advantages of Nigeria’s wards, with each ward expected to have a development master plan based on its agricultural, mineral, industrial or other economic potential.

Under the proposal, 50 hectares of land would be identified, digitised, titled and developed in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.

Agada said the land would accommodate SME clusters, processing facilities, agricultural activities, housing, schools, healthcare facilities and other supporting infrastructure.

He described the proposed development centres as technology parks or clusters designed to create local economic activity rather than concentrating opportunities in major cities.

For example, he said a ward known for tomatoes and onions could have its development structured around food production and processing, while another area with deposits or skills suited to ceramics could be developed around that comparative advantage.

200 housing units in every ward

Housing is a central component of the proposed ward development model.

Agada said each 50-hectare development would include about 200 housing units for people working in the agricultural and SME clusters.

He argued that housing should not be treated separately from employment and economic development.

According to him, workers should be able to live close to their places of employment, reducing transportation costs while giving families access to basic services.

“By putting 200 units of houses there, we’ve solved housing problem,”

Agada said, arguing that decent housing combined with employment, electricity, healthcare and schools would create viable communities outside major urban centres.

He said the proposal would also include approximately one megawatt of solar power for each ward-based development, with solar panels incorporated into roofing systems.

The proposed settlements, he said, would include schools, hospitals and other community infrastructure, creating what he described as self-sustaining communities.

Housing affordability through new construction technologies

The YPP candidate also proposed the wider adoption of alternative construction methods and materials as part of his strategy to reduce the cost of housing.

Drawing from his experience as an architect and developer, Agada said conventional construction methods can make housing unnecessarily expensive because of the cost of materials and skilled artisans.

He cited soil stabilisation, alternative wall panels and container-based construction among the approaches that could be explored to reduce costs while maintaining acceptable standards.

He also described how he personally reduced construction costs when he built a two-bedroom house for his family earlier in his career, saying he used cost-saving construction techniques, moulded blocks on site and modified elements of the building design.

Agada argued that affordability should not automatically mean poor-quality housing.

Instead, he said architects and developers should take advantage of new technologies and locally appropriate construction methods to produce attractive, functional and affordable homes.

A different approach to mass housing

Agada also criticised what he described as the conventional approach to mass housing, where identical buildings are repeatedly constructed across large tracts of land.

He advocated for greater architectural variety and the use of existing landscapes in housing development.

He cited examples from countries such as South Africa and Kenya, arguing that affordable housing could incorporate different building forms, landscaping, solar energy and locally appropriate designs.

As an architect, Agada said he would personally be involved in the design and development of the proposed housing communities.

Jobs tied directly to housing and local production

Beyond the houses themselves, Agada said the ward development strategy is intended to create jobs at the grassroots.

He estimated that each development centre could create approximately 350 direct jobs in its initial phase, with additional employment generated through transportation, logistics, security, agriculture, healthcare, engineering, construction and SME activities.

He said the strategy is intended to reverse rural-urban migration by creating economic opportunities closer to where Nigerians live.

His stated objective is to encourage people who have migrated to cities because of the lack of jobs to return to their local government areas and wards where they can find employment and housing.

He also linked the strategy to reversing the migration of Nigerians abroad, using the phrase “Japa to Japada” to describe his proposed shift from outward migration to return and local economic opportunity.

Minimum wage and purchasing power

On affordability, Agada said his administration would seek to raise the minimum wage to between N120,000 and N150,000 or more, depending on the savings he says could be achieved through a leaner government and changes to public procurement.

He argued that the existing income levels of many Nigerian workers are incompatible with the current prices of food, transportation, fuel and other basic necessities.

His broader argument is that housing affordability cannot be solved solely by building cheaper houses.

According to him, Nigerians must also have sufficient incomes and employment opportunities to afford housing and sustain their households.

LabourDirect and the cost of construction

A major component of Agada’s proposal is his plan to reduce the cost of government projects through what he calls direct labour.

He argued that conventional contracting can significantly inflate project costs through layers of contracting and procurement.

Under his proposed model, government would provide the project design and bill of quantities while communities and other stakeholders could participate more directly in sourcing materials and supplying labour, with professionals retained for supervision.

He claimed that this model could substantially reduce construction costs and cited projects he said his company had executed as examples of what could be achieved.

Agada said his approach would also create opportunities for local workers, particularly young people, to participate in major infrastructure and construction projects.

A proposed Labour Direct Commission

To institutionalise the model, Agada proposed establishing a Nigerian Labour Direct Commission or Institute to oversee savings generated from his proposed procurement and governance reforms.

He said the proposed structure would operate through a system that includes national oversight while giving communities a direct role in determining their development priorities.

At the ward level, he proposed a 13-member committee comprising representatives of youths, women, traditional or community leadership and political interests.

The committee, according to him, would identify and prioritise the most pressing needs of the community.

Examples could include repairing a transformer, rehabilitating a school roof, fixing a road or restoring a failed water facility.

The identified priorities would then be submitted to the proposed Labour Direct Commission for implementation.

Cutting the cost of governance

Agada also placed significant emphasis on reducing government expenditure.

He said a YPP administration under his leadership would operate what he described as a “lean government”, arguing that savings from governance and public procurement could be redirected towards development.

He said he would not live in the presidential villa because of its perceived maintenance costs and would reduce spending on official convoys, aircraft and other government expenses.

He also proposed reviewing ministries and agencies with overlapping responsibilities as part of an effort to reduce the cost of administration.

Moving development beyond Abuja and other major cities

One of the central objectives of Agada’s housing strategy is to reduce pressure on major urban centres.

He argued that cities such as Abuja are becoming increasingly expensive because too many Nigerians are forced to compete for limited housing and employment opportunities.

His proposal is therefore to create functioning economic and residential centres in communities across the country.

Agada said that if people can find jobs, housing, electricity, schools and healthcare in their local communities, fewer Nigerians would need to relocate to Abuja and other major cities.

He argued that this could eventually reduce pressure on urban housing markets and contribute to lower rents.

Why the real estate boom has not translated into affordable housing

Addressing the apparent contradiction between Nigeria’s growing real estate sector and the difficulty many Nigerians face in finding affordable housing, Agada said the problem lies partly in what he described as a weak microeconomy.

He argued that large-scale real estate developments and high-value properties do not necessarily translate into housing access for ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, expensive developments in areas such as Lagos and Abuja may demonstrate activity in the real estate market, but the critical question is how many ordinary Nigerians can actually afford the properties.

His solution is to connect real estate development directly with employment and grassroots economic activity.

He said the proposed 50-hectare ward developments would be designed specifically around the people expected to live and work there, rather than simply producing high-value properties for investors.

Accountability: 800 houses per ward in four years

Asked how Nigerians could assess his performance after four years in office, Agada offered specific physical development targets.

He said that, based on his proposed model, each ward would have 200 housing units in the first phase.

Over four years, he said that would amount to 800 housing units per ward, alongside the expansion of economic and industrial activities.

He also projected that approximately 1,400 people could be moved back to each ward over the four-year period based on the employment figures he outlined.

He said visible development in the form of electricity, industrial clusters, agro-processing and other economic activities should provide Nigerians with tangible indicators against which to assess his administration.

Turning Nigeria into a project site

At the centre of Agada’s political and development philosophy is his call to move from what he sees as a system dominated by policy discussions and financial allocations to one focused on physical implementation.

“We’re turning Nigeria into a project site,” he said during the interview, describing himself as a project-oriented architect who wants to take resources directly to communities and development sites.

For Agada, housing is therefore not an isolated sector.

His proposed housing strategy is tied to employment, food production, energy, transportation, infrastructure, security, technology and local economic development.

Whether the proposals can be financed, legislated and implemented at the scale outlined would ultimately depend on the institutional, fiscal and political framework of any future administration.

For now, the YPP presidential candidate has placed housing and grassroots development at the centre of his campaign message, presenting his proposed 8,809-ward development model as the foundation for what he describes as a more decentralised Nigerian economy.

His challenge to voters, as stated during the interview, is to measure the performance of any future administration not merely by economic statistics but by what Nigerians can physically see in their communities; homes, jobs, electricity, roads, schools, healthcare facilities and functioning local economies.

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Rising Living Costs Put Fresh Pressure on Nigerian Households

bethel innocent — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:30:50 +0000

Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on households as many Nigerians struggle to keep up with the rising cost of food, transportation and other basic necessities.

A report by Daily Trust, drawing on accounts from Nigerians and wider economic conditions, highlights the continued difficulty households face as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

For many households, income growth has failed to keep pace with the cost of everyday living. Expenses that once consumed a smaller portion of household earnings now require greater financial sacrifices, forcing families to reconsider spending on everything from food to transportation and housing.

Housing remains part of the pressure

The cost-of-living challenge is closely connected to Nigeria’s housing problem.

As rents rise in major cities, households already dealing with higher food and transportation expenses have less disposable income available for accommodation.

For tenants, the challenge can be particularly severe when rent payments require large upfront commitments. Families may therefore have to move to cheaper neighbourhoods, share accommodation or accept longer commuting distances.

The result is a broader affordability problem in which the cost of living near jobs and essential services continues to rise.

Transport costs add to household expenses

Transportation is another major component of household spending.

When residents move farther away from employment centres in search of cheaper accommodation, they can end up spending more on daily transportation.

This creates a difficult cycle. Lower rent in an outer neighbourhood may be offset by higher transport costs, longer journeys and lost time.

For policymakers, this means housing affordability cannot be considered separately from transportation and urban infrastructure.

Election year puts living standards under scrutiny

With the 2027 elections approaching, economic conditions are likely to remain an important issue for voters.

The pressure on household budgets means that discussions around economic growth will increasingly be judged against people’s everyday experiences.

For many Nigerians, economic performance is ultimately measured by whether their income can cover food, housing, transport, healthcare and education.

The challenge for policymakers is therefore to translate broader economic improvements into tangible improvements in household purchasing power.

Housing policy needs a broader approach

The continuing cost-of-living pressure also reinforces the need for a more integrated approach to housing policy.

Increasing housing supply is important, but homes need to be located where people can access jobs, transport and essential services without facing excessive additional costs.

Affordable housing developments that are poorly connected to employment centres may solve one affordability problem while creating another through higher transportation expenses.

Nigeria’s housing strategy therefore needs to consider rent, construction costs, transport, infrastructure and household income together.

As the country moves toward the 2027 elections, the question will not simply be whether economic indicators are improving. For ordinary households, the more important question is whether those improvements are actually making everyday life more affordable.

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Pension Reform Stalls in Nigerian States as 2027 Elections Take Priority Over CPS Implementation

housingtv — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:49:12 +0000

The implementation of pension reforms across Nigerian states suffered a significant setback in the fourth quarter of 2025 as political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections increasingly overshadow governance priorities.

Latest data from the National Pension Commission (PenCom) shows that efforts to expand the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) at the subnational level recorded no measurable progress during the quarter, despite ongoing engagement with state governments.

The development highlights a widening gap between pension reform commitments and actual implementation, as many states redirect attention toward political realignments, succession battles, and election preparations.

Only 8 States Fully Compliant With CPS

According to PenCom’s Q4 2025 industry report, only eight of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are fully compliant with the Contributory Pension Scheme framework established under the Pension Reform Act.

This figure remained unchanged throughout the quarter, indicating a complete halt in momentum for expanding pension coverage across the country.

Industry observers say this stagnation comes at a critical time, as Nigeria’s pension assets have surpassed N30 trillion, making the sector one of the country’s most important sources of long-term domestic capital.

PenCom Raises Concern Over Implementation Gap

PenCom Director-General, Omolola Oloworaran, told state heads of service that workers’ retirement security is at risk not because of a lack of laws, but due to weak implementation.

She described pension reform as a legal and constitutional obligation, citing Section 210 of the 1999 Constitution.

“The challenge is no longer the enactment of laws. The challenge is the discipline of execution, regular remittance of contributions, funding of accrued rights, and establishment of functional institutions,” she said.

17 States Stuck in “Legislation Without Action”

The report shows that 17 states have enacted pension reform laws but have failed to fully implement the CPS.

This means that while legal frameworks exist, many public sector workers in these states remain outside the protection of a fully functional contributory pension system.

PenCom described these states as key priorities for future compliance efforts.

“The law exists. What is missing is operational follow-through,” the commission noted.

Politics Slowing Reform Momentum

Observers warn that increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections is slowing reform momentum across states.

Governors are increasingly focused on succession planning, coalition building, and party negotiations—activities that are now dominating state policy agendas.

Pension experts argue that this shift reflects a broader tension between short-term political interests and long-term governance obligations.

The Contributory Pension Scheme requires steady employer contributions, transparent remittance systems, and settlement of accrued liabilities—steps that demand fiscal discipline often avoided for political reasons.

Workers Still Exposed to Pension Uncertainty

The delay in implementation has left many state workers vulnerable, especially in states still operating under the outdated Defined Benefits Scheme.

Takor, a lawyer and executive director of the Centre for Pension Right Advocacy, called for stronger action from civil society and labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

He urged them to mobilise workers in defence of pension rights and resist practices that undermine retirement security.

States With Progress and Exceptions

Despite widespread stagnation, a few states have made notable progress.

Kaduna State has reportedly settled about N11 billion in outstanding pension obligations, with plans to clear the remaining N14 billion within two years, according to Governor Uba Sani.

Edo State also hosted a State Consultative Forum aimed at strengthening pension administration and improving compliance.

However, overall national progress remains limited.

Kano Faces Regulatory Challenges

PenCom raised concerns about Kano State, which, despite progress in legislation, still operates outside the regulatory framework.

Pension funds in the state are reportedly held in commercial banks rather than being managed by licensed Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), contrary to regulatory requirements.

The commission says Kano will require targeted intervention to fully integrate into the national pension system.

Jigawa Remains a Model

Jigawa State remains one of the few states fully aligned with pension reform objectives, operating a contributory defined benefits structure that meets CPS standards.

Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

PenCom is expected to convene a States Compliance Roundtable in early 2026 to accelerate CPS adoption and improve remittance systems.

However, stakeholders say success will depend on political will at the state level, especially as election activities intensify.

With pension funds increasingly used to finance infrastructure and capital market investments, broader CPS adoption could strengthen both retirement security and Nigeria’s long-term financial stability.

As 2027 approaches, the key question remains whether state governments will prioritise pension reform or continue to allow political considerations to delay long-term social protection reforms.

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Gawuna Dumps APC Amid Growing Political Realignments in Kano

housingtv — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:10:59 +0000

Former Kano State governorship candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a fresh wave of political realignments in the state.

In a resignation letter dated March 29, 2026, and addressed to the APC chairman of Gawuna Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area, Gawuna described his decision as “voluntary and personal.”

“I hereby formally resign my membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective March 29, 2026,” the letter read.

Gawuna, who served as Deputy Governor of Kano State and flew the APC flag in the 2023 governorship election, expressed appreciation to the party for the opportunities given to him during his time as a member. However, he did not disclose his next political move.

Political Tensions Rise in Kano

His resignation comes at a time of shifting alliances within Kano’s political landscape, as key actors begin to reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources familiar with the development revealed that Gawuna is expected to meet with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his residence, further fueling speculation about a possible defection or new political alignment.

Observers say the move could reshape the balance of power in Kano politics, especially given Gawuna’s influence and political structure in the state.

What This Means

Gawuna’s exit underscores the intensifying political maneuvering ahead of 2027, with parties and key figures strategising for control in one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states.

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Gawuna Resigns as FMBN Governing Board Chairman

housingtv — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 05:03:00 +0000

Former Kano State Deputy Governor, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has resigned as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

Gawuna, who was also the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections, confirmed his resignation in a letter dated March 27, 2026, stating that it takes immediate effect.

He explained that the decision aligns with a directive issued by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, mandating political appointees with electoral ambitions to step down ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In his resignation letter, Gawuna said the move was in strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the President’s directive.

He expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve in various capacities, including his role at the mortgage bank and previous public appointments, describing his tenure as a privilege to contribute to national development.

Gawuna also assured that he would ensure a smooth transition process by handing over responsibilities in line with established procedures.

His resignation comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with indications that he may be preparing to pursue another electoral position in Kano State.

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Reps Propose N10m Fine, Two-Year Jail Term for Dual Political Party Membership

housingtv — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:17:26 +0000

Nigeria’s has approved a fresh amendment to the , proposing strict penalties for individuals who belong to more than one political party at the same time.

The amendment, which was passed during plenary in Abuja, introduces new provisions to Section 77 of the Electoral Act aimed at addressing the issue of dual political party membership ahead of the .

N10 Million Fine and Possible Jail Term

Under the proposed legislation, any individual found guilty of registering or maintaining membership in two political parties simultaneously will face a ₦10 million fine, a maximum two-year imprisonment, or both.

The bill also states that anyone found to have dual party membership will automatically lose recognition as a valid member of both parties until the situation is regularised in line with the provisions of the law and the constitution of the political party involved.

The amendment was sponsored by the House Leader, .

According to the proposal:
“A person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time.”

It further adds that any individual who knowingly maintains membership in multiple parties commits an offence punishable by law.

Lawmakers Divided Over Proposal

The proposal sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers during deliberations.

Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, , supported the bill, arguing that it would prevent political manipulation and ensure transparency in party membership.

However, Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, , expressed concerns that the amendment could conflict with Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to freedom of association.

Fulata argued that preventing individuals from associating with multiple political parties might violate constitutional provisions.

Deputy Speaker Defends Amendment

Responding to the concerns, the Deputy Speaker of the House, , who presided over the plenary, maintained that individuals should align themselves with a political party that reflects their ideological beliefs rather than registering in multiple parties.

He described dual party membership as “fraudulent misrepresentation.”

The proposed amendment is expected to move to the next legislative stage as part of broader electoral reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Senate Moves to Shift 2027 Presidential, NASS Election Date Over Ramadan, Lent

housingtv — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 14:10:08 +0000

The Senate on Tuesday initiated moves to shift the date for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections originally scheduled for February 20, 2027.

The proposed change is being considered during plenary as part of deliberations on the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, through a process of rescission and re-committal.

The motion was moved by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who drew attention to the coincidence of the planned election date with the 2027 Ramadan period.

According to him, the overlap could negatively affect voter turnout, logistics, stakeholder participation, and the overall inclusiveness of the electoral process.

“The Senate notes that the coincidence of the elections with the Ramadan period could adversely affect voters turnout, logistical coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the overall inclusiveness and credibility of the electoral process,” he said.

Bamidele also noted that the election date falls within the 2027 Christian Lenten season.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier announced February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

Further details on the proposed new date are expected as Senate deliberations continue.

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Calls Grow Within APC for Wike’s Removal from FCT Office

housingtv — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:22:42 +0000

Pressure is mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as party groups intensify calls for the removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, citing alleged anti-party conduct and actions they say undermine party cohesion and national unity.

The latest demand came from a coalition operating under the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), which accused the former Rivers State governor of conduct inconsistent with the expectations of a serving minister in an APC-led administration.

In an open letter dated January 7, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu through the party’s national leadership, the groups argued that Wike’s continued stay in the Federal Executive Council poses political and institutional risks for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The letter, jointly signed by leaders of the coalition, was unveiled during a peaceful rally at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. The groups described the protest as part of a broader mobilisation to protect party discipline and defend the principles of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the coalition, Wike has repeatedly made public statements that openly challenge the authority of the APC’s national leadership, despite not being formally registered as a member of the party. They cited remarks allegedly made by the minister during a recent visit to Rivers State, where he was accused of verbally attacking senior APC officials and issuing statements perceived as intimidating.

The groups also accused Wike of persistently working against Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, whom they described as the APC’s duly elected governor. They alleged that the minister has openly questioned the legitimacy of the governor’s emergence, publicly criticised his leadership, and suggested that his administration should be politically corrected in 2027.

According to the petitioners, such actions amount to political sabotage and weaken the APC’s strategic position in Rivers State, a key battleground in the Niger Delta region.

Beyond party politics, the coalition raised concerns over comments attributed to Wike suggesting that certain political actors would be barred from entering Rivers State. They warned that such statements could inflame political tensions and were incompatible with the authority of the federal government.

The groups further criticised what they described as a conflict of interest, alleging that the minister had publicly acknowledged influence across multiple political platforms while serving in an APC government.

They warned that failure to address the situation could deepen internal divisions within the party and create avoidable distractions for the administration at a time of economic and security challenges.

While calling for decisive action, the coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to President Tinubu, urging him to demonstrate that party discipline applies to all political appointees regardless of influence or past alliances. They also announced plans to extend their protests nationwide if their concerns are not addressed.

As of press time, neither the FCT Minister nor the Presidency had issued an official response to the allegations.

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FCT Minister’s Aide Slams Peter Obi Over Criticism of Abuja School Conditions

housingtv — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:52:11 +0000

Aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lere Olayinka, has strongly criticised comments made by former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, following his recent visit to a public primary school in the nation’s capital.

Obi, who toured LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja on Wednesday alongside African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council, Dr. Moses Paul, described the school’s condition as “a national disgrace” that “exposes Nigeria’s hollow commitment to education.” According to him, the school lacked basic amenities such as chairs and toilets, highlighting what he termed a systemic neglect of public education.

“I am shocked by what I saw,” Obi told journalists. “As governor of Anambra State, I made it a point to visit every primary and secondary school. We invested in education, and I left public funds for the state when I left office something uncommon in our political culture.”

However, in a swift response on Thursday, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, accused Obi of engaging in “baseless criticism” aimed at garnering media attention. He dismissed the former governor’s remarks as politically motivated and lacking in substance.

“Mr. Obi has turned himself into a critic of everything including the most ridiculous matters just to stay in the headlines,” Olayinka said in a statement. “The FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike has awarded 102 contracts for school renovations. Of these, 21 schools have been fully renovated, and work is ongoing in 73 others across the six Area Councils.”

Olayinka went further, alleging that Obi failed to address similar infrastructure challenges during his own tenure as governor. He questioned Obi’s track record in Anambra, accusing him of financial mismanagement and prioritising savings over investment in education and infrastructure.

“If he had indeed performed the same ‘magic’ in Anambra that he claims he can perform nationwide, the state would today be a reference point for development,” Olayinka asserted. “Instead, Anambra is still dealing with the aftermath of eight years of misgovernance.”

In a sharply worded critique, the minister’s aide also questioned Obi’s political future, referring to him as an “internally displaced politician seeking a permanent abode in the media space.” He mocked the former presidential candidate’s campaign messaging and challenged him to demonstrate tangible development results from his time in office.

“It is amusing that someone who lacks a clear political platform heading into 2027 continues to sell the idea of national transformation within four years,” Olayinka added. “What did he transform in Anambra in eight?”

As the exchange highlights growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, it also reflects broader national conversations about governance, infrastructure, and the role of opposition figures in holding administrations accountable.

Both Obi and the FCT Administration have yet to announce further steps regarding the condition of the Kapwa school, but the incident underscores the contentious and highly scrutinized landscape of public education reform in Nigeria.

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