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Road To 2027: Tinubu To Pick New INEC Chair This Week

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President Bola Tinubu is expected to appoint a new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) this week following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu in an acting capacity on Tuesday.

Yakubu stepped aside in line with constitutional provisions, proceeding on terminal leave after almost 10 years at the helm of the electoral body. He explained during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja that his decision was guided by Section 306, subsections 1 and 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The former INEC chairman, who was first appointed in 2015 and reappointed for a second term in 2020, noted that his departure was coming only weeks before the formal expiration of his tenure. He said the handover to Agbamuche-Mbu was to allow adequate time for the appointing authorities to select a substantive successor who would quickly settle into preparations for upcoming polls, including the 2027 general elections.

Yakubu, in his farewell remarks, reflected on the challenges and milestones of his leadership. He highlighted that since 2015, he had worked with 24 national commissioners, 67 resident electoral commissioners, and thousands of staff members nationwide. According to him, election management in Nigeria requires enormous dedication, given the demographic size and logistical complexity of the country.

He expressed gratitude to colleagues, stakeholders, civil society organisations, development partners, and Nigerians who contributed to the strengthening of electoral processes during his time in office. Yakubu also commended members of the National Youth Service Corps, describing them as “among the most educated and most patriotic and also most knowledgeable election officials I have worked with.”

As part of his exit, the outgoing chairman unveiled two publications: Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025. He said these documents captured the progress and innovations made under his leadership, including the consolidation of the biometric voters’ register, adoption of digital platforms for election operations, and enhanced systems for party finance monitoring and election monitoring.

Yakubu further reviewed the Commission’s preparations for several elections ahead of 2027. These include the Anambra governorship election scheduled for next month, the Federal Capital Territory Area Council election in February 2026, the Ekiti State governorship election in June 2026, and the Osun governorship election in August 2026. He also noted that INEC was awaiting the passage of a new Electoral Act to strengthen the framework for future polls.

“Over the years, we achieved a lot in responding to challenges and introducing many innovations. Indeed, we have made tremendous progress, but a lot more needs to be done,” he remarked.

Yakubu concluded by offering prayers for Nigeria’s democracy and officially signed over his duties to Agbamuche-Mbu. He then took his exit, marking the end of his decade-long tenure as INEC chairman.

BIG STORY

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Celebrates Akarigbo at 63, Commends Monarch’s Exemplary Leadership

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Aare Adetola Emmanuelking has joined well-wishers across Remoland and beyond to celebrate the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, as he marks his 63rd birthday.

The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group and Otun Akile of Remoland delivered a heartfelt tribute to the revered monarch in honour of the milestone.

In his message, Aare Emmanuelking described the Akarigbo as a ruler whose life radiates uncommon wisdom, authenticity, and grace. He noted that under Oba Ajayi’s steady and visionary leadership, the Remo Kingdom has continued to flourish, earning him the admiration of his people and respect across Yoruba land. He praised the monarch’s intellectual brilliance, humility, and deep compassion, qualities he described as central to the Akarigbo’s enduring impact.

“Your Majesty’s wisdom illuminates minds, your presence uplifts hearts, and your life exemplifies the harmony of intellect, humility, and grace,” Aare Emmanuelking stated.

He further highlighted that Akarigbo’s reign has been one of dignity, intention, and positive transformation. According to him, it is the character of the man behind the crown that truly endears Oba Ajayi to the people, noting that his counsel often “creates ripples of influence far beyond the palace walls.”

As Kabiyesi marks his 63rd year, Aare Emmanuelking offered prayers for continued good health, peace, joy, and divine wisdom, expressing confidence that the monarch’s legacy of service and enlightenment will continue to guide future generations. Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, who ascended the throne in 2017, is widely regarded as a progressive and community-focused leader, one whose modern, people-centric approach has strengthened unity and development across Remoland.

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BIG STORY

We Will Get It Right With Security —- Obasa

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Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa has affirmed that with the support of all Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would get it right with his concerted reengineering of the nation’s security architecture.

Speaking at the APC Stakeholders and Progressives Governors Forum meeting held Saturday, December 6, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Obasa said he did not doubt that President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC-led federal government, would do all that they can to ensure that they secure the life and property of every Nigerian.

According to Obasa, “We have seen the president in action and how he is innovating and working hard to resolve our many challenges, especially insecurity, and we believe he will get it done. He’s still the man who can do it. That is why we must do everything within our powers to ensure that he is returned in 2027.”

Speaker Obasa teed off with robust commendations for the governors for their shared dedication and commitment to helping President Tinubu resolve Nigeria’s insecurity problem.

He urged them to galvanise their people when they return to their various states to be a part of the solution to Nigeria’s security challenge, and not stay aloof.

Speaker Obasa added that security is not just about the governors, “It is about everybody. We must all be involved in fighting this problem. We must give the President all the support that we can so that he will succeed in his attempts to redirect the trajectory of Nigeria.”

The PGF had converged on Lagos between December 5 and 6 for a meeting convened by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, and hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

In a communique read by Governor Uzodinma, the governors passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu’s administration, and pledged support for his Renewed Hope Agenda and re-election in 2027.

The Forum, according to Governor Uzodinma, reviewed the security situation across the country and expressed appreciation for the improved coordination between federal, state, and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers. They also resolved to strengthen local security architecture in all the states.

Governor Uzodinma said that their two-day engagement provided an opportunity to review the nation’s current trajectory, deepen coordination among the governors, and reaffirm their firm support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. “The PGF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to stabilizing the economy, strengthening national security, and laying the foundations of sustainable growth through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

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BIG STORY

Nigerian Army Suspends Officer Retirements Amid National Security Emergency

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The Nigerian Army has suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for certain categories of officers following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.

An internal memo dated December 3, signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, and sighted by our correspondent, stated that the suspension of retirements is aimed at retaining manpower, experience, and operational capacity as the Armed Forces expand in response to rising insecurity.

The document, referencing the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, noted that although officers are ordinarily expected to retire upon reaching their age limit, completing 35 years of service, or after repeated promotion or conversion failures, service extension is permissible under Paragraph 3.10(e) in the interest of the military.

The memo partly read: “Military service of a commissioned officer entails a period of unbroken service in the AFN from the date of enlistment or commissioning to the date of retirement. The period of service is determined by conditions enshrined in the HTACOS Officers 2024. These include attainment of age ceilings on various ranks, a maximum length of service of 35 years, and other criteria provided in Paragraphs 11.02(d) and 17.15, among extant regulations.

“Notwithstanding these provisions, Chapter 3.10(e) of HTACOS Officers 2024 allows for the extension of service to officers in the interest of the service.

“The President and Commander-in-Chief declared a nationwide security emergency on November 26, mandating the expansion of the AFN and other security agencies. In line with this, and to rapidly expand manpower, it has become expedient to temporarily suspend all statutory and voluntary retirements from the Nigerian Army with immediate effect.”

According to the circular, the temporary suspension applies to officers who fall into the following categories: officers who failed promotion examinations three times; officers passed over three times at promotion boards; officers who have reached the age ceiling for their ranks; officers who failed conversion boards three times; and officers who have attained 35 years of service.

“Officers in these categories who are not interested in an extension of service are to continue with the normal retirement procedure. Officers desirous of extension should note that upon extension, they are not eligible for career progression, including promotion, career courses, NA sponsorship, self-sponsored courses, secondment, or extra-regimental appointments,” the memo stated.

It directed all commanders to disseminate the directive and manage morale, adding that the policy would be reviewed as the security situation improves.

President Bola Tinubu, on November 26, 2025, declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the military, police, and intelligence agencies to expand recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel.

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