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Vwang District Prays and Endorses Hon. Bagos for Senate, Supports Governor Mutfwang’s Second Term

The people of Vwang District held a special prayer and endorsement session for Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos and Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, reaffirming their trust and confidence in both leaders.

The District Head of Vwang, Da Gyang Gut Balak (Gwom Rwai Vwang ), and the Vwang Development Association (VDA) jointly prayed on behalf of Vwang District for Hon. Bagos’s senatorial ambition.

Clergymen led by Rev. Joshua Mandyel, Chairman RCC Turu/PCC Kuru, offered prayers and blessings for Hon. Bagos’s political journey and victory.

In his remarks, Hon. Bagos appreciated the community’s prayers and support, pledging to remain a loyal servant of the people. He also urged continuous support for Governor Mutfwang, describing him as “a true friend of Vwang District.”

The event was attended by notable dignitaries including Rt. Hon. Simon Karu, Hon. Isaac Arin, Hon. Agbalak Ibrahim, Hon. Happiness Akawu, and Hon. Asten Yusuf, numerous councilors and many other stakeholders.

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Lagos Re-arraigns Kidnapper Evans Over Police Officers’ Killing

Lagos State Government on Monday re-arraigned convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, before a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja over the murder of two police officers.

Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, were arraigned before Justice A. O. Ogala on a five-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

They both pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Evans is currently facing five different criminal cases for kidnapping and the murder of several victims and has already been convicted in two of the cases.

Details soon….!

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Nigerian Army Begins Recruitment For Regular And Short Service Intake

The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of applications for the Regular Recruit Intake (RRI) and the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Course 49/2026.

According to a statement released by the Military Secretary (Army) at the Army Headquarters, Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, the recruitment exercise aims to strengthen the Nigerian Army with competent and patriotic individuals ready to contribute to national security and development.

Applications for both the Regular Recruit Intake and the Short Service Combatant Commission are to be completed online and free of charge via the official portal https://recruitment.army.mil.ng

Applicants are to log in using a username and password, fill out the online form, submit, and print copies of the application and guarantor forms, which must be duly signed and presented at designated state recruitment centres during screening.

The online registration runs from September 29 to November 14, 2025, while shortlisted candidates will be screened in their respective states of origin between December 4 and December 17, 2025.

Basic requirements
The Army stated that applicants must be single Nigerian citizens by birth, and must possess a National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

Candidates must also be medically, physically, and psychologically fit according to Army standards, and must be free of any criminal conviction.
For academic qualifications, applicants are required to have at least four passes, including English Language, in not more than two sittings in WASSCE, GCE, NECO, NABTEB, or NBAIS.

The statement further explained that applicants for non-tradesmen/women must be between 18 and 22 years old, while tradesmen/women must not be older than 26 years by December 30, 2025.

Additionally, male candidates must not be less than 1.68 metres tall, while female candidates must be at least 1.65 metres tall.

Those applying as tradesmen/women are required to possess a Trade Test or City and Guild Certificate, with full details available on the recruitment portal.

Conditions of service and benefits
Successful candidates for the Short Service Combatant Commission will be granted a 15-year commission, 10 years active, renewable for another five years based on performance.

Those under the Regular Recruit Intake will undergo initial training at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, and may progress through the ranks based on discipline and service years.

The Nigerian Army listed several benefits of service, including:

Enhanced pay and allowances.
Opportunities for further education and training.

Welfare and insurance packages.
Pension and gratuity entitlements.
Home ownership opportunities for all soldiers.

Screening and transparency
The Army emphasized that there will be no Computer-Based Test, no zonal screening, and no special centres, as all screening activities will take place at candidates’ respective states of origin.

Applicants are advised not to pay anyone or offer gratification, as the recruitment process is entirely free and transparent.

“All candidates must present original educational certificates, NIN slip, and BVN printout during screening. Any candidate who falsifies results or documents will be withdrawn from training,” the statement warned.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact the official support lines at 07036499094 or 09041116433 between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm daily.

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Mikang Chairman, Dr. Alkali, Celebrates One Year in Office with Landmark Achievements Across Sectors

The Executive Chairman of Mikang Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Benard Soepding Alkali, FCA, has marked his first year in office, recording visible and tangible achievements across key sectors of governance.

A renowned academia, financial expert, and former Head of the Department of Accounting at the University of Jos, Dr. Alkali has brought his wealth of experience, professional discipline, and managerial expertise into governance—ensuring prudent use of resources, accountability, and impactful service delivery.

Guided by his developmental slogan, “The Future Has Come,” his administration has focused on people-oriented projects that cut across security, health, infrastructure, education, agriculture, and administration.

Security
1.Construction and fencing of the Police Outpost in Piapung District

2.Distribution of 30 motorcycles to all security outlets within the council

Health
1.Construction of modern clinics in Shamang, Keotes, Kongyil, and Pal

2.Fencing of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Lifidi

3.Execution of a free medical outreach across the four districts of the local government

  1. Completion of Doctor’s quarters, Lifidi

Infrastructure
1.Construction of five box culverts within Piapung District

2.Installation of 150 solar-powered streetlights within the council headquarters, Tunkus

3.Remodeling and furnishing of the old Council Secretariat Complex to a modern standard with 24-hour solar power supply

4.Remodeling and furnishing of the Legislative Chambers to a modern standard with 24-hrs solar power supply

5.Remodeling and furnishing of all departmental buildings within the Council Secretariat

6.Refencing of the Council Secretariat

7.Furnishing of Kangmi Resorts and commencement of its operations

8.Drilling of 20 new boreholes across the four districts of the local government

9.Rehabilitation and fixing of over 100 non-functional boreholes across various communities

Agriculture
1.Procurement of 40 trucks of fertilizer for farmers at subsidized rates

2.Free distribution of 4 trucks of fertilizer to farmers in conjunction with the Plateau State Government

3.Distribution of thousands of bags of grains to less privileged persons across the 18 electoral wards

Education
1.Renovation of a two-classroom block at LEA Lalin

2.Construction of a three-classroom block at LEA Longkrom, Garkawa District

3.Sponsorship of 100 Mikang students at Usweller College of Education, Shendam

4.Scholarship to Mikang indigenes studying professional courses such as ANAN, ICAN, and Law

5.Free JAMB registration for 800 candidates

6.Registration of NANTEB for 108 candidates

7.Scholarship support to students in higher institutions

Administration and Staff Welfare
1.Procurement of five official cars for principal officers of the council

2.Procurement of ten computers for staff training and capacity development

3.Payment of compensation to property owners at Zamwai-Puken of Montol District, and successful recovery of the land to Mikang Local Government

The Chairman, who is currently in Abuja for a one-week workshop, is expected to commission all completed projects across districts in the coming weeks as part of activities marking his first anniversary in office.

As his administration enters its second phase, Dr. Alkali has reiterated his commitment to consolidating on the gains recorded so far and extending development to the nooks and crannies of Mikang, in line with the needs assessment report received from the 18 electoral wards.

In just one year, Dr. Alkali has proven to be a model of excellence in leadership, blending academic intellect, financial prudence, and administrative acumen to deliver purposeful governance. His tenure has redefined local administration through accountability, transparency, and measurable results.

Indeed, for Mikang and its people, The Future Has Come.

Nkat Joseph Lakai
Head of Media and Publicity to the
Executive Chairman
Mikang Local Government Council
October 10, 2025

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Council of State Approves Prof. Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The appointment follows the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025. The announcement was made in a statement released on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to the statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Professor Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, which became open after Yakubu’s tenure ended.

Professor Amupitan, currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and an accomplished academic with over three decades of experience in law and public service. His nomination is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the credibility and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of future elections.

The Council’s approval marks a significant transition in the leadership of the electoral body, signaling the beginning of a new era for the commission under Professor Amupitan’s stewardship.

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Police Arrest Killers Of Arise TV Broadcaster In Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 12 notorious armed robbers believed to be responsible for the brutal killing of an Arise TV staff, Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami, during a robbery incident at Unique Apartment, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja.

The arrest followed directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to security agencies to fish out the killers.

According to Zagazola Makama, the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Scorpion Squad led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey, were tracked through actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence, following a directive by the Commissioner of Police, FCT, to fish out the culprits.

The robbery occurred on Sept. 29, 2025, at about 3:30 a.m., during which the victims were murdered in cold blood.

The arrested suspects include: Shamsudeen Hassan, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State;
Hassan Isah, 22, from Zaria, Kaduna State;
Abubakar Alkamu (a.k.a. Abba), 27, from Musawa LGA, Katsina State; Sani Sirajo (a.k.a. Dan Borume), 20, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State; Mashkur Jamili (a.k.a. Abba), 28, from Igabi LGA, Kaduna State; Suleiman Badamasi (a.k.a. Dan-Sule), 21, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State; Abdulsalam Saleh (a.k.a. Na-Durudu), from Katsina LGA, Katsina State;
Zaharadeen Muhammad (a.k.a. Gwaska), 23, from Chikun LGA, Kaduna State; Musa Adamu (a.k.a. Musa Hassan), 30, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State; Sumayya Mohammed (a.k.a. Baby), 27, from Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State;
Isah Abdulrahman (a.k.a. Abbati), 25, from Zaria LGA, Kaduna State; and Musa Umar (a.k.a. Small), 31, from Maiduguri LGA, Borno State.

Police sources said four of the suspects Shamsudeen, Hassan, Alkamu and Sirajo were initially apprehended shortly after the robbery and confessed to their involvement.

During interrogation, Shamsudeen admitted shooting the security guard, Barnabas Danlami, when he tried to stop them from entering the premises, while Sirajo confessed that he tried to hold Maduagwu as she fell from the third floor but was overwhelmed by her weight.

Shamsudeen further confessed that he drove away the victims’ white Honda CR-V after the operation. The suspects revealed that they each received ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the crime.

Recovered exhibits from the gang include:one fabricated AK-47 rifle, 36 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one locally-made pistol, one pump-action gun, two live cartridges, four mobile phones, two sharp knives, one cutlass, and nine torchlights used during the operation.

The police said further arrests were made on Oct. 8, when operatives acting on intelligence intercepted three of the gang members including Musa Umar and Hassan Isah while on their way to another planned armed robbery operation in Maitama.

All the suspects are in custody and have reportedly confessed to the crimes.

Sources said that Commissioner of Police commended the Scorpion Squad for their swift action and assured residents that the command would sustain its aggressive operations to rid the FCT of violent criminals.

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Langtang North and South Needs a Breath of Fresh Air — Why Dr. Jemchang Fabong Represents the Change We Deserve

By Nankpak Cirfat

Politics, they say, is local. But for too long in Langtang North and South Federal Constituency, our politics has been stuck in the same old routines, the same familiar faces, the same recycled promises, and the same outcomes that leave the people behind.

Each election season brings renewed hope, yet after the ballots are counted, that hope often fades into frustration. Our young people still wander the streets without jobs, our health system remains in comatous, and our infrastructures continue to tell the story of neglect. The truth is simple: we need a new direction. We need a breath of fresh air. With Dr. Jemchang Yildam Fabong, a name that has become synonymous with leadership, competence, and compassion.

Dr. Fabong is not your typical politician. He’s a medical doctor, a policy expert, and a visionary administrator who has shown that governance can truly work when driven by purpose and sincerity.

As the then Director-General of the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA), he turned a new agency into one of Plateau State’s most efficient public institutions. In just under three years, over 87,000 residents, including civil servants, market women, artisans, and students were enrolled in health insurance programs.

Through the Equity Health Plan, he ensured that even the most vulnerable citizens, those who could barely afford a hospital visit, had access to medical care without paying from their pockets. He didn’t stop there. Recognizing the struggles of young people in higher institutions, Dr. Fabong pioneered the Student Health Insurance Programme, helping students access affordable healthcare coverage across Plateau State.

In a system where many leaders only talk, he delivered measurable results. That’s not politics, that’s leadership.

Before his public service career, Dr. Fabong was already a household name among young people in Plateau State. As the Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, he led from the front, advocating for peace, unity, and inclusion. At a time when youth engagement in governance was fading, he revived the spirit of participation and mentorship.

He didn’t rise through godfatherism or patronage. He rose through service, ideas, and community credibility. Today, when people speak of leaders who listen who truly understand the struggles of their people his name consistently comes up.

Dr. Fabong’s story is one of grit, grace, and grounded leadership as with ordinary people who simply want someone who cares.

Let’s be honest: representation in our constituency has fallen short of expectations. We deserve leaders who don’t vanish after elections, leaders who can translate influence into impact. For years, Langtang North and South has produced strong voices in national politics, but the question remains: how much of that influence has truly improved the lives of our people? And that is why it is time to rethink what leadership means. It should no longer be about who has been there the longest, but who can deliver the most. It should no longer be about connections in Abuja, but about impact in Kwampe, Bapkwai, Sabongida, and Gani.

In all sincerity, Dr. Jemchang Fabong represents a paradigm shift, from politics of entitlement to politics of performance.

As the race for who will represent Langtang North and South at the National Assembly will soon begin, Dr. Fabong is bringing a refreshing tone. His movement isn’t about trading insults or spreading division. It’s about ideas, integrity, and inclusion.

He envisions a constituency where federal representation translates to real development, where our infrastructures are fixed, our schools funded, and our youths empowered. It is in my hopes that his legislative agenda will focus on healthcare reforms, education access, youth development, and economic inclusion, the very areas he has already impacted as a public servant.

And as a data-driven leader, for me he understands that accountability begins with transparency. It’s no wonder that even outside government, he has championed evidence-based leadership and open governance.

Of course, unseating an incumbent in Nigerian politics is no small task. The sitting member has held the position and will undoubtedly leverage his influence. But politics is not just about incumbency; it’s about performance and trust.

Across Langtang North and South, the conversation is changing. From Mabudi to Jos Road, from Kuffen to Gani, people are beginning to say: we want something new in itarok. There’s a quiet but powerful movement, a desire for representation that is both youthful and competent.

Fellow constituents of Langtang North and South, We can either continue with business as usual or choose a new path of innovation and service. The 2027 elections will test whether we, as a people, are ready to move from politics of promises to politics of progress and real legislative agenda, anchored on capacity, character, and competence.

Dr. Jemchang Yildam Fabong has served Plateau State with excellence. He has led young people with courage. And now, without an iota of doubt he is ready to serve Langtang North and South with integrity.

Our constituency doesn’t just need a politician, it needs a patriot, a breath of fresh air. Nga pyal na byet.

Nankpak Cirfat is a communications and governance professional, advocate for youth participation, social accountability, and good governance. He writes from Abuja, Nigeria.

LangtangDecides #FreshAirForLangtang #JemchangFabong #PlateauPolitics #GoodGovernance #YouthInLeadership #APCPrimaries #LangtangNorthSouth

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Minister Geoffrey Nnaji Resigns Amid Certificate Forgery Scandal

Abuja, Nigeria – October 7, 2025:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following mounting allegations of certificate forgery tied to his academic records at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the President accepted Nnaji’s resignation “with immediate effect.”

“President Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji following certain allegations against him. The President thanks him for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” Onanuga said in a post on X.

In his resignation letter, Nnaji thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and claimed that he had become a target of blackmail from political opponents.
He was appointed as Minister in August 2023 and had been overseeing innovation and technology development before the controversy emerged.

The scandal erupted after investigative reports revealed inconsistencies in Nnaji’s academic records.
Documents obtained by Premium Times and Vanguard indicated that while Nnaji claimed to have graduated from UNN in July 1985, university records show he was asked to re-sit certain courses, including MCB 431AB (Virology), which he allegedly failed.

A letter dated November 8, 1985, from the UNN Registrar reportedly stated that Nnaji had not fulfilled all graduation requirements.
UNN has since clarified that it has no record of issuing Nnaji any degree certificate, contradicting his earlier claims.

The Minister, in response, accused the institution of withholding his transcript for political reasons and has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025) seeking an order to compel UNN to release his academic records. The case is scheduled for hearing on November 10, 2025.

Opposition parties, led by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have called for a full-scale review of academic qualifications of all current cabinet members, citing the scandal as evidence of weak vetting in government appointments.

Civil society organizations have also urged anti-corruption agencies to investigate the forgery allegations to their logical conclusion, insisting that resignation alone does not clear the minister of wrongdoing.

While confirming the resignation, the Presidency said it would not comment further until the court delivers its verdict.

Meanwhile, sources indicate that President Tinubu is expected to announce a replacement for the ministry in the coming days.

Geoffrey Nnaji, a former Enugu State Commissioner and longtime public servant, joined the Tinubu administration with a promise to boost Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. His sudden exit marks the first ministerial resignation in the current cabinet linked to an integrity-related controversy.

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Yakubu Concludes Tenure, Hands Over to Agbamuche-Mbu as INEC’s Acting Chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) witnessed a significant, pre-planned leadership transition on Wednesday as Professor Mahmud Yakubu formally concluded his ten-year tenure, handing over administrative responsibilities to National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve in an acting capacity.

The procedural handover was conducted during the third regular quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja. Prof. Yakubu informed the gathering that, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), he had commenced his pre-retirement leave.

“Having been privileged to serve the Commission for 10 years, with only a few more weeks to serve, I have taken a decision and commenced the same as provided by Section 306, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Constitution,” Prof. Yakubu stated. He explained that the move was to ensure a seamless transition, affording the appointing authorities adequate time to select a new substantive Chairman.

Following consultation with fellow National Commissioners, he announced that Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu would assume leadership as Acting Chairman. He expressed confidence in her ability to steward the Commission, noting she would “quickly settle down to the task of conducting elections and electoral activities in Africa’s most democratically and logistically complex environment.”

Prof. Yakubu’s decade at the helm, beginning in 2015, was a period of substantial modernisation for INEC. His farewell address served as a comprehensive account of the Commission’s evolution, highlighting the consolidation of a biometric register of voters and the widespread digitisation of processes, from candidate nomination and accreditation of observers to the management of results.

To document this era, he presented two publications: Election Management in Nigeria 2015 to 2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015 to 2025, which have been uploaded to the INEC website for public access.

Looking ahead, he outlined a critical roadmap for the Commission, which includes the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), where 6.8 million Nigerians have begun online pre-registration and 1.2 million have completed in-person registration. Other immediate tasks involve cleaning up the voters’ register, reviewing polling unit locations, and preparing for a series of off-cycle elections in Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, and the Federal Capital Territory.

In her acceptance remarks, the new Acting Chairman, Barr. Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, expressed humility and honour at the appointment. She paid tribute to Prof. Yakubu’s significant contributions and assured the commission of continuity.

“We assure you that the commission will do our very best to maintain and uphold the standards you have set. We will continue from where you stopped,” Agbamuche-Mbu stated. She pledged to “uphold the integrity of the commission and work with utmost professionalism, dedication, and in unity” with commissioners, directors, staff, and stakeholders.

The formal handover prompted a deeply emotional response from the Commission’s Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony. Visibly moved, she struggled to articulate her feelings, repeatedly stating, “I stand before you today and feel with emotion… I want to say thank you to the chairman for what he has done.” Her brief but powerful remarks laid bare the profound respect and camaraderie that defined the working environment under Prof. Yakubu’s leadership.

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Yakubu Hands Over As INEC Gets Acting Chairman

The leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has changed hands as Professor Mahmood Yakubu officially handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, who has been appointed Acting National Chairman of the commission.

Agbamuche-Mbu, the longest-serving National Commissioner at INEC, assumed her new role on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

She currently chairs INEC’s Legal Services, Clearance, and Complaints Committee (LSCCC), a key portfolio responsible for overseeing legal compliance and candidate screening.

Professor Yakubu, whose second and final five-year term is due to expire in November 2025, stated that the handover aligns with constitutional provisions guiding tenure limits for public officeholders. He urged commissioners, directors, and all INEC staff to extend their full cooperation and support to Agbamuche-Mbu as she leads the commission pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

In his farewell address, Yakubu expressed gratitude to INEC staff, Resident Electoral Commissioners, and other stakeholders for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Nigeria’s democratic process during his tenure. He described his time at the commission as both “challenging and rewarding,” noting that the conduct of elections in Nigeria had seen steady improvements in transparency, technology adoption, and voter engagement.

“I am deeply grateful to my colleagues and the entire INEC family for their unwavering support. The progress we achieved was made possible through teamwork, resilience, and our shared belief in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.

Yakubu’s tenure as INEC Chairman began in November 2015 following his appointment by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. He was reappointed for a second term in 2020, making him the first chairman in Nigeria’s electoral history to serve two full terms in office. Under his leadership, INEC oversaw two general elections, in 2019 and 2023 as well as several off-cycle and by-elections across the country.

Agbamuche-Mbu’s appointment comes at a crucial period as preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and continuous voter registration exercises intensify. Her experience within the commission, particularly in legal and administrative oversight, is expected to ensure continuity and stability during the transition phase.

INEC is also expected to maintain focus on post-election reforms, electoral technology upgrades, and stakeholder engagement under her leadership.

Professor Yakubu’s departure marks the end of a decade-long leadership at the helm of Nigeria’s electoral body; one characterized by significant electoral reforms and efforts to build public trust in the nation’s voting process.