The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has confirmed that his tenure as the head of Nigeria’s electoral body will come to an end later this year.

Yakubu made the announcement while addressing his colleagues at the Extraordinary General Assembly of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) in Banjul, The Gambia, on Thursday.

He stated that this would be his final appearance at an ECONEC meeting as Nigeria’s electoral body chairman, signalling the end of his second and final term.

Prof. Yakubu, who has served as INEC chairman since November 9, 2015, was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari for an initial five-year term, which was later renewed for another five years. He oversaw the controversial 2019 and 2023 general elections.

In his address at the event, Yakubu expressed his gratitude for the support and collaboration of his ECOWAS counterparts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining electoral integrity and fostering regional unity. He also called for continued cooperation among election management bodies (EMBs) in West Africa to strengthen democracy across the region.

Yakubu’s confirmation comes just days after rumours circulated online suggesting his removal from office by President Bola Tinubu. These rumours were quickly denied by the presidency.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has moved its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt in Rivers to Enugu.

The association premised its decision on “constitutional violations” in Rivers following the emergency rule in the oil-rich state.

The move comes weeks after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing a protracted political crisis and the vandalisation of oil facilities.

The NBA has described Fubara’s suspension as illegal and a “dangerous affront” to the country’s democracy.

In a statement on Friday, the NBA said although members were enthusiastic about hosting the AGC in Port Harcourt, the political climate in Rivers state quickly changed that.

The 3 Brigade, Kano, on Thursday emerged winner in the One Division Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below combat proficiency Competition 2025.

The four days competition was held at 3 Brigade, Bukavu Barracks, Kano, among three formations under one Division of the Nigerian Army.

The Chief Judge, Lt. Col. Mustaheen Edu, who announced the results after the four-day keen contest, said 3 Brigade scored 1,096 points to emerge overall winners of the competition.

He said that 1 Division Kaduna came second with 956.5 and 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna came third with 857 points each.

He said that the formations participated in various activities including drill, weapon handling, combat swimming, map reading, 10 km fitness test, obstacle crossing among others.

Participants who distinguished themselves in various events contested for were given award prizes in the male and female categories.

Winners in each event were presented with trophies, while 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna was given a wooden spoon having emerged third position.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Mayerinso Saraso, emphasised the importance of training in the Army.

Saraso noted that the annual competition was organized to test the endurance, improving junior leadership skills, and instilling discipline and initiative among Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) within a specified rank bracket in the Division.

He said that the exercise also seeks to enhance combat proficiency, marksmanship, and physical fitness through regular training.

“It is in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Command Philosophy, which is “To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

“The competition featured three formations, all drawn from 1 Division. Each formation—3 Brigade, 1 Division Garrison, and 31 Artillery Brigade—nominated 55 participants to take part in the event.

“Judging by the enthusiasm and preparedness of the participants for the concluding event, it is evident that the objectives of the competition have been largely achieved, based on the outcomes recorded in the earlier events,” he said.

The special guest of honor, Air Cmdre Sani Zakari Rtd, urged the participants whose best was not good enough to accept their position in the spirit of sportsmanship and return to training with renewed determination, as the road to the future remains a continuous journey.

He said that the Nigerian Army, under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, continued to forge ahead in its drive for professionalism and excellence.

Zakari urged the troops to sustain effective training, which remains the best form of welfare.

“This aligns with the popular quote by the late American General, Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., who said: “The more you sweat in peacetime, the less you bleed during war,” he added.

Zakari appreciated the GOC Maj.-Gen. Mayerinso Saraso, for organising the event, which has direct impact on junior leadership development.

He also commended the Commander of 3 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur for providing such excellent training facilities.

“General, you have done well. Your organising team is a testament to your commendable leadership. I encourage you to sustain the momentum,” he said.

The Commander, 3 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur said the competition was organised to foster team spirit and enhance the combat readiness of officers in preparation for future operations.

He said the objectives of the four-day competition were successfully achieved.

Tukur commended the participants for their performance and urged them to remain committed and productive in their assigned duties.

The commander also appreciated the team of umpires and heads of other security agencies who witnessed the exercise.