By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Ramadan is unlikely to commence in Nigeria on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following astronomical projections that indicate the crescent moon will not be visible on Tuesday evening.

Abubakar Simwal, an astronomer and member of the National Moonsighting Committee of Nigeria, said calculations show that the new moon will be too young and positioned too low on the horizon to be sighted—either with the naked eye or through a standard telescope.

According to Simwal, the astronomical conjunction of the Ramadan moon will occur at 1:01 p.m. Nigerian time on Tuesday, February 17. By sunset that day, the crescent will be less than six hours old across Nigeria, with an average elongation of about two degrees.

He added that the moon is expected to set approximately nine minutes after sunset nationwide, a window he described as insufficient for visibility under established astronomical criteria.

“With this data, it is astronomically established that the crescent will not be visible in Nigeria on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, either with the naked eye or with a standard telescope. These calculations are carried out with a high degree of precision,” Simwal said.

Based on the projections, Ramadan is therefore likely to begin on Thursday, February 19, subject to official confirmation.

However, the formal declaration of the commencement of Ramadan rests with the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs under the leadership of the Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, following the nationwide moonsighting exercise.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday praised Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for executing transformative infrastructure projects, describing him as a “man of mission and vision” with the masses’ interests at heart.

The President made the remarks in Birnin Kebbi during the inauguration of an ultra-modern State Secretariat Complex, which the state government named after Tinubu in recognition of his leadership. The visit marked the President’s first official trip to the state and underscored the strong political ties between the two leaders.

“I know what you can do. You are a man of mission and vision. I am always proud of you,” Tinubu said, addressing Governor Idris. He further characterized the Governor as “a brother, friend and committed leader,” adding that his sterling performance since assuming office came as no surprise.

The President’s itinerary was packed with commissioning ceremonies as he virtually and physically inaugurated multiple flagship projects that define Idris’s development agenda. The centrepiece of the visit was the new secretariat complex, a multi-billion-naira project originally initiated in 2012 but revived and completed under Idris’s administration. The decision to name the facility after President Tinubu was framed as a symbol of the state’s appreciation for federal support and the President’s national leadership.

In addition to the secretariat, Tinubu inaugurated the Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park, a modern transport hub designed to enhance commercial activity and passenger experience, as well as the newly dualised three-lane carriageway along Emir Haruna Road and the dualised Old Argungu By-Pass. He also commissioned the Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences in Ambursa, a significant addition to the state’s healthcare education infrastructure.

Beyond the project inaugurations, President Tinubu took time to commend the people of Kebbi State for their sustained support and cooperation with his administration. He noted that such solidarity from the grassroots has been a critical factor in the achievements recorded under Governor Idris’s leadership.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborative governance, Tinubu pledged unwavering support to states in delivering democratic dividends, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. “We will continue to work together to bring more development to our people,” he assured.

The President’s one-day official visit coincided with a major cultural moment for the state: the grand finale of the 61st edition of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival. Tinubu attended as the Special Guest of Honour, blending governance with the celebration of a heritage event that draws visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

The visit successfully married political solidarity with development diplomacy, as the President used the platform to both endorse Governor Idris’s performance and connect with the broader Kebbi electorate ahead of future political cycles.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified the basis for the dates fixed for the 2027 General Election, stating that the timetable was developed in strict compliance with constitutional and statutory provisions, even as it acknowledged concerns raised by stakeholders.

In a press statement issued on February 13, 2026, and signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the election dates were determined in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and its Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections.

INEC recalled that its Regulations and Guidelines, in place since 2019, stipulate that presidential and National Assembly elections must hold on the third Saturday of February in a general election year, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are to take place two weeks later.

“Election to the office of President and Vice President, as well as National Assembly, shall hold on the Third Saturday of February of any General Election year, while election to the Office of Governor and Deputy Governor and the State Houses of Assembly shall hold two (2) weeks thereafter,” the statement quoted from Paragraph 2 of the Regulations.

Based on this provision, the Commission fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.

The clarification follows public reactions to the announcement, particularly concerns that the February 20 date falls within the Ramadan fasting period observed by Muslims.

Responding to the criticism, INEC said it has taken note of the concerns and remains sensitive to issues that may affect participation and the smooth conduct of elections.

“Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission has taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances,” the statement read.

It added that consultations are ongoing and that the Commission may, where necessary, seek legislative intervention to address the issues raised, provided any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.

INEC reiterated its commitment to transparency, inclusivity and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election, assuring Nigerians that the public would be duly informed of any further developments.