By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing critique of the 10th Senate, alleging that the chamber’s decision to reject key electoral amendments is a calculated move by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to “manipulate future elections” and “cling to power by all means.”

The condemnation follows Wednesday’s Senate session, where provisions aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s electoral framework were voted down. According to the ADC, the move represents a severe setback for the credibility of the nation’s democracy.

In a strongly-worded statement, the opposition party highlighted the rejected provisions, which they claim were essential for transparency. These included
electronic transmission of election results, touted as a critical safeguard against tampering and manipulation.

Second of them is electronic download of voter cards. A measure intended to streamline voter access and INEC logistics.

And thirdly, reduced timelines. Proposals to shorten the notice period for elections and cut the publication of candidates’ list from 150 to 60 days.

The ADC argued that the Senate’s actions were not mere legislative disagreements but a deliberate “tampering with the laws to expand opportunities for rigging.” The party asserted that the APC, “mortally afraid of subjecting themselves to a free and fair election,” has exploited its majority to “mutilate” the nation’s electoral laws and “foist logistical nightmares on INEC.”

“The net sum of this disgraceful action is that the APC has laid the ground for all manner of malpractice,” the statement read, connecting the legislative moves to what it described as “the unprecedented suffering” under the current administration.

Labeling the Senate’s decision a “retrogressive” act, the ADC called on “all well-meaning Nigerians” to hold the ruling party accountable for actions it says “weaken democracy and erode public trust.”

The party issued a direct appeal to the National Assembly’s Conference Committee on the Electoral Act, urging it to reject the Senate’s version and pass amendments that “truly reflect the will and aspirations of the Nigerian people.”

This development sets the stage for a major political confrontation as the electoral amendment bill moves to the next stage of legislative reconciliation, with opposition forces rallying against what they perceive as a direct threat to electoral integrity.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State are reeling from a brutal terrorist attack that occurred on Wednesday, leaving at least 75 people dead, several injured, and an unknown number abducted, including the family of a traditional ruler.

Eyewitness accounts described the  coordinated assault by gunmen on motorcycles, who surrounded Woro village shortly after 5:00 p.m. and opened fire indiscriminately to prevent escape.

Mr. Ali Umar, brother to the village head of Woro, provided a harrowing account. “They shot sporadically from all angles. Those who tried to run were gunned down. Others who surrendered were herded to the palace, tied up, and executed,” he stated.

Among the missing are the wife of the traditional ruler, Hauwa Umar, his mother, and three of his children. The attack has triggered a mass exodus, leaving the community nearly deserted. “The people were scared… What we need now is increased security presence to restore confidence,” Umar pleaded, adding that prior intelligence about a potential attack had been communicated to authorities.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who visited the area on Wednesday night with service chiefs, confirmed the death toll. He stated the victims were local Muslims killed for refusing to subscribe to an extremist doctrine. The governor condemned the attack as a “cowardly expression of frustration” by terrorist cells facing pressure from ongoing counterterrorism operations.

In response, Governor AbdulRazaq announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate deployment of an Army battalion to the area. The new security initiative, codenamed ‘Operation Savannah Shield,’ aims to prosecute counter-offensives and secure the border region. The injured have been evacuated to the General Hospital in Kaiama, with severe cases referred to the Teaching Hospital.

The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, also condemned the killings. In a statement, he called for an immediate escalation of military operations along the Niger State border to flush out criminal elements. He urged communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, warning that increased military pressure might cause destabilizing elements to seek new areas of operation.

The government and legislature have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of residents in the state.

The Kano State Chairman of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), Comrade Babangida Mahmuda Biyamusu, has commended the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for his continued support toward the growth and development of the union.
Biyamusu made the commendation during a press briefing held on Tuesday in Kano.

He disclosed that the commissioner had facilitated the payment of the RATTAWU Kano State Secretariat rent for the 2026 calendar year, a gesture he described as timely and impactful.
According to him, the support will enable the association and its members to carry out their activities smoothly without operational disruptions.

While expressing appreciation, the RATTAWU chairman pledged the union’s commitment to working with the commissioner toward the provision of a permanent secretariat for the Kano State branch.

He also appealed to the commissioner to assist in facilitating capacity-building and training programmes for RATTAWU members, noting that such initiatives would enhance their efficiency and align their operations with global best practices.

Biyamusu further referenced similar training programmes previously extended to members of the Online Media Chapel, expressing hope that RATTAWU members in Kano would benefit from comparable opportunities.