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.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, of ordering his arrest and orchestrating what he described as an attempt to detain him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday.

El-Rufai made the allegation on Friday during an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television, claiming that Ribadu personally directed security operatives to arrest him upon his arrival in Abuja.

The former governor was involved in a heated exchange with security officials at the airport shortly after landing in the country. According to his aide, operatives briefly restrained him and confiscated his international passport before escorting him out of the terminal, as supporters gathered outside chanted in solidarity.

El-Rufai alleged that a telephone conversation involving the NSA was intercepted and that he heard Ribadu instructing officers to detain him.

“The NSA’s call was tapped. They do that to our calls too, and we heard him saying they should arrest me,” he claimed.

He did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation, and as of the time of filing this report, Ribadu had not issued an official response. The NSA has, however, previously denied similar accusations.

Reacting shortly after the interview, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, questioned El-Rufai’s admission that the NSA’s phone conversation was tapped.

“El-Rufai admitted on national television that someone tapped the phone of the NSA for him to listen to his conversation. When Charles Aniagolu pointed out that this was illegal, he agreed. By the time he is invited to produce the person who illegally tapped the NSA’s phone, he would claim persecution,” Ajayi wrote on Facebook.

El-Rufai further alleged during the interview that Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, NSA Ribadu and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had conspired against him.

“Let me tell you, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani, the NSA and the ICPC chairman have arranged that I get abducted unfailingly today,” he said.

The allegations come amid heightened political tension between El-Rufai and some figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following his sustained criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Dadiyata’s Disappearance

During the interview, El-Rufai also addressed the unresolved disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, a social media commentator who was abducted from his Kaduna residence in 2019 and has not been seen since.

He denied any involvement and rejected suggestions that his administration played a role in the activist’s disappearance. According to him, Dadiyata was primarily a critic of political actors in Kano State rather than Kaduna.

“Dadiyata lived in Kaduna, but he was not a critic of Kaduna State. We barely knew he resided in Kaduna until his abduction was reported. He was a critic of the Kano government at the time,” he said, implying that attention should be directed toward political actors in Kano.

Dadiyata’s case remains unresolved despite repeated calls by civil society organisations for a comprehensive investigation.

Kwankwaso and U.S. Legislative Move

El-Rufai also commented on reports of a bill proposed by some United States lawmakers seeking sanctions against former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, over alleged links to terrorism.

He dismissed the move as politically motivated and rejected claims associating Kwankwaso with extremist activities.

El-Rufai argued that if scrutiny were to be applied to political actors over the introduction of Sharia law in northern Nigeria, attention should focus on Zamfara State, where it was first implemented under former governor Ahmad Sani Yerima.

Despite alleging political persecution, the former governor maintained that he remains willing to honour any lawful invitation from security agencies.

“I am ready to appear wherever I am invited, provided it is within the ambit of the law,” he said.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged African nations to embrace a new generation of leaders, arguing that individuals between the ages of 25 and 50 are better equipped to withstand the pressures of modern governance.

Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference held to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.

Drawing from his experience in office, the former president highlighted the intense physical and mental demands of leadership, revealing that he sometimes slept for less than two hours a day while serving.

“Why do we assume that leadership must come at old age?” he asked, stressing that governance requires exceptional stamina and resilience.

According to him, younger leaders are more likely to cope with the stress associated with running a country. “If you subject an older person to that level of stress, the health implications can be significant,” he said.

Jonathan reiterated support for Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” campaign, which seeks to lower constitutional age limits for elective offices and broaden youth participation in politics.

“If Africa is serious about progress, we must consciously open up leadership spaces for younger, vibrant and mentally agile citizens,” he said.

He also expressed concern over what he described as the excessive foreign travels and prolonged absences of some public office holders, questioning how governance can be effective when leaders spend substantial time away from their jurisdictions.

“Leadership requires presence, discipline and commitment. Governance cannot be outsourced,” he added.

Reflecting on the legacy of General Murtala Muhammed, Jonathan said the late leader’s short but impactful tenure demonstrated that age is not a prerequisite for transformative leadership. Muhammed became Head of State at 38 and, despite serving for only 200 days, left enduring reforms.

He also cited General Yakubu Gowon, who assumed office at 32 and steered the country through the civil war before introducing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as an example of effective youthful leadership.

While advocating generational change, Jonathan cautioned that youthfulness alone is insufficient. He emphasised the need for strong democratic institutions, discipline and adherence to the rule of law.

“Democracy thrives on institutions, not personalities. It demands vision, persuasion and respect for the people’s will,” he said.

Jonathan concluded by urging both leaders and aspiring politicians to regard public office as a platform for service rather than entitlement, insisting that leadership should ultimately be measured by its impact on society.