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 Dangote Industries Limited and the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) are in strategic partnership to promote local manufacturing in the 47th Trade Fair which is expected to be declared open on February 6, 2026 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Dangote Group is sponsoring the fair with the theme: From Reforms to Results: Economic Transformation through Sustained Local Content Development.

The fair, according to KADCCIMA, is expected to attract over ten thousand participants.

Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, President of KADCCIMA, Alhaji Farouk Suleiman said: “Our relationship with Dangote Group is one of strategic partnership built on shared values, industrial growth, local content development and economic transformation.”

According to KADCCIMA, “Dangote Group has consistently demonstrated belief in Northern Nigeria’s economic potential, and KADCCIMA sees the company not just as a sponsor, but as development partner.”

He said the 2026 edition of the fair will focus on business matchmaking between Business to Business(B2B) and Business to Government(B2G), local manufacturing and value addition, investment facilitation, SMES financing, market access, and strategic partnerships with companies like the Dangote Group.

KADCCIMA President said this year’s fair is designed as an economic catalyst to increase trade and commerce, as well as attract investors.

Other areas of focus, he said, include: import substitution through local production, promotion of Made-in-Nigeria goods and stronger private sector-led growth.

He described the Dangote Group as a cornerstone partner in Nigeria’s industrial journey.

“We invite Dangote Group to continue leading from the front, not only as a sponsor, but as mentor, investor and catalyst for small businesses.”

Speaking, Regional Director and Senior Special Adviser to the President of the Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, said aside being a sponsor, the conglomerate is a believer in local content development.

She said: “Dangote Group’s commitment to local manufacturing has been demonstrated through its various investments in sugar, cement and petrochemicals, which has contributed to providing jobs and supporting government revenue profile to taxation.”

Mrs. Wali-Abdurrahman said: “The Dangote Group has remained a leading example of how sustained local content investment can transform economies. Through strategic investments in cement production, agriculture, petrochemicals, fertilizer, and petroleum refining, the Group has demonstrated the power of local capacity development.”

A statement signed by the Group Chief Corporate Communication Officer of the company, Anthony Chiejina, said as part of its strategies to boost market share and deepen customers’ loyalty, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), and other companies under the Group are set to headline the Kaduna Trade Fair with an array of products and innovations.

The statement noted that Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, NASCON Allied Industries (Dangote Salt), Dangote-Sinotruk, Dangote Peugeot Automobile, and Dangote Fertiliser will participate in the fair, with each business unit set to establish helpdesks to respond to inquiries from prospective customers.

“NASCON is showcasing its full range of products, including salt packs, seasonings, and stew mix, at the trade fair. The salt packs, designed to further strengthen customer appeal, are available in 250g, 500g, and 1kg sizes. The packaging is intended to enhance accessibility and affordability for consumers and other end users. NASCON will also provide an engaging and rewarding experience for visitors to its stand at the Dangote Pavilion,” the statement said.

It added that Dangote Sugar Refinery will present its complete range of products at the fair, with its sales and marketing team available to customers as well as prospective distributors.

“Dangote Cement, a regular participant in the fair, will operate a dedicated desk at the Dangote Group Pavilion. Customers and users of Dangote cement products are encouraged to visit the help desk throughout the fair for product-related inquiries,” the statement noted.

The statement further explained that customers interested in becoming distributors of products from Dangote Group subsidiaries will have the opportunity to receive detailed guidance from company representatives, who will be available to provide information on the requirements and procedures for distributorship.