By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all resident electoral commissioners (RECs) to suspend publicity and arrangements for the planned voter revalidation exercise.

On Wednesday, INEC said it would commence a nationwide voter revalidation drive on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a letter signed by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, its secretary, the commission asked all RECs to commence necessary preparations for the exercise, including sourcing of personnel and preparation of INEC voter enrolment devices (IVED).

The letter also listed the timeline for the exercise.

The timeline shows that the exercise will begin at the LGA level from April 13 to May 2, before moving to the registration area (RA) level from May 5 to May 11, and subsequently to polling units (PUs) from May 13 to May 19.

The commission said its meeting with RECs earlier scheduled to hold physically on Thursday, April 9 at 11:00am will now be conducted virtually via Zoom.

“Further to the notice of meeting dated 3rd April 2026, please be informed that the meeting of the commission with Resident Electoral Commissioners scheduled for Thursday, 9th April 2026 at 11.00am will now hold virtually via Zoom,” the notice reads.

The commission advised RECs to remain in their respective states and await login details, which will be shared once arrangements for the virtual meeting are concluded.

“Consequently, RECs are advised to remain in their states and await the login details which will be shared once the meeting is set up,” INEC said.

The commission added that all publicity and preparations for the voter revalidation exercise should be put on hold pending further directives.

“RECs are also directed to step down all publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise and await further directives from the commission,” the notice added.

INEC expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the changes, assuring the commissioners of its consideration.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on Nigerians to embrace hope, unity, and collective action, declaring that the country can overcome its current challenges and “rise again.”

CAN made the call in its Easter message issued on Sunday and signed by its President, Daniel Okoh, noting that the season symbolises renewal and offers a timely message for a nation facing hardship.

“At Easter, we are reminded of a simple, enduring truth: no matter how hard life has been, rising again is always possible,” the statement read.

The association observed that many Nigerians are currently grappling with economic and security challenges, resulting in widespread anxiety and declining hope among citizens.

“Across the country, people are weary. Families are anxious. Many do not feel safe; others are struggling just to get by. For some, hope has grown faint. But Easter tells us this is not the end,” CAN stated.

The Christian body urged leaders at all levels to demonstrate responsibility and empathy, stressing that citizens expect tangible improvements in their living conditions.

“For those in leadership, this is a test of purpose. People must feel leadership, not just hear it. They are looking for action, empathy, and visible efforts to improve their lives,” the statement added.

CAN also charged the Church to play a more active role in providing hope and guidance during difficult times, urging it to stand with those facing hardship and offer direction.

“For the Church, this is a moment to stand firm and speak clearly. People are searching for hope they can hold on to. The Church must be present, standing with the struggling, offering direction, and helping to light the way forward,” it said.

Addressing Nigerians, the association called for unity and resilience in the face of adversity, warning against fear and division.

“There may be those intent on keeping the rest of us in fear, but we must resist, not with panic or division, but with courage, solidarity, and a shared belief in one another,” the statement read.

The Christian body emphasised that Easter represents not just a celebration but a conscious decision to confront challenges collectively.

“Easter is more than a celebration; it is a decision. A decision to rise above our differences, to stand together, and to confront what holds us back. And if we make that choice together, then Nigeria will rise again,” CAN added.

The association, while extending Easter greetings to Christians across the country, also prayed for peace, unity, and progress in Nigeria.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has declared an indefinite nationwide strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, citing what it described as the Federal Government’s plan to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table, a key component of agreements reached after its 2025 industrial action.

The decision, which threatens to disrupt healthcare services across public hospitals in Nigeria, was reached at the end of the association’s virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, NARD National President, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the development as “unfortunate,” blaming the Federal Government of Nigeria for pushing doctors toward another industrial action.

“The National Executive Council was informed about the Federal Government’s decision to remove the Professional Allowance Table, a development deemed unfortunate,” he said.

“Following extensive deliberations, the NEC resolved to embark on a total industrial and comprehensive strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.”

The crisis stems from the implementation of a revised Professional Allowance Table negotiated between NARD and the Federal Government following a prolonged strike in 2025. The agreement included improved remuneration packages for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payments.

Although implementation was initially scheduled to commence in January 2026, delays pushed the rollout to February. However, NARD alleged that the government is now planning to discontinue the process by April, a move the association says undermines trust and violates prior agreements.

Healthcare analysts note that disputes over allowances and welfare have been a recurring issue in Nigeria’s health sector, contributing to frequent strikes by medical unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association. These disruptions often reduce access to healthcare services, particularly in public hospitals that cater to the majority of Nigerians.

Outlining the association’s demands, Ibrahim called for the immediate reversal of the government’s decision and settlement of all outstanding entitlements.

“We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the PAT starting in April 2026,” he said.

“There must be immediate payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears in affected centres, as well as the prompt conclusion of the process of paying the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.”

“We also insist on the immediate processing and payment of the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance.”

He further urged members of the association nationwide to remain united.

“The NARD leadership calls on its members to unite in the fight against this injustice and to pursue it to a logical conclusion,” Ibrahim added.

The planned strike raises concerns about the potential impact on Nigeria’s already strained health system. Resident doctors form the backbone of service delivery in tertiary hospitals, handling a large proportion of patient care.

According to health sector data, Nigeria faces a severe shortage of medical personnel, with doctor-to-patient ratios far below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended standard of one doctor to 600 patients. Estimates suggest Nigeria’s ratio is closer to one doctor per 5,000 patients, particularly in underserved areas.

An indefinite strike could lead to the shutdown of outpatient services, delays in surgeries, and increased pressure on private healthcare facilities, raising concerns among patients and health advocates.

Stakeholders have called for urgent intervention to avert another disruption in the health sector, warning that repeated strikes could worsen the ongoing brain drain among Nigerian doctors seeking better working conditions abroad.

As the strike deadline approaches, attention is now on the Federal Government to engage with NARD and resolve the dispute, with millions of Nigerians potentially affected if negotiations fail.