By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted a three-day extension to political parties for the submission of candidate names for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

The deadline, initially set to expire at midnight on Saturday, July 11, 2026, has been moved to Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The commission announced the adjustment in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to INEC, the extension was necessitated by a formal appeal from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which cited difficulties encountered by several parties in uploading the required names and personal particulars of their aspirants within the original timeframe.

In the statement, INEC emphasized that the decision underscores its dedication to an inclusive electoral process while remaining strictly within the bounds of the law. The commission reaffirmed that the adjustment is a responsive measure to the operational challenges raised by the political parties.

INEC has consequently urged all political parties to make the most of this additional window to finalize their submissions.

“The Commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline,” Haruna added.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has said that although luxury is good, Burna Boy, Davido, Asake and other wealthy Nigerians should help the less-privileged.

She said “the burden on the government is huge”, so the rich should help.

Also, Mrs Tinubu reiterated her call for Nigerians to consider small businesses such as akara.

She made the calls in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Saturday, where she launched the national community food bank.

“Nigeria is a great country. We have a lot of wealthy people. But our priorities are different. And I think it’s high time we started helping those who need help in the country.

“I want to appeal to our young ones in the entertainment industry.

“I’ve mentioned it before, and I will use Akon, a music icon who does a lot of great charity work.

“The Burna Boys of this world, Asake, all of them, Davido. We want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money.

“Good cars are good; a Maybach is good. Rolls-Royce is good, but still you can still help. The burden on the government is huge.

“You can still help.

“There are pepper sellers. There are vegetable sellers. There are okra sellers, melon sellers, akara, kulikuli. Akara is delicious; I can tell you that,” she added.

The first lady also urged Nigerians not to look down on legitimate means of eking out a living.

“And I read an article about a young graduate who said he didn’t get a job. And he said he sells akara because he couldn’t get a job, and he’s in Abuja.

“We approached him, but I didn’t put my name to it. We equipped him more. He now has 12 workers under him, and he’s doing very, very well.

“So our people should never despise jobs,” she said.

Speaking on empowerment programmes in Kogi, Tinubu announced the donation of ₦100,000 to empower another 2,000 petty traders in the state.

She also commended the beneficiaries for their efforts.

“Today in that same spirit, the Renewed Hope Initiative has donated ₦100 million to the First Lady of Kogi State and RHI coordinator to empower another 2,000 petty traders in Kogi State with the sum of ₦50,000 each to recapitalise their existing businesses.

“And I’m glad that the women who are beneficiaries, they got the idea because I saw them bringing their tray of different food items, very small items, to welcome me today.

“And I think the message is quite received, no matter how people want to turn it around,” Mrs. Tinubu added.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has dismissed a challenge by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to a public debate on governance, saying the minister must first become a presidential candidate before seeking such an engagement.

Mr Obi made the remark during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, while responding to comments by Mr Umahi, who had downplayed his political relevance and declared that he posed no threat to President Bola Tinubu.

The minister had also challenged the former Anambra State governor to a debate, claiming he possessed stronger credentials on governance.

Responding, Mr Obi said presidential debates are traditionally meant for candidates contesting the presidency, not government appointees.

“If he is inviting me to a debate as a presidential candidate, then he has to become a presidential candidate first,” Obi said.

Drawing an analogy with international football, the former Labour Party presidential candidate said participation in presidential debates should follow a qualification process.

“The World Cup is going on now. You cannot stay outside and invite a team that qualified for the World Cup to come and play against you simply because you think you are good. No. There is a qualification process,” he said.

The exchange is the latest in the growing war of words between key political figures as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.