A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has called on the House of Representatives to incorporate key recommendations from the Uwais Report to encourage widespread electoral participation in Nigeria.

Speaking on Sunday in Abuja, Okechukwu commended the lower chamber of the National Assembly for acknowledging public concern over low voter turnout—a trend he says weakens electoral legitimacy, judicial credibility, and democratic institutions at large.

However, the former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria voiced strong opposition to enacting laws that unfairly target citizens already disadvantaged by electoral irregularities.

He emphasised that the majority of Nigerians have suffered from manipulated elections, compromised judicial rulings, and the poor governance that follows.

According to him, penalising these same individuals for disengaging from the electoral process would amount to a double injustice.

“It will be double jeopardy to punish them for the electoral malpractices which discouraged them and recession of democracy which we the leaders simulated,” Okechukwu warned.

This reaction follows the recent introduction of a bill in the House titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make It Mandatory for all Nigerians of Majority Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters.” The proposed legislation was sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

One of the co-sponsors, Hon. Daniel Asama, who represents Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, argued: “Voting is not only the right, but a civic responsibility. For global precedents, several democracies, including Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, for instance, have adopted mandatory voting for the positive outcomes in terms of political participation and public accountability. For electoral apathy and voter inducement, mandatory voting can significantly reduce the influence of vote buying as more citizens vote.”

Responding to the proposal, Okechukwu stressed that the more effective solution lies in implementing reforms outlined in the Uwais Report, particularly the recommendation for public nomination of National and State Electoral Commissioners.

“The only politically correct antidote to halt electoral malpractices, opaque judiciary and restore electoral legitimacy and strong democratic institutions is to adopt good laws therein Uwais Report – Public Nomination of both National and State Electoral Commissioners, to attract seamless mass voting,” he stated.

He also invoked a famous warning from physicist Albert Einstein: “If you continue to do one thing all over and expect better results it is nothing but insanity.”

He further argued: “Therefore, it is arrant fallacy to assume that BIVAS and other digital technologies will guarantee free, fair and transparent elections when Mr Osita Okechukwu or whosoever is allowed to nominate his cronies, family and party members to manage our electoral system.”

Praising the leadership of the House for confronting democratic setbacks, Okechukwu said: “May I commend Honourable Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas and Honourable Members for sharing our concern over poor turnout of voters, opaque judiciary and recession of democracy in our clime and appeal to him to adopt the fine tenet of Uwais Report that mandates Nigerians to nominate National and State Electoral Commissioners.”

Highlighting the current political landscape, he added: “Permit me as well to state that there is no time more auspicious for our great party, the APC to consolidate the legitimacy of our democracy and put Nigeria top in the map of the world than now; when we have a true democrat as president, control more than 20 States, the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly of our dear country.”

He concluded by invoking the legacy of a late former president: “No excuse, if for nothing else there is no better time to recover the legitimacy of our democracy, fulfill the noble intendment and immortalise our famous democrat, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, of blessed memory, who patriotically admitted that the electoral process which made him president was flawed than now we are in charge.

“And there is no doubt that if he had outlived his tenure he could have implemented the fine grains of Uwais Report.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that he agreed to make peace with the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, when President Bola Tinubu asked him to bury the hatchet.

The Minister disclosed that he met Fubara in the company of two governors in a bid to resolve the Rivers crisis.

Wike, while speaking during an interview on BBC, said he welcomed Fubara during the visit and reiterated his commitment to peace in Rivers.

Wike said, “The president called me and asked us to make peace.

“I asked him (President Tinubu), ‘How can you say I should make peace and I won’t make peace?

“He (Fubara) came with some governors to meet me.”

The Minister said his meeting with Fubara indicated that he is open to peace

“If I don’t want peace, I won’t allow him to come to my place. We even spoke on the phone just the other day,” he said.

According to Wike, he told Governor Fubara that the decision to embrace genuine reconciliation lies solely with him.

“I told him that the yam and the knife are in his hands, so he knows where best to cut. If you want genuine peace, you can have it. If you want us to pretend, we can,” Wike stated.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the personal particulars of the candidates for the Anambra governorship election slated for November 8.

A statement issued on Saturday by Sam Olumekun, INEC commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, said 16 political parties successfully submitted nominations for their governorship and deputy governorship candidates before the May 12 deadline.

The particulars were displayed at INEC’s state headquarters and all 21 LG offices across Anambra state.

They include academic credentials and other relevant documents submitted by the candidates.

“We appeal to Nigerians to scrutinise the documents. Any aspirant who participated in his/her party primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by a candidate is false can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022,” the statement reads.

“The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025, which is at least 150 days before the day of the election in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 7 on our Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

“The Anambra State Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 8th November 2025

Opeyemi Bright, a UK citizen of Nigerian descent, has been appointed the mayor of Barking and Dagenham Borough.

Bright, aged 29, made history as the youngest person to hold the position.

She was confirmed as the borough’s next mayor in April and inaugurated during a ceremony on Friday.

She had previously served as councillor of the borough in 2018 — also the youngest to have served in that capacity then aged 22.

She also served as a school governor, a board member of Agile Africa, an non-governmental organisation that equips young people with tech skills.

Bright joins the likes of Kemi Badenoch, Kate Osamor, Chi Onwurah, Bayo Alaba, Taiwo Owatemi, and Florence Ehalomi as UK political leaders with Nigerian descent.

She was born to Nigerian parents, Afolasade and Gbolahan Bright.

Her mother, Afoloshade, served as civic mayor of Hackney in 2006. She is currently a cabinet member for employment, skills and aspiration in Barking and Dagenham, while her father is senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

“I believe in the power of community, the importance of tradition, and the need to inspire pride in the place we all call home. As Civic Mayor, I am committed to being a voice that uplifts our borough, honouring local heroes, supporting charities, and forging deeper connections with residents, schools, and businesses,” Bright said in her inaugural address.

“It is not just a responsibility but a privilege to serve as a figurehead for the hopes and values of our community.”

The office of civic mayor is one of the borough’s oldest and most cherished roles, with a rich history of representing the borough’s heritage, values, and community spirit.

As mayor, Bright will act as an ambassador for Barking and Dagenham, celebrating its diversity, promoting local initiatives, and strengthening community bonds, information on the website of Barking and Dagenham council reads.

Bright enjoys cooking, teaching, creating content, and hosting career webinars for youth in Nigeria. She said she is guided by grace and ready to serve

The north-west zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Kaduna on Saturday, where Tinubu was also adopted as the sole candidate for the poll.

In a communique read by Uba Sani, Kaduna governor and APC north-west coordinating governor, the zone reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and pledged ”full support for President Tinubu’s vision to deliver prosperity, equity, and lasting change for all Nigerians”.

”We thank and commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his purposeful leadership, bold reforms, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress, especially in the North West zone,” the communique reads.

”Under President Tinubu, security in the North West has significantly improved, enabling farmers to return to their fields and communities to regain peace and stability.

“Our zone enjoys unprecedented federal representation with 12 ministers, key national assembly positions, and top security appointments — a clear sign of inclusiveness and recognition.

“Major infrastructure projects are being completed or are underway across the North West, marking a new era of development in our region.”

The stakeholders comprised all governors in the region, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives; Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president; and former governors from the zone.

Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of APC, chairmen of state chapters, state and federal legislators, ministers, heads of federal agencies, and senior political appointees, were also present

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory, says he will not contest against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview with BBC Pidgin, the minister said no politician is capable of challenging Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

There have been discussions within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about zoning its presidential ticket to the south in 2027 with the aim of presenting a stronger challenge against Tinubu.

Wike lost the 2022 PDP presidential primary election to Atiku Abubakar, who became the party’s candidate for the 2023 election.

“I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I am working with. Who will win except him?” he asked.

In a statement addressing the ongoing crisis within the PDP, Wike expressed his frustration with certain party members and criticised the opposition party’s policies.

“You are in the opposition; the opposition does not show impunity. The opposition does not show arrogance, it is the ruling party that shows impunity and arrogance because they are in power,” Wike said.

“Who is in the PDP? Achike Udenwa, former governor of Imo. He does not have one assembly member. He does not have one national assembly member. He did not give his party 3% of the vote, yet he is threatening.

“Saba Egu, former governor of Ebonyi, he does not have one assembly member. He does not have one national assembly member. You did not produce a governor. What are you threatening about? You are empty. What are you threatening?”

Favour Ofili set a new women’s world record following victory in the 150m event at the Adidas Atlanta City Games on Saturday.

Ofili clocked 15.85 seconds to break a seven-year world record set by Shaunae Miller in 2018, smashing it by almost four seconds, to the admiration of spectators.

The Port Harcourt-born sprint star lived up to her star billing in a race that she won last year in record time, outdoing expectations by shattering the world record.

The 22-year-old had a good start and took the lead after 50m before powering away to victory, leaving a wide gap between herself and second-placed Tamari Davis, who posted her personal best.

Ofili also became the first woman ever to finish the race in sub-16 seconds

In an interview after the race, the 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist revealed the feat was possible through hard work and trust.

“The Lord is good, and is marvellous in my sight. Honestly, I’m surprised with the time,” she said.

“But I know I put in the work, I trust my coach, I trust his program, and I know at the right time the Lord would do it.

“When asked how she was able to finish the race strongly, Ofili said she got advice to relax and treat the race “like it is 100[metres].”

Ofili previously set an African record of 22.36 seconds in the 200m event at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 2023.

Abbas Tajudeen, speaker of the house of representatives, says more “high-profile” politicians in opposition parties will soon join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Saturday at the APC north-west zonal stakeholders meeting in Kaduna, Abbas said the recent defections into the ruling party shows confidence in President Bola Tinubu.

Several politicians, including national assembly members, have joined the APC in recent months.

“Notably, at the gubernatorial level, Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, have decamped to our party, and we anticipate many more high-profile defections in the coming months, reflecting the growing confidence of Nigerians in our party and President Tinubu,” Abbas said.

“Furthermore, we celebrate the APC’s victory in the 2024 Edo state gubernatorial election, where senator Monday Okpebholo secured a decisive win for our party.

“Since the last national working committee meeting, our internal reforms have deepened democracy within the party, enhanced candidate selection processes, and strengthened grassroots structures.

“With these improvements, we have made significant strides regionally through targeted policy dialogues and development partnerships, revitalising our presence in Zamfara and Sokoto.

“Simultaneously, our accomplishments in the south-south have been reinforced by strategic realignments validated at the polls in Rivers and Bayelsa.”

Abbas urged party members in the north-west geopolitical zone to be united ahead of the 2027 elections.

Citing data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abbas said the north-west has over 22 million registered voters, adding that the geopolitical zone is a “decisive force” in shaping electoral outcomes.

“This fact underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts and the need for continued engagement and collaboration across all regions,” he said.

Abbas asked party members in the zone to intensify grassroots mobilisation, especially youths and women, through empowerment programmes

A 16-year-old boy, Ifeanyi Okafor, has killed his sister, 10, with his father’s long-range single-barrel gun in Delta State.

The tragic situation occurred while his father, a hunter, Christian Okafor, 50, was at his farm.

Ifeanyi is said to be fond of tampering with his father’s gun, and he admitted to it in footage shared by the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, on X (formerly Twitter), on Saturday.

“My dad is not aware I play with his gun,” he said, claiming to only tamper with his father’s gun in his absence and had no defined reason to do so.

Ifeanyi further revealed how the incident occurred. He said, “I was inside playing with the gun, and I was not aware that my sister was walking through the corridor of our house. It was while I was playing with it that a gun fired and hit my sister.”

The boy said he was sad over the outcome of his action.

However, Edafe said that the law does not acknowledge sentiment. “An investigation has to be carried out, and justice has to be served.”

Ifeanyi, who falls under the young person category (14-17 years old), is assumed fully responsible but is typically tried in juvenile courts.

The Nigerian juvenile laws are primarily governed by the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPL), aimed at protecting the welfare of young people and providing for their treatment as offenders.

The CYPL distinguishes between children (under 14) and young persons (14-17) for legal purposes.

A child under seven is presumed incapable of criminal responsibility, while those between 7 and 12 are generally not held responsible unless they can prove they understood the nature and consequences of their actions.

Children over 12 are regarded as fully responsible

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute Metta, has been grappling with crippling energy costs, spending as much as N20m monthly on electricity despite receiving just three hours of public power daily.

Outgoing Medical Director, Dr Adedamola Dada, revealed this during a media briefing held to reflect on the hospital’s achievements and ongoing challenges. 

According to Dada, the hospital has had to rely heavily on diesel-powered generators, consuming up to 80,000 litres of diesel each month to ensure uninterrupted power.

This has been crucial to maintaining operations in a facility that now runs 95 per cent of its electricity independently.

“We are the only federal public hospital that receives a two-to-three-hour supply of public power, but we provide 24 hours of power because we are automated and can’t function without power,” Dada explained.

He added that transitioning to an automated system raised concerns due to Nigeria’s erratic electricity supply, but the hospital implemented a power solution that allowed it to generate 22 hours of electricity daily over the past seven years.

Although the cost has strained the hospital’s finances, Dada said it was a necessary investment to ensure quality healthcare delivery.

Despite the challenges, FMC Ebute Metta has received widespread recognition.

In 2022, the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency named it the most compliant and standard hospital in Lagos State.

More recently, the Bureau of Public Service Reform, under the Presidency, recognised the centre as a leader in ICT integration in the public health sector