Author: Vardiafrica

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, on Thursday formally set in motion the electoral process for the 2027 general election, announcing that the Presidential and National Assembly polls will hold on February 20, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on March 6, 2027. Briefing journalists, the INEC Chairman said the announcement was in strict compliance with constitutional and statutory provisions guiding the conduct of elections in Nigeria. “By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the tenure of the President, the Vice-President, the…

During the just-concluded 39th Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, Nigeria recorded significant diplomatic and institutional achievements, consolidating its leadership role in advancing Africa’s economic integration, peace, security, and democratic governance. A major highlight of the session was the Council’s agreement to grant Nigeria a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank. This landmark development underscores Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s financial architecture. This decision also extends Nigeria’s representation to the Board of the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute, which serves as the precursor to the establishment of the African…

The Federal Government has reassigned police officers previously attached to VIP escort duties to communities in Kwara State hit by recent terrorist attacks. The move is part of renewed efforts to boost security in vulnerable areas. In a statement released on Friday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that the redeployment is tied to intensified operations under Operation Savannah Shield. He noted that the decision followed deadly attacks in parts of the state that reportedly killed about 75 villagers. According to Idris, the Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn a significant number of officers from VIP protection…

The Federal Government of Nigeria is intensifying security operations across Nigeria’s North Central region to protect civilians in vulnerable communities, following cowardly terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of about 75 innocent villagers in Kwara State. The renewed offensive, code-named Operation Savannah Shield, entails the deployment of military, police, and national forest guard units to reinforce security assets in the theatre. These forces are supported by enhanced intelligence capabilities and rapid-response protocols, operating under the expanded security mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, established when he declared a state of emergency on national security on 26 November 2026. President Tinubu condemned…

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council. The decision was announced on Thursday in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi. According to the statement, the governor directed all Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior officers in their respective ministries with immediate effect. Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council for their service to the state and wished them well in their future endeavours. The dissolution comes 48 hours after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory…

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2026 African Union (AU) Summit. The Summit, themed “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” will focus on advancing continental commitments toward sustainable water management, improved sanitation systems, and the broader development aspirations encapsulated in the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework. While in Addis Ababa, the Vice President will join other African leaders at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State…

The Federal Government has issued a warning against the use of “money bouquets” ahead of Valentine’s Day, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) lists the practice among acts considered an abuse of the naira. In a public notice shared via its official social media platform, the apex bank described money bouquets — where banknotes are folded and arranged like flower petals to form a bouquet — as a violation of currency handling rules. The CBN grouped the trend with other prohibited practices such as spraying, squeezing, selling, and defacing naira notes. The bank stressed that protecting the national currency…

Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court on Thursday withdrew from presiding over the asset forfeiture suit filed against former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two others, citing personal reasons. The judge announced his decision shortly after counsel for the parties entered their appearances in court. He said his withdrawal was in the interest of justice. Ladies and gentlemen, for personal reasons, and for the better interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case,The instant charge CR/700/2025 filed FRN vs Abubakar Malami (SAN) and two others, shall be filed back to the Chief Judge…

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has raised alarmed that he might soon be targeted for arrest by Nigeria’s security agencies. The ex-FCT Minster spoke in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The controversial El-Rufai, revealed that while he has not yet been detained, several of his close associates have already been arrested, leading him to fear that he could be next. “About four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested. So, it may only be a matter of time before they come for me as well,” El-Rufai said, highlighting the growing pressure on members…

The Swedish government has proposed a bill that significantly raises the requirements for candidates for citizenship in the country. The new set of rules aims to make the process more transparent, stricter, and focused on real integration. According to the government, applicants must reside in the country for a certain period, demonstrate language proficiency, and prove financial self-sufficiency. Sweden’s Minister for Migration, Johan Forsell, said at a press conference that citizenship applicants must “live honestly,” be proficient in Swedish, and have the means to support themselves. “live honestly,” speak Swedish, and be able to support themselves.– Johan Forsell Key Points…