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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a comprehensive timetable for the 2025 and 2026 election cycles, marking a critical period of political activity across Nigeria. The announcement also includes plans for the nationwide resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the disclosure on Tuesday during the second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering transparent, credible, and inclusive elections across all designated areas. According to a statement shared on INEC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the electoral calendar features a series of major elections. These include bye-elections in 12 states scheduled for August 16, 2025, followed by the Anambra State Governorship election set for November 8, 2025. The 2026 electoral schedule will feature Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on February 21, the Ekiti State Governorship election on June 20, and the Osun State Governorship election on August 8. Professor Yakubu also announced the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise nationwide. Online pre-registration will commence on August 18, 2025, while in-person registration will begin across the country on August 25, 2025. In preparation for the Anambra election, CVR in the state will start earlier—next week—and will be conducted in all 326 wards to ensure compliance with the legal requirement of compiling the register at least 90 days before the election. Read Also: Ganduje Bows Out with Legacy of Political Impact, Party Growth, and National Reach During the meeting, Professor Yakubu welcomed two newly appointed National Commissioners, Professor Sunday Aja and Abdulrazak Yusuf, as well as six newly sworn-in Resident Electoral Commissioners who were attending the consultative session for the first time. The INEC Chairman emphasized the important role of RECs in the electoral process, urging them to demonstrate proactive leadership in implementing policies and procedures without waiting for direction from the Headquarters. He reminded them that their responsibilities extend beyond general election periods and require constant engagement. Addressing lingering concerns regarding Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022—which permits the review of election results—Yakubu disclosed that the Commission was finalizing a supplementary regulation and guidelines to provide clarity on the matter. He assured that the document would be published on INEC’s official platforms later this week for public awareness. He stressed the importance of professionalism and dedication among the Commission’s leadership. “You are full-time Commissioners. Your work does not begin only when general elections are near. You can only discharge your responsibilities effectively when you are knowledgeable and committed,” he said. The meeting followed broad consultations with political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and security agencies, all aimed at strengthening electoral service delivery and addressing recurring challenges ahead of the upcoming electoral seasons.

The immediate past National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, have arrived in the holy city of Madina, Saudi Arabia, for the funeral rites of elder statesman and renowned philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. According to a statement by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the Nigerian delegation landed at the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madina at exactly 5:15 a.m local time. Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a towering figure in Nigerian business and philanthropy, passed away recently in Abu Dhabi. In line with his wishes, he will be laid to rest in the holy city of Madina today. Read Also: Ganduje Pays Tribute to Aminu Dantata, Hails Legacy of Service and Generosity Among the dignitaries on the trip are the Kano State APC Chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas; Senator Muntari Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund; the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ali Madaki; and Engr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, Executive Director of Engineering at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Others include Engr. Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari, member representing Makoda/Dambatta Federal Constituency; Ahmad Munzali Dantata, son of the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata; Usman Yahaya Kansila; and Hon. Sani Bala, among others. The delegation is expected to participate in the Janazah (funeral prayer) and other burial rites in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Nigeria’s total public debt rose to N149.39 trillion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of N27.72 trillion (22.8%) from N121.67 trillion recorded a year earlier, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO). Compared to N144.67 trillion in December 2024, the debt stock grew by N4.72 trillion in just three months, driven by fresh borrowing and naira depreciation. External debt stood at N70.63 trillion ($45.98 billion), up from N56.02 trillion ($42.12 billion) in Q1 2024, reflecting a 26.1% rise in naira terms. The naira’s continued fall against the dollar worsened the cost of foreign debt servicing. Read Also: Nigeria Pushes Blue Economy Agenda with Seabed Mapping, Hydrography Initiatives Domestic debt reached N78.76 trillion, increasing by 20% year-on-year. The Federal Government accounted for N74.89 trillion, while states and the FCT owed N3.87 trillion, slightly lower than the previous quarter. As of Q1 2025, domestic debt makes up 52.7% of total public debt, with external debt at 47.3%. Analysts warn that rising debt and currency pressure may worsen Nigeria’s fiscal outlook unless urgent revenue reforms are implemented.

The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman and prominent business tycoon, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who died at the age of 94. In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Dr. Ganduje described the late Dantata as an iconic figure in Nigerian commerce, philanthropy, and community development whose legacy will endure for generations. “Alhaji Aminu Dantata was a towering personality whose contributions to Nigeria’s economic progress, especially in the northern region, are unparalleled. His life was defined not only by business excellence but by a deep commitment to humanity. His generosity and dedication to community upliftment made him a symbol of compassion and leadership,” the statement read. Read Also: APC’s Rising Star: The Woman Ganduje Trusted with the Future Dr. Ganduje noted that Dantata’s passing is a monumental loss to Kano State and Nigeria as a whole. He said the late elder statesman will be remembered for his wisdom, humility, and far-reaching impact on society. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, the Kano Emirate, the business community, and everyone touched by the remarkable life and work of the deceased. “May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus. We pray for strength and comfort for his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” he added.

One of Nigeria’s most prominent industrialists and elder statesmen, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, has passed away at the age of 94. The announcement of the Kano-born billionaire’s death was made by his Personal Private Secretary (PPS), Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, who wrote in a brief statement: “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.” Though full details surrounding his passing are still emerging, the news has sent shockwaves across business and political circles, especially in Northern Nigeria, where Dantata remained a towering figure for decades. Read Also: Ganduje Bows Out: APC Acknowledges Resignation, Commends Leadership Alhaji Aminu Dantata was widely respected for his role in expanding the Dantata business empire across various sectors including construction, oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing. As Chairman of Dantata Organization Limited, he played a crucial role in shaping modern commerce in Nigeria and mentoring generations of northern entrepreneurs. A staunch supporter of educational and humanitarian causes, Dantata was known for his philanthropy through scholarships, zakat distributions, and donations to schools, mosques, and health initiatives. He was also a revered Islamic leader, contributing to religious scholarship and Islamic unity. He served as a Minister in the 1960s under the First Republic and was later a member of the Constitutional Conference in the 1990s. His wisdom and guidance were often sought by presidents, governors, and community leaders across the country. Burial arrangements will be announced by the family in accordance with Islamic rites.