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National Assembly Eyes November 2026 for General Elections to Preempt Legal Deadlocks

Phinadon Mag

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Summary:
Nigerian lawmakers are deliberating a groundbreaking amendment to the Electoral Act that could reschedule the next presidential polls to November 2026. This strategic move aims to conclude all election tribunals before inauguration day, alongside introducing digital voting reforms.

The Nigerian political calendar faces a potential historic restructuring as the National Assembly formally considers a legislative proposal that would shift the country’s next general election timeline forward. Under the provisions of the ongoing Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, the presidential and governorship polls could be held as early as November 2026, deviating from the traditional early-year schedule.

This radical adjustment hinges on a proposed “185-Day Rule,” which mandates that elections must be conducted no later than 185 days prior to the expiration of the incumbent’s tenure on May 29, 2027. The primary objective behind this legislative maneuver is to sanitize the transition process. By widening the window between the ballot and the inauguration, lawmakers aim to ensure that all election-related litigations and tribunal verdicts are fully resolved before winners take the oath of office, effectively ending the era of distracted governance caused by lingering court cases.

Beyond the Date: A Digital Overhaul
The bill is not merely about rescheduling; it proposes a comprehensive modernization of the voting infrastructure. Key reforms currently under scrutiny include:

  • Mandatory Electronic Transmission: A move to make the electronic transmission of results compulsory, reducing human interference.
  • Digital Identification: A significant shift away from the reliance on physical Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), proposing the use of BVAS and NIN for digital voter verification.
  • Early Voting: The introduction of a 14-day early voting window specifically for security personnel, journalists, and election officials on essential duty.
  • Expedited Justice: A proposal to slash the timeline for tribunal judgments from 180 days to a swift 90 days.

Official Stance and Current Status
While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed support for the reforms—citing improved planning logistics and reduced judicial pressure—the commission clarified on January 2, 2026, that no official timetable has been released yet. The proposal remains in the draft stage, undergoing rigorous legislative debate before it can be enacted into law.

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Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Late Mrs. Roseline Nwaibari Iwuagwu (Tomato Jos)

Phinadon Mag

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With heavy hearts, total submission to the divine will of God, and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, the entire family of the Late Mr. Raphael Iwuagwu of Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State, announces the passage of their beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, aunt, and sister, *Late Mrs. Roseline Nwaibari Iwuagwu* (affectionately known as *”Tomato Jos”), who passed away at the age of 86.

Tributes from Her Loving Daughters

From Her Second Daughter, Hope Anoma

“What can I say about a lady who lived most of her years devoted to the church? I spoke with my sister Chiaka and she told me about your condition. I couldn’t bear it; I rushed down from Abuja to the hospital (F.M.C) where you were admitted. You didn’t see me when I came in, only to spend two days in the hospital with you, thinking that you will wake up so that we can go home together. But mama, you left a space in my heart that can never be occupied. Who will welcome me whenever I am back? Who will make me laugh? Death, why now? Why did you take Nda’m away? Continue to rest in the bosom of your creator. My love for you is forever.”

Tribute from Chiaka Nnanna Amajirionwu

 “Tribute to my lovely mom… She will call me Chiaka Nga Raphael and I will call her Chiaka Nga Nnanna—that is what we normally call each other. Who will ever call me that name again? Who will ever remind me of Orieobibi market days again? I never knew that a day like this will come that I will call her and she won’t answer me again. I know you have gone to a better place. Rest in peace Nda’m (my tomato Jos).”

Funeral Arrangements

The family warmly invites relatives, in-laws, friends, and well-wishers to join them in honoring her memory and bidding her a final farewell. The funeral ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

Friday, October 30, 2026

4:00 PM — Christian Wake Keep

Venue: St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Obibiezena, held at her husband’s residence in Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

Saturday, October 31, 2026

9:00 AM — Departure from Hospital

The body leaves Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, for her hometown, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

10:00 AM — Lying in State
At her husband’s compound, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze.

11:00 AM — Funeral Service
At St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A.

12:00 PM — Interment
Committal follows immediately after the funeral service at her husband’s residence.

1:00 PM — Reception
Reception follows immediately after interment at her husband’s residence, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

 

May Her Gentle Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.

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TCN Arrests Over 30 Suspected Vandals Along Kumbotso–Zaria Corridor.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has arrested more than 30 suspected vandals of electricity infrastructure, particularly along the Kumbotso–Zaria transmission line corridor.

The Kano Regional General Manager of TCN, M.K. Bello, disclosed this during a sensitisation campaign against infrastructure vandalism and encroachment in Paki community, Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Bello attributed the arrests to the cooperation of traditional rulers, residents, the police and other security agencies. He also revealed that approximately 10 transmission towers had been vandalised within four to five months, while five related cases were currently before the courts.

He warned that vandalism could disrupt electricity supply and impose significant replacement costs on the company. Bello further expressed concern over excavation, construction and pit-digging near transmission towers, noting that such activities could weaken the structures and cause them to collapse.

According to him, the towers support transmission lines carrying electricity over distances of between 200 and 300 kilometres. He urged residents to avoid activities that could endanger the infrastructure and to promptly report suspected vandalism or encroachment to the relevant authorities.

TCN appealed for continued community cooperation to protect critical electricity facilities and ensure reliable power transmission.

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TCN restores power to Karu, Keffi, and Akwanga after the collapse of transmission towers.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has restored electricity supply to the Karu–Keffi–Akwanga Transmission Line following the repair of three collapsed transmission towers.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, TCN said power supply was restored at approximately 5:31 p.m. The restoration also reconnected the 132/33kV Keffi and Akwanga Transmission Stations.

The three transmission towers reportedly collapsed on October 7, 2026, after heavy rainfall and strong winds disrupted the line.

TCN reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and strengthening the nation’s transmission infrastructure to support the reliable and efficient delivery of bulk electricity across Nigeria.

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