Atlas News (2026)

13/10/2026

Why INEC Omitted Adebutu, Pantami, Others From Final Candidates’ List

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has omitted several prominent politicians, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidates in Ogun and Gombe states, Ladi Adebutu and Professor Isa Ali Pantami, from its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship elections.

The omissions have raised concerns over compliance with electoral laws and the procedures used by political parties to nominate their candidates.

Reports indicate that the development follows a September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment restoring provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 governing party membership registers and participation in primaries.

Under the restored provisions, political parties are required to submit their membership registers to INEC within the stipulated period. Only members whose names appear on the submitted registers are eligible to participate in party primaries, congresses and conventions.

In Ogun State, Adebutu’s omission has been linked to allegations that his name was missing from the PDP membership register submitted to INEC. However, the Ogun PDP has rejected the allegations, insisting that Adebutu was duly registered and that the party complied with the relevant requirements.

In Gombe State, Pantami’s omission comes after a Federal High Court judgment nullified his initial emergence as the PDP governorship candidate and ordered a fresh primary.

Pantami subsequently won the rerun primary conducted on September 29, 2026, but his name was still absent from INEC’s final list.

The electoral commission’s published list did not explicitly state the reasons for the affected candidates’ exclusion.

Other candidates have also been affected by the controversy surrounding membership registration and nomination procedures, while political parties have challenged some of the omissions.

The development has intensified political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with affected parties facing questions over their compliance with electoral requirements and the steps available to resolve the disputes.

The PDP has expressed confidence that it will overcome the challenge and secure the inclusion of its candidates.

13/10/2026

Wike, Soludo, Adeleke, Amosun, Hadiza Make APC Presidential Campaign Council List

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; and Hadiza Bala-Usman have featured on the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council list.

The development comes as the APC prepares for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The campaign council comprises political leaders and stakeholders assigned various responsibilities to coordinate campaign activities across the country.

The inclusion of prominent political figures reflects the broad range of personalities associated with the campaign structure.

Wike, Adeleke and other political figures have also featured in reports on the revised campaign council list, with appointments covering state campaign coordination and other strategic responsibilities.

13/10/2026

Shettima Assures North of Greater Benefits Under Tinubu’s Second Term

Arewa for Asiwaju pledges support for Tinubu’s re-election

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged northern leaders and residents to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, assuring them that the region stands to benefit further from the administration’s policies and projects.

Shettima gave the assurance on Monday when he received a delegation of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a northern-based political think tank campaigning for Tinubu’s re-election, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The Vice President called for unity among northern stakeholders, stressing that collective efforts were necessary to advance the region’s development and improve the welfare of its people.

He said the North had benefited from government appointments, development projects and economic programmes under the Tinubu administration.

According to Shettima, the Bank of Agriculture has disbursed N450 billion to 700,000 smallholder farmers across the country, with approximately 70 per cent of the beneficiaries coming from the North.

He added that the Federal Government was working towards completing major infrastructure projects across the country, assuring the delegation of Tinubu’s commitment to the region.

Shettima commended the group for its continued support for the President and urged its members to intensify mobilisation efforts across wards, communities and local government areas ahead of the 2027 election.

Earlier, the Director-General of Arewa for Asiwaju and former Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru, said the organisation was determined to secure northern support for Tinubu’s re-election.

Badaru disclosed that the group planned to engage religious leaders, including Muslim and Christian clerics, as well as other influential Nigerians, to explain the importance of supporting the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.

He said the organisation had held several meetings with prominent stakeholders and would continue consultations to consolidate its support base.

Badaru also said A4A was ready to support the Presidential Campaign Council with grassroots mobilisation, particularly at the ward and local government levels.

The Chairman of the organisation’s Board of Trustees and former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Tinubu’s re-election, recalling its involvement in the President’s successful 2023 campaign.

Shekarau said the organisation had been engaging northern governors and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration ahead of the next general election.

He also announced plans to establish a full-fledged secretariat to coordinate the group’s activities, monitor reports from state coordinators and provide strategic direction for its members.

The former governor invited Shettima to commission the organisation’s office complex on October 17, 2027.

Other dignitaries at the meeting included former Plateau State governors Joshua Dariye and Simon Lalong; former Taraba State Governor Jolly Nyame; former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello; former Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema; former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda; the President’s Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman; and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Buba Marwa.

Members of the organisation’s Board of Trustees and secretariat were also present.

13/10/2026

Seyi Tinubu Says Father Chose to Confront Nigeria’s Challenges for Future Generations

Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said his father’s administration chose to confront Nigeria’s challenges for the benefit of future generations.

He made the statement while speaking at the maiden edition of his colloquium in Lagos.

According to Seyi, President Tinubu did not choose the state of the country he inherited from previous administrations but decided to tackle its challenges in the interest of Nigerians, particularly young people.

“President Bola Tinubu didn’t choose the Nigeria he inherited from his predecessors, yet his administration chose to confront the challenges of our nation. Not for itself alone, but for the benefit of those who come next. For us, the young generation,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of addressing the country’s challenges with the future in mind, highlighting the significance of policies and decisions that could benefit generations to come.

13/10/2026

Information Minister Defends Fuel Price Relief, Says Reforms Will Deliver Prosperity

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, saying the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to improving living conditions and sustaining economic recovery.

Idris stated this in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, while addressing concerns over rising living costs and the impact of government policies on Nigerians.

The minister said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s 30-day petrol discount initiative was introduced to provide temporary relief to Nigerians amid rising international energy costs.

He stressed that the initiative did not represent a return to fuel subsidy, while acknowledging the economic pressures facing households across the country.

Idris also pointed to improvements in key economic indicators, including inflation, external reserves and non-oil exports, saying the government’s priority was to ensure that the benefits of economic recovery translate into better living conditions for citizens.

On labour relations, local government autonomy and food security, the minister expressed confidence that outstanding issues could be addressed through dialogue. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to local government financial autonomy and highlighted efforts to increase domestic agricultural production.

He also urged traders to avoid hoarding goods and practices that create artificial scarcity, stressing the importance of ensuring the availability of essential commodities.

On infrastructure, Idris defended ongoing road projects, saying they would improve connectivity, facilitate trade and support economic activities across the country.

He further highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen national security through expanded military operational structures and improved support for security personnel.

Addressing concerns about press freedom, the minister said he was not aware of any directive by President Tinubu authorising the repression of the media.

He urged journalists to uphold professional standards, verify information and avoid misleading headlines, noting that press freedom must be accompanied by responsibility.

Idris pledged to sustain regular engagements with media organisations to strengthen communication between the government and the public and provide clarification on emerging national issues.

13/10/2026

APC Campaign Council Says It Will Not Follow Atiku’s ‘Disrespectful’ Conduct Towards Tinubu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has said its spokespersons and members will not follow the example of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in what it described as disrespecting the office of the President.

The council’s position followed public reactions to Atiku’s decision to address President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by his first name, “Bola,” which it described as unbecoming of a former vice president and a presidential candidate.

In a press statement issued on Monday, October 12, 2026, the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, accused Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), of allowing political animosity and ambition to undermine the statesmanship expected of him.

Alake said Atiku should serve as an example of decorum and responsible political conduct, particularly for younger politicians aspiring to leadership positions.

However, he stressed that the APC would continue to accord Atiku the respect and courtesies due to him as a former vice president and presidential candidate, regardless of his personal conduct.

“As a party grounded in progressive ideals and African traditional values of respect, our campaign council will not follow Alhaji Atiku’s path,” the statement said.

The council also said its campaign would remain focused on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks or disputes over political etiquette.

According to Alake, the APC campaign will highlight the party’s programmes, President Tinubu’s achievements and the administration’s efforts to move Nigeria “from reforms to prosperity” as the President seeks a second term.

The statement reaffirmed the council’s commitment to presenting the administration’s policies and record to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

12/10/2026

PDP Lawyers Give INEC Three Days to Publish Isa Ali Ibrahim as Gombe Governorship Candidate

A team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) three days to publish Ibrahim’s name as the party’s candidate for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election.

The lawyers, in a letter dated October 12, 2026, addressed to the INEC Chairman, protested the omission of Ibrahim’s name from the commission’s final list of candidates published on October 10.

The legal team described the omission as unlawful and unexplained, demanding that INEC publish and circulate Ibrahim’s name alongside those of other candidates by Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

According to the letter, Ibrahim emerged as the PDP’s governorship candidate during the party’s primary election held on May 26, 2026. His name was subsequently submitted to INEC, which published it on August 29.

However, the May 26 primary was challenged in two separate suits before the Federal High Court in Gombe. In judgments delivered on September 24, 2026, the court nullified the exercise over issues relating to its conduct and directed the PDP to conduct a fresh primary within 30 days.

The lawyers said the court also directed that eligible aspirants whose clearance remained valid should be allowed to participate in the fresh exercise.

They maintained that the court’s consequential orders restrained the PDP and INEC from recognising or giving effect to nominations arising from the May 26 primary, rather than barring Ibrahim from participating in a subsequent exercise.

In compliance with the judgments, the PDP conducted a fresh governorship primary on September 29, 2026, during which Ibrahim again emerged as the party’s candidate.

The lawyers stated that INEC officials attended, observed and monitored the fresh primary, adding that the commission had the monitoring report in its custody.

Citing previous judicial decisions, including Dingyadi & Anor v. INEC & Ors and Raymond v. INEC & Ors, the legal team argued that the removal of a nominated candidate’s name from an election list was a judicial act and that INEC’s role in party primaries was to monitor and report on the process.

The lawyers urged the commission to take immediate corrective action and confirm in writing the steps taken to address the omission.

The letter was signed by Ahmed Raji, SAN; A.T. Kehinde, SAN; Abdul Mohammed, SAN; Wale Balogun, SAN; and Chief Tunde Falola, Esq.

INEC’s response to the demand was not included in the letter.

12/10/2026

Jim Ovia to Receive N8.7bn Interim Dividend From Zenith Bank

Jim Ovia, founder and former chairman of Zenith Bank, is set to receive approximately N8.7 billion in interim dividends for the first half of 2026 following an increase in the bank’s dividend payout to shareholders.

Ovia, who remains one of the bank’s major shareholders, is expected to benefit substantially from the distribution, reflecting his significant stake in the financial institution.

The increased dividend payout is expected to boost returns to shareholders as Zenith Bank distributes part of its earnings for the six-month period ended June 2026.

The development highlights the potential financial benefits accruing to major shareholders from the bank’s performance and dividend policy.

Ovia founded Zenith Bank in 1990 and served as its chairman before stepping down from the position in 2014.

12/10/2026

First Lady Flags Off Distribution Of 2 Million Sanitary Towel Packs To Schoolgirls

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the distribution of two million packs of sanitary towels to girls in public schools as part of efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and support girl-child education.

The initiative is aimed at improving access to menstrual hygiene products, particularly for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds who may struggle to afford sanitary towels.

The intervention is expected to help reduce school absenteeism associated with menstruation and enable female students to attend classes with greater confidence and dignity.

Through her Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady has pursued programmes to address menstrual health challenges among schoolgirls, including the Flow with Confidence sanitary pad initiative launched in 2025.

Access to sanitary products remains an important issue for girls’ education, as financial constraints and inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities can affect school attendance, participation and academic performance.

The latest distribution is expected to strengthen efforts to ensure that menstruation does not become a barrier to girls’ education.

12/10/2026

Kano NDC Urges Calm, Confident INEC Will List Gwarzo on Monday

The Kano State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged its members and supporters to remain calm following the omission of its governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, from the final list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved, with a revised list containing Gwarzo’s name expected on Monday.

The NDC’s Public Relations Officer in Kano State, Yusif Fasaha, said the party had contacted INEC over the omission and was assured that the problem would be corrected.

Fasaha attributed the development to a computer error, insisting that the party had fulfilled all the necessary requirements for the election within the stipulated timeframe.

“We have consulted the INEC, and they told us that the problem was from the computer, and they will rectify it,” he said.

He urged party members and supporters to exercise patience while consultations with the electoral commission continued.

The party maintained that Gwarzo had completed the required registration processes and that his details were submitted to INEC within the prescribed period.

Gwarzo, a former deputy governor of Kano State and an ally of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is seeking to contest the 2027 governorship election on the NDC platform.

However, as of Monday, the published list still did not include Gwarzo or his running mate, Mustapha Rabi’u Kwankwaso. INEC had not publicly confirmed that a computer error was responsible for the omission.

The party said it remained hopeful that the matter would be resolved and its candidates included in the official list.

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