6,000 APC members in Sokoto decamp to PDP

The Sokoto State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received no fewer than 6,000 members of the All Progressives Congress in Wamakko Local Government Area into its fold. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the decampees were received in Wamakko by the PDP Chairman in Sokoto State, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma.

Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire to battle for AFCON glory

The Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire and the Black Stars of Ghana are through to the final of the 2015 African Cup of Nations after securing victory over their respective opponents in the semi final stage of the competition.

ICC to prosecute Boko Haram, electoral violence

The International Criminal Court (ICC), has vowed to prosecute Boko Haram members as well as electoral offenders in the forthcoming election if the Nigerian government fails to do so. According to the ICC’s Director of Jurisdiction, Complementarity and Cooperation Division, Mr. Phakiso Mochochoko, anyone guilty of making provocative and inciting comments that can threaten the peace and security of the country will be made to face the law.

Poll postponement: Council of State advises INEC consult stakeholders before making any decision

After a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which lasted for about seven hours, the Council of State has asked Nigeria's electoral umpire to consult all stakeholders involved in the elections before making a final decision whether or not to conduct the polls as scheduled in this month.

EFCC declares Ex-Governor Nyako, son wanted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared a former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, and his son, Abdulazeez Murtala-Nyako, wanted for money laundering and other financial related crimes.

Non indigenes in APC-controlled states are being prevented from collecting PVCs - PDP

The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh has alleged that non indigenes in states controlled by the All Progressives Congress are being denied collection of their permanent voters card. According to the PDP leader, there is a conspiracy between the opposition party and INEC to disenfranchise some of its members.

Presidency plans to lure Council of State to support postponement of election - APC

The All Progressives Congress has accused the presidency of planning to lure members of the Council of State to support the call for postponement of the general elections at a meeting scheduled for Thursday 6th February 2015. Addressing journalists today, the party's chairman, Chief John Oyegun urged members of the council not to accept the proposal.

We have no plans to head interim government - Army

The Nigerian Army has described claims that it is planning to form an interim government as the hand work of mischief makers. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, debunked reports in the social media that the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen Kenneth Minimah, has plans to head an interim government if the leading opposition party, All Progressives Congress wins the presidential election.

PDP and APC supporters clash in Kaduna as thugs attack Gov. Yero's convoy

Political thugs have continued to disrupt campaign activities in the northern part of Nigeria in violation of the peace pact signed by presidential candidates and representatives of political parties in Abuja. On Tuesday, the convoy of the Governor of Kaduna State, M. Yero, came under attack as thugs vandalised many vehicles when members of the his campaign organisation made their way to the venue of their campaign rally in Kaduna South.

Election Petitions Tribunal inaugurated

In line with the provisions of the electoral act, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, today set up the 2015 Elections Petition Tribunal in anticipation of any decision by a political party or candidate to challenge the outcome of the forthcoming general elections.

Justice Mohammed said the National Judicial Council will not tolerate any act that will bring the judiciary to disrepute. He urged the judges to be fair and honest in handling cases brought before them.

National Conference delegates call for postponement of elections

More calls for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the general elections scheduled for this month have continued to come, this time from some delegates at the 2014 National Conference.

Health Workers suspend strike

Health workers in the country have suspended their nearly three-month old strike after a lengthy meeting with the Minister of Health. A statement released by the Chairman of the health sector union in Abuja called on all health workers to resume official duties from Tuesday.

Onaiyekan condemns row over Buhari’s certificate

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has criticised the recent attacks on the presidential candidate All Progressives Congress, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, over his academic certificate and age. In a recent interview with Sahara Reporters, the cleric called on Nigerians to shun “cheap politics” and focus on more important issues that will bring about growth and progress of the nation.

Bomb explosion near Jonathan’s campaign venue in Gombe

Gombe State witnessed another bomb blast on Monday, just few minutes after President Jonathan's convoy departed the state capital where he held his presidential campaign rally.

A female suicide bomber detonated the device some metres away from the campaign venue as she was unable to get to her target area. Another person was killed and about 4 people are reported to have sustained injuries during the attack.

Gov. Lamido set to decamp to APC???

Rumours have it that the Governor of Jigawa State, Gov. Sule Lamido is about to decamp from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the main opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The aggrieved governor is reported to have held secret meetings with the leadership of APC including the Governor of Rivers State and Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, Rotimi Amaechi in Abuja recently.

Why we endorsed Jonathan — Afenifere

In a recent interview with The Punch, some leaders of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, gave reasons why the group endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term in office. According to Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the Yoruba leaders believe that Jonathan would implement the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference if re-elected.

Twin explosion in Gombe leaves 5 people dead

Nigeria's North Eastern state of Gombe came under attack from insurgents as two bombs went off leaving the bomber and four others dead.

Eye witnesses who confirmed the incident say both blasts occurred in the space of five minutes. The first at the entrance gate of the old Gombe market at about 2.50pm and another at the timber market, behind 301 Artillery Regiment Quarter Guard of the Nigerian Army.

INEC extend deadline for PVC collection till Feb 8

The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed Sunday, February 8 as the new deadline for collection of Permanent Voter Cards. A statement to this effect was issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu.

“INEC hereby calls on duly registered persons not to delay in going to collect their cards before the expiration of the new deadline.

“The Commission reaffirms its determination to make the 2015 elections free, fair, credible and peaceful; and urges all stakeholders, including voters, to spare no effort in working towards the same objective,” the statement read.

FG condemn Dokubo and Tompolo over war threats

The Federal Government has frowned at the recent provocative utterances by two ex- Niger Delta militants that there will be war in the country if President Jonathan is not victorious at the forthcoming presidential election. Mujahiden Dokubo-Asari, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), and others said after a meeting in the Bayelsa State Government House that, “For every Goliath, God created a David. For every Pharaoh, there is a Moses. We are going to war. Every one of you should go and fortify yourself.”

Enough is Enough!: Ogboru cautions rivals against rigging Delta guber poll

As the 2015 general elections draw nearer, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Delta State, Chief Great Ogboru, has warned other political parties and candidates involved in the election to shun rigging noting that the people will not tolerate such injustice this time around.

Nigerian Army confront insurgents in Michika, recover weapons

The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, has disclosed that Nigerian troops today carried out an extensive mopping up operation in search of weapons, stranded terrorists and casualties in Michika, Adamawa State.

Agbaje vows to give APC 'a total knock out'

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje has expressed confidence that he will defeat his rival, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Akinwunmi Ambode, in the February 28 governorship election.

Army General, senior officers arrested over Baga attack

The Nigerian military has arrested a Brigadier General, a Lieutenant Colonel and five other officers of the Nigerian Army attached to the Baga headquarters of Multinational Joint Task Force, which was taken over by Boko Haram insurgents recently. Reports indicate that military authorities are angry about the attack and take over of Baga when the Army was fortified with sufficient weapons in anticipation of an onslaught against the terrorists.

SDP state conditions for endorsing any presidential candidate

Ahead of the February 14 presidential election, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has listed out conditions for throwing its weight behind any presidential candidate. Addressing the press today in Abuja, the party's National Chairman, Chief Olu Falae, noted that since the party was unable to field any candidate for the presidential election, it will declare support for a credible candidate that can address the challenges faced by the country.

APC to boycott presidential debate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disclosed that its presidential and vice presidential candidates will not take part in the debate organised by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG). A statement released by the Director of Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, cited loyalty of media organisers of the event to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as reason for not participating in the debate.

Imo 2015: Ihenacho denies stepping down for PDP candidate

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo State, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho has denied reports that he has pulled out of the race in order to support the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Emeka Ihedioha. He made this known on Wednesday when his campaign train made a stop at Nkwerre and Nwangele Local Government Areas in the state.

INEC assures NYSC of Corps Members safety during elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission has assured the leadership of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that adequate measures are being put in place to ensure the safety of Corps Members who will be assisting in the conduct of the polls. Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Attihiru Jega, made this promise when the Director General of NYSC, Brig. Gen. Johnson Olawunmi, paid a visit to the INEC headquarters on Wednesday.

Afenifere endorse Jonathan for second term

Yoruba leaders in the South West under the aegis of the Afenifere socio-political group have thrown their weight behind President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the February 14 presidential election. The leaders who spoke when they received Jonathan in Akure, Ondo State, said the President has performed well enough to earn him their support for a second term in office.

Fashola donates ICT centre to police

The Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) on Monday handed over a well-equipped Information and Communications Technology resource centre to the Lagos State Police Command in Surelere.

PDP receives over 5000 decampees from APC in Rivers State

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received into its fold, more than five thousand aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the decampees, the selfish political interests and nonchalant attitude displayed by the leadership of the APC in Rivers State, influenced their decision to move to the opposition. The defectors were received by the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Chief (Barr) Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.