Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Says It Has Not Received Funds for 2027 General Elections Amid Budget Concerns
Electoral commission officials in Abuja reveal delayed release of allocated funds, raising fears over timely preparations
Electoral commission officials in Abuja reveal delayed release of allocated funds, raising fears over timely preparations
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that it is yet to receive the budgeted funds for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, raising concerns about the timely preparation and execution of Nigeria’s next nationwide polls. The revelation was made by commission officials in Abuja on Friday, 26 June 2026.
According to INEC, despite allocations made in the national budget for electoral activities leading up to 2027, no disbursement has reached the commission as at the end of June. This situation has sparked anxiety among stakeholders about potential delays in procurement, training, and deployment necessary for credible elections across Nigeria’s thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The delayed release of funds comes at a time when Nigerians are increasingly vocal about electoral transparency and logistics. Previous election cycles have been marked by late arrivals of materials and inadequate training for ad hoc staff — issues INEC officials say are often tied to funding bottlenecks. The commission’s inability to access its full budget on time could further complicate plans to upgrade election technology and improve voter verification processes.
While INEC did not provide detailed figures or timelines for when it expects the funds, senior officials stressed that early financial support is critical if the commission is to avoid repeating past logistical challenges. They called on relevant authorities to expedite all necessary approvals and transfers so that preparations can commence without further delay.
As Nigerians look ahead to the next election cycle, observers warn that protracted funding delays may undermine confidence in the electoral process. Civil society groups have urged government to prioritise INEC’s requests, noting that transparent and timely elections are vital for democratic stability.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos PTML Customs, Port Police Strengthen Maritime Security Collaboration
Agencies pledge tighter port security, focus on anti-smuggling and intelligence sharing in fresh joint effort
Agencies pledge tighter port security, focus on anti-smuggling and intelligence sharing in fresh joint effort
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ports Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Area Command, and the Ports Authority Police Western Command have intensified their partnership to improve maritime security in Lagos, following a high-level meeting held on Thursday. The courtesy visit, led by Customs Area Controller Nura Miko and his management team to the Police Western Command headquarters, aimed at reinforcing joint strategies for safeguarding Nigeria’s busiest commercial port corridor.
During the meeting, both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a secure and efficient trade environment at the port. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in key areas such as port security operations, intelligence sharing between officers, cargo protection protocols, anti-smuggling initiatives, and preventive measures against maritime-related crimes.
Maritime insecurity remains a major concern for stakeholders in Lagos and across Nigeria’s coastal region. The collaboration comes amid persistent threats including smuggling activities, unauthorised cargo movement, and the need to maintain public trust in the nation’s import-export processes. Improved coordination between customs and police is seen as vital to reducing illicit trade and supporting legitimate economic activity at the PTML terminal.
In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer Isaac Hundeyin after the event, both sides agreed to deepen operational links and share actionable intelligence on suspicious movements within the port area. “Our agencies are committed to ensuring that the port remains safe for business,” Hundeyin said. Customs Area Controller Nura Miko also noted that the ongoing cooperation would help close operational gaps exploited by criminal elements.
The agencies announced plans to expand joint patrols and conduct periodic reviews of security protocols at PTML. Stakeholders are expected to monitor the impact of this renewed collaboration on cargo throughput and overall trade efficiency in Lagos ports over the coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Sacks NDC Registration Months After Peter Obi Becomes Presidential Candidate
Justice Umar rules INEC breached law in registering NDC; party and electoral body yet to respond to judgment
Justice Umar rules INEC breached law in registering NDC; party and electoral body yet to respond to judgment
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strike out the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from its register of political parties, just months after former Labour Party flag bearer, Peter Obi, picked the NDC presidential ticket for the 2027 general election. The judgment, delivered on Friday by Justice Mohammed Umar, followed a suit challenging the legality of NDC’s registration.
The suit was filed by Ahidjo Ibrahim Karlahi, Protem National Organising Secretary of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), who argued that INEC failed to comply with constitutional and statutory requirements in granting recognition to the NDC. Justice Umar agreed with Karlahi’s claims and ruled that INEC acted outside its constitutional powers by registering the party despite its failure to complete all necessary procedures. The court therefore directed INEC to immediately withdraw NDC’s certificate and delist it as a political party.
This development is seen as a major setback for the opposition party, which had been attracting high-profile politicians since Peter Obi decamped from Labour Party earlier this year. Obi’s emergence as NDC’s presidential candidate had energised the party’s nationwide mobilisation efforts ahead of 2027, with several chieftains openly declaring support for his vision of a ‘new Nigeria.’
Prior to Friday’s ruling, NDC leaders maintained that their registration was lawful and dismissed challenges as politically motivated. As at press time, neither INEC nor the NDC had issued an official reaction to the court decision. It remains unclear whether the party will approach the Court of Appeal or how soon INEC will implement the directive. Political analysts say the judgment is likely to spark fresh debates about party registration processes and could affect plans of politicians who recently joined or backed NDC.
The outcome also raises uncertainty for Peter Obi’s presidential ambition under the NDC platform, with stakeholders keenly watching for legal and political implications as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FCT Police Arrest Suspect, Recover Stolen Toyota Hilux in Abuja-Kaduna Operation
Swift action by Maitama Division leads to vehicle recovery; Police intensify stop-and-search at FCT borders
Swift action by Maitama Division leads to vehicle recovery; Police intensify stop-and-search at FCT borders
Police operatives from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command have arrested a suspect and recovered a stolen Toyota Hilux after the vehicle was reportedly driven from Abuja to Kaduna State. The incident occurred on 20th June 2026, with officers from Maitama Division responding minutes after the theft was reported in the Wuse II area of Abuja.
According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, the Divisional Police Officer for Maitama, CSP Altine Daniel, received a distress call around 1:45 p.m. The complainant stated that the white Toyota Hilux, a 2014 model bearing registration number BWR 712 CV, had been parked at about 1:30 p.m. before it was discovered missing just four minutes later. An unidentified individual was seen driving it away.
In response, police formations across entry and exit points within the FCT were immediately alerted. Officers were instructed to mount stop-and-search operations and prevent any attempt to move the stolen vehicle out of Abuja. This swift coordination led to the eventual recovery of the Hilux in Kaduna State and arrest of a suspect linked to the theft.
The FCT Command’s proactive approach comes amid growing concerns over vehicle theft and other property crimes within Abuja and neighbouring states. The recent operation underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to strengthen border surveillance and ensure prompt response to distress calls. Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities in their communities.
While details about the identity of the suspect were not disclosed as at press time, police authorities assured that further investigations are underway and pledged to prosecute those found culpable. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding this latest breakthrough by security agencies.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/fct-police-nab-suspect-recover-stolen-toyota-hilux/
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