The Independent National Electoral Commission has revised the timetable for the 2027 General Election, moving the presidential and National Assembly polls to January and the governorship and state assembly elections to February. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission approved a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities following changes in the electoral law. INEC had earlier fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections under the Electoral Act, 2022. However, the commission said the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026 necessitated a review of the schedule. “Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” the statement read. According to INEC, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027. The commission also outlined key milestones in the revised timetable. It stated that the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026. “Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9th September 2026,” INEC stated. The commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and warned that it would strictly enforce compliance. “As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” the statement stated. INEC said the revised timetable has been published on its official website and other communication platforms. The commission also announced a slight adjustment to the Osun State governorship poll. “In addition, the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for Saturday, 8th August 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 15th August 2026,” the statement added. INEC noted that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, the remaining processes would align strictly with the Electoral Act, 2026. It emphasised that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026. “The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” the commission stated. It called on stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.

National President, Millet Farmers Association, Umar Abdullahi, has said that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, will have problems if Vice President Kashim Shettima is replaced in 2027. Abdullahi made this statement on Thursday when he featured in an interview on Trust TV monitored by THENEWSCREDIT. His remark is coming against the backdrop of speculation that Shettima could be replaced in the forthcoming 2027 general elections. He said, “With Shettima in government, we have a lot of expectations and hopes. We are asleep if Shettima is there. We know a lot of things have started. We want that strategy to be maintained. The status quo must be maintained. “There is no basis for changing Shettima. He’s still loyal. He’s still capable. And he’s discharging the responsibilities and the duties of the Office of the Vice President successfully. So there is no reason he should be replaced. “APC will have problems if he’s removed. We are not politicians. We don’t need to tell lies. This is my first time coming before a camera in my life. APC and President Tinubu will have problems because a lot of farmers will not vote for the APC. “We voted because of the Muslim/Muslim ticket. If you want to replace somebody, you have to tell people what wrong he’s done that requires his replacement. But to the best of our knowledge, Shettima has been representing Nigeria very well even in foreign fora.”

OGBOMOSO – In a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity, the Ogbomoso Traditional Rulers Forum has today, February 26, 2026, reaffirmed its "unwavering support" for the leadership of H.I.M. Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orunmogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland. The declaration was made during a press conference following the Forum’s high-level meeting held on Thursday at the Soun’s Palace, Oja’gbo. Speaking on behalf of the gathered monarchs, the Alapa of Okin-Apa, Oba Prof. Akinola Akintola, emphasized that the traditional institution in Ogbomosoland remains a single, indivisible entity. "We are united and speaking with one voice," Oba Akintola stated, dismissing any notions of discord within the ranks. Commending Governor Makinde. The Forum expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde, for his recent reconstitution of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Specifically, the monarchs lauded the Governor for formally identifying with the arrangement that rotates the council`s leadership among the Olubadan, Soun, and Alaafin. The inclusion of the Aale of Okelerin as a permanent member of the State . The meeting saw a robust turnout of royal fathers representing all five local government areas in Ogbomosoland. Key dignitaries in attendance included HRM Oba Samuel Babatunde, the Aale of Okelerin HRM Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji, the Alajaawa of Ajaawa Oba Bolarinwa Ezekiel Olajide, the Onisapa of Isapa Oba Dr. Solomon Olagoke Akinola, the Oranmiyan of Okoland Oba Michael Oyebunmi Ajayi, the Oloolo of Oolo This collective endorsement marks a significant milestone in the consolidation of traditional authority in the region, reinforcing Oba Ghandi Olaoye’s leadership as the Soun of Ogbomosoland

OGBOMOSO– In the heart of Oyo State, the 2026 cashew season has officially kicked off, cementing Ogbomoso’s status as the "premium hub" for Nigeria’s top non-oil export. While the "Hidden Goldmine" of Ogbomoso land continues to power the local economy, veteran broadcast journalist Akintayo Asamu Kowinrin is raising the alarm on a growing crisis: the systematic exploitation of local farmers by unscrupulous produce buyers. The Economic Powerhouse of Ogbomoso Ogbomoso cashew is globally recognized for its superior quality, boasting a Kernel Outturn Ratio (KOR) of 48–52, the highest in Nigeria. This quality allows the nuts to command a premium price on the international market, with current local prices for dry Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN) reaching up to ₦1,950 per kg as of February 2026. The industry is a multi-billion naira market, estimated to generate over ₦5 billion within a single five-month trading window. Beyond the nuts, the value chain offers multiple income streams: Cashew Apples: Processed into juice, wine, and jams. Industrial By-products: Shells used for Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) in polymers and paints. Long-term Wealth: A single tree provides a steady income for over 25 to 50 years. A Call to Order: Addressing Exploitation Despite this wealth, the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has raised alarms over "unregulated foreign involvement" and the exploitation of farmers at the farm gate. Many farmers are being cheated by buyers who take advantage of a lack of real-time market information and inadequate storage facilities. Advice to Producers (Farmers): Do not sell blindly. Your price is tied to your KOR. Ogbomoso`s high-grade nuts are worth a premium—demand it. Proper Post-Harvest Care: Gather nuts within 24 hours of falling and sundry them for 2–3 days to prevent deterioration. Use Jute Bags: Never use plastic or polypropylene bags, as they cause the nuts to rot, giving buyers an excuse to lower prices. Join Cooperatives: Individual farmers are easy targets. Strength in numbers through associations like NCAN helps in negotiating fair floor prices Advice to Buyers and Middlemen: Fair Pricing for Sustainability: Cheating farmers today leads them to cut down trees tomorrow, as seen with Nigeria`s former coffee industry. Destroying the source destroys your business. Transparent Grading: Base your purchases on visible quality and KOR, rather than exploiting the farmer`s immediate need for cash. Respect the Roadmap: Stakeholders have called for a "market-driven framework" that safeguards farmer incomes to ensure Ogbomoso remains a global hub. As the 2026 season progresses, the call for local processing facilities remains urgent. Processing raw nuts locally could multiply the industry`s value by five times, turning a $300 million export into a $1.4 billion windfall for Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday charged the acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to make the Nigeria Police Force better than he met it, as the country grapples with banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities. The President, who personally decorated Disu with his new rank at the State House, Abuja, said the appointment comes at “a defining moment for our nation’s security,” expressing confidence in the new police chief’s ability to restore public confidence in the Force. “The commitment that I expect from you is for you to make it better than you met it. And I’m sure you can do it. Nigeria is challenged right now with banditry, terrorism and all sorts of criminal activities,” Tinubu stated during the decoration ceremony. The President, who drew on his personal knowledge of Disu from his tenure as Lagos State Governor, said he believes in the dedication the new IGP exhibited while serving in Lagos. “I know your record. I believe in the dedication that you’ve exhibited while you were in Lagos and I was the Governor of Lagos State. “Now you assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security,” the President said. Tinubu outlined specific expectations for the new police chief, emphasising discipline, professionalism, and inter-agency collaboration. “I expect you to strengthen the discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police. “Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains your highest priority,” he charged. Acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead, the President assured Disu of his full support. “It is a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. “You have my full support as you advance the security pillars of the Renewed Hope agenda. “You are a straightforward individual, committed and respected. You have sufficient discipline,” Tinubu stated. The President urged the new IGP to draw from the experience of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the ceremony. “You can draw from the experience of Kayode Egbetokun who had been there before you. “You have been part of the thinking, and you’ve been part of the innovation. “The challenge as you hold the baton of this leadership is the belief that you will excel and Nigeria will prevail,” he said. Speaking to the outgoing IGP, Tinubu expressed gratitude for his service while linking his legacy to the success of his successor. “To the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, I extend the gratitude of the entire country. “Nigeria, we are a grateful nation to you for your dedication in service, expression of good leadership attributes within the Force. “You have served with commitment and distinction, and Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order in our country,” the President said. He added, “What you should look back and remember is this: you have not succeeded without a good successor. “Therefore, the success of Tunji Disu as IGP, when confirmed, is part of your responsibility and the joy you should look forward to.” Tinubu noted that Disu’s previous role as Principal Staff Officer to Egbetokun positioned him well for the new assignment. “Having been part of your Principal Staff Officer, I have no doubt he understands the ins and outs of the operation. “He will only improvise. He’s an operational person from what I know,” the President stated. The decoration ceremony, which took place at 4:00 pm at the President’s office, had in attendance Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials. Tinubu personally pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, marking the formal transfer of leadership of Africa’s largest police force. In his response, Disu pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him, vowing to end impunity and enforce zero tolerance to corruption within the Force. “The President mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I’ve worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” Disu told State House correspondents. He added, “I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption.” The new Police Chief emphasised that Nigerian citizens are the ultimate bosses of the police. “One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizen, the citizen of the country, are the boss. No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” Disu stated. Egbetokun, in his remarks, expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to surpass his achievements. “I invested in likely successors in the Nigerian Police Force, and I’m happy that one of those that I’ve invested in has been found most suitable for the job. I have so much confidence that he would surpass what I have done,” Egbetokun stated. The decoration came barely 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.

A 30-year-old woman identified as Abigail Adebayo has allegedly killed herself after her fiancee’s family disapproved of their marriage in the Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State. THENEWSCREDIT gathered that Abigail had been in a relationship with one Oniga Abiola since September 2025, with plans to marry. It was learnt that Abiola had taken her home to see his mother about two weeks ago. But his family rejected the marriage after discovering that Abigail had three children from a previous relationship. She was later found motionless in her room after allegedly taking sniper insecticide. Abiola was said to have reported the incident to the Atan Ijebu Division of the Ogun State Police Command. The Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the incident to THENEWSCREDIT on Tuesday, saying Abigail was rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, where doctors confirmed her dead on arrival. Babaseyi stated that detectives immediately visited the scene and the hospital, where photographs were taken but no visible marks of violence were found on the body. The police spokesperson assured that investigation was ongoing to unravel all incidents surrounding Abigail’s death. The police spokesperson said, “On 12/02/2026 Thursday, it was reported that one Abigail Adebayo ‘F’, 30 years, allegedly ingested Sniper insecticide following a family disagreement over their intended marriage. “She was immediately rushed to General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, where she was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. “Detectives visited the scene and the hospital, photographs were taken and no visible marks of violence were found on the body. Investigation is ongoing.”

OGBOMOSO – A pall of gloom has descended upon the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) following a horrific motor accident that claimed the lives of at least six final-year nursing students. Contrary to earlier reports of the Ilorin-Ogbomoso road, the forum stated the accident occurred on the Suleja-Abuja expressway on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The victims, who were 500-level students enrolled in the university’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Bachelor of Nursing Science programme, were reportedly traveling to Ogbomoso to sit for their final examinations. This final academic hurdle was meant to be the culmination of years of balancing rigorous professional duties with higher education. Tragically, among the deceased was a student who was heavily pregnant, a detail that has intensified the emotional devastation felt by the university community. The victims were already practicing nurses seeking to upgrade their qualifications. Colleagues have described them as resilient and dedicated professionals who juggled hospital shifts and family responsibilities to advance their careers. "They were so close to the finish line," one grief-stricken classmate remarked. "To lose them now, when we were all preparing to reunite in the exam hall, is simply heartbreaking." The bodies of the students have been deposited at a mortuary for autopsy. As of the time of this report, the LAUTECH management has yet to release a formal statement regarding the incident. Furthermore, neither the Oyo State Police Command nor the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has provided a public briefing on the specific cause of the crash or confirmed if there were other casualties. The university campus remains in a state of mourning as students and faculty struggle to process the sudden loss of six frontline healthcare workers on the verge of their academic graduation.

President Bola Tinubu has removed the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun. Egbetokun has been replaced by Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG. His removal is said to have followed Tinubu’s directive for him to resign. It was gathered that Tinubu directed Egebtokun to resign his position at a meeting in the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. Tinubu appointed Egebtokun as the 22nd IGP on June 19, 2023. His substantive appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31, 2023. Appointed as IGP at the age of 58, Egbetokun was due for retirement on September 4, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory age of 60. But his tenure was controversially extended by the President.

OGBOMOSO — In a powerful call for religious tolerance and national rebirth, Hon. Wale Adeleke, a veteran politician and former Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso South Local Government, has described the rare 2026 convergence of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent as a divine testament that "God is one." Addressing the community as both sacred seasons commenced simultaneously on February 18, 2026, Adeleke emphasized that the length and spiritual weight of this year’s fasting periods are symbolic of the unity, love, and harmony required to move the nation forward. Adeleke noted that the 2026 calendar, which sees the 30-day Islamic fast and the 40-day Lenten period overlapping, is not a mere coincidence but a "sign of unity" orchestrated by the Almighty. "This year, the length of our fasts and the alignment of our prayers show that we are serving the same Creator," Adeleke stated. "It is a clear message of love and harmony, proving that despite our different paths, God is one. We must use this period to bury our differences and embrace our shared humanity." Call for Spiritual Reflection The former Ogbomoso South chairman urged residents to reflect on the core values of both traditions. Adeleke encouraged the affluent to support the less privileged, highlighting that "true worship is found in how we treat our neighbors". He called on all faithful to pray for peace in Ogbomoso,Oyo state and across Nigeria, especially as the nation prepares for future democratic exercises. This simultaneous start of Ramadan and Lent is a rare occurrence that happens roughly every 33 years due to the Islamic lunar calendar`s shift. The rare calendar convergence, which saw both the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, has been described by Adeleke and other leaders as a "divine signal" for national unity and religious harmony in Nigeria. Adeleke characterized the overlap as an intentional act of the "Maker of all mankind" to remind adherents that despite different traditions, they share a common spiritual heritage and moral journey. He urged the people of Ogbomoso,Oyo State and Nigeria at large to use this "strategic" coincidence to rise above ethnic and religious differences, fostering peace and collective progress. The leader emphasized the common virtues of both seasons—sacrifice, self-discipline, compassion, and intense prayer—as the foundation for building a stronger community. Hon. Wale Adeleke, a leading member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ogbomoso zone, currently seeking a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has earned a reputation for fostering community unity and acting as a `dependable pillar of support` for regional advancement. Adeleke concluded by reminding the people of Ogbomoso South Local Government that the ultimate goal of the season is to "emerge as better citizens, bound by love and a renewed commitment to our collective progress."

Hon. Remi Odetomi, a prominent political and community leader in Ogbomoso, has officially released his latest gospel single, “Se Rere Fun Wa” (Do Good for Us), a poignant 6-minute and 35-second track that serves as both a musical masterpiece and a national prayer. In his latest work, the former Commissioner and veteran local government chairman addresses the current socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians. Odetomi describes the song as a "sacred invocation," pleading with God for a "better deal" for citizens across all strata of society. The lyrics reflect a deep-seated belief that divine goodness is the ultimate remedy for the prevailing hardships in the land. The release has garnered widespread acclaim from associates and fans alike, who have lauded Odetomi’s versatility and integrity: Odetomi made history as the only three-term chairman of the Ogbomoso South Local Government. He also served as the Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and was once a Deputy Governor candidate under the ANPP. His musical roots date back to 1983 at Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, where he served as Assistant Choirmaster and later as the substantive Choirmaster for several years. Dr. Paul Adeyemo described the new album as a "majestic body of work" and a "heartfelt prayer wrapped in rhythm," emphasizing Odetomi`s resilience in the face of life`s personal and public challenges. “Se Rere Fun Wa” is the latest addition to a discography that has earned Odetomi significant recognition in the gospel scene. His notable previous albums include: Nigeria D’owo Re Emaa Yo Iwa Rere The new project was released under IO Entertainments and is currently available on major streaming platforms like Apple Music and YouTube.