Nigeria News Digest: August 19, 2025

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State called on residents outside the state to transfer their voter registration cards back to Osun in preparation for the 2026 elections. He emphasized the importance of mass participation in voting to maintain people-oriented leadership.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that 69,376 Nigerians pre-registered online for voter registration in the first seven hours. The commission emphasized that voter registration is open to Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above who are not currently registered.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State rejected the results of a recent by-election, alleging intimidation and irregularities during the process.

Observers described the recent by-election in Kaduna State as credible but noted a widespread lack of enthusiasm and voter apathy. They called for increased voter education to enhance public confidence in the electoral system.

The Kano State Police Command charged approximately 333 suspected thugs to court for disrupting the by-election in Shanono/Bagwai and Tsanyawa/Ghari constituencies. These suspects were involved in various offenses such as carrying weapons and attempting to disrupt the voting process.

The Delta State Government has launched a Widows Welfare Scheme, providing financial and healthcare support to 10,000 widows across the state.