Nigeria News Digest: September 4, 2025

The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) announced the timetable and activity schedule for the 2026 local‑government elections, setting 1 September 2026 as the latest possible election day. The release complies with Section 33(1) of the PLASIEC Law, which requires notice no later than 360 days before the election. PLASIEC’s chief confirmed that all listed activities will be carried out as stipulated by the law.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reported receiving 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties. Simultaneously, INEC confirmed that 2,656,437 registered voters in Anambra State will elect a new governor in November. The commission will publish the list of newly registered parties for public review between 8 and 20 July 2025.

INEC announced that 2,802,790 citizens are now eligible to vote in Anambra's upcoming governorship election, up from 2,656,437 following continuous voter registration. Idemili North leads the list with 246,318 registered voters. Updated figures by local government area are available on INEC’s website.

The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) will conduct by‑elections in 63 of 192 wards across 15 local government areas to fill seats vacated after the December 2024 suspension of 18 council chairmen. The elections cover specific wards in Esan South‑East, Esan North‑East, Esan West, Igueben and Esan Central. Acting chairmen have been appointed to manage the councils until the by‑elections.

The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed former Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa’s claim that he delivered one million votes for President Tinubu in 2023. APC officials said Marafa has no electoral track record and that Tinubu’s support came through party structures. The party highlighted its recent victory in Kaura Namoda South to demonstrate continued grassroots strength.

Local government workers in Ekiti State, represented by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, pledged N10 million to Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re‑election campaign. Chairman Alaba Abejide said the donation reflected gratitude for Oyebanji’s reforms and would help mobilise support across the 16 local councils. The cheque was presented at the governor’s office in Ado‑Ekiti.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo accused southeast political leaders of undermining voter registration efforts in Nigeria. The organization blamed Anambra State officials for failing to mobilise citizens, urging governors, chairmen and civil groups to register voters before the August 31, 2026 deadline. Ohanaeze warned that the lack of participation would weaken the Igbo electorate’s future political influence.

Corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye petitioned President Tinubu to reverse an unlawful extension of her National Youth Service (NYSC) service year. Through counsel, Uguamaye alleged that the extension denied her fair hearing rights and constituted abuse of power. The appeal follows her earlier unresponsive petition to the NYSC director‑general.

A dispute over President Buhari’s authority to suspend Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State escalated when the president failed to act. The conflict involved former governor Nyesom Wike, who opposed a proposed impeachment. The situation highlighted limitations in executive powers under emergency provisions, sparking debate over the balance between federal and state authority.

Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa faces a standoff with 18 local government chairmen over the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds. Councils claim they receive only ₦4 million monthly despite multi‑million allocations and demand full financial autonomy granted by a July 2024 Supreme Court ruling. The state government denies political motives, while the Association for Good Governance Advocacy urges President Tinubu to enforce autonomy for all 774 councils.

Former PDP candidate Kehinde Akinde resigned from the party after expressing dismay with the PDP’s national, state and local leadership. He cited internal injustices and loss of confidence, while several party members defected to the APC. Akinde’s departure reflects growing dissatisfaction within the PDP ranks.

The North Central APC chairmen declared the party fully prepared for the 2027 general elections and dismissed the African Democratic Congress as a worn‑out vehicle. They pledged to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and address insecurity in the region, affirming confidence in the Tinubu‑led administration’s policies.