Nigerian protesters have confronted Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), outside Chatham House in London, demanding answers over alleged irregularities in the country’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.   The protesters accosted Amupitan on Thursday as he left the British think tank after participating in a panel discussion titled ‘Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Democratic Trajectory and Regional Stability Beyond the Ballot’. According to a report by TheCable, the demonstrators surrounded the black vehicle conveying the INEC chairman and demanded that he address their concerns about alleged irregularities in Nigeria’s voter register. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters holding placards, recording the encounter and chanting at the electoral chief. “Why are you running? Come out and talk to us,” some of the protesters shouted. Another demonstrator was heard calling for the police to be contacted, insisting that Amupitan should come out and address their concerns. One of the placards displayed during the confrontation read: “Amupitan, no more election fraud”. However, the INEC chairman remained inside his vehicle and did not give an audible response to the protesters. INEC Under Scrutiny Over Voter Register The confrontation comes amid growing scrutiny of INEC following concerns raised last month over suspected AI-generated photographs appearing in the commission’s preliminary voter register. INEC subsequently said it had traced the photographs to alleged misconduct by some registration officers who had access to its registration portal. The controversy raised further questions about the integrity of the electoral register ahead of the 2027 general elections. Amupitan Addresses Concerns Over 2023 Elections During his Chatham House appearance, Amupitan acknowledged that glitches experienced during the transmission of results in the 2023 general elections had eroded public confidence in the commission. He, however, said INEC had taken steps to ensure the smooth and efficient conduct of the 2027 elections. The protesters’ confrontation highlights continuing concerns over electoral transparency and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has assured Nigerians that their sacrifices and efforts towards building a better country will not be in vain.   Obi gave the assurance on Thursday during the party’s town hall meeting in Ikeja, Lagos State, where he condemned the attack on party members and supporters by suspected thugs before the event. The former Anambra State governor commended supporters for their conduct despite the incident, insisting that the NDC would continue its campaign across all parts of Lagos. He also urged residents to support the party’s governorship candidate, Funso Doherty, saying Lagos could achieve better results under an NDC administration. Obi Outlines Plans for Nigeria Speaking on his presidential ambition, Obi said he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were committed to securing Nigeria and building a united nation. He promised that an Obi-Kwankwaso administration would tackle corruption and increase electricity generation to 10,000 megawatts, describing the target as achievable. The NDC presidential candidate also pledged to establish functional primary healthcare centres in every ward across the country. On education, Obi reiterated his commitment to transforming Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy into a production-based one. He promised to bring 30 per cent of out-of-school children off the streets and provide them with quality education. “Basic education will be compulsory and free,” he said. On security, Obi promised to reform the Nigeria Police Force to improve service delivery and strengthen the country’s security architecture. He also pledged to improve police welfare and recruit more graduates into the force. “One of the commitments I have is to improve the welfare of the Nigeria Police. We’ll employ more graduates in our policing system so they can do things differently,” he said. Obi Urges Nigerians to Protect Their Votes Obi also called on President Bola Tinubu to leave office, saying Nigerians needed a change in leadership. He urged eligible voters to participate in the 2027 general elections and remain at their polling units until their votes were counted and transmitted. He further stressed the need to clean up the voter register ahead of the elections, insisting that every Nigerian’s vote must count. Earlier, Victor Umeh, the lawmaker representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, assured Nigerians that those holding the country back would be dismantled. Doherty Commends Supporters After Lagos Attack The NDC governorship candidate in Lagos State, Funso Doherty, commended party members and supporters for standing their ground despite attempts by suspected thugs to disrupt the town hall meeting. Activist Aisha Yesufu also urged Nigerians to protect their votes and defend themselves in accordance with the Constitution. She expressed confidence that the NDC would defeat the APC in Lagos and win the 2027 presidential election. The town hall meeting was preceded by violence after suspected thugs reportedly invaded the venue and attacked NDC members and supporters. The incident left several people injured and some vehicles vandalised.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Faisal Maina, son of former pension reform boss Abdulrasheed Maina, to be committed to a correctional centre to serve his seven-year prison sentence for money laundering.   Justice James Omotosho gave the order after granting an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The commission had asked the court to issue a warrant committing Faisal to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) to enforce his conviction for money laundering and failure to fully disclose his assets in an asset declaration form. Faisal was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on October 14, 2026, in the Karsana area of Abuja, approximately six years after jumping bail and abandoning his trial. In its application, the EFCC also requested that his prison sentence should commence from October 14, the date of his re-arrest. Following the application moved by the commission’s counsel, M.K. Hussain, Justice Omotosho granted the requested reliefs and issued a warrant for Faisal’s commitment to a correctional centre. The judge directed that, in accordance with the Court of Appeal’s judgment of November 24, 2022, Faisal should serve three years’ imprisonment on count one, seven years on count two and three years on count three. The sentences are to run concurrently, starting from October 14, 2026, when he was re-arrested. Background of Faisal Maina’s Conviction Faisal was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja in 2019 on a three-count charge bordering on money laundering and failure to fully disclose his assets. He pleaded not guilty before Justice Okon Abang, who initially presided over the case. However, he later jumped bail and stopped attending court proceedings. Following his disappearance, Justice Abang proceeded with the trial in his absence and convicted him on October 7, 2021. The court initially sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment on counts one and three, and 14 years on count two, with the sentences to run concurrently. Justice Abang also ordered his arrest wherever he was found and directed that he be taken to a correctional centre to serve his sentence. However, the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction while reducing the sentences in its judgment delivered on November 24, 2022, to three years on counts one and three, and seven years on count two. Faisal’s father, Abdulrasheed Maina, was also convicted in a separate money laundering case involving approximately ₦2 billion. He has since completed his prison term.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has condemned the disruption of a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) town hall meeting in Lagos, calling on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible.   The council also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of triggering violence and public disorder ahead of the 2027 general elections. The council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, made the call in a statement on Thursday while condemning reported attacks on political gatherings in Edo, Cross River and Gombe states, as well as other incidents involving political supporters and leaders across party lines. The APC specifically condemned the attack on the NDC’s scheduled town hall meeting in the Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos, where suspected political thugs reportedly invaded the venue. The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. at Classique Event Centre along Kudirat Abiola Way, where preparations were underway for a town hall meeting involving the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Neither Obi nor Kwankwaso had arrived at the venue when the attackers struck, according to witnesses. The incident reportedly caused panic as attendees fled for safety, while motorists made abrupt U-turns to avoid the disturbance. Vehicles belonging to NDC members and supporters were vandalised, with shattered glass scattered around the venue. A supporter who sustained a head injury told Channels Television that hoodlums armed with cutlasses invaded the area in an attempt to disrupt the gathering. The supporter added that additional NDC members were mobilised to resist the attackers, who eventually retreated. Reacting to the incident and other reported attacks on political gatherings, the APC Presidential Campaign Council described political violence as unacceptable and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent further incidents. It called on the authorities to identify, apprehend and prosecute individuals who instigated or participated in the attacks in accordance with the law. The council further appealed to political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on issues that would improve Nigerians’ lives rather than encourage violence at political events. The statement comes amid growing concerns over attacks and disruptions involving political supporters as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.

Nigeria’s political landscape is witnessing fresh realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with party defections, candidate withdrawals, leadership disputes and court battles creating uncertainty across several states.   The developments have heightened concerns about political stability, electoral security and the ability of parties to present legally recognised candidates as the campaign gathers momentum. According to a report by Channels Television, recent developments in Sokoto, Kano, Cross River and Ogun states highlight the growing challenges confronting political parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ahead of the elections. Concerns have also emerged over political violence, misinformation and the safety of voters and campaign participants. Sokoto: APC Gains More Defectors The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State has received another group of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ADC. A Sokoto Government House statement issued on November 10 identified three PDP state executive officials, several local government party chairmen and other political organisers among those who joined the ruling party. ADC ward officials and associated groups were also reportedly among the defectors. Although some reports put the number of departing PDP local government party chairmen at seven, the published names clearly identify six. The defectors are party officials, not elected local government council chairmen. The development represents a shift in local party structures, although it remains unclear whether their supporters will follow them to the APC. Kano: ADC Appoints Caretaker Committee In Kano State, the ADC has announced a 14-member caretaker committee headed by Musa Ungogo. The committee, appointed through a letter dated November 9, is expected to oversee the party’s affairs for six months. The development comes amid disagreements over the party’s state leadership and a wider national leadership crisis. The Federal High Court’s November 5 judgment invalidating decisions taken by the David Mark-led national executive has also raised questions about the legal authority behind the party’s candidate nominations. The ADC has appealed the judgment and applied for a stay of execution. However, no appellate reversal or granted stay had been confirmed as of the report. ADC Faces Wider Legal Battle Over Leadership The ADC’s leadership crisis remains one of the most significant political developments ahead of the 2027 elections. On November 5, the Federal High Court invalidated decisions taken by the David Mark-led national executive, including the process that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate. The party rejected the judgment and subsequently filed an appeal alongside an application for a stay of execution. The controversy has extended beyond the party’s national leadership, with candidates associated with the ADC petitioning international diplomatic missions and organisations. Those approached reportedly include the United Nations, United States Embassy, British High Commission, European Union and ECOWAS. The candidates are seeking attention to the legal and electoral implications of the judgment, while raising concerns about delays in obtaining its certified copy. They have indicated their intention to pursue lawful remedies. However, the petition does not overturn the court’s judgment or automatically suspend its execution. The dispute has created uncertainty for ADC candidates across several states, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) faces questions about how to respond to the judgment and any subsequent appellate orders. Cross River: NDC Deputy Governorship Candidate Withdraws The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has suffered a setback in Cross River State following the withdrawal of its deputy governorship candidate, Stella Charles Archibong. Archibong reportedly withdrew from the party’s governorship ticket and declared support for Governor Bassey Otu’s re-election campaign through the Back to South Movement. The development became public earlier in the week. The party’s governorship candidate, John Odey, acknowledged her withdrawal and indicated that consultations were ongoing. Her departure has raised questions about the party’s replacement arrangements and the procedures required for recognition by INEC. As of the report, no replacement had been independently verified on the Commission’s published list. Ogun: Court to Deliver Judgment on Adebutu’s Candidacy In Ogun State, the PDP’s governorship nomination dispute is approaching a crucial stage, with the Federal High Court scheduled to deliver judgment on Friday, November 13. The case concerns the exclusion of former governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu from INEC’s published governorship list. INEC maintains that Adebutu’s name was missing from the PDP membership register originally submitted to the Commission. In its court filings, the electoral body said searches of the register identified Adebutu’s running mate but did not establish Adebutu’s inclusion. It also challenged membership documents subsequently presented in support of his nomination. Adebutu and the PDP have rejected the basis of his exclusion. The court’s forthcoming decision is expected to determine the next stage of the dispute, although further appeals may remain possible. Until the judgment is delivered, the PDP’s position regarding its intended governorship candidate remains unresolved. Peace Committee Reports 109 Electoral Accord Violations Beyond political defections and court disputes, concerns about electoral security have also intensified. The National Peace Committee has reported 109 breaches of the electoral Peace Accord between August 19 and October 27. The incidents were recorded across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory. According to the report, 33 incidents involved violence or political thuggery, while 29 involved misinformation. Kaduna recorded nine reported breaches, while Edo, Enugu and the FCT recorded seven each. The figures cover more than two months and do not represent incidents recorded specifically on November 11. The findings follow concerns about political violence, including a fatal incident involving an NDC-linked procession in Asaba. The committee’s findings have raised questions about whether political parties and their supporters can campaign freely and safely. Misinformation has also emerged as a concern, particularly where false information could distort public understanding of electoral regulations, candidate eligibility and the voting process. Youth Participation and Electoral Confidence The developments have also renewed attention on the participation of young Nigerians in the 2027 elections. Although young voters are widely considered an important electoral constituency, their influence will depend on actual participation rather than registration or online political engagement alone. Questions remain about whether eligible young Nigerians will collect their...

US President Donald Trump has defended his administration’s military campaign against Iran, insisting that the conflict will make the world safer and more peaceful.   Trump made the remarks on Wednesday, November 11, during a Veterans Day commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where he praised American troops for their role in the ongoing war. “The bravery and skill of our amazing American warriors has absolutely been incredible,” Trump said. He expressed confidence that the conflict would end soon, adding that the outcome would create a safer and more peaceful world. “When this conflict is over, and it will be soon, the entire world will be a much safer and better place, more peaceful place, and a place without the kind of danger that we had to suffer,” he said. The war began on February 28 following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. According to the latest Pentagon figures cited in the report, 23 US service members have been killed, while several hundred others have sustained injuries. Trump argued that Washington did not initiate the conflict, accusing Tehran of waging war against the United States since 1979. He also maintained that American forces were acting to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The president attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial honouring unidentified American military personnel who died in service. During his address, Trump praised Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who attended the ceremony, saying he had “done a fantastic job”. The comments came a day after Republican lawmakers in the US House of Representatives blocked an attempt by an outgoing Republican legislator to impeach Hegseth. The impeachment effort reportedly accused the defence secretary of conducting military operations without congressional authorisation and abusing his powers. However, Hegseth attracted attention during the ceremony after an Army sentinel reprimanded a group that included the defence secretary, his wife and several aides. The incident occurred after some members of the group reportedly laughed while posing for a photograph near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The sentinel reminded them of the site’s strict rules on silence and respect. “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the guard said, stopping his patrol to address the group. Trump also mentioned his proposed 250-foot (76-metre) triumphal arch, which he hopes to construct near Arlington National Cemetery. He said the project would be dedicated soon. However, the proposed structure faces legal challenges. The family of former US President John F. Kennedy has approached a court seeking to stop its construction, arguing that the monument would obstruct views and cast shadows over gravesites belonging to Kennedy and other family members. A group of veterans, the city of Washington and the state of Virginia have also filed lawsuits challenging the project.