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Opposition Parties Reject 2026 Electoral Act, Demand Fresh Amendment

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Opposition Parties Reject 2026 Electoral Act, Demand Fresh Amendment

Opposition political parties have rejected the 2026 Electoral Act recently passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

The parties called on the National Assembly to immediately begin a fresh amendment process to remove what they described as “all obnoxious provisions” in the law.

Their position was made known at a press briefing themed “Urgent Call to Save Nigeria’s Democracy,” held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Thursday.

In a communiqué read by the Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Ahmed Ajuji, the opposition leaders stated: “We demand that the National Assembly immediately commence a fresh amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, to remove all obnoxious provisions and ensure that the Act reflects only the will and aspiration of Nigerians for free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process in our country. Nothing short of this will be acceptable to Nigerians.”

READ ALSO: Tinubu signs amended Electoral Act 2026 into law

Some of the opposition leaders present in at the event include former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, all from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ahmed Ajuji, and other prominent members of the NNPP, notably Buba Galadima, were also in attendance.

Naira will appreciate to N1,000 per dollar in coming weeks – Tinubu

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Naira will appreciate to N1,000 per dollar in coming weeks – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, says the Naira will exchange at the rate of N1000 to one United States dollar, in a matter of weeks.

The President, speaking at the Renewed Hope Ambassadors summit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the current moment calls for reflection on the reforms his administration has pursued, the sacrifices made, and the shared responsibility to translate vision into measurable impact for our people.

“From the start, our administration chose the path of honesty and discipline. We confronted deep-seated structural distortions. In so doing, we have restored fiscal credibility, stabilize the economy, and set the foundation for long-term economic growth.

He noted that the nation is seeing clear signs that the reforms have begun to yield results, as inflationary pressures are moderating, oil prices are easy, the nation’s currency is strong and stable.

“In fact if not for the interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria yesterday, the N1,000 to a dollar, we are going to attain it in weeks, not in months.

“But for the purpose of market stability, the CBN generously intervened yesterday. So for some of my friends, especially one of our party leaders, who take delight in stockpiling dollars It’s awake up call.”

The President assured that the economy is picking up, adding that” Of the seven major investment decisions made last year in Africa, five were done in Nigeria.

“That goes to show the strength and viability and the promise of the Nigerian economy. And as we advance into 2026, our focus shifts from stabilization to acceleration.

“The 58.18 trillion budget shall anchor this new phase for record capital expenditure, the largest allocation to national security in our history, and prudent revenue projections, while scaling growth while strengthening resilience.

Speaking on the tax reforms , the President said the tax reform was “introduced to protect the vulnerable, encourage enterprise, and entrench transparency in public finance. Additionally, the recent executive order affecting remittance to the federation account is designed to safeguard federation revenues, eliminate duplicative structures, curb waste, and ensure that resources are responsibly managed for national benefit.

READ ALSO: Dangote predicts naira could hit N1,100 to $1 in 2026

Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said no reform can succeed without public understanding and participation. This is of strategic importance.

“This platform shall serve as an avenue for civic engagement, allowing us to carry the message of national rebirth to every ward, to every community, to every nook and cranny of this outgrade nation.”

He charged the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to “explain why tough decisions have to be made, and how they link to jobs, security, enterprise, opportunity and a more stable future.

“They must counter misinformation with facts, replace rumour with evidence, and ensure that Nigerians from across the country have access to the truth.

“Equally, they must also serve as a channel for feedback, bringing community concerns and lived experiences back to government. I commend Governor Hope Odidika Uzodimma, Director General of the Renewing Hope Ambassadors and his team for the clarity and coordination they have brought to this effort.

He therefore charge all Renewing Hope Ambassadors to move beyond conference halls and into the wards, markets, farms and campuses of this country. This mission is about presence. It’s about truth.
It’s about trust.”

Speaking the forthcoming elections, the President noted that the elections are not conducted on the social media platforms, or on Facebook, but by Nigerians who report in their own language.

“This summit affirms our collective commitment to a shared future of peace and prosperity for all Nigerians.

Together, we will continue translating reform into opportunity, policy into impact, and sacrifice into renewed hope.

Addressing George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, he appealed to him to work towards ensuring peace in Benue state

“You are an elder statement, reach out to our junior brother. Let’s build Benue together. Benue deserves peace. Benue deserves development.

“What binds us together, as I have always said, supersedes whatever that divides us. The trajectory of global growth is facing Africa, and Nigeria will make or mar that transition.

” Nigeria is greater than all of us. And as Martin Luther King rightly said, we either learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. And we are not a nation of fools. We are a nation of very intelligent, very smart people that know their onions.”

‘Nigeria Is Challenged, But I Trust Your Track Record’ — Tinubu Decorates Tunji Disu as Acting IGP

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‘Nigeria Is Facing Challenges, But I Trust Your Track Record’ — Bola Ahmed Tinubu Decorates Tunji Disu as Acting IGP

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday decorated Mr Tunji Disu with the rank of Acting Inspector-General of Police at the State House, Abuja, formally marking his elevation as Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police.

His swearing-in ceremony, which preceded his decoration, was attended by senior government officials.

The new IGP succeeds Kayode Egbetokun, who resigned on Tuesday, citing personal family reasons.

Disu’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate, in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020.

A meeting of the Nigeria Police Council is also expected to consider his nomination for substantive appointment.

During his decoration ceremony, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu charged the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, to restore peace and strengthen security across the country, saying he was confident in his record and experience.

“I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” President Tinubu said.

He described the appointment as coming at a critical time and urged the new police chief to rebuild public confidence in the force and work closely with other security agencies.

“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” the President added.

President Tinubu called on Disu to advance the security pillars of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence in his discipline, operational experience and leadership.

“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” he said.

The President also paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the event with his spouse.

“To the outgoing Inspector-General, we are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order,” he said.

He urged Egbetokun to continue to support the force by offering advice to his successor.

“You have not succeeded without a good successor. His success will also be part of your legacy,” Tinubu stated.

The President called on all security stakeholders to work together to safeguard lives and property.

Speaking with journalists after his decoration as acting IGP, Disu said his appointment came to him as a surprise.

He said, “It came at a time I was not expecting it. That makes me give thanks to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his magnanimity in seeing me fit to be appointed as the Inspector General of police.

“The president mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I have worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears.

READ ALSO: Kayode Egbetokun Resigns As Inspector General of Police — Presidency

“It shows the President took his time to monitor officers working everywhere in the country, and then it shows the President was throwing a challenge at me to go out there and do what I’m known for, and ensure that I bring peace, recognition and code to the country.”

Tunji Disu, who said he would give priority to the welfare of his men to motivate them for optimal performance, however, said he was determined to curb impunity and corruption in the Police Force.

He said, “I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to ensure they follow human rights.

“I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption, and most importantly, I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.

“I will mention, importantly, again, the country is facing a particular problem now, issue of mandatory insurgency. I know all police officers around have been doing their best. They are hard working people. All I need to do is to channel their morale and their thoughts to make anything better. I appreciate that.“

Tiwa Savage unveils music foundation, partners Berklee to train African creatives

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Tiwa Savage unveils music foundation, partners Berklee to train African creatives

Nigerian Afrobeats star, Tiwa Savage, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at nurturing emerging African creatives, announcing the launch of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation and a landmark partnership that will bring the prestigious Berklee College of Music to Lagos for the first time.

The 46-year-old singer announced on her social media platform on Wednesday, declaring, “After years of building globally… It’s time to build at home.”

She introduced Tiwa Savage Music Foundation as “a new initiative dedicated to empowering emerging African creatives through access, mentorship and world-class music education,” adding that, “For the first time ever, Berklee comes to Lagos with the Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme empowering Africa’s next generation of talent.”

Berklee College of Music, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is the world’s largest independent college of contemporary music, renowned for its programmes in jazz, modern American music, and a broad range of genres including rock, hip hop, reggae and more.

In an interview with CNN, the “Ma Lo” singer explained that while Afrobeats has gained global prominence, the industry requires more structural support to remain sustainable.

“Afrobeats has captured the world’s attention, but attention alone is not enough to sustain an industry. Talent is universal — but access is not,” she said.

According to CNN, the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is designed to bridge that access gap.

Beyond supporting vocalists and performers, the foundation will also focus on producers, composers, sound engineers and music business professionals — areas Savage considers critical to building a durable creative economy across Africa.

The foundation’s first major project, tagged Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme, will see Berklee faculty travel to Lagos from April 23 to 26, 2026, to host a fully funded four-day training for 100 emerging Nigerian music creators.

The programme marks Berklee’s first-ever event in West Africa.

Savage underscored the impact of short, focused training, saying, “You’d be surprised how much you can learn in four days. It gives you a taste of what’s possible and exposes you to parts of music you may not even realise you’re drawn to.”

The intensive programme will blend music theory with practical, real-world application.

Participants will receive training in music production, songwriting, harmony, ear training and sound engineering, alongside sessions on music publishing, copyright and aspects of entertainment law.

The four-day initiative will conclude with live ensemble performances.

Outstanding participants may be considered for future scholarships to study at Berklee in Boston or enrol in its online courses, positioning the Lagos programme as a gateway to long-term global opportunities rather than a one-off workshop.

READ ALSO: Actor Ray Emodi quits Nollywood, set to pursue music career

Savage told CNN that the foundation was born out of both personal experience and a sense of urgency.

She noted that tuition at leading international music schools can range between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, excluding living costs — a financial burden that places formal music education out of reach for many talented young Africans.

“It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for years,” she said.

Savage herself once benefited from a scholarship to Berklee as a young artist, an opportunity she credits with reshaping her understanding of the industry.

“That experience changed how I saw music,” she said. “It made me realise that talent alone isn’t enough. Structure, education, and exposure are what allow creatives to compete globally.”

With the launch of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation and the forthcoming intensive programme in Lagos, the award-winning singer is now seeking to extend that same opportunity to the next generation — shifting from building global acclaim to building sustainable structures at home.

‘I Feel Ignorant’ – Footballer, Messi Regrets Not Learning English

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‘I Feel Ignorant’ – Footballer, Messi Regrets Not Learning English

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has opened up on one of his biggest personal regrets off the pitch, failing to learn English while growing up.

The Argentina captain and 2022 World Cup winner admitted that his inability to speak English left him feeling out of place in certain situations during his illustrious career, especially when interacting with global figures.

“I regret many things. To not have learned English as a boy. I had the time to have at least studied English and I didn’t do it. I deeply regret it,” Messi said on Mexican podcast Miro de Atras.

“I experienced situations where I was with incredible and spectacular personalities to be able to talk and have a chat and you feel half ignorant.

READ ALSO: ‘He Refused To Greet Me’ – Joan Laporta Says His Relationship With Messi Strained
“I always thought: ‘What an idiot, how I wasted my time.’”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed that the experience has shaped how he now raises his children, stressing the importance of education and preparation for life beyond football.

“When you’re young, you don’t realise it. Today that’s what I tell my children — having a good education, to study and be prepared,” he said.

Messi moved from Rosario to join Barcelona at the age of 13 and admitted that his final year in school back in Argentina was far from ideal due to the uncertainty surrounding his move.

Despite his success on the pitch, the 38-year-old said football has taught him invaluable life lessons over the years, including discipline, values, and the importance of building lifelong relationships

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