News
EU Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
EU Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
By: Michael Mike
The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that its role would remain focused on technical assistance, institutional strengthening and capacity building rather than interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Speaking during activities marking the 2026 Europe Day in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot
said the union would continue to support democratic governance initiatives involving key electoral stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, political parties, the National Assembly and the media.
The envoy said the EU had consistently supported democracy and electoral reforms in Nigeria through its Support to Democratic Governance programme, aimed at improving the credibility and transparency of elections.
According to the ambassador, preparations for the 2027 polls would build on recommendations made by previous EU Election Observation Missions and expert reports submitted after earlier elections.
“We will continue doing what we have been doing consistently, which is trying to reinforce capacities, trying to help reforms and improve the system little by little over the years,” the envoy stated.
Responding to concerns raised by journalists over electoral violence, low voter turnout and the non-implementation of recommendations from previous election observers, the ambassador insisted that the responsibility for conducting credible elections ultimately rests with Nigerian authorities.
“I think your question has to be directed to Nigerian authorities in charge of organising elections. It is a sovereign responsibility of Nigerian authorities,” the envoy said.
The ambassador stressed that the EU was not in Nigeria to impose sanctions, issue “yellow cards or red cards,” or dictate the country’s political direction, but rather to support ongoing reforms where requested.
The envoy also disclosed that the EU’s intervention would not primarily involve direct funding of elections but would focus more on technical assistance, institutional support and training for electoral stakeholders.
On media participation, the ambassador noted that journalists remained an important component of the EU’s democratic governance support framework and would continue to benefit from engagement programmes under the initiative.
The envoy, however, said it was still too early to outline specific activities or financial commitments for the 2027 elections.
Concerns over Nigeria’s democratic future and fears of a possible drift toward a one-party state were also raised during the interaction, but the ambassador maintained that assessing Nigeria’s political direction remained the responsibility of Nigerians themselves.
The EU representative added that a follow-up mission on recommendations from the 2023 elections had already been conducted, while attention was now focused on further implementation of electoral reforms and strengthening public confidence in the electoral system.
EU Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is open to a fair, credible, and transparent primary election if there is no general agreement on the consensus mode.
Governor Buni started this while commenting on the crisis rocking the party over the governor candidate for the 2027 general election. He said the party has not foreclosed direct election to produce its candidates for the contestable offices for the 2027 general election.
According to him, the party is still working on dialogue; “we are talking to each other and reaching out to the stakeholders, including the aspirants, to arrive at an amicable solution.”
“As the governor of Yobe state, I will be the happiest person to see that the state and party are peaceful and united, noting that we remain citizens of Yobe state and members of APC.
“My expectation is to see us more united and collectively working for our candidates to win the 2027 general elections,” Governor Buni said.
Governor Buni further said, “As a founding member, former secretary, and national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the unity and progress of the party mean so much to me personally; therefore, I will continue to support and protect the ideals of the party to remain Nigeria’s ruling political party.”
He expressed optimism that the aspirations for public offices in the state are driven by the desire to serve the people for a better and improved life.
Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Kaduna State, Recover Phone and Cash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Kamuru village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the arrest was made at about 0330 hours on May 12 during a coordinated operation in the area.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Husaini Jibrin, 45, was reportedly apprehended at Kamuru village over alleged involvement in a kidnapping incident that occurred in Angwan Ali community on April 26, 2026, within the same local government area.
According to the sources, the suspect is believed to be linked to the planning and execution of the abduction, which had triggered security concerns in surrounding communities at the time.
Items recovered from the suspect include one mobile phone and the sum of ₦10,000 in cash.
The military said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as part of ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks operating in the region.
Authorities added that troops have intensified surveillance and patrol operations across vulnerable communities in southern Kaduna to curb criminal activities and improve public safety.
Operation Enduring Peace continues to conduct joint operations with local security outfits and community-based structures as part of efforts to address insecurity in affected areas.
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Kaduna State, Recover Phone and Cash
Troops Repel Attack in Plateau State, Two Residents Killed — Military Launches Manhunt
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have repelled an armed attack on an isolated settlement in Vwang Kagot community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, in an incident that left two civilians dead.
Security sources said the troops responded swiftly at about 0130 hours on May 12 following reports of an attack by suspected armed assailants on the rural community.
The attackers, reportedly described as suspected armed herdsmen, stormed the settlement and engaged in violent activities before the arrival of security forces.
Upon intervention, troops in collaboration with Keystone Kuru Division forced the assailants to withdraw from the area.
However, the attackers had already killed two residents identified as Ngo Shetu Badung, 78, and Mr. Danjuma Badung, 52, before fleeing the scene.
Following the incident, troops launched clearance operations in the general area and are currently trailing the fleeing suspects.
Military authorities said additional patrols and surveillance measures have been intensified to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.
Operation Enduring Peace noted that it remains committed to stabilising vulnerable communities across Plateau State and ensuring that perpetrators of violent attacks are brought to justice.
Local security stakeholders have also continued engagements with community leaders to strengthen early warning systems and improve response to emerging threats in rural settlements.
Troops Repel Attack in Plateau State, Two Residents Killed — Military Launches Manhunt
2027: The Dynamics of Consensus Candidates and the Crisis of Succession in Nigeria’s Democratic Party Politics
Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Kaduna State, Recover Phone and Cash
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
