NIGERIAN NOTCH

The 12th Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Oko has approved the appointment of Mr. Ayoola Adeleke Akeem as the institution’s substantive Registrar. The appointment was ratified at a council meeting held on February 12, 2026, and the letter of appointment was formally presented to the new Registrar by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Barnabas Gemade. According to the council, Mr. Ayoola emerged through a transparent and competitive interview process conducted in strict compliance with the Polytechnic Act, as well as guidelines stipulated by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Before his elevation, Mr. Ayoola served as Deputy Registrar and Nodal Officer, SERVICOM, at the institution, where he played key roles in administrative coordination and service delivery reforms. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and is a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria (FCAI). He is also a...

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is plotting to deploy the judiciary to weaken the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging opposition figures to remain vigilant against what he described as anti-democratic manoeuvres. Atiku made the remarks on Thursday night during a visit to the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, following reports of an attempted arrest at the airport. Earlier on Thursday, Muyiwa Adekeye, media aide to El-Rufai, alleged that security operatives attempted to arrest the former governor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon his return from Cairo, Egypt. In a post on X, Adekeye claimed that operatives approached El-Rufai shortly after he disembarked from his flight on Wednesday but that he declined to accompany them in the absence of a formal invitation. “Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir El-Rufai as he arrived on a flight from...

By Chigozie Igbo  The interview granted former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, yesterday by ARISE News has stirred fresh political debate, raising questions about strategy, timing, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape ahead of 2027. In a wide-ranging appearance, El-Rufai made pointed allegations and strong political assertions that many observers interpret as calculated moves in a growing contest between key northern political figures and the ruling establishment. El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria after more than three months abroad,during which he publicly acknowledged visits to Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, was preceded by claims that attempts were being made to arrest him. Political analysts say the timing of his return, followed immediately by high-profile media engagements, suggests a carefully planned re-entry into the national political conversation. By speaking first, they argue, he framed the narrative before an...

Counsel to former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has condemned what he described as an unlawful attempt by security operatives to arrest his client upon arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday afternoon. In a statement issued in Abuja on February 12, 2026, Ubong Esop Akpan of the Chambers of Ubong Akpan alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest El-Rufai shortly after he arrived on Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo. According to the statement, the action followed an earlier invitation reportedly extended to El-Rufai by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The legal team argued that the invitation was delivered to his residence while he was outside the country, making immediate compliance impracticable. Akpan stated that his chambers had, since December 2025, communicated with the EFCC on El-Rufai’s behalf, assuring the commission of his willingness to honour the ...

From Uchenna Ezeadigwe  The African Democratic Congress Party (ADC) on Tuesday, 10th Feb, 2026 opened its party office in Nawgu Community, Dunukofia LGA as a way of reaching to the people at the graceroot and given them the rightful platform to represent their constituents. Heavily present were ADC party stalwarts, State Executives, party faithfuls, and a large crowd of community indegenes gathered at the Ezinwaegwu - Simon plaza Nawgu to welcome and show solidarity to one of their illustrious son, former President General of Nawgu community, Hon Nnamdi Okeke who brought the party to the community. In his Welcome Address, the Chairman ADC party in Dunukofia  Mr Ikechukwu Akata (ozomesiliofumbosi-ukpo) while expressing happiness said the ADC party office ward 1 and 2 have opened to all the sons and daughters to join the party and exercise their electoral powers. He disclosed that the presence of the party will usher in a new fresh of leadership in the country and do...

From Ijeoma John Ambassador Ikebunwa Lotanna has declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, pledging to pursue what he described as “visible, people-centered development” for the industrial hub. Describing the constituency as a “powerhouse of enterprise and innovation,” Lotanna said Nnewi’s long-standing reputation as a center for auto spare parts manufacturing, trade and entrepreneurship has earned it national and global recognition. He noted that beyond its thriving markets and industrial clusters, the constituency boasts skilled artisans, professionals, creative youths and resilient women who have significantly contributed to Anambra State’s and Nigeria’s economic growth. However, he argued that the area has yet to receive federal infrastructure and representation commensurate with its economic contributions. “Our roads require improvement. Our publi...

Anambra state born journalist and media consultant, Comrade Uchenna Ezeadigwe has extended warm and heartfelt felicitations to Apostle Dr. Nnamdi Mbaigbo, Chairman of the Tropical Gate Foundation for Sustainable Development Global, on the joyous occasion of his birthday. In his goodwill message dated on 11th Day of February 2026, Comrade Ezeadigwe while celebrating a day of birth for Apostle Dr. Mbaigbo, described him as a visionary leader, an advocate of sustainable development, and a distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management. He commended his unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, peace building, and community empowerment, noting that his work through the Tropical Gate Foundation continues to inspire hope and create meaningful impact across communities. The News Echo Senior Correspondent, Comrade Ezeadigwe further acknowledged Dr. Mbaigbo’s remarkable contributions as a respected professional bearing the presti...

The Imo State Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Chika Emedo, has held a strategic meeting with youth leaders from Owerri Zone aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and internal coordination within the party. The meeting, which took place at the party’s State Secretariat in New Owerri, brought together zonal, local government and ward youth leaders from across the nine local government areas in Owerri Zone. Addressing participants, Hon. Emedo commended the youth leaders for their commitment to party growth and grassroots engagement. He described young people as a vital force in building a strong and stable political structure, stressing the importance of unity, discipline and effective communication. The state youth leader urged leaders at all levels to intensify engagement within their wards and local governments, noting that vibrant grassroots structures remain central to increasing political participation and strengthening party visibili...

The Senate has approved a proposal permitting the electronic transmission of election results from polling units, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral process. The decision followed a motion moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, who sought to rescind the chamber’s earlier rejection of real-time electronic transmission of results. Last Wednesday, the Senate had retained provisions of the Electoral Act, 2023, which effectively restricted the electronic transmission of polling unit results. With the adoption of the new proposal, the Senate passed an amended Clause 60(3), allowing the presiding officer at each polling unit to electronically transmit election results after Form EC8A has been duly completed and signed. Under the approved amendment, electronic transmission of results is permitted where the technology is available and functional. However, in cases where electronic transmission fails or is not feasible, the duly completed and signed...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaechie, as part of efforts to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation in the higher education sector. Dr. Awuzie was accompanied by senior members of the Polytechnic’s management team, including the Deputy Rector (Administration), Dr. Ferguson Ezeokafor; the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Nwabu Ezemba; the Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Kenneth Ezekwe; the Director of ICT, Dr. Amobi Chiamogu; and the Director of TETFund Projects, Dr. Helen Nnabuenyi. During the visit, the Rector congratulated Professor Anyaechie on his appointment and formally welcomed him to Anambra State, which she described as a state known for its hospitality and strong support for education. She expressed confidence in the Vice-Chancellor’s vision for Nnamdi Azikiwe University and his ability to further reposit...