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Former Nasir El-Rufai was on Thursday reportedly confronted by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after returning to Nigeria from Cairo, Egypt, in what aides described as an attempted arrest.

The claim was made by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, who disclosed the development in a post on his verified account on X.

According to Adekeye, the operatives approached the former Kaduna State governor as he disembarked from his flight and sought to take him into custody. 

He said El-Rufai declined to follow the agents, insisting that he would only respond to a formal invitation or warrant.

“Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir El-Rufai as he arrived on a flight from Cairo. 

Malam El-Rufai declined to follow them without a formal invitation,” the statement read.

Adekeye further alleged that the security personnel seized the former governor’s passport during the encounter, claiming it was taken from one of his aides.

The incident comes amid heightened political tension surrounding El-Rufai, who recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress to the African Democratic Congress.

In a separate interview with BBC Hausa, the former governor expressed concerns that he could soon be arrested, alleging what he described as growing political pressure and intimidation against opposition figures.

He claimed that four of his former associates in Kaduna had already been detained.

“Four people we worked together in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he said.

El-Rufai maintained that he had not been arrested but suggested that the arrests of his associates indicated possible action against him. 

He also alleged that politicians were being pressured to either defect to or remain within the ruling party.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies or the Federal Government regarding the alleged attempt to arrest the former governor.

Nigeria has been named among the five countries with the highest number of children recruited into armed groups, the United Nations has said, warning that the global crisis of children caught in conflict is worsening at an alarming rate.

The disclosure was made in an interview with UN News ahead of the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers by the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Frazier.

Frazier described the recruitment and use of minors as one of the most widespread and grave violations of children’s rights globally.

“In 2024 alone, over 7,400 children were recruited or used by armed forces and armed groups — and those are only the verified cases,” she said.

According to the UN, the countries with the highest number of violations include Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, and Myanmar.

The organisation also raised concerns about emerging patterns in Sudan, where children are reportedly being used as border guards and frontline fighters.

Frazier said the figures represent real human tragedies.

“Each number in our report represents a child whose innocence has been interrupted,” she noted.

In Nigeria, insurgent violence in the northeast has exposed thousands of children to abduction and forced recruitment by armed groups, including Boko Haram, leaving long-term psychological and social scars on affected communities.

The UN said that over the past 30 years, its children and armed conflict mandate has helped secure the release of more than 220,000 children from armed groups worldwide.

Following their release, UNICEF and partner organisations provide rehabilitation services, including psychosocial support, education, and community reintegration.

However, the agency warned that reintegration remains challenging, particularly for girls who often face stigma or rejection after returning from captivity.

Frazier stressed the need for stronger prevention measures, saying governments and partners must prioritise protecting children and addressing the root causes of recruitment.

She added that without urgent action, more children risk losing their childhoods to armed conflict.

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

In Nigeria’s long and troubled electoral history, the battle has rarely been about voting itself.

It has almost always been about what happens after the votes are counted.

From ward collation centres to local government offices, ballot figures have mysteriously changed, results delayed, and mandates overturned. 

For years, that grey area between polling units and final declaration has remained the soft underbelly of Nigeria’s democracy.

That is exactly the gap electronic transmission of results was meant to close.

But now, a fresh debate in the Senate suggests that loopholes may still exist.

The push for mandatory electronic transmission of results has become one of the most important electoral reforms in recent history. And that is also why Bayelsa West Senator Seriake Dickson is uneasy about the Senate’s latest amendment to the Electoral Act.

To him, the reform may have come with a loophole big enough to weaken its purpose.

The Senate’s Compromise

This week, the Senate revisited its earlier decision and agreed to allow the electronic transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IREV).

But there is a catch.

The amendment provides that if internet connectivity fails, Form EC8A — the manual result sheet — will serve as the primary means of collation.

On paper, it appears to be a simple contingency plan, in practice, Dickson believes it could undermine the credibility of elections.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker argues that introducing exceptions into what should be a strict legal requirement weakens enforcement and opens the door to abuse.

“Laws are made for general rules, not exceptions,” he said, warning that what is meant to be a backup could easily become the norm.

Why the Debate Matters

Nigeria still conducts manual voting and counting. After votes are tallied, presiding officers record the figures on Form EC8A — the first official evidence of results at each polling unit.

Historically, however, problems begin after this stage.

Between ward and local government collation centres, allegations of tampering, intimidation and outright alteration of results have become common features of elections.

This is the gap electronic transmission seeks to close.

By uploading results instantly to IREV, figures become publicly visible and harder to manipulate. Parties and observers can independently verify outcomes in real time.

For reform advocates like Dickson, that transparency is non-negotiable.

He insists that once polling unit results are transmitted immediately, the era of “brigandage, executive interference and thuggery” at collation centres would drastically reduce.

Not the Ideal Law, But the Possible One

Despite his criticism, Dickson admits the outcome reflects political reality more than principle.

According to him, lawmakers had initially agreed during committee deliberations to adopt the House of Representatives’ version, which made electronic transmission mandatory without conditions.

But that position changed during plenary.

The opposition simply does not have the numbers in the Senate to insist on a stricter provision.

“In parliament, you don’t always get everything you want,” he acknowledged.

What emerged, therefore, is a compromise — electronic transmission allowed, but not compulsory.

For some, that is progress.

For others, it is reform watered down.

INEC Holds the Real Power

Even with the caveat, Dickson believes the Independent National Electoral Commission can still protect the integrity of elections.

He argues that INEC’s operational guidelines can effectively make transmission mandatory by directing presiding officers to upload results immediately after counting.

If enforced consistently, he says, the law’s weakness may not matter in practice.

In essence, the credibility of future elections may depend less on the wording of the amendment and more on how seriously INEC implements it.

Democracy Beyond Legislation

Beyond lawmakers and institutions, Dickson places responsibility on citizens as well.

He urges Nigerians to remain vigilant, participate actively at polling units and demand accountability.

Technology can reduce fraud, but it cannot replace civic engagement.

Without voters protecting their mandates at the grassroots, even the best reforms can fail.

The Bigger Question

The controversy surrounding the amendment highlights a deeper dilemma for Nigeria’s democracy: should electoral laws leave room for flexibility, or should they be airtight?

Flexibility may address logistical challenges like poor network coverage. But it may also create opportunities for manipulation.

For Dickson, the choice is clear — certainty builds trust; loopholes breed suspicion.

As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the real test will not just be whether results are counted, but whether they are transmitted, protected and trusted.

Because in the end, democracy is not only about voting.

It is about ensuring that the votes truly count.

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the people of Oruk Anam and Ukanafun Federal Constituency are reflecting on one important question: what kind of leadership do we truly deserve at the House of Representatives?

For years, many communities across the constituency have yearned for more.

More development.

More opportunities.

More presence.

More results.

Bad roads still slow down farmers and traders.

Many youths remain unemployed.

Schools and healthcare centres need urgent improvement.

And too often, the people feel disconnected from those elected to represent them.

It is clear that the time has come for a fresh start — a new kind of leadership built on credibility, compassion, and capacity.

That fresh start begins with Aniekan Solomon Abraham 

A Leader from the People, for the People

Aniekan Solomon is not a distant politician who only appears during election season. He is a son of the soil who understands the daily realities of Oruk Anam and Ukanafun because he lives among the people.

He understands the struggles of farmers trying to move their produce to markets.

He understands the frustration of young graduates searching endlessly for jobs.

He understands the needs of women, traders, and small business owners who keep the local economy alive.

This connection to the grassroots gives him something rare in politics — genuine empathy and commitment.

Credibility That Inspires Trust

At a time when many voters are tired of empty promises, Solomon stands out for his character and accessibility.

Those who know him describe a leader who listens first, consults widely, and focuses on solutions rather than noise.

He believes representation is not about occupying a seat in Abuja — it is about delivering real benefits back home.

The House of Representatives needs someone who will speak boldly, lobby effectively, and attract projects that improve lives.

Aniekan Solomon has both the competence and the determination to do exactly that.

A Clear Agenda for Progress

His vision for Oruk Anam and Ukanafun is simple and practical: development that touches every community.

His priorities include:

Better roads and rural infrastructure

Youth empowerment, skills training, and job creation

Support for farmers, traders, and small businesses

Scholarships and improved educational opportunities

Stronger healthcare services for families

Federal projects that bring visible development to the constituency

This is not politics as usual — it is purposeful representation focused on results.

Why 2027 Is a Defining Moment

This election is more than just another political exercise. It is a decision about the future of our children, our communities, and our economy.

We can continue with the old ways and slow progress.

Or we can choose a new direction.

We can settle for less.

Or we can demand better.

The choice belongs to the people.

The Movement for a New Dawn

Across villages, wards, and towns, support is growing. Youths are inspired by his energy. Women trust his compassion. Elders respect his integrity.

Because they see in Aniekan Solomon a leader who is ready to serve — not rule.

A leader who will be present — not absent.

A leader who will deliver — not disappoint.

The Time Is Now

Oruk Anam and Ukanafun deserve strong, credible, and effective representation.

They deserve a voice that will be heard.

They deserve leadership that works.

They deserve progress that is visible.

They deserve a new dawn.

And that new dawn begins now.

Support Aniekan Solomon for House of Representatives, 2027.

Together, we rise. Together, we build. Together, we win.

Nigeria’s Senate has endorsed the electronic transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV), but stopped short of making it mandatory, leaving room for manual collation where technology fails.

The decision, reached during Tuesday’s plenary, followed a fresh review of a controversial section of the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 — a clause that has sparked nationwide debate about transparency, credibility, and the country’s digital readiness.

Leading the charge for the amendment was Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North), who argued that Clause 60(3) of the bill required adjustments to avoid legal disputes and operational setbacks during elections.

Under the revised provision, presiding officers at polling units are permitted to electronically transmit results to INEC’s IReV portal after completing, signing, and stamping Form EC8A — the official result sheet.

However, the law does not compel real-time uploads, nor does it make electronic transmission compulsory.

Instead, the Senate adopted a hybrid approach: when network failures or communication challenges occur, the manually completed EC8A forms will serve as the primary basis for collation and final declaration of results.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, who seconded the motion, said the reform strikes a balance between the demand for electoral transparency and the infrastructural limitations across parts of the country, particularly rural areas where connectivity remains weak.

After brief deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the proposal to a voice vote, with the “ayes” carrying the day.

What This Means for Nigerian Elections

The amendment signals progress, but cautiously too.

While electronic transmission has long been championed by civil society groups as a safeguard against manipulation, the refusal to make it mandatory raises concerns that manual processes — historically vulnerable to interference — could still dominate in critical moments.

Supporters argue the fallback option is practical, given Nigeria’s patchy telecom coverage and recurring technical glitches during past elections.

Critics, however, warn that leaving transmission optional may weaken accountability and create loopholes that undermine public trust.

In essence, the Senate has chosen compromise over certainty — embracing technology, but not fully committing to it.

Whether this middle-ground approach improves credibility or simply preserves old problems may only become clear when the next election cycle arrives.

In what may be the most aggressive clean-up of Nigeria’s corporate registry in recent years, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has de-registered over 400,000 inactive and non-compliant companies, signalling a major push to restore order, credibility, and transparency to the country’s business environment.

Registrar-General of the CAC, Hussaini Magaji, announced the development in Abuja, describing the action as part of a broader reform strategy to sanitise the national database and modernise service delivery.

According to him, thousands of dormant and abandoned businesses had long crowded the register, weakening oversight and undermining trust in Nigeria’s corporate records.

“The commission de-registered over 400,000 companies in a bid to clean up our database from inactive and non-compliant entities,” Magaji said.

Clearing the System of ‘Dead Weight’

For years, Nigeria’s business register has carried what experts often describe as “ghost companies” — entities that exist only on paper but have stopped operating or failed to meet statutory obligations.

Such companies create loopholes for fraud, distort official data, and complicate regulation.

By removing them, the CAC aims to produce a database that truly reflects active businesses, making monitoring easier for regulators and boosting confidence for investors and partners who rely on accurate corporate information.

In essence, the clean-up is about credibility as much as compliance.

From Queues to Clicks: CAC Goes Fully Online

Beyond the mass de-registration, the commission has also completed a full digital transformation of its services.

Magaji said the agency has moved away from its traditional manual, location-based operations to a 24/7 online, end-to-end system that allows entrepreneurs to register and manage companies from anywhere in the world.

“You can register your business from your room without coming to our offices. Today, CAC provides services anywhere, anytime,” he stated.

This shift eliminates long queues, paperwork bottlenecks, and the need for physical visits — problems that previously discouraged many small business owners from formalising their ventures.

The reform aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goal of improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business ranking.

Free Registration for 250,000 Entrepreneurs

In a parallel effort to support micro, small, and medium enterprises, the CAC partnered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to offer free business registration to 250,000 entrepreneurs.

The initiative is designed to lower the cost of formalisation and bring more small businesses into the regulated economy.

For many startups, registration fees and bureaucracy have long been barriers. Removing those hurdles could help businesses access funding, contracts, and legal protections that come with formal status.

Boosting Transparency with Ownership Disclosure

The commission has also operationalised a beneficial ownership register, allowing the public to identify the true individuals behind companies operating in Nigeria.

This measure targets anonymous ownership structures often linked to corruption, tax evasion, and illicit financial flows.

By making ownership more transparent, the CAC hopes to strengthen accountability and align Nigeria with international corporate governance standards.

A Turning Point for Business Regulation?

Taken together, the reforms mark a significant shift in how corporate regulation is handled in Nigeria.

From deleting hundreds of thousands of inactive companies to embracing digital technology and supporting small businesses, the CAC appears to be repositioning itself as a modern service-driven regulator rather than a slow bureaucratic agency.

If sustained, these measures could reshape how easily Nigerians start and run businesses — and how confidently investors view the system.

For entrepreneurs, the takeaway is straightforward: formalising a business has never been easier — or more necessary.