News
10th Assembly Promises to Deliver Better Electoral Act For 2027 Elections
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…as EU partner on women, youth political empowerment
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D has said that the 10th House would work to produce a better Electoral Act that would ensure improved elections in the year 2027.
Speaker Abbas noted that the House has already identified some areas in the electoral law that need to be strengthened ahead of the next election cycle.
The Speaker made these known when he received a European Union delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Samuela Isopi, at his office in Abuja on Thursday.
The 9th National Assembly had reviewed the Electoral Act 2010, leading to the emergence and application of the Electoral Act 2022 for the 2023 elections.
However, the Speaker stated that a further review of the current Act would produce better results in the 2027 elections.
Speaker Abbas, who received the delegation in company of several members of the House, also said the Green Chamber under his leadership would do its best to pass legislation to encourage women and youth participation in politics and governance.
He said: “I want to particularly express our appreciation to the European Union for all the supports and contributions that you have been giving the Nigerian Government, and by extension the Nigerian Parliament since 1999. It is on record that you are one of the biggest singular contributors in terms of technical support to the National Assembly since inception of this institution in 1999.”
Speaker Abbas, who received copies of the EU reports on Nigeria’s 2023 elections, said they would be studied carefully.
“We have already set the ball rolling and the machinery in action. We realised that in spite of all that we did in 2022 to strengthen the law (Electoral Act), there are other issues that cropped up, which require our attention, and we will not leave any stone unturned. All those areas of weaknesses in the Electoral Act, we are going to revisit and review them.
“I want to assure you that the 2027 election will be a better election than the 2023. And the laws that we are going to review would be the best for this country,” he stated.
The Speaker informed the EU delegation that the 10th House has created about 15 friendship groups for EU countries alone, noting that a new one dedicated to the EU and its Parliament would be set up soon.
He said the 10th House has raised the number of standing committees dedicated to women and their interests from one to two, namely Committee on Women Affairs and Committee on Women in Parliament.
“Women in Nigeria require additional support. It is not easy for a woman to emerge (as a candidate) in any political party. It is not easy for any woman to actually emerge victorious in any election. They need to be supported,” he said.
He added that: “Our vision is for the women who are here today to be reelected in 2027 and beyond, but that cannot be possible unless we showcase these women as role models, to serve as inspiration for other women who may want to aspire to be legislators in the future. The only way we can do that is by giving them special assistance, that is why in the 10th House, women are accorded prominence.”
The Speaker noted that the youth in the chambers were also given prominence, saying a special committee known as the Committee on Youth in Parliament was established for members under the age of 45.
He said: “Those are the two areas that we would want to see more cooperation between us and you – the EU; on how we can support our women and youth more. If we are able to achieve these, I think we would be making a lot of progress.
“Additionally on the issue of women, I want to assure you that this constitutional amendment that we are just about to take off, we would give all the resources needed to ensure that this time around women representation was taken seriously – not only in the legislature but also the executive. We will do everything humanly possible to ensure that we do not repeat what happened in the 9th Assembly.
“Under our leadership, we have set the ball roiling and we are just waiting for the time. By the grace of God, women would be accorded the kind of recognition they require in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Earlier, Ambassador Isopi raised three issues of concern to the EU, namely: women in politics and governance, electoral reforms and inter-parliamentary relations.
She said the EU has been a champion and an advocate of democracy, and has supported Nigeria’s democracy since its return in 1999. She added that at the request of the Nigerian Government, the EU continues to monitor elections in the country and makes observations and recommendations.
The EU ambassador also noted that investment on democracy is one of the best decisions a country could take for the future of its people.
She stated that the National Assembly remained one of the EU’s partners in the support for democracy in Nigeria, noting that the body was willing to provide supports to the country on electoral reforms, women representation, and inter-parliamentary collaborations.
Others in the EU team were the Deputy Head of delegation, Mr. Zissimos Vergos; Political Adviser, Mr. Osaro Odemwingie; Programme Manager, Democracy and Good Governance, Ms Laolu Olawumi, and the Media Adviser, Modestus Chukwulaka.
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The Ogun State Government has assured residents of adequate funding and logistics support for the forthcoming measles–rubella vaccination campaign scheduled to commence on January 27 and end on February 5, 2026.
The Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who also chairs the State Task Force on Primary Health Care, gave the assurance during a meeting of the task force held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
In her remarks, Engr. Salako-Oyedele commended the Ministry of Health, health sector stakeholders, and development partners—particularly UNICEF—for their continued support, including the provision of ambulance boats to enhance healthcare delivery in riverine communities. She praised their efforts in sustaining a resilient primary healthcare system despite existing challenges and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment, as well as Governor Dapo Abiodun’s continued support, to all primary healthcare interventions.
She acknowledgethe d challenges highlighted in the report presented at the meeting and assured that they would be escalated to the Governor for urgent attention. The Deputy Governor also called on religious bodies, Community Development Associations, women groups, the National Orientation Agency, and the media to intensify sensitisation efforts, urging them to leverage social media platforms and influencers to effectively reach parents and young people.
According to her, the state government would do everything necessary to ensure the success of the measles–rubella campaign. “Thfunding requestng has been made, and we are confident it will be approved promptly to enable us to meet our responsibilities in this very intensive exercise,” she said.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, applauded development partners, religious leaders, community-based organisations, and other stakeholders for their consistent collaboration with the state government in strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots level.
She noted that the task force meeting provided an opportunity to review progress across the state’s primary healthcare system and align strategies ahead of the statewide immunisation exercise.
Also presenting at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Elijah Ogunsola, delivered a detailed report on the board’s achievements and challenges in 2025. He disclosed that most local governments recorded improvements across key health indicators, although some setbacks persisted, largely due to infrastructure and logistics gaps.
Dr Ogunsola further revealed that the measles–rubella immunisation campaign would run for 10 days and target children aged nine months to 14 years, describing it as one of the widest age-range vaccination exercises ever undertaken in the state. He added that over 8,000 health workers would be deployed across schools, health facilities, and communities to ensure full coverage.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, UNICEF representative Mrs Moloku commended the Ogun State Government for its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery, noting that the initiative aligns with the global goal of ending preventable diseases in Africa. She was assured of UNICEF’s continued technical and financial support for the successful implementation of the vaccination campaign.
News
OGUN ASSEMBLY MOVES TO RESOLVE APUNREN LAND DISPUTE WITH MILITARY IN IJEBU-NORTH EAST, IJEBU- EAST LGAs
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Ogun State House of Assembly has assured the Community Leaders and people of Apunren community and other affected villages near Erunwon in Ijebu-North East and part of Ijebu- East Local Government Area that immediate steps would be taken to address the indiscriminate military land acquisition creating tension and apprehension amongst residents in the areas.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, gave the assurance today, while leading other members of the Assembly on an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas; pledging that the State legislature would compile and present its findings to the Governor at the state level as well as engage the Legislative and Executive arms of Government at the Federal level to achieve a lasting solution to the matter.
He explained that the land crisis stemmed from the failure to properly gazette and document the earlier review that reduced the portion allocated to the Nigerian Army; while commending the members representing the two affected constituencies, Honourables Oluwaseun Adesanya and Waliu Owode for their efforts and urged the residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding as elected representatives moved to address the matter.
The Speaker also advised all affected communities to formally communicate with the House of Assembly, assuring that lawmakers would deliberate on the matter and adopt a resolution to be communicated to the appropriate authorities for necessary action towards achieving a permanent resolution.
On their part, the members representing the two constituencies, Honourables Adesanya and Owode, assured the people of a lasting resolution; the lawmakers encouraged them to remain calm and law-abiding as they intensified efforts to resolve the dispute.
In his remarks, the State Surveyor-General, Surveyor Oladele Ewulo, stated that his team had conducted an initial assessment of the area and would undertake further investigations and inquiries; noting that the outcome would guide stakeholders toward a peaceful and sustainable resolution.
Addressing the delegation, the Kabiyesi of Apunren Kingdom, Oba Jimson Owode Oyelaja, appealed to the State House of Assembly to intervene on the matter, which he noted had lasted nearly 50 years.
He stressed that Apunren and other affected villages had existed for over 600 years and lamented recent demolitions, loss of lives, destruction of schools, hospitals, houses, and properties allegedly linked to the enforcement of the disputed acquisition.
The monarch urged his people to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, expressing optimism that the visit of the lawmakers signalled an imminent relief and a lasting solution to the long-standing hardship facing the communities.
In a presentation delivered at the commencement of the meeting, Major General S. A. Odunsi (Rtd) explained that the Apunren community was seeking legislative intervention to restore ancestral lands excessively acquired by the military in 1977; noting that although a reduced portion was earlier agreed upon for military use, a 1987 gazette controversially reinstated the larger expanse, thereby plunging the people into decades of uncertainty.
The retired General further appealed to the State House of Assembly to treat the matter with the urgency it required, as the dispute approaches its 50th anniversary; appealing to government to make 2026 a “year of jubilee” for the affected communities.
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Here is the list of candidates nominated for the position of Awujale of Ijebuland.
Prince Adetunji Adeleke
Prince Bello Ayodeji
Princess Oluwakemi Onanuga
Prince Babatunde Alesinloye
Prince Ayodeji Osibogun
Prince Oluwatosin Osunsanya
Prince Abimbola Onabanjo
Prince Adekunle Adeite
Prince Aderibigbe Morounfolu
Prince Adekoya Onakoya
Prince Odedina Taiwo
Prince Gbadebo Ali Adebambo
Prince Ogunwo Adebowale Emmanuel
Prince Abayomi Kadiri
Prince Hassan Adekunle Olubola
Prince Akintola Adewunmi
Prince Olabode Onanuga
Prince Ayo Olugbenga
Prince Ademorin Kuye
Prince Olamilekan Badiru
Prince Odubiyi Olufemi
Prince Abdulrasheed Kukoyi
Prince Ottun Olaseni
Prince Kayode Adenuga
Prince Adeleye Onanuga
Prince Olanrewaju Mabawonku
Prince Adeyemi Akeem
Prince Nurudeen Akeju
Prince Adeleke Adewale
Prince Olaide Ashiru
Prince Oriola Yusuf
Prince Ajibola Odunsi
Prince Aderibigbe Azeez
Prince Oriola Olawale Yusuf
Prince Fatai Adesegun Arowolo
Prince Alatise Saheed
Prince Bakare Adeleke
Prince Olukokun Adedeji
Prince Oludamisi Tuyo
Prince Jide Taiwo
Prince Adeyinka Bakare
Prince Sakiru Ademola
Prince Aderibigbe Adewunmi
Prince Adeleye Abdul
Prince Ademola Kazeem
Prince Sherrifideen Kazeem
Prince Bello Abiodun
Prince Bashorun Akeem Adetola
Prince Oshifuye Oduntan
Prince Bello Tajudeen
Prince Adegboyega Banjoko
Prince Abdulwaheed Shote
Prince Kama’ldeen Abdul
Prince Odejayi Akintunde
Prince Muideen Adeleye Adio
Prince Olalekan Shote
Prince Mustapha Mojeed
Prince Adegbenga Bakare
Prince Adebiyi Adeleye
Prince Okeowo Olusegun Obafemi
Prince Olumoko Qudus
Prince Shote Kazeem Olawale
Prince Adebowale Olufeko
Prince Muizdeen Abimbola
Prince Bamidele Adenuga
Prince Ogidan Adewale
Prince Adefuwape Adegboyega Abimbola
Prince Oduwole Tajudeen
Prince Adelaju Adenuga
Prince Odedina Oluwatobi
Prince Adekunle Adenuga
Prince Sulaimon Odubanjo
Prince Otun Abubakre Taiwo
Prince Olajibu Olalekan Azeez
Prince Abdul Olamilekan
Prince Adeleye Adeyemi
Prince Odedina Olukayode
Prince Osunsanya Oladapo
Prince Abiodun Onanuga
Prince Muftaudeen Abimbola
Prince Kamorudeen Lawal
Prince Abimbola Olusegun
Prince Tajudeen Abimbola
Prince Hammed Babatunde
Five additional names were nominated at the venue. candidates,
Meanwhile, the Olori Ebi Fusengbuwa ruling house and former ICAN President, Otunba Abdul Lateef Owoyemi, has said that anyone displeased with the selection process for the next Awujale should channel grievances to the government, assuring that the kingmakers will not make any mistakes.
He also stated that within a month, there would he a new King in Ijebuland.
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