Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council, directing all commissioners and special advisers to hand over to permanent secretaries or the most senior officials in their ministries with immediate effect.

The decision was conveyed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi.

Fubara expressed appreciation to the outgoing council members for their service and wished them success in their future pursuits.

The move comes barely 48 hours after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, confirmed renewed reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving the prolonged political crisis in the state.

Wike had disclosed that President Bola Tinubu recently met with key political stakeholders from Rivers, including Governor Fubara and his predecessor, in a bid to ease tensions stemming from the power struggle in the state.

The closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa also involved other prominent leaders from Rivers.

The intervention followed an ongoing impeachment process initiated against the governor by lawmakers believed to be loyal to Wike — the third notice served so far — which has now become the subject of litigation.

Speaking after inspecting projects in Abuja earlier in the week, Wike said the peace meeting was convened at the instance of the President, expressing optimism that it would bring a lasting resolution to the crisis.

He urged both the state assembly and the governor to cooperate with the reconciliation process.

Observers had also noted that Fubara accompanied Wike to his Abuja residence after the Villa meeting, a development interpreted by some as a possible sign of easing tensions.

It remains uncertain, however, whether the pro-Wike lawmakers will withdraw the impeachment notice or if the ongoing talks will lead to a durable political settlement in the oil-rich state.

Justice Obiora Egwatu on Thursday stepped down from presiding over the Federal High Court’s asset forfeiture suit involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two others, citing personal reasons.

Addressing the court shortly after counsel for the parties made their appearances, Justice Egwatu said, “For personal reasons and in the interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case.”

He directed that the case file be forwarded to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.

The recusal comes amid a high-stakes legal battle over 57 properties valued at approximately ₦213.2 billion, which Justice Emeka Nwite had temporarily ordered forfeited to the Federal Government last month.

The interim forfeiture, granted on January 6, followed an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which claims the assets are suspected proceeds of unlawful activity linked to Malami and his sons.

The portfolio includes university buildings, hotels, plazas, filling stations, residential estates, and large tracts of land across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states.

Justice Nwite’s interim order also directed the EFCC to publish the notice in a national newspaper and invite interested parties to show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.

Malami, however, has challenged the forfeiture order, insisting that his wealth was lawfully acquired and fully declared to the relevant authorities.

He urged the court to dismiss the proceedings, warning against what he described as “conflicting outcomes” and “duplicative litigation,” while asserting that the action violates his rights to property, presumption of innocence, and family life.

He also sought to restrain the EFCC from interfering with his ownership, possession, and control of three specific properties listed in the EFCC’s application, noting that one property is held in trust for the estate of his late father, Kadi Malami.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed claims by ex-Ekiti State Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose, describing him as a “serial political gossip” and urging the public to disregard his so-called stories about vice-presidential arrangements.

Atiku clarified that during his recent visit to the residence of former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida, there were no discussions or negotiations regarding vice-presidential tickets.

Fayose had alleged that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde agreed to run as Atiku’s running mate in exchange for a ₦10 billion contribution, a claim Atiku’s camp calls entirely false.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, said, “Our attention has been drawn to a reckless fabrication titled ‘Between Atiku and Makinde, Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday,’ attributed to Peter Fayose.”

“Let it be stated clearly: the entire publication is a shameless concoction—a tissue of lies stitched together by a serial purveyor of political gossip.”

Shaibu added that there were no secret deals, zoning manipulations, or financial arrangements as alleged.

“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar’s political engagements are broad-based, principled, and national in scope—not the narrow, transactional theatrics invented in that publication.”

“Falsehood may trend briefly, but it collapses under the weight of truth,” the statement read.

The statement advised the public to treat Fayose’s claims with contempt and reiterated that Atiku conducts politics transparently, without secret deals, bribery, or transactional desperation.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has kicked off a nationwide membership drive aimed at strengthening its grassroots presence and positioning itself as a formidable contender in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the launch event in Abuja on Thursday, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, expressed confidence that the party would form the government in 2027.

He urged party officials to register all interested Nigerians, emphasizing that membership cards would be issued to anyone willing to abide by ADC’s rules.

“ADC is a new bride in town. Everywhere you go, people want to join ADC. The cards are out now, and this is the foundation we are laying for 2027,” Mark said.

The launch featured other key party leaders, including Registration Committee Chairman Kashim Imam, Deputy Chairperson and Head of Digital Platform Aisha Yesufu, and National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

They outlined the party’s approach to building a credible, transparent, and verifiable membership register.

In a keynote titled ‘A Register of Conviction, Not Convenience,’ Aregbesola warned against inflating membership figures with fake or duplicate entries.

“A party of ghosts cannot win elections, govern effectively, or hold its leaders accountable. Every member must be real, documented, and verified,” he said.

Yesufu highlighted the party’s digital registration platform, describing it as fast, secure, and accessible, including features like passport photos, QR codes, and verification via voters’ identification numbers.

Imam explained that membership cards would be issued on demand to avoid hoarding and that registration would be both manual and online to ensure wide accessibility.

“The ADC does not merely seek to participate in Nigeria’s democracy; we aim to redefine it,” Aregbesola said.

“We will govern ourselves with integrity first, ensuring transparency, accountability, and respect for all members. Only then can we expect Nigerians to trust us with their government.”

The party emphasized that this membership drive is the foundation for a disciplined, credible, and robust organization ready to challenge established political forces in 2027.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is set to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, following an attempted arrest by security operatives at the Abuja airport.

Ubong Esop Akpan, counsel to El-Rufai, disclosed that the former governor was approached by security personnel on Thursday afternoon upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt, via Egypt Air flight MS 877.

According to Akpan, the attempted arrest violated constitutional rights and demonstrated executive overreach.

“The EFCC had delivered an invitation to Malam El-Rufai while he was abroad, making an immediate arrest impractical and unreasonable. We formally communicated with the EFCC in December 2025, assuring that he would comply upon his return,” Akpan said.

The lawyer explained that the EFCC was notified that El-Rufai would voluntarily appear at their office at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, specifying the exact time and place.

“Arresting him despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” Akpan added.

He further argued that the attempt infringed on key constitutional provisions, including personal liberty, freedom of movement, and property rights.

“Despite intelligence suggesting plans to intercept him, Malam El-Rufai returned after medical treatment abroad, affirming his willingness to face any legitimate inquiry. This premeditated interception at the airport is a clear abuse of state power,” Akpan said.

The lawyer demanded the immediate cessation of all unlawful detention efforts, the return of El-Rufai’s passport, and a formal apology for the infringement of his rights.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of N873.78 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, with major spending planned for operations, technology, administration and capital projects.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Thursday during a budget defence session before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly.

He explained that preparations for the 2027 polls were already underway, in line with legal provisions requiring election funding to be approved at least 360 days before the exercise.

The session was chaired by Senator Simon Bako Lalong alongside his House of Representatives counterpart, Hon. Adebayo Balogun.

According to Amupitan, early appropriation is critical to ensure effective planning and smooth execution of the nationwide electoral process.

A breakdown of the proposal shows that election operations will take the largest share at N375.75 billion, covering core activities directly tied to the conduct of the polls.

Administrative expenses are projected at N92.31 billion, while N209.21 billion is earmarked for election technology, reflecting the commission’s continued reliance on digital and tech-driven systems.

INEC also proposed N154.90 billion for capital expenditure.

The four key components total N832.17 billion, with an additional N41.61 billion set aside for miscellaneous expenses, bringing the overall proposed budget for the 2027 elections to N873.78 billion.

Amupitan noted that the capital component is higher than in previous election budgets, explaining that several capital items previously not fully captured have now been consolidated into the 2027 proposal.

He added that detailed cost codes and itemised explanations for the proposed expenditure are contained in the supporting document submitted to the National Assembly.

Counsel to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused security operatives of attempting to arrest his client without due process shortly after he arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday.

In a statement signed by Ubong Akpan, the lawyer claimed that the operatives moved against El-Rufai after he landed from Cairo aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877, describing the action as unlawful and a violation of his constitutional rights.

Akpan stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had earlier sent an invitation to El-Rufai while he was outside the country, a move he described as impractical.

He added that the commission had been informed of El-Rufai’s willingness to honour the invitation upon his return, with a planned appearance scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2026.

The lawyer further alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services attempted to arrest the former governor without presenting any warrant or formal documentation.

He also claimed that El-Rufai’s international passport was seized during the incident, noting that bystanders at the airport intervened and questioned the legality of the action.

Akpan argued that the attempted arrest violated several constitutional provisions, including rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, dignity and property ownership.

He described the incident as an abuse of state power and called for an immediate halt to any attempt to detain his client.

The legal team demanded the return of El-Rufai’s passport and a formal apology, insisting that the former governor remains ready to respond to any lawful summons from security agencies.

He also disclosed that legal steps would be taken against those allegedly involved in the incident, stressing that the matter would be pursued through appropriate judicial channels.

Security agencies had yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.