Latest News from Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law, completing a key step in Nigeria’s election legal framework just months before the 2027 general elections.

At least two people have died and three others injured after violence erupted at the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday, police said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to use the rare simultaneous start of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan to promote peace, unity and good neighbourliness, the State House said in a statement.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections has stepped down in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate after intervention by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, party officials said Monday.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has admitted its first Commercial Paper (CP) listing, marking a new milestone in Nigeria’s debt capital market, with the listing of Dangote Cement Plc’s Series 1 and Series 2 notes valued at a combined ₦119.87 billion.

The UEFA Champions League encounter between Benfica and Real Madrid was overshadowed by serious allegations of racism, a volatile atmosphere, and the dismissal of Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State on Tuesday commissioned major development projects in Anka Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and improved infrastructure across the state.

The African Democratic Congress has criticized the National Assembly’s handling of the Electoral Act amendment, calling the proceedings disgraceful and warning that they undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Former Anambra Governor Peter Obi says the rare overlap of Lent and Ramadan is a powerful symbol of unity and national rebirth for Nigeria.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi on Tuesday condemned the reported tear gassing of peaceful demonstrators, saying the incident reinforces concerns about Nigeria’s democratic direction.

Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili has condemned the tear gassing of protesters at the National Assembly of Nigeria, accusing lawmakers of undermining electoral transparency.

Nigeria’s House of Representatives Nigeria says electronic transmission of election results from polling units remains mandatory under the amended Electoral Act, despite controversy surrounding recent changes to the bill.

Nigeria’s Senate has amended the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to shorten the statutory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days, effectively giving the Independent National Electoral Commission an extra 60 days to adjust its timetable and avoid a clash with Ramadan.