By Editor Daily Fact

The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) has presented Hon. Gaddafi Haruna as its consensus candidate for the Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye Federal Constituency bye-election scheduled for September 19, 2026.

The presentation was made during the party’s electoral process held in Gombe, with party members, officials and electoral committee representatives in attendance.

The exercise was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside members and stakeholders of the APM, in line with the party’s internal process for selecting its candidate for the forthcoming bye-election.

Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Maijama’a Kawu, who is also the APM Chairman in Kwami Local Government Area, said the process was conducted to provide the party with a candidate capable of representing its interests and winning the confidence of voters across the federal constituency.

He described the emergence of Hon. Gaddafi Haruna as a significant step towards strengthening the party’s campaign ahead of the September 19 election.

The party’s Gombe State Chairman, Uba Ayuba, expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the bye-election, saying the APM is determined to secure victory at the polls.

Uba Ayuba said the party had mobilised its structures across Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye, and would work collectively to reach out to voters and present its candidate and programmes to the electorate.

He expressed optimism that the APM would emerge victorious, saying: “APM will win the seat, In Sha Allah.”

The chairman called on party members and supporters to remain united, disciplined and committed to the campaign, stressing that the party would continue to engage the electorate peacefully and respectfully.

Hon. Gaddafi Haruna, the consensus candidate, is expected to commence engagements with stakeholders, party supporters and residents across the three local government areas as the party intensifies preparations for the bye-election.

The Gombe-Kwami-Funakaye Federal Constituency seat is expected to attract considerable political attention, with participating parties expected to intensify their campaigns and mobilisation efforts ahead of the September 19, 2026 poll.

The APM leadership said its focus would remain on presenting a credible candidate and mobilising support through a peaceful and issue-based campaign.

By Our Political Reporter

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a major adjustment to the timetable for the 2027 General Election, bringing forward the dates for presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly polls in compliance with the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission confirmed that the earlier schedule has been revised following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the introduction of new statutory timelines under the 2026 law.

Presidential Election Now January 16, 2027

INEC disclosed that the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, previously scheduled for February 20, 2027, will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.

Similarly, the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections, earlier fixed for March 6, 2027, have been moved to Saturday, February 6, 2027.

According to the Commission, the changes were necessary to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the new Electoral Act, which introduced adjustments to timelines governing party primaries, campaigns and other pre-election activities.

Party Primaries to Begin April 23, 2026

As part of the revised schedule, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries — including the resolution of disputes — between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly candidates will commence on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.

INEC reminded political parties that, in line with the law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day, warning that the Commission will strictly enforce compliance with the new legal framework.

“The Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election reflecting these adjustments have been issued and can be accessed on the Commission’s official website and other official communication platforms,” the statement read.

Osun Governorship Election Rescheduled

In a related development, INEC also announced the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election.

The poll, initially slated for Saturday, August 8, 2026, will now take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The Commission noted that while some preparatory activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been completed, the remaining processes will strictly align with the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act.

Constitutional Backing

INEC emphasized that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and the new Electoral Act, assuring Nigerians that the adjustments are legally grounded.

The Commission further stressed that the successful conduct of the 2027 elections remains a shared responsibility, urging political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, security agencies and voters to work collectively toward peaceful, credible and inclusive polls.

Political Implications

The adjustment significantly shortens the countdown to the 2027 race, effectively accelerating political calculations across party lines. Aspirants eyeing presidential, governorship and legislative seats must now recalibrate their strategies in line with the earlier primaries and campaign windows.

For political parties, the compressed timeline heightens the urgency of internal consultations, alliance-building and candidate selection processes — areas that have historically generated disputes and litigations.

With less than a year to party primaries, the road to 2027 has officially begun.

As Nigeria prepares for another defining electoral cycle, all eyes will now be on how political actors adapt to the new calendar — and whether the revised schedule will deliver the transparent and credible elections Nigerians demand.

By Our Political Reporter

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Gombe State has announced the commencement of a statewide rotational Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, beginning Monday, February 2, 2026.

According to a press release issued by the Commission, the exercise will cover all the 114 Registration Areas (wards) across the state. INEC officials will spend five days in each Registration Area on a rotational basis to ensure that eligible citizens have adequate access to voter registration services.

The registration exercise will run from Mondays to Fridays, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., at designated ward registration centres across the state.

INEC explained that the exercise is open to all eligible Nigerian citizens who are 18 years and above and have not previously registered. It will also cater to registered voters who wish to transfer their registration, as well as those seeking replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The Commission urged residents of Gombe State to take full advantage of the opportunity, describing voter registration as a civic responsibility and a key pillar of democratic participation.

INEC further called on traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, security agencies, and other stakeholders to support the smooth conduct of the exercise by mobilising citizens and maintaining a peaceful environment at registration centres.

Reaffirming its commitment to credible electoral processes, the Commission stressed that the rotational approach is designed to bring registration services closer to the people and ensure inclusiveness across all communities in the state.

INEC concluded by encouraging eligible voters to participate actively in the exercise, noting that effective participation in elections begins with voter registration.

“INEC — Making Your Votes Count, Consolidating Our Democracy.”