Nigerian newspapers review: [Electoral Act] Hide-and-seek game in Abuja as Reps avoid joint meeting

2026-02-17 - 09:59

In today’s Nigerian newspapers review programme, Today in the News, Vanguard’s lead headline states that the Conference Committee meeting on the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, was moved to late night after House members failed to meet and agree on key issues before Tuesday’s plenary. Another headline states that former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai may remain overnight at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja as investigators question him over alleged N432 billion financial misconduct. Vanguard also reports that the US Mission in Nigeria has cautioned that engaging in visa fraud will lead to tougher screening measures for other applicants. Moving to the next paper, The Guardian’s biggest headline states that the National Assembly will reconvene Tuesday to debate the Electoral Act amid renewed protests over reforms seen as critical to the credibility of the 2027 general elections. Next paper, The Punch reports that the governments of Kwara and Niger states have assured residents that they will work closely with appropriate agencies to tackle the security issues confronting both states. Lastly, The Nation reports that Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has highlighted the benefits of decisive reforms and strengthened cooperation between the federal government and states under the Bola Tinubu administration. Vanguard News