The National Industrial Court in Abuja has stopped the National Association of Resident Doctors from embarking on its planned strike scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026.
Justice E.D. Subilim, on Friday, issued an interim order restraining NARD, its members and agents from calling, organising or participating in any form of industrial action, including strikes, work stoppages, go-slows and picketing.
The court also barred the association from taking any steps preparatory to industrial action pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice fixed for January 21, 2026.
The suit was filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and the Federal Government of Nigeria against NARD, its President, Mohammed Suleiman, and Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim.
NARD had earlier threatened to commence a nationwide strike on January 12 over unresolved issues with the Federal Government.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rolled out its roadmap for the 2027 General Election, stressing early planning, strict adherence to the rule of law and the conduct of elections that are free, fair, credible and inclusive.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the commission is strengthening its leadership capacity, operational systems and institutional cohesion to meet rising public expectations ahead of the polls.
Amupitan spoke on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the opening of a two-day Induction and Strategic Retreat for newly appointed National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Lagos.
He explained that although the 2027 General Election is INEC’s main focus, the commission must first successfully conduct other major elections, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections in February 2026 and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
According to him, these elections will serve as testing grounds for voter register management, logistics and the deployment of election technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The INEC boss outlined five non-negotiable principles guiding the commission’s work: elections free from interference, fairness to all political parties and candidates, credibility at national and international levels, transparency at every stage of the process, and inclusivity to ensure no eligible voter is disenfranchised.
He also drew attention to the growing number of young, first-time voters ahead of 2027, describing them as digitally savvy citizens with high expectations for transparency and accountability.
“To earn their trust, our systems must be inclusive, technologically sound and beyond reproach,” Amupitan said, adding that credible elections in 2027 would strengthen long-term confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
On the legal framework, the INEC chairman assured Nigerians that the commission would continue to operate strictly within the Electoral Act, 2022, and any amendments, warning that violations of established procedures would attract sanctions.
He disclosed that the retreat is built around 17 critical thematic areas, including logistics, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), election security, political party regulation, campaign finance transparency, result management, and the training and welfare of election personnel.
Amupitan said the engagement would also expose new commissioners and RECs to INEC’s institutional structure, ethical standards, legal framework and election timelines, while allowing experienced officials to share lessons from past elections.
Earlier, Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ayobami Salami, welcomed participants, describing the retreat as a key step in INEC’s institutional development.
Salami said the programme provides room for reflection, strategic alignment and consolidation at a time of heightened public expectations of the electoral process.
Also speaking, Director of Planning and Monitoring, Mrs Helen Ajayi, said the retreat aims to familiarise new commission members with INEC’s legal and administrative architecture while encouraging experience sharing among state-level election managers.
She noted that insights from the retreat would help improve election planning, logistics and credibility ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on leaders and stakeholders in Rivers State to embrace unity as the sure path to development, insisting that progress can only thrive where there is oneness of purpose.
Wike made the call on Friday during his ongoing “thank you” visit to Andoni Local Government Area of the state, where he noted that unity among leaders had continued to bring growth and dividends of democracy to the area.
According to the former Rivers governor, Andoni’s experience shows that when leaders work together, development follows, urging political actors at both local and state levels to remain united for the overall interest of the people.
“Unity is what has brought development to Andoni. If our leaders continue to work together, more development will surely come,” Wike said.
He disclosed that politicians in Rivers State have closed ranks under the “Renewed Hope Family,” also known as the Rainbow Coalition, to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
“In Rivers State, we are no longer talking about party politics. What we have is a Rainbow Coalition under the Renewed Hope Family, working for a common interest,” he said.
Wike reminded the people that their support for President Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election had already begun to yield positive results, urging them to repeat the feat in 2027.
“You supported Tinubu in 2023 and today we are seeing the benefits. Do the same in 2027,” he urged.
On state politics, Wike hinted that steps would be taken at the appropriate time to correct what he described as the mistakes made in 2023.
Also speaking, the member representing Andoni in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Ofiks Kagbang, praised Wike for his numerous interventions in the constituency, assuring him of the people’s continued loyalty.
“I am an Ijaw son and I want to let you know that Ijaw people are grateful people. The mistake in Government House will be corrected when the time comes,” Kagbang said.
Earlier, Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council, Mr Prince Otuo, told the minister that he had united party leaders in the area to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Otuo thanked Wike for the projects, employment opportunities and support extended to Andoni during his tenure as governor, pledging the council’s continued backing.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on governments at all levels to give strong backing to genuine investors, as he commissioned the sprawling corporate headquarters of Giolee Global Resources in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Wike, who described the facility as a “gigantic, world-class infrastructure,” said he was pleasantly surprised by the scale and quality of the project, noting that it could compete with similar developments anywhere in the world.
“When I was invited to commission a corporate office, I thought it was just a one-block building. But when I arrived here, I was amazed. I never knew we had such a massive infrastructure here,” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor commended the management of Giolee Global Resources for sustaining the company and growing it into a world-class enterprise.
“It is one thing to establish a company and another thing to manage it well so that it grows to this level. This is commendable,” he said.
Wike stressed that investors deserve deliberate support from government, explaining that access to land titles such as Certificates of Occupancy is crucial for businesses to access funding and expand operations.
“One of the ways to make doing business easy is to ensure investors get Certificates of Occupancy so they can access bank facilities,” he stated.
He expressed satisfaction that the company chose to site its headquarters in Port Harcourt instead of Lagos or Abuja, saying the decision would boost local employment and increase revenue for the state.
“I am happy you did not take this investment to Lagos or Abuja. You brought it here, employed our people and you are paying taxes here. That is encouragement for development,” Wike said.
The FCT minister also praised the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, including the provision of a 500KVA transformer and the sponsorship of school fees for 50 students.
“There are many companies that don’t care about corporate social responsibility. Paying school fees for students and providing electricity for the community is highly commendable,” he added.
Wike further lauded the firm for opening its facility to science students for excursion visits, saying it would expose young people to practical industrial experience and inspire future careers.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Giolee Global Resources, Mr Lesi Maol, thanked the minister for honouring the company with his presence and praised his achievements in infrastructure development as Rivers governor and now as FCT minister.
Maol said the company remained committed to supporting its host community through employment, educational support, power supply and regular excursion opportunities for secondary school students.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Nigerian Army to tighten security around critical national infrastructure, warning that lapses in protecting key assets could negatively affect the nation’s economy.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday during a working visit to the Headquarters of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt.
Addressing officers and men of the division, the Army Chief stressed that safeguarding vital national facilities remains central to the division’s mandate and must be carried out with discipline, commitment and dedication.
“Your job here is very key to protecting critical national infrastructure, and once you do that job very well, it will impact positively on the economy of the country,” Shaibu said.
“You need to take your job very seriously—be disciplined, committed and dedicated to the mandate of this division,” he added.
The COAS assured the troops that their welfare remained a top priority under his leadership, pledging that all entitlements due to personnel would be fully addressed.
“While you do your job, be rest assured that I will take care of your welfare issues, which are topmost priority. You will get what you deserve, what you are entitled to, in one piece,” he said.
Shaibu disclosed that he had been briefed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division and brigade commanders on operational challenges, noting that some of the issues raised had already been resolved.
He announced the approval of additional accommodation projects, renovation of existing quarters and the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects to ease housing challenges faced by personnel.
“I have been briefed by the GOC and all your brigade commanders. Some of the challenges raised were addressed immediately,” he said.
“For instance, on accommodation, we have approved the construction of additional houses, renovation of some quarters and the completion of ongoing projects,” Shaibu added.
The Army Chief also revealed plans to improve access to quality education for the children of military personnel, stressing that enhanced welfare would motivate troops to perform their duties diligently.
“Once this is done, it will go a long way in mitigating accommodation challenges here. In terms of quality education for your children, that is also being looked into,” he said.
He, however, reminded the troops that improved welfare comes with responsibility, urging them to carry out their duties conscientiously and remain professional in the discharge of their mandate.
As the countdown to next month’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) gathers momentum, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is cruising towards victory, buoyed by growing unity and cohesion within the party.
Mahmoud made the declaration at the flag-off of the APC e-registration exercise at the Apo Community Town Hall, Abuja, describing the exercise as a major boost to the party’s grassroots mobilisation drive.
Addressing party stakeholders, the minister expressed delight over the large turnout, saying the e-registration initiative marked a new chapter in the APC’s commitment to inclusiveness, innovation and democratic consolidation.
She commended the party leadership for embracing technology to strengthen internal democracy, enhance transparency and make participation easier, particularly for youths, women and persons living with disabilities.
“The APC was founded on progressive ideals of broad-based participation, internal democracy and responsive governance. This e-registration is not just about numbers, but about strengthening our structures and giving every member a voice,” Mahmoud said.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the FCT as the nation’s capital and a melting pot of cultures, she urged all eligible residents to seize the opportunity to register or update their records, noting that active participation would deepen democracy and strengthen the party ahead of the polls.
The minister reaffirmed the APC’s total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that unity, dynamism and a people-centred approach would drive development in the FCT and beyond.
She added that a strong and united grassroots base remained the backbone of any winning party, describing the e-registration exercise as a vital step in consolidating APC’s dominance in the FCT.
In his remarks, the FCT Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdulmalik Usman, said the exercise was in line with a directive by President Tinubu for the e-registration of party members nationwide.
Usman thanked party faithful for the impressive turnout, boasting that while the APC leads, other parties merely follow.
A political pressure group, the Apara Committee of Friends, has condemned what it described as an abusive and unwarranted verbal attack on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, by former senator John Azuta Mbata.
The group spoke on Monday during a press conference, where it faulted Mbata’s reaction to comments made by Wike during his statewide “thank you” tour in Tai Local Government Area on December 31, 2025.
According to the committee, Wike’s remarks were intended as a brotherly advice, urging Mbata to engage in national politics befitting his status as a former senator, rather than what it termed narrow community-level politics.
The group said the minister’s comments were neither insulting nor demeaning, but Mbata allegedly responded with ridicule, mockery and name-calling, which it described as unbecoming of a former lawmaker.
It also criticised Mbata for allegedly mocking Wike’s pronunciation of the word “integrity,” noting that pronunciation had nothing to do with literacy or competence, and accused him of avoiding the substantive issue raised by the minister.
The committee alleged that Mbata’s outburst was driven by envy and resentment over Wike’s political influence and rising national profile.
It urged Mbata to exercise restraint, reflect on his conduct and embrace issue-based politics, warning that inflammatory language could further heighten political tension in Rivers State.
The group reaffirmed its support for Wike, calling on political actors to promote unity, decorum and responsible engagement in the interest of peace and development in the state.
…As Party Positions Itself as Nigeria’s Credible Opposition Force
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a landmark step to strengthen its internal democracy by inaugurating a powerful Constitution Review Committee, signaling a renewed commitment to building a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable political platform.
National Chairman Sen. David Mark led the inauguration ceremony on Thursday in Abuja, charging the committee to develop a constitution that upholds the party’s core values while adapting to modern challenges.
“You must listen to party members at every level, honor our founding principles, and deliver a constitution that bolsters internal democracy, enforces discipline, and ensures transparency,” Mark declared, emphasizing the gravity of the task.
He described the review not as a radical overhaul but as an essential reinforcement: “This is about fortifying our principles—ensuring clarity, fairness, inclusivity, and accountability. It’s about empowering members, fostering unity, resolving disputes equitably, and establishing the ADC as a trusted alternative for national leadership.”
Mark hailed the event, attended by key National Working Committee members, as a pivotal milestone: “This inauguration reflects our determination to create a party rooted in robust democratic values, unity, and good governance.”
Viewing the constitution as the party’s “moral compass and legal foundation,” Mark stressed its role in defining ideology, guiding conduct, and protecting internal democracy. With the party’s growing influence, he said the review is timely to address current realities, anticipate future needs, and align with global democratic standards.
He urged the committee to work with open minds, extensive consultations, and dedication to the ADC’s broader interests.
The committee’s mandate is broad: reviewing the current constitution, incorporating best practices, promoting inclusivity and transparency, clarifying organ roles, reforming dispute and disciplinary processes, ensuring alignment with Nigeria’s national constitution and electoral laws, consulting across geopolitical zones, and prioritizing women and youth involvement.
Chaired by Etigwe Uwa, SAN, the committee includes prominent figures such as Barr. Peter Iyeola Oyewole, Hon. C.I.D. Maduabum, Hon. Ishaka Bawa, Sen. Ehigie Uzamere, Mrs. Sally Oguni-Agbo (PhD), Barr. Aishatu Dan-Kani, Prof. Lawal Salihu, H.E. Emeka Ihedioha, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Mohammed Kumaila, Barr. Suleiman Usman (SAN), Bar. Zawo Osu, D.I.G. Ibrahim Adamu (RTD), Dr. Rasaq Oyelami Saliu, Sen. E.Y. Orker-Jev, Sen. Idris Abdullahi Umar, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Barr. Amanda Pam, Prof. Mohammed Sani Bello, Dr. Paul Angya, and Rukayya Lamido Dodo.
In response, Chairman Uwa pledged a diligent, inclusive effort: “We will commit fully to crafting a forward-looking constitution with strong grassroots mobilization and effective dispute resolution to protect the party from common crises.”
He stressed balanced design: “Constitutions should be broad and embracing, providing fair democratic selection processes for offices and candidates, drawing from best practices and innovative ideas to address challenges in Nigerian politics.”
Uwa highlighted the review’s goal to attract more members by meeting expectations for fairness and magnetism. “This isn’t because our current constitution is flawed—it’s to make it even stronger.”
He promised swift action through physical and virtual consultations: “We’ll seek wide input to produce an ideal, homegrown constitution with broad acceptance. We ask for your support and vow not to let the party down. Our work starts today with urgency and resolve.”
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has declared that the completion of the Port Harcourt–Bonny Road is clear proof that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu keeps his promises.
Speaking during a thank-you visit to Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike said the road has ended decades of political excuses and rewarded the loyalty of the people.
“This is why we are here—to say thank you. In 2023, it was not easy when we decided to support President Tinubu, but today, we thank God that it was the right decision,” Wike said.
He noted that there was no written agreement with the President, stressing that the only assurance was that the people’s support would not be in vain.
“The Bodo–Bonny Road was promised by every government. Year after year, nothing happened. I prayed that in our time, we would drive on this road—and today, we have,” he said.
Wike praised the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for turning the President’s vision into reality, adding that he deliberately avoided putting pressure on the Presidency.
“I didn’t want explanations. I just wanted to drive on the road,” he said.
Recalling past visits, Wike said Bonny was once a difficult destination, accessible mainly by helicopter.
“Before now, we only saw Bonny from the air. Today, we came by road. God be glorified,” he declared.
Describing the project as more than infrastructure, Wike said the road is a lifeline that connects people, creates jobs and unlocks economic opportunities.
“This road alone speaks louder than politics. It is not just a road; it is a workplace and a symbol that God’s time has come,” he said.
The former Rivers governor questioned why the people of Bonny would not support President Tinubu, saying the project had silenced all arguments.
“No one can come here to tell you stories again. What you can see is better than any promise,” he said.
Wike commended the unity of Bonny leaders and urged them to sustain cooperation for more development.
“Unity brings development. I will carry your message to Mr. President. What you will see in 2027 will explain why today matters,” he added, pledging not to disappoint the people who stood by him.
Earlier, Mr Cyril Heart, Representing Degema-Bonny Federal Constituency, commended Wike for championing women inclusion in governance in Rivers State and the country at large.
Describing the move as an “unspoken legacy” of the minister, the lawmaker recalled how Wike insisted that women must be vice chairman of local government councils in Rivers State.
He said that the National Assembly was making efforts to replicate what the minister did in Rivers State, through a bill that would institutionalise women inclusion in governance across the country.
Also, Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Mr Abinye Pepple, described Wike as the most “dependable, reliable and cheerful leader” of Rivers politics.
Pepple commended the minister for the numerous projects he executed in the area during his tenure as the governor.
He equally commended the minister for being the first to give Ijaw people the opportunity to be governor in Rivers State.
““Also, for the first time in history, our people can drive from Bonny to Port Harcourt. This is an overwhelming experience.
“My father and mother didn’t experience that, but through you, Mr President has completed that project and now you can come to Bonny through land, through water and through air.
“For this and many others, we will deliver Bonny to Tinubu in 2027,” he said.
LOKOJA —Ahead of the 2026 local government elections and the 2027 general polls, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, Hon. Muhammed Sanni Gambo, has vowed to provide a strong and credible opposition capable of restoring public confidence and delivering purposeful governance in the state.
Gambo made the pledge on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lokoja, where he described the media as a critical partner in deepening democracy.
In what he described as a “thank-you visit,” the PDP chairman expressed appreciation to the NUJ for its support during his legal battle, noting that the backing of journalists played a key role in his eventual victory.
“Your support during my struggle for justice means a lot to me. I am grateful for the confidence you reposed in me,” Gambo said.
Recently affirmed by the Federal High Court, Lokoja, on November 10, 2025, as the authentic PDP chairman in the state, Gambo stressed that justice, equity and fairness must guide the political process as Kogi approaches another election cycle.
“We must always stand by the truth and uphold the rule of law,” he said, while commending the judiciary for what he described as its courage in dispensing justice.
Calling for unity within the party, Gambo urged aggrieved PDP members to bury their differences and rally behind the new leadership, declaring that the party was repositioned to reclaim power in the state.
“We remain the biggest opposition in Kogi State, and we are determined to take over Lugard House in 2027,” he said.
The PDP chairman also declared that the party had “bounced back,” thanking party faithful for their resilience over the years and pledging to work with them to build a Kogi State free from oppression and fear.
Responding, the Vice Chairman of the Kogi NUJ Council, Comrade Ibrahim Obansa, who spoke on behalf of the council chairman, congratulated Gambo on his victory and urged political leaders to shun bitterness in their engagements.
“Politics should always be about service to the people. We must put the country first,” Obansa said.
He assured the PDP leadership of continued media collaboration in promoting peace and security in the state, while stressing the need for sustained efforts to flush out criminal elements.
“The media will continue to play its watchdog role while encouraging partnerships that enhance public safety,” he added.
