Politics

E-transmission of poll results can’t replace manual — Tinubu

Published

7 months ago

February 19, 2026

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President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the Electoral Act Amendment) 2026, saying in Nigeria, electronic transmission of election results is merely supportive and not a replacement for manual transmission.

This came on a day former Cross River State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Mike Igini, blamed the Judiciary for recurring challenges in the electoral system.

He also faulted the National Assembly’s decision to retain manual collation as a backup to electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act.

Signing of the amended Act came days after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, released the time-table for the 2027 general elections.

The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, around 5:00pm, with principal officers of the National Assembly in attendance.

Recall that the National Assembly had on Tuesday, passed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) Bill into law.
The amendment came amid intense public debate over electronic transmission of election results in real-time.

Last week, protests rocked the National Assembly complex as civil society organisations and some opposition figures mounted sustained pressure on the National Assembly to mandate live transmission of results from polling units directly to INEC’s central server.

They argued that it will reduce result manipulation and enhance credibility of the electoral process.

However, the All Progressives Congress and some stakeholders expressed concerns over the technical feasibility of real-time transmission in areas with poor telecommunications infrastructure, making a case for a phased or hybrid approach that allows manual collation where electronic systems fail.

During the 2023 elections, the failure of INEC’s Results Viewing Portal on election day triggered widespread allegations of rigging.

The 2027 general elections are scheduled to hold on February 20 for Presidential and National Assembly elections and March 6 for Governorship & State Houses of Assembly Elections.

Speaking shortly after assenting to the bill, President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for what he described as a rigorous and patriotic process, stressing that the objective of the reforms was to safeguard democratic stability and prevent voter disenfranchisement.

“I followed keenly what you were doing. The essence of democracy is to have very solid brainstorming discussions committed to national development and nation-building and the stability of the nation.

“What is crucial is that you manage the process to the extent that there will be no confusion and no disenfranchisement of Nigerians, and we are all going to see democracy flourish,’’ Tinubu said.

The President emphasised that while technology remains important, elections ultimately depend on human management and public trust.

According to him, the manual voting and counting process remains central to Nigeria’s electoral system, with electronic transmission serving as a support mechanism, rather than a replacement.

He stated: “No matter how good a system is, it is managed by people, promoted by people and finalised by people. You are not going to be talking to a computer; you are going to be talking to human beings who announce the results.
“Essentially, what we are looking at is the transmission of manual results, and we must avoid glitches. Nigeria will flourish and continue to nurture this democracy for prosperity and stability.”

Amended Act will ensure every vote counts — Akpabio

Also speaking after the signing ceremony, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, declared that the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) will ensure that every Nigerian vote counted.

Akpabio said the new piece of legislation eliminated the perennial problem of result manipulation between polling units and collation centres, adding it addressed the core concerns raised by Nigerians over integrity of the electoral process and introduced provisions that will make future elections more transparent and secure.

“At the end, Nigerians will benefit a lot from future elections. Every vote will now count,” the Senate President said.
He noted that the amendment represented the first time since independence in 1960 that Nigeria’s electoral laws will recognise electronic transmission of results.

Akpabio explained that the amended Act mandates the electronic transmission of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal, a key demand by civil society organisations, opposition parties, and election observers following widespread allegations of result manipulation during the 2023 general elections.

However, he said the law also took into account areas with poor telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring that the primary source of results remained the EC8A forms signed by presiding officers, party agents, and security personnel at polling units.

“We took cognisance of areas where there may not be any network, where there may not be communication capacities and availability.

“We said, since the polling unit result comes in form EC8A, which is signed by the presiding officer, signed by the agents, and signed in the presence of security agents, copies are given to all.

“Then we can use that as the primary source of collation at that unit. And then, of course, we transmit it. Even if there is no network at that time, once we step out of there, maybe towards the ward centre or the local government centre, it will drop into the iREV and people will still be able to view.”

Akpabio said the implication was that Nigerians will now be able to compare results uploaded to the portal with what was eventually collated at ward, local government, and state levels, making it impossible for results to be tampered with after leaving polling units.

“The implication of that is that if what is eventually collated at the next centre is different from what is in the iREV, Nigerians will be able to compare whether the election result had been tampered with.

“For us, that had always been the problem in the country, that once election results leave a polling unit, they will be tampered with or mutilated. That has been eliminated today,” he said.

The Senate President dismissed suggestions that the National Assembly had bowed to political pressure, insisting that the final provisions of the amendment were the product of thorough consultations and deliberations at plenary of both chambers.

“We are satisfied that we have met the aspiration of Nigerians, not those who are politically motivated,” he said, adding that the Senate had even sacrificed its holiday break to conclude work on the amendment.

He said the amendment also addressed scenarios where election winners were disqualified by courts, noting that instead of declaring the runner-up as the winner, the law now mandated fresh elections to ensure that Nigerians truly elect their leaders.

“We don’t want a situation where, in an election, you have five people contesting, one person out of 300,000 votes, scores 290,000 votes , and then, for one reason or the other, he’s disqualified by the court, and then the person who scored 1,000, who is not popularly elected, will now be declared winner.

“All those things are eliminated. We have now recommended that, where such a case happens, they should call for another election,” he said.

On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, who also addressed journalists, drew attention to the reduction of the election notice period from 360 days to 300 days.

“This will inadvertently translate to holding the presidential and National Assembly elections in January 2027, and that will technically avoid conducting elections during the month of Ramadan of 2027.

“I think this is another piece of ingenuity that the National Assembly has introduced to avoid voter apathy in the next general election,” the speaker said.

Judiciary must stand tall to save democracy – Igini

Meanwhile, former Cross River State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, and lawyer, Mr. Mike Igini, has blamed the Judiciary for recurring challenges in the electoral system, and faulted the National Assembly’s decision to retain manual collation as a backup to electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Bill.
He described the Electoral Act Amendment Bill as a recipe for chaos.

The National Assembly approved electronic transmission of results but retained manual collation as a fallback. The Senate’s decision followed a tense plenary in which 15 lawmakers opposed the controversial Clause 60 of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026.

In the House of Representatives, lawmakers reversed their earlier position supporting mandatory real-time electronic transmission to align with the Senate.

Speaking on an interview with Arise Television, yesteday, Igini warned that the amendment could endanger presiding officers and undermine electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Message to Tinubu

He appealed directly to President Tinubu, recalling his history in the pro-democracy struggle.

“You were a senior man in the struggle when democracy was uncertain. What will be presented before you is a recipe for chaos. Be a man of history. What is put before you, please take it back. Don’t sign it.”

History of judicial resistance to electoral reforms

Recalling how the Judicary undemined democracy, Igini traced resistance to electronic reforms to successive electoral cycles.

He recalled that under former INEC chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu, efforts were made to deploy technology for result transmission, but they were sabotaged.

Under Professor Attahiru Jega, biometric voter registration, Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, and smart card readers were introduced to curb fraud.

However, he noted that in 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that the smart card reader, though innovative, lacked explicit backing in the Electoral Act.

“That debate has held this country down,” he said, blaming judicial interpretations for weakening reforms.

On the IReV portal, Igini criticised the Supreme Court’s position that it is merely a “viewing centre.”

“Regulations and guidelines made pursuant to constitutional powers have the force of law. They are subsidiary legislation,” he argued.

Igini insisted that the judiciary remains central to restoring electoral integrity but lamented what he described as its failure in critical moments.

“Democracy is in danger when the judiciary shows signs of weakness, collapse or irrelevance,” he said.

He argued that electoral disputes should not determine leadership through court pronouncements but reflect the will expressed at polling units.

“Who becomes what must be determined at the polling unit, not in court,” he stressed.

According to him, reforms should prioritise swift adjudication of electoral cases before inauguration and establish long-delayed Electoral Offences Tribunals.

On IReV and Supreme Court

Asked whether results uploaded to the IReV portal would remain justiciable, Igini disagreed with the apex court’s interpretation limiting its legal weight.

“The decision that IReV is merely a viewing centre is contrary to established authorities. Regulations made under constitutional powers have the force of law,” he argued.

He maintained that electronic transmission enhances trust, safety and efficiency.

“Everything we developed was to ensure that who becomes what is determined at the polling unit. The court should not determine governors or legislators,” he said.

Why I broke my silence

On whether lawmakers had heeded his earlier warning that many of them might not return in 2027 without credible electronic transmission, Igini said his intervention was driven by patriotism, not politics.

He lamented that after over a decade of reforms aimed at strengthening electoral integrity, the country appeared to be “back to where we started.”

“For over 30 years of my life, including 10 practical years in INEC, together with other Nigerians, we worked to remove the history of our elections from the poetry of frustration and pain,” he said.

“To now find that all that we did is in vain is painful. But I do not regret serving my country.”

Igini disclosed he turned down consultancy offers after leaving office in 2022 to avoid ethical conflicts.

“It would have been wrong of me to take appointments after being part of the process. On television, I was never paid a dime. It was service to the country,” he said.

‘Incident Form’ all over again

Pressed on likely loopholes in the amended electoral law, Igini warned that retaining manual backup could reintroduce the notorious “incident form” abuse.

“The consequence and danger of what has been passed is that we are bringing back another version of the incident form,” he said.

“When a presiding officer says there is no network, even when people can see network on their phones, you are putting that officer’s life in danger.”

He warned that ad hoc staff, mostly youth corps members, would face pressure and possible violence at polling units, while political elites remain insulated.

“The children of political elites will not be at the polling units. It is youth corps members who will face the danger,” he said.

Igini also alleged past collusion involving the duplication of EC8A result sheets with identical serial numbers.
“In 2015 and 2019, there were cases where serial numbers were duplicated. Which one will you pick when two results with identical features are produced?” he queried.

He recounted instances where courts upheld results disputed by INEC, despite the commission distancing itself from such documents.

On turnover in the National Assembly

Responding to suggestions that high turnover in the National Assembly is inconsequential, Igini disagreed. “We have had brilliant legislators who showed integrity but did not return because governors determine who gets tickets,” he said.
He maintained that credible processes protect both voters and lawmakers.

“All you need to do is compare the list of those elected in 2019 with those in 2023. The figures are there,” he said.

Security, collusion and network manipulation

The former REC warned that provisions allowing discretion over network availability could be abused.

“The capacity to connive and ensure there is no network exists. It has happened before,” he alleged.

He cited past elections where communication systems were allegedly jammed during governorship polls.

He also raised concerns about ad hoc staff recruitment, noting that once directives leave INEC headquarters, thousands of temporary staff execute elections at ward and polling unit levels.

“In Akwa Ibom alone, I deployed over 28,000 ad hoc staff. These are the people who conduct elections. If you give them omnibus discretion, it can be abused,” he warned.

Way forward

Despite his criticism, Igini urged Nigerians not to despair, saying ,”the greatest option we have is the judiciary, which must stand tall in defence of democracy and rule of law.”

He called for reforms that shift the burden of proof of credible elections to the electoral management body and ensure disputes are resolved before winners are sworn in.

He also emphasised the roles of security agencies, media and civil society in safeguarding the vote.
“Democracy is not self-executing. Every arm of government and every stakeholder must act responsibly,” he said.

Democracy at a crossroads

Igini noted that Nigeria stands at a critical juncture.

“In the absence of swift and courageous interpretation of the law, democracy will suffer,” he warned.

He insisted that electoral provisions were designed to cure specific mischief and should not be diluted through elite compromise.

“That is the only way we can build a society where there is opportunity for all and responsibility for all,” he said.

Politics

I Won’t Help Politicians Win Elections In Their States – Wike

Published

12 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said his political priority ahead of the 2027 general elections is to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, rather than help politicians secure victories in their respective states.

Wike made the clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

The minister reaffirmed his backing for Tinubu’s second-term bid but said he never gave any assurance that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would refrain from fielding candidates for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.

He advised politicians experiencing political difficulties in their states to address such issues at the state level instead of linking them to the President’s re-election campaign.

“I won’t be the one to help people to win elections in their states. Politics is local, and those having problems in their states should resolve them instead of using the re-election of the President to whip up sentiments,” Wike said.

The FCT minister also dismissed suggestions that the rainbow coalition was affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He explained that the coalition comprised politicians from various parties who had chosen to support Tinubu based on their assessment of his performance and their desire to see him return to office in 2027.

“Rainbow coalition has nothing to do with the APC. Rather, it is our own way of mobilising support across political parties for Mr President, who has done well to deserve a second term,” Wike said.

Wike recalled that he and other members of the G5 backed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election without holding prior discussions with the APC.

He said the same principle would guide his position in 2027, stressing that his objective was to support Tinubu’s presidential bid and not dictate which party should emerge victorious in state elections.

According to the minister, political parties and candidates seeking electoral victories must build their support from the grassroots.

He argued that electoral success could no longer be achieved solely through political calculations or by relying on influence from outside a state.

Wike cited the 2023 elections in Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi states, where voters backed different political parties in presidential and legislative contests, as evidence that electorates could make distinct choices at different levels.

He questioned how the APC secured two senatorial seats in Imo State in 2023 despite receiving less than 15 per cent of the presidential votes in the state.

He also referenced APC victories in National Assembly elections in Ebonyi, Abia and Enugu, despite the party recording less than 10 per cent of the presidential votes in some of the states.

“The results showed that voters were capable of separating presidential and state-level elections,” he said.

Wike urged political actors to prioritise Tinubu’s presidential re-election before turning their attention to other electoral contests.

“After the President must have been re-elected, we can all go and face elections in our states,” he said.

He further stressed that his support for Tinubu would not prevent other political parties from participating in governorship and legislative elections.

“What I said and stand for is that I will mobilise support for the re-election of the President. I never promised anyone that PDP will not field candidates to contest governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections,” he said.

Politics

2027: Imansuagbon urges South to back Atiku, says Nigeria needs unifier

Published

2 days ago

September 14, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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A stalwart of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and former Edo State governorship aspirant, Barrister Kenneth Imansuagbon, has called on voters in the South to support the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 election, describing him as the candidate best positioned to unify the country and address perceived imbalances in governance.

Imansuagbon, who spoke at the weekend against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 presidential election, said Nigeria needed a president who would promote fairness and inclusiveness in the distribution of political power, economic opportunities and appointments.

He also criticised what he described as growing concerns over perceived regional and ethnic considerations in governance under the President Bola Tinubu administration, insisting that the country needed a leader capable of rising above such considerations.

He said, “Atiku would correct the inequitable distribution of power and economic lopsidedness. What we need is a president who would be fair to everybody, even in the area of appointments.”

“We need an Atiku who would unify the country. We need a president who would be fair to everybody and give every part of Nigeria a sense of belonging.”

On the prospect of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, deploying the advantage of incumbency ahead of the election, Edo born politician said the ultimate power rested with the electorate.

“There is nothing like the power of incumbency when the people are determined. What we have is the people and God’s power. If the people want their power back, there is nothing the APC can do,” he said.

He argued that Atiku is better prepared for the presidency, claiming that economic policies implemented by the Tinubu administration had imposed significant pressure on households and businesses.

“Almost four years now, we have seen the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, including the removal of subsidy, inflicting pains on Nigerians through higher costs and taxes, while some businesses are struggling to survive.”

Imansuagbon also expressed concern over infrastructure and electricity supply, saying the next administration should prioritise roads, power and other critical infrastructure.

“The same government that promised to provide electricity must be judged by its performance. We need a president who can fix the broken infrastructure across the country. Some of us today find it extremely difficult to travel home. Where are the motorable roads?” he asked.

Reacting to concerns that supporting a northern presidential candidate could undermine the principle of power rotation between the North and South, he said national development should take precedence over the region of origin of the president.

“Is rotation in the Constitution? What we should be talking about is rotating hunger for food, poor schools for good schools and poor healthcare for good healthcare. I don’t care where the President of Nigeria is from. What really matters is a president that can fix Nigeria,” he said.

He added that Nigerians should elect a leader capable of tackling insecurity, creating jobs, improving infrastructure and fostering national unity.

“We need a president that can tackle insecurity, provide jobs, build infrastructure and unite Nigerians. Atiku has demonstrated determination and capacity to make Nigeria work again. The way you know a man who will perform is through his consistency, even when things are bad. That is how you know a man who genuinely wants to serve,” Imansuagbon said

Politics

2027: INEC final list sets off Senate race

Published

2 days ago

September 14, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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The release of the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission has heightened the battle for the 109 senatorial seats across the country.

With the publication of the list, political parties and their candidates now have a clearer picture of the contenders for the Senate, setting the stage for a fierce contest for the legislative seats in the February 2027 elections.

The senatorial race is expected to attract prominent politicians, including governors who will serve out their terms in 2027, serving and former lawmakers, political newcomers and other aspirants seeking to influence the composition of the 10th National Assembly.

The final list also formally puts the candidates in the spotlight, with parties expected to intensify their campaigns and mobilisation efforts ahead of the poll.

For Abia North, Kalu Orji Uzor, the current occupant, will contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress against Okoronkwo Godswill of the African Democratic Congress, Nkole Ndukwe of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and Udeachara Jude of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Abia Central will have Atuma Emeka of the APC, Austine Akobundu of the ADC, Nkechi Nwaogu of the NDC and Ogu Bob of the PDP.

Abia South will parade Ikonne Paul of the APC, Isiguzor Victor of the ADC, Enyinna Michael of the NDC, Onuoha Chinyere of the PDP and Enyinnaya Abaribe of the Labour Party.

For Adamawa North, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri will vie on the platform of the APC, Iya Umar for ADC, Abubakar Rabiu for NDC and Lawan Ribado for the PDP, while Adamawa South will parade Tangwami Bilishan of the APC, Binos Yaroe of the AC, Peter Barata of the NDC and Ahmed Hassan of the PDP.

Adamawa Central has Salihu Mustapha (APC), Ibrahim Mustapha (ADC), Ahmed Abdullahi Musa (NDC) and Attah Mohammed Ibrahim of NDC.

Akwa Ibom North East has Aniekan Etim (APC), Sunday Etim Umoren (ADC), Afia Ekere S (NDC) and Udobang Cletus Kufre (PDP).

Akwa Ibom North West will parade Akpabio Godswill (APC), Akpabio Ibanga Obot (ADC), Inemeh Patty Etete (NDC), while PDP has no candidate.

Akwa Ibom South will feature Akpan Ekong Sampson (APC), Louis Paul Udoh (ADC), Frank Okon Daniel (NDC) and Isong Etim (PDP).

Anambra North has Nnalue Kingsley (APC), Udedibia Sunday Ikenna (ADC), Nwoye Tony Okechukwu (NDC) and Oliatachinenye Edith (PDP); Anambra Central – Ekwunife Uche Lilian (APC) Nwobu Geoffery Ndubuisi (ADC), Umeh Victor (NDC) and Ughamadu Lawrence Chijioke (PDP), while Anambra South has Benson-Oraelosi Maryanne (APC), Anagwu Fredrick Emeka (ADC), Onunkwo Ebuka Josephat (NDC) and Nwosu Ikechukwu Samben (PDP).

In Bauchi South, Governor Bala Mohammed of the Allied People’s Movement, will vie the seat against Shehu Abdullahi of the APC, Garba Dahiru of the ADC, and Dabo Danjuma Adamu of the PDP.

Bauchi Central will parade Misau Isah Hamma (APC), Abdul Ahmed Ningi (ADC), and Aliyu Bello of the PDP, while Bauchi North will have Baba Ibrahim Mohammed (APC) against Suleiman Mohammed Nazif (ADC), and Adamu Abdulkadir of PDP.

In Bayelsa East, Sunny-Golu Israel (APC), Sylva Ngo Nathaniel (ADC), Tekenah Dau Kenny (NDC) and Joseph Ateki Boabofa (PDP) will slug it out, while Benson Friday Konbowei (APC), Aistine Inei Asamaowei (ADC), Okoyareuben Boutuaowei (NDC) and Akinaka Erepamo Richard will slug it out for Bayelsa Central.

In Bayelsa West, the national leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson will contest against Agbiki Fidelis (APC), Ogola Christopher (ADC), and Ebebi Onduakpo Polycarp (PDP)

Benue North East will have Udende Emmanuel Memga (APC), Tyough Robert Aondona (ADC), and Unongo Thomas Tyolumun (PDP); Benue North West, Zam Titus Tartenger (APC), Tsegba Terngu (ADC), Utaan Conrad Terhide (NDC) and Ortom Eunice Erdoo (PDP), while Benue South will feature Agbo Frances Ottah (APC), Olofu David Adejo (ADC), Onjeh Daniel Donal (NDC) and Moro Abba Patrick (PDP).

For Borno North, Monguno Mohammed Tahir (APC), will slug it with Abdullahi Modu Kura (ADC), Abubakar Tijjani (NDC) and Kareto Mohammed Abdullah (PDP); Lawan Kaka Shehu (APC), Baba Gana Zannah (ADC), Abdulkadir Fema (NDC) and Kyari Alhaji Grema will slug it out at Borno Central, while Ndume Mohammed Ali (APC), Idris Mamman Gatumbwa (ADC), Kwajafailliya Habu (NDC) and Apaguaminu Mallum (PDP), will slug it out in Borno Central.

Cross River North will have Jarigbe Jarigbe Agom (APC), Ugbong Casmir (ADC) and Ake Abuashe Grace (NDC); Cross River Central – Ewa Oden Ibiang (APC), Akin Rickett (ADC), Ewa Bassey Eko (NDC) and John Ifere (PDP), while Cross River South will have Ekpenyong Asuquo (APC), Edet Joseph (ADC), Egwu Egwu Arong (NDC) and Inyang Florence (PDP).

In Delta Central, the current occupant, Dafinone Ede (APC), will contest against Ewhrudjakpor Benjamin (ADC), Omo-Agege Ovie (NDC) and Arhagba Ighogbedjere (PDP); Delta North – former Governor Okowa Ifeanyi (APC), Ogoliegbune Valentine Chibuzor (ADC), Ochei Victor Onyekachi (NDC) and Ogannah Onyeama Austyn (PDP), while for Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas Ewomazino (APC), will contest against Adhekpukoli Elo (NDC) and Otuaro Kingley Burutu (PDP).

Ebonyi North parades Nwebonyi Onyeka Peter (APC), Ikeria Chibuike Solomon (ADC), Nwite James (NDC) and Opoke Sunday Andrew (PDP); Ebonyi Central – Eze Kenneth Emeka (APC), Ugo Maginus Kel (ADC), Odoh Benard Ifeanyi (NDC) and Ngwuta Elechi Christopher (PDP) while Ebonyi South will have Ani Anthony Okorie (APC), Silas Joseph Onu (ADC), Ndubuisi Emmanuel (NDC) and Nwachi Maria Ude (PDP).

Edo North will have former governor and current occupant, Adams Oshiomhole (APC) against Aruna Abubakari (ADC), Oisamoje Maria Evuarherhe (NDC) and Momoh-Dejih Bashir Eugine; Edo Central – Ikpea Joseph (APC), Okonofua Herberta (ADC), Inemezele Ikpea Igiagbe Joseph (NDC) and Edo South –

Ogbeide-Ihama Omoregie (APC), Iduoriyekemwen Matthew Aigbuhuenze (ADC), Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte (NDC) and Ojediamen Benjamin Ehichioya (PDP).

For Ekiti North, Oguntoye Ayobami Samuel (APC), will contest with Ayeni Funso (ADC), Oguntoye Ayobami (NDC); Ekiti Central has the current Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC) against Akinyemi Victor (ADC), Omolayotaiwo Oluwagbenga (NDC) and Fatuyi-Olajuyigbe Monica Adesola (PDP), while Ekiti South has the Senate Spokesman, Adaramodu Adeyemi (APC) against Kolawole Job Nathaniel (ADC) and Ayeni Oye Olabisi (PDP)

Enugu East has Chukwu Kelvin (APC), Idoko Mechika (ADC), Asadu Patrick (NDC) and Ukwueke Kingsley; Enugu West – Ngwu Osita (APC), Ani Juliet Nkechi (ADC), Eneh Kingsley (NDC) and Amadi Dennis (PDP); Enugu North – Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC), Chika Idoko Emmanuel (ADC), Asadu Patrick Oziokoja (NDC) and Ezeme Nestor Chika (PDP).

Federal Capital Territory has Philip Aduda (APC) against Ireti Kingibe (ADC), Austen Peters-Pam Amanda (NDC) and Angulu Bako (PDP).

Gombe North has Governor Yahaya Muhammed Inuwa (APC), Mustapha Mohammed Aliyu (ADC), Mohammed Dukku (NDC) and Dankwambo Ibrahim Hassan (PDP); Gombe Central – Mohammed Ahmed (APC), Idris Audu Umar (ADC), Kabiru Mohammed (NDC) and Hammadu Aliyu, while Gombe South has Hamma Tabitha (APC), Mela Audu Nunghe (ADC), Amos Bulus Kilawangs (NDC) and Siyako Anthony Yaro (PDP).

Imo East has Uzodinma Ezebuihe Anayochukwu (APC), Ofoegbu Uchenna Daniel (ADC), Onyeagocha Uchechukwu (NDC) and Madume Prince Eze (PDP); Imo West – Governor Uzodimma Goodhope (APC), Iwuchukwu Vincent (ADC), Nwogu Nze Ndieze (NDC) and Onyereri Chukwudi Victor (PDP), while Imo North has Ndubueze Patrick (APC), Ibekwe Nkiru (ADC), Omegara Mathew (NDC) and Ejiogu Micheal Duru (PDP).

Jigawa South-West has Ibraheem Sani Garba (APC), Ahmed Isah Dutse (ADC), Aminu Mustapha (NDC) and Suleiman Abba (PDP); Jigawa North-East, Madori Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam Ali (APC), Muhammad Ubali Shitu (ADC) and Salisu Mamuda (PDP), while Jigawa North-West has Hussaini Babangida Uba (APC), Ahmed Mahmud Gumel (ADC), Sabo Salisu (NDC) and Abdullahi Aminu Taura (PDP).

Kaduna North has Yero Mukhtar Ramalan (APC), Khalid Ibrahim Mustapha (ADC), Sha’aban Mohammad Turad (NDC) and Ahmed Abdullahi Zubairu (PDP), Kaduna Central – Sani Shehu (APC), Lawal Adamu Usman (ADC), Adamu Haruna (NDC) and Ibrahim Usman (PDP) and Kaduna South, Marshall Sunday Katung (APC), Godfrey Ali Gaiya (ADC) and Gumbari Joseph Mataimaki (PDP).

For Kano Central, Shekarau Ibrahim (APC) will contest against Samaila Abdullahi Mukhtar (ADC), Yusuf Nasiru Gawuna (NDC) and Sankara Nafiu Danladi; Kano North – Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin (APC), Saleh Shehu Kudawa (ADC), Usman Sunusi Danbatta (NDC) and Sagir Abdulkadir Ahmad (PDP); Kano South has Kawa Suleiman Abdurrahaman (APC), Baba Aminu Zubair (ADC), Ibrahim Kassim Bataiya (NDC) and Isa Umar Sambo (PDP).

Katsina North has Yahaya Nasir (APC), Lawal Sani (ADC), Yahaya Aminu (NDC) and Daura Umar Dauda (PDP); Katsina Central – Abubakar Sadiq Yar’Adua (APC), Lawal Sani (ADC), and Abdulaziz Amina Lawal Rafindadi (PDP); Katsina South has Dandutse Muntari Mohammed (APC), Lawal Umar (ADC), Hussain Ishaq Suleim (NDC) and Bawa Rabiu (PDP).

Kebbi North – Adamu Muhammad Aliero (APC), Mera Ibrahim Mohammed (ADC), Abdurrahaman Aliyu (NDC) and Mukhtar Mohammed Tafarki (PDP); Kebbi Central, Adamu Mohammed Aliero (APC), Aminu Bande (ADC), Umar Yarotela (NDC) and Andarai Haruna Saidu (PDP) and Kebbi South, Muhammed Ja’afaru Ngaski (APC), Maidoki Garba Musa (ADC), Hassan Mustapha (NDC) and Abubakar Hamza (PDP).

For Kogi Central, former Governor Bello Yahaya (APC), while contest against Ogembe Salau Ahmed (ADC), Salau Muritala Audu (NDC) and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP); Kogi East – Ameh Erico Joseph (APC), Abubakar Aminu Suleiman (ADC), Ameh Peter Ojonugwa (NDC) and Muhammed Abdullahi (PDP) and Kogi West – Karimi Sunday (APC), Musa Ibrahim Ahmadu (ADC), Fatosa Olumuyiwa Adedokun (NDC) and Yusuf Ayo Tajudeen (PDP).

Kwara Central has Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (APC) against Abdulahi Risikat Motunrayo (ADC), Suleiman Abdulrasheed Olufemi Omoda (NDC) and Saliu Mustapha (PDP); Kwara North – Umar Sadiq (APC), Bala Taoheed Usman (ADC), Gana Thomas Audu (NDC) and Kolo Baba Jiya (PDP) and Kwara South, Adewoye Olalekan (APC), Oyedepo Iyiola (ADC), Oni Samuel Omoniyi (NDC) and Popoola Adekeye Lekan Saheed (PDP).

Lagos Central has Sanni Eshilokun Wasiu (APC) against Abayomi Idowu Omotayo (ADC), Johnson Lawrence Adeniyi Oladipupo (NDC) and Dakova-Vaughan Kolawole David (PDP); Lagos East – Abiru Adetokunbo Mukhail (APC), Moshood Babatunde Olanrewaju (ADC), Adebanjo Adeola Damilola (NDC) and Adeniji Victoria (PDP) an Lagos West – Adebule Idiat Oluranti (APC), Bello Owolabi Hafis (ADC), Salvador Adegoke Moshood (NDC) and Phillips Adebiyi Abiodun (PDP).

Nasarawa North has Governor Sule Abdullahi (APC), Victor Affiku Tsaku (ADC), Danladi James (NDC) and Madaki Benbella Anthony (PDP); Nasarawa West – Haruna Dauda (APC), Umar Musa Galadima (ADC), Adamu Auta Umar Farouq (NDC) and Kaura Danlami Kefas (PDP) and Nasarawa South – Abdul Ibrahim Baba (APC), Hassan Abubakar Nalaraba (ADC), Baba Ayinwulu (NDC) and Agbo-Omeri Mike (PDP).

Niger East has Musa Mohammed Sani (APC), Ahmed Mohammed Mukhtar (ADC), Bawa John Agmada (NDC); Niger North – Bello Abubakar Sani (APC), Abdullahi Shehu Mohammed (ADC), Bawa Joshua Nuhu (NDC) and Abdullahi Yahaya (PDP) and Niger South – Idris Mohammed Sani (APC), Umar Danjuma Emimaru (ADC), Sadiq Mohammed Rabiu (NDC) and Jiya Peter Ndalikali (PDP).

Ogun Central has Salisu Shuaibu Afolabi (APC), Samuel Oluwafemi Abiodun-Oni (ADC), George-Taylor Oluwadurotimi (NDC) and Obasanjo Iyabo (PDP); Ogun East – Governor Abiodun Adedapo Olusegun (APC), Adebanjo Babatunde Olalekan (ADC), Shokoya Adewale Oluwasegun (NDC) and Omotayo Oluwafemi Abdulhameed (PDP) and Ogun West – Ojugbele Jimo Olusola (APC), Olanrewaju Abdul-Lateef Ajani (ADC), Abioro Itunu (NDC) and Ogunola Babatunde (PDP).

Ondo North has Ipinsagba Olajide Emmanuel (APC), Foluso Mayowa Felix Adefemi (ADC), Daodu Babatunde (NDC) and Adenekan Olateru Olagbegi (PDP); Ondo Central – Adegbonmire Adeniyi Ayodele (APC), Akinyelure Patrick Ayo (ADC), Falaiye Olugbenga (NDC) and Ondo South- Kekemeke Duerimini Isaacs (APC), Tofowomo Gbadamosi Tola (ADC), Nejo Myson Adeyemi (NDC) and Oyerinmade Mathew Oye (PDP)

Osun Central – Adegoke Rasheed Adekunle (APC), Olaoye Akeem (ADC), Oduyemi Morenikeji Nathaniel (NDC), Fadeyi Olubiyi Oluwole (PDP) and Ganiyu Ayobami Olaoluwa (Accord); Osun East – Fadahunsi Francis Adenigba (APC), Babatunde Olaniyi Loye (ADC), Derin-Ologbenla Charles Adewale (NDC) and Fadipe Ibukun Isola (Accord); Osun West – Ogunbiyi Akinade Akanmu (APC), Oriolowo Adelere (ADC), Ayoola Alaba (NDC and Oyewumi Kamorudeen Olalere (Accord).

Oyo Central has Akintunde Yunus Abiodun (APC), Kamil Akinlabi (ADC), Salawu Akeem (NDC), Olunloyo Ayobami (PDP) and Olufemi Ajadi (APM); Oyo North – Ogunesan Hannah Olawumi (APC), Agoro Lanre Adehirah (ADC), Ojekunle Abigail Olanike (NDC), Adeoye Beulah Olufemi (PDP) and Sina Peller (APM); Oyo South – Oseni Abasi Aderemi (APC), Lukman Adeola Adetunji (ADC), Abdulateef Gbolagade (NDC), Adeleke Kehinde Saheed (PDP) and Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide (APM).

Plateau North has Mwadkwon Simon Davou (APC), Rose Bitrus Mwanti (ADC), Bature Musa Jonathan (NDC) and Gwottson Dalyop; Plateau Central, Kasuwa Bitrus David (APC), Yusuf Bello (ADC), Yusuf Ishaku (NDC) and Goliath Timothy (PDP); Plateau South – Lalong Simon Bako (APC), Solomon Selcap Dalung (ADC), Kefas Peter Dandam (NDC) and Shekarau Johnbull (PDP).

Rivers East has Onyesoh Allwell Iheacho (APC), Agwor Samuel Ndubuisi (ADC), Okwuwolu Wolu Benjamin (NDC) and Anele Akor Wisdom (PDP), Rivers South-East – Osarosaka Ebenezer Erewari (APC), Ikuru Tele Betram (ADC), Abiante Awaji-Inombek (NDC) and Nwogu Olaka (PDP); Rivers West – Obuah Amechi Felix (APC), Otto Josiah (ADC), Ogbobula Isaac (NDC) and Job Vincent (PDP).

Sokoto North has Wamakko Aliyu Magatakarda (APC), Maishinko Mani Katami (ADC), Abubakar Mainasara Sani (NDC) and Maccido Ahmed (PDP); Sokoto East – Tukur Muhammad (APC), Hassan Muhammad (ADC), Ummar Maisalati (NDC) and Umar Abubakar (PDP) and Sokoto South – Abdullahi Ibrahim Danbaba (APC), Yabo Faruk Malami (ADC), Tanimu Bodinga (NDC) and Yusuf Dahiru (PDP).

Taraba North – Lau Shuaibu Isa (APC), Maigari Kasimu Bello (ADC), Bandawa Anfani (NDC) and Bubajoda Hilkiah (PDP); Taraba Central – Manu Haruna (APC), Ahmadu Benni Umaru Salim (ADC), Nyan-Ganji Gilbert Gills (NDC) and Iliyasu Goje (PDP); Taraba South – Aliyu Yusuf (APC), Afiniki Yarima (ADC), Ezekiel Yakubu Ambo (NDC) and Istifanus Musa (PDP).

Yobe North – Lawan Ahmad Ibrahim (APC), Imamuddeen Ahmad Abubakar Talba (ADC), Abubakar Chigari (PDP); Yobe East – Governor Buni Mai Mala (APC), Kale Kawu (ADC), and Mustapha Maigoro (PDP); Yobe South – Bomai Ibrahim Mohammed (APC), Gambo Jajere Baba (ADC), Hassan Mohammed (NDC) and Hamma Ibrahim Barde (PDP).

Zamfara North has Sahabi Ya’u (APC), Shehu Rafi (ADC), Nasiru Garba (NDC) and Musa Hanafi Moriki (PDP); Zamfara Central – Bilbis Ikra Aliyu (APC), Abubakar Atiku Sale (ADC), Ibrahim Sanusi (NDC), Bala Sanusi (PDP) and Zamfara West – Abdulaziz Yari (APC), Ibrahim Mikailu Barau (ADC), Abdullahi Hassan Anka (NDC) and Lawal Faru (PDP)