Election News Trends – August 2026

SourceDateTitleSummary of ReportSubject/CategoryPage No./Weblink
DAILY TRUST4TH AUGUST 2026#NigeriaDecides2027: INEC Publishes Credentials of 19 Presidential Candidates Ahead of CampaignsThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the particulars and credentials of 19 presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2027 general election, in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026. The publication enables Nigerians and other eligible persons to scrutinise the educational qualifications, personal information and other documents submitted by candidates ahead of the commencement of presidential and National Assembly campaigns on August 19, 2026.

The list includes President Bola Tinubu (APC), who is seeking re-election with Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate; Atiku Abubakar (ADC) with Rotimi Amaechi; and Peter Obi (NDC) with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside 16 other presidential candidates.

Notably, the published list does not include former President Goodluck Jonathan, who had reportedly been nominated by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP, nor Gbenga Olawepo Hashim. The Accord Party also did not field a presidential candidate after announcing that none of its aspirants met the nomination deadline. Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to officially begin on August 19, 2026.
2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS; INEC; CAMOAIGNSDAILY TRUST
DAILY TRUST4TH AUGUST 2026Osun Decides 2026: Governor Adeleke Alleges Police Brutality, Calls on President Tinubu to Ensure Free and Credible ElectionOsun State Governor and PDP governorship candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the August 15 governorship election is free, fair and credible. Speaking at a campaign rally in Osogbo, Adeleke alleged that political violence and intimidation were increasing in the state, accusing the police of compromising their neutrality and urging the President to direct security agencies to act professionally.

The governor expressed confidence of victory if the election is conducted fairly, insisting that voters would come out in large numbers and protect their votes. He also called on the President to prevent electoral violence, describing the Osun election as an important test ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile, the Adeleke Campaign Organisation submitted a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging police intimidation and human rights violations against its supporters. The campaign also called on the Inspector-General of Police to assure Nigerians of the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force and demanded the release or prosecution of individuals it claimed were unlawfully detained ahead of the election. The allegations have not been independently verified, and the police had not publicly responded at the time of the report.
OSUN DECIDES 2026DAILY TRUST
DAILY TRUST4TH AUGUST 2026PFIPC Probe: ICPC Finalises Investigation, House Panel to Present FindingsThe Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has concluded its investigation into the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and is expected to submit its report to President Bola Tinubu within the 30-day deadline. The probe included the interrogation of the council's alleged Director-General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who remains in police custody.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the matter says it will brief the public on its findings this week before submitting a final report to the House. The committee said its investigation has uncovered extensive alleged document forgery linked to the purported council but will complete final verification with relevant government agencies before concluding.

Adeyemi, through his legal team, has maintained his innocence, arguing that he is being made a scapegoat and insisting that multiple government institutions interacted with the PFIPC, making it impossible for one individual to have created and operated the council alone. He has urged the House committee to allow him to testify, warning that any report produced without hearing his side would undermine his right to a fair hearing.

The Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Dr. Garuba Dauda, also called on the House committee to hear directly from Adeyemi before reaching a final decision, arguing that due process requires every accused person to be given an opportunity to defend themselves.
PFIPC SCANDALDAILY TRUST
DAILY TRUST4TH AUGUST 2026State Police Framework Ready for Tinubu's Review Sept. 3 – GbajabiamilaThe Presidency has set September 3, 2026, as the date for the proposed State Police Executive Bill to be presented to President Bola Tinubu for review as part of a seven-week legislative development process. Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the drafting exercise, which runs from July 27 to September 14, will include technical reviews and national consultations before the bill is transmitted to the National Assembly.

Gbajabiamila said the public will have an opportunity to contribute to the proposed legislation by submitting memoranda through a dedicated website, with submissions expected to remain open for about 10 days. He also noted that it is too early to estimate the cost of establishing state police, stressing that any financial projections would be evidence-based and tailored to the specific security and infrastructure needs of each state. The proposed framework is expected to address issues including personnel, command structure, infrastructure and state-specific policing requirements.
STATE POLICEDAILY TRUST
DAILY TRUST4TH AUGUST 2026APC Presidential Aspirant Sues Party Over Alleged Exclusion from Presidential PrimaryA chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and presidential aspirant, Alhaji Bayero Lawal, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging that the party denied him access to its expression of interest and nomination forms during the recently concluded presidential primaries. The suit names the APC, its Presidential Screening Committee and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.

Lawal argues that, as a registered and financially up-to-date member of the APC, he was entitled to contest the party's presidential primary but was prevented from doing so. He is also challenging the requirement to pay N100 million for the nomination and expression of interest forms, contending that the fee is not provided for in the party's constitution. The case seeks several reliefs, including a declaration that the fee requirement is unlawful.
APC PRIMARIESDAILY TRUST
DAILY TRUST4TH AUGUST 2026ADC Aspirant Rejects Chanchangi's Candidacy, Heads to Court Over Alleged Primary IrregularitiesAn aspirant for the Kaduna South Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Yusuf Umar Garkuwa, has rejected the emergence of Rufai Ahmad Chanchangi as the party's candidate, alleging that no valid primary election was conducted in line with the party's constitution and the Electoral Act.

Garkuwa said he has filed a suit before a competent court to challenge the candidate's emergence, maintaining that his action is aimed at protecting the integrity of the party rather than targeting any individual. He argued that the process did not reflect the wishes of party members and delegates and expressed confidence that the judiciary would resolve the dispute in accordance with the law.

The aspirant also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the court considers the case, stressing that his legal challenge is intended to uphold democratic principles, due process and the rule of law within the party.
ADC PRIMARIESDAILY TRUST
DAILY TRUST4TH AUGUST 2026PDP Leadership Dispute Deepens as Wike Faction Seeks Probe of Rival Group Over Alleged ForgeryChairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 36 states and the FCT aligned with the Nyesom Wike-backed faction have called on security agencies to investigate the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led group over allegations of forging and misrepresenting court judgments in the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.

The chairmen alleged that the Turaki-led group, which they claim has been expelled from the PDP, continues to present itself as a legitimate faction despite court pronouncements to the contrary. They insisted that the only recognised PDP leadership is the National Working Committee led by National Chairman Abdulraham Mohammed and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.

The group also appealed to former President Goodluck Jonathan to publicly distance himself from the Turaki-led faction, arguing that his name and reputation should not be associated with the ongoing internal crisis. The allegations made by the Wike-backed chairmen have not been independently verified, and there was no immediate response from the Turaki-led group in the report.
PDP CRISISDAILY TRUST
CHANNELS TV

DAILY TRUST
4TH AUGUST 2026Defections: Political Realignments Continue as Senate Deputy Minority Whip Leaves NDC, Two Gombe PDP Leaders ResignSenate Deputy Minority Whip Rufai Sani Hanga, representing Kano Central, has resigned from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing personal reasons while declining to disclose his next political destination. Hanga's resignation comes after months of speculation about his future in the party following his loss of the NDC senatorial ticket in the party's primaries, fuelling reports of a possible defection ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile, two prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains in Gombe State—former Funakaye Local Government Chairman and former PDP Chairman in the council, Ibrahim Yusuf, and the party's Assistant Secretary in Gombe State, Mohammed Babani Bajoga—have also resigned their membership of the party. In separate resignation letters, both said their decisions followed careful personal consideration, expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunity to serve, and requested the removal of their names from the party's membership register. Neither disclosed the reasons for leaving the party or their next political destination, adding to the wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NDC; SENATE; NATIONAL ASSEMBLY; PDP; GOMBE STATE; DEFECTIONSCHANNELS TV

DAILY TRUST
DAILY TRUST4TH AUGUST 2026Osun 2026: APC Campaign Council Rallies Members, Intensifies Push for Osun Governorship VictoryThe All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the Osun State governorship election has directed its members to focus entirely on securing victory for the party ahead of the August 15, 2026 poll. Speaking at a campaign council meeting in Abuja, Chairman of the council and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma instructed all subcommittees to immediately develop and submit their campaign action plans, while the Finance Subcommittee was directed to begin mobilising financial support for the campaign.

Also addressing the meeting, the council's Secretary and Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, urged members to prioritise the governorship election above all other engagements until after the poll. The meeting forms part of the APC's efforts to strengthen its campaign structure and coordinate activities ahead of the Osun governorship election.
APC; OSUN DECIDES 2026; GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONDAILY TRUST
THIS DAY4TH AUGUST 20262027: ADC, Atiku Intensify Criticism of Tinubu's Economic Performance, Say Presidency Is Obsessed with Opposition CandidateThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of focusing on its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, rather than addressing worsening poverty, insecurity and the rising cost of living. In a statement, the ADC alleged that the APC was attempting to divert attention from the Tinubu administration's performance by responding to comments about Atiku instead of concerns recently raised by Catholic bishops over the country's socio-economic conditions.

Meanwhile, Atiku dismissed the Presidency's defence of President Bola Tinubu's economic record, arguing that macroeconomic indicators cited by the government do not reflect the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians. Through his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned the impact of the administration's economic reforms, citing rising poverty, food insecurity, business closures and high living costs. He also argued that while the government highlights GDP growth and debt ratios, many Nigerians continue to struggle with inflation, unemployment and insecurity.

The Presidency's response referenced by Atiku was not included in the report. The exchange reflects the increasingly sharp political debate over the Tinubu administration's performance as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
APC; ADC; 2027THIS DAY
THIS DAY4TH AUGUST 2026Gadzama Vows to Challenge LPDC Three-Year Suspension, Says Evidence Does Not Support DecisionSenior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Life Bencher, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, has vowed to challenge before the Supreme Court the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) directing his suspension from legal practice for three years. Gadzama argued that the committee's findings were not supported by the documentary evidence before it and expressed confidence that the apex court would overturn the decision.

In a statement, Gadzama said he had instructed his legal team to file an appeal immediately after obtaining the Certified True Copy of the LPDC's decision. He noted that under the Legal Practitioners Act, filing an appeal within the prescribed period automatically stays the implementation of the disciplinary sanction pending the Supreme Court's determination.

Gadzama also maintained that the underlying complaint stemmed from a dispute over legal representation and professional fees, which he argued was not appropriate for disciplinary proceedings. He reassured clients and colleagues that his right to practise law remains unaffected while the appeal is pending and reaffirmed his commitment to the legal profession and the rule of law.
LPDC; SAN GADZAMATHIS DAY
THE GUARDIAN4TH AUGUST 2026SDP's Adebayo Says 2023 Election Was a 'Charade', Calls for Electoral Integrity Ahead of 2027The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has alleged that the 2023 general election was effectively a contest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rather than against other political parties. Speaking during a television interview, Adebayo described the election as fraudulent and argued that the 2027 general elections must be conducted without institutional interference. He also rejected calls for an opposition-only coalition, instead advocating a broader alliance focused on addressing Nigeria's governance and development challenges.

Meanwhile, a coalition of 86 Nigerian, African and international civil society organisations (CSOs) has called on the National Assembly to withdraw proposed bills it says could restrict civic space and weaken democratic governance ahead of the 2027 elections. The coalition argued that measures including the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 and a bill requiring social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria would expand executive powers, undermine civil society independence and limit freedom of expression. The organisations urged lawmakers to reject the proposals, warning that they could erode constitutional rights and democratic participation.
SDP; 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONSTHE GUARDIAN
THE GUARDIAN4TH AUGUST 2026Insecurity: 31 Abducted in Fresh Katsina Attack, Plateau Ex-Lawmaker Killed, Kidnapped Kebbi Judge Regains FreedomArmed bandits attacked Shuwaki community in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one resident, injuring at least seven others and abducting 31 people, most of them women, some with infants. Community leaders said the attackers also rustled livestock, stole mobile phones and operated for nearly two hours despite the mobilisation of security personnel. The latest attack follows a series of raids that have displaced residents, disrupted farming activities and heightened insecurity across affected communities.

Meanwhile, the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) condemned the killing of a former councillor, Daniel Danjuma Chong, during an attack on Torok community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The group called on security agencies to arrest those responsible and dismantle alleged criminal enclaves in the area, while also renewing calls for a ban on open grazing.

In a separate development, Justice Faruku Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court, who was abducted by bandits a week ago, has regained his freedom and returned home safely, according to a family member. While his family expressed gratitude for his safe return, authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the circumstances surrounding his release.
INSECURITYTHE GUARDIAN
DAILY TRUST4TH AUGUST 2026Insecurity: Oyo Inquiry Panel Invites Public Evidence on Oriire School AbductionThe Judicial Commission of Inquiry established by the Oyo State Government to investigate the May 15, 2026 abduction of 46 pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area has invited members of the public to submit memoranda, evidence and recommendations to support its investigation.

The commission, inaugurated by Governor Seyi Makinde and chaired by Prof. Mojeed Owoade, is seeking information from victims, witnesses and others with relevant knowledge of the incident. It will examine the circumstances leading to the abduction, assess the response of security agencies and other authorities, identify any institutional or operational lapses, and recommend measures to strengthen the protection of schools and communities against future attacks.

The victims were rescued after 56 days in captivity, although two of them were killed during the ordeal.
OYO STATE; ORIIRE SCHOOL ABDUCTIONDAILY TRUST