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President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has signaled a strategic shift in the nation’s political landscape, predicting a decisive victory for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking during the state’s 39th-anniversary celebrations, Akpabio, who is the country’s third-highest-ranking official—touted the political stability achieved in the oil-rich Niger Delta region as a blueprint for the national electoral roadmap. He explicitly called for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the incumbent state governor, Umo Eno and himself

Addressing a diverse crowd of stakeholders, Akpabio framed the 2027 election as a referendum on continuity and structural reform. He argued that the economic policies initiated by President Tinubu, while demanding significant sacrifice from the populace, are vital for Nigeria’s long-term industrialization and infrastructure development.

“The case for re-electing President Tinubu rests on national stabilization and long-term economic reforms,” Akpabio said. “The ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda is a trajectory that Nigeria must maintain to achieve sustained prosperity.”

For international observers, the Senate President’s endorsement of Governor Eno—a member of the opposition who has cultivated a non-partisan, pragmatic approach to local governance—highlights a growing trend of “developmental governance” where state-federal collaboration is being prioritized over traditional partisan combat. Akpabio lauded the governor for bridging historical political divides, effectively creating a unified front that local analysts believe is essential for regional stability in the Niger Delta.

Beyond the ballot box, Akpabio utilized the anniversary platform to advocate for greater regional integration. Drawing on the cultural and historical ties between Akwa Ibom and neighboring Cross River State, the Senate President urged for enhanced formal cooperation between the two states.

“We are one people, one history, and one future,” Akpabio declared, suggesting that the South-South zone’s economic potential could only be fully unlocked through cross-border collaboration and institutionalized regional partnership.

The anniversary served as both a political rally and a moment of historical reflection. Founded on the dreams and advocacy of local leaders, Akwa Ibom has transformed from a modest administrative territory into one of Nigeria’s most consequential states.

Akpabio paid tribute to the pioneers of the state, noting that its development has been driven primarily by the resilience and intellectual capital of its citizens. “Our greatest resource has always been our people,” he remarked, citing their achievements across sectors ranging from academia and sports to the global professional services industry.

By framing re-election not just as a partisan victory, but as a commitment to a unified national development strategy, the APC leadership is clearly aiming to preemptively consolidate support ahead of a contentious 2027 cycle. As Akwa Ibom prepares to hit the four-decade milestone next year, the alignment between the local government in Uyo and the federal administration in Abuja appears to be the primary pillar of the party’s upcoming campaign strategy.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has suffered a setback following the defection of its former state youth leader, Hon. ABM Jacob Alebura, to the Labour Party (LP) alongside several other party members.

The development is expected to strengthen the Labour Party’s structure in the state, particularly ahead of the 2027 governorship election, in which Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi Gaza is the party’s governorship candidate.

Gaza, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, represents the Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State in the National Assembly.

Alebura formally expressed his intention to join the Labour Party in a letter sighted by Naijablitznews.com, stating that he had also registered as a member under the Doma Local Government Area structure of the party.

He said his decision was driven by his commitment to the ideals of the Labour Party and his desire to contribute to building a stronger political movement.

“I’m writing to formally express my intent to join the Labour Party LP and to officially register myself as a full member of the Labour Party, under the Doma Local government area structure Nasarawa state, effective from today.

“I’m committed to upholding the ideals, values and constitution of the Labour Party and I look forward to actively participating in the activities of the party at the ward level, towards building a stronger, more inclusive, and people-oriented political movement for the progress of our community and our nation,” the letter read.

Alebura had on September 19, 2026, resigned from the PDP, citing what he described as marginalisation by party leaders and stakeholders.

He also pointed to an unresolved dispute between him and the PDP chairman in Doma Local Government Area as one of the reasons for his departure from the party.

The former PDP youth leader was received into the Labour Party alongside other defectors by the state chairman and the leadership of the party in Doma Local Government Area, as well as other party stakeholders.

The latest movement adds to the political realignment taking place in Nasarawa State ahead of the 2027 elections, with the Labour Party seeking to consolidate its structures across the state.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government has reduced the interest rate charged on late payment of taxes, with the new regime taking effect from October 1, 2026.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, issued the Nigeria Tax Administration (Interest on Late Payment of Tax) Order, 2026, under Section 65 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025.

The new order applies uniformly to federal, state and FCT tax authorities and links the interest charged on late tax payments more closely to prevailing market rates.

Under the new arrangement, interest on tax payable in naira will be charged at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Rate plus one percentage point.

However, the rate will not fall below the yield on 364-day Treasury Bills, reflecting the government’s cost of funding when tax payments are delayed.

The new spread represents a reduction from the previous five percentage-point margin.
For taxes payable in foreign currency, the interest rate will be based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus six percentage points. Where SOFR is discontinued, its official successor rate will apply.

The applicable rate will be reviewed monthly and fixed on the last business day of the preceding month.

The Nigeria Revenue Service has been directed to publish the applicable rate on its website by the third business day of every month.

The interest will be calculated as simple interest on a daily basis, running from the tax due date until payment is made.

Explaining the rationale behind the new order, Oyedele said the cost of delaying tax payments should reflect the cost to government of making up for the shortfall.

“Tax that is due belongs to the public. When it is paid late, Government may have to borrow to fill the gap, and the cost falls on everyone. This Order ties the cost of late payment to real market rates, so that delaying tax does not become a cheaper form of credit than the market itself,” he said.

The minister said the new system would also provide taxpayers with greater certainty by ensuring that the applicable rate is published regularly and applied consistently by tax authorities.

“Just as important is certainty. Every taxpayer, whether dealing with the Nigeria Revenue Service or a State revenue service, will know the rate in advance, see it published every month, and be charged in the same way. Clear rules make compliance easier and support a fair, predictable tax system,” he added

The order covers tax payments made through self-assessment, as well as assessments administered by the Nigeria Revenue Service and the State and FCT Internal Revenue Services.

The ministry said the new rates will apply to interest arising from October 1, 2026, including interest on tax liabilities that became due before that date.

However, interest that arose before October 1 will remain subject to the rules in force at the time, where specifically provided for under those rules.
The order also supersedes the 2017 notice on interest on unpaid taxes and other earlier notices on the matter.

The ministry clarified that the new order does not alter the 10 per cent penalty for late payment provided under Section 65 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act.

It added that relevant tax authorities retained powers under Section 66 of the Act to waive penalties or interest where good cause was established.

The Federal Ministry of Finance advised taxpayers to file their returns and pay applicable taxes on time, while those with outstanding liabilities were encouraged to settle them promptly or engage the relevant tax authority.