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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and governors have felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, urging them to have hope in the government to turn things around for the better.

President Tinubu, on Tuesday, said Nigeria’s difficult phase of economic reforms is over, declaring that the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the past three years have begun to yield positive results.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world, Tinubu linked the spirit of sacrifice associated with the festival to the economic hardships experienced under his administration’s reform agenda.

He said the reforms had stabilised the economy and positioned Nigeria as an attractive destination for investment, job creation, and economic growth.

“Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination,” he said.

“The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here.”

The president expressed confidence that the reforms would continue to improve security and expand opportunities for citizens.

On insecurity, Tinubu acknowledged that terrorists and bandits still attack some communities despite recent successes by security agencies, including the joint Nigeria-US operation that eliminated ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Manuki in the Lake Chad Basin.

“I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all forces of evil,” he said.

Tinubu also urged Muslims to use the Eid celebration to pray for peace, national unity, and wisdom for leaders, while extending support to the less privileged.

He described Eid-el-Kabir as a reminder of the virtues of faith, obedience, sacrifice, selflessness, unity, and compassion exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

Akpabio calls for sacrifice, national renewal

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in a congratulatory message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said the occasion calls for prayer and sober reflection on the theme of sacrifice.

Akpabio said, “As you share with the less privileged and extend love to neighbours of all faiths, you embody the true spirit of Nigeria.

“To all Nigerians, I urge us to use this solemn period to pray fervently for peace, security, and prosperity in our land. Let us pray for our troops on the frontlines, for farmers to return safely to their fields, and for unity to prevail over division in our nation.”

Barau, Abbas urge prayers for Nigeria

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, called for sustained prayers, unity and support for the poor and vulnerable in society.

In a special Sallah message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau urged Muslims and all Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for enduring peace, stability, and prosperity in the country, noting that their prayers at such a sacred period are invaluable to national development.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on his part, called for renewed faith in Allah (SWT), acts of charity, and prayers for the nation.

In a Sallah message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Abbas urged Muslims to extend love and support to the poor, needy and less privileged, noting that compassion remains a core tenet of Islam.

“This period calls for a deep reflection,” the Speaker said, stressing that believers must remain selfless and devote their time, resources and lives to the worship of Allah (SWT) and service to humanity.

Abbas further urged Nigerians to offer special prayers for peaceful and credible elections as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Governors, Yilwatda call for national unity

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on Muslims to use the Eid-el-Adha period to pray for peace, security, and national unity across Nigeria, while his Rivers State counterpart, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, urged Muslim faithful in the state to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and collective progress as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir.

Fubara, in a statement by his spokesman, Onwuka Nzeshi, on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, enjoined them to ensure that diversity in faith does not become a source of division, but of strength to enhance peaceful coexistence.

On his part, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said the festival should serve as a reminder of the importance of faith, patience, and communal harmony.

The governor also urged residents to embrace the lessons of sacrifice beyond religious observance, stressing its importance for national development.

Also, the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, urged Muslims to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, love, tolerance, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

The governor, in a statement by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, noted that Eid-el-Kabir presents another opportunity for reflection, prayer, and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, unity, and mutual understanding among Nigerians irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political differences.

He called on citizens of Bauchi State to continue supporting government policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people and advancing sustainable development across the state. He further appealed to residents to use the festive period to pray for enduring peace, security, and economic prosperity in Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, enjoined Muslims to remain steadfast in promoting peace and harmonious coexistence in the society.

Governor Yahaya stressed the need for continued prayers for peace, prosperity and sustainable development in Gombe State and Nigeria at large, especially amid prevailing socio-economic and security challenges confronting the nation.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State urged Muslims to continue to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, love and peaceful coexistence as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, infrastructural development and improved welfare for all residents.

He urged citizens to use the festive period to promote harmony, show kindness to the less privileged and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

The governor also urged the people to continue to support the government’s efforts at building a prosperous and secure Edo.

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), called on the Muslim communities in the country to support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The APC National Chairman, in a statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, stated that the spiritual lessons of the celebration are highly relevant to Nigeria at this critical stage of national development, stressing that sacrifice, patience, perseverance and collective responsibility are essential ingredients needed to build a stronger, more united and prosperous nation.

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Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved a ₦306 million tech-enabling business grant called “NKATA” to support businesses across all 17 LGAS of the State.

Speaking while receiving the management team of the Abia State Technology Skills Acquisition Centre, (ATSAC), and unveiling the project, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the youths of the State.

Governor Otti reiterated that the initiative was deliberately designed to accommodate different categories of beneficiaries across the State to ensure inclusiveness and wider access to economic opportunities.

The State Chief Executive noted that a total sum of ₦306 million has been earmarked for the beneficiaries, and maintained that they must meet up with the requirements for benefiting from the project and expressed the hope that the intervention would yield positive results.

“I want to congratulate everyone. The ₦306 million is available, but beneficiaries must meet all the necessary conditions.

“In a few months’ time, I want to hear that this intervention has yielded results, not just in monetary terms, but in job creation, poverty reduction, and empowerment of our people,” Governor Otti stated

The Governor said that the programme aligns with his administration’s vision of building a productive, self-reliant and innovation-driven economy, saying that government has gone forth and back on the issue and is now convinced that it would help to support the youths.

He explained that his administration deliberately chose to invest in productive ventures capable of generating long-term economic value, instead of funding mere consumption.

“We have gone forth and back on this, and we are convinced that this is one of the ways to support and help our people,” Governor Otti stated.

“The easiest way to spend money is to give it to people who consume it, but we will receive value when it is invested, and that investment will yield returns. This is our own way of intervening,” Gov. Otti said.

Governor Otti further disclosed that the grant project forms part of broader economic empowerment initiatives of his administration targeted at equipping Abians with relevant skills and support to become self-reliant and employers of labour.

The Governor said that the goal is to support and train Abia people so that they can become self-reliant and employers on their own, and urged them to utilise the opportunity responsibly by expanding their businesses, creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to the economic growth and development of Abia State.

Presenting the project earlier, the Director-General, Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre (ATSAC), Mr Peter Ukonu, described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at supporting businesses, reducing poverty and creating employment opportunities across the State.

He explains that the NKATA, which adopts a different structure by deploying support through technology providers, rather than giving cash, was deliberately designed to ensure that technology resources are utilised for business expansion and productivity rather than diverted to other personal expenditures.

“We are not giving cash to businesses directly. We are actually doing so through technology service providers,” Ukonu added.

He said that the programme brings together business technology service providers and mentors to drive digital tools, automation and AI, adding that the goal is to help Abia businesses move from survival to growth, improve productivity, create jobs and build a new generation of technology-enabling businesses.

Mr. Ukonu, who revealed that technology companies, software firms, hardware suppliers and internet providers would participate as service providers, while mentors, including those in the diaspora, would guide businesses in developing viable proposals and matching technological needs with solutions, explained that those eligible for the scheme are all Abia residents, who do business and pay taxes in Abia.

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja, has affirmed the power of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue timetable for elections and alter it as it deems fit.

Justice Omotosho also held that the 2027 election timetable issued by INEC was valid and legally issued, “stating timeframe within which political parties are to hold their primaries and stating timeframe for the submission of membership registers of political parties.”

Justice Omotosho made the declaration while delivering a judgement in a suit filed by the Social Democratic Party against INEC.

The SDP had, in the originating summons filed on April 9, posed five questions for determination.

One of the questions was “whether having regard to Sections 82 and 84(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, the defendant’s powers to receive notices, attend, observe and monitor party primaries extend to fixing or prescribing the timetable within which political parties must conduct their primaries.”

The plaintiff, therefore, sought seven reliefs, including an order of perpetual injunction restraining the electoral umpire from enforcing any timelines inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026.

It also prayed the court to declare that “the defendant cannot lawfully abridge or vary the 120 days statutory period in section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 by its timetable or press release dated 27th March, 2026.”

But INEC, in its defence, stated that its powers are not limited to receiving notices and attending primary elections, but to organise and supervise elections and issue timetables to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act.

It stated that the timetable so issued would not interfere with the internal affairs of the plaintiff (SDP) and that the primaries of the SDP are yet to start.

It further argued that its timetable released did not conflict with the provisions of the constitution and the Electoral Act and same did not bridge the timeline of the party.

INEC, which argued that the suit was premature and academic, urged the court to dismiss it.

Delivering Judgment, Justice Omotosho said that though the law is trite that a subsidiary legislation must not be at variance with the principal act, INEC is empowered to issue subsidiary legislation such as election timetable pursuant to Section 151 of the Electoral Act, 2026.

“The issuance of a timetable is to give effect to the Electoral Act especially with all its various timelines.

“The nature of the timetable ensures order and proper arrangement in the activities of political parties in the lead up to elections.

“Election timetable is a chain of events or actions stating from timeframe for the submission of membership register of political parties to be used for the purpose of the primaries and the election, timeframe for primaries and eventually gets to the real voting.

The judge held that Election timetable is not only the date for voting but preparatory steps – which are conditional to valid election and nominations must be included in election timetable.

“Election timetable without date for submission of parties’ membership register, timeframe for primaries, etc is inchoate.”

Justice Omotosho held that without the timetable, there would be chaos in our Electoral system.

“This court is therefore convinced that the defendant is empowered by the Electoral Act to issue timetables for elections, Justice Omotosho added.

“To further buttress this, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is the grundnorm of all laws in Nigeria alluded to this under Section 285(14) of the Constitution (as amended).”

The judge said on the issue of the timeframe for the substitution and withdrawal of ‘nominated candidates, it is provided for under Section 31 of the Electoral Act, 2026.

“A candidate may withdraw his candidature by notice in writing signed by him together with a sworn affidavit delivered personally by the candidate to the political party that nominated him for the election and the political party shall convey such withdrawal and the sworn affidavit to the commission not later than 90 days to the election.”

According to the judge, from the above, political parties are by law allowed the liberty to submit the withdrawal and sworn affidavit to the defendant not later than 90 days to the election.

“The defendant in the revised timetable however stipulated the 22nd of August, 2026 and 19th September, 2026 as the date for candidates for Presidential and National Assembly elections and Governorship and House of Assembly.

“These dates are far larger than the 90 days allowed by the Electoral Act, 2026.

“This means that the timetable has reduced the timeframe for parties to submit withdrawal to the defendant.

“The defendant therefore acted ultra vires its powers by reducing the time allowed by political parties to convey withdrawals and sworn affidavit to the deferidant contrary to the 90 days stipulated by the Electoral Act, 2026.

“In the final analysis, the defendant is empowered by law to issue timetable for elections but it must do so in compliance with the time frames in the Electoral Act 2026.

“Therefore, the claims of the plaintiff (SDP) succeeds in part,” the judge held.

Justice Omotosho, consequently, declared that the suit was not statute barred contrary to INEC’s submission as the March 27 press statement originated the action, having been filed on April 9.

He declared that the election timetable is a chain of events or actions which include submission of membership register of political parties to be used for the purpose of primaries and fix timeframes within which political parties are to organise their primary elections for the purpose of the stated 2027 election.

The judge declared that INEC is empowered by the 1999 constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026 to issue timetable for elections and to even alter same as it deems fit.

Justice Omotosho, however, held that the timetable must comply strictly with the timeframes in the Electoral Act, 2026.

In His words: “This honourable court hereby declare that the defendant is also empowered to alter the timetable for the ultimate aim of giving effect to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Electoral Act.

“This honourable court hereby declared that the defendant cannot lawfully abridge or vary the 90 days period for substitution of candidates under Section 31 of the Electoral Act, 2026.

“This honourable court hereby declared that the defendant cannot abridge the time stipulated in Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 given to political parties to submit the names of their candidates at feast 120 days to the date of election.

“This honourable court hereby declared that the defendant is hereby ordered to amend the Election Timetable 2027 and Schedule of Activities in compliance with Sections 29 (1) & 31 of the Electoral Act, 2026.

” This honourable court hereby declared that the defendant requesting for membership register of political parties and giving timeframe within which to conduct primaries is not ultra vires the powers of the defendant.

“This honourable court hereby declared that the deadline of 29’th August, 2026 and 16th September, 2026 fixed for political parties to submit nomination forms for candidates for Presidential and National Assembly Elections, as well as Governorship and House of Assembly Elections, is void to the extent of its Inconsistences with the clear provisions of Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.”