Ahead of his historic address to the House of Lords in London on Friday,  Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has received a special recognition from the United States House of Representatives for his transformative leadership. 

Uzodimma, apart from the address at the House of Lords , would be receiving “African Inspirational Leadership and Good Governance Award” by the African Leadership Organization. 

Even before the event scheduled for Westminster,  the South Carolina House of Representatives moved a motion to recognise and commend Uzodimma for his transformative leadership guided by the strategic 3R agenda of rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery. 

The motion, moved by Representative Rosalyn D Henderson-Meyes, recognised the Imo State Governor for undertaking “ extensive investments in road infrastructure, urban renewal and digital transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity, improving public service delivery and creating an enabling environment for sustainable growth “

The South Carolina House of Representatives in the motion signed by the Speaker, G Murrel Smith Jr and the Clerk Charles F Reid ,also acknowledged Uzodimma as a widely respected leader known for his dedication to “ inclusive governance, infrastructure development, economic revitalization, and the long term prosperity of Imo State, reinforcing his standing as one of Nigeria’s leading sub-national reformers and development focused leaders “

It noted that the honour bestowed on only 40 Africans also took cognisance of the Governor’s focus on improving the ease of doing business through strategic reforms and investor friendly policies which has in turn enhanced the state’s attractiveness to both domestic and international investors. It specifically mentioned Uzodimma’s signature infrastructure projects to include the Assumpta Twin Flyover and the development of the Orashi Energy Free Trade Zone, which have made Imo State the key driver of regional national development. 

Receiving the award in London on behalf of the Governor,  the Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, described it as a global acknowledgement of Uzodimma’s hard work and commitment to the overall development of the state. 

While commending the South Carolina House of Representatives for the honour, Emelumba said it would certainly spur the governor to do more not only for the state but Nigeria and the African continent.

The Commissioner noted that it was quite encouraging that notable global institutions have continued to acknowledge and appreciate Uzodimma as one of the very few sub-national leaders committed to transformative leadership in Africa.

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration CVR by two weeks, moving the deadline from 10th July to Friday, 24th July, 2026.

National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee IVEC at the commission, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, disclosed this on Friday night in Abuja.

He said the extension followed a review of the exercise and feedback received from the Commission’s state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.

According to him, the exercise, which commenced on 18th August, 2025, was being extended to give eligible citizens who are yet to register additional opportunity to do so ahead of future electoral activities.

The Commission said the extension underscored its commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable chance to be included in the Register of Voters.

In addition to the extension, INEC announced the introduction of a self-service online registration option for eligible first-time voters.

The new service, according to the statement, will become available from Wednesday, 8th July, 2026, through the Commission’s dedicated CVR portal, cvr.inecnigeria.org, where a step-by-step guide will also be provided.

The Commission explained that the self-service option would allow eligible citizens to initiate and complete their voter registration, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without having to physically visit an INEC office.

It added that the system incorporates identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks designed to preserve the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.

INEC urged eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of the extended window and explore the new registration technology, stressing its commitment to a credible, inclusive, and accessible voter registration process anchored on the use of technology to improve citizens’ experience in the electoral process.

The Federal High Court in Gombe has adjourned the lawsuit challenging the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Gombe South Senatorial District until July 22, 2026, when both sides will present their final written addresses before judgment.

The case is being heard by Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed following a suit filed by Hon. Bilyaminu Babadidi against the APC, Jerry Joseph Damara and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Babadidi is asking the court to nullify Damara’s emergence as the APC’s senatorial candidate for Gombe South.

During the trial, the claimant called four witnesses, including himself, and tendered several documents as evidence.

The witnesses claimed that no APC primary election took place at polling units or local government levels. They also alleged that election officials and voting materials were never deployed for the exercise.

According to the claimant, he also lodged a complaint with the APC Appeal Committee, but “no action” was taken on his petition.

In response, the APC presented one witness, Rabilu Musa, who identified himself as the chairman of the party’s National Primary Election Committee.

He told the court that the APC conducted its senatorial primary across Gombe State, including Gombe South, on May 18, 2026.

However, under cross-examination, Musa admitted that the voters’ register was not tendered as evidence before the court.

After both parties concluded their cases, Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses before delivering judgment.