The Senator representing Taraba North Senatorial District, Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, has denied reports circulating on social media alleging that he has approached the Federal High Court in Jalingo to challenge the outcome of the All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial primary election for the district.
The denial follows the circulation of a purported originating summons claiming that the lawmaker had filed a suit against his alleged opponent, Kabiru Bello Badawaire, the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Returning Officer who conducted the party’s primary election, Senator Dahiru Bako.

According to the viral reports, Senator Lau was seeking a court declaration affirming him as the rightful APC candidate for the Taraba North Senatorial District in the 2027 general election.

Speaking over the weekend in Jalingo, the senator dismissed the reports as entirely false and misleading, insisting that he had not filed any legal action against his opponent, the APC, members of the primary election committee, or any other individual connected with the conduct of the exercise.

He described the circulating court documents as fabricated and urged party members, political associates, and the general public to disregard the claims, warning against attempts to spread misinformation capable of creating unnecessary tension within the party.

The senator particularly appealed to his supporters across Taraba North Senatorial District to remain calm and ignore the alleged originating summons being shared on various social media platforms.

Senator Lau maintained that there was no reason for him to challenge the outcome of the APC primary since, according to him, he emerged victorious in the exercise and has already been recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Questioning the rationale behind the reports, he said, “Why should I go to court after winning the primary?”

The lawmaker stressed that instituting a legal challenge against an election he won would be illogical, reiterating his confidence in the outcome of the party’s primary election.

He further alleged that the false reports were aimed at misleading the public and creating confusion among party supporters, assuring his constituents that his mandate remains intact.

While expressing appreciation to APC members and his supporters for their continued confidence and loyalty, Senator Lau reaffirmed his commitment to representing the people of Taraba North and called on party faithful to remain united ahead of future political activities.

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has described the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi as a “miracle centre presidential candidate.”

Bwala was reacting to Obi’s recent interview where he gave condition before agreeing to debate with the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.

In an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Obi had said he would debate with Umahi when he qualifies as a presidential candidate of a political party.

He made the remark against the backdrop of the minister’s declaration that he was ready to debate with Obi over road infrastructure.

However, Bwala in a post on X, questioned how Obi emerged as presidential because he never went through the process of primary election.

Bwala wrote: “Peter Obi is telling Chude on his podcast that if H.E Dave Umah    wants to debate him, he should first qualify as a presidential candidate first.

“Funny; the Peter Obi @PeterObi how did he qualify to be a presidential candidate? Did he (Peter Obi) participate in any presidential primaries?

“In fact has he ever participated in any presidential primaries? Imagine a miracle centre presidential candidate questioning a successful governor and performing minister on qualifications.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names of their candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, reversing its earlier stance that no further extension would be granted.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the commission announced that the submission deadline, which had expired on Saturday, July 11, has been moved by three days to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

INEC had previously maintained that the deadline would remain unchanged despite concerns raised by several political parties over technical challenges encountered while uploading candidates’ details through its nomination portal.

According to the commission, the decision to grant an extension followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, which requested additional time on behalf of the affected political parties.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved the extension of the deadline for submission of lists of candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly Elections by political parties,” the statement read.

INEC confirmed that the revised timetable has shifted the deadline from Saturday, July 11, to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

“The deadline for submission in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, being Saturday 11th July 2026, has been extended to midnight on Tuesday 14th July 2026,” the commission stated.

The electoral body explained that the extension was granted to encourage wider participation while ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

“The extension underscores the commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices while acting within the ambit of the law,” it said.

INEC urged all political parties to make effective use of the additional three-day window to complete the upload of their candidates’ names and personal particulars before the new deadline expires.

“The commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline,” the statement added.