By Favour Bibaikefie

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled plans to organise a nationwide mock presidential exercise as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The proposed simulation, according to the commission, is aimed at testing and strengthening its result transmission infrastructure, while addressing technical shortcomings observed in previous electoral cycles.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, made this known in Abuja during the Citizens’ Townhall on the Electoral Act 2026. He assured Nigerians that the commission is taking deliberate steps to enhance transparency, logistics and technological efficiency in order to deliver what he described as the country’s most credible election yet.

Amupitan explained that the mock poll would serve as a stress test for the commission’s systems, particularly in the area of electronic transmission of results across the country. He noted that lessons from the exercise would be applied to fine-tune operational strategies ahead of the main elections.

The commission also announced an adjustment to the 2027 election timetable. Under the revised schedule, Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.

INEC maintained that early planning and system testing remain central to restoring public confidence and ensuring a seamless electoral process nationwide.

Source: GbaramatuVoiceTV

By Favour Bibaikefie, International Affairs Correspondent

Tehran — In an unprecedented escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran’s state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel, the government announced late Saturday.

In a statement broadcast on state television, Iranian authorities declared a 40-day period of mourning and seven days of public holiday across the Islamic Republic in memory of the 86-year-old cleric, who had led Iran since 1989.

The announcement confirmed reports from earlier in the day by U.S. and Israeli officials that Khamenei had been killed during a major offensive dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — a series of air and missile strikes targeting regime leadership and strategic sites across Iran.

President Donald Trump, in a social media post, hailed Khamenei’s death as a significant blow to the Iranian regime, describing him as one of “the most evil people in history.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there were strong indications that the cleric was “no longer alive” after his compound in Tehran was hit during the attack.

Iranian state media further reported that several members of Khamenei’s immediate family, including a daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild, were killed in the same strike. Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council labelled the attack an “act of aggression” and vowed to hold the United States and Israel accountable.

The death of Iran’s supreme leader — who wielded ultimate authority over the country’s military, judiciary and all branches of government — has triggered widespread uncertainty about the future leadership of the Islamic Republic and heightened fears of broader regional conflict.

The strikes have already prompted retaliatory actions from Iranian forces, with explosions reported across several Middle East countries. International capitals are watching developments closely as responses from neighbouring states and global powers continue to unfold.

By Favour Bibaikefie

LAGOS — Nigeria’s Dangote Group has signed a $400 million equipment agreement with China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) to accelerate the expansion of its oil refinery, reinforcing efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and industrial development.

The company disclosed on Tuesday that the newly acquired equipment will support ongoing projects across its refining, petrochemical, agricultural, and infrastructure operations. The strategic investment is part of Dangote Group’s broader plan to scale up the refinery’s output toward a projected capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day.

Industry analysts say the expansion represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products while strengthening local production and economic growth.

The Dangote Refinery, regarded as one of Africa’s largest industrial projects, is expected to enhance fuel availability, stimulate job creation, and position Nigeria as a key exporter of refined petroleum products in the global energy market.