News February 18, 2026 Two feared killed as violence rocks Ondo APC congress, chairman’s brother hospitalised

 

No fewer than two persons were reportedly killed on Wednesday during the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, following an outbreak of violence in Idanre Local Government Area.

Several others were injured in the clash, which also resulted in the burning of a vehicle.

The unrest came barely 24 hours after suspected political thugs disrupted a stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s secretariat in Akure. The meeting was chaired by the state APC chairman, Ade Adetimehin.

Sources in Idanre said the congress could not take place in some wards after hoodlums allegedly attacked party members. The cause of the violence had not been confirmed as of the time of this report.

One of the victims, Raphael Adetimehin, who is said to be the chairman’s brother, was reportedly attacked in his ward and is currently in a coma.

Confirming the incident, Ade Adetimehin stated that his brother was shot and macheted by suspected thugs who allegedly mistook him for the chairman because of their close resemblance.

“They thought he was me because we look alike. After shooting and macheting him, they left him, assuming he was dead. It is unfortunate that politics has degenerated to this level,” he said.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said he would provide further details later.

The incident highlights rising tensions within the Ondo chapter of the APC ahead of the party’s internal reorganisation process. A day earlier, suspected thugs had stormed the party secretariat in Akure, injuring members and abruptly ending a stakeholders’ meeting.

National News February 18, 2026 Credible polls go beyond E-Transmission, says Shehu Sani

 

Shehu Sani, former senator representing Kaduna central, says making electronic transmission of election results mandatory will not, on its own, guarantee free and fair elections in Nigeria.

Sani spoke on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television, in response to growing public outrage over the senate’s refusal to make real-time electronic transmission of results a mandatory component of the amended Electoral Act.

Protests against the senate decision had continued in Abuja on Tuesday, with both the red chamber and house of representatives recording rowdy sessions, culminating in the walkout of plenary by some lawmakers.

Weighing in on the controversy, Sani noted that while technology can enhance transparency, it cannot substitute for political will and institutional integrity.

According to him, individuals determined to manipulate the process will always attempt to exploit loopholes, regardless of the system in place.

He added that focusing solely on technological solutions risks ignoring deeper structural and ethical challenges within the electoral framework.

“If we are interested in election techniques, that does not mean that when we have electronic transfer of results there will be no manipulation. It all depends on what we want to do as a country with our electoral system,” Sani said.

He pointed to persistent voter inducement during elections as evidence that malpractice is rooted in human conduct rather than the mechanics of collation.

The former lawmaker, however, clarified that he supports electronic transmission of results but insisted that the law must provide room for manual collation where technical failures occur.

“Election takes place in one day and it is expected that results will be transmitted the same day,” he said.

”If there is no provision for an alternative, what becomes of it? Do we wait for the next day, two days, three days?”

He also cautioned against imposing standards that may prove impractical, noting that even technologically advanced countries face challenges in achieving seamless nationwide electronic transmission of results.

“I think we should do what is practical. If it is difficult for even the most advanced nations to electronically transfer all their results, why do we want to force that on ourselves to that level?” Sani asked.

“But the central point is that we say there should be electronic transfer of results and where there is a glitch or failure, we go to the manual. There should not be anything wrong with that.”

Abuja News February 18, 2026 We are proud to endorse you for AMAC, small business owners tell Moses Paul

 

The Abuja Chapter of Small Business Owners Initiative says that they are proud to announce their full endorsement of Dr. Moses Paul, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), according to a press statement signed by Gift Adaji, CEO Akara Xprss and made a available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.

The statement said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Nigeria’s economy. According to recent economic surveys, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) account for nearly half of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and represent more than 96 percent of all registered businesses in Nigeria. These enterprises are also responsible for creating the vast majority of jobs, with estimates showing they employ well over 80 percent of the workforce across the country.

“Despite their importance, many small business owners still face significant challenge, among which are: limited access to affordable finance, inadequate infrastructure, unstable power supply, and bureaucratic hurdles that make growth difficult. These obstacles not only slow enterprise expansion but also limit job creation and economic resilience in local communities.”

It continued: “We believe that Dr. Moses Paul’s vision for AMAC reflects the aspirations of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the council area. His commitment to creating an enabling environment where small businesses can thrive through improved access to markets, skills training, supportive policies, and investment in critical infrastructure — aligns with what our community urgently needs.

“Under Dr. Moses Paul’s leadership, we see the possibility of: A strengthened local economy that retains and attracts investment; More structured support for entrepreneurs, especially youth and women-led businesses; Enhanced employment opportunities and sustainable wealth creation for residents of AMAC and; A business-friendly administration that understands small business realities and leverages them to build prosperity for all.”

It concluded this: “Small businesses are not just economic contributors — they are incubators of innovation, community growth, and social stability. The endorsement of Dr. Moses Paul is a recognition that AMAC requires leadership willing to unleash the full potential of this sector, support local enterprise, and transform the economic landscape of our council.

“We call on all stakeholders, residents, and friends of enterprise development in AMAC to join us in supporting this vision on 21st February 2026.”

News February 18, 2026 Ramadan: Kano govt orders closure of event centres

 

The Kano State Government has directed the immediate closure of all entertainment centres across the state for Ramadan fasting period.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Abdullahi Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Censorship Board.

The directive affects entertainment venues popularly known as gala houses, as well as disc jockey (DJ) operators under the board’s regulatory jurisdiction.

“Effective from Wednesday, 18 February 2026, all such venues will remain closed until the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The directive will take effect from 10:00 p.m. on that day,” the statement read.

Sulaiman explained that the measure aims to create a calm and morally conducive environment for Muslim faithful to observe the fasting period without distractions.

“The action is intended to create a peaceful environment for residents to observe the Ramadan fast in accordance with religious injunctions,” he said.

He added that entertainment activities under the board’s supervision would remain suspended throughout Ramadan, with reopening dates, particularly for Eid celebrations, to be announced later.

“The closure will remain in force throughout the fasting period, while the date for reopening, particularly during the Eid celebrations, will be announced at the appropriate time,” Sulaiman said.

The board urged owners of affected centres and DJs to comply fully, warning that enforcement teams would monitor adherence and violations would attract sanctions.

The agency noted that the decision falls within its mandate to regulate entertainment activities and promote moral and social order during religious seasons.

Amid concerns and mixed reactions from residents, the board clarified that the directive does not apply to event centres used for weddings, conferences, or political gatherings.

One board director, Usman Dankwano, emphasised that only venues strictly classified as entertainment outlets, such as gala houses under the board’s jurisdiction, are affected.

“Event centres are not even under our jurisdiction. People misunderstood the directive,” he added.

News February 18, 2026 Lent, Ramadan beginning the same day not common occurrence – Tinubu

 

President Bola Tinubu has said that for Lent and Ramadan to begin on the same day, is not a common occurrence, but reminds that as a people of faith, Christians and Muslims share a lot in common and are one people under God.

The President in his Lenten and Ramadan message, urged Nigerians to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace, unity, and stability, and pray for the progress and security of the nation.

The message read: “With profound reverence to God Almighty, I greet the Christian and Muslim faithful on the solemn occasions of Lent and Ramadan.

“This year, Lent and Ramadan begin on the same day. This is not a common occurrence, and it reminds us that as a people of faith, we share a lot in common and are one people under God.

“For Christians, the Lenten season is a time for fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following Jesus Christ’s example in the wilderness before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind.

“For Muslims, Ramadan is a hallowed season that reflects total submission to God Almighty and His command of sacrifice, devotion, service, and communal love and giving.

“It marks one of the five pillars of Islam. Beyond the obligatory fasting, Ramadan calls for deep spiritual reflection in obedience to Islam’s injunctions.”

He urged Nigerians to pray for the progress and security of the nation and also ensure good neighbourliness.

“As a nation and as a people, I urge us, as we embark on these important observances, to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace, unity, and stability, and pray for the progress and security of our nation,” he admonished.

President Tinubu further urged the citizenry to live by the good precepts of their faiths and be honourable in their duty to God and fellow humans.

“I pray that the lessons, blessings, and joys of these sacred seasons abide with us always, ” he concluded.

Business News February 18, 2026 Exchange Rate shock looms as Dangote foresees N1,100 to $1

 

The Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has predicted a significant strengthening of the naira, saying the currency could reach N1,100 to a dollar this year.

According to Channels TV, Dangote made the remarks on Tuesday during the launch of the Nigeria Industrial Policy in Abuja, an event attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries.

While the naira currently trades around ₦1,300 to a dollar, Dangote said government reforms signal better days ahead.

“I mean, today, if you look at it, Your Excellency, I believe with the policies that you have implemented in government, people now have started seeing the result, and manufacturers are very, very happy,” he said.

He added, “Today, the dollar is N1,340. Mr Vice-President, I can assure you that, with what I know, by blocking all this importation, the currency this year will be as low as N1,100 if we are lucky.

“The only thing is for, maybe, the government to stop the naira from getting stronger so that they will keep collecting more naira.

“But it’s a catch-22 situation where, now, if the naira gets stronger, it means that everything will go down. Everything will go down because we are an import-based country, which we shouldn’t be. What we should be doing is manufacturing all the things that we need.”

Dangote also called for stronger protection for local investors through incentives and infrastructure, highlighting power supply as a persistent challenge.

“While the policy is in order, it must be backed with full protection for industrialists to drive the nation’s goal for industrialisation, job creation, and economic growth,” he said.

The naira has recently strengthened, trading around ₦1,354 to the dollar at the official foreign exchange market and about ₦1,430–₦1,440 on the parallel market — its strongest levels in more than two years, according to market sources.

Business News February 18, 2026 Dangote signs $400m equipment deal to fast-track refinery expansion

 

Dangote Group has signed a $400 million construction equipment agreement with XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., one of China’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery, in a move set to accelerate the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it to become the largest refinery in the world.

The agreement will enable the Group to acquire an additional wide range of advanced construction equipment to support ongoing and forthcoming projects across refining, petrochemicals, agriculture and large-scale infrastructure development.

The new equipment will complement existing assets deployed for the refinery expansion, which is expected to be completed within three years.

Beyond refining, the expansion programme will see polypropylene production increase from 900,000 metric tonnes per annum to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum.

Urea capacity in Nigeria will be tripled from 3 million to 9 million metric tonnes per annum, in addition to the 3 million metric tonnes per annum capacity in Ethiopia, strengthening the Group’s position as the largest urea producer globally.

Production capacity for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) will also be increased to 400,000 metric tonnes per annum, positioning the Group as the largest producer in Africa and strengthening supply to the detergent and cleaning agents manufacturing industry.

Additional base oil production capacity also forms part of the broader expansion programme.

In a statement, the Group described the agreement as a strategic investment aimed at deepening its construction footprint and accelerating its ambition to build a $100 billion enterprise by 2030.

“The additional equipment we are acquiring under this partnership will significantly enhance execution across our projects. With this investment, we are positioning ourselves to become the number one construction company in the world,” the statement said.

Dangote Group is currently accelerating expansion and regional market development as it advances toward its long-term vision of building a $100 billion enterprise by 2030.