The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned that delays in amending the Electoral Act could affect aspects of the timetable for the 2027 general elections, even as it assured Nigerians of its readiness to conduct the polls.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), raised the concern on Wednesday during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with civil society organisations in Abuja.
Amupitan said the commission had already concluded its election timetable and schedule of activities based on the existing legal framework but noted that any changes arising from the amended Electoral Act could require adjustments.
“While we have made our submissions to the National Assembly, the passage of the amendment may have implications for certain items in our timetable,” he said. “However, for now, the commission has no choice but to operate within the framework of the subsisting Electoral Act.”
He urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the ongoing amendment process to provide clarity ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We seek your support in urging the National Assembly to speed up work on the amendment of the Electoral Act,” the INEC chairman said.
Despite the uncertainty, Amupitan said INEC remained fully prepared for the elections and announced plans for a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of 2027.
“A credible register of voters remains the bedrock of free, fair and transparent elections. Accordingly, the commission will embark on a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 general election,” he said.
Turning to ongoing electoral activities, Amupitan called on CSOs to intensify mobilisation efforts in the Federal Capital Territory to ensure residents collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
“The ongoing PVC distribution in the FCT will end on February 10, 2026, and we do not want anyone to be disenfranchised,” he said.
He also urged CSOs to monitor political parties’ conduct and promote peaceful participation, warning against hate speech, vote buying, misinformation, disinformation and election-related violence.
Providing an update on preparations for the FCT polls, Amupitan said 1,680,315 registered voters would vote across 2,822 polling units in the six Area Councils of Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
He added that 570 candidates would contest chairmanship, vice-chairmanship and councillorship positions, while INEC had concluded recruitment and training of ad hoc staff and was configuring BVAS devices for accreditation and result upload to the IReV portal.
The INEC chairman also confirmed that bye-elections would hold the same day in Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies in Rivers State, as well as Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Constituencies in Kano State.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives dismissed allegations that the National Assembly was deliberately stalling the consideration and passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, saying the proposed legislation is likely to be harmonised next week.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Mr Adebayo Balogun, said the delay was procedural rather than political, insisting that work on the bill was ongoing in both chambers of the National Assembly.
Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH, Balogun said legislative work on the bill was progressing and expressed optimism that the harmonisation stage would soon be completed.
“The Senate is in session, considering the bill. Hopefully, the harmonisation will be completed by next week,” Balogun said.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday charged the newly decorated acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to make the Nigeria Police Force better than he met it, as the country grapples with banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities.
The President, who personally decorated Disu with his new rank at the State House, Abuja, said the appointment comes at “a defining moment for our nation’s security,” expressing confidence in the new police chief’s ability to restore public confidence in the Force.
“The commitment that I expect from you is for you to make it better than you met it. And I’m sure you can do it. Nigeria is challenged right now with banditry, terrorism and all sorts of criminal activities,” Tinubu stated during the decoration ceremony.
The President, who drew on his personal knowledge of Disu from his tenure as Lagos State Governor, said he believes in the dedication the new IGP exhibited while serving in Lagos.
“I know your record. I believe in the dedication that you’ve exhibited while you were in Lagos and I was the Governor of Lagos State.
“Now you assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security,” the President said.
Tinubu outlined specific expectations for the new police chief, emphasising discipline, professionalism, and inter-agency collaboration.
“I expect you to strengthen the discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains your highest priority,” he charged.
Acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead, the President assured Disu of his full support.
“It is a daunting challenge. I know you can do it.
“You have my full support as you advance the security pillars of the Renewed Hope agenda.
“You are a straightforward individual, committed and respected. You have sufficient discipline,” Tinubu stated.
The President urged the new IGP to draw from the experience of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the ceremony.
“You can draw from the experience of Kayode Egbetokun who had been there before you.
“You have been part of the thinking, and you’ve been part of the innovation.
“The challenge as you hold the baton of this leadership is the belief that you will excel and Nigeria will prevail,” he said.
Speaking to the outgoing IGP, Tinubu expressed gratitude for his service while linking his legacy to the success of his successor.
“To the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, I extend the gratitude of the entire country.
“Nigeria, we are a grateful nation to you for your dedication in service, expression of good leadership attributes within the Force.
“You have served with commitment and distinction, and Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order in our country,” the President said.
He added, “What you should look back and remember is this: you have not succeeded without a good successor.
“Therefore, the success of Tunji Disu as IGP, when confirmed, is part of your responsibility and the joy you should look forward to.”
Tinubu noted that Disu’s previous role as Principal Staff Officer to Egbetokun positioned him well for the new assignment.
“Having been part of your Principal Staff Officer, I have no doubt he understands the ins and outs of the operation.
“He will only improvise. He’s an operational person from what I know,” the President stated.
The decoration ceremony, which took place at 4:00 pm at the President’s office, had in attendance Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials.
President Tinubu personally pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, marking the formal transfer of leadership of Africa’s largest police force.
In his response, Disu pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him, vowing to end impunity and enforce zero tolerance to corruption within the Force.
“The President mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I’ve worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” Disu told State House correspondents.
He added, “I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption.”
The new police chief emphasised that Nigerian citizens are the ultimate bosses of the police.
“One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizen, the citizen of the country, are the boss. No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” Disu stated.
Egbetokun, in his remarks, expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to surpass his achievements.
The acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu and the former IG, Kayode Egbetokun. Photo: Police
“I invested in likely successors in the Nigerian Police Force, and I’m happy that one of those that I’ve invested in has been found most suitable for the job. I have so much confidence that he would surpass what I have done,” Egbetokun stated.
The decoration came barely 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.
However, multiple Presidency sources told our correspondent that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the President on Monday evening at the Presidential Villa.
Disu’s appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
However, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspectors-General of Police to serve a four-year tenure regardless of age, Disu may remain in office until 2030.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.
Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Lagos State, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, and has served for over three decades across multiple operational and leadership roles.
He rose to national prominence as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State, where he served for six years. Under his leadership, the unit won the Best Anti-Crime Squad award in West Africa in 2016.
On August 2, 2021, he was appointed to head the Intelligence Response Team, replacing the suspended Abba Kyari.
Before his elevation to IGP, Disu was Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
Disu’s appointment will see the retirement of at least nine Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, in line with the tradition that senior officers vacate their positions when a junior colleague is appointed IGP.
Disu assumes duty
The acting Inspector-General of Police, Disu, on Wednesday formally assumed duty following his decoration by President Tinubu earlier in the day.
The new police boss took his first salute as Inspector-General from members of the Quarter Guard and other officers at the Force Headquarters after returning from the Presidential Villa at about 4:15 p.m. He thereafter proceeded to the official handover ceremony with Egbetokun.
Egbetokun, dressed in a blue suit, white shirt and tie, attended the ceremony alongside Deputy Inspectors-General of Police.
In his remarks, Disu thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him, noting that the Nigeria Police Force possesses the capacity to address prevailing security challenges.
He said the Force is endowed with brave and professional officers whose institutional knowledge, passion and resilience have enabled the country to overcome difficult security situations.
The acting IG, however, acknowledged existing challenges within the Force, including a trust deficit with communities, outdated systems, resource gaps and instances of misconduct.
“These are truths we must confront with resolve in order to reposition the Nigeria Police as a trusted, people-oriented institution,” he said.
Disu outlined three priorities for his tenure: professionalism and modernisation; accountability and integrity; and community partnership.
On professionalism, he said the Force would embrace intelligence-led policing, forensic investigation, digital tools and evidence-based practices, adding that officers would be better trained and equipped.
Addressing accountability, he declared that impunity would not be tolerated under his leadership, stressing that disciplinary measures would apply across all ranks without exception.
He said, ”I will say this plainly, so there is no confusion: the days of impunity are over. The badge is a symbol of public trust. Anyone who treats it otherwise will face the full consequences of our disciplinary processes.
This applies at every rank, without exception, including those closest to me. I will not ask the public to trust a Service that does not first hold itself accountable. We will strengthen our internal oversight mechanisms, make our processes more transparent, and mean what we say when we speak of the rule of law.”
He also pledged to strengthen internal oversight mechanisms and promote transparency in line with the rule of law.
On community partnership, Disu said effective policing requires collaboration with the public, noting that community policing would become central to the operations of the Force.
He urged officers to uphold integrity, compassion and courage in the discharge of their duties, while assuring them of improved welfare and dignified working conditions.
The acting IG also called on Nigerians to partner with the police by reporting crimes, engaging with officers and holding the institution accountable when necessary.
Ag. IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc has assumed duty as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police. He takes over from IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun (Rtd) PhD, NPM who served meritoriously as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police from 19th June 2023 to 24th February 2026.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, born on 13th April, 1966, hails from Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos State. His educational qualifications include: MSC Entrepreneurship, NOUN (2023); MSC Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology, LASU (2022); Advanced Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Intelligence, UNILAG (2019), MSC, Public Administration, Adekunle Ajasin University (2010), PGD International Relations and Strategic Studies, LASU (2000) and B.A English (Education), LASU (1990).
He joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on 18th May, 1992, and brings to the office a wealth of operational, investigative, intelligence, and administrative experience garnered over decades of distinguished service in various strategic capacities across the country. Until his appointment, he was Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
Some of his other notable past postings include:
• Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG)
Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Headquarters, Abuja
• Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command, October
• Commissioner of Police (CP), Rivers State Police Command, November
• Commissioner of Police, Admin and Intelligence, Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB)
• Deputy Commissioner of Police Head, Intelligence Response Team (IRT)
• Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Lagos, 2015 – 2021
• Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Rivers State
• Officer in Charge, Anti-Kidnapping, Rivers State
• Officer in Charge, Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ondo State/Oyo State, 2011 – 2014
• Divisional Police Officer, Ondo State, 2007 – 2013
• Officer in Charge, Training, Nigeria Police Peace-Keeping Department
• Directing Staff, Nigerian Police Academy, Kano
• Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to former Governor Lagos State
• Officer in Charge, Anti-Fraud, State Criminal Investigation Department, Katsina, 1993 – 1998
Ag. IGP Olatunji Disu is a member of the following associations and bodies: International Academy of Forensics; National Association of Investigative Specialists, United States of America (NAIS), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM); and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
He successfully led the first-ever Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) to quell the crisis in Darfur, Sudan, in 2005.
He was once National Chairman of the Nigeria Police Judo Association and has won his third black belt in Judo, with many other medals, including a silver medal at the 2022 US Open Judo Championships.
His track record of leadership, professionalism, and dedication to duty underscores his readiness to steer the affairs of the Nigeria Police Force at this critical time.
The Nigeria Police Force expresses profound appreciation to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM (rtd), for his invaluable contributions to the growth, modernisation, and strengthening of the Force.
The new Acting Inspector-General of Police reassures officers and men of the Force, stakeholders, and the general public of his commitment to consolidating on existing reforms, enhancing internal security, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing the Force’s mandate of protecting lives and property in line with global best practices.
The Nigeria Police Force solicits the continued support and cooperation of the public as the new leadership works to deepen professionalism, discipline, and service delivery.
Ag. ACP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
25th February, 2026
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday decorated Tunji Disu with his new rank as Acting Inspector-General of Police at the State House, Abuja, during a ceremony held at about 4pm in the President’s office.
The event was attended by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Disu’s appointment came 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would attain the mandatory retirement age of 60.
However, under the amended Police Act, which provides a four-year tenure for Inspectors-General of Police irrespective of age, he may remain in office until 2030.
While pinning the new insignia on his uniform, the President commended Egbetokun for his service to the nation.
The ceremony followed Egbetokun’s resignation letter submitted to the President on Tuesday, citing family matters that require his full attention.
