Politics

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly rebutted comments from INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, who cautioned the party against holding its planned congresses and national convention. In a statement released Friday, the party described INEC’s stance as a misreading of a Court of Appeal directive, accusing the commission of exceeding its constitutional authority. The ADC argued that INEC’s interpretation of the court’s order to maintain the status quo in ongoing internal disputes was legally flawed. The party said the doctrine of status quo ante bellum is meant to prevent actions that could irreversibly affect a legal dispute, not to suspend the democratic activities of a political party. “The scope of preservation orders is strictly a matter for the courts, not the e...

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dismissed claims that opposition parties are being targeted under the current administration, insisting that such accusations are unfounded. Speaking in Abuja during an interview with journalists, Wike said the challenges facing opposition groups today are not comparable to what he personally experienced during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The comments come amid criticism directed at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, with some alleging efforts to weaken opposition parties and create a one-party system. Wike rejected those claims, stating that he had endured more severe political pressure in the past without backing down. “It’s not correct that the c...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed its decision to proceed with its planned congresses and national convention ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a timetable released on Friday, the party described the actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as unlawful, maintaining that it will move forward with its internal processes. According to the schedule, screening of aspirants will begin on April 7, followed by polling unit, ward, and local government congresses on April 9. State congresses are set for April 11, while the National Convention will take place on April 14, 2026. The timetable was jointly signed by National Organizing Secretary Chinedu Idigo and National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi. The party added that it has formally n...

The Welfare Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Bashir Maisango, has resigned from his position and membership of the party as he prepares to join the African Democratic Congress. Maisango’s resignation comes barely a week after Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso and the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate in Kano State, Nasiru Gawuna, also defected to the ADC. In a resignation letter addressed to the Kano State APC chairman, Maisango said his decision to leave the party was voluntary. “I, Bashir Tijjani Maisango, hereby voluntarily resign my membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective April 1, 2026,” he stated. He expressed appreciation to the party for the opportunities he had during his time as a member. “I appreciate the oppor...

Former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, has stated that the current governor, Dapo Abiodun, may not have emerged victorious without the backing of his political camp. According to reports, Daniel and Abiodun have been at odds since the beginning of the governor’s second term in office. Abiodun had earlier expressed disappointment over the lack of support from some politicians he assisted in securing National Assembly seats, noting that their backing could have made his re-election bid against Ladi Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party much easier in the 2023 governorship race. However, speaking to journalists in Sagamu, Ogun State, Daniel maintained that he and his political allies played a key role in Abiodun’s success at the polls. He explained that internal developments wi...

The faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark has strongly criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership. At a press briefing held on Thursday, the party called for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, accusing the electoral body of bias and unlawful interference. The ADC further alleged that there is a deliberate scheme to weaken opposition parties and position President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole viable candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. Prominent political figures present at the conference included Peter Obi, Rauf Aregbesola, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi, among others. Full Rewritten Speech by David Mark Speaking on behalf of the...

The Obidient Movement has demanded the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, over the electoral body’s decision on the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a statement, the group called for a nationwide protest, lamenting that the latest development is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. The movement warned Nigerians that remaining silent during this period is dangerous and shows complicity. “There are moments in the life of a nation when silence becomes dangerous, and inaction becomes complicity. Nigeria has arrived at such a moment,” the statement read. The movement alleged that INEC is no longer being perceived as impartial under the current administration. “The Independent National...

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has said no candidate has been anointed for any elective office ahead of the 2027 general elections. Naija News reports that the party’s state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, made this known on Thursday in Lagos after the party concluded its National Convention, where new officers were elected across different levels. He explained that with the convention over, the party has now turned its attention to the process of picking candidates who will represent it in the next elections. Ojelabi said every position within the party is open to interested members, making it clear that no one will be forced on the party. He added that members who want to contest should prepare and follow the proper process as laid down by law. ...

There is a strong security presence at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja following recent developments involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The situation comes after INEC removed the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ADC from its official portal on Wednesday. Reports indicate that shortly after the announcement, over 2,000 aggrieved Nigerians—mainly ADC members, supporters of the Obidient Movement, and other groups—gathered around the commission’s headquarters in Maitama. The groups had also scheduled a follow-up protest on Thursday under the banner “Occupy INEC.” By Thursday morning, roads leading to the INEC headquarters were barricaded with security vehicles. A heavy deployment of security personnel, including of...

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the bid of the leaders of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Wuse Ward of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in all activities of the party following her alleged suspension from the party. Instead, the judge ordered the ward leaders said to be loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to put the senator on notice to appear in court to join issues with them on their grievances. Justice Lifu in a ruling on Thursday held that discretion in such a request for prohibition from party activities and in political matters must be exercised judicially and judiciously. The judge said justice would be met in the case of the plaintiffs only when the side of the defenda...