NEWS

ADC Takes INEC To Court Over David Mark, Aregbesola Recognition

Published

4 months ago

April 10, 2026

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has filed a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to restore the names of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, followed the removal of their names, alongside other members of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, from INEC’s official portal on April 1.

In a motion on notice dated April 7, filed by counsel to Mark, Sulaiman Usman, SAN, the plaintiff is asking the court to issue a mandatory injunction directing INEC to reinstate the affected officials as they existed before the dispute.

The application, brought under Order 26 Rules 1 to 4 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, as well as the court’s inherent jurisdiction, seeks three principal reliefs.

Part of the relief reads: “An order of mandatory injunction, setting aside the decision, act, or directive of the respondent removing the names of the applicant’s National Working Committee from its official portal and the decision of refusal to attend or monitor the applicant’s congresses or convention pending the hearing and determination of the suit.”

It further seeks: “An order of mandatory injunction directing INEC to forthwith restore and maintain records of the names of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, as well as all members of the National Executive Committee.”

The plaintiff also prayed the court for: “An order restraining INEC from tampering with, or otherwise interfering with, the said leadership records, or recognising any contrary or competing claims, pending the final determination of the suit.”

The suit arose from the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal in a leadership dispute initiated by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Gombe, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.

In a supporting affidavit, Usman argued that the appellate court had directed parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, describing it as the last uncontested state of affairs before the dispute.

Meanwhile, immediate past National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, yesterday, said the party will continue preparations for its convention and congresses and won’t be distracted by the leadership crisis rocking the party, which parades some of the biggest opposition politicians in Nigeria.

On a day that the Nafiu Gombe-led factioan of the party held a counter-protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Nwosu, who is backing the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC spoke during an interview on Channels Television.

This was as Civil Society Organisations, CSOs alleged that the Professor Joash Amupitan-led INEC was out to crown President Bola Tinubu; and a chieftain of the ADC, Mr Kenneth Okonkwo, added that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, does not want elections in 2027.

No going back on our preparation for polls — Nwosu

Insisting that the ADC is moving on with its plans ahead of the 2027 general elections despite INEC’s de-recognition of the Mark and Gombe camps citing court order, Nwosu said: “We are taking the necessary action both in court and with INEC, but we will not allow INEC to derail any of our programmes. After that malicious INEC release, our chairman and the rest of us sat together and decided to move ahead,

“We submitted our programme to INEC according to the law, and they endorsed it—all the dates were endorsed. By the electoral law, whether they show up or not is their own volition; we have not violated anything.

“The congresses have already started. Our national convention, slated for the 14th , will also go on, where we will validate everything we’ve done. We don’t want opportunists in the ADC; we want mission-driven leaders who have the courage to challenge a bad system.”

Nwosu said the ADC will inform INEC of its programmes, including “our upcoming national convention to select our presidential and general candidates. If they don’t accept it, we will publish it to all Nigerian media because they represent the people,” Nwosu, who founded the ADC, said.

Gombe leads ADC counter-protest over INEC recognition dispute

However, the Gombe-led action of the ADC, yesterday, took to the streets of Abuja in a counter-protest, pressing the electoral commission for recognition and warning rival actors to steer clear of the party’s affairs.

Rival camps within the ADC, linked to former Senate President David Mark and the party’s former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, are now openly battling over who truly runs the party ahead of the 2027 Nigerian general election.

The fight among the camps centres on leadership, control of the party’s structure, and who should be recognised by INEC.

Gombe, who is also laying claim to the party’s national chairmanship, stood with Leke Joseph Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives, during the demonstration, which climaxed at the headquarters of the INEC in the nation’s capital, where they addressed supporters and restated their demand for official recognition.

We won’t allow political nomads to hijack our party — Gombe

Gombe said despite INEC’s position, the David Mark-led faction is going to proceed with the national convention and congresses, insisting that internal processes should not be suspended.

“This confidence is not merely a matter of party politics; it reflects a deeper issue of respect for the rule of law and the principles governing our democracy. We cannot allow political nomads to exploit the vulnerability of our party for their gain. The integrity of INEC and the democratic process in Nigeria depends on our commitment to upholding our constitutional framework and the decisions of the judiciary.”

He urged INEC to comply with what he described as a Court of Appeal order preserving the status quo ante bellum, specifically asking the commission to reflect his position on its official records.

“My prayer as I address you today is that I urge INEC to please place my name on the portal, as required by the status quo antebellum order of the Court of Appeal. This is not just a personal request; it is a plea for justice, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.

APC doesn’t want 2027 polls — Kenneth Okonkwo

Meanwhile, ADC Chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused the ruling APC of plotting to undermine opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists in Enugu, Okonkwo who is also a member of National Working Committee, NWC, alleged that the APC is using state institutions and internal collaborators to destabilise the ADC.

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HEALTH

After Oko Hostel Tragedy, Sen. Uche Ekwunife Calls for Tougher Building Safety Enforcement (See details)

Published

22 hours ago

July 29, 2026

Vincent Okoye

The Most Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has expressed deep sadness over the tragic collapse of a student hostel in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, which claimed lives and left several others injured.

In a statement issued following the incident, Senator Ekwunife extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, describing the loss of lives as a painful tragedy for the bereaved families, the Oko community, and Anambra State as a whole.

She also expressed concern for those who survived the collapse and are currently receiving medical treatment, praying for their quick and complete recovery.

While commending the efforts of rescue workers, security personnel, healthcare providers, volunteers, and community members involved in the emergency response, the former senator urged them to sustain the search-and-rescue operation until every missing person is accounted for.

Senator Ekwunife further called on the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the cause of the building collapse. She stressed that establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident is crucial not only for ensuring accountability but also for preventing similar tragedies in the future.

She also advocated stricter monitoring and enforcement of building regulations across Anambra State, emphasizing that adherence to approved construction standards and professional guidelines must be treated as a critical public safety responsibility rather than a mere administrative requirement.

According to her, stronger enforcement by relevant regulatory agencies would significantly reduce the risk of building failures and help safeguard lives and property.

Senator Ekwunife concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, divine comfort for their grieving families, and speedy healing for those injured in the unfortunate incident.

The statement was signed by Tony Ezike, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Uche Ekwunife.

FOREIGN NEWS

Boat Trip Ends in Horror as 20 Die, Majority Nigerians

Published

1 week ago

July 23, 2026

Aprokorepublic

A boat accident in the Republic of Cameroon has claimed at least 20 lives, including 18 Nigerians travelling to a community in Adamawa
State.

The boat, said to have been travelling from Garoua in Cameroon to Yola in Nigeria, capsized after encountering a violent storm late
Monday night, it was learnt on Tuesday evening.

Witnesses said the boat, which was carrying more than 50 passengers, was also heavily loaded with iron rods and other building materials
meant for Dasin, a village in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

They recounted that the boat was caught in a severe storm around midnight, causing it to overturn. Initial estimates indicated that about
30 people might have died, but local authorities have so far confirmed that about 20 victims have been killed.

Among the deceased, the 18 identified as Nigerians have been buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore LGA, according to reliable sources,
while search and rescue operations continue for passengers who are yet to be accounted for.

Divers from both Cameroon and Nigeria are said to be involved in the search, while many survivors are receiving treatment at hospitals in border communities.

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NEWS

“I Pray For It” — Gov. Sule Drops Bombshell on 2027 Ticket

Published

1 week ago

July 23, 2026

Godwin Chi

Nasarawa Governor Backs Christian-Christian Presidential Ticket governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has expressed hope that Nigeria will one day produce a Christian-Christian presidential ticket that can win at the polls.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Sule dismissed claims that the ruling APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket amounted to religious exclusion.

He argued that Nigeria was overdue for a Christian-Christian pairing, noting that past Muslim-Muslim tickets had succeeded electorally.

“I pray that one day Nigeria will have a Christian-Christian ticket, and it will win. That’s what I pray to see,” Sule said.

He recalled the 1993 election in which Chief Moshood Abiola ran on a Muslim-Muslim ticket, stressing that such arrangements had historically delivered victory.

Sule added that opposition voices like Rabiu Kwankwaso’s concerns were expected, but insisted no APC governor had ever described the party’s ticket as divisive.

Citing Sections 14 and 15 of the constitution, Sule emphasized that federal character provisions guarantee inclusiveness across ethnicity and geography, but do not reference religion.

He highlighted his own deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, a Christian, as evidence that competence, not religious balancing, guided his choice.

“Our state is different from Nigeria. You cannot take a particular state. Take Enugu, for instance, it has a Christian-Christian arrangement. Take Bayelsa, it’s Christian-Christian,” he explained.

Sule maintained that political arrangements vary by state realities, but reiterated his belief that a Christian-Christian presidential ticket could succeed nationally.

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Gbasgbos

Shock Proposal? Senator Pushes Bill to Recognize Native Doctors’ Role in Connecting With Ancestors

Published

1 week ago

July 23, 2026

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Garba Maidoki, senator representing Kebbi south, has called for the inclusion of traditional medicine in a bill seeking to overhaul
Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory framework.

He argues that indigenous healing practices remain relevant, particularly in rural communities.

The senator spoke on Tuesday during debate on a bill seeking to repeal the Food, Drug and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act and the
Food and Drug Act, and replace them with a single legal framework for regulating food, medicines and other products that affect public health.

‘MOST RURAL DWELLERS RELY ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE’

Speaking in support of the bill sponsored by Sadiq Umar, senator representing Kwara north, Maidoki said the legislation should also
recognise traditional medicine.

“I rise to also support this motion ably sponsored by Senator Suleiman Sadiq. This motion, as my colleague said, is apt, is timely,
and is in good faith to modernise the practice of food and drug registration in Nigeria,” he said.

“But Mr. President, I want to bring to your attention that even though this is modernised, we have not seen anything on this bill
concerning traditional medicine.

“Concerning traditional medicine, sir, most of our rural dwellers, most of them rely mostly on this traditional medicine.

“And I think it is high time that we have a law that also allows traditional medicine to be implemented.

“Holistically, if this is done, we will also reduce the cost of importation of drugs from foreign nations, and we will rely mostly on our
own indigenous herbs and medication by our own native doctors.”

Maidoki said incorporating traditional medicine into the legal framework would reduce dependence on imported medicines.

He added that the bill’s sponsor, a pharmacist, should work towards integrating traditional practitioners into the country’s healthcare
system.

“I think if this is done, the pharmacist Senator Suleiman will be able to incorporate these people and make this holistic,” he said.

The lawmaker said some ailments are better treated with herbal remedies than orthodox medicine.

“Even some of us that are senators, sometimes we rely, we go to herbal medicine to help us with one ailment or the other, which sometimes
the modern medicine has no answer. Like if your ancestors decide to talk to you, you need a native doctor to intercede on your behalf,” he added.

Maidoki’s remarks elicited laughter in the senate chamber.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio responded in a light-hearted manner.

“Thank you, Distinguished Senator Garba. The native doctor will intercede between you and the ancestor,” he said.

“It’s actually baffling that this was part of the African religion, but when the white people came, they now told us that we don’t need
our ancestors, but I think from what you are saying, you are still using your ancestors.”

The bill later passed second reading after receiving the support of lawmakers.

If enacted, the legislation will repeal two existing food and drug laws and establish a unified regulatory framework covering food,
medicines, vaccines, medical devices and other products that affect public health.

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NEWS

One Condition: Oluremi Reveals What She’ll Wear If Husband Is Re-Elected

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Godwin Chi

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has promised to embrace traditional Igbo attire by wearing an Akwete wrapper if her husband, President Bola Tinubu, secures a second term in office.

She made the remark during her maiden visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Abia State on Tuesday, where she also announced a ₦2 billion donation to support the revitalisation of the weaving industry.

“If God brings my husband in a second time, I’ll be wearing a buba and wrapper made from Akwete. I am going to be wearing that because it is very soft breathable cotton,” she said, praising the generational skill transfer among local weavers.

The First Lady commended the women of the cooperative for preserving the craft and urged Nigerians to patronise locally made textiles as a way of boosting indigenous craftsmanship and rural livelihoods.

She explained that her visit was informal, aimed at spending time with the women rather than delivering a scripted speech.

Tinubu also expressed gratitude to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, describing him as “a good man,” and recalled her earlier efforts to connect with his wife to learn more about the weaving tradition.

Her pledge highlights the administration’s broader push to promote Nigerian-made products and preserve cultural heritage, while offering direct financial support to strengthen the weaving industry.

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FOREIGN NEWS

A New Era? US and Saudi Arabia Near Landmark 30-Year Nuclear Agreement

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

The United States is set to announce a landmark 30-year nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, aimed at establishing a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom, according to reports from US media outlets.

The deal, expected to be unveiled Wednesday, comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The New York Times cited US officials confirming that the Trump administration would formally sign and announce the agreement, which is projected to generate billions of dollars for the US nuclear industry.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the pact could allow US companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia.

However, the proposal has drawn opposition from US lawmakers across party lines and Israeli officials, who fear the program could be diverted toward developing nuclear weapons.

While the deal will be submitted to Congress, its approval is not required for implementation. Washington has also sought to link the nuclear agreement to broader strategic goals, including Saudi Arabia’s potential normalization of ties with Israel and a US-Saudi defense pact.

Saudi Arabia has long insisted on its right to pursue a civilian nuclear program, similar to the UAE, which signed a nuclear deal with Washington in 2009 but does not enrich uranium.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in Manila, declined to confirm the deal but assured that Washington would not enter any agreement that risks nuclear proliferation.

The announcement comes as the US war with Iran continues to destabilize the region, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels threatening to blockade Saudi ports, a move that could disrupt global oil supplies.

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Gbasgbos

Nigeria Remains Africa’s Population Giant as New 2026 Figures Emerge

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

Nigeria has retained its position as Africa’s most populous country, with an estimated population of 242.4 million people in 2026, according to new figures from Worldometer.

The estimate places Nigeria ahead of Ethiopia (138.9 million) and Egypt (120.1 million), which rank second and third respectively.

Africa as a whole remains the world’s fastest-growing continent, with its population projected to surpass 2.5 billion by 2050, driven by youthful demographics, high fertility rates, and improved healthcare.

Nigeria’s last official census was conducted in 2006, when the population stood at 140.4 million. Since then, growth has been tracked through projections, with the World Bank estimating a 2.1% growth rate in 2025.

The country’s median age of 18 years and fertility rate of 4.2 children per woman continue to fuel rapid expansion.

Africa’s Top 10 Most Populous Countries (2026)Nigeria – 242.4 million, Ethiopia -138.9 million, Egypt, 120.1 million, Democratic Republic of Congo, — 116.5 million,Tanzania — 72.6 million, South Africa — 65.5 million, Kenya — 58.6 million, Sudan — 53.3 million, Uganda — 52.8 million, Algeria — 48 million.

Experts say Africa’s rising population will reshape markets, investment flows, and labour dynamics, with Nigeria expected to remain a central driver of the continent’s economic growth in the coming decades.

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Gbasgbos

ICPC Uncovers 908 Ghost Workers — Guess Which Agency Tops the Fraud List

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered 908 ghost workers across several federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), recovering about ₦942 million allegedly siphoned through fraudulent payroll schemes.

ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu disclosed that the discovery followed a probe launched in 2024 after irregularities were detected in pension payments.

The investigation revealed widespread payroll manipulation, with fictitious names inserted into salary systems to divert public funds.Aliyu alleged that some senior officials enrolled relatives and associates on government payrolls, pocketing their salaries.

In one case, a suspect reportedly placed his wife, son, and mother-in-law on the payroll while also collecting salaries of 12 other workers.

The investigation covered at least 50 federal MDAs, with the Nigeria Police Force recording the highest number of ghost workers at 570.

Other affected institutions include:

National Water Resources Authority — 80 ghost workersFederal Ministry of Works — 56

Ministry of Foreign Affairs — 24

Ministry of Defence — 19

Ministry of Power — 17Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment — 17

Federal Ministry of Health — 15

Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation — 12

Aliyu added that the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Interior were also implicated, though the number of ghost workers in those institutions is still under review.

The ICPC says investigations are ongoing, with efforts focused on strengthening payroll integrity and ensuring accountability across government agencies.

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Gbasgbos

After Weeks of Speculation, Ogun Assembly Reaches Verdict on Oluomo

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

The Ogun State House of Assembly has officially exonerated former Speaker Olakunle Oluomo of embezzlement allegations tied to his removal from office in 2024.

During Wednesday’s plenary at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, lawmakers adopted a resolution that commuted Oluomo’s impeachment to a resignation.

The decision followed the presentation of a report by the Committee of the Whole House, delivered by Deputy Speaker Mrs. Lateefat Ajayi.

The report stemmed from a motion Oluomo submitted on March 31, requesting either exoneration or evidence to substantiate the allegation.

After reviewing available records, the House concluded that embezzlement was not part of the removal notice served on him and could not be proven.

Ajayi’s motion for adoption was seconded by Mr. Yusuf Amosun and unanimously approved by voice vote.

The Assembly cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), affirming Oluomo’s right to fair hearing.In its resolution, the House withdrew the embezzlement allegation, stating it would no longer form part of the reasons for his removal.

Lawmakers further resolved to overturn the impeachment and record his exit as a resignation, describing the move as necessary for unity and harmony among members.

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