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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Yesterday, being 8th April, 2026, a combined team comprising members of the Nigerian Police Force and Udogachi Security paid a courtesy visit to the incoming EzeNri, Ọba Alọkwụeche, Barrister Chukwudi Nwokoye.

The delegation was led by Inspector Gabriel Owoicho Adokpa of the Nigerian Police Force and Mr. Christopher Nwosu of Udogachi Security. The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between formal law enforcement agencies, local security outfits, and the traditional institution in maintaining peace and security within the community.

During the visit, the team formally paid their respects to the Ọba and commended his leadership role in promoting peace and unity. Inspector Adokpa reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force to ensuring the safety of lives and property, while also emphasizing the importance of community partnership in effective policing.
Mr. Christopher Nwosu, speaking on behalf of Udogachi Security, highlighted the role of local security initiatives in complementing the efforts of the police. He stressed the need for continuous cooperation and information sharing between all stakeholders.

In his response, Ọba Alọkwụeche, Barrister Chukwudi Nwokoye, appreciated the visit and commended the joint efforts of both the Nigerian Police Force and Udogachi Security. He encouraged sustained collaboration and urged all parties to remain committed to the peace, stability, and development of the community.
The visit concluded on a positive note, with assurances of continued partnership in fostering a secure and peaceful environment.

See more pictures below

#ObaAlokwueche #NigeriaPoliceForce #UdogachiSecurity #Nrikingdom #GoViral

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has launched a scathing attack on Nafiu Bala, the factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing him of selling his conscience amid the raging leadership crisis rocking the party.

Melaye made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday night. He recalled that Bala personally attended the ADC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 29, 2025, where the leadership of Interim National Chairman Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and others was ratified.

The meeting was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).According to Melaye, Bala’s sudden opposition to the leadership is hypocritical. He said:“On July 29, 2025, we had a NEC meeting that Nafiu was present. In that meeting, the leadership of Aregbesola, David Mark, and others were ratified. The one who has commercialized his conscience, the one who is laying claims now, present at that meeting. INEC was also present and monitored that NEC meeting.”

Melaye noted that in August 2025, the party formally notified INEC of the new leadership, which the commission acknowledged. He stressed that Senator David Mark became the authentic National Chairman from May 29, 2025, describing the NEC as the highest decision-making body of the party.

He added that Nafiu Bala only approached the court on September 2, 2025, months after INEC’s recognition — and had earlier resigned as National Chairman on May 17, 2025.

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Aloy Ejimakor, lawyer to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), says there is no abnormal delay in his client’s appeal process.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ejimakor urged the public to
ignore speculation suggesting that the appeal may have been abandoned.

Ejimakor said the appeal, which challenges Kanu’s conviction, is already underway and progressing in line with laid-down legal procedures.

“As already known, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Notice (and Grounds) of appeal was filed in February 2026. This is the first and most important step that activated the appeal,” he said.

Ejimakor explained that the compilation and transmission of the record of appeal, which he described as a key stage in appellate proceedings, has been completed by the registrar of the federal high court in Abuja.

According to him, the process has moved to the exchange of briefs of argument between Kanu’s legal team and the federal government.

“The next visible milestone is the transmission of the record of appeal (which has been done), followed by the exchange of briefs, which is in process,” he said.

Ejimakor added that the appeal is “already live”, stressing that the filing of the notice in February effectively set the process in motion.

“It is noteworthy that the appeal is already ‘live’ – the filing of the Notice in February 2026 started the clock,” he said.

He said under established procedure, Kanu’s legal team is expected to file its brief of argument within 45 days of receiving the record, after which the prosecution will respond within 30 days.

The lawyer noted that the court will rely primarily on these written briefs, while oral arguments at the hearing will only serve to clarify issues raised.

He also clarified that no fresh evidence or oral testimony will be taken at the appellate stage.

Ejimakor urged the public to disregard rumours and misconceptions about the appeal process, noting that it follows a structuredand sequential path.

“People should therefore focus on these clear, sequential stages rather than daily rumors or believing that the appeal process will Follow the same pattern and procedure seen in the High Court before Justice Omotosho,” he said.

He added that the process could take several months, although terrorism-related cases are typically prioritised for faster hearing.

“This is the standard, transparent roadmap laid down by Nigerian law, and MNK’s appeal cannot be any different. So, the appeal is progressing exactly as the rules require – one procedural step at a time,” Ejimakor said.

BACKGROUND

In November 2025, James Omotosho, the presiding judge, sentenced the IPOB leader to life imprisonment for terrorism charges.

Kanu was handed life imprisonment for counts one, four, five and six of the seven-count charges.

The IPOB leader got 20 years and five years’ imprisonment on counts three and seven, respectively.

Kanu is currently serving his sentence at the correctional centre in Sokoto.

In an appeal filed on February 4 at the court of appeal in Abuja, Kanu asked the appellate court to quash his terrorism conviction and the sentence.

The IPOB leader argued that the life imprisonment sentence was imposed without allocutus — a statement by the defendant explaining why the
court should not impose the maximum sentence for the crime.

“An Order of the Honourable Court of Appeal quashing the conviction of the Appellant in all the counts in the charge No:
FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 by the Federal High Court Judge,” part of the relief sought
reads.

“An Order of the Honourable Court of Appeal quashing, reversing and setting aside the sentences/punishment imposed on the Appellant by the Honourable trial Federal High Court Judge in the charge no.FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.

“An Order of the Honourable Court of Appeal discharging and acquitting the Appellant in respect of all the counts in charge No.
FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.”

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Rotimi Amaechi, has warned that President Bola Tinubu could damage Abuja and even shift the Federal Capital Territory to Lagos if re-elected in 2027.

Amaechi made this remark on Wednesday during a protest in Abuja, where he stressed that the ADC is determined to remove the All Progressives Congress, APC, from power, just as the APC unseated the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2015.

According to him, “The APC forced PDP out of office, and now it is our turn to do the same to them. If they remain in power, they may destroy this capital or relocate it to Lagos. Nigerians must vote them out.”

The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, was organised by the ADC in response to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to withdraw recognition from some of its leaders amid an internal crisis.

Key figures of the party, including Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola, were present at the demonstration, all maintaining that Tinubu should not continue in office.

Amaechi also accused the president of undermining Nigeria’s democracy and suggested that the APC fears losing future elections.

“They claimed to be popular, so why are they afraid of elections? Tinubu says he was part of NADECO, yet democracy is being weakened under him. In 2015, the APC benefited from Jega, who remains one of the finest INEC chairmen,” he said.

He further criticised the appointment of Joash Amupitan as INEC chairman, alleging that it was aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the polls.

“Appointing someone primarily concerned with protecting personal interests has no place in INEC. It is disappointing. The process has already been manipulated by restricting party registrations out of fear of defeat. Regardless, they will lose the election,” Amaechi added.

He also blamed the current administration for the rising unemployment and urged Nigerians to reject the APC in the next elections.

“Unemployment is increasing under Tinubu’s leadership. If Nigerians do not act, the situation will worsen. Consider how quickly the national anthem was changed upon his assumption of office. I have played my part; the rest is up to the people,” he said.

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A federal high court in Abuja has sentenced four Boko Haram members to life imprisonment.

The convictions followed guilty pleas entered by the defendants to charges brought against them by the federal government. A witness From the Department of State Services (DSS) also presented evidence in support of the prosecution’s case.

James Omotosho, the presiding judge, also convicted 14 other defendants in a ruling delivered on Tuesday, sentencing them to prison terms ranging from 20 to 25 years on multiple counts.

The prosecution, led by Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, alongside Rotimi Oyedepo, director of public prosecutions of the federation (DPPF), tendered confessional statements and investigation reports through the DSS witness. The court admitted  documents as exhibits.

Those sentenced to life imprisonment are Ali Abiso, Bakura Abah Kabiru, Ado (also known as Luka Garba), and Babagoni Masawai.

In the charge marked FHC/KNJ/CR/509/2026, Abiso, arraigned
as the sole defendant, pleaded guilty to all four counts brought against him.

According to the prosecution, 30-year-old Abiso from Bama LGA of Borno state, participated in and aided attacks carried out in Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Bita, Baza, and Aulari on or before July 8, 2022 — offences punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Delivering judgement, Omotosho sentenced him to life imprisonment on counts two and four, and 25 years each on counts one and three.
The court ordered that the sentences for counts one and three run concurrently.

Kabiru was sentenced to life imprisonment on count two and
25 years each on counts one and three, while Ado received life imprisonment on
count two and 25 years on count one.

The judge sentenced Masawai to life imprisonment on counts six and seven, 20 years each on counts one and two, and 10 years each on counts three, four, and five.

The court also handed varying sentences to 14 other defendants after they pleaded guilty. Their convictions were based on
confessional statements and investigation reports admitted through the DSS witness.

Among them, Ali Mustapha was sentenced to 20 years on count one and 10 years each on counts two to seven, amounting to 80 years. The court,
however, ordered that the sentences run concurrently.

Other convicts include Danbawa Salisu, Modu Ali, Sanda Bello, Mustapha Fali, Modu Musa, Bidal Modu, Mohammed Abdullahi, Umar Garba, Usman Ahmadu, Hussaini Bukar, Baba Manye, Musa Mai Modu, and Ali Musa.

On Tuesday, the minister said 500 suspects are being prosecuted in phase 9 of the mass trial of suspected terrorists in Abuja. The defendants are standing trial before judges of the federal high court.

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Two commercial vessels successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, marking the first passages through the critical waterway since Iran agreed to reopen it under a fresh ceasefire deal with the United States.

According to maritime tracking service MarineTraffic, the Greek-owned bulk carrier NJ Earth crossed the strait at 08:44 UTC, while the Liberia-flagged Daytona Beach transited earlier at 06:59 UTC after departing from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port at 05:28 UTC.

The movements come after the US and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire agreement overnight Tuesday to Wednesday.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that passage through the strait would be permitted during this period “via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces.”

The NJ Earth followed an Iranian-approved route near Larak Island, keeping its transponder signal active, a path commonly used by vessels in recent weeks.

Analysts noted it remains unclear whether these transits signal a full reopening or are limited exceptions.

“While we expect more crossings in the coming days, from a risk and compliance perspective this first transit should be read cautiously,” said Ana Subasic, an analyst at MarineTraffic owner Kpler.

Shipping sources indicate that hundreds of vessels, including around 800 stuck in the Gulf, are preparing to move as conditions improve. In peacetime, the Strait of Hormuz carries about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

Iran had severely restricted access to the strait since late February in response to US and Israeli military actions, causing a 95% drop in commercial crossings from March 1 to April 7 compared to normal levels.

This initial resumption offers a tentative sign of de-escalation in a conflict that has disrupted global energy markets for weeks. Further developments are expected in the coming days as talks between the parties continue.

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A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by
David Mark is meeting with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru
Turaki in Abuja.

The meeting comes amid the leadership crises rocking both opposition parties.

Those attending the sit-down on Mark’s side include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano; Aminu Tambuwal, senator representing Sokoto south; Abubakar Malami, ex-minister of
justice; Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation; and Peter Obi,
Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023.

On Turaki’s side are Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo; Babangida Aliyu, former governor of Niger state; Jerry Gana, former minister of iinformation; and Adolphus Wabara, former senate president.

TheCable understands that the meeting is aimed at exploring possible alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

Since July 2025, when an opposition coalition took over the ADC’s leadership, the party has been embroiled in internal disputes, with Nafiu Bala, a former deputy national chairman, alleging that Mark was illegally appointed as the national chairman.

The crisis escalated last week when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) derecognised the Mark-led leadership.

The electoral body said it would refrain from engaging with Mark’s leadership and Bala faction, citing the March 12 judgement of the court of appeal.

The commission said it would not attend meetings, congresses, or conventions of the groups pending the determination of a case before the federal high court.

On Tuesday, the ADC State Chairmen Forum rejected the party’s factions led by David and Bala.

The forum announced an interim committee to oversee the party’s activities pending a national convention.

Meanwhile, the PDP is polarised into two factions.

In March, the faction backed by Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), elected Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu as the national chairman and secretary, respectively.

The Turaki-led PDP had asked the supreme court to restrain the Wike camp from holding the elective national convention.

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has inaugurated the new Open-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge Project and the Multi-agency complex, Alausa, now known as Bola Ahmed Administrative Complex in Lagos State.

Akbabio represented President Bola Tinubu, who has been in Lagos for the past few days and is scheduled to embark on a two-day working visit to inaugurate about six key projects executed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In a video shared on X by Sanwo-Olu’s aide, Jubril Gawat, on Wednesday, the Senate President unveiled the project alongside Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; the senator representing Lagos East District, Tokunbo Abiru; Sanwo-Olu, and some other dignitaries.

While cutting the ribbon, he said, “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I commission these projects.”

Recall that the Special Adviser to Sanwo-Olu on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, in a post on X recently had said that the President would commission “iconic, transformative and legacy projects” delivered by his principal.

According to him, the projects include the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, the Lagos State Geographic Information Service building in Alausa, the Lagos State Multi-Agency Complex, the Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, the Maracana Stadium, and the Lagos Food Logistics Hub in Abijo.

“Please join the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to a two-day working visit to our dear State. While here, the President will commission some of our iconic, transformative, and legacy projects,” Akosile stated.

This development led the state government to announce partial road closures across key parts of the state for the commissioning of critical infrastructure projects scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the temporary closures were necessary to ensure safety and the smooth conduct of the events.

The government advised motorists to plan their movements and avoid affected corridors during the specified periods to minimise traffic disruptions and delays.

According to the statement, the Opebi-Mende Link Bridge will be commissioned on Wednesday, April 8, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., affecting traffic in the Opebi-Allen, Ikeja, and Ojota areas.

“All motorists transiting this corridor during the specified hours should seek alternative routes to avoid congestion and ensure timely arrival at their destinations,” the statement said.

On Thursday, April 9, two commissioning events are scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The first is the commissioning of the Tolu Schools Complex, which will affect traffic in the Olodi Apapa and Ajegunle areas.

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