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Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in 2023, has confirmed that he is leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

TheCable had on Saturday reported that Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former Kano governor, would leave the ADC.

In a statement on Sunday afternoon, Obi said he is quitting the party because of “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division”.

“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them,” he wrote on his X page.

“However, the same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division, instead of focusing on deeper national problems and playing politics built more on control and exclusion than on service and nation-building.

“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home. You and your team become easy targets for every failure, frustration, or misunderstanding, as though honest contribution has become a favour being tolerated rather than appreciated.

“And when you choose to leave so that those you are leaving can have peace, and you step out into the cold, you are still maligned and your character is questioned. Despite all your efforts to continue working for a better Nigeria and engaging people with sincerity and goodwill, those who do not wish you well continue to attack your character and question your intentions.

“There are moments I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country? Why is integrity not valued? Why is the prudent management of resources, especially when invested in critical areas like education and healthcare, wrongly labelled as stinginess? Why are humility and obedience to the rule of law often taken to be weakness rather than discipline?”

Obi added that he is eager to see a country that works for its citizens, reiterating that he is not desperate to be president, vice-president, or senate president.

“I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed while going to school or work,” he said.

“I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes. I am desperate for a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry, not knowing where their next meal will come from.”

Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC), says some religious leaders in Nigeria are currently in
detention, while others have been convicted for fraudulent practices.

Olukoyede made the remarks on Wednesday at the Jerry Eze Foundation business grant award ceremony, where he spoke about corruption within religious institutions and the importance of personal integrity.

According to him, both Christian and Islamic institutions are not immune to corruption, noting that some pastors, bishops and imams have faced prosecution and conviction.

“I have a lot of them (religious leaders) in my holding facility as I’m talking to you. I have a lot of them that are convicted for
fraudulent practices,” he said, adding that wrongdoing is ultimately a reflection of individual character rather than religious affiliation.

In August 2020, the federal government signed the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) into law.

Under the law, religious bodies and charity organisations will be strictly regulated by the registrar-general of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and a supervising minister.

CAMA provides that the commission may by order, suspend the trustees of an association or a religious body and appoint an interim manager or managers to coordinate its affairs where it reasonably believes that there has been any misconduct or mismanagement, or where the affairs of the association are being run fraudulently or where it is necessary or desirable for the purpose of public interest.

Many religious leaders, especially pastors, had rejected the law which they described as a declaration of war against the church.

‘EFCC INVESTIGATED JERRY EZE’

The EFCC chairman disclosed that the commission had previously investigated Jerry Eze, founder and lead pastor of Streams of Joy International, over suspected money laundering after receiving intelligence reports about significant inflows into his accounts.

He said the probe, which lasted six months, tracked foreign transactions from countries including Colombia, the United States, Sri Lanka and Togo into the pastor’s domiciliary accounts.

“We saw dollars and pounds dropping in like raindrops,” Olukoyede said.

However, he said the investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Olukoyede added that beyond enforcement, the EFCC also has a
“preventive mandate”, which includes recognising individuals who demonstrate transparency and integrity in financial dealings.

“People identify us at the work we do with criminals, with suspects, and all of that,” he added.

“I also have preventive mandate. EFCC should also be identified with precious people who have integrity. We must drum them up.

The EFCC chairman described Eze as a person of integrity and deserving of a “letter of validation”.

He added, jokingly, that the letter will not be issued as the anti-graft commission will continue to monitor the pastor’s financial activities as part of its statutory mandate.

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Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has said Nigeria’s next president had already been determined by God.

Pastor Adeboye said this while speaking at the workers’ meeting held at the Redemption City on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Saturday.

Adeboye said the outcome of the election is beyond human influence.

“The one that will rule has been decided by God before we were born. He knows the end from the beginning.

“God is not going to sit in heaven scratching His mighty head with His everlasting hand, saying who should rule Nigeria in 2027. It has been decided before the foundation of the world,” Adeboye told the congregation.

He urged worshippers to focus on their spiritual assignments: “Keep on praying, winning souls, and let your fruits abide. Face your business.”

Addressing recent comments by another preacher who described Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, and Pastor William Kumuyi as “denominational
fathers” rather than fathers of all Nigerian Christians, the RCCG leader agreed
entirely.

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The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a man following an encounter with officers of the command.

In a statement on Saturday, issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the incident occurred between police officers from the Border Patrol Unit stationed along the Iseyin/Oyo Road and a Fulani man riding a motorcycle.

According to Ayanlade, the individual became violent and restive, leading to a confrontation with the officers.

He added that during the ensuing clash, the man was struck and fell from his motorcycle.

The command’s PPRO said he was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.

The statement read, “Earlier today, an encounter occurred between police officers from the Border Patrol Unit stationed along the Iseyin/Oyo Road and a Fulani man riding a motorcycle.

“Information available indicates that the individual became restive and violent, leading to a confrontation with the officers. During the ensuing clash, he was struck and fell from his motorcycle.

“He was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.

“Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the detention of all officers involved, pending the outcome of a thorough investigation, which is currently ongoing. The commissioner has also directed that an autopsy be conducted to medically ascertain the exact cause of death.

“It is pertinent to note that a brief protest occurred in Iseyin in response to the incident; however, the situation was swiftly brought under control, and the crowd was peacefully dispersed after assurances that justice will be served. A complete brief will follow soon.”

The incident comes amid renewed public scrutiny of police conduct following a recent case in Delta State, where a police officer was arrested over the alleged shooting of a restrained suspect.

The development drew widespread outrage after a video of the incident circulated online, prompting the authorities to transfer the case to the Force Headquarters for further investigation and disciplinary action.

The police authorities had said the move was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of the matter.

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Former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, has expressed sorrow over the death of Mike Okaka, a devoted supporter of the Obidient Movement, who passed away in the United States.

Obi paid tribute to Okaka in a post on his X handle on Saturday.

“With profound sadness, I received the shocking news of the passing of my dear elder brother Mike Okaka in USA. On behalf of my family and the Obidient family, I extend my deepest condolences and sincerely mourn his loss,” he said.

“Mike was a devoted supporter of the Obidient movement and a passionate believer in the vision of a new Nigeria. His dedication, energy, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of good governance were truly remarkable.

“He stood firm in the collective struggle for a better nation and made meaningful contributions toward the cause we all cherish.

“May God Almighty, who has called him home, grant him eternal rest, and may He comfort his family, loved ones, and all of us with the strength and fortitude to bear this painful and irreplaceable loss.”

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that it will hold its 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026.

This was made known in a notice posted on the party’s official X handle on Saturday.

It read: “103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting. “Sequel to the signed resolution of two-third of the members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), pursuant to the provisions of Section 31 of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP,) @OfficialPDPNig the National Executive Committee (NEC).”

According to the notice the meeting is set to hold by 2:00 pm.

“In accordance with the PDP Constitution, attendance to the 103rd meeting is strictly for statutory members of the National Executive Committee,” the notice added.

Those expected at the meeting include PDP state governors, members of the National Assembly from the PDP caucus, members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), state chairmen, national ex-officio members, former members of the National Working Committee (NWC), former governors, principal officers of the National Assembly, as well as other designated stakeholders and NEC members.

“NEC remains dedicated to the stability, unity and success of the PDP guided by the principles of internal democracy, party discipline, inclusivity of members and the pursuit of the wellbeing of the Nigerian people as we march to victory in the 2027 general elections,” the notice stated.

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Yesterday, May 1, 2026, marked a significant and memorable day for the people of Adebebe Village in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area. Residents witnessed a major boost in infrastructure as former Senator, Uche Ekwunife extended her development efforts to the community through the construction of a new road.

For years, Adebebe Village had been perceived as neglected, with little to no infrastructural development. However, the new road project has brought renewed hope and a sense of inclusion to the residents, signaling a shift toward progress.

Despite leaving office in 2023, Senator Ekwunife continues to make a visible impact across the senatorial district. Her ongoing interventions have sparked conversations among residents, many of whom are comparing her efforts with those of the current officeholder.

Speaking with locals during the event, one resident expressed that the consistent development initiatives from the former senator are a major reason many people are calling for her return to office. According to them, her leadership previously delivered tangible results, and they believe her comeback could restore effective representation in the district.

The atmosphere during the event reflected gratitude and optimism, as community members gathered to witness what many described as long-overdue development.

See highlights from the event in the video below.

Many top leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, are weighing a potential move to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as internal uncertainties mount ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources close to Obi cited growing dissatisfaction with the ADC’s internal structure, ongoing leadership litigations, and concerns that the party is skewed to favour a particular aspirant without zoning the presidential ticket to the South.

A source familiar with the discussions said Obi has been consulting stakeholders and concluded that the ADC may not provide a credible and formidable platform.

“All things being equal, in a couple of days—between now and next week, he is expected to dump the ADC for the NDC. It will be a massive move, and all his supporters are also expected to move with him,” the source added. Another aide confirmed that Obi is expected to make his intentions known soon.

The move follows a Supreme Court judgment on Thursday that vacated an earlier injunction removing David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC.

However, the court referred the substantive leadership dispute back to the Federal High Court, leaving lingering uncertainties that could disrupt the party close to the election cycle.

Broader Coalition Concerns

Other ADC chieftains and coalition partners, including figures linked to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), expressed similar fears, describing the judgment as merely “postponing the evil day.”

They worry that prolonged litigation and alleged external interference could undermine the opposition’s chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The NDC has actively courted opposition heavyweights. Its Deputy Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, confirmed ongoing discussions with Obi and former Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stating the party is willing to offer them the presidential ticket and welcoming them to join.

Related DefectionIn a related development, former Adamawa State governorship candidate Senator Aishatu Binani formally joined the NDC on Friday, just nine months after leaving the APC for the ADC.

She cited the NDC’s commitment to structured, policy-driven governance and the preference of her political base.

NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson welcomed Binani and extended an open invitation to other dissatisfied political leaders, emphasising the party’s inclusivity and readiness to serve as a strong alternative platform.

ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, however, dismissed reports of an impending mass defection, saying he was unaware of any such moves by coalition leaders.

Obidient Movement National Coordinator Yunusa Tanko declined to confirm or deny the reports but reaffirmed that Peter Obi remains committed to contesting the 2027 presidential election on a viable platform.

This unfolding realignment highlights the fluid and dynamic nature of Nigeria’s opposition politics as major stakeholders position themselves for the next electoral cycle.

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