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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The Federal Government on Wednesday rejected claims that Nigeria is on the brink of collapse, insisting that the country is making steady progress in tackling its security and economic challenges

The position comes in response to recent warnings by a coalition of civil society organisations, which described the nation as facing worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and governance concerns.

Speaking in Abuja at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed what he described as pessimistic narratives about the nation’s future.

“I want to unequivocally refute the insinuation that Nigeria is on the brink,” Idris said in a statement signed by his media aide Rabiu Ibrahim.

He maintained that the country is demonstrating resilience in the face of its difficulties.

“On the contrary, we are daily exhibiting resilience and tackling our security and economic challenges more decisively,” he added.

The minister cited ongoing security operations as evidence of progress, noting that coordinated military offensives and improved intelligence-sharing have led to the neutralisation of bandits and disruption of attacks, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria.

According to him, these efforts are gradually weakening criminal networks and restoring stability in affected areas.

“Incidents of large-scale insurgent control have significantly decreased,” he said, adding that enhanced rapid-response mechanisms are being deployed nationwide to safeguard lives and property.

On the economy, Idris pointed to signs of recovery, including improvements in foreign reserves and expanding revenue sources across oil and non-oil sectors. He attributed these gains to reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and fiscal discipline.

“These decisions, though difficult, are stabilising public finances and creating a more transparent economic environment,” the minister stated.

He also referenced Nigeria’s recent reclassification as a Frontier Market by FTSE Russell, describing it as a positive signal to global investors. The development, he said, reflects improvements in foreign exchange liquidity, market transparency, and ease of capital repatriation.

“This development confirms that Nigeria is once again a viable destination for global investment,” he said.

Addressing the media, Idris urged broadcasters to uphold professionalism and avoid promoting narratives that could deepen divisions, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.

“The airwaves are a public trust. Broadcasting must inform, educate, and unite our people while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and accuracy,” he said.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to press freedom, the minister called for stronger collaboration between the media and public institutions to combat misinformation and promote unity.

“Difficult moments like this require stronger faith in our country and a deep sense of patriotism,” he added.

Idris commended BON for its role in promoting ethical standards in broadcasting and expressed confidence that the gathering would produce practical ideas to advance the sector. He also assured Nigerians of continued transparency as the government pursues reforms aimed at improving security and economic growth.

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