Many candidates scheduled to sit for the 2026 mock unified tertiary matriculation examination (UTME) were left stranded on Saturday after a technical failure disrupted the exercise nationwide.

The exam, organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), failed to commence several hours after candidates arrived at designated computer-based test (CBT) centres.

Many candidates reportedly arrived by 6am at various locations, but the examination did not begin until 1:30pm, which triggered frustration among parents and students.

The development happened days after JAMB warned that candidates who fail to show up after indicating interest would be sanctioned, noting that this would deprive other candidates of the chance to participate in the exercise.

The incident has sparked widespread concern, outbursts, and backlash among Nigerians, particularly on social media.

Folosele Leye, an X user, said the CBT centre used during the mock exam of his daughter had poor network connectivity.

“Living Stone CBT Centre, Akobo, Ibadan, where my daughter was posted for her UTME mock exam. The network and computer systems were very
poor, making it difficult for students to take their exams in both batches,” Leye wrote.

Chiboi, another social media user, said the situation isfrustrating, said the technical failures and poor coordination heighten stress levels for candidates.

See tweets below.

This is frustrating but, sadly, not surprising. UTME is supposed to test readiness, not patience.
Technical glitches and poor coordination don’t just waste time, they increase stress for students who are already under pressure. It also raises the bigger question: if a mock exam… https://t.co/gT7htRqjry

— kie 🇺🇸🇳🇬 (@mr_chiboi) March 29, 2026

Technical glitches have officially become part of national life. UTME included.

— Dozie (@DozieOfficial1) March 29, 2026

JAMB keeps repeating the same server glitches year after year like it’s a tradition. If they can’t even handle a simple mock exam without stranding thousands of kids for hours, how are we trusting them with the real UTME that determines futures? Maybe it’s time to scrap this CBT…

— Affiliate_stanley (@Stanleyade01) March 29, 2026

@JAMBHQ , please endeavour to address the issues raised by candidates before the main UTME exams . I mean, we all paid for this .
😭😭

— Gelatinium (@Dannycruz0011) March 29, 2026

am expressing dissatisfaction with Living Stone CBT Centre, Akobo, Ibadan, where my daughter was posted for her UTME mock exam. The network and computer systems were very poor, making it difficult for students to take their exams in both batches.

— Folowosele Leye (@FolowoseleLeye) March 28, 2026

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its official website to recognize the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the party’s legitimate leadership.

According to the commission’s political parties page, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed now serves as the National Chairman, while Senator Samuel Anyanwu holds the position of National Secretary. Other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) have also received official acknowledgment.

This development follows a series of legal rulings, including a Federal High Court judgment that directed INEC to recognize the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee. INEC had previously signaled this stance by inviting representatives from the Wike-backed group to its quarterly consultative meetings with political parties in early 2026, while the rival faction was absent.

On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the faction held a national convention at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Over 2,500 delegates attended and re-elected Mohammed and Anyanwu through consensus, along with other NWC members. INEC officials were present to monitor the proceedings.

The recognition comes amid the PDP’s prolonged leadership crisis. The Wike-aligned group has described INEC’s move as a step toward restoring stability and preparing the party for future elections, including the 2027 general polls. Rival factions, however, have contested the decision and indicated plans to pursue further legal action.

Political observers view this as a significant boost for the Wike camp, solidifying control over the party’s structure ahead of key electoral activities. INEC’s update provides the faction with formal validation to conduct party affairs, such as candidate nominations and congresses.

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The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Enugu has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding fairness, justice, and professionalism in handling investigative matters across Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Annex, Chijindu Arum, said the assurance formed part of activities lined up for the 2026 National Police Day celebration.

Arum noted that the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the FCID Annex, Enugu, AIG Chukwudi Ariekpere, has aligned with the trust-focused and confidence-building policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police.

According to him, the AIG emphasised the importance of sustaining the existing cordial relationship between the police and the public, describing it as critical to effective policing.

“He reiterates that justice and fairness will remain the guiding principles in the handling of all matters brought before the Annex,” the statement said.

The FCID Annex also called on residents to participate in the 2026 National Police Day celebration, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”

As part of the programme, the command has outlined a series of activities aimed at strengthening police-community relations and enhancing public safety. These include an environmental sanitation exercise scheduled for March 30, a walkathon focused on mental alertness, peace, and community safety on March 31, and a community engagement and public sensitisation campaign on April 1.

Additionally, lectures on human rights, professionalism, and discipline are slated for April 2.

The statement added that the nationwide grand finale of the celebration will take place on April 7, 2026, at Eagle Square, Abuja, featuring a ceremonial parade and tactical display.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of one person and injuries to eight others following a multi-vehicle crash along the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Enugu State, Franklin Agbakoba, disclosed this to journalists in Enugu on Sunday.

According to him, the accident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on March 28 and involved nine persons—six males and three females.

Agbakoba said the crash involved three commercial vehicles: a Mercedes truck, a Toyota Sienna, and a Toyota Hiace bus. He attributed the likely causes of the accident to dangerous overtaking and excessive speed.

FRSC personnel responded promptly to the scene, evacuating the injured victims to a hospital at the 9th Mile area for medical attention, while the body of the deceased was deposited at a morgue in Enugu.

“We have also cleared the obstruction caused by the crash to ensure the free flow of traffic,” Agbakoba added.

Among the injured were four journalists attached to Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and African Independent Television (AIT), including reporter Chimaroke Ugwu and cameraman Jerry Ugwuanyi, as well as Kelechi Ekeledo and Ifeanyi Ogbodo.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu Council, Obinna Ogbuka, expressed concern over the recurring accidents along the Ugwu-Onyeama stretch of the expressway.

He sympathised with the injured journalists and called for the expedited completion of ongoing reconstruction works on the road to curb further loss of lives.

The Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway has long been identified as a high-risk corridor, with stakeholders repeatedly urging authorities to implement lasting safety measures.

A fatal road accident at the notorious Onyeama Hills axis of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway has claimed three lives and left several journalists injured.

According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports, the crash involved multiple vehicles, including a black Toyota Sienna bus conveying media personnel on official assignment to Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Some occupants of the vehicle, including crew members from African Independent Television, AIT,  and Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Among those affected are NTA reporter and Chairman of the NTA Chapel, Chimaroke Ugwu, alongside his cameraman, Jerry; as well as AIT reporter and Secretary of the Private Broadcast Chapel, Kelechi Ehirim, and his cameraman, Ifeanyi Ogbodo.

As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the deceased had yet to be officially confirmed.

Emergency responders, including officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police, were on ground conducting rescue operations and managing the aftermath of the crash.

The Onyeama Hills stretch has long been regarded as a high-risk corridor due to its steep gradient, heavy traffic flow, and recurring accidents, raising persistent concerns over road safety infrastructure and enforcement.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Enugu State Council, Obinna Ogbuka, expressed sympathy to affected members and gratitude that no journalist fatalities were recorded.

He, however, decried the recurring loss of lives along the Ugwu Onyeama axis and renewed calls for the expedited completion of ongoing reconstruction works on the expressway as a critical step toward mitigating future accidents.

Authorities are expected to release further details as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.

As of press time, the Federal Road Safety Corps had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has concluded arrangements to formally defect to the African Democratic Congress ADC, on Monday, in what signals a significant realignment ahead of the 2027 general election.

Senior officials within both parties confirmed that the former Kano State governor would declare for the ADC alongside key loyalists, including former Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, who recently resigned from office.

Top ADC figures, including National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, are expected to receive Kwankwaso into the party.

The move follows months of negotiations between Kwankwaso and the ADC, during which the former governor reportedly sought assurances of the party’s vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

Talks had initially stalled over the demand, but were revived after renewed engagements, including a recent meeting with Aregbesola in Abuja.

Kwankwaso’s defection also comes amid shifting political dynamics in Kano, particularly following the earlier move by Governor Abba Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress.

Sources further indicated that broader coalition talks involving Peter Obi and former President Olusegun Obasanjo had informed the realignments, as opposition figures intensify consultations ahead of the 2027 general election.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has paid a glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he clocks 74 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, describing him as a visionary and courageous leader whose love for the country has been demonstrated beyond any shred of doubt.

He said that at 74, Tinubu’s life’s journey has continued to stand as a testament to an enduring dedication to the development of Nigeria, while his leadership continues to reflect resilience and a bold commitment to reform, inclusivity, and national renewal.

A statement issued by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu, on Saturday, quoted Mbah as recalling that the President had always risen to the occasion at the toughest times in the nation’s history, recalling also his days in the trenches to restore democratic rule and his tough decisions to rescue and reboot the nation’s economy.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 74th birthday is an important moment to reflect on the life of a man whose journey has been deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s democratic evolution and economic transformation.

“Courage in the face of adversity is a defining feature of leadership. The President’s life’s journey boldly encapsulates this quality.

“From his role in the pro-democracy struggle to his stewardship in public office, there has never been anything convoluted about his vision.

“He has consistently demonstrated courage, resilience, and a firm belief in the Nigerian project. His selflessness and love for country are not performative. Neither are his actions driven by a quest for validation.

“So, we are celebrating not just the man, but what he has done for us – how he has deftly pulled our nation’s economy from the precipice.

“The impacts of his policies are not mere abstractions; they are all around us. The reforms we are witnessing today are not easy choices, but they are necessary steps towards building a more resilient and competitive economy.

“We have seen macro-pressures ease, a huge rise in our foreign reserves, and unprecedented unification of our exchange rates.

“At moments of great national reform, leadership requires vision and resolve. President Tinubu has shown both, and history often vindicates leaders who have the courage to confront long-standing structural challenges.

“When the results of his reforms fully crystallise, there can be no doubt that the president is indeed a man made for this moment – a man for all seasons!” Mbah said.

Continuing, Mbah said, “For us, this milestone is also an opportunity for reflection. We owe him a measure of gratitude for the sacrifices and responsibilities he has taken upon himself in steering the country through a critical phase.”

The governor called on Nigerians to continue to support the President, noting that nation-building calls for collective action.

“But beyond celebrating the man, the most meaningful gesture Nigerians can make is to support the difficult but necessary journey of national renewal that his administration has embarked upon.

“Nation-building is never the task of one individual. It requires collective belief, shared sacrifice, and sustained support from citizens.

“So, as we celebrate President Tinubu at 74, my prayer is that he continues to be guided by wisdom and strength, and that Nigerians across all divides rally behind the vision of building a stronger, more prosperous nation,” he concluded.

Dr. Umar Ardo, Convener of the League of Northern Democrats, has predicted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will overwhelmingly win the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries if the contest is held.

Speaking on AIT’s Focus Nigeria programme on Friday, Ardo expressed doubt that a consensus candidate would emerge among the top contenders.

“If there is going to be consensus, it means that the contenders will have to step down; it would mean that Atiku, Peter Obi, Amaechi, and others would have to step down for somebody,” he said.

Ardo noted that Peter Obi may personally be willing to step down, but his Obidient Movement would strongly oppose it. He added that Atiku is unlikely to step down despite his support base possibly allowing it.

However, Ardo was emphatic that if all aspirants go into the primaries whether by delegates or direct voting Atiku would emerge victorious.“Atiku will 100 percent win the primaries even if they do it 100 times,” he declared.

The comments come as opposition figures continue realignments within the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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A federal high court in Uyo has dismissed a N54 billion suit filed against Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, now known as SEPNU, over an
alleged 2014 oil spill.

The court held that the action was filed outside the time permissible by law.

The case was brought by representatives of Barracks, Nditia, and Okposo 2 communities, who sought damages for environmental harm arising
from the spill.

The plaintiffs had prayed the court to treat the damage as a “continuing injury” in an effort to avoid the limitation period.

But the court rejected the argument, finding that the alleged spill was a completed act that occurred in 2014 and could not be revived more than a decade later.

A key issue in the case was whether the incident qualified as a “continuing injury” or the “continuing effect” of a past act.

Abasiemediong Etuk, counsel to the defendant, argued that a continuing injury requires repeated or ongoing wrongful acts, not just the persistence of damage after a single act.

She said the alleged spill was a one-time occurrence, adding that any lingering environmental impact did not extend the timeframe within which the suit could be filed.

“While the effects of the spill might persist, the cause of action remains fixed to the date the spill occurred,” she said.

In its verdict, the court agreed with the defence, holding that the plaintiffs’ attempt to classify the claim as a continuing injury was
misconceived.

The court found that the spill, as alleged, was not ongoing but a completed act with residual consequences.

It held that the limitation period began to run in 2014, making the suit filed in 2026 statute-barred.

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