ADC raises alarm over alleged political persecution of opposition members in Kaduna

The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused authorities of orchestrating a sustained pattern of political pressure against opposition party members.

Briefing journalists on Tuesday in Kaduna, ADC chieftain and ex-Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Sani-Bello, expressed “grave concern” over what it described as politically motivated actions undermining democratic norms.

The ADC alleged that recent developments surrounding El-Rufai were not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to weaken his political influence. Among the issues cited were his exclusion from a ministerial position, proceedings by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and the arrest and detention of several of his associates.

The party specifically mentioned individuals, including Bashir Saidu, Ja’afar Ibrahim Sani, Jimi Lawal, and Aisha Galadima, as among those affected.

The ADC further alleged that anti-corruption and security agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) were being used in ways that create the perception of selective enforcement.

According to the party, prolonged detention, altered bail conditions, and questioned judicial processes point to potential abuse of institutions and erosion of public trust.

The opposition party also highlighted what it described as violations of human rights and due process, citing El-Rufai’s extended detention and repeated transfers across locations.

It stressed that such actions raise concerns about fairness, proportionality, and adherence to the rule of law

Beyond El-Rufai, the ADC claimed there is a widening clampdown on opposition voices across Kaduna State. It pointed to reported arrests, intimidation, and interference in party structures, as well as alleged restrictions on the establishment of party offices.

The party also referenced controversies at the national level involving party leadership, including issues linked to former Senate President, David Mark, which it said further complicate concerns about institutional neutrality.

It called for the immediate end to what it described as harassment and politically motivated prosecutions, as well as the release of individuals it considers unlawfully detained. It also urged authorities to uphold due process, maintain institutional independence, and ensure a free and competitive democratic space.

The ADC called on relevant authorities, civil society groups, and the international community to closely monitor developments in Kaduna State.

It warned that continued pressure on opposition figures could undermine democratic pluralism and public trust in governance if not addressed.

2027: Oyo SDP lures APC gubernatorial aspirant

Prominent chieftains and leaders of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State have paid a visit to one of the gubernatorial aspirants on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Saheed Oladele.

The meeting was held in Ibadan on Tuesday ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It was attended by 26 local government chairmen of the party and state executive members of the party.

DAILY POST gathered that the leader of 10 local government areas in Oke Ogun geopolitical zone, Alhaji Ibrahim Durojaiye was also in attendance at the meeting.

SDP State Chairman, Hon. Michael Okunlola, while speaking, said that Oladele has all it takes to be the next governor of the state.

Although, details of the meeting were still sketchy as at the time of filing this report on Wednesday, our correspondent gathered that both the leaders of SDP and Oladele are finalising the process for his defection to the party.

Ogun renames key highway after Tinubu, strengthens power, governance structure

The Ogun State Executive Council has approved the renaming of the Sagamu–Iperu–Sapade Expressway as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Expressway, in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The decision followed an earlier announcement to rename the Artery Bypass during the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport and other landmark projects last Saturday.

In a related development, the former Aviation Village in Iperu has been renamed after the late Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo, in recognition of his contributions to the community.

The Council also approved the procurement of 50 electricity transformers to improve power supply across the state under the Light Up Ogun Project.

Additionally, the Council approved the purchase of 20 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 12 Toyota Fortuner vehicles to support the administrative operations of public officials.

Further decisions include traditional leadership appointments and recognitions across various communities. The Council approved the declaration of the Olu of Odeda stool in Odeda Local Government Area.

It also ratified the appointment of Prince Adeyemi Ibikunle Opeaye as the Oludotun of Idotun in Ikenne Local Government Area, Chief Yaya Oriyomi as the Olu of Mowe, and Bashorun Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo as the Odemo of Ishara.

The approvals reflect the state government’s continued focus on infrastructure development, strengthened local governance, and community leadership.

Access Bank applauds Ogun’s investor-friendly policies, backs airport vision

The Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, has commended the Ogun State Government for creating a business-friendly environment that continues to attract investors.

Ogbonna gave the commendation during a visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun, where he led a delegation of senior executives from the bank.

He said Ogun’s policies have gone beyond driving investment inflows, noting that they foster partnerships focused on long-term development and shared vision for the state’s future.

The Access Bank CEO also lauded the development of the Gateway International Airport, describing it as a landmark project that reflects bold leadership and strategic planning.

“I am extremely proud. Ogun State is making it a habit of showing Nigerians what a working democracy looks like,” he said, adding that the transformation of ideas into tangible infrastructure underscores the government’s commitment to excellence.

Ogbonna expressed satisfaction with the bank’s role in supporting the airport project, noting that Access Bank remains committed to financing initiatives that drive economic growth and development.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described Access Bank as a reliable development partner, praising its willingness to support the state’s vision from conception to execution.

“They saw the vision from the outset and backed it. A vision without funding is merely a hallucination,” the governor said.

He added that the collaboration highlights the importance of strong public-private partnerships in delivering impactful infrastructure and sustaining economic progress

INEC insists voters’ revalidation exercise remains suspended

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, has reiterated that the revalidation exercise remains suspended in the state.

Agboke made this known on Tuesday during the continuation of stakeholders’ engagement meetings held across local government council areas in Osun State, disclosing that the directive for the suspension was issued by the national headquarters of the Commission, stressing that the decision remains binding.

Addressing stakeholders in Ife North, Ife Central, Ife East, Atakunmosa West, Ilesa East and Ilesa West, he emphasised that national development requires collective responsibility from all citizens.

He said the primary objective of the meeting was to foster dialogue, build trust, and gather firsthand information on challenges that could affect the smooth conduct of the election.

Key issues raised included voter apathy, logistical constraints, and the need for adequate security.

“The coming election involves everyone. Candidates of political parties must accept that God decides who wins and loses,” he said.

The REC appealed to transport unions, members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and security agencies to discharge their duties responsibly during the electoral process.

He warned corps members against engaging in electoral malpractice, alleging that some had previously been involved in misconduct.

“We still find corps members mutilating ballot results and conniving with politicians to sabotage the poll. Such corps members will be arrested, prosecuted and jailed.

“Be careful. Give yourself brain. Pay attention during training and make sure you do the right thing. Where we see unnecessary mutilation or cancellations, such persons responsible will be prosecuted,” he said.

He also cautioned transport unions against alleged conspiracy, noting that all transporters would be required to sign undertakings ahead of the election.

“If issues arise from any transporter, INEC will interpret it as sabotage and such transporter will be prosecuted. Don’t give room for any politician to use you to sabotage the electoral process. Transport workers engaged as ad hoc staff would not be eligible to vote on election day,” be stated.

The REC urged security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police, to ensure adequate protection of collation centres.

“I want security agencies led by the police to secure the collation centres with arms so as to forestall disruption and violence,” he added.

He maintained that the outcome of the election would ultimately be determined by the votes of the people of Osun State.

Meanwhile, representatives of political parties highlighted challenges including failure to capture voters in remote areas, inadequate access to the Continuous Voter Registration process, poor security in rural communities and network issues.

Some stakeholders also called on INEC to consider towns such as Asipa and Akinlalu for delineation to enhance effective voter registration.

Electoral officers and Divisional Police Officers across the local governments assured INEC of their readiness to ensure a peaceful process, pledging to address identified flashpoints and strengthen security arrangements ahead of the election.

Prominent APC members defect to ADC in Jigawa

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State is facing significant challenges as high-ranking members continue to decamp to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The APC has witnessed a major shift, with prominent members leaving the party to join the ADC. Among the notable figures who defected on Monday is Senator Sabo Nakudu, who is expected to contest the governorship in 2027.

His move signals a growing shift in allegiance ahead of key political activities.
His defection marks a significant wave of departures in the state, raising eyebrows and sparking discussions about the changing power dynamics within Jigawa politics.

Analysts believe this realignment could reshape the political landscape in the region as the ADC continues to gain momentum.

Growing discontent between Governor Umar Namadi and his predecessor, Badaru Abubakar, is widely attributed to allegations of poor party management and the marginalisation of influential stakeholders by Governor Namadi, whose leadership style has come under increasing scrutiny within the party.

Political observers trace the roots of the crisis to a strained relationship between Mr Namadi and his political benefactor, former governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, as well as his financial backer, Isa Gerawa.

An ally of the former Defence Minister, who requested anonymity, said this development comes at a time when Mohammed Badaru Abubakar was actively working to secure victory for President Tinubu in the state and beyond.

He added that former Governor Badaru Abubakar had been meeting with members of other political parties in efforts not only to secure votes for Tinubu but also to ensure that the APC achieved broad-based victories from the grassroots upwards.

All efforts to speak with the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Hamisu, or the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Mamsa, to provide a balanced perspective proved unsuccessful.

2027: INEC officials allegedly bribed to remove ADC leadership – Aisha Yesufu

Political activist, Aisha Yesufu, has said that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, were bribed to remove the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Yesufu said this on Monday during a live interview programme on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’.

The co-convener of BringBackOurGirls Movement also said that there are alleged reports that the INEC Chairman was threatened into his action.

Recall that INEC recently stripped former Senate President David Mark as national chairman of the party.

Airing her own opinion, Yesufu said, “There are reports that INEC officials were allegedly bribed with monies up to $50,000, and lands were given. Where is the EFCC and ICPC in all of this?

“The judiciary has turned itself into the plate of corrupt politicians. And that’s not what it should be. You’re having places where houses are being built for them, where all sorts of meetings are going on and stuff like that. Then that’s what worries every one of us.

“My thinking is that one institution should be independent, and if you have institutions that are independent, not the one that you’re hearing people being threatened.

“If there is independence, if there’s accountability, transparency, we don’t have all of these shenanigans going on.

“Let’s all go to court and have whatever it is there, but when you see the institutions, and also the judiciary, have turned themselves into weapon of oppression, willing tool of oppression against opposition parties, then that’s something that worries us, and the democracy of our country.

“This democracy, by the way, many people died for it for us to have what we have today, and we cannot have a few people come and destroy it just because they want to hang on to power that they are not deserving of,” Yesufu stated.

Troops thwart mob attempt to attack police outpost in Katsina

Troops of the 17 Brigade have thwarted an attempted mob attack and prevented the burning of a police outpost in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on April 5, 2026, when troops stationed at Combat Team 1 in Danali village responded to a distress call from a Nigerian Police outpost in the area.

The alert followed reports that a large, angry crowd had gathered at the station, attempting to lynch a suspected terrorist in custody and set the facility ablaze.

Troops were swiftly deployed to the scene, where they intervened and brought the situation under control, preventing further escalation and restoring order.

A security source familiar with the operation said the timely response averted significant damage.
“The mob had already become violent and was attempting to burn down the police station. The quick intervention by troops helped to stabilise the situation and protect both the suspect and security personnel,” the source said.

During the operation, police officers reportedly fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
“Minimal force was used to disperse the crowd, but unfortunately one individual was injured. The victim has since been taken to a medical facility and is receiving treatment,” another source disclosed.

Authorities confirmed that calm has been restored in the area.

“Troops are still on ground to ensure the situation remains under control and to reassure residents of their safety,” the source added.

Power sector crisis: Consumers, experts pick holes in Tinubu’s N3.3 trillion legacy debt approval

Electricity consumers and experts have picked holes with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent N3.3 trillion settlement plan for the country’s decade-old legacy power sector debt.

This comes after Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga stated on Sunday that President Tinubu finally approved N3.3 trillion to settle legacy debt owed to Gencos.

The announcement has generated mixed reactions in the past 48 hours.

While the Association of Generation Companies of Nigeria questioned the approved N3.3 trillion, stakeholders have also raised concerns on how the decision would halt the electricity supply challenge in Nigeria.

DAILY POST reports that the Chief Executive Officer of APGC, Joy Ogaji, raised alarm over the parameter used by Tinubu’s presidency to arrive at N3.3 trillion verified legacy debt.

She faulted the move, saying that GenCos were not carried along.

In another criticism, Arise Television anchor, Oseni Rufai, in a post on X, described the N3.3 trillion as ‘propaganda,’ comparing the announcement to an earlier statement made by the minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, in March 2024.

However, Onanuga, in a post on X, disagreed with Rufai.

The confusion comes amid the recent N501 billion power sector debt resettlement bond announced by the Nigerian government.

While the confusion persists, the majority of Nigerians have continued to suffer from epileptic electricity supply with only 3,345 megawatts allocated to electricity distribution companies as of April 3rd, 2026.

Like other celebrations in Nigeria, Easter was marred by darkness in parts of Nigeria.

Tinubu’s approved N3.3 won’t end Nigeria’s power crisis- Olubiyo

Speaking exclusively to DAILY POST on the power sector crisis, Kunle Olubiyo, the President of Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, raised concerns over the Federal Government’s plan to settle N3.3 trillion in legacy debts, stating that the move will not resolve the deep-rooted problems facing the industry.

He said while the payment may appear significant, it fails to address the fundamental issues undermining the sector’s performance.

He noted that discrepancies, as well as conflicting claims and counter-claims surrounding the debt figures, point to flaws in the data used to arrive at the estimates.

According to him, the data collection and generation processes lack scientifically verifiable standards.

Olubiyo further warned that such gaps make the debt figures vulnerable to manipulation by human factors and entrenched corruption within the system.

He stressed that without credible data and structural reforms, settling the debt alone would have limited impact on improving Nigeria’s power sector.

“As good as the payment may sound, it will not in any way address the myriad of challenges bedeviling the power sector.

“The fact that there exist discrepancies and conflicting claims and counterclaims further demonstrates that data collection and data generation that form the basis of the debts’ claims were not generated through Scientifically Verifiable Parameters.

“Hence the susceptibility of the data/debt claims to human elements and endemic individual corruption,” he told DAILY POST.

Tinubu’s presidency playing games with power sector crisis – Ewetumo

On his part, Ewetumo A. A., a retired staff member of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), has also criticized the Federal Government’s plan, alleging a lack of concrete action since the plan was first announced.

Ewetumo said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had continued to “romanticize” the payment plan without implementation.

According to him, the presidency had not demonstrated seriousness in addressing the mounting liabilities in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“The presidency is playing games,” he said.

He further claimed that the total indebtedness in the sector is far higher than the proposed settlement figure, estimating it at about N12 trillion.

“Total indebtedness is around N12 trillion to the NESI. Sectional debts to GenCos are around N6 trillion,” he stated.

Ewetumo also raised concerns about transparency, noting that despite repeated announcements since 2024, there has been no clear payment framework or list to show how the N3.3 trillion would be disbursed.

“Since 2024, the federal government has been parroting payment of N3.3 trillion with no payment list,” he added.

BREAKING: Kebbi Assembly Speaker, Muhammad Ankwai dead

The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammad Usman Ankwai, passed away last night.

Ankwai, who represented Zuru Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), was elected Speaker at the inauguration of the 10th Assembly on June 8, 2023.

Details surrounding the circumstances of his death were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report.

His death has, however, triggered an outpouring of condolences from fellow lawmakers, political associates, and residents across Kebbi State, many of whom have described him as a dedicated public servant who contributed to legislative development in the state.

Further announcements regarding burial arrangements are expected to be made by his family soon.