BREAKING: INEC dismisses calls for Amupitan’s removal, clarifies action against ADC leaders

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has reacted to the call made by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan to resign immediately.

During their World Press Conference in Abuja on Thursday, ADC, through its national Chairman, David Mark called for the sack or resignation of Amupitan, alleging partisan bias.

This was on account of the decision of the Commission to remove the name of the party’s leaders from its portal a decision it described as obedience to a recent Court of Appeal Judgment.

The Commission said it recognises the right of stakeholders to express their views, but said it was imperative to clarify that INEC is a creation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

A statement signed by Adedayo Oketola, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman noted that the appointment, tenure, and removal of the Chairman and National Commissioners are strictly governed by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. Any call for removal outside the established constitutional process is not only a distraction but a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire,” it said.

“While a political party or a group is allowed to protect their interest, the Commission decided to comply with the Judgment of the Court of Appeal to avert a situation that occurred in Zamfara State and Plateau State where elected officials were removed by the Election Tribunal on account of the disobedience of Court Judgment.

“In addition, the Commission did not want to disobey the preservative order of the court not to do anything or take any step that would render the processes already filed at the Federal High Court nugatory.

“Proceeding to monitor the congress and convention of the David Mark-led ADC would amount to a disobedience of that order since the relief claimed in the Originating Summons and other court processes filed include an order restraining INEC from monitoring any meeting, congress and convention of the party.

“Additionally, it was only on the 9th of September 2025 that INEC accepted and approved David Mark’s Exco, which was seven days after the matter was filed at the Federal High Court.

“The order to maintain status quo ante bellum means the position of the parties before the beginning of hostilities. It is either that INEC obey the order of the Court of Appeal fully or refuse to obey it. Section 287(2) of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 mandates every person and authority in Nigeria not only to obey the Judgment of the Court of Appeal but also to enforce such Judgment.

“Far from undermining the multi-party system, the Commission under Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, has actively expanded the democratic space. The recent registration and recognition of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and National Democratic Party (NDP), bringing the total number of active political parties to 22, is an empirical rebuttal to any claim of a one-party agenda. INEC remains a neutral regulator, not a participant in political competition.

“The Commission’s updates to party leadership records are strictly anchored on compliance with subsisting court orders and statutory requirements under the Electoral Act 2026.

“INEC will not be drawn into the internal strife within political parties, nor will it allow itself to be used as a proxy for resolving organisational challenges that belong to the parties themselves, especially when the Court of Appeal has ordered that the matter be granted accelerated hearing.”

The Commission also said that it has noticed an attempt to politicise the planned nationwide Voter Revalidation exercise.

“The decision to revalidate the Voters Register pre-dates the appointment of Professor Amupitan. The proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise is a professional necessity to strengthen the integrity of the National Register of Voters. The current register includes data spanning from 2011 to 2024. This exercise is designed to sanitise the register and is to be executed in phases,” it added.

“The revalidation is intended to confirm the status of registered voters, address issues arising from transfers, multiple registrations and deceased persons, and enhance the reliability of voter data in Nigeria. It is an administrative audit, not a fresh registration.

“It is not targeted at any region, party, or demographic. It is a uniform, transparent process that will be conducted across all Local Government Areas and Polling Units, with robust digital options for ease of access. All the stakeholders will be carried along on this issue.

“The Commission is currently focused on the surgical precision required for the forthcoming Ekiti (June 2026) and Osun (August 2026) off-cycle elections. We will not be distracted by unfounded allegations of collusion or bias. Our allegiance remains solely to the Constitution and the will of the Nigerian people.

“The Commission understands that some decisions can be challenging and may not always align with individual party interests. However, the Commission is dedicated to fostering an electoral environment where transparency and fairness prevail.

“The decisions taken by INEC are based on thorough evaluations and aligned with the legal framework that governs our operations including adherence to the Rule of Law. They are intended to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, which ultimately serve the interests of all stakeholders within our democracy, rather than specific political entities.”

ADC crisis: Nafiu Bala’s alleged resignation letter surfaces online

An alleged resignation letter, purportedly written by Nafiu Bala, a key figure in the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has surfaced online amid the ongoing leadership crisis within the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s, INEC, decision to de-recognise its leadership.

The letter was shared by popular social media influencer, Emma IK Umeh (Tcee) on his X handle on Wednesday.

In one of the letters, dated May 18, 2025, Bala stated that he had resigned his position as a member of the party’s National Working Committee, with effect from May 26, 2025.

He said the decision was taken to allow for “a smooth and effective coalition and restructuring” within the party.

The letter, addressed to the National Chairman of the ADC, indicated that his resignation did not amount to an exit from the party, adding that he remained willing to serve in any other capacity if called upon in the future.

In a separate letter, addressed to the INEC Chairman at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the party disclosed that Bala tendered his resignation on May 17, 2025.

The ADC stated that the resignation had been duly received, considered, and accepted by its National Working Committee in accordance with the provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.

The party also confirmed that a copy of the resignation letter was attached for INEC’s record.

ADC leadership, in the correspondence, requested the Commission to update its records to reflect the change in its leadership structure.

The letter was signed by the party’s National Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu, and the National Secretary, Alhaji Said Baba Abdullahi.

While the authenticity of the letters could not be independently verified, their emergence came amid heightened tensions within the ADC leadership.

DAILY POST reports that INEC had on Wednesday announced the removal of the names of former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, respectively.

The Commission also said it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts.

INEC further disclosed that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party and refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organised by the contending groups, pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.

Jigawa ex-Council Chairman Shehu Udi quits APC

A former chairman of Ringim Local Government Area in Jigawa State, Shehu Sule Udi, has announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The resignation was contained in a letter personally signed by Udi and addressed to the party’s ward chairman in Ringim on Thursday, a copy of which was obtained by DAILY POST.

In the letter, the former council chairman said his decision came after extensive consultations with his supporters and a thorough assessment of the situation within the party.
“I hereby formally resign my membership of the APC with immediate effect,” he stated.

Udi explained that the move was not made lightly, noting that it was prompted by concerns over what he described as a shift away from the party’s founding ideals.

According to him, recent developments at the local, state, and national levels have made it increasingly difficult for him to remain aligned with the party’s current direction.

He, however, expressed gratitude for the opportunities he enjoyed while in the APC and wished the party success in its future activities.

Although Udi did not disclose his next political move, some of his supporters have been urging him to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a decision he has yet to publicly confirm.

Youths, students block Benin-Lagos Expressway to protest economic hardship in Nigeria

Hundreds of angry youths on Wednesday took over the ever-busy Benin-Lagos expressway, protesting against what they described as economic hardship in the country.

DAILY POST gathered that the protesters, mainly youths and students from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), used heavy logs, vehicles, and burning tires to block movement on both sides of the highway.

They also set bonfires on the expressway.

The development, it was gathered, resulted in heavy gridlock as motorists and commuters were left stranded, forcing passengers within the Benin metropolis to leave their vehicles and trek to their destinations.

It was learnt that thousands of travelers, including commercial transporters and private car owners, were trapped, with some reportedly turning back to find alternative routes.

The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, such as “No to petrol hike,” “No to bad roads,” and “APC must go,” among others.

They said they were protesting against several issues, ranging from the hike in petrol prices, epileptic power supply, poor state of roads, and high cost of food items.

They, however, demanded urgent government intervention to address rising food prices, unemployment, and the high cost of living in the country.

In a viral video, a protester said the demonstration was to express their displeasure over the economic hardship in the country.

“There is hardship in this country, and the governments are doing nothing about it.

“We are tired of the promises. Our parents are suffering, students are starving, and the road is the only place they will hear us.

“The protest is to draw the attention of the government to our plight. We are calling on the government at all levels to act quickly before things get out of hand,” he said.

Some observers described the protest as a reflection of the growing frustration among young Nigerians.

They noted that the hardship in the country is biting harder and that many young people feel political leaders are not connecting enough with their daily realities.

Sanwo-Olu approves release of 43 inmates to decongest Lagos prisons

Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the release of 43 inmates from correctional facilities across Lagos State, as part of ongoing efforts to decongest custodial centres and strengthen reforms within the criminal justice system.

The development was disclosed in a statement by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, who noted that the move forms part of a strategy to address overcrowding and improve correctional infrastructure.

“It would be recalled that a few months ago, in December 2025, ninety-one inmates were also released from the custodial centres,” Pedro said.

He explained that the latest action was taken under the governor’s constitutional powers.

“The decision to release inmates who were yet to complete their terms was taken pursuant to the power of prerogative of mercy, conferred on the Governor under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” he stated.

Pedro further disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected based on recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

“The released inmates were duly recommended by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy in accordance with established legal and administrative guidelines,” he added.

He emphasised that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to justice sector reforms and improved conditions in correctional facilities.

“This exercise reflects the State Government’s commitment to upholding justice, fairness and the rule of law, alongside improving conditions within correctional centres by proactively addressing the challenges of overcrowding,” he said.

ACF disowns alleged SDP endorsement, reaffirms non-partisan stance

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has reiterated its long-standing position that it is a cultural and socio-political organisation that does not engage in partisan politics.

Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, ACF Publicity Secretary, said in a statement, “Members and officials of ACF are free to hold personal political beliefs and affiliations, but they do not represent the ACF in such capacities.”

He explained that the attention of the forum had been drawn to a statement issued by someone purported to be speaking for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), claiming that the ACF was represented at a meeting held in Ilesha, Osun State, on March 31, 2026, to endorse their party and candidate.

According to Muhammad-Baba, “We wish to clarify that Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, Mutawallen Gombe, the Secretary General of the ACF attended the meeting at the invitation of Afenifere to witness their General Meeting in Ilesha to further improve the relationship between the socio-cultural groups – ACF, Afenifere, and Northern Elders Forum – to discuss ways to move the country forward.

“He was, therefore, at the meeting as a representative of ACF, as an observer. He was there specifically to meet with Afenifere to discuss cooperation among the regional groups.”

He stated, “ACF therefore hereby distance itself from the announcement made by the agent of the SDP” and emphasised that “the ACF name and reputation should not be used to imply endorsement of any partisan political interest or, for that matter, representation of the organisation.”

It urged the general public to disregard the statement and to understand that the ACF remains committed to its principles and objectives, uninfluenced by partisan politics.

Easter: FG declares Friday, Monday holidays

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

He congratulated Christians in Nigeria and the diaspora on the occasion.

Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to reflect on the virtues associated with the season.

“I congratulate all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter. I urge Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ,” he said.

The minister further called for unity among citizens, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence.

“Easter is a period that reminds us of the values of tolerance and community that keep us together as a nation. Nigerians should remain committed to these ideals for the progress of our country,” the minister added.

Tunji-Ojo also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to policies aimed at national development.

“The goal of the government remains taking decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity for all Nigerians,” he added.

The minister wished Christians a peaceful and joyous Easter celebration.

2027: Kwankwaso’s exit means NNPP is dead – Kwankwasiyya Movement

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has said that the exit of the former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, from the party means the party is dead in Kano and beyond.

Spokesman for the Movement, Habibu Mohammed, made this statement on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television.

He was reacting to the recent defection of Kwankwaso from the NNPP into the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

“Everybody knows that the NNPP is synonymous with Kwankwaso and him leaving the NNPP automatically means that the NNPP is actually dead in Kano, and maybe beyond Kano, which might be seen to be dead across the nation.

“Just like what Kwankwaso meant for the NNPP in Kano, he will now be seen to be the ADC in Kano State, and it will be an interesting scenario.

“So many people believe in Kwankwaso and his principles. There will be a lot of influx into the ADC.

“And I believe from the recent happening, it is going to be a very interesting scenario in Kano, because there are several others that are actually going to come along, and this is the result of the fact that so many people believe that Kwankwaso is a man with principle, and he’s the man that doesn’t actually meander. He goes straight to the point.

“He’s somebody who is ready to actually say it as it is, and for both parties to understand.

“So there are so many politicians that knew very well that they can align with him, even if they have different opinions, but the fact that he can lead, he can provide direction, he can protect his own and he will be able to actually turn things around, so many other people are coming,” Mohammed said.

Abuja court to rule on suit seeking to prohibit Kingibe from ADC activities

The Federal High Court in Abuja will today deliver ruling in a legal battle seeking to prohibit Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in all activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following her alleged suspension from the party by the Wuse Ward Executive in Abuja.

Justice Peter Odo Lifu is billed to deliver the ruling following the service of hearing notice on the party that filed an ex-parte application in the legal battle.

Senator Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, was said to have been suspended on March 10 by her Wuse Ward Executive and ratified by two thirds of the leaders on allegations of anti-party activities and disregard to the Constitution of the ADC.

Those who sued the Senator in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CV/539/2026 are Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel, on behalf of themselves and ward members as plaintiffs, while the serving Senator is the sole defendant.

In an ex-parte application filed on their behalf by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kolawole Olowookere and argued before Justice Lifu, the aggrieved ADC members in Wuse of Abuja applied for an order of interim injunction restraining Kingibe from parading herself as a member of ADC pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

They also asked the judge to restrain the Senator from performing any function, attending meetings or performing activities reserved for ADC members or representing the party in any activities.

Besides, the Ward Executive Committee asked that she be restrained from further interfering with the administration of the ward, ward register and other activities.

The suit was predicated on five grounds among which are that Mrs Kingibe was placed on suspension due to anti party activities, gross misconduct and confiscation of the ward statutory records.

“That the suspension followed due process as enshrined in the ADC Constitution and ratified by the two thirds majority of the Exco members.

“That despite the communication of the suspension to her, she has continued to hold parallel meetings, issues press statements as ADC members and using her security details to intimidate the Executive Committee.

“That her actions constitute flagrant disregard to the internal mechanism of the party,” they claimed.

After taking arguments, Justice Peter Lifu had fixed April 1 for ruling on whether to grant the request of the plaintiffs or not.

Otti intervenes as Abia LG chairman allegedly withholds councillor’s 3-month salary

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has directed the State’s Commissioner for Finance, Mr Uwaoma Ukandu to liaese with Monday Ubani, SAN, in resolving the problem between the Chairman of Ikwuano LGA of the State, Mr. Anthony Nwaubani and one of his Councillors.

This followed the allegations that the Local Government Chairman had been withholding the salary of the Councillor since December, 2025.

The Local Government Chairman was also alleged to have seized solar-powered street light meant for Oboro Ward 2 in Ikwuano LGA.

Governor Otti, who was responding to a question from a journalist during his media chat at the Government House, Umuahia, said he was aware of the problem, assuring that he had directed that the issue be resolved amicably.

“Question about Ikwuano Local Government, I am aware of it and I have directed the Commissioner for Finance and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Monday Ubani to sit down and resolve the problem,” Governor Otti said.

He assured the people that those he mandated to resolve the matter would bring a lasting solution.