The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kebbi State, Aminu Bande, has formally resigned from the party.

Bande, a retired major general, disclosed this in a letter addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Nasarawa I, Birnin Kebbi.

He said his decision followed “deep consideration, reflection, and consultations” with associates and key stakeholders.

“I write to formally tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party effective from today, Sunday, 5th April, 2026,” the letter read.

Bande was the PDP’s flagbearer in the 2023 governorship election, where he contested against incumbent governor Nasir Idris of the All Progressives Congress.

Explaining his exit, Bande said the move was necessary to align with the wishes of his supporters and the broader interest of pursuing “a more stable platform” to advance good governance in Kebbi State and Nigeria.

While he did not disclose his next political destination, he hinted that further decisions regarding his political future would be announced soon.

However, there is speculation that he may be heading to the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general election.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Joemartins Uzodike, has lambasted the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, alleging that he has already failed Nigerians, even before the conduct of any election.

Uzodike asked Amupitan to resign.

He spoke in reaction to INEC’s withdrawal of recognition of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.

Uzodike, a lawyer, described Amupitan’s pronouncements on the matter as disgraceful and mischievous.

He added that the interpretation of a court order by INEC under Amupitan’s leadership, despite his status as a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, showed bias.

The ADC stalwart accused the electoral umpire of relying on an order submitted by an individual, thereby displaying what he described as deliberate ignorance of the law, particularly the meaning and application of status quo ante bellum.

According to him, the action of the INEC chairman had brought serious embarrassment to the legal system, accusing him of using a court order to create a leadership vacuum in an opposition political party.

He also faulted what he described as the recognition of an individual as a faction, arguing that Nafiu Bala neither has a secretary nor leads any known executive committee.

“You’ve failed Nigerians even before the election. I have been around in this country since independence and have actively participated in many elections. I make bold to say that an electoral umpire has never descended so brazenly and carelessly into the arena as we are witnessing now.

“The chairman is a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. How can he not interpret the meaning of status quo ante bellum, which means to return to the position before the matter went to court?

“At what point was the ADC before Nafiu Bala went to court, and who was the chairman at that time?

“The court simply said whoever was in office should remain pending the determination of the matter, but Amupitan’s INEC is saying the ADC does not exist,” he said

Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to urgently investigate what it described as the reckless use of firearms by military personnel that led to the death of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The incident occurred on Saturday, April 4, when the secondary school student was struck by a stray bullet while inside her home.

Reports indicate that the bullet was fired by military personnel who were allegedly shooting into the air during a wedding celebration at a nearby event centre.

Reacting in a post on its official X handle on Sunday, Amnesty International said the killing was avoidable and must not go without accountability.

“The Nigerian authorities must investigate the reckless use of firearms by the military that killed a girl in Maiduguri, Borno State,” the organisation said.

A family friend of the victim explained that the teenager was not anywhere near the celebration when the tragedy occurred.

“She lived in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) quarters with her family and was inside her home when the tragedy occurred,” the source said. “She had just finished applying henna for her mother and herself, joyfully preparing for a family wedding scheduled for that same day.”

The girl was later buried on Sunday morning at the Maiduguri cemetery, as family members and friends struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss.

Amnesty International stressed that incidents like this illustrate the dangers of unlawful or careless use of weapons, particularly in civilian areas.

The group called for a transparent, impartial, and effective investigation into the shooting, adding that those found responsible must be held accountable.

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline and a leading carrier in West Africa, has announced plans to commence international flight operations from Gateway International Airport to London this summer.

The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, disclosed this during an interview with journalists after inspecting the airport facilities alongside Dapo Abiodun. The visit followed the official commissioning of the airport by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Onyema, Air Peace will operate flights connecting the airport to both London Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, marking a significant milestone for Ogun State’s aviation sector.

He praised the state government for delivering a world-class aviation facility, describing the airport as one of the best-equipped in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This is one of the best-equipped airports in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Air Peace will not sit back and watch this facility go unused,” Onyema said.
“When you see a promising initiative, you must embrace it.”

He emphasized that the airport’s infrastructure meets global standards and highlighted its 4-kilometre runway, capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380. Air Peace, he noted, plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet for the London route.

Onyema also revealed that he had received approval from the Minister of Aviation to proceed with the operations, describing the project as a national asset rather than a purely state initiative.

Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, announced plans to further expand the airport’s ecosystem with the construction of an international conference and convention centre, alongside a 550-room five-star hotel. He said the development would position Ogun State as a hub for global business and tourism.

The governor also disclosed that cargo operations have already commenced with Allied Air, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin operations soon. Additionally, another European carrier is set to launch cargo services into the state.

Abiodun projected that approximately 50 cargo flights would operate through the airport between April and the end of the year.

He further revealed the establishment of Gateway Airlines, which has acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. The 90-seater planes are expected to enhance connectivity between Ogun State, Abuja, and other major Nigerian cities.

With these developments, the governor expressed confidence that the Gateway International Airport could soon become Nigeria’s third busiest aviation hub, after Lagos and Abuja.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has strengthened its operational presence across the state for the Easter celebrations, deploying additional personnel and logistics to manage the expected surge in traffic.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, issued the advisory as Lagos prepares for increased human and vehicular movement during the festive period.

He urged motorists and other road users to exercise caution, discipline, and strict compliance with traffic regulations, warning against behaviours such as driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speeding, and dangerous overtaking.

Bakare-Oki emphasised that such actions could result in avoidable road accidents, loss of lives, and damage to property, stressing that no celebration should come at the expense of public safety.

To ensure smooth traffic flow, the agency has positioned additional officers at strategic locations, including major highways, transport terminals, intersections, business districts, recreational centres, and religious venues across the five divisions of the state.

The deployed personnel have been mandated to intensify monitoring, enforce traffic laws, and respond promptly to incidents on the roads.

In addition, LASTMA has pre-positioned high- and medium-capacity tow trucks, traffic cones, safety barriers, and other essential equipment to quickly address vehicle breakdowns and traffic disruptions.

According to Bakare-Oki, the enhanced deployment shows the agency’s commitment to maintaining safe and efficient movement throughout the Easter period, noting that operational teams are fully mobilised to manage the anticipated increase in traffic volume.

He appealed to motorists to remain patient, obey traffic officials, and prioritise safety at all times, warning that a moment of negligence could lead to irreversible consequences.

The LASTMA boss also called on commercial drivers, transport unions, fleet operators, and logistics companies to sensitise their members on the dangers of overloading, speeding, and substance abuse, stressing that collective responsibility is vital in reducing road accidents.

He extended Easter greetings to residents and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to ensure seamless traffic management during the celebrations, while encouraging the public to report traffic violations, obstructions, and emergencies for prompt intervention.

A former gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State, Senator Sabo Mohammed Nakudu, has resigned his membership of the ruling party.

Nakudu, who contested the APC governorship ticket ahead of the 2023 general election, announced his exit from the party in a resignation letter addressed to party officials in Sundimina Ward, Birnin Kudu Local Government Area.

In the letter, the senator said his decision followed careful consideration, noting that he was grateful to the party for the opportunities it afforded him during his time as a member.

He also acknowledged the support he received from party stakeholders and supporters throughout his political journey in the APC.

According to him, the resignation takes immediate effect from Friday, April 3, 2026, and includes his withdrawal from all party activities.

Nakudu served in the Federal House of Representatives for two tenures (2007–2011) and (2011–2015) under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He also served as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 2015 and 2019 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Although he did not indicate his next move, findings revealed that he is joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and is expected to announce his membership soon.

The senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Ibrahim Lamido, has declared his intention to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing the move to the worsening security crisis affecting his constituency.

Lamido disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Friday, expressing deep concern over the continued banditry attacks that had plagued several communities in the district.

According to the lawmaker, the persistent violence and insecurity in Sokoto East had made it difficult for him to remain in the party, noting that the realities faced by residents no longer aligned with the expectations and assurances given to them.

He described the security situation in the area as alarming, explaining that many villages had been attacked by armed groups, forcing residents to abandon their homes and seek safety elsewhere.

Lamido added that the ongoing attacks had severely disrupted economic activities, particularly farming, which serves as the main source of livelihood for many families in the region.

“My people are enduring untold hardship. Bandits have destroyed entire communities, and I cannot remain in a system that has failed to demonstrate sufficient commitment to resolving this crisis,” Lamido stated.

According to the Sokoto senator, “the decision followed extensive consultations with traditional leaders, political stakeholders, and supporters across the senatorial district.”

He explained that the discussions made it clear that many people believed a change in political direction was necessary under the current circumstances.

Lamido also revealed that he had repeatedly drawn attention to the deteriorating security conditions at the federal level but expressed disappointment that his concerns did not receive the level of response required.

He maintained that his decision was guided by the need to stand firmly with his constituents rather than by any personal political ambition.

The senator further urged the federal government to intensify its efforts in tackling banditry across the North-West, warning that continued attacks could worsen the humanitarian challenges already confronting affected communities.

Sokoto East, which includes local government areas such as Sabon Birni, Isa and Rabah, has in recent months recorded frequent attacks linked to banditry, resulting in deaths, kidnappings and massive destruction of property.

A Federal High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has ordered the final forfeiture of multiple properties and cash to the Federal Government following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Delivering judgement, Justice M.O. Olajuwon held that the anti-graft agency provided sufficient evidence to establish that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to one Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi.

The forfeited assets include a 23-room hotel and event centre, De Thinkers Home and Apartments, located in Nyanya Gwandara; a warehouse and sachet water factory in Koroduma, Karu Local Government Area; two office buildings along Philip Doda Street in the same area; and Theo International Academy Primary School, also in Nyanya Gwandara.

Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of N1,005,489.27 found in a First Bank account linked to the respondent.

Justice Olajuwon ruled that the EFCC met the legal threshold under Section 17(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.

“The Commission has placed sufficient materials before the court to prove that the assets are proceeds of unlawful activity,” the judge stated.

He further noted that once the EFCC established reasonable suspicion, the burden shifted to the respondents to justify the legitimacy of the assets.

“The respondents failed to discharge the burden placed on them to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited,” he added.

Earlier, the EFCC, through an affidavit deposed by its investigator, Mary Ebute, told the court that a Keystone Bank account belonging to Theobarth Global Foundation served as the primary channel through which funds were collected from victims.

The Commission alleged that the account was used to operate a Ponzi scheme and launder proceeds through the acquisition of the forfeited assets.

EFCC counsel, Ibrahim Buba, argued that the properties were directly traceable to fraudulent activities, urging the court to grant final forfeiture in favour of the Federal Government.

The court subsequently granted the application, transferring ownership of the assets to the government.