A former federal lawmaker from Jigawa State, Hon. Safiyanu Ubale, has resigned his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing the need for political realignment in the current national landscape.

Ubale announced his resignation in a letter signed on Sunday, stating that recent developments in the country’s political environment necessitated a strategic shift to a platform better positioned to drive meaningful change.

According to him “Considering the current trajectory of the nation and the evolving political landscape which calls for strategic realignment, I find it necessary to identify with another political party that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” the letter read.

The former lawmaker, who represented his constituency at the National Assembly between 1999 and 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), later joined the NNPP where he served in various capacities at the local government, state, and national levels, particularly in Taura Local Government Area.

Although Ubale did not officially disclose his next political destination, indications suggest he may be aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

His resignation comes shortly after reports that the NNPP’s National Leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is also expected to defect to the ADC, a move political analysts say could signal a significant shift within the opposition bloc ahead of future elections.

Former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere, has officially defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the need to reposition his political engagement toward better service delivery and democratic ideals.

Madumere’s defection was conveyed in a declaration letter presented to the PDP in Imo State.

In the letter, the former deputy governor said his decision to join the PDP was driven by a desire to unite like-minded individuals to restore the democratic rights and privileges of citizens. He also pledged commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and transparent governance.

“I believe that when the platform one stands on is no longer serving the purpose of the people, it then becomes apt to build a new one,” he stated.

“I have decided to officially inform you of my resignation from APC and my entry into the PDP. This is to enable me contribute my quota towards the development of the nation from a different perspective,” he added.

Madumere described his defection as a defining moment in his political career, noting that the move followed extensive consultations with his family, mentors, and supporters.

He expressed appreciation to the APC for the opportunities it afforded him, including serving as Deputy Governor of Imo State, and acknowledged the relationships he built during his time in the party.

However, he maintained that his exit was borne out of necessity rather than malice.

“I have come in terms with the notion that I could no longer continue to be an appendage of a party that does not reward loyalty but is frequently in the habit of disrespecting and marginalising members who have stuck their lives for the unity, progress and development of the society,” Madumere said.

According to him, internal conflicts within the APC, a loss of ideological direction, and disregard for members made it impossible for him to fulfil his promises to the people.

“Remaining there will be a disservice to the very people who once voted me as Deputy Governor of Imo State,” he said.

Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area following a deadly security breach in Gari Ya Waye community of Angwan Rukuba.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday, March 29, resulted in the loss of several lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Announcing the development in a press statement on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, said the curfew takes immediate effect.

The statement reads in part: “the Plateau State Government in conjunction with security agencies wishes to inform the general public of the imposition of a 48-hour curfew within Jos North Local Government Area with immediate effect, commencing from 12 midnight of March 29 to April 1, 2026.”

According to the government, the measure was necessary to restore order and prevent further breakdown of law and order following the incident.

The statement added that the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang strongly condemned the attack on residents.

“The government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang strongly condemns this barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” it said.

Residents were also urged to remain calm and assist security agencies with useful information.

It added, “citizens are urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and cooperate fully with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing investigations.”

The state government further called on residents of the affected area to strictly comply with the curfew as security agencies work to restore peace.

Six of the ten student leaders who participated in the election of new executives for the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Joint Campus Council, JCC, Lagos Axis, have rejected what they described as an attempt to alter the outcome of the poll.

The group, operating under the banner of Concerned Senators of NANS JCC, Lagos Axis, made their position known in a statement issued on Sunday, accusing the convention chairman of trying to override the result declared by the voting delegates.

The dissenting senators include Adikaibe Emmanuel Chimezim of St. Augustine College of Education; Omogunle Monday Igbekele of Yaba College of Technology; David Gabriel of Lagos State University of Science and Technology; Oladokun Sodiq Olaide of Lagos State College of Nursing; Adebayo Korede Peter of Lagos State University; and Bolaji Olatubosun Akinpelu of the University of Lagos.

The election, which held on Saturday, brought together ten student leaders representing tertiary institutions across Lagos State, who served as senators tasked with electing a new chairman for the council.

According to the statement, the convention took place at the Federal College of Education, Akoka, in the presence of security agencies, including operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Police, to ensure a transparent and credible process.

The senators explained that the chairmanship contest featured two candidates; Comrade Odewunmi Quadri and Comrade Rilwan Ajayi, with Quadri reportedly securing six votes, while Ajayi garnered four.

They, however, alleged that the convention chairman announced a different outcome, declaring the result a 5-5 tie and indicating his intention to exercise a veto to determine the winner.

The group described the move as a violation of both the electoral process and the constitution governing NANS, insisting that the votes cast clearly produced a winner.

“There was no tie in the election. The result was clear, and the majority had already spoken. There is no provision in the NANS constitution that empowers a convention chairman to override the decision of duly accredited voters,” the senators stated.

They further warned that any attempt to tamper with the outcome of the election would be considered invalid and unacceptable.

“Any manipulation of the process amounts to a nullity. The will of the majority must be respected at all times,” the statement added.

The Federal Government on Sunday disbursed N2.25bn to 45 students across the nation’s tertiary institutions.

The beneficiaries are among 65 student innovators shortlisted for the Student Venture Capital Grant initiative of the government.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, accompanied by the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, presented the cheques to the select 45 at the event held at the UNDP Innovation Hub, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The SVCG is an initiative of the Federal Government aimed at supporting student-led businesses and innovations, with students able to access up to N50m in equity-free funding.

The University of Lagos led the awards, with eight of its students each receiving N50m in equity-free funding for their groundbreaking projects.

Some of the institutions that produced winners were the University of Ilorin, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Lagos State University, and Bayero University, Kano.

Most of the solutions focused on leveraging Artificial Intelligence and technology to address societal challenges.

Speaking, Alausa charged tertiary institutions to refocus their outlook towards innovation and move away from teaching theory.

Alausa enjoined governing councils to focus on ensuring the emergence of vice-chancellors and rectors with innovative mindsets.

He said, “For too long, our tertiary institutions have been seen primarily as centres for certification. But under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we are redefining that narrative.

“Our institutions must now become centres of innovation, engines of enterprise and launchpads for global solutions.”

He stressed that the initiative was targeted at unlocking the innate innovative potential of Nigerian students so that it does not die in the lecture rooms.

Alausa said, “Now, our students will not only learn, but they will create knowledge. Now, students will not only acquire theoretical understanding, but they will also operate at the highest levels of Bloom’s taxonomy, applying transformative critical thinking and research skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge and solve real societal problems.

“Not only will they create new solutions, but through upscaling and commercialisation, they will transform these innovations into vehicles for sustainable growth and economic development, with catalytic impact on improving the health and wealth of Nigerians.

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has elected its new members of the National Working Committee, NWC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The exercise was carried out in the ongoing 8th national convention of the party at the Eagles Square in Abuja, the nation’s capital city.

The elected National Working Committee, NWC, include:

• National Chairman – Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda

• Deputy National Chairman (North) – Ali Bukar Dalori

• Deputy National Chairman (South) – Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye

• National Secretary – Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru

• Deputy National Secretary – Prof. AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana

• National Legal Adviser – Murtala Aliyu Kankia

• National Treasurer – Uguru Mathew Ofoke

• National Financial Secretary – Amb. Haruna Ginsau

• National Organising Secretary – Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu

• National Welfare Secretary – Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa

• National Publicity Secretary – Felix Morka
National Auditor – Sen. Abubakar Maikafi
• National Women Leader – Dr. Mary A. Idele

• National Youth Leader – Dayo Israel

• National Leader (Persons with Disabilities) – Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole

• Deputy National Financial Secretary – Hammam Adamu Ali Kumo

• Deputy National Organising Secretary – Barr. Emeka Okafor

• Deputy National Women Leader – Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim

• Deputy National Publicity Secretary – Hon. Meseko Durosinmi Josiah

• Deputy National Welfare Secretary – Dr. Christopher Michael Akpan

• Deputy National Auditor – Mr. Olugbenga Olayemi

• Deputy National Legal Adviser – Barr. Ibrahim Salawu

• Deputy National Treasurer – Engr. Ben Akak

• Deputy National Youth Leader – Jamaludeen Kabiru

• National Ex-Officio (North Central) – Dr. Opawoye Oluwatoyin Bunmi

• National Ex-Officio (North East) – Adamu Jallah

• National Ex-Officio (North West) – Kano Muhammed Jamu Yusuf

• National Ex-Officio (South East) – Hon. Ikechukwu Umeh

• National Ex-Officio (South South) – Mr. Francis Kolokolo

• National Ex-Officio (South West) – Hon. Bunmi Orinowo

The Action Peoples Party, APP, has taken legal action against the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, over alleged discrepancies in documents submitted for the forthcoming election.

The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Osogbo, listed the Independent National Electoral Commission and the APC as defendants, alongside Oyebamiji.

Court filings submitted by the APP through its representative, Abdulateef R., asked the court to examine whether the documents provided by Oyebamiji met constitutional requirements for participation in the governorship poll.

According to the originating summons dated March 16, the plaintiff urged the court to determine if the candidate’s nomination aligns with provisions of Section 182(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.

The APP requested the court to nullify the publication of Oyebamiji’s name as the APC candidate for the election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

The party also sought a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from recognising or dealing with Oyebamiji as a candidate in the election process.

The suit also asked the court to compel INEC to remove the APC candidate’s name from the official list of contestants already released for the poll.

Reacting to the development, the APC in Osun rejected the claims, describing the suit as baseless and politically motivated.

Speaking on behalf of the party, its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, said, “We were not surprised that such a frivolous suit has been filed against our candidate’s eligibility.”

Olabisi added that the party believed the action was orchestrated to distract from the strength of its candidate ahead of the election.

“We state unequivocally that our governorship candidate is eminently qualified, having satisfied all statutory requirements necessary for contesting the election,” he said.

He alleged that the lawsuit reflected anxiety among political opponents, insisting that no legal challenge would prevent the APC from participating fully in the forthcoming governorship election.

Lagos State Government has announced a temporary traffic diversion around key flyovers in the metropolis to facilitate the installation of truck barriers.

According to the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the diversion will affect both inward and outward traffic at the Stadium Flyover Bridge and the Ojuelegba Flyover Bridge, near the Fire Station.

The traffic adjustment is scheduled to take place overnight from 12:00 midnight to 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28 to Sunday, March 29, 2026, and again on Saturday, April 4 to Sunday, April 5, 2026.

In a statement released on Friday, Osiyemi advised motorists to adhere strictly to the designated alternative routes during the exercise.

He explained that vehicles travelling from Eko Bridge, Costain, and Iponri towards Ojuelegba and Alhaji Masha Road would be redirected through the service lane from Alaka, passing the National Stadium gate to link the Barracks area or continue towards Alhaji Masha Road.

Similarly, motorists approaching from Eko Bridge via Costain, as well as those coming from Apapa Road through Iponri, have been advised to divert through Iponri Estate Road, connecting to Bode Thomas via Adeniran Ogunsanya and Shitta Roundabout to reach their destinations.

The commissioner appealed to road users to remain patient and cooperative, noting that the overnight schedule was designed to minimise inconvenience while ensuring the safe and efficient installation of the truck barriers as part of the state’s broader traffic management efforts.