The David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to reverse the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which derecognised the party’s leadership.

Mark also asked Justice Emeka Nwite to grant an order of mandatory injunction setting aside INEC’s refusal to attend or monitor the ADC’s congresses or convention, pending the hearing and determination of the instant suit.

He equally sought an order of mandatory injunction directing INEC to forthwith restore and maintain the names of all ADC’s National Working Committee (NWC) in its records and portal, prior to the filing of the suit, and pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Recall that INEC had officially removed the names of Mark (National Chairman) and Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal and website on April 1.

The motion on notice, dated and filed on April 7 was filed by Mark’s new lawyer, Sulaiman Usman, SAN.

The motion by the former Senate President, who is the national chairman of ADC, is in reaction to the March 12 Court of Appeal’s judgment in a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe before Justice Nwite.

The motion, which sought three reliefs, was brought pursuant to Order 26, Rules 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019; the inherent jurisdiction of the court and under the equitable jurisdiction of the court to grant injunctive reliefs.

The reliefs sought include; “an order of mandatory injunction, setting aside the decision, act, or directive of the respondent removing the names of the applicant’s National Working Committee from its official portal and the decision of refusal to attend or monitor the applicant’s congresses or convention pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

He sought an order of mandatory injunction, directing INEC to forthwith restore the names of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, as well as all members of the National Executive Committee .

He sought an order restraining INEC from tampering with, or otherwise interfering with the said leadership records of the 1st defendant, recognising or giving effect to any contrary or competing claims, pending the final determination of this suit.”

Giving seven-ground argument why the application should be granted, the lawyer submitted that the Court of Appeal, in its ruling delivered on March 12, ordered the parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

Usman argued that the “status quo ante bellum” referred to the last lawful, uncontested state of affairs prior to the institution of the suit.

“As at September 2, 2025, when this action was instituted, the 2nd defendant (Senator David Mark) was the recognised National Chairman of the 1st defendant.

“The said leadership structure had already been constituted. The plaintiff had already resigned his prior office and had no subsisting role within the party,” he said.

The lawyer further stated that INEC, acting under a misapprehension of the Court of Appeal order, removed the names of the said leadership from its portal.

He said the electoral umpire then adopted a position of non-recognition and created a vacuum in the leadership structure of ADC.

Usman argued that INEC’s actions were inconsistent with the true meaning of the Court of Appeal order, capable of rendering the subject matter of the suit nugatory and prejudicial to Mark and Aregbesola.

“The law is settled that a mandatory injunction may be granted at an interlocutory stage to restore a party to the position wrongfully altered.

“This is a proper case for the exercise of the equitable jurisdiction of this honourable court,” the senior lawyer submitted.

Also, in another motion on notice dated April 2 but filed April 7 on Mark’s behalf, the lawyer sought an order granting accelerated hearing of the suit.

Usman, who prayed the court for an order abridging the time within which the parties are to file and exchange all processes in the suit, also sought an order directing that the suit be heard on day-to-day basis until its final determination.

On why the case should be given accelerated hearing, the lawyer stated that the suit had raised fundamental issues affecting the leadership structure of the ADC, a registered political party.

He said the subject matter of the suit has far-reaching implications for democratic governance and political participation.

According to him, the Court of Appeal has already directed that the matter be heard expeditiously.

He said the present uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the ADC is affecting its internal administration, impeding its participation in political activities and creating avoidable institutional confusion.

Usman further stated that the continued pendency of the suit is capable of rendering the subject matter nugatory, encouraging parallel structures and conflicting claims.

The lawyer, who said that the court has the power to accelerate proceedings in deserving cases, said it is in the interest of justice to determine the matter without delay.

It will be recalled that Justice Nwite had, on September 4, 2025, declined to grant an application seeking to stop Mark-led leadership of the ADC, pending the hearing of the substantive suit.

The judge had refused the three prayers sought in an ex-parte motion filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of ADC, and moved by his lawyer, Michael Agber.

Rather, the judge had directed Gombe, the plaintiff in the suit, to put all the defendants on notice to show cause why the motion should not be granted.

The judge then adjourned the matter til September. 15 2025, for the defendants to show cause.

However, the Mark-led ADC, approached the Appeal Court to challenge the lower court’s jurisdictional power to hear the suit and the appellate court ordered the parties to go back to the trial court and maintained status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the case.

Gombe, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, had sued ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, INEC and Chief Ralph Nwosu as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

Nwosu was the former ADC national chairman who stepped down for David Mark leadership.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove its top officials from official records.

The case followed INEC’s deletion of the names of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary from its portal on April 1.

In a motion filed on April 7, Mark, through his lawyer, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), asked the court to order INEC to restore the names of the party’s National Working Committee members as they were before the dispute.

Part of the request reads, “An order of mandatory injunction, setting aside the decision, act, or directive of the respondent removing the names of the applicant’s National Working Committee from its official portal.”

The group also asked the court to compel INEC to recognise and maintain the names of Mark and Aregbesola, along with other members of the National Executive Committee.

In addition, they want the court to restrain INEC from interfering with the party’s leadership records or recognising any rival claims until the case is determined.

The legal action follows a Court of Appeal judgment on March 12 in a related dispute involving a former deputy national chairman of the party, Nafiu Gombe.

Usman argued that the appellate court had directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the dispute.

He said, “As of Sept. 2, 2025, when this action was instituted, the 2nd defendant (Senator David Mark) was the recognised national chairman.”

He accused INEC of misinterpreting the court’s ruling by removing the names, saying the move created confusion within the party.

According to him, “The law is settled that a mandatory injunction may be granted… to restore a party to the position wrongfully altered.”

The lawyer also asked for an expedited hearing of the case, warning that the ongoing leadership crisis is affecting the party’s activities and could lead to parallel structures.

He said, “The continued pendency of the suit is capable of rendering the subject matter nugatory.”

Court records show the dispute began in September 2025 when Gombe filed a suit challenging the party’s leadership.

The trial court later ordered all parties to respond, while the Court of Appeal directed that the status quo be maintained.

Fulham are intensifying efforts to sign Samuel Chukwueze on a permanent transfer, DAILY POST reports.

Chukwueze arrived the Craven Cottage on season-long loan from Serie A giants AC Milan last summer.

The tricky winger has impressed head coach Marco Silva, who now want him to stay permanently at the club.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Fulham are preparing €24 million deal to activate the purchase option in the Nigeria international’s contract.

Chukwueze has registered three goals, and four assists in 17 league appearances for the Whites this season.

He has two years remaining on his contract with Fulham.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has uncovered an alleged internet fraud training centre, commonly referred to as a Yahoo academy in Abuja, leading to the arrest of 31 suspects.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, April 9, 2026, took place at Becki Estate in Karu, within the Federal Capital Territory, following what the agency described as a sting operation.

According to details shared on the official page of the commission, the suspects said to include two key operators and several trainees, were arrested while undergoing what appeared to be organised cyber fraud tutorials.

The agency said items recovered during the raid include multiple mobile phones, 18 laptops and other digital devices believed to have been used for fraudulent activities.

It further noted that findings by the commission showed some of the recruits were allegedly lured from Benue State with promises of legitimate job opportunities, only to be introduced into internet fraud upon arrival.

“They were handed communication devices, computers and software, setting the stage for their training in cyber fraud,” the commission stated.

Further details revealed that the recruits were reportedly confined within the facility, with their movements restricted and personal phones taken from them, effectively cutting them off from the outside world.

The anti-graft agency also disclosed that strict control measures were enforced within the centre, including alleged physical punishment for those who failed to comply with instructions.

The commission noted that the suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke is under intense pressure to take decisive action on the Apetu stool due to mounting concerns over a prolonged vacuum in the traditional leadership in Ipetumodu town.

Community stakeholders, including kingmakers and representatives of two ruling houses, said the absence of a monarch has begun to affect traditional, administrative and territorial stability in the town.

The groups, drawn from the Aribile and Fagbemokun ruling houses, made their position known during a press conference held in Ipetumodu on Thursday.

They urged the state government to formally declare the stool vacant and commence the selection process for a new traditional ruler within seven days.

At the centre of the dispute is the continued recognition of Oba Joseph Oloyede, who is currently serving a prison sentence in the United States of America following a fraud conviction.

The monarch was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by Christopher A. Boyko to 56 months’ imprisonment after being found guilty of participating in a conspiracy linked to COVID-19 relief funds.

According to authorities in the United States, “the scheme involved exploiting emergency loan programmes intended to support small businesses during the pandemic.”

Court documents indicated that assets linked to the proceeds of the crime, including a residential property in Medina, Ohio, and over $96,000, were forfeited.

In addition to the prison term, the monarch was ordered to pay restitution exceeding $4.4 million and to serve a period of supervised release upon completion of his sentence.

Despite these developments, community leaders said the delay in officially declaring the stool vacant has created uncertainty and weakened traditional authority structures in Ipetumodu.

Speaking for the ruling houses, Prince Dele Oyebade stated that “all required legal documentation, including the Certified True Copy of the judgment, had been submitted to the state government.”

He said, “The documents have been made available, yet no action has followed. This delay is causing avoidable tension within the community.”

Oyebade also suggested that the governor may not have received complete information about the matter from the lawmaker representing Ife North State Constituency, Akinyode Oyewusi.

He added, “All actions capable of delaying justice in this matter must cease immediately to preserve the integrity of the institution.”

Another community representative, Prince Olaboye Ayoola, linked emerging local challenges to the absence of a recognised monarch, noting increased disputes and administrative gaps.

Ayoola said, “We are giving the government seven days to respond. The town cannot continue without leadership, as this situation is already affecting our land and traditions.”

He explained that neighbouring communities were taking advantage of the vacuum to encroach on disputed areas, while essential cultural rites remained suspended.

On behalf of the traditional council, the Aresa of Ipetumodu, Chief Lawrence Odewale, called for urgent intervention, including the appointment of warrant chiefs to support the selection of a new monarch.

He said, “Declaring the stool vacant is necessary to restore order and enable the kingmakers to carry out their responsibilities without further delay.”

Kola Ologbondiya, Media Adviser to embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, David Mark, says the party is having issues with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, because the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, does not want a viable opposition.

Ologbondiya made this allegation on Wednesday when he featured in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’.

Recall that the ADC has recently been brewed with new crisis resulting in the stripping of former Senate President David Mark as national chairman.

Airing his own opinion, Ologbondiya said, “ADC’s issues with INEC and the divisions within parties are because the APC does not want a viable opposition.

“The supposed crises in political parties are being sponsored. The protest by the ADC leaders is simply to tell the president and those encouraging division that they will have a day of reckoning.

“This democracy started in 1999 precisely, and we have come this far to 2026, so what we should be expecting is growth, not a decapitation.

“Unfortunately, what is happening now is a movement, and a shift towards a one-party state instead of a multi-party democracy.”

The political landscape in Niger State is shifting dramatically as the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially scrapped its long-standing zoning arrangement for the governorship, opening the door for a wider contest in the 2027 elections.

The party, through a statement dated 3 April 2026, signed by State Publicity Secretary, Musa D. Sarkinkaji, stated that the system is a political convention as neither the party’s constitution nor Nigeria’s Constitution recognises zoning as binding.

“Zoning is a political arrangement, not a constitutional provision. All qualified aspirants from any zone are free to contest, ” he said.

For over 26 years, zoning had guided the rotation of power among Niger’s three senatorial districts, creating predictability and a semblance of inclusiveness.

But critics say it also bred mediocrity, allowing leadership to be determined by geography rather than competence.

The APC decision was welcomed by some as a long-overdue step toward merit-based leadership.

Party insiders, however, warn that it could also intensify competition and strain relationships within its fold.

Musa–Bago Relationship Under Scrutiny

The perceived tension between Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (313) has drawn significant attention following Musa’s April 1, 2026 comments at the flag-off of a scholarship programme in Bosso area of the state, hinting he might have contested the governorship if not for zoning.

Posters portraying Musa as a gubernatorial aspirant soon surfaced across the state, feeding further political tension.

Political insiders suggest the remarks were triggered by perceived pressure from the governor, particularly over his alleged support for his long-time ally, Barrister Bello Bawa Bwari (BBB), also from Niger East for the same senatorial seat Musa currently holds.

Analysts say this development has strained a relationship built over years of collaboration, as Musa and Bago had previously teamed up during the 2023 APC governorship primaries and election, a partnership that helped Bago secure victory.

However, in a statement issued by his media office on 4 April 2026, Musa categorically denied any gubernatorial ambition, emphasizing his legislative duties and respect for the governor,

“Distinguished Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (313) has consistently and publicly stated that he is not a gubernatorial aspirant.

“The Distinguished Senator holds the office of the Governor in high regard, and recognizes His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago as a leader, brother, and partner in progress in the #NewNiger project.

“The Distinguished Senator remains focused on his legislative responsibilities and his mandate to effectively represent the people of Niger East Senatorial District at the National Assembly.”

The Media office further maintained that,” the posters and narratives suggesting otherwise did not come from us and clearly out to mislead the public.”

Party sources and analysts say Musa’s denial may have been influenced by pressure from party stakeholders and community elders, who sought to prevent escalation and maintain unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

Governor’s Alleged Backing of BBB

Sources within the party say that instead of supporting Musa, Governor Bago allegedly appears to favour his long-time ally, Barrister Bello Bawa Bwari (BBB) who both hail from Niger East zone for the senatorial seat in the forthcoming general election, a move said to have deepened the strain between the two leaders.

Party insiders confirm that this perceived support for BBB in the Niger East political space created unease, causing tension in the previously cooperative alliance between the two top political figures.

Analysts believe Musa’s subsequent denial may have been prompted by pressure from party stakeholders and community elders seeking to prevent further escalation.

Party insiders also say the alleged support for Bwari created unease, contributing to the strain between the two leaders.

Abolition of Zoning Changes Political Equation

Historically, zoning in Niger State started with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999, introducing a rotation among the three senatorial districts.

Under PDP, the late Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure (Niger South) governed from 1999 to 2007, followed by Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger East) from 2007 to 2015.

When APC took power in 2015, Abubakar Sani Bello from Niger North served two terms until 2023. Governor Bago, from Niger South, assumed office in 2023.

This means PDP spent 16 years under zoning, while APC has governed for 11 years following the same formula.

Critics argue that zoning prioritized rotation over performance, preventing the state from benefiting from the best leadership.

Impact on Niger East and Musa

The abolition of zoning by APC has a direct impact on Niger East, the zone from which Senator Mohammed Sani Musa hails.

Under the old formula, power would have rotated to Niger East after Governor Bago completed his second term in 2031, potentially positioning Musa as a natural contender for the governorship.

But with zoning scrapped, the rotation is no longer guaranteed, opening the race to aspirants from all zones and altering the political calculations for leaders from Niger East.

Voices from the Party

In an interview with DAILY POST, an APC chieftain, Jonathan Vatsa a former Publicity Secretary of the party, argued that the long-standing zoning formula has “imprisoned and enslaved the state for over 26 years as it promotes mediocrity instead of producing the best to lead the state”.

He added that those behind the arrangement had caged the people to favour the minority who could not win elections, insisting that removing the zoning formula is a welcome development for Niger State.

“It is only Niger State in the North Central that operates zoning.

“Look at Benue and Kogi states; they don’t do it. This move is long overdue ,” he said.

Vatsa, a former Commissioner for Information and Culture, urged both Bago and Musa to reconcile, noting their long history of collaboration.

I don’t really know what is happening between them. They have come a long way. If they allow differences to divide them, people will mock and laugh at them,” he said.

He added: “When two elephants fight, it is the ground that suffers,” cautioning party members against taking sides.

April Comment Sparks Speculation

Observers say the timing of Musa’s outburst contributed to heightened speculation around his political intentions.

Analysts caution that the political stakes for Niger East have never been higher, given the potential reshuffling caused by the end of zoning.

The APC’s decision has created a new political environment where competence, alliances, and grassroots support will play a stronger role than geographic rotation.

Suleja Emirate First Agenda Raises Concerns

The governor received leaders of the Suleja Emirate First Agenda group at the Niger State Liaison Office in Abuja on 25 March 2026, where he listened to their concerns and advocated a review of the zoning formula after the 2027 general elections.

The group, composed of 67 organizations from Suleja, Gurara, and Tafa LGAs, argued that their zone has been politically marginalized since 1979–1983, when it produced Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim as governor, now the Emir of Suleja.

They called for equitable political inclusion and voiced concerns over long-term exclusion from power.

Responding, Governor Bago stressed the importance of fairness and inclusiveness, urging the people to be patient while emphasizing that leaders must be held accountable for their performance.

In a Hausa-language video circulating after the meeting, the governor told the constituents:

“It’s a must for Sani Musa to serve you well. If he does not serve you well, we will change him. But if he does well, we will leave him alone.”

This statement reinforced expectations for performance while signaling that continued support depends on results, adding context to Musa’s political position in Niger East.

Political Analysis and Implications

Insiders say internal party management will be crucial to prevent open conflicts and maintain unity.

Observers also warn that the fallout between Musa and Bago, if not managed, could dominate headlines more than the 2027 elections themselves.

Despite these tensions, Musa remains committed to his legislative duties and has publicly emphasized respect for party structures.

The end of zoning has intensified discussion on the balance between merit, regional representation, and political loyalty.

For APC aspirants across all zones, the abolition signals both opportunity and uncertainty.

The coming months are expected to test the ability of party leaders to manage ambitions, perceptions, and expectations.

Political analysts predict that the APC governorship contest in 2027 will be one of the most competitive in Niger’s recent history.

Grassroots advocacy, historical grievances, and personal alliances will all shape the narrative leading to the polls.

As the state prepares for 2027, the interplay between historical rotation, local demands, and emerging ambitions will define political strategies.

The collapse of zoning is seen by some as a chance to correct long-standing inequities in leadership selection.

At the same time, it has exposed personal and political fault lines within the ruling party.

For Niger East, the stakes are particularly high given the governor’s alleged backing of BBB and Musa’s prominence.

Observers say managing these dynamics carefully will be critical for APC unity and electoral success.

With all the forces at play, Niger State’s political stage is set for a tense, high-stakes contest that will capture national attention.

Governor Mutfwang of Plateau State has said that it is only the runway of the Jos airport that does not have electricity, noting that it is not the entire Plateau State.

Mutfwang made this clarification on Wednesday while fielding questions in an interview on Arise Television.

This comes after President Bola Tinubu visited the state over the killing of many residents. He stopped at the airport, complaining that they had no electricity.

Reacting, the governor said, “The President said the airport runway has no light. No one can say Plateau State has no light.

“He didn’t say there was no light in Plateau State. By the way, Plateau state is part of the national grid. But apart from the national grid, we are privileged as a state to also have the first hydro electric station in Nigeria.

“It is a known fact that the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, which owns the airport, knows that the Jos airport does not have lights on its runway. This is a conversation we are having with FAAN at the moment.

“Last year, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding on how to upgrade the airport to an international cargo airport, and I’m sure that when this is fully done, all these issues will be addressed and this will be a thing of the past.”

Zamfara State House of Assembly has suspended two local government council chairmen over alleged financial misappropriation, in a move it described as a step toward strengthening accountability in the state.

The affected officials are Mannir Mu’azu Haidara of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area and Umar A. Faru of Bukkuyum LGA.

Their suspension followed the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during plenary on Wednesday.

The report was delivered by the Deputy Speaker, Adamu Aliyu Gumm, who also serves as the committee’s vice chairman.

According to the House spokesperson, Bello Kurya, the lawmakers unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendation after deliberations presided over by the Speaker, Bilyaminu Moriki.

Kurya explained that the two chairmen were suspended for failing to honour invitations extended by the committee to explain the expenditure of funds allocated to their respective councils.

“The invitations were issued to enable them to provide explanations regarding the expenditure of funds,” he said, adding that their refusal to appear before the committee was considered a serious breach.

He noted that the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in place pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into the financial activities of the state’s 14 local government councils for the 2025 fiscal year.

The Assembly directed the affected chairmen to hand over to their respective vice chairmen without delay.

Kurya further stated that the disciplinary action was based on findings of “disrespect to the legislative institution” as well as a lack of transparency and accountability.

He added that the Assembly had transmitted its resolutions to the executive arm of government for implementation, reiterating its commitment to prudent management of public resources and good governance in the state.