Atiku, Kwankwaso, ADC Chairman strategise ahead of 2027 elections

A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has intensified consultations with key opposition figures following the defection of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the African Democratic Congress.

In a statement on Wednesday, Atiku said he paid courtesy visits to Kwankwaso and the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, in Abuja, describing the meetings as opportunities to chart strategies for good governance and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I paid a courtesy visit to the residence of my brother and partner, His Excellency Rabiu Kwankwaso. We had quality discussions on the progress of our party, the ADC, and how we must continue the work to ensure good governance and recovery are achieved in good time for the people,” Atiku said.

He added, “Also, this afternoon, I visited the National Chairman of our great party, ADC, Senator David Mark. It was a courtesy call that provided an opportunity to share ideas on how to further strengthen the ADC and restore confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.”

Kwankwaso’s defection on Monday has injected fresh momentum into efforts to build a broad-based opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Analysts say his entry, along with his extensive grassroots support, bolsters the ADC’s position as a platform for disenchanted politicians and emerging blocs seeking to challenge the ruling party.

The former Kano governor and his supporters were formally received by Mark, who described the development as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s democracy.

The grand event at Kwankwaso’s Miller Road residence in Kano attracted prominent political figures, including Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal.

Tinubu postpones Ogun trip, heads to Jos as he begins 4-state visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu late Wednesday postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, Ogun State, tomorrow to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.

Instead, he will head to Jos, capital of Plateau State, to commiserate with the government and people of the state over the recent gun attacks, which claimed the lives of innocent citizens.

From Plateau, the President will travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday.

According to a statement signed by his Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, “On Saturday, April 4, President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircraft for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state's economic growth.

“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.

“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“These include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.

“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri's completed projects.”

David Mark-led ADC rejects delisting, accuses INEC of bowing to government’s pressure

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark has faulted the interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.

In a statement issued Wednesday evening, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the electoral body of yielding to political pressure.

He alleged that INEC’s position was influenced by a government unsettled by the ADC’s growing influence, despite what he described as sustained efforts to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party system.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum, even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties,” the statement read.

Abdullahi further described INEC’s statement as inconsistent, arguing that it contradicts both facts and logic.

“INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” he said.

The ADC spokesman added that the party is currently reviewing its options and will communicate its next steps in due course.

He also urged party members and supporters to remain calm and resolute as the situation develops, expressing confidence in the party’s future.

“Nigeria is rising, ADC is rising,” Abdullahi added.

INEC had earlier on Wednesday said it will henceforth cease to accept correspondences from either the David Mark-led ADC faction or that of Rafiu Bala, following a review of the Court of Appeal judgment on March 12 this year.

A statement signed by the Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Kudu, also noted that the commission will no longer engage with either faction, nor monitor any meetings, congresses, or conventions of the two groups until the matter at the Federal High Court is decided.

The commission further announced that it would remove the names of David Mark from the INEC portal.

Rafiu Bala, who was the vice chairman of the ADC before the David Mark-led caretaker committee assumed control of the party, approached the courts to challenge the emergence of David Mark and his colleagues at the National Working Committee.

Tinubu condemns killings in Plateau and Kaduna

President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the barbaric and cowardly attacks by gunmen in Angwan Rukuba district, Jos, Plateau State.

He equally condemned the attacks in Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Tinubu in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the attack on the community in Jos and the killing and abduction of wedding guests in Kaduna as an affront to all that Nigeria stands for. He assured Nigerians that the barbaric acts will not go unpunished.

"Anyone who will sneak under the cover of the night and kill defenceless citizens as done in Jos and Kahir village, is a heartless coward. By attacking soft targets in Jos, their objective is not only to cause harm but also trigger a spiral of reprisal attacks and further bloodletting," he said.

The statement disclosed that Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify all efforts to pursue the perpetrators and those spreading misinformation that can inflame tensions and further endanger lives. He cautioned some sections of the media, insinuating the attacks were religiously motivated.

President Tinubu reaffirmed that security agencies are actively addressing the situation and stressed that public cooperation is vital to maintaining peace and protecting lives and property. He stressed the need for communities to comply with evacuation, relocation, and related advice and processes. He hailed the safe return of two of the Kaduna victims.

“I urge our security agencies to be more proactive in preventing these attacks by acting on early warning intelligence. All the remaining abductees from Kahir village must be rescued immediately", the President said.

"I commend Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for his efforts in containing the situation in Jos and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for supporting the rescue and containment efforts. I assure the people and government of the two states of my support. I commiserate with the families of those killed and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. Our government is currently acquiring more sophisticated equipment to enable our security agencies to track and smash criminals, in real time, wherever they are."

Court adjourns El-Rufai’s bail hearing till Wednesday

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on Tuesday adjourned hearing in the bail application filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, until Wednesday.

The presiding Judge, Justice Rilwanu had earlier fixed March 31 for the bail application hearing after listening to arguments from both the defence and prosecution.

El-Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering.

The former governor had pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

El-Rufai had also appeared before Kaduna state high court over alleged abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud .

The former governor was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with charge, number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26.

The ICPC’s charge was against El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule (LEDA).

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the former governor arrived the court premises 9:40am alongside officers of the ICPC

Security was heightened across Kaduna metropolis ahead of the arraignment, with armed personnel of the police, DSS, and Kaduna State Vigilance Service deployed to strategic locations.

Access to the court premises was restricted, as only accredited journalists and court officials were allowed entry into the premises even though the were still barred from the court room to cover the proceedings.

Counsel to El-Rufai Upon Akan declined interview with journalists after the session saying the case “has been adjourned till tomorrow”.

NAN recalls that the former governor was arraigned on Tuesday, March 24, at the Federal High court in Kaduna state by the ICPC over alleged conversation of and possession of public property and money laundering.