News

By Uzair Adam

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly rejected a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, describing the ruling as a dangerous development capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy and political stability.

In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC alleged that the judgment reflects what it called the growing desperation of the ruling party to retain power at all costs, even if it means compromising democratic principles.

The party maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the only constitutional body empowered to register or deregister political parties and vowed to challenge the judgment through all available legal channels.

“The African Democratic Congress wishes to warn, in the strongest terms, against any attempt to use the judiciary as a tool to weaken democracy and drag the country into a political crisis,” the statement said.

The party expressed concern over the judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.

According to the ADC, the plaintiffs argued that the affected parties had failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.

However, the party noted that INEC, in a counter-affidavit filed in May, clearly stated that the ADC had not violated any registration conditions and that no constitutional basis existed for its deregistration.

The statement further noted that INEC reaffirmed that political parties can only be deregistered on constitutionally recognised grounds and not based on political pressure or the interests of certain individuals.

The ADC also faulted the trial judge for proceeding with the matter despite a Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings.

“Apart from INEC’s clear position in support of the party, the ADC finds it troubling that the trial judge disregarded a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal. Such action raises serious questions about adherence to established judicial procedures and traditions,” the party stated.

The opposition party described the development as more than a legal disagreement, insisting that it represents a dangerous escalation that could affect Nigeria’s democratic process.

The ADC further alleged that individuals linked to the ruling party played key roles in advancing the case. It also questioned the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who reportedly joined the matter as a plaintiff in April.

According to the party, the timing of the judgment is particularly suspicious, coming after it had completed its primaries and prepared candidates for all elective positions ahead of the next general election, including the presidential contest.

Despite the ruling, the ADC called on its members to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting further directives from the party leadership. It reiterated its commitment to pursuing all lawful options to overturn the judgment.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has named Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso as its deputy governorship candidate for Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His emergence was announced after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Miller Road residence of the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano.

Mustapha, son of the former governor, will serve as the running mate to Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who was earlier selected by the party as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The development comes amid ongoing consultations within the party as it intensifies preparations for the next electoral cycle in Kano State.

Before his nomination, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso served as Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports.

The NDC is expected to formally unveil its campaign structure and begin wider consultations with party stakeholders across the state as part of efforts to strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

South Africa’s Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has expressed concern over the growing impact of xenophobia allegations on the country’s international reputation, warning that the situation is beginning to affect citizens, businesses and entertainers across Africa.

Kubayi said the negative perception of South Africa is creating challenges beyond diplomatic circles. She noted that artists who depend on performances in other African countries are now facing cancelled bookings and financial losses.

“Majority of South African artists who perform in other African countries are seeing their gigs getting cancelled. One artist reached out to me and said all her gigs were cancelled,” she said.

The minister explained that the backlash has affected the country’s image and is creating difficulties for both individuals and businesses operating outside South Africa.

“We are raising the issues that we are raising, the brand is hurting, we can’t lie about it. The backlash, and that’s why part of the work that we are doing as government as well through DECO is engagement with businesses abroad,” she said.

According to Kubayi, the government has stepped up diplomatic efforts to support South African companies facing challenges in other countries. She added that Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola has been holding discussions with businesses abroad, while consular assistance has also been strengthened.

She noted that the effects have now spread to the entertainment industry, where cancelled performances are depriving artists of expected income. The government, she said, plans to work closely with stakeholders in the arts and culture sector to assess the extent of the problem and consider possible responses.

Despite the criticism directed at the country, Kubayi rejected claims that South Africans should generally be described as xenophobic. She stated that the government remains committed to responsible citizenship and is addressing migration issues through legal and institutional channels.

The minister also said South Africa continues to engage with other African countries, which she claimed understand the challenges posed by undocumented migration and support lawful enforcement measures.

At the same time, she called on communities to refrain from attacks on foreign nationals, warning that such actions undermine national unity and damage South Africa’s standing internationally.

Kubayi stressed that foreigners who reside legally in the country deserve protection. She said the government’s approach seeks to balance immigration enforcement with respect for human rights and regional cooperation.

Recent incidents of violence and unrest involving foreign nationals have renewed concerns about xenophobia in South Africa. Reports indicate that anti-immigrant protests and attacks on foreign-owned businesses in some communities have forced migrants from countries including Nigeria, Mozambique and Malawi to flee affected areas or seek protection.

Human rights organisations have linked the incidents to economic hardship, unemployment and growing hostility toward undocumented migrants.

The issue has also generated debate during the ongoing World Cup period. Discussions surrounding South Africa’s participation have been influenced by reports of attacks on foreign nationals, while some African football supporters have voiced criticism and anger on social media and fan platforms.

The developments have intensified concerns that xenophobia-related tensions could continue to harm South Africa’s image across the continent.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties over their alleged failure to meet constitutional electoral requirements.

The affected parties are the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Justice Peter Lifu issued the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.

In the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, the plaintiffs asked the court to determine whether INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that fail to satisfy the electoral performance benchmarks stipulated in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and relevant INEC regulations.

The forum argued that the five parties had consistently failed to meet the constitutional thresholds required to retain their registration.

According to the plaintiffs, political parties are expected to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or win at least one elective position at the national, state, or local government level.

They maintained that the parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to win seats across key levels of government.

The plaintiffs further contended that the continued recognition of the parties by INEC undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.

They urged the court to compel the electoral commission to deregister the parties before preparations for the 2027 general elections progress further.

In addition, they sought orders restraining the affected parties from participating in elections or engaging in political activities, including campaigns, rallies, and primary elections.

They also requested an injunction preventing INEC from recognising or dealing with the parties in any official capacity unless they comply with constitutional provisions.

The ruling could have significant political implications ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly for aspirants seeking to contest on the platforms of the affected parties, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the daughter of Senate President Godswill Akpabio secured a position in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) without going through the proper recruitment process.

The former Edo State governor made the claim during an appearance on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye. He spoke while defending his remarks on the Senate’s handling of matters involving the NNPC and the bench warrant issued against former NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.

Oshiomhole further alleged that Akpabio had a personal interest in issues concerning the state-owned oil company. He claimed that Kyari played a role in the appointment of the Senate President’s daughter.

According to the senator, information available to him indicated that the employment did not follow the standard procedure used for recruitment.

“Myself inclusive. The second is my response to the former chief financial controller of NNPC, whose tenure the investigation covers, who pointedly said to the committee that it is you people. And now I know that the Senate President said his daughter was taken by Mele Kyari and put in a, well as Nigerians we say, in a juicy position that he probably didn’t merit,” he said.

Oshiomhole also accused current and former officials of the NNPC of using their influence to secure jobs for relatives within the organisation.

“They all have employed their children, their uncles, their cousins, their in-laws into various aspects of NNPC and put them in different positions. If they carry out the payroll of NNPC, you will find that they’ve turned the top level to a family business,” he said.

Despite the allegations, the senator stated that there was nothing wrong with relatives of public office holders working at the NNPC if they met the required qualifications and were employed through the appropriate channels.

“You can only make an issue if you give them a job they did not merit, they are not qualified for, and you didn’t follow the right procedure. Well, somebody told me that the Senate president daughter was taken without, not through a regular interview, not through the normal, but that is his own problem,” Oshiomhole said.

He also responded to criticism surrounding reports that the Senate distanced itself from the arrest warrant issued against former NNPC boss Mele Kyari. Oshiomhole maintained that the National Assembly acted within the powers granted to it by the Constitution.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected kidnappers have abducted the traditional ruler of Ode Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Adeniyi Adelana.

The monarch, who is said to be 60 years old, was reportedly taken from his residence on Saturday night after armed men stormed the community.

Sources said the attackers, believed to be about six in number, arrived at about 8:30 p.m. and opened fire during the operation. The gunmen allegedly shot the monarch’s wife before taking Adelana into a nearby forest.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the injured woman is receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.

Jimoh said security personnel were immediately deployed to the area after the attack. He added that tactical teams have commenced an intensive search of the forest and surrounding communities in an effort to rescue the abducted traditional ruler.

He said, “A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation was immediately activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to track the movement of the kidnappers, secure the victim’s safe release and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that the victim is reunited safely with his family while all those involved face the full weight of the law.

“The Ondo State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that may aid ongoing operations.”

The police said efforts are ongoing to locate the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the traditional ruler. Authorities also appealed to residents to support security agencies with useful information that could assist the rescue operation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, has cautioned the Federal Government and state governments against holding talks or striking deals with terrorists and bandits, insisting that such actions are contrary to the law.

Falana gave the warning while delivering the keynote address at Amnesty International’s Second Annual General Meeting held in Abuja on June 13, 2026.

He argued that it is widely known that some government officials at both the federal and state levels have engaged in negotiations with terrorists and armed groups. According to him, these engagements have resulted in several individuals described as “repentant” criminals receiving pardons and undisclosed cash rewards.

The senior advocate maintained that groups such as Boko Haram have already been outlawed under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. He stressed that members of such organisations and those associated with them should face prosecution rather than receive favourable treatment from the authorities.

Falana stated that the law provides clear penalties for anyone who knowingly associates with or supports terrorist groups. In support of his position, he cited Section 22 of the Act, which states:

“A person who knowingly—(a) arranges, manages, assists in arranging or managing, participates in a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, (b) collects, or provides logistics, equipment, information, articles or facilities for a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, or (c) attends a meeting, which in his knowledge is to support a proscribed entity or to further the objectives of a proscribed entity, commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of at least 20 years.”

The legal practitioner said the provisions of the law should guide government actions in dealing with terrorist groups and their members, rather than negotiations that could undermine efforts to combat insecurity.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has announced that multiple road projects in Nigeria’s South East region—first conceived during the colonial era but abandoned for decades—are now being actualised under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking on Saturday in Ebonyi State during a tour of legacy projects with senior journalists and government officials, Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, highlighted the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue Trans-Saharan Superhighway as a strategic corridor for the South East, South South, and parts of the North Central region.

“It is a colonial-era dream long forgotten, but President Tinubu has revived it, and construction is now underway. We must thank him immensely,” Umahi said.

The minister reported steady progress on the project, noting that Section One, initially 118 kilometres, has been extended to 123.6 kilometres, with a contract sum of ₦45 billion. Dualisation works are ongoing.

Section Two, which runs from the Aboadi border through Benue and Kogi States to Nasarawa, has been awarded at ₦668 billion. Umahi said the project has reached about 28% completion in some areas, with work continuing through the rainy season due to President Tinubu’s adoption of concrete road technology.

“The Trans‑Sahara Superhighway is not just a road; it is an investment corridor that will catalyse trade in agricultural produce like cassava, yams, cashews, and palm oil from Cross River, Benue and Ebonyi, while also connecting Nigeria to Cameroon,” Umahi explained.

He noted that concrete road technology, pioneered by President Tinubu as governor, is now being deployed nationwide. Umahi expressed the South East’s gratitude for what he called an end to decades of exclusion. “All our forefathers sought—inclusiveness—we have it now,” he said.

During the tour, the team inspected critical bridges in Section One, concrete pavement on the Onueke section, and the 1.3-kilometre Ndi-Egbe Bridge in Afikpo LGA, Ebonyi, which links Ugep in Cross River State and is expected to be completed by December 2026.

The Onueke Flyover in Ebonyi’s Central Senatorial District, a ₦35 billion project, stands 90 metres high and is flanked by a 2.2-kilometre road on both sides, designed to decongest the highway.

Meanwhile, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru declared that his state remains the safest in Nigeria, with no reported kidnapping cases since he assumed office. Receiving the media delegation in Abakaliki, Nwifuru thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure development in the South East and highlighted numerous completed and ongoing projects across the state, including rural roads, primary health centres, and water schemes.

“We have kept contractors busy in the state with projects spread across every local government area. We do not even view the road projects as a big deal because we have road projects scattered all over the state,” Nwifuru said.

South East governors and leaders are scheduled to converge on Abakaliki on Monday for a major rally to endorse President Tinubu for a second term. Umahi said Governor Nwifuru would lead the people of Ebonyi State at the rally to show appreciation to the President.

The National Media Tour, organised by the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team, will proceed from Ebonyi to Enugu State on Monday, and later to Abia, Anambra, and Imo States.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

The loss of an Army General, whether retired or in active service, at the hands of ragtag bandits, insurgents or terrorists is heartbreaking and a major loss to the nation.

What Nigeria is witnessing today can no longer be described merely as insurgency or banditry. Nigeria is at war. Simple.

Over the years, the country has suffered painful losses of highly trained military officers in the fight against terrorism and armed criminal groups. These incidents clearly show the scale, sophistication, and dangerous evolution of insecurity across the country.

In November 2021, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu was killed in an ambush while commanding the 28 Task Force Brigade in the Chibok area of Borno State.

In November 2025, Brigadier General Musa Uba was killed in an ISWAP ambush near Wajiroko along the Damboa–Wajiroko Road in Borno State.

On April 9, 2026, Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, a Brigade Commander, was killed during a coordinated Boko Haram/ISWAP assault that overran a military base in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

On June 13, 2026, the Katsina State Government announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who died while in captivity after being abducted by bandits.

Similarly, in September 2018, retired Major General Idris Alkali was killed by a mob in Plateau State, another painful reminder that even retired senior military officers are not spared from the growing insecurity.

Reaching the rank of General in the Nigerian Army is an extremely competitive, merit-based process that often requires 25 to 35 years of dedicated service, sacrifice, discipline, and commitment to the nation.

These are not ordinary individuals. Generals and indeed all well-trained security personnel, whether active or retired, are strategic national assets. Their experience, intelligence, leadership, and institutional knowledge are invaluable to any country.

When a nation begins to lose such high ranking officers to terrorists and bandits, it is a clear indication that the threat has grown beyond ordinary criminality.

The time has come for Nigeria to fully confront this reality and respond with the seriousness, unity, and determination that war demands, despite the heavy consequences that often come with prolonged conflict and guerrilla warfare. The country’s survival, stability, and future depend on it.

Nigeria is at war with the bandits

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has selected ex-Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Confirmation of the development came from Leader Sampson, the immediate past chairman of the ADC in Rivers State, who spoke on the matter on Saturday.

Amaechi was among the aspirants who contested the party’s presidential primary. However, he lost the ticket to Atiku.

Before the primary election took place, Amaechi had publicly stated that he did not obtain the ADC presidential nomination form with the intention of later accepting a vice-presidential position.

The former Rivers State governor also rejected the outcome of the primary election after it was concluded. His position aligned with complaints raised by some dissatisfied party members who alleged that the exercise was manipulated in Atiku’s favour.

Despite his earlier stance, indications now suggest that the two politicians have reached an agreement ahead of the general election.

When asked whether Amaechi had accepted the vice-presidential slot, Leader Sampson responded briefly, saying, “yes.”