APC

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has officially set the stage for his 2027 re-election bid, meeting with all 36 state coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) at the Presidential Villa.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC), APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and other top party leaders were also in attendance at the high-level strategy session.

The RHA, a grassroots mobilization group, was inaugurated by President Tinubu on November 25, 2025, specifically to champion his re-election campaign. Tuesday’s meeting marks the first major coordinated effort ahead of the 2027 polls, signaling a formal kickoff of campaign activities.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) on Monday disowned viral social media reports alleging that it had directed Muslims to embark on prayers for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the claims as false and provocative.

In a strongly worded press statement, the Council said the reports, traced to anonymous and unofficial online platforms, were “misleading and unsubstantiated,” warning that they could incite tension and draw the organisation into partisan politics.

“At no time did the Council issue any such directive or threat regarding the conduct of elections,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its non-partisan stance, the SCSN said it remains committed to justice, equity, and peaceful coexistence and will not be used for political manipulation.

However, the Council restated its earlier position that the INEC Chairman should either resign or be removed from office, citing concerns over what it described as prejudicial dispositions against Islam and Muslims. It maintained that its stance was rooted in the need for neutrality and integrity in public office.

The Council urged the public and the media to disregard unofficial statements and rely only on its authorised communication channels.

The statement was signed by the Secretary General, Malam Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, and issued on April 13, 2026.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disclosed that it has yet to obtain a venue in Abuja less than 24 hours before its planned national convention, raising concerns over alleged obstacles facing the party.

A senior member of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, made this known on Monday through a post on his X account. He outlined what he described as repeated setbacks, including refusals from both government-controlled and privately owned facilities.

Ologbondiyan explained that the party formally requested the use of Eagles Square and submitted an application to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He noted that although the letter was acknowledged, approval has not been granted.

“As the bromide has shown, a letter was presented to the Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister for a permit to use the Eagles Square. The letter was acknowledged but no response,” he stated.

He also said efforts to secure the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium were unsuccessful despite several engagements with officials of the Federal Ministry of Sports.

“The ADC team paid several visits to the Ministry of Sports officials at the MKO Stadium. At the end, ADC was refused the use of the Velodrome,” the statement added.

The party further alleged that private event centres in Abuja have declined its requests due to fear of possible harassment or reprisals.

“To make matters worse, privately owned event centres in Abuja are turning down the ADC’s requests for fears of harassment in various forms from the government,” he said.

Despite these challenges, the ADC maintained that its national convention will go ahead as scheduled in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in line with its earlier notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“All ADC members, teeming party supporters and indeed all Nigerians are assured that, as contained in the NOTICE issued to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), the ADC National Convention will hold in Abuja as scheduled on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026,” Ologbondiyan declared.

The development follows earlier claims by the party that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is attempting to suppress opposition activities. The ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, had earlier alleged that access to Eagles Square was ignored, while the Velodrome was denied on the grounds of a scheduled sporting event.

The venue challenge comes at a time when the party is dealing with internal leadership disputes involving factions linked to David Mark and Nafiu Bala. This followed the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu in 2025.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has not recognised either faction, pending a court decision, which has added to the party’s difficulties in organising the convention.

Prominent opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola have also raised concerns. They recently staged a protest at the INEC headquarters, where they accused the federal government of undermining opposition parties.

However, the Presidency has rejected the allegations. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare stated that all political parties are entitled to equal rights under the law.

With time running out and no confirmed venue, the ADC’s resolve to proceed with its convention points to possible tensions between the party and relevant authorities.

By Dr Aminu Tukur Adam

The recent political drama in Kano State, which began as a rumour before metamorphosing into a full-blown political battle, is interesting: how loyalty is being reinterpreted, how personal interest is being transformed into the people’s mandate, and how politics gradually takes over governance. 

It’s now becoming crystal clear to everyone that the Kano State government is not only static but also backtracking. At a critical point of state emergency and national concern, our dear state is being placed on hold. 

To begin with, APC was initially viewed as a disaster by Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Kano State governor and all their supporters; many of the supporters sacrificed their lives to rescue the state from the APC, a party that was hated for its immense corruption, extortion and oppression. 

As big as Kano State is, with its about 20 million population and an over 1 trillion naira budget, it will surprise you to know that the state’s executive council members are currently redundant; the council held only one executive session in the span of 90 days! The previous buzzworthy council is now scheduled for the end of recess. 

That probably explains why the only visible function of this government, road construction, is also neglected; no one is there to approve new projects or supervise the ongoing ones. 

The most unfortunate event was the visit of the Turkish ambassador to Nigeria to the Kano State government house, with the aim of consolidating multimillion-dollar projects, but astonishingly, only the Chief of Staff and two commissioners received a figure like this! For anyone familiar with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), it must have been a nightmare. 

TIKA isn’t like the usual agencies you see; it’s an international technical assistance agency. This same agency renovated the Kano capital school without a penny from the state government. 

We’re also talking about the Turkish Trading Firm, Direkçi, which has invested over $22 million in Nigerian states, with Kano as a major beneficiary.

The visit was intended to create an opportunity to secure scholarships for Kano state indigenes, to bring the Turkish humanitarian foundation IDDEF to boost humanitarian services in the state, and to commence visa services at the Turkish consulate in the state.

Yet, when that esteemed Ambassador walked into the Government House, he was neither received by the Governor, nor his deputy, nor the SSG.

While the governor plays an absentee landlordism, some villages in the state were burning and many lives were also lost; the recent unfortunate incident in the Katai and Fauda communities in Wudil local government generated widespread reactions, a police officer lost his life and villages were set ablaze; however, no formal press release, no condemnation and no any form of assurance from the state government. 

Astoundingly, when the governor was too busy to hold a council meeting, overwhelmed to meet the Turkish ambassador to Nigeria and also overloaded with responsibilities to comment on the Wudil incident, we saw his face in the convoy of Yilwatda, the APC national chairman, courting the governor of Bauchi state, Bala Muhammad, into APC. 

To add more salt to the injury, when the governor was returning to Kano, the local government chairmen and some of the governor’s aides orchestrated a drama, where a rented crowd were paid to welcome the governor from his political excursion. You may be surprised as to why the welcoming? Was he not just coming back from Abuja? Was the journey not a political journey for the APC’s convention? Is there any significance to this journey in the life of the innocent Kano people? 

This is the Kano first agenda they’re selling. It’s not about you or the state; it’s simply an idea to sell Bola Tinubu and his party.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has faulted the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the situation as a setback for democratic values.

Obi made his position known in a post shared on X on Thursday. He expressed concern over what he described as a contradiction involving individuals who once championed democracy and human rights during the era of General Sani Abacha.

He stated that many of those figures, who were active under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), now appear to act in ways that contradict the ideals they once promoted. He added that recent developments suggest a decline in respect for democratic principles.

He wrote: “Yesterday defenders of democracy, today’s destroyers. What a shame.

“What an irony of history, that the acclaimed defenders of democracy and human rights who claimed to have fought for democracy during the era of General Sani Abacha now find themselves worse than the man they opposed.

“today, General Sani Abacha, once presumed face of oppression, will be remembered as seemingly more democratic and more respectful of human rights than the so-called champions of activism from the NADECO days. Power indeed reveals character.”

Obi’s remarks followed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delete the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as national chairman and national secretary of the ADC.

INEC also stated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is pursuing recognition as national chairman through the courts.

The commission further announced that it has suspended recognition of all factions within the party. It added that it would not monitor any congresses or conventions organised by the rival groups until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment on the matter.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to withdraw recognition from the rival factions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

INEC had earlier stated that it would no longer recognise or relate with the two opposing groups within the ADC led by former Senate President David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe. The commission explained that its action followed a review of a recent Court of Appeal judgment. It added that it would maintain the status quo until the Federal High Court gives a final ruling on the matter.

As part of the decision, INEC also removed the names of executives loyal to Mark from its official portal. The move sparked criticism from members of that faction.

Reacting to the development, APC spokesperson Felix Morka said the crisis within the ADC was caused by the party’s internal actions. He dismissed claims that the ruling party played any role in the situation.

“INEC decision to de-recognise the David Mark executive was utterly self-inflicted. APC didn’t do that. You orchestrate the hijack of the ADC by that executive. We didn’t. They did,” Morka said.

He also accused the Mark-led group of failing to follow due process in taking control of the party.

“You come in with your parachutes; you take over the party without reference to the constitutional stipulation about succession and how leadership is ordered in that party. This is the consequence,” he added.

However, the ADC faction loyal to Mark has rejected INEC’s stance. The group alleged that the electoral body acted under external influence in taking the decision.

By Anas Abbas

The Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, has welcomed the defection of eight members of the House of Representatives from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress, describing the move as strategic and significant for the party’s growth.

The lawmakers were formally received during a gathering attended by prominent political figures, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen; the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf; and the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, among others.

The Speaker announced the defections during plenary, listing the lawmakers as: Aliyu Sani Madaki (Dala), Ghali Mustapha (Ajingi/Albasu/Gaya), Shehu Muhammad Bello (Fagge), Dankawu Idris (Kumbotso), Hussain Hassan Shehu (Nassarawa), Rabiu Yusuf (Sumaila/Takai), Muhammad Garba Chiroma (Gezawa/Gabasawa), Ibrahim Mohammed (Gwale), and Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe (Tofa/Dawakin-Tofa/Rimingado).

In a statement, Jibrin congratulated the defecting lawmakers, describing their decision as “bold and strategic.” He noted that their move would further strengthen the APC’s influence in Kano State and enhance the party’s commitment to good governance and effective representation.

According to him, the inclusion of the lawmakers whom he described as grassroots-oriented, experienced, and dedicated positions the APC to consolidate its leadership in the state ahead of future elections.

He expressed optimism that the party would achieve greater electoral success, emphasizing unity and collective efforts toward delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

By Uzair Adam

A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections in Kano State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has formally resigned from the party.

In a resignation letter dated March 29, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman in Gawuna Ward of Nassarawa Local Government Area, the former deputy governor said his decision to leave the ruling party was voluntary and personal.

“I hereby formally resign my membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective March 29, 2026,” the letter partly read.

Gawuna expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunities he had during his time as a member, noting that he appreciated the support and platform provided to him throughout his political career.

The former deputy governor, however, did not reveal his next political move.

His resignation comes amid ongoing political realignments in Kano, where several key political actors are reportedly reviewing their alliances ahead of future electoral contests.

Sources close to the former deputy governor said he is expected to meet with former Kano governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Monday night at the latter’s residence on Miller Road in Kano.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially released the full list of its National Executive Committee members, with Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda confirmed as the National Chairman. The detailed roster, which outlines the party’s leadership structure across various offices, was made public in a recent announcement.

Yilwatda heads a comprehensive team of national officers, supported by Ali Bukar Dalori as Deputy National Chairman (North) and Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye as Deputy National Chairman (South). Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru serves as the National Secretary, while Prof. AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana takes on the role of Deputy National Secretary.

The list also includes key appointments across critical portfolios: Murtala Aliyu Kankia as National Legal Adviser, Uguru Mathew Ofoke as National Treasurer, and Amb. Haruna Ginsau as National Financial Secretary. Muhammad Sulaiman Argunu OFR was named National Organising Secretary, while Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa was appointed National Welfare Secretary.

Felix Morka will continue as National Publicity Secretary, with Sen. Abubakar Maikafi as National Auditor. The party’s demographic representation is led by Dr. Mary A. Idele (National Women Leader), Dayo Isreal Abdulai (National Youth Leader), and Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole as National Leader for Persons with Disabilities.

The party also announced deputies for several positions, including Hamman Adamu Ali Kumoo (Deputy National Financial Secretary), Barr. Emeka Okafor (Deputy National Organising Secretary), and Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim (Deputy National Women Leader). Other deputy roles were filled by Hon. Meseko Durosinni Josiah (Publicity), Dr. Christopher Michael Akpan (Welfare), Mr. Olugbenga Olayemi (Auditor), Barr. Ibrahim Salawu (Legal Adviser), Engr. Ben Akak (Treasurer), and Jamaludeen Kabiru (Youth Leader).

Rounding out the executive committee are six National Ex-officio members representing the geopolitical zones: Dr. Opawoye Oluwatoyin Bunmi (North Central), Adamu Jallah (North East), KanoMuhammed Jamu Yusuf (North West), Hon. Ikechukwu Umeh (South East), Mr. Francis Kolokolo (South South), and Hon. Bunmi Orinowo (South West).

The announcement underscores the party’s efforts to solidify its leadership structure ahead of upcoming political activities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday received delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Rivers State at his residence in Abuja.

Those present at the meeting included the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, who recently retained his position. Lawmakers from the National Assembly and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly also attended the gathering. Other party leaders from the state were equally present.

The meeting followed the APC South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, Delta State, a few days earlier.

At the congress, Giadom emerged again as the National Vice Chairman (South-South), while Samuel Nwanosike was elected as the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary.

The gathering is seen as part of ongoing consultations within the party ahead of its national convention.