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Author: Promise Odejide

  • Supreme Court Backs David Mark, Ends ADC Leadership Crisis

    Nigeria’s Supreme Court has settled the prolonged leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ruling in favour of the faction led by former Senate President David Mark.

    Apex court overturns Appeal Court position

    In its judgment delivered on Thursday, the apex court set aside the earlier directive of the Court of Appeal, which had ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the case.

    That order had created uncertainty within the party and prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from all factions.

    With the new ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed the leadership structure backed by Mark, restoring his faction as the recognised authority within the ADC.

    Origin of the leadership dispute

    The crisis began following internal disagreements within the party, which led to rival claims over its leadership.

    A faction led by Nafiu Bala had challenged Mark’s emergence, resulting in conflicting rulings from the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

    The dispute escalated into a prolonged legal battle that left the party divided.

    Mark’s argument before the court

    Mark’s camp approached the Supreme Court, arguing that leadership issues within political parties are internal matters that should not be subject to judicial interference.

    The appeal sought to overturn earlier decisions that weakened the faction’s control of the party structure.

    Implications ahead of 2027 elections

    Before the ruling, concerns had grown over the ADC’s ability to participate effectively in the 2027 general elections due to the absence of a clear leadership.

    The Supreme Court’s decision now brings clarity, ending months of legal uncertainty and restoring stability within the party.

    The judgment is expected to allow the Mark-led faction to proceed with party activities and preparations ahead of the next election cycle.

  • Senate Confirms Yuguda as CBN Deputy Governor, Approves Onwu for NDIC Board

    The Senate has confirmed Lamido Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), alongside Peggy Onwu as an independent director on the board of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

    Senate backs committee report

    The confirmations were approved on Wednesday after the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions presented its report in plenary.

    Committee chairman Adetokunbo Abiru submitted the findings, which lawmakers adopted, clearing both nominees for their respective roles.

    Tinubu’s nomination and directive

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had nominated Yuguda in March, urging him to serve with professionalism and a strong commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability.

    In a statement issued at the time, the President called on the appointees to discharge their duties with dedication and support the country’s growth agenda.

    Yuguda’s experience in finance sector

    Yuguda, an economist, previously served as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 2020 to 2024.

    He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a member of the CFA Institute.

    His career spans decades, including roles at the CBN, where he started in 1984, and at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he worked between 1997 and 2001.

    Background within CBN system

    After returning to the apex bank, he served as Director of the Reserve Management Department for six years before retiring in 2016.

    He was later appointed to the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in February 2024.

    Broader economic team changes

    His confirmation comes amid ongoing adjustments within Nigeria’s economic management team.

    Recent changes include the appointment of Bala Bello, a former CBN Deputy Governor, as Special Adviser to the President on Political Economy.

  • Tinubu Nominates Tegbe as Power Minister After Adelabu’s Exit

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the new Minister of Power and forwarded his name to the Senate for confirmation.

    Appointment follows Adelabu’s resignation

    The nomination was announced on April 30, 2026, in a statement issued by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga.

    It comes after the exit of Adebayo Adelabu, who resigned from the position to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

    In his resignation letter dated April 22, Adelabu said his decision would take effect from April 30.

    Profile of the nominee

    Tegbe, an indigene of Oyo State, brings over three decades of experience in finance, governance, and economic reform.

    He previously served as a senior partner at KPMG Africa, where he handled advisory roles focused on policy development and institutional reforms.

    Current role and international engagement

    Until his nomination, Tegbe served as Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.

    In that role, he coordinated bilateral engagements and supported development initiatives tied to international cooperation between both countries.

    Awaiting Senate confirmation

    His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate, in line with constitutional requirements.

    If confirmed, Tegbe will take charge of Nigeria’s power sector at a time when the government continues to push for reforms aimed at improving electricity supply nationwide.

  • Supreme Court Voids PDP Ibadan Convention, Upholds Earlier Rulings

    The Supreme Court has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025, bringing an end to the prolonged legal battle over its legitimacy.

    Court faults convention process

    In a split judgment delivered on Thursday, three out of five justices ruled that the appeal filed by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction lacked merit.

    Justice Stephen Adah, who read the lead judgment, held that the appellants proceeded with the convention despite a subsisting order of the Federal High Court restraining them from doing so.

    Earlier rulings affirmed

    The apex court’s decision effectively upholds the earlier judgments of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

    The lower courts had ruled that the convention violated due process, citing breaches of the party’s constitution and unresolved disputes from state congresses.

    They also noted that the exclusion of some aspirants undermined the credibility of the exercise.

    Legal battle over factional leadership

    Despite the court order, the Ibadan convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, producing a set of party executives that became the subject of litigation.

    The Turaki-led faction had approached the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the earlier rulings and validate both the convention and its outcome.

    However, the apex court dismissed the appeal, affirming that the exercise could not stand due to its violation of valid judicial pronouncements.

    Implications for PDP structure

    The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the internal structure and leadership of the PDP.

    It also brings closure to months of legal uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of the factional leadership that emerged from the disputed convention.

  • Worker Dies During Setup for Shakira’s Rio Concert

    A stage technician has died following an accident during preparations for Shakira’s upcoming free concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    Accident during stage construction

    Organisers confirmed the incident occurred while crews were setting up structures for the event scheduled to take place at Copacabana Beach.

    The worker was said to be involved in assembling stage equipment when the accident happened, prompting an emergency response.

    He was rushed to a hospital but was later confirmed dead.

    Organisers react to tragedy

    In a statement, organisers said the victim was part of the technical team handling stage construction for the concert.

    They added that support is being provided to the deceased’s family as well as the company responsible for the setup.

    Shakira expresses grief

    Shakira also reacted to the development, expressing sadness over the loss.

    The singer said her thoughts are with the family of the deceased worker during this difficult time.

    Concert plans remain unchanged

    Despite the incident, organisers confirmed that the concert will proceed as planned.

    Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the cause of the accident and assess safety measures at the venue.

  • Wike Bags ‘Hasken Abuja’ Title from FCT Traditional Rulers

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been conferred with the traditional title of “Hasken Abuja” by the FCT Traditional Rulers Council in recognition of his contributions to the development of the nation’s capital.

    Traditional rulers honour Wike

    The title was bestowed on Thursday by the council led by the Ona of Abaji, Dr Adamu Baba Yunusa, during a ceremony attended by key stakeholders.

    The monarchs said the honour reflects Wike’s efforts in driving visible development across Abuja since assuming office as FCT Minister.

    Recognition for infrastructure push

    According to the council, the minister has made notable strides in infrastructure, particularly in road construction, housing projects, and bridge development.

    His administration has also focused on opening up previously inaccessible rural roads to ease movement and improve connectivity within the FCT.

    Growing profile in Abuja leadership

    The conferment adds to Wike’s rising profile within the FCT, as his policies and projects continue to attract attention from both residents and traditional institutions.

    Observers say the recognition underscores the role of traditional rulers in acknowledging government performance at the grassroots level.

  • Court Hears Details of Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu as Army Witness Testifies

    An army officer has told the Federal High Court in Abuja how investigators uncovered an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, detailing financial links, meetings, and operational plans tied to the suspects.

    Witness reveals origin of investigation

    The witness, identified as “AAA,” said he was part of the investigative team set up after the Chief of Army Staff received intelligence about a planned coup involving Colonel M. A. Ma’aji and others.

    He explained that the intelligence report was analysed and confirmed credible before directives were issued to launch a full investigation into the alleged plot.

    According to him, the probe led to the arrest of Col. Ma’aji and the recovery of key items, including a Samsung phone and a jotter containing sensitive information.

    Recovered items expose alleged plans

    The witness told the court that the recovered jotter contained operational details, including names of top government officials and security officers allegedly marked for assassination.

    He added that further forensic analysis of the phone revealed deeper links between the suspects and other individuals standing trial.

    “Inside the jotter, we found plans for political and structural changes after the coup, as well as names of officials to be targeted,” he said.

    Financial trails and transactions uncovered

    The court also heard that investigators traced multiple financial transactions allegedly linked to the coup plot through a company identified as Purple Wave.

    According to the witness, several large sums, including ₦100 million and ₦50 million transfers, were moved across different dates in September and October 2025.

    He stated that although the transactions were labelled for unrelated purposes, investigations suggested they were used to fund the alleged plot.

    “We observed financial trails between some of the defendants and Col. Ma’aji. Monies were paid in pursuit of the coup,” he said.

    Meetings and strategy sessions detailed

    The witness further revealed that meetings were held in locations such as Green Land Apartment and BrookVille Hotel in Abuja, where discussions allegedly centred on regime change.

    He said the plotters mapped out key targets, including military barracks and major roads, and shared roles among themselves ahead of the planned operation.

    “The plotters discussed taking over key infrastructure and even shared appointments for after the coup,” he added.

    Court admits evidence amid objections

    During proceedings, the court admitted several documents, including hotel records and extracts from the recovered phone, despite objections from defence lawyers.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik also ruled in favour of the prosecution’s request to shield the identities of certain witnesses, citing the sensitive nature of the case.

    She held that the law permits such measures in cases involving national security and terrorism concerns.

    Charges and next hearing date

    The defendants are facing charges including treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose security intelligence.

    They were arraigned on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge.

    The court has adjourned further hearing in the matter to May 4 and 5 as proceedings continue.

  • Rufai Oseni Questions Fuel Price Hike After Sudden Jump in 24 Hours

    Arise TV journalist Rufai Oseni has raised concerns over the sudden increase in petrol prices, questioning the government’s response to the impact of subsidy removal on Nigerians.

    Concerns over sudden price jump

    Oseni, in a viral video, recounted his experience at a filling station where he noticed a sharp price increase within a day.

    “So this morning I just went to the filling station… from 1,225 it’s now about 1,335. The price went up in the space of one day,” he said.

    He described the development as alarming, especially given the current economic pressures on citizens.

    Questions for the government

    The journalist questioned what measures have been put in place to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.

    “With all the subsidy being pulled out, what have you done to cushion the effect on the people?” he asked.

    He noted that while there appears to be some relief in aviation fuel pricing, petrol continues to place a heavy burden on consumers.

    Mixed reactions trail remarks

    His comments sparked debate online, with Nigerians divided over both the fuel price hike and his criticism.

    Some users blamed the government for failing to provide relief, while others dismissed his remarks as politically motivated.

    “A whole country held hostage by unpredictable fuel prices,” one user wrote, while another said, “They removed the subsidy… and the palliative is still a PowerPoint somewhere in Abuja.”

    Rising pressure over fuel costs

    The development adds to growing concerns over the cost of living, as fluctuating petrol prices continue to affect transportation, goods, and daily expenses across the country.

  • Ibadan Motorcyclist Dies During Police Stop, Outpost Burnt as Tension Escalates

    A 35-year-old motorcyclist, Sanni Salisu, has died after reportedly suffering a seizure during a police stop-and-search operation in Moniya, Ibadan, triggering unrest in the area.

    Incident during police operation

    The Oyo State Police Command said the incident occurred in the Moniya axis, involving officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost.

    According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the officers were allegedly carrying out an unauthorised stop-and-search when they intercepted the victim.

    During the interaction, Salisu reportedly developed what appeared to be an epileptic seizure and became unresponsive.

    Emergency response and death confirmation

    Police said the officers quickly transported him to Modupe Hospital in Akinyele in an attempt to save his life.

    However, he was confirmed dead by medical personnel on arrival.

    The body has since been deposited at Adeoyo State Hospital Mortuary for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

    Violence erupts in community

    The incident sparked tension in the area, with some residents reportedly acting on unverified information.

    Angry individuals attacked the Kara Police Outpost, setting parts of the facility ablaze.

    Police confirmed that three motorcycles and a Mazda patrol vehicle were destroyed during the unrest, while one officer sustained severe burns.

    Police take action

    The command said reinforcements were deployed to restore order, and the officers involved in the operation have been taken into custody.

    Authorities added that further investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

     

  • “She’s Too Small to Question Me” — Author Replies Mother in Viral Nursery Book Row

    A Nigerian author has sparked fresh outrage after dismissing a mother’s concerns over a nursery school textbook, telling her she is “too small” to question his work.

    Controversy over nursery book content

    The issue began after a mother raised alarm over a section of a textbook given to her five-year-old child, describing the content as disturbing and inappropriate.

    Her complaint quickly gained traction online, with many questioning the quality and suitability of materials used in early education.

    She also alleged that she received threats after speaking out.

    Author pushes back strongly

    Reacting to the backlash, the author defended his work and criticised the mother for taking the matter to social media.

    “I’m not a social media type… My number and address are on the book; she couldn’t reach me… but she chose to go to social media,” he said.

    “She’s too small for me to explain to… there is nothing wrong with my book story.”

    He insisted that the content remains appropriate and should not be publicly criticised without direct engagement.

    Public reactions divide opinions

    His response has intensified the debate, with many Nigerians expressing mixed reactions.

    Some criticised his remarks as dismissive and disrespectful, while others focused on the need for parents to scrutinise educational materials given to children.

    “This response no make sense at all,” one user wrote, while another added, “Parents have every right to question school materials.”

    Debate over children’s learning materials

    The incident has reignited conversations around curriculum standards, parental involvement, and accountability in Nigeria’s education system.

    As reactions continue, the controversy highlights growing concerns over what children are exposed to at early stages of learning.