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  • “PDP Is One” — Wike Reacts as Supreme Court Voids Ibadan Convention

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is united following the Supreme Court judgment that nullified its disputed national convention.

    Wike dismisses claims of division

    Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the ruling has resolved internal disagreements and put an end to factional claims within the party.

    “The PDP is one. The judgment has put to rest reactions of factions within the party,” he stated.

    Court nullified Ibadan convention

    The Supreme Court, in a split 3–2 decision, had earlier voided the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.

    The convention produced a leadership backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

    In its ruling, the court held that the exercise violated existing court orders and failed to meet required conditions before proceeding.

    ADC crisis still unresolved

    Wike also commented on the situation within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), noting that its leadership crisis remains unsettled.

    “The Supreme Court referred the ADC back to the Federal High Court. The ADC is still a problem,” he said.

    Strong remarks on political actors

    The FCT minister further drew a line between political parties and individuals, expressing criticism of certain figures.

    “Not that I don’t like the party, I hate the individuals involved. I don’t like them. They are part of the people who have plunged Nigeria into problems,” Wike added.

    The comments come as political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections, with recent court rulings shaping party structures and internal dynamics.

     

  • “I Don’t See Them Defeating Tinubu” — Deji Adeyanju Reacts to Supreme Court ADC Ruling

    Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has reacted to the Supreme Court ruling on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis, saying he does not see the opposition defeating President Bola Tinubu.

    Praise for Supreme Court decision

    In a statement shared on social media, Adeyanju commended the judiciary for what he described as a firm stance in protecting Nigeria’s democracy.

    “I commend the Supreme Court and the judiciary for preserving our democracy and preventing anti-democratic elements within and around the Tinubu government from destroying our country,” he said.

    Acknowledges Tinubu’s stance

    Adeyanju also praised President Tinubu, stating that he resisted pressure from political loyalists.

    “President Tinubu must also be commended for resisting the pressure of all the sycophants around him,” he added.

    Doubts over opposition chances

    The activist expressed scepticism about the strength of the opposition, even if united, suggesting it may struggle to unseat the current administration.

    “Even with a united opposition, I don’t see them defeating Tinubu. The shameless anti-democratic acts carried out to embarrass Nigeria was avoidable,” he said.

    Looks back at 2023 elections

    Adeyanju further argued that the opposition missed its best opportunity during the 2023 general elections.

    “The best time they had to defeat Tinubu was in 2023 but they kept fooling around,” he stated.

    His comments come amid ongoing political conversations following the Supreme Court’s ruling, which resolved the ADC leadership dispute and restored clarity within the party.

  • “I’m Working to Live in Ikoyi” — Shank Comics Sparks Debate with Bold Remark

    Popular Nigerian skit maker Shank Comics has stirred reactions online after revealing what drives his hustle, saying his focus is on achieving a specific lifestyle rather than family or long-term legacy.

    Viral comment on lifestyle goals

    In a video circulating on X, the content creator stated that his primary goal is to make enough money to live in Ikoyi, one of Lagos’ most affluent areas.

    “Anything you do in this life, make sure you have made money to come and live in Ikoyi. I’m not even working hard for my parents or my future children. I’m working hard to come and live in Ikoyi. This is my future,” he said.

    Mixed reactions trail statement

    His comment quickly drew attention online, with many users sharing differing opinions on his perspective.

    While some described his statement as honest and reflective of modern aspirations, others criticised it, arguing that it downplays family responsibility and long-term planning.

    Conversation on success and priorities

    The remark has reignited conversations about how young Nigerians define success, particularly in a society where lifestyle and comfort are increasingly seen as key indicators of achievement.

    Observers say the debate highlights a shift in priorities, with personal fulfillment and financial independence taking centre stage for many.

  • 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.