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Death of Hassan, Kano Federal Law Maker Sets Stage For Popularity Test Between Kwankwaso And Gov. Yusuf

April 12, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The death of the Lawmaker representing Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano state, at the National Assembly Hon Muhammad Danjuma Hassan has set the stage for a popularity test between Governor Kabir Yusuf and his estranged political godfather Dr. Musa Kwankwaso.

Hon Hassan ,died on Friday April 10, 2026, after a prolonged illness at the age of 66.

The late Lawmaker who until his death served as the deputy chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary ,was elected in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.

Although ,a first timer ,Hon was not all that a novice in the intricate and intriguing politics of the National Assembly, as he had for several years served within the bureaucracy of the legislative branch of Government , before venturing into partisan politics

Confirming the death of the Kano-born legislator, Hon Akin Rotimi , spokesperson for the House of Representatives described the late Hassan as a highly respected law maker, deeply rooted in legislative procedures and governance.

This was as he expressed deep shock and grief over his death, describing it as a profound loss to the green chamber of the National Assembly, his constituents, and the country as a whole.

The House spokesman lamented that the sudden exit of Hassan has left a big void that will be difficult to fill, going by his unflinching commitment to the country’s legal and legislative frameworks.

“With his demise, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost Legislative Counsel’s ,and Legal Draftsmen , whose contributions significantly advanced legislative development and constitutional processes” Rotimi stated.

Meanwhile , the Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas ,has commissurated with the family of the deceased ,the Government and good people of Kano state, particularly his constituents on the unfortunate development.

The Speaker described the late Lawmaker as a dedicated and loyal public servant who gave his all to his country.

The election of Hassan’s replacement will provide an opportunity for Governor Yusuf who is now in the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Kwankwaso, who is now in the African Democratic Congress, ADC to test their popularity on whose Candidate replaces Hassan.

Lagos 2027: Tinubu Ally, Faleke Publicly Endorses Deputy Governor, Hamzat As Sanwo-Olu’s Successor

Akinwale Kasali

April 11, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Lagos State, known as the Commercial Hub of Nigeria and the home of Aquatic Splendour in Nigeria has witnessed an ‘uninterrupted’ grip of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 1999 when democracy berthed after Military Rule came to an abrupt halt in 1999.

Tinubu, has been the decision maker and decider of who becomes the Governor of the State since he left the saddle as Governor in 2007.

He unilaterally installed Babatunde Raji Fashola in 2007 as Governor of the State, and went ahead to install Akinwunmi Ambode in 2015 and Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in 2019 till date.

As the 2027 General Election gathers momentum, there have been speculations on who succeeds Sanwo-Olu as Governor of the State.

Many have been tipped to take over the saddle at the Alausa Government House, with Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, alongside Tayo Ayinde; Chief of Staff to Governor Sanwo-Olu; Former Governor, Ambode, also tipped to return after just spending a term as Governor of the State.

But Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor to Sanwo-Olu has seen his name surprisingly spring up, having spent two terms with the incumbent Governor.

Hamzat’s name came as a surprise to many who had thought that having seen a Muslim Governor emerge from 1999 to 2015, it is ideal for a Christian Governor to rule the State from 2015 to 2027, for fairness.

Leading to the call from some quarters that Ambode should be giving the nod to return as Governor to complete a- two term and 16 Years rule of a Christian Governor in the State.

There, however, seems to be another plan in the offing. The lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, James Abiodun Faleke, has publicly declared support for Lagos State Deputy Governor, Hamzat, to succeed as Governor in the 2027 elections has changed the dynamics.

Faleke made his position known via a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, urging party faithful and his supporters across Lagos to rally behind Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress, APC, prepares for its Primaries scheduled for May 2026.

He wrote: “Good evening all. As we prepare for Party primaries next month, I urge all our supporters in Ikeja Federal Constituency and Lagos State to support Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the next Governor of Lagos State from 2027–2035 IJN. Amen!”.

It was gathered from sources within the Party, that some leaders are gravitating toward a consensus approach that could see Hamzat emerge as the party’s Governorship flagbearer in Lagos, quashing previous permutations from political observers.

Sources within the Party further disclosed that a meeting was held with President Tinubu during his visit to the State with key party figures from the South-West to fine-tune strategies and make crucial decisions ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Participants at the Lagos meeting reportedly engaged in extensive deliberations, focusing on party direction and the selection of candidates for key positions.

Those present included the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti; as well as the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zaccheaus Adedeji, among other prominent APC stakeholders.

The possibility of Hamzat as the APC Governorship candidate is rife with the disclosure of Faleke, who happens to be a close ally to President Tinubu.

Political observers say that Faleke has indirectly spoken the mind of President Tinubu on who becomes the APC Governorship Candidate in the State ahead of the 2027 Polls.

Malami Returns To Heroic Welcome In Kebbi State

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 11, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Despite his travails, former Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has renewed his unwavering commitment towards rescuing Kebbi State from misgovernance.

This is as he urged supporters to keep the faith , with an assurance that his commitment towards reclaiming ,and re-building Kebbi State remains non-negotiable.

Malami who made a triumphant entry into the State after about 123 days absence, most of them in detention, spoke during a rousing reception held in his honour by supporters in Birnin Kebbi, Capital of the State.

The Source reports that the immediate past AGF and Minister for Justice under the late President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration, has been facing inter-agency prosecutions alongside one of his wives and son, Abdulaziz, over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

The Malamis who were only released a couple weeks ago after a prolonged spell in custody, had their Abuja homes sealed late last month by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

But speaking before an overwhelming crowd of supporters and sympathizers alike on in Kebbi, Malami reaffirmed his earlier refrain of “no retreat, no surrender,” expressing the confidence that the state will once again rise through collective resolve and divine assistance.

Vehicular and human traffick were severely disrupted by the mammoth crowd that trooped out to welcome the former him.

Supporters thronged major streets and roads in Birnin Kebbi, brandishing ADC flags and other insignia, chanting and singing.

A viral video in circulation shows a huge crowd of supporters many of whom closed their shops and business activities to be part of the reception party.

The Source further reports that Malami, before his arrest and long incarceration, had signified his interest in contesting the Kebbi state Governorship seat in 2027 on the platform of the ADC

Not a few are of the conviction that his ordeal at the hands of the EFCC and the Department of State Service, DSS, may not be completely divorced from his political views and ambition.

Murder Of Imo Monarch, Five Others: Police Launch Manhunt For Killers

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 11, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Police Command on Saturday, April 11, 2026, said it has started investigations to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the attack, and subsequent murder of the Traditional Ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji Egbema Local Council of the State, HRH Eze Barr. Paulinus Ekwueme.

This is as the State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, ordered operatives to hunt down the perpetrators at all cost.

The Source reports that the Monarch was on Friday, April 10, attacked and killed along Asa – Awara Road by some yet-to-be identified hoodlums.

The attack, also, led to the unfortunate death of five others, whose identities, according to the police, are yet to to be established.

A statement by the Imo Police Command spokesperson , Henry Okoye, DSP, informed that the Tactical Units Operatives have been deployed by CP Bosso with a marching order to go all out, in collaboration with other security agencies and hunt down the perpetrators.

” The deployment followed a distress report received from Ohaji Division on 10th April, 2026, at about 1630hrs, indicating that armed assailants attacked the Traditional Ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community along Asa-Awara Road .

“Regrettably, the attack led to the death of the Monarch ,HRH Eze (Barrister) Paulinus Ekwueme (Ochia 1 of Ochia Kingdom) alongside five other yet-to-be identified victims.

” Upon receipt of the report, the CP immediately mobilised and dispatched Tactical Teams to the scene at Assa where Operatives recovered the burnt corpses of the deceased.

“The remains have been evacuated and deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital FUTH ,Owerri, for preservation and autopsy.

“Consequently, the Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while intensive operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover any weapons in their possession” Okoye stated .

The statement, further indicated that the Commissioner of Police and his management team have paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene.

According to Okoye, the CP, during the visit reassured the people of the readiness and commitment of the Command to restore normalcy ,and ensure adequate protection of lives and properties .

While extending condolences to the family of the deceased Monarch and other victims of the dastardly incident, the CP reaffirmed the Command’s unflinching determination to sustain peace and stability in Imo state, with a firm assurance that the perpetrators of heinous crime will soon be tracked down.

Ondo SDP Goes Digital On Membership Drive

Ayodele Oni

April 11, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has embarked on digital membership registration exercise to strengthen grassroots base for the party.

The initiative, which commenced on Thursday at the party’s state secretariat in Akure, brought together chieftains and representatives from all 18 local government areas.

The gathering doubled as a strategic meeting and hands-on training session, equipping officials with the technical skills required to drive seamless online registration at ward and council levels.

Party leaders described the transition to a digital membership system as a critical reform aimed at enhancing transparency, inclusivity and organisational discipline.

The exercise is expected to harmonize existing records, eliminate duplication and build a credible database for effective mobilisation and decision-making.

The move also aligns with directives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which requires political parties to submit updated membership registers ahead of party primaries, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

Addressing participants, State Chairman, Gbenga Akinbuli, commended the turnout, noting that it reflects renewed unity and commitment within the party.

He urged stakeholders to deploy the knowledge gained to ensure comprehensive registration of both existing and prospective members, stressing that cooperation across all levels would determine the success of the exercise.

Similarly, State Secretary, Femi Ikoyi, reaffirmed the party’s readiness for “massive and strategic mobilisation” ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that the registration drive would be complemented by targeted engagement programmes to attract new members, particularly youths and professionals, while strengthening the party’s grassroots base.

ADC To INEC Chairman: “Resign Over pro-Tinubu Online Tweets Or We Will Escalate Civil Disobedience Actions Across Nigeria

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 11, 2026

Professor Josiah Amupitan INEC Chairman — Prof Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Saturday, insisted on the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, over an alleged tweet which indicated his political affiliation with the President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressive Congress, APC.

This is as the ADC accused him of desperately attempting to alter digital records to conceal his alleged partisan posture and past political affiliations.

The ADC’s stance however is coming , despite Amupitan’s plea of innocence.

The Source reports that the media space has been saturated with reports of past pro-Tinubu online tweets particularly during the 2023 general elections linked, allegedly, to the INEC Chairman.

The revelation expectedly has ignited widespread indignation and condemnations, with not a few, including individuals and groups calling for the immediate resignation of Amupitan over fears that his alleged compromised position may not allow for the conduct of free, fair and credible polls in 2027.

But a statement on Friday from Adedayo Oketola, INEC Chairman’s spokesperson, dismissed the allegation of Amupitan’s tweet as false ,and unfounded.

Oketola, while distancing the INEC Chairman from any pro-Tinubu online tweets, described the allegation as the handiwork of detractors out to distract him from the task ahead.

He emphasized that Amupitan has never, in his life, operated an X account.

“To clarify, the INEC Chairman does not possess, or manage any personal account on X.

” He has never engaged in partisan commentary, nor has he ever aligned himself with any political bias or activity in either his private or public roles”, Oketola stated.

However, the ADC in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, while insisting on Amupitan’s resignation, expressed concern that the social media posts allegedly linked to him has raised serious doubt about the credibility of the electoral umpire.

The party maintained that the development , which Amupitan has been struggling to cover has severely hampered and undermined public confidence in the INEC ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the ADC, the INEC’s Chairman’s moves to alter digital records with a view to concealing past political affiliations, represents a clear threat to the twin principles of transparency and accountability.

Abdullahi warned that an electoral umpire must not only be independent ,but also be widely perceived as unbiased at all times.

He insisted that anything to the contrary will inevitably erode public trust and confidence, as well as undermine the electoral process.

The ADC posited that Amupitan’s conducts and alleged partisan disposition fell short of the minimum acceptable standards for someone saddled with the task of conducting elections in a democratic system.

The party, therefore, called on the INEC Chairman to immediately resign from office, warning that anything to the contrary amounts to an insult on the Nigerian people.

The party also warned that it will not relent in its efforts until the INEC chairman is eased out of office.

The party threatened to escalate civil disobedience actions until Amupitan steps down from office.

Police Hands Over PDP National Secretariat To Wike’s Faction

Ayodele Oni

April 11, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that its national headquarters in Abuja has been unsealed by the Police.

The opposition party’s national headquarters was sealed by the Police in the wake of the crisis which culminated in the two factions of the party struggling to take over the Secretariat.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike’ faction of the party has held its national convention with new officers headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed emerging while the other faction, which held its Congress in Ibadan Oyo State in 2025, has been derecognized by the Court of Appeal judgement.

A statement on Saturday, signed by the publicity secretary of the party, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, revealed the latest development, saying the keys to the Secretariat has been handed over to the national chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The statement reads : “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) hereby informs all members and the general public that the Party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, as well as the Legacy House, Maitama, have been

unsealed by the Nigeria Police Force and handed over to the National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara and Senator Samuel Anyawu, National Secretary in full compliance with duly issued court orders.

“The party commends the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism and adherence to the rule of law. This action is a clear demonstration of respect for constitutional order and due process.

“The Party strongly warns that it will not condone any act capable of causing obstruction, disruption, or breach of peace at the secretariat again.

“All individuals and groups are advised to conduct themselves within the bounds of the law, as security agencies have been duly alerted to take necessary action against violators.

“This positive development reassures members that the recent challenges confronting the Party have been effectively resolved.

“We therefore call on all aggrieved members to sheath their swords and embrace unity in the collective interest of the Party.

“The Party also expresses its profound appreciation to our leaders and stakeholders for their steadfast support during this period.

“In particular, we acknowledge the guidance and commitment of our National Leader, His Excellency, Chief Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the Hon Minister of the FCT, whose support has been invaluable.

“Together, we move forward, Stronger, United and more Committed to our shared Vision.”

ADC Crisis: Nafiu Gombe’s Sponsors Identified

Ayodele Oni

April 11, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

African Democratic Congress (ADC), chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has clarified that those sponsoring him are not members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or those in government.

Admitting that he is getting assistance from outside the ADC, in prosecuting his legal matters against the Senator David Mark-led leadership, Gombe explained that his support is mainly from public-spirited individuals and Nigerians averse to the alleged injustice being meted out to him.

Abimuku Monday, spokesman to Bala Gombe, who spoke when he featured on Morning Briefs, a Channels Television programme, said: “Before now, they were saying these people are big weights and we are lightweights. Now, we are suddenly being seen as human beings.

“Earlier, we were seen as nobodies – as boys who don’t have capacity to challenge this in court. They say ‘Nafiu Bala does not even have money to pursue his case.

“They don’t find out who. They have forgotten that for you to seek legal actions, there are so many ways to go about it.

“It is either you use your own money or your personal relationship with people. Does it mean that somebody in politics cannot have his own friends or cannot have lawyers as his friend or cannot have other members of the society as his friends?

“These are not members of the APC. They don’t belong to any party. They are citizens of this country, who mean well for Nigeria.

“Nobody is scuttling the coalition. The fact remains that if you have a challenge, people will rally around you knowing it is a good cause you are fighting,” he stated

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had on April 1, 2026 withdrew its recognition of the Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola leadership of the ADC and had their names deleted from its portal citing a Court of Appeal order directing that the parties should observe ‘status quo ante bellum’.

The ADC leadership had accused Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy Chairman of the party of being sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to play the spoiler role to pave way for President Bola Tinubu to emerge as a single presidential candidate in 2027.

Speaking on the development, Spokesperson of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi expressed concerns on how suddenly, Bala Gombe, who he noted could not on his own afford the services of a lawyer, is now living large, staying in a presidential suit in Hilton and now hiring more than three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to represent him – a venture that may probably run into tens of millions of Naira in expenses.

Insecurity: Atiku Appreciates USA’s Support In Fight Against Terrorism

Ayodele Oni

April 11, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has acknowledged the continued support of the President and Government of the United States of America, (USA) in the global fight against terrorism.

In his latest post on X, Atiku, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated that the USA has demonstrated the importance of international partnership in addressing insecurity.

Atiku write “I condemn, in unequivocal terms, the continued acts of terrorism and brigandage that threaten the peace, unity, and stability of our nation.

“Such attacks on innocent citizens are a grave affront to our shared humanity and must never be allowed to define who we are as a people.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have suffered loss and stand in solidarity with all affected communities during this difficult time.

“The foremost responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property.

“It is therefore imperative that renewed urgency, coordination, and resolve be brought to bear in confronting this challenge and restoring public confidence.

“I also acknowledge, with appreciation, the continued support of the President and Government of the United States of America in the global fight against terrorism.

“This cooperation underscores the importance of sustained international partnership in addressing threats to peace and security.

“Nigeria will endure, and with collective resolve, we shall prevail. “

INEC Refutes pro-Tinubu Social Media Post By Its Chairman, Alleges Political Mischief

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 11, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has strongly rejected claims linking its Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan to a pro- Tinubu post online.

The Source reports that the media space has been awash with reports suggesting that the INEC Chairman, in a post in 2023, expressed support for President Tinubu, then All Progressive Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate.

Prof Amupitan was said to have on his X accounted posted the phrase “victory is assured” in an apparent expression of his support for Tinubu, thus sparking widespread indignation and condemnations across the country from netizens who subsequently re-echoed the demand for his resignation.

They accused the INEC boss of bias and, so, incapable of conducting free, fair and credible polls, given his observed partisan posture.

It would be recalled that the Senator David Mark-led faction of the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, had earlier protested and openly called for the resignation and sack of the INEC Chairman on account of his alleged bias, and questionable actions since mounting the saddle.

The INEC on Wednesday April 1,2026, had ignited tension and controversy with its decision to discontinue the recognition of the Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC of the ADC on the strength of a Court of Appeal judgment ordering parties in in the internal and leadership crisis rocking the party to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a motion on notice filed at the Abuja Federal High Court.

But not a few have impugned political motives into the INEC’s decision, accusing the its Chairman of collaborating with the ruling party at the centre to suffocate opposition parties as well as shrink the political space ahead of the 2027 polls.

However, a statement late on Friday, April 10, 2026, from his spokesperson Adedayo Oketola, the INEC Chairman while distancing himself from the said pro-Tinubu post , explained that he has never, in his life operated an X account.

This is as he described the development as the handiwork of detractors out to distract him from the task ahead through orchestrated smear and malicious campaign.

Oketola in the statement, described the allegation as totally unfounded, fabricated ,and only depicting the figment of the imagination of the promoters.

“To clarify, the INEC Chairman does not possess, or manage any personal account on X.

“He has never engaged partisan commentary, nor has he ever aligned himself with any political bias or activity in either his private or public roles” Oketola stated.

The spokesperson emphasized that the development is yet another, in the desperate attempts by some forces to rubbish the integrity of the INEC Chairman at this critical moment when the electoral umpire is engaged in electoral reforms , and preparations for the forthcoming polls.

The electoral body equally alleged that some unscrupulous elements have been using the name of the Commission’s Chairman in perpetrating Cybercrimes.

“In addition to this partisan mischief, the Commission is aware that Cybercriminals have been active, using fraudulent social media accounts in the Chairman’s name to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians.

“We would like to officially state that numerous such fraudulent accounts have been identified ,and reported to security agencies.

“The latest fabrication is simply a continuation of a criminal trend aimed at exploiting the Commission’s reputation for unlawful purposes.

“We wish to inform the public that we are collaborating closely with relevant security agencies,and cyber-intelligence units to track down ,and identify the individuals ,or groups responsible for this identity theft and misinformation”, the statement added.

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