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APC Working To Make Tinubu The Sole Presidential Candidate In 2027 – ADC Raises Alarm

March 16, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has alleged a grand and orchestrated plot by some powerful forces to make President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the sole Presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.

The opposition Coalition platform accused the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, of exacting pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to recognize the Nafiu Bala Gombe as the authentic National Chairman of the party as part of its plan to stop the opposition from contesting against the President.

The ADC national spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Monday March 16, 2026, alleged that some forces within the APC led by a sitting Governor, are presently trying all they could to foment crisis within the ADC, with a view to undermining its capacity to serve as a viable alternative to the much discredited APC and its Government.

This is as the ADC spokesperson emphasized that there is no legal basis to warrant the confusion and leadership crisis the APC is trying very hard to stoke within its rank.

According to him, Nigerian courts including the Supreme Court have longed established the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee, NEC, as the rightful leadership of the ADC.

Abdullahi noted that the Mark-led National leadership was unanimously affirmed after the July 2025 combined meeting of the National Working Committee NWC and the NEC which was also observed by the INEC.

He also referenced a March 6, 2026, Federal High Court ruling that affirmed the authenticity of the Senator Mark’s leadership based on a subsisting Supreme court ruling in April 2025 recognizing the right of political parties to determine issues bordering on their leadership.

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, however, vowed that the party is ever ready to deploy all lawful means available to resist the outrageous attempts by the APC-led Federal Government to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

According to Abdullahi, the latest brazen attempt to subvert democracy and undermine the opposition ahead of the 2027 polls is being marshalled by a serving APC Governor with the active collaboration of a senior security official based in Abuja.

The ultimate aim he alleged is to foist President Tinubu as the only qualified candidate during the election.

“At the centre of this scheme is Mr Nafiu Bala Gombe, an expelled member of the ADC who has recently been parading himself as a leader of the party, while collaborating with external interests .

“Mr Gombe, who once claimed to be the Deputy National Chairman under the former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, was duly expelled from the ADC after engaging in actions that were inconsistent with the party’s constitution, its principles, and the collective decisions of its leadership

“It is, therefore, shocking, though not surprising that some elements within the ruling establishment are now attempting to use him as a willing instrument of destabilisation, and plot to forcefully take over the leadership of the ADC.

“The objective is clear: to manufacture confusion within the ADC, sponsor illegitimate leadership claims, and ultimately cripple the only credible opposition platform that Nigerians are increasingly looking up to as a genuine alternative, thereby leaving Nigerians with no choice in the next general elections , despite widespread suffering that the ruling party has brought on the people”, the ADC statement reads in part.

The ADC expressed serious concern over the high level of desperation being exhibited by the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 polls

The party warned that the Nigerian democratic arrangement can not thrive under the situation where the ruling party seeks to capture, infiltrate or manufacture crises in opposition parties for its own political convenience and survival.

Troops Repel Attack On Maiduguri Northern City

Akinwale Kasali

March 16, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigerian Troops have repelled an attack on the Northern City of Maiduguri, Borno State, after suspected Jihadists launched an overnight attack on a Nigerian Military post.

The attack is the first in years in the capital of North Eastern Borno State.

This was confirmed by the Emergency Services and Residents.

Fighters from Boko Haram and rival Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, have recently stepped up attacks on military bases in northeast Nigeria, after its 16-year campaign to establish a caliphate in the country has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million.

The attack occurred around midnight in the Ajilari Cross district, a southwestern suburb of Maiduguri and just a few kilometres (miles) from the city’s airport.

Residents and emergency services said the military quickly repelled the attackers.

Police spokesman, Nahum Kenneth, Daso posted on X a “foiled attack by suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists around Ajilari Cross” as he also confirmed a separate incident where security forces thwarted a “suspected terrorist attack” in Damboa local government area, south of Maiduguri.

Emergency services spokesman in Borno State said that they had received “reports of attacks” by non-state armed groups and that they were “repelled by the military”, with no civilian casualties reported.

Residents reported four deaths on the attackers’ side.

“At about 12:15 am this morning, we started hearing gunshots coming from the military base. Later, we realised it was an attack by insurgents believed to be Boko Haram”, he said.

President Tinubu Swears In Oyedele As Minister, Urges Wife To Support Him

Ayodele Oni

March 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu on Monday revealed that it didn’t take much time for him to decide where Taiwo Oyedele needs to be to further help with the economy.

The President spoke when he sworn in Oyedele, the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, as Minister of State for Finance, extolling his determination and dedication to duty.

President Tinubu, who spoke after the brief ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the appointment was a vote of confidence in Mr Oyedele.

Special Adviser to the President on (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga in a statement, said the President extolled the new minister for his professionalism in coordinating the work of the Tax Reforms Committee.

He noted that Oyedele’s commitment and deep knowledge of tax policy played a critical role in shaping the reforms designed to simplify the tax system, expand the revenue base, and create a more business-friendly environment in Nigeria.

“We are very proud of your knowledge, your simplicity, ambition, and excellence. I congratulate your wife for standing up to our challenge of time management and long hours of absence.

“This is additional responsibility, and I hope you will encourage and support him,” President Tinubu told the wife of the new minister.

He, also, acknowledged Oyedele’s zeal, patience, and determination to serve his fatherland with courage.

“Thank you for accepting to serve your country, especially for reforming the entire tax policy of this country that was obsolete and fundamentally against every progressive thinking.

“You are a very dedicated and highly determined individual. It didn’t take much for me to decide where you fit and where you need to be to further help with the economy.

“It is a very challenging job because we look at the fiscal policy and responsibility that come with it at the time that economic stability is being experienced, but without exponential growth. It’s always very difficult, but you are fit to be there,” the President said.

Oyedele, from Ikaram, Akoko, Ondo State, is an economist, accountant and public policy expert.

He attended Yaba College of Technology, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in accountancy and finance, and later attended Oxford Brookes University, where he earned a BSc in applied accounting.

He also completed executive education programmes at the London School of Economics, Yale University, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and the Harvard Kennedy School.

Oyedele spent 22 years of his working career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), joining in 2001 and rising to become the Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader.

Oyedele is also a Professor at Babcock University in Ogun State and a visiting scholar at the Lagos Business School.

I Did My Best To Unravel The Fate of Ebonyi Missing NELAN Engineers – Works Minister, Umahi

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 16, 2026

Dave Umahi - Works Minister — Engr. Dave Umahi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, on Monday March 16, 2026, blamed the fate that befell the five NELAN Consulting Engineers on the fratricidal communal clashes that engulfed parts of Ebonyi state in 2021.

This is as he insisted that he did all he could as the then Governor of Ebonyi state to ensure the apprehension and subsequent prosecution of those suspected to be behind the abduction and death of the five Engineers ,as well as other victims of the communal clash between Effium and Ezza Effium.

Umahi’s response is coming against the backdrop of the protest match staged early Monday morning by wives, relations and friends of the missing engineers at the Abuja headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works.

The protesting family members expressed their disappointment with what they perceived as the non-challant disposition of Senator Umahi towards resolving the riddle surrounding the fate of their loved ones.

They accused the authorities of paying a lip-service to the quest to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the five engineers.

It will be recalled that the five engineers who were working on a link road project within Ebonyi State suddenly went missing on November 3, 2021.

However, they were reported to have been killed by their abductors’ a few days later by both the police and Ebonyi State authorities.

In a statement issued by Francis Nweze, his spokesperson, Minister Umahi informed that some suspects arrested in connection with the disappearance and death of the engineers are currently facing prosecution in Court.

While describing the incident as painful, the Works Minister appealed for calm and understanding while the matter is being handled by the judiciary.

“The death of the NELAN engineers remains a painful tragedy. No family deserves such grief and the Honourable Minister understands the weight of that loss.

“The unfortunate disappearance of the engineers occurred at the height of the violent Effium vs Ezza Effium communal conflict, a crisis that consumed lives and properties, and threw the area into severe insecurity”, Umahi stated.

The engineers were said to have been abducted by combatants in the Effium and Ezza Effium internecine clashes.

However, Umahi emphasized that as the Governor, he did all he could to salvage the situation, noting that the victims were not singled out, but were regrettably cut in the cross fire alongside several others.

“Iimmediately the information about the incident reached the then Governor of Ebonyi state Senator David Umahi ,he swiftly mobilised security agencies and launched intensive search and investigative efforts to determine the whereabouts of the engineers and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Those efforts led to the arrest of individuals involved in the dastardly act. Those arrested confessed to committing the crime, and they have remained in custody since then. The matter is still before the Court.

“It must, therefore, be clearly understood that the Government under Senator Umahi did not abandon the matter, suppress it, or failed to act”, the statement reads in part.

El-Rufai: ICPC Seeks Another Extension Of Court Remand Order

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 16, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Bwari Chief Magistrate court will on Tuesday March 17, 2026, rule to determine whether to extend for the second time the order granted to the Independent Corrupt Practices, and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to remand former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir.

The Source reports that El-Rufai who is facing inter-agency investigations on multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, and security related Offences has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 18, 2026, when he was granted bail by a sister agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The presiding Magistrate, His Worship Okechukwu John Akweke, had first granted the ICPC a 14-day remand order on February 19, 2026, which elapsed on March 5, 2026.

However, following widespread indignation and condemnation of the continued detention of El-Rufai, a chieftain of the opposition coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the anti-graft Commission was granted a second 14-day remand order which will run out on Friday March 19, 2026.

But with the second remand order a few days to expire, the ICPC has again approached the same court seeking a further extension to the remand order .

Amidst strident criticisms both from family, political associates ,and concerned individuals and groups over El-Rufai’s continued incarceration without trial, the anti-graft Commission has denied any wrong doing.

The Commission said its demand for an extension to the remand order is in tandem with extant laws of the land, insisting that the order is necessary to enable it conclude its investigations into allegations of corruption practices against the former Kaduna State Governor.

The ICPC further noted that the remand order is subject to the renewal based on the discretion of the Court.

However, there have been growing insinuations suggesting that the EFCC and the ICPC are allegedly working in concert to keep El-Rufai in custody till April 23,2026 , when he is due for arraignment by the Department of State Service, DSS, over alleged wire-tapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser NSA.

Plateau Constitutes Advisory Committee On State Police

Ayodele Oni

March 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Preparatory to the take off of State Police, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has constituted the State Advisory Committee to midwife the project.

The governor has also approved the appointment of Olawale Fapohunda, SAN as the Legal and Policy Adviser to the advisory committee.

Fapohunda, is a two term Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State.

President Bola Tinubu had announced that State Police would come on stream this year and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu has set up a committee to work on it.

This appointment is part of the Governor’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the State’s ecurity architecture and align with the national directive for decentralized policing.

The committee, which has been inaugurated by the Governor, is chaired by DIG Habila Joshak (Rtd) and includes a distinguished team of security experts, scholars, and policy practitioners.

The Committee’s mandate include : Review the ongoing 1999 Constitution amendments, the Police Act 2020, and other relevant laws to create a draft ‘Plateau State Police Service Law’ that defines the scope, authority, and limitations of the state police.

“Design the organizational structure of the Plateau State Police, including command hierarchy, interaction with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and jurisdictional boundaries (e.g., local government policing).

” Develop a transparent recruitment policy emphasizing local knowledge and gender inclusion, and design training curricula focusing on intelligence-led policing, human rights, and community policing.

“Propose a sustainable, transparent funding mechanism for the state police that is insulated from political interference to ensure independence.

“Create a robust, independent, and transparent oversight mechanism (e.g., a State Police Service Commission) to investigate misconduct, ensure accountability, and prevent abuse of power.

“Establish protocols for synergy between the state police, traditional institutions, community leaders, and federal security agencies to ensure a unified approach to security.

“Organize public hearings across the 17 Local Government Areas of Plateau State to gather inputs from community leaders, religious leaders, security experts, and civil society to build public trust and buy-in.

“Provide a phased, time-bound implementation strategy for the establishment of the force, including pilot phases.”

“The governor explained that “the appointment of Olawale Fapohunda SAN underscores our commitment to ensuring that the transition toward state policing is guided by the highest standards of legal and policy expertise.

“His deep understanding of constitutional law and justice sector reform will be valuable as we work to build a safer and more secure Plateau State.

“Fapohunda SAN will work closely with the committee to ensure that the proposed framework for the Plateau State Police Service is robust, operationally viable, and respects the fundamental rights of all citizens living on the Plateau.”

Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed that security remains a top priority of his administration, noting that the Administration of Justice Sector Reforms embarked upon by his administration are essential to addressing crime, safety and security challenges and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the state.

Passengers Injured In An Abuja Bound Train Accident

Ayodele Oni

March 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

An Abuja bound train was involved in an accident Monday, leaving several passengers with various degrees of injuries.

The accident forced the train, which took off from Kaduna, to halt operation midway through its journey.

The passenger train, travelling from Kaduna to Abuja, failed to reach its destination as scheduled after the disruption occurred along the busy rail line connecting the Federal Capital Territory with Kaduna State.

Passengers on board explained that the incident occurred suddenly, sending shock and panic through the coaches as the train came to an abrupt halt.

Some passengers reported hearing a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several occupants off their seats and causing confusion inside the coaches.

According to eyewitness accounts, the Abuja-bound train was likely going to collide with another train along the corridor, forcing rail operations to stop temporarily while the situation was assessed.

It was gathered that several passengers were injured, with some reportedly sustaining cuts and bruises after being flung against seats and metal fittings inside the train compartments.

A social media user, Sada Malumfashi, who claimed to have been among the passengers, described the frightening moment shortly after disembarking from the train, explaining that the sudden jolt caught many people unprepared.

The passenger wrote on his X account that the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before the journey resumed slowly toward Kubwa, an area on the outskirts of Abuja.

He said, “Just dropped from the Kaduna-Abuja train. We heard a loud bang, and the train jolted to a stop, flinging people across.

“Passengers got hit, and most are bleeding and severely injured. The train was delayed for some 30 minutes and resumed to Kubwa. No communication from @info_NRC on anything.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed the development and stated that an official statement would be released regarding the incident.

Mohammed, PDP Governors Forum Chair Not Defecting To APC – Turaki-led Leadership Insists

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 16, 2026

Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State — Governor Bala Mohammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Taminu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, has debunked claims suggesting that the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed is set to dump the party.

The Source reports that speculations have been rife in the last 48 hours linking Governor Mohammed, who is the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum to a move to the All Progressive Congress APC.

The PDP which had about 13 Governors in its fold post 2023 general elections has seen its fortunes plummet with eleven of the Governors defecting to the APC.

Hope of a reprieve was dashed last week following a Court of Appeal verdict that invalidated the controversial Ibadan National Convention of the party ,where the Tanimu Turaki-led National Executive Council was birthed.

The Appellate Court’s judgment which had, in the main, precipitated a renewed wave of defections of PDP chieftains across the 36 states of the country, apart from driving the exit of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, has accentuated speculations regarding the defection of Governor Mohammad.

According to reports, the planned defection of the Bauchi State Governor is almost a done deal, with Tuesday March 17,2026 touted as the possible date of exit .

But speaking on the issue to the media, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the national spokesperson for the Turaki-led faction described the claims of an imminent defection of the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum as a mere rumour.

According to him , Governor Mohammed has assured the Turaki-led PDP leadership of his continued loyalty to the party.

“What we know is that he ( Governor Bala Mohammad) has told us that he is still with us. Even up till this morning (yesterday) when he held conversations with our national chairman, he insisted that he is still with us.

“He has said it at several quarters that he is comfortable in the party. So, we don’t know where the rumours are coming from. Only time will tell. But what we know is that he has told us that he is with us” Ememobong stated .

The PDP spokesperson reaffirmed the willingness of the party to explore peaceful resolution of the leadership and internal crises bedeviling the party .

He assured that both factions are currently working out modalities for a true reconciliation as brokered by stakeholders of the party.

Zenith Bank Opens Manchester Branch To Support Cross-Border Trade, Investment

James Orji

March 16, 2026

Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom, marking another significant milestone in the bank’s international growth and its commitment to strengthening financial connections between Africa and global markets.

The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, is expected to attract government officials from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, regulators, investors, customers, and business leaders from both countries, underscoring the growing economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.

The new Manchester branch will complement Zenith Bank’s existing operations in the United Kingdom and serve as a strategic hub for supporting businesses engaged in international trade and investment. Through the branch, the bank will provide corporate banking, trade finance, treasury and related financial services to clients operating across the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa.

Speaking ahead of the launch, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “The opening of our Manchester branch represents another important step in Zenith Bank’s growth as a leading African financial institution connecting businesses and markets across continents. Manchester is one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic commercial centres, and our presence here will further strengthen financial connections between businesses in the UK and opportunities across Africa’s rapidly expanding markets.”

Founded in 1990 by its Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a remarkable history of year-on-year profitability. Built on a strong foundation of people, technology and service, the Bank has consistently delivered innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management. The impressive performance of the Bank has consistently earned it excellent ratings, recognition and endorsement from local and international agencies and institutions.

Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Zenith Bank operates over 500 branches and business offices across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Bank currently operates subsidiaries in several African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Cote d’Ivoire, while maintaining a presence in major international financial centres including the United Kingdom, France, UAE and China. In recent years, Zenith Bank has continued to expand its international network as part of its strategy to support global trade and investment flows involving Africa.

Manchester, widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s most vibrant economic centres, hosts a diverse base of businesses across sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology and consumer goods. The city’s strong commercial ecosystem and international outlook align closely with Zenith Bank’s expertise in corporate banking, structured finance and trade finance.

The Manchester branch will work closely with the Bank’s London operations and its broader international network to support clients seeking to expand across markets and unlock new opportunities in both the United Kingdom and Africa.

With the opening of the Manchester branch, Zenith Bank continues to advance its vision of building a truly global African banking institution that connects businesses, facilitates trade and investment, and creates stronger economic bridges between Africa and the world.

How Farmers Facilitated Arrest Of Four Suspected Kidnappers In Ondo

Ayodele Oni

March 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Swift alarm and reactions by some farmers working on their farms have led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers in Ondo state.

The incident, happened on Sunday after suspected bandits reportedly chased frightened farmers straight toward the airport’s runway, causing a dramatic security scare.

According to eyewitness accounts, the chaos began when several farmers suddenly ran toward the edge of the runway, screaming for help after spotting armed men riding motorcycles behind them.

It was gathered that the unusual movement quickly caught the attention of air traffic controllers inside the control tower, who immediately raised an alarm.

Within minutes, security operatives attached to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, alongside personnel from the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army, launched a swift operation around the surrounding forest areas near the airport.

Their coordinated response paid off as four suspected bandits were successfully tracked down and arrested during the intense search operation.

An eyewitness revealed that the farmers had noticed suspicious motorcycle riders approaching their farmland behind the airport’s operational fence, forcing them to run for safety toward the runway area.

The suspects were eventually intercepted by security forces believed to include officers from local security outfits and police teams already responding to distress calls from nearby communities.

One suspect was initially captured during the pursuit, while additional searches led to the arrest of three more individuals linked to the incident.

All four suspects have now been handed over to police authorities for further questioning and investigation.

Reacting to the alarming breach, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, explained that the incident highlights why the government is speeding up plans to reinforce security infrastructure at airports across the country.

Authorities say improved perimeter fencing and stronger surveillance systems are now being prioritized to prevent similar security threats in the future.

The dramatic incident has since sparked fresh concerns about safety around Nigerian airports, especially those located close to rural communities and forested areas.

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