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Appeal Court Ruling On ADC Leadership Procedural – Spokesman

March 14, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria in the ongoing leadership dispute within the party does not alter its current leadership structure.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the appellate court’s decision was procedural and did not determine the substantive issues raised in the case challenging the leadership of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

According to the party, the appeal was dismissed on procedural grounds, and the court did not grant any relief to the plaintiff nor issue any order affecting the party’s leadership positions.

“The Court of Appeal did not determine the substantive dispute regarding the leadership of the ADC. The case challenging the emergence of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary remains pending before the Federal High Court of Nigeria and has not yet been heard or decided on its merits.”

The party explained that the appellate court directed all parties to maintain the status quo, meaning that the current leadership arrangement remains unchanged pending the determination of the substantive suit.

ADC therefore urged its members and the general public not to be misled by what it described as inaccurate interpretations of the judgment circulating in some quarters.

“The ruling of the Court of Appeal is purely procedural and does not affect the legitimacy or tenure of the current national leadership of the party,” the statement added.

The party further reassured members that it remains united and focused, dismissing the controversy as part of attempts by “anti-democratic forces bent on imposing a one-party rule on Nigeria” to create confusion within the opposition.

ADC urged its supporters nationwide to remain calm and committed to the party’s programmes while the matter continues before the court.

An online report has surfaced to the effect that the Court of Appeal sacked David Mark and affirmed Nafiu Bala as authentic national chairman of ADC.

Count Obi Out of Transactional Politics – Media Office

The Source

March 14, 2026

The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has issued a response to fallacious claims made by Barrister Daniel Bwala, who alleged that our principal sought to engage him.

Normally, we would not dignify Barr Bwala’s baseless accusations with a reply, given his well-documented history of dishonesty. However, we feel it is necessary to address this matter for the benefit of the public, who may be misled.

Our principal, Peter Obi, has made it clear that he excludes individuals like Bwala from his political activities and any form of transactional politics that sustain people like him in political circles. The Peter Obi that Nigerians know and appreciate will never engage in such practices. He would rather allocate resources to provide desks for children in Bwala’s village than pay him to concoct falsehoods for public consumption.

Obi’s approach is rooted in the pursuit of good governance and the creation of a better society for all. He does not pay people to promote a cause; instead, he invites them to join him in believing in a shared vision.

His “engagement” focuses on persuasion, emphasizing the urgent need for a collective effort to rescue our nation. He welcomes those who choose to join him voluntarily, driven by the same deep-seated convictions.

POMR urges those involved in transactional politics to reconsider their actions—for the sake of the society they are harming and for the future of Nigerian children, which is currently at risk.

For the umpteenth time, we call on Bwala and others like him to count Peter Obi out of their greed, repent, and join us in the quest for a new Nigeria that is indeed POssible.

E-Sign.

Ibrahim Umar
POMR Spokesman
13 March 2026

When The Goddess Is Angry: Mystery Well At Idanre Where Two Men Died Mysteriously

Ayodele Oni

March 13, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Well is as old as the settlement, Omunifin, in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State. Most residents of the agrarian community reveal that they met the Well at the point and it has remained one of the sources of portable water for the community.

Its depth not too deep, making it easier to enter it and come out safely even by teenagers. But on this fateful day, the goddess of the Well was angry and needed to be pacified, unknown to the people.

The residents of Ominifun were informed that a 46 year old man, a father of two, died while trying to rescue another man whose phone fell inside the Well, and while attempting to pick the phone fell inside the Well.

The deceased, Kayode Oluwakinse, popularly known as Super, was, according to accounts, attracted by a loud noise very close to his house and decided to check what could have gone wrong.

However, Super did not return home to join his family as on getting to the scene, he was told that someone had fallen into the Well, and could not come out. In his effort to rescue the guest inside the Well, he entered with a ladder, but did not come out alive. Making it two corpses inside the Well.

The bereaved wife explained that her husband was inside with her and their two children eating when he heard the loud voice and went out to know what was going on outside but could not come back to join the family again

“We were all together inside our house when we heard a loud voice outside. My husband moved out to check what was happening.

“He was told that one Chinedu, our family friend, had gone to pick his phone that fell into the well. But while climbing out after picking the phone, he fell back and drowned.

“On hearing this, my husband removed his cloth and slipper, and tried to rescue Chinedu . He too entered the well with ladder and rings inside, but he could not come out alive,” she said.

The rescue effort intensified despite recording two casualties already. The third man who wanted to rescue Kayode Oluwakinse was stuck at the middle of the well, lost consciousness, despite the rope around his waist for easy access in and out of the well.

“The third man who went inside the well to rescue my husband became unconscious in the middle of the well while descending despite some saving measures adopted for the rescue.

“He had to make a retreat and was hurriedly pulled up by on- lookers before he got down the well”, the wife of the deceased narrated

As at the time of filing this report, the third man said to have managed not to fall victim, survived and is currently undergoing treatment.

The local police station at Idanre has taken over investigation into the sudden anger by the goddess of the ancestral Well, with the only survivor of the incident assisting the Police in further investigation.

Ramadan: Furore As Security Bar Female Students From Lectures Over Alleged Improper Dressing At Kaduna Polytechnic

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 13, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Kaduna Polytechnic have assured that a thorough investigation will be launched to ascertain the actual circumstances surrounding the alleged harassment and intimidation of some students of the institution by security personnel over alleged “indecent dressing.”

The Source reports that many female students were prevented by the institution’s internal security personnel from accessing the Polytechnic for what they considered as “tempting dressing” during the ongoing Muslim Ramadan period.

A viral video in circulation shows many female students being refused entry into the school for academic activities on the grounds that their dressing offends and tempts those observing Ramadan.

However ,the affected students , insisted that there was nothing indecent in their dressing as they were dressed in the normal way they had been dressing to attend lectures before now.

“But this time,they (security personnel) are saying that because they are fasting, we should be covering all our bodies with long clothes.

” Do they want us to wear cardigans in this scorching hot weather? We are not Secondary School students”, a student stated in the video.

According to the students ,the security personnel insisted that now that they are fasting, the female students should be wearing dresses with long sleeves, capable of covering their whole body.

A statement from the Polytechnic’s spokesperson Godwin Ayegba, however, noted that the dressing code of the female students shown in the video appears to be moderate and appropriate by the institution’s standard.

This is as he distanced the authorities of the Polytechnic from the alleged overreach of the security personnel.

“The Management wishes to state clearly that the dresses worn by the affected students ,as shown in the viral video,appear moderate and appropriate.

“In view of this, the students in question ought not to have been barred from their lectures on this basis” Ayegba noted.

The Management further emphasized that while the institution as a matter of policy maintains a dress code policy aimed at promoting decency, professionalism and a general conducive learning environment, it however insisted that enforcement must be carried out strictly in tandem with extant rules and regulations.

The authorities cautioned against the tendency to enforce the dress code policy in a manner suggesting extremism and or arbitrariness.

The Management in the statement , assured that appropriate measures will be taken after diligent investigation to address the situation, with a view to forestall a future occurrence .

NANS Decries Rise In House Rent, Police Harassment, Threatens Mass Action Over Electricity Crisis

Akinwale Kasali

March 13, 2026

National Association of Nigerian Students - NANS

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the increase in House Rent, Police Harassment and epileptic electricity supply across the nation, the South-West leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has warned that it may mobilise students for a peaceful mass action if the Federal Government fails to urgently address the worsening situation affecting campuses and student communities across the country.

The warning was contained in a statement jointly signed on Friday by the NANS South-West Zonal Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, and the Chairman of Chairmen of the NANS Joint Campus Committee, JCC, in the South-West, Comrade Tiamiyu Ademola.

NANS raised concerns over the increasing cases of Police harassment and extortion targeting students, as well as the rising cost of accommodation in university communities, describing the developments as serious threats to the welfare and academic progress of Nigerian students at a Press Conference held In Akure, Ondo State Capital.

According to the student leaders, the gathering followed extensive consultations among student leaders across the zone to deliberate on pressing issues affecting Nigerian students, including the persistent electricity crisis, cases of police brutality, rising accommodation costs in student communities and the need to strengthen the operational capacity of student leadership at the state level.

The NANS South-West Zonal Coordinators and Chairmen from the Six States expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current electricity situation in the country, describing it as devastating to academic activities and student welfare.

He said persistent power outages across campuses and surrounding communities had created serious challenges for students who depend heavily on electricity for studying, research and personal safety.

Adeyemo said, “After consultations with the six JCC state chairmen across the South-West, the leadership of NANS in the zone has resolved to pass a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Power under the Honourable Minister, Adebayo Adelabu”.

NANS urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently review the performance of the Ministry and take decisive steps to address the country’s power crisis.

“Nigerian students cannot continue to operate in darkness while their academic future is jeopardised.

“Electricity is not a luxury for students; it is a necessity for learning, research and safety within our campuses and communities.

“If urgent steps are not taken to address this situation, NANS South-West will be compelled to mobilise students across the region for peaceful mass action to demand immediate solutions.”

The Student Leaders expressed concern over global developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which they noted had contributed to rising energy costs and inflation affecting Nigerians.

They called for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts while urging sustained efforts to maintain economic stability and national peace within Nigeria.

Adeyemo further stated that the student leadership recognised the difficult global environment and commended President Tinubu for efforts aimed at maintaining national peace and stability amid challenging economic conditions.

“We acknowledge the efforts of the President in navigating the country through difficult global realities, but the issue of electricity requires urgent and practical solutions because it directly affects the daily lives of millions of Nigerians, including students,” he said.

The NANS South-West leadership also condemned what it described as the resurgence of police brutality, harassment and extortion targeting students across the region.

It added that several reports had emerged of students being unlawfully stopped, searched and extorted by security personnel.

They cited recent incidents, including an alleged shooting involving a student in Osogbo and the reported assault of a Students’ Union President in Ogun State.

“Nigerian students must not be subjected to harassment and intimidation by law enforcement officers whose constitutional responsibility is to protect citizens,” Adeyemo said.

“We have received disturbing reports of students being profiled, unlawfully searched and extorted. This trend is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.”

The association, therefore, called for an urgent meeting with the Inspector-General of Police to address the issue and establish clear mechanisms for disciplining officers found guilty of misconduct against students.

The students body also expressed concern over the increasing cost of accommodation in student communities across the South-West.

According to the leadership, landlords and property agents continue to exploit students by imposing excessive rents, forcing many students into overcrowded and unsafe housing conditions.

“Students are increasingly being pushed into difficult living conditions because of exploitative rental practices in many campus communities,” Adeyemo said.

“We are calling on state Houses of Assembly across the South-West to introduce student-friendly tenancy regulations and rent control measures to protect students from exploitation.”

The student leaders also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Ayodele Olawande, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday, for their support towards student leadership development.

They particularly acknowledged the provision of six operational vehicles to the six NANS Zonal Coordinators, describing the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening coordination and mobility within the student movement.

“This initiative has greatly enhanced the capacity of student leadership to engage stakeholders and respond more effectively to student-related issues across the country,” Adeyemo noted.

The leadership also commended the NANS National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, for what it described as his continued commitment to strengthening student leadership structures across Nigeria.

In addition, the Forum of JCC State Chairmen appealed for further logistical support to enhance the operational effectiveness of student leadership at the state level, noting that state chairmen require adequate mobility and resources to effectively engage campuses, respond to student concerns and represent students in policy discussions.

The NANS South-West leadership also commended the management of the University of Lagos for steps taken towards reinstating the Students’ Union Government and urged other institutions with suspended unions, including the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), to follow suit.

NANS South-West, however reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian students and pledged to continue engaging relevant stakeholders to address the challenges confronting students across the region.

Peter Obi Slams Bwala, Debunks Claim He Sought His Support In 2023

Akinwale Kasali

March 13, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Peter Obi, former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, during the 2023 Presidential Election has debunked the claim by Daniel Bwala, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, that he sought to recruit him into his 2023 Presidential Election Campaign Team.

The former Anambra State Governor described the allegation as baseless and unworthy of a response.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chieftain made this clarification in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by his media aide, Ibrahim Umar.

Obi insisted that he had no dealings with Bwala and would not be associated with what he described as transactional politics.

He further acknowledged that the allegation would ordinarily not merit a reply, the statement said a response had become necessary in the public interest.

“Normally, we would not dignify Bwala’s baseless accusations with a reply, given his well-documented history of dishonesty.

“However, we feel it is necessary to address this matter for the benefit of the public, who may be misled,” the statement read.

The statement by the Obi Camp distanced the approach of the former Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the 2019 Election and what it described as the transactional tendencies of Bwala.

“Obi has made it clear that he excludes individuals like Bwala from his political activities and any form of transactional politics that sustain people like him in political circles. He would rather allocate resources to provide desks for children in Bwala’s village than pay him to concoct falsehoods for public consumption.

“For the umpteenth time, we call on Bwala and others like him to count Obi out of their greed, repent, and join us in the quest for a new Nigeria,” it stated.

It would be recalled that

Bwala in an interview with On-Air Personality Daddy Freeze, alleged that Obi had attempted to enlist him in the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign through former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He also alleged that he was approached by Obi during a meeting at the Hilton Hotel in London, where Obasanjo was present alongside Obi’s running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, and other political stakeholders.

Bwala stated that he declined the overture despite his respect for the former President.

Former Cross River State Gov, Senator Imoke Resigns From PDP

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 13, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The gale of high profile defections hitting the ranks of the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic party PDP, post Court of Appeal consolidated ruling, has continued unabated with the former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke, exiting the party.

Senator Imoke who presided over the affairs of Cross River state between 2007 and 2015, in a letter of resignation addressed to the PDP Chairman, Itigidi Ward, in Abi Local Government Area of the State, dated March 3, 2026, appreciated the party for the opportunities afforded him to serve the people, including as a Minister of the Federal Republic ofNigeria.

The former Senator that represented Cross River Central at the National Assembly blamed his decision to quit the PDP after over 27 years as a founding member on the festering and intractable leadership and internal crises bedeviling the party.

“Regrettably, my resignation is due to the protracted crisis within the party which has made it impossible for me to effectively serve the party and the people

“I am grateful for the opportunities the party offered me to serve our nation and state as presidential Special Adviser, Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Governor of Cross River State.

” I wish you all the best, and again express my sincere appreciation for the support I enjoyed over the years.

“Please, accept the assurances of my warmest regards”, Imoke stated .

The Source reports that Senator Imoke has been involved in the process of nursing the new-look opposition Coalition platform the ADC, since early last year.

It is widely expected he will be formally joining the ranks of ADC just like his predecessor in office , Donald Duke, in the days ahead.

NIMASA DG Urges Women To Build Career In Maritime Sector

James Orji

March 13, 2026

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to encouraging greater participation of women in Nigeria’s maritime sector, noting that sustainable progress in the industry requires the contributions of both men and women.

Dr. Mobereola made this known while delivering the keynote address at an event hosted by the Agency in Lagos to celebrate women in commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2026.

The NIMASA DG, who was addressing the gathering of women professionals from across Nigeria’s maritime industry stressed that the maritime sector presents enormous opportunities and remains a key driver of national economic development. He emphasized NIMASA’s long-term vision of supporting more women to build careers and leadership roles within the industry.

“Men cannot exist without women, and the maritime industry can only achieve sustainable growth when both genders contribute meaningfully to its development,” Dr. Mobereola said.

Highlighting the vast opportunities in the maritime industry, the NIMASA DG said that the Agency will continue to implement policies and initiatives that encourage the next generation of female professionals to explore careers within the sector.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Financial Services Department at NIMASA, Dr. Odunayo Ani highlighted the growing influence of women in the maritime industry and the importance of inclusive leadership.

Dr. Ani who is also the President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria further said that “Women in the maritime sector must continue to view compliance, leadership, and innovation from fresh perspectives that encourage inclusivity and sustainable growth within the industry”.

Dr. Odunayo also emphasized the need for stronger partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to further expand opportunities for women in the sector, adding that NIMASA remains a strong example of institutional commitment to gender inclusion.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the various women-focused maritime organizations present, who commended NIMASA for its consistent support in advancing gender inclusion across the maritime industry. They also underscored the importance of mentorship, capacity building, and regional collaboration in empowering more women to take up leadership roles within the sector.

A high point of the event was a presentation by the guest speaker, Dr. Titilayo Enitan-Fowokan on “Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Opportunities for Women in the Shipping and Global Trade” where she examined how ongoing fiscal reforms could create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals in shipping, logistics, and global trade.

Dr. Enitan-Fowokan encouraged women in the maritime sector to position themselves strategically to leverage emerging opportunities within the evolving economic landscape.

The event brought together women from different cadres within the Agency as well as representatives of leading women-focused maritime associations, including Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria; Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA); Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA); and Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT).

CBN Blocks Loan Defaulters From Accessing New Credit

James Orji

March 13, 2026

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed commercial banks in the country to stop giving loans to customers owing huge loans, as part of the apex bank’s efforts to protect depositors’ funds. The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Yemi-Cardodo-led apex bank.

Individuals and companies owing banks huge sums of money are regarded as ‘large ticker obligator’ by the CBN, and according to checks, loans owed by these obilagors run into several billions on naira, some of which have been classified as bad debts by some banks because the debtors have simply refused to pay.

CBN defines large ticket obligors as borrowers whose exposures are defined under Clause 3.2 (d) of the prudential guidelines for deposit money banks in Nigeria 2010, or a customer with a combined exposure across banks, as shown in the credit risk management system (CRMS), and/or as shown in the reports of a licensed private credit bureau, “that exceed the Single Obligor Limit (SOL), which materially affect a bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) or otherwise pose a systemic risk to the financial system”.

The magazine understands that the huge debts have added to the stress level of some commercial banks and is raising concern in the CBN.

Signs that some banks are deeply stressed came after recent directive by the Cardoso- led CBN to the banks to self test, to determine their stress level.

“What CBN discovered was really worrying to say the least,’ a source in CBN said on Friday, adding that the situation “pushed’ the CBN to take the latest step.

The development also comes as commercial banks in the country race to meet the March 31 Capitalisation deadline. Majority of the banks, the CBN said, have already met the capitalisation requirements.

According to the circular issued by the CBN, individual or business entity that have been granted huge credit facilities and have refused to pay up should no longer enjoy new loan facility, saying their action posed serious risk to the nation’s financial system.

Apart from denying them fresh loans, the apex banks said such ‘obligators’ should also be dined other facilities such as performance bonds, or advance payment guarantees and letter of credit, among others.

“In furtherance of its mandate to promote a sound financial system, protect depositors, and enhance prudential compliance within the banking sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) hereby directs all banks to restrict non-performing large ticket obligors, whose activities pose systemic risk to the financial system, from accessing specified banking services,” the CBN said.

Adding “Any large-ticket obligor with a non-performing facility recorded in the CRMS and/or any licensed private credit bureau shall not be granted additional credit facilities. For the purpose of this restriction, credit facilities include loans and other forms of direct credit.

“In addition, such obligors shall not be granted banking facilities or contingent liabilities such as bankers’ confirmations, letters of credit, performance bonds, or advance payment guarantees.

Judging from the huge debts owed banks by some corporate entities and individuals, not a few analysts in the sector have demanded that the names of loans defaulters be publish regularly by the CBN to shame them.

Obidient Movement Tells Melaye To Allow Nigerians Determine Peter Obi’s Presidential Bid

Ayodele Oni

March 13, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Obidient Movement has criticised former senator Dino Melaye saying he lacks understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape.

In a statement issued on Friday, the group said that while it acknowledged Melaye’s description of Peter Obi as a “fantastic Nigerian” and a “great man,” it strongly disagreed with his assertion that the former Anambra State governor lacks the capacity to unite the country.

According to the movement, the claim that Obi “lacks the ability to unify Nigeria” and that “this is not his time” fails to reflect the growing support among Nigerians for a different political direction.

In the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, the movement said Melaye’s comments represent “a tired refrain from a political establishment that has long presided over the very divisions it now claims to be the sole solution for.”

“The notion that a candidate’s ‘time’ is something to be determined by political gatekeepers, rather than by the urgency of a nation’s needs, is precisely the thinking that has held Nigeria captive for decades,” the statement said.

The group argued that such views mirror what it called the mindset of an entrenched political establishment that has contributed to the divisions it now claims to be capable of resolving.

It further maintained that the notion that a candidate’s “time” should be determined by political elites, rather than by the urgent needs of the country reflects the same thinking that has, in its view, slowed Nigeria’s political and economic progress for decades.

The movement pointed out that the key issue is not whether it is Obi’s turn to lead, but whether Nigerians are ready to move away from what it described as cycles of ineffective leadership, economic stagnation and national disunity.

Highlighting Obi’s political appeal, the group cited the outcome of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election as evidence of his ability to attract support across ethnic, regional and religious divides.

It added that the broad coalition that rallied around Obi’s candidacy during the election reflected a growing national movement seeking unity and more productive governance.

It concluded that for many Nigerians seeking change, the question is not whether it is Obi’s time, but whether it is time for the country to break free from what it described as failed leadership and persistent national divisions.

Melaye has since denied the remarks.

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