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Gov Bala Mohammed’s Defection Plan To APC Terminated As Party Rejects His Proposal

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State
Governor Bala Mohammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Any possibilities of the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammad joining the ranks of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has been officially foreclosed.

 

Consequently, all negotiations between the Governor’s camp and the national leadership of the ruling party at the centre, in relation to the planned  defection, have been halted.

 

The Source reports that the National Chairman of the APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwaltda, in company with Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano state had on Wednesday April 1, 2026, during a visit to the Bauchi Government House, officially invited Governor Mohammad to come on board the party’s train.

 

The Governor, who is, also, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, had, a day before the APC visit, played host to a delegation of the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress ADC, led by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF Babachir Lawal, with a firm promise to finalize all realignment processes with the  opposition party on, or, before Thursday April 2.

 

Instructively, Governor Mohammed’s planned defection to the ADC ,was severely disrupted by the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to withdraw recognition for the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC of the party on April 1, as well as the APC’s  obviously panicky last minute visit.

 

At a media briefing in Bauchi on Saturday, April 18, 2026 ,the State Chairman of the  PDP,  Samaila Adamu Burga, disclosed that the two parties could not reconcile contending issues surrounding the planned realignment.

 

According to the Bauchi State PDP chairman, the proposal put forward by the Governor pursuant to the defection was not accepted by the APC national leadership.

 

Burga emphasized that the Governor had sequel to the invitation extended by the APC requesting him, key political stakeholders, including Lawmakers at the state and national levels and local Government officials to join the party, initiated the process.

 

He, however , expressed regret that negotiations could not sail through as some fundamental issues were not resolved.

 

“After careful and extensive considerations, the proposal put forward during the negotiations were ultimately not accepted by the APC leadership”, he stated.

 

The PDP Chairman said with the failure of negotiations, all other processes concerning the planned defection to the APC have been terminated.

 

He did not, however, disclose the next line of action by the Governor and his camp.

Uzodimma Raps Orlu Zone APC Members Ahead Primaries

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma

The Governor of Imo State, Senator  Hope Uzodimma has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Orlu Zone to strengthen grassroots participation and remain united ahead of the upcoming Party primaries.

 

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House Annex, Eziachi in Orlu weekend, the Governor stressed that Party strength begins at the Ward level, and urged members to actively engage in local activities. 

 

“If your Ward is not aware of your membership, you are still a stranger in the Party,” he said.

 

Uzodimma commended the Zone for its performance in past elections despite security challenges, noting that their commitment helped sustain the APC’s dominance in Imo State. 

 

He praised Party faithful for embracing consensus during Congresses, describing it as a “sign of political maturity.”

 

Ahead of APC Primaries, the Governor advised aspirants and supporters to manage expectations and avoid conflict. “Ambition is not a crime, but we must be mature enough to handle both successes and failures,” he said.

 

He emphasised that future opportunities would depend on electoral contributions, adding that Party loyalty and performance would be closely monitored.

 

Uzodimma concluded by urging reconciliation and unity, calling on members to work collectively for the Party’s success in forthcoming elections.

 

The Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Austin Onyedebelu, urged members to forgive one another and close ranks ahead of the primaries.

 

“We must resolve our differences with maturity and move forward together,” he said, appealing for reconciliation.

 

He expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Uzodimma and predicted a “100 per cent victory” for the APC in the upcoming elections.

 

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Orlu Zonal APC Chairman, Hon. Frank Onyejiaka, said the gathering provided an opportunity to review challenges, share ideas, and chart a common path forward. 

 

He stressed the need for open discussions, mutual respect, and prioritising the common good over personal interests.

 

Onyejiaka also highlighted leadership as a call to service, sacrifice, and accountability, expressing confidence that collaborative efforts would reposition the Zone for greater political success.

 

Other speakers include, the APC National Vice Chairman (South East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, Senator Osita Izunaso representing Orlu Zone and the Deputy Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu.

 

They all corroborated the fact that APC victory at the polls required unity of purpose by leadership and membership of the Party.

 

The meeting brought together Party executives of APC at both levels, members of the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly from Orlu zone, political appointees and stakeholders of the Party from the Zone.

Badagry Baby Factory:  17 Pregnant Women Among Those Rescued By NSCDC

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Nigeria Civil Defence Corps - NSCDC

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Seventeen heavily pregnant women, children, infants, and an adult male are among 28 persons rescued by Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at a suspected baby factory in the Badagry area of Lagos State.

 

Already, two suspects have been arrested while the baby factory has been  dismantled.

 

The operation, carried out by the Lagos State Command between April 15 and 16, 2026, followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance that led officers to a hidden facility in the Okuju, Ilado area of Olorunda, Badagry.

 

In a statement signed on Saturday by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the agency revealed that the victims included 17 heavily pregnant women, alongside 11 others made up of children, infants, and an adult male.

 

Briefing journalists on the development, the State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that preliminary findings showed the victims were lured through a Facebook recruitment scheme targeting vulnerable pregnant women with promises of financial rewards after childbirth.

 

According to him, the victims were allegedly promised between ₦500,000 and ₦1,000,000 upon delivery, a tactic believed to have been used to sustain the illegal operation.

 

Investigations further revealed that those held in the facility were kept in poor and unsanitary conditions, with little or no access to proper medical care. 

 

The Commandant noted that one of the pregnant women reportedly lost her pregnancy due to neglect.

 

Items recovered from the location included mobile phones, gas cylinders, a generator set, cooking utensils, and other materials believed to have been used in running the operation.

 

He stated both the suspects and the rescued victims have been transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), for further investigation and possible prosecution.

 

Reacting to the development, the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, described the raid as a reflection of the agency’s growing reliance on intelligence-led operations to tackle organised crime.

 

He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to strengthening collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies, particularly in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation.

 

Audi also urged members of the public to exercise caution, especially when responding to online offers and recruitment schemes that appear suspicious.

 

He emphasised that community vigilance and timely sharing of information remain critical in identifying and dismantling criminal networks involved in trafficking and other forms of organised exploitation.

Results For First Batch Of UTME Ready, Public – JAMB

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
JAMB Students

 

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Less than 48 hours after completion of first round of 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), students can now check for their scores in the examination.

 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced on Friday that it has released the first batch of results for the examination which commenced on Thursday.

 

The examination is being held in about 966 computer-based test (CBT) centres nationwide, with about a total of 2.2 million expected to participate.

 

In a statement, Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s spokesperson, said the board has released results for 632,788 candidates who sat the examination on Thursday.

 

“The results of candidates who sat the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16 April 2026, have been released and are now available for viewing,” the statement reads.

 

“To check their results, candidates should send UTMERESULT via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.”

Benjamin added that while results can be viewed, printing is not yet available.

 

He cautioned candidates against manipulating SMS results to fabricate or alter scores, describing such acts as a serious criminal offence.

 

“The Board treats such misconduct with the utmost gravity.

 

“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means.

 

“Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law.”

He added that as the examination progresses, more results will be released in batches.

I Will Be Glad To Have ADC On The Ballot So That They Will Be Demystified – Wike

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“Neither David Mark nor Amaechi has any electoral value”

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike has dismissed the duo of Senator David Mark and Rotimi Amaechi as having no electoral values.

According to him, Senator Mark, the National Chairman of the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress ADC , and Rotimi Amaechi,  a Presidential hopeful, do not possess the political wherewithal to deliver their respective states to their party.

At an interactive session with the media, Wike a former Governor of Rivers State, and Amaechi’s former Chief of Staff, said Amaechi, even as a serving Governor, with all the full compliment of Federal might,  could not deliver substantial votes to the All Progressive Congress, APC,  in 2015.

The FCT Minister similarly  mocked Amaechi ,as attracting no  serious political gains for both late President Mohammadu Buhari and the APC , even as the Director -General of the Buhari/Osibanjo presidential campaign organization in 2019.

He emphasized that Amaechi’s self-acclaimed towering political stature has never translated into a political capital in Rivers state , even when he held influential national leadership roles.

Wike wondered how a man who could not do much at the peak of his political career and influence to sway the votes in Rivers state, would now boast of over-running the State.

“Are we saying today that if an election is conducted in Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi will deliver Rivers State to ADC?”

“Remember, he was a Governor , when I came to run as a Governor in 2015. Then he was in the APC. Who defeated him? And he was equally the Director -General of the Buhari/Osibanjo presidential campaign organization then.

“Also in 2019, when I was running for my second term, he was the Minister of Transportation, and still was the DG of Buhari’s Campaign Organization.

“Despite all the Federal might that was at his disposal, I still won the election. The late President Mohammadu Buhari did not get 25 percent of the votes cast in Rivers state.

“In 2015, he didn’t get it . In 2019, also, he didn’t get 25% of the votes cast. How do you now think such  a person can win in 2027? ” Wike queried.

This is as he urged the opposition to prioritize grassroots mobilisation rather than playing to the gallery, as well as over reliance on prominent, but expired political figures for electoral successes.

According to the FCT Minister,  Mark’s daughter had to abandon his father’s party- the PDP, before winning her election to the House of Representatives on the platform of the APC.

If Mark could not secure victory for her daughter in Benue state ,as former Senate President, Wike said it will be preposterous to think that he will deliver the State to ADC in 2027.

“Take, for example, Benue state, where the former Senate President, their ( ADC) so-called National Chairman is from, his daughter won election on the platform of APC, and then he was in PDP.

“Will you now say  former Senate President David Mark will deliver Benue state to the ADC in 2027? Wike wondered.

He noted that he will be glad to have the ADC on the ballot so that the myth about it would be dymistified .

“I will be very glad if they (ADC) will be on the ballot in 2027 so that the stories will be over. The only thing you will hear next time is: ‘oh, the election was rigged.’ That is the only thing they will be shouting about. That is the only story they will come to tell people.

Olisa Metu, Abike-Dabiri, Muiz Banire, Nnamdi Mbaeri, Hadiza Bala Usman, Make List Of Renewed Hope Ambassadors Directors

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Governor Hope Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma

By Adesina Soyooye 

Leaving no stone unturned to propel President Bola Tinubu to a second term Victor in 2027, the Director-General of the President’s Renewed Hope Ambassadors, RHA, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has appointed 16 Directors to head its different Directorates. 

 

The RHA is the body in the forefront of the President’s reelection bid. It is the outfit, in addition to the All Progressives Congress, APC, structure, and other quasi organizations, driving President Tinubu’s 2027 reelection.

Olisa Metuh
Olisa Metuh

The new appointments, approved by Governor Uzodinma, who is, also, the Chairman of the APC Governor’s Forum, include Olisa Metu, a former National Publicity Secretary of the embattled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Muiz Banire, SAN,  Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri and Hadiza Bala-Usman, Presidential Adviser.

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa
Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa

They are incharge of Organisation and Mobilisation, Diaspora, Monitoring Compliance and Legal, Administration, Research and Innovation, respectively.

 

The full list of  the 16 new Directors appointed for RHA, in  efforts to strengthen its operational effectiveness, as released 

in a statement issued by its  Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Tunde Rahman, is : 

*Dr Mustapha Abdullahi (Youth), *Chief Olisa Metuh (Organisation and Mobilisation), *Tunde Rahman (Media and Publicity)

*Sunday Dare (Digital and New Media).

*Mele Kolo Geidam (Finance).

*Muiz Banire, SAN (Monitoring, Compliance and Legal).

Hazida Bala-Usman
Hazida Bala-Usman

*Bisoye Coker-Odusote (Technology and Data).

*Abubakar Rabiu Abubakar (Support Groups).

*Ibrahim Garba (Intelligence) *Senator Sani Musa (Special Duties).

*Hon. Simon Karu (Planning)

*Dr Halima Suleiman Zakari (Welfare)

*Dr Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri (Administration). *Bilikisu Muhammed Kaika (Women Affairs)

*Abike Dabiri-Erewa (Diaspora). *Hadiza Bala Usman (Research and Innovation).

 

According to the statement, the

appointments take effect as part of ongoing efforts to position the Renewed Hope Ambassadors for broader national engagement.

ADC Asks Newly Elected State Executive Councils To Wait Till  Inauguration

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
African Democratic Congress - ADC

By Ayodele Oni

To allow seamless hand over to new executives and prevent crisis, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has given time lag to the old and incoming executive members of the party from the ward to state levels.

There has been crisis especially in some states as newly elected members of the executives are trying to wrestle power from those in saddle before.

ADC leadership explained that tenure of all newly elected State Executives and other party officers shall not commence until the expiration of the tenure of the current executives and their formal inauguration by the Party on May 12, 2026, or on any later date that might be officially communicated.

A statement to this effect issue Friday night by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Malam Bolaji Abduallahi, said “For the avoidance of doubt, all existing executives remain the duly recognised officers of the Party until the completion of this constitutional transition process.”

Accordingly, he added all newly elected executives, particularly at the state level, are advised to take note and desist from any action, representation, or conduct that may contravene this clear constitutional directive or create confusion within the Party structure.”

The National Publicity Secretary added that the “ADC remains committed to orderliness, discipline, and strict adherence to its constitution and democratic process.

PDP Demands INEC Withdraws Anyanwu As National Secretary, Cites Judicial Affirmation Of Expulsion

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Senator Samuel Anyanwu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has officially written to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to demand the immediate withdrawal of recognition for Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the Party over the affirmation of his expulsion by the Court.

 

This is as the party warned that it will not hesitate to initiate contempt charges should the electoral body continue to ignore a valid subsisting Court order.

 

The Source reports that the PDP, on the strength of the reports and recommendations of a National Disciplinary Committee, NDC, had suspended Anyanwu, and others over alleged gross anti-party activities.

 

The PDP later  upgraded the disciplinary action ,by expelling Anyanwu during its November 14 and 15, 2025 National Convention in Ibadan the Oyo State Capital.

 

According to the petition  addressed to the INEC, the PDP faction drew attention to a Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court judgment of January 12, 2026, which affirmed Anyanwu’s  suspension and expulsion from the PDP.

 

The PDP emphasized that the disciplinary action  was sequel to the reports and recommendations of the National Disciplinary Committee NDC of March 10, 2025.

 

The party said that the  Committee which was headed by Chief Tom Ikimi had recommended Anyanwu and others for suspension over alleged anti-party activities and misconduct.

 

However, Anyanwu, according to the PDP, later  challenged both the NDC reports and recommendations, and his expulsion at an FCT High Court in a suit marked CV/1050/2025 ( Senator Samuel Anyanwu vs. Amb Iliya Damangun &8 others). The Court dismissed the motion on notice over lack of jurisdiction.

 

In the petition signed by its legal team led by Abdulaziz Ibrahim SAN, the Turaki-led PDP argued that the implication of the expulsion,  and its judicial affirmation is that Anyanwu has long seized to be a member of the party and, therefore, can no longer act on behalf of the party in any capacity whatsoever.

 

The Party further noted that Senator Anyanwu, very much aware of the implications of the judicial affirmation of his suspension and expulsion, only decided to file an appeal just a few days ago ,after almost three months of the court’s verdict.

 

“Anyanwu being fully aware of the import of the judgment against him only filed a notice of just a few days ago against the decision affirming his expulsion which does not amount to a stay.

 

“By implication, the judgment of the Court dismissing his case challenging his expulsion is subsisting ,and remain in force and the commission has the constitutional obligation to enforce, comply and implement the judgment even without prompting”, the PDP stated 

 

The PDP warned that the continued recognition of Anyanwu by the INEC after the Court’s ruling, affirming his suspension and expulsion is a slap on the sanctity of the Judiciary and rule of law.

Our Office Has No Link With Renewed Hope Agenda Says INEC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Professor Josiah Amupitan INEC Chairman
Prof Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has  debunked claims that its office is hosting the Renewed Hope Agenda signage, banners and other materials.

 

However, the electoral umpire admitted the Rivers state Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, shares the same perimeter fence with the building hosting the Renewed Hope Agenda Movement in Port Harcourt.

 

The source reports that the social media space has been awash in the last couple of days with reports that a  significant number of materials linked to the Movement dedicated to promotion of the policies and political interests of President Bola  Tinubu were spotted at some strategic points at the INEC’s Rivers state Headquarters, a development which some people have perceived as part of the alleged dalliance between the electoral body and the, All Progressive Congress, APC-led Federal Government.

 

Instructively, the development came amidst widespread allegations of partisanship and bias against Professor Joash Amupitan, the electoral umpire’s Chairman, stemming from his past pro-Tinubu online tweets.

 

It  is also coming  at a time when the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC,  clamouring for the resignation of Amupitan over his alleged partisan interpretation of a Court of Appeal verdict on the leadership tussle within the party, leading to the shocking withdrawal of recognition for the Senator David Mark-led faction of opposition Coalition.

 

In a statement on Friday, April 17, 2026, from its Rivers State Administrative Secretary, Dr Angela Ebhodaghe, INEC described the reports of the massive presence of the Renewed Hope Agenda signage and materials in its office as false and misleading.

 

The electoral body expressed regret that people are confusing the INEC with the RSIEC that is sharing fence with the Movement’s office in the state.

 

“Our attention has been drawn to a report circulating on the social media alleging that the picture of a building hosting the signpost ,and banner of the Renewed Hope Agenda Movement is INEC Rivers State’s office.

 

“This is both false and misleading ,and the Commission categorically rejects these claims.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, the said building does not belong to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Rivers State, nor does our office have such signage on any part of its premises.

 

“It is clear the generators of the false information confused the Rivers state Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, which shares a fence with the said building with our office.

 

“The spread of false information is harmful to national unity and public trust. We, therefore, urge members of the public to verify claims through credible and official channels before sharing or publishing”, INEC stated.

Gumi Curses Those Behind Banditry, Calls For New Approach To Arrest Situation

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has rained curses on those he believes are responsible for terrorism in Nigeria.

 

Gumi, described as one of the sympathisers of bandits, condemned the rising wave of kidnappings in Nigeria, invoking divine punishment on those responsible for the crisis while calling for a new approach to tackle insecurity.

 

Gumi made the remarks in reaction to the abduction of a student of the University of Jos, John Arum, whose ordeal has drawn widespread attention after a video of him being subjected to inhuman treatment in captivity surfaced online.

 

The Cleric, in a Facebook post, pointed out that those behind kidnappings and the wider insecurity in the country had “lost their humanity.” 

 

He also criticised what he described as the over-reliance on military force in dealing with armed groups.

 

John Arum, a student of the University of Jos, was reportedly abducted by gunmen while travelling to Kaduna. His captors are said to be demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.

 

A video showing Arum in captivity has gone viral on social media, sparking public anger and concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping across the country.

 

In the footage, the student appeared distressed, highlighting the harsh conditions under which victims are often held. 

 

The video has renewed calls for urgent action to address insecurity, especially on major highways and in northern Nigeria.

 

Reacting to the incident, Gumi issued a strong warning and curse against those he believes are responsible for the situation.

 

“May Allah destroy any person who helped in creating this situation or participated in any form, or neglected his or her duty in saving the situation, or is even happy about it,” he said.

 

The cleric stressed that the threat posed by kidnappers and other armed groups is real and can affect anyone.

 

“The danger is real and anybody can be a victim tomorrow,” he warned.

 

He urged Nigerians to avoid what he described as unnecessary arguments, emotional reactions, and conspiracy theories, and instead focus on finding practical solutions to the crisis.

 

A major part of Gumi’s message was his call for a shift from purely military solutions, often referred to as “kinetic” approaches, insisting that violence alone cannot solve the problem and may even make it worse.

 

According to him, security experts have suggested that only about 25 per cent of counter-insurgency efforts should involve the use of force, while the remaining 75 per cent should focus on non-violent strategies.

 

These include dialogue, mediation, and efforts to change the mindset of those involved in criminal activities.

 

“Violence only hardens them; in fact, it is what created them in the first place,” Gumi asserted.

 

He added that attempts to introduce empathy and proper religious teachings to armed groups could help reduce violence, although he admitted that such efforts have not always succeeded.

 

Gumi also criticised what he described as the slow response of government institutions to the growing security challenges.

 

He warned that delays in action have allowed criminal groups to gain strength and influence.

 

According to him, the lack of timely and effective intervention has created a situation where non-state actors now have the power to threaten and blackmail communities.

 

The cleric stated that Nigeria’s security system has focused too much on military action, while neglecting other important tools that could help address the root causes of insecurity.

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