The House of Representatives again witnessed a fresh round of defections on Tuesday, with several Lawmakers crossing party lines ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development came as the House resumed plenary from the Easter recess, during which the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, read multiple letters of defection on the floor.
Responding to concerns that the trend could signal a drift toward a one-party state, Kalu dismissed such fears, describing the movements as a reflection of democratic freedom.
“This is to show the country that no party is stifled. People are leaving the majority party for minority parties and vice versa. This is the beauty of democracy,” he said.
Among the notable defections was Thaddeus Attah, representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos, who defected from the Labour Party, (LP), to the African Democratic Congress, (ADC).
In his letter, Attah attributed his decision to the prolonged leadership crisis within the Labour Party, which he said had hindered his effectiveness in representing his constituents.
The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), recorded the highest number of losses, with five lawmakers defecting, while the All Progressives Congress, (APC), lost two members in the latest political realignments.
Those who defected from the PDP to ADC include Abdussamad Dasuki (Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, Sokoto State) and Seyi Sowunmi (Ojo Federal Constituency, Lagos State), alongside three other PDP lawmakers whose identities were included in the formal list of defectors read in the chamber.
Also joining the ADC is George Ozodinobi (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia Federal Constituency, Anambra State), who defected from the Labour Party, alongside one former APC member, completing the ADC’s intake from the exercise.
The ruling APC simultaneously gained members from opposition ranks during the same session, underscoring a broader wave of political realignment across parties in the Green Chamber.
Lawmakers cited internal party crises, leadership disputes, and worsening factional tensions as reasons for their movement.
A former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani, has counseled those aspiring to public office to be prepared for the two sides of power.
According to Sani, “Power is brutal not just in Nigeria, but in other countries.”
He maintained that there is nothing happening now that had not happened before, citing his experience while at the Senate.
Sani posted in his X account that: “During our time in the Senate, we spent almost the whole four years escorting our Senate President Bukola Saraki to multiple Courts in Abuja.
“In one court it’s forgery and criminal conspiracy, and in another it’s false declaration of assets.
“Sometimes, I had to attend to my own Civil and Criminal charges in Kaduna, then rushed to Abuja to escort him.
“Senator Dino too was dragged to Courts in Abuja and Kogi where he had issues with the Governor. At a point Brother Dino had to climb a tree to save himself from the fangs of power.
“Power is brutal not just in Nigeria.Trump was also criminally charged to different Courts and he too is today charging some of his critics. Anything you see happening today had happened yesterday.
“Those of you who are young and want to seek for public office in the future, just prepare yourself for the two sides of power; The Sweet side and the dangerous side.”
Legal Team defending former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has hinted of a possible appeal against the decision of the State High Court to deny the former Governor bail.
The State High Court ruled against the bail request by El-Rufai, on Tuesday, and shifted it to June 26, citing concerns that his status could enable him interfere with ongoing investigations.
Justice Darius Khobo ruled that the allegations of financial impropriety against him are weighty enough to justify continued detention.
The Court had, initially; reserved ruling for April 21, but shifted the date to allow for further consideration of filings and responses.
El-Rufai is facing multiple charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), bordering on alleged abuse of office, financial misconduct, and irregular payments during his tenure between 2015 and 2023.
The former governor has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The case is being heard alongside a parallel proceeding at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where El-Rufai was recently granted bail under stringent conditions, including financial guarantees and reporting requirements.
At Tuesday’s session, the prosecution urged the court to deny bail, citing the gravity of the allegations and potential risks, while defence counsel argued that the charges are bailable and that their client poses no flight risk.
Counsel to the former governor, Ubong Akpan, in a reaction stated that the defence disagrees with the ruling, but acknowledges the court’s reasoning.
He confirmed that the legal team will immediately challenge the decision by filing the necessary papers.
The defence also alleged that the case is politically motivated, describing the proceedings as an extension of that agenda.
All is now set for the arraignment of some military personnel and civilians arrested and detained in connection with an alleged coup plot against the Government of President Bola Tinubu.
The suspects are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The suspects include former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, now at large, a retired Major General, a retired Naval Captain, a serving police inspector and three others over their alleged involvement as coup plotters in a plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism.
The other suspects are, Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd), Captain (NN) Erasmus Victor (retd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani
The charge, was filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
It accuses the defendants of offences ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
According to the government, the defendants conspired in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian state.
The charges read that the defendants, “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overthrow the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others, but failed to alert authorities.
The charge states that they, “knowing that and was intended to commit treason, did not give the information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President or a Peace Officer.”
President Bola Tinubu
In a related count, the defendants were also accused of failing to take preventive steps, as they allegedly “did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence.”
Beyond treason, the Federal Government is prosecuting the defendants for terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The charge alleged that they “conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Particularly, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru are accused of participating in meetings tied to terrorist activities.
Prosecutors claim they acted “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilize the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The charge also accuses the defendants of providing support for terrorism, alleging that they “knowingly and indirectly, rendered support” to facilitate acts of terror.
In addition, the prosecution alleged a deliberate suppression of intelligence, stating that the defendants “had information which would be of material assistance in preventing the commission of the act of terrorism, but failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable.”
The case further traces financial transactions allegedly linked to terrorism financing, with multiple defendants accused of handling proceeds of unlawful activities.
Bukar Kashim Goni is alleged to have “indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000 which forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing,” while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained N2 million from a similar source.
Zekeri Umoru, according to the charge, “without going through a financial institution, accepted a cash payment of the sum of N10 million” and also retained an additional N8.8 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of taking possession of N1 million linked to the same alleged scheme.
All financial-related counts were brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In October 2025, the federal government abruptly cancelled the military parade scheduled for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations, initially attributing the decision to administrative concerns.
However, speculation soon emerged suggesting the cancellation may have been linked to an alleged coup attempt, though the Defence Headquarters later dismissed such claims.
The military authorities insisted at the time that the cancellation had no connection to any subversive activity.
By late October 2025, reports indicated that about 16 military officers had been arrested in connection with the alleged plot, while two others were said to be on the run.
In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that an internal investigation had uncovered involvement of some personnel in what it described as a coup-related scheme.
Speaking then, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, said the findings followed standard military disciplinary procedures and that affected officers would face military judicial processes.
“We conducted thorough investigations in line with established procedures, and it was established that some personnel were involved in a coup-related plan,” he said.
In subsequent months, families of the detained officers called on President Tinubu to ensure that the suspects were tried in open court rather than through internal military proceedings, Vanguard reported.
At a press briefing in Abuja in March 2026, relatives also demanded access to the detained officers, expressing concern over their prolonged detention without full disclosure of proceedings.
By April, family members staged a protest at the National Assembly , urging authorities to expedite the trial process and grant them access to their relatives.
Since the Fourth Republic, which started on May 29, 1999, Nigeria has enjoyed an uninterrupted democracy, including the transfer of power from one administration to another.
In several countries in Africa, including in West Africa, soldiers have seized control, suspended the constitution and dissolved political parties.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has responded to the unprovoked jab thrown at him by former Vice President and perennial Presidential Aspirant, Atiku Abubakar.
Recall that Atiku, had, in an interview with Arise Television, described Dr. Jonathan as inexperienced and attributed Jonathan’s alleged challenges and mistakes as President to that.
Atiku: “I know Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but also inexperienced and I believe that contributed to his inability to manage the affairs of the country, particularly, when he was faced with challenges.”
In what has been described as one of Atiku’s worst public outings in recent times, probably made in a bid to project himself as the best of all the Presidential Aspirants in the African Democratic Congress, ADC, he did not, also, spare the likes of Peter Obi, a former two-term Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Aminu Tambuwal, two- term Governor and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as Rotimi Amaechi, two- term Speaker of House of Assembly, two- term Governor and two-term Minister of Transportation, Rabiu Kwankwaso, two- term Governor, former Minister of Defence and former Presidential Candidate.
Not a few Nigerians have expressed surprise at Atiku’s choice of words and language.
Dr Reuben Abati, Arise Television’s Anchor, accomplished columnist, and former Presidential Adviser to Jonathan, has since dismissed Atiku as rude and arrogant. Abati, also, reminded Atiku that while he has, for years, been aspiring to be President, Jonathan had already been President of Nigeria, an office Atiku has still not occupied.
But in a decent and dignified response to Atiku, Jonathan, while speaking in Abuja at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria’s Awards Ceremony, told Atiku that he did his best as President, and added that there is no President or Governor, no human being anywhere in the world, that does not make one mistake or the other. He also mounted a robust defence of his records.
Jonathan: “So not too long ago, a very senior politician said, ‘Oh, Jonathan was too young and probably that’s why he made mistakes.’
“If I made mistakes, yes, nobody who becomes a Governor or a President will say you did not make mistakes. Even when you promote yourself to the level of a god, you become a deity.
“All human beings must make mistakes. I became president in 2010 at the age of 53. I left in 2015 at the age of 58, and they say I was too young. Must it have been 100 years before I ran the affairs of the state?”
And defending his decisions in office, he noted that while mistakes are inevitable, he did his best.
Jonathan pointed at Nigeria’s diplomatic achievements under his Government, especially, its election to the United Nations Security Council.
He said: “I’m talking to Diplomats, so I can say that during my period, I knew what I did for us to appear in the UN Security Council two times. If I were so naive, I don’t think I would have been able to navigate through that process.”
For the records, while Jonathan had been a Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, Acting President, President, and presently, a very respected World Citizen, Atiku, politically, has only been a Vice President and a perennial Presidential Candidate.
The 2026 edition of RANKED, Africa’s leading report on digital news media performance, will be officially unveiled on April 23, 2026, at Amber Residence, Ikeja, Lagos.
Published by SquirrelPR and organised by Squirrel Media Technologies in partnership with KT Communication, the annual report has become a key reference point for understanding media visibility, audience behaviour, and influence across the continent.
This year’s edition delivers a more expansive and nuanced analysis of the African media ecosystem, covering 13 countries across Anglophone and Francophone Africa, its widest geographic scope to date.
A key finding from the 2026 report reveals a decline in readership traffic across all markets tracked, pointing to shifting audience behaviours and increasing fragmentation in how content is consumed. Despite this trend, the report highlights a consistent rise in media influence, suggesting that authority, credibility, and audience trust are becoming more critical metrics than sheer traffic volume.
Beyond traditional traffic tracking, the latest edition introduces deeper performance indicators, including local versus foreign audience traffic by news outlet, domain authority rankings, and audience growth across key sectors. These additions provide a more holistic view of how media platforms are evolving and where influence is being built across Africa’s digital landscape.
The report will be officially launched at the event, making it available to media professionals, PR practitioners, and communication leaders seeking data-driven insights into the continent’s rapidly changing media environment.
Speaking ahead of the launch, James Ezechukwu, Co-founder of SquirrelPR, described the report as an essential tool for industry stakeholders.
“The Ranked report has evolved into an invaluable resource for media relations and communications professionals across Africa. In an environment where traditional metrics are no longer sufficient, this report provides clarity on what truly drives influence and visibility. It helps practitioners move beyond assumptions and make more strategic, data-driven decisions in how they engage with the media,” he said.
The event will feature an expert-led panel session with prominent industry voices, including Muyiwa Matuluka, CEO of Techpoint Africa; Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head of Communications at Polaris Bank; Damilola Bright-Ukwenga, Communications Manager, ScribeTribe Africa; and Olufemi Ajasa, Online Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, among others.
The session will explore the theme: “The Reality of Digital Media Performance in Africa: Navigating the Future Through Data and Tools.”
Following an intelligence report, operatives of the Ilaro Division of the Ogun State Police Command have dismantled a suspected Cult Network in a swift operation.
The operation led to the arrest of four suspects linked to assault, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.
The suspects, identified as Samson John, 25, Olufowora Michael, 28, Odeh Samuel Ejeh, 25, and Olajide Jeremiah, 28, were apprehended following a distress report lodged at the division, triggering an immediate tactical response by the police.
Police authorities disclosed that the incident dates back to April 16, 2026, when the complainant reported that earlier in the day, at about 1pm, a gang led by one of the suspects, stormed his residence in Ilaro and launched a violent attack.
The attackers reportedly assaulted the victim, issued threats with dangerous weapons including an axe, and forcefully dispossessed him of his mobile device, identified as an iPhone 14 Pro Max, before fleeing the scene.
Acting on credible intelligence and deploying rapid response strategies, the police tracked down the suspects and effected their arrest in a coordinated operation that underscored growing vigilance within the command.
A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, an axe, suspected traditional charms, and the stolen iPhone, all of which have been secured as exhibits in the ongoing investigation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the development, noting that the operation reflects the command’s renewed resolve to clamp down on cultism and violent crimes across Ogun communities.
Further investigations have since been escalated to the State Criminal Investigation Department, where the suspects are currently in custody as detectives intensify efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for criminality and vowed that perpetrators of violent acts would face the full weight of the law.
The Ogun State Police Command urged residents to remain alert and cooperative, stressing the importance of timely intelligence in crime prevention, while reiterating its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the State.
With his second bail application billed for ruling today, Tuesday April 21, 2026, by a Kaduna state High Court, detained former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that there are subtle and orchestrated plots to rope him into a case he knows nothing about and use it to prolong his stay in custody.
El-Rufai who is facing inter-agency investigations and prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds and security related Offences has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, since February 18, when he was granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The anti-graft Commission had, last month, arraigned El-Rufai before a Federal High Court Kaduna and a Kaduna State High Court.
The Federal High Court granted him bail on April 14,2026, but his bail application at the High Court,was re-scheduled for ruling on Tuesday , April 21 ,after it had suffered postponement twice.
But in a statement, Muyiwa Adekeye, spokesperson for the former Kaduna state Governor, raised an alarm over what he described as a coordinated and orchestrated attempt to smear his reputation and prolong his ordeal by linking him to an alleged attack on one of the prosecution witnesses.
While vehemently distancing himself from any link to the said attack, El-Rufai described the ingenious ploy to drag his name into the incident as not only malicious, but a witch-hunt.
Referencing a report in the The Nation Newspaper of April18, 2026 , captioned “El-Rufai’s trial: Gunmen invade principal witness’ home”, El-Rufai alleged that the said publication contains “innuendos suggestive of a plot to frame him”.
According to him, the publication which had claimed that a witness in his ongoing alleged corruption trial reported an attack on his residence, and linking same to his role as a witness, amounts to a deliberate witch-hunting exercise and a ploy to injure his reputation.
“Any objective reader would recognise the clear intent behind these statements: to smear Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s reputation , jeopardise his pending bail application at the Kaduna state High Court ,and implicate him in serious capital offences” Adekeye stated .
While maintaining that he has no connection with the said attack, El-Rufai informed that he has directed his legal team to consider the filing of defamation proceedings against the newspaper outfit .
For the records, The Nation Newspaper is owned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ,whose Government El-Rufai has consistently alleged is persecuting him due to his membership of the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and for holding contrary political views.
Parties in the legal tussle over the Kano Emirate seat will wait till 2027 to know their fate.
On April 20, 2026, the Supreme Court adjourned till April 19, 2027, to continue its hearing in the matter.
This unprecedented long adjournment by the Apex Court, has attracted reactions from a number of Nigerians.
At the proceedings on Monday, the Supreme Court heard the preliminary arguments from the parties involved in the matter before the announcement of the adjournment.
The suit, which has drawn widespread public and political attention, is about the contentious leadership structure of the Kano Emirate.
According to reports, the move to fix the date one year after, suggests that the Court may be preparing for an extensive legal consideration of the matter, as Nigerians are eager to hear the latest development on one of the most closely monitored Traditional Institutions in the country.
Instructively, the hearing would be coming up after the 2027 general elections scheduled to hold in February.
It is not known how much, if any,
the political realignment will have on the case.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who as a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), deposed Emir Bayero, and re-enthroned the earlier deposed Sanusi as Emir, has since dumped the NNPP for the All Progressives Congress, under which Government Sanusi was deposed and Bayero enthroned. Unconfirmed sources insist that the APC, the ruling Party at the centre, and Governor Yusuf’s new party, is solidly behind Bayero.
In mixed reactions to the new date, Nigerians queried the long adjournment, saying it has again demonstrated possible interest by Government in the matter.
Etaredafe questioned why it was adjourned for a year:
“Please, does anyone know why it was adjourned for a year? I know the elections might be a factor, but I doubt the judge will cite that as the reason.
“I am curious to know the reasoning behind this lengthy adjournment. I have never seen anything like this before.”
Kanoblog urged one of the Traditional Rulers to step down.
“I think it’s time for one of them to step back and accept that he is not a king.
“If they truly care about what they have built together in their family, then they should not allow its reputation to be destroyed.
“They are all intelligent people who understand the value of life and culture, so they should not let the legacy their parents left for them be ruined.”
Engr Shaibu raises concerns that the ruling will come after the general elections.
“Exactly two months after the 2027 election. Okay na. Dem go soon blackmail person to influence election.”
Honourable Balo alleged that the president’s interest in the state was the reason for the adjournment. He said:
“The president needs the state ahead of 2027, and any judgment that doesn’t favour any of them may cause a crisis for the state, and the president’s chances will be limited.
“After the elections are over, anyone the court judgment favours the president won’t care much.”
The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has urged the federal government to be cautious in granting amnesty to repentant terrorists, using the Rwanda and Sri Lanka models as an example.
ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, Leadership Newspapers reports, quoting him as saying that the terrorists should be prosecuted in court, where they will face their victims as penance for the crime they have committed against the country.
The ACF spokesman spoke amidst divisions among Nigerians over federal government’s amnesty policy for repentant terrorists. Not a few Nigerians, particularly leaders from the northern part of the country have condemned the programme, describing it to be very premature when terrorism has not been totally defeated.
ACF made the remark few hours after the insurgent group, Boko Haram issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government, threatening to execute 416 captives—mostly women and children—unless its demands are met.
The terrorists are demanding N6 billion ransom for the captives.
The development also comes following last weeks graduation of over 700 repentant terrorists under the Federal Government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camp under Operation Safe Corridor.
The Northern apex social group said the federal government has placed the cart before the horse by not ensuring the total defeat and surrender of the terrorists before granting them amnesty.
It said the terrorists are being pampered while the victims have been left on their own, asking, What of the victims? What happened to them?
The group said the federal government should have ensured that forgiveness is left to the victims of terrorism, who have the right to decide whether they want to forgive the terrorists or not., saying the terrorists must face the law before any other thing.
“This amnesty, these deals and so on with terrorists and bandits, in the first place, when you want to do that, there has to be accountability. What of the victims? What happened to them? The wrong was done to the state represented by the government, but the harm was inflicted on individuals, people, and families. What is their fate? It has been tried in Rwanda, but in Rwanda, the terrorists are taken before a Special Court and made to confess their sins, and they are confronted by their victims. And it was up to the victims to forgive or not. And if they don’t forgive, the law would take its course”
It noted that the amnesty programme is being carried out without adequate consultations with all necessary stakeholders, saying other countries who had faced insurgency ensured that the terrorists were only pardoned after they have been totally defeated.
“Now, when you do this kind of thing, in the first place, we don’t have enough details. The federal government just announced something. You know, who has wronged these people? And what of the unfortunate victims of their activities who have nothing? You go into a village, you burn, you loot, you kill, you maim, you rape. What for? Innocent people. Look, I think we have to go back to the experience of other countries first. Sri Lanka faced an insurgency, but the government ensured overwhelming success. When the insurgents realised they could not succeed, the peace process began. I would love to see this in Nigeria.”
It urged the federal government to use overwhelming force to defeat the terrorists before contemplating amnesty, adding that “the final person who will forgive is not the government, it’s the victim.”
ACF: “I would love to see a situation where the government shows unequivocally that it will prevail with overwhelming force to discharge its duties to citizens. And then we can talk about other non-kinetic measures. But that is, we don’t have enough details. We worry about the victims. We worry about the nature of a reorientation that these bandits and terrorists were put through.
“No details. So, in short, we urge extreme caution, one. Two, we add that the interests of victims should be taken into consideration. And the final person who will forgive is not the government, it’s the victim. If they so wish. There has to be retributive justice. You just cannot carry arms. It’s not even against the state. It’s against the people. We don’t have enough details. What can one say? We just express our opinion about it, and that’s all.”
Not a few Nigerians have raised alarm that some terrorists who have received amnesty, later went back to join Boko Haram and ISWAP, particularly those of them who were reported to have been recruited into the military.
The federal government has, however, denied recruiting repentant terrorists into the nation’s Armed Forces.
