NSCDC Speaks On Confirmed Covid-19 Case In Cross River, Assures Continued Routine Surveillance

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April 22, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured that the reported COVID-19 Case in Cross River State remains the only confirmed case in Nigeria at present.

Director-General, NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris in a statement on Wednesday, confirmed that the body is aware of recent media reports regarding a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River State.

The Cross River State Government had confirmed a fresh case of COVID-19, on Tuesday, raising concerns about a possible resurgence of the virus in the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, disclosed during a press briefing in Calabar, the state capital, that the index case involves a Chinese national working with Lafarge, who arrived in Nigeria on March 17 before falling ill weeks later.

According to Ayuk, the patient’s condition deteriorated at a state medical facility, prompting an emergency transfer to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where further medical investigations were conducted.

“At UCTH, samples were taken in line with established protocols, and it was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms consistent with COVID-19,” Ayuk said, adding that the patient is currently responding to treatment.

NSCDC DG states that “This is the only confirmed case that has been isolated and is currently being managed in line with national treatment guidelines.

“The patient is in stable condition and responding to care.

Following confirmation of the case, the Cross River State Ministry of Health, in coordination with NCDC and with support from partners, has activated response measures, including contact tracing, surveillance, and infection prevention & control.

“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission.

“We continue to maintain routine surveillance for COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.

“The detection of this case reflects that these systems remain functional and responsive. Members of the public are advised to:

“Maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene, Stay home and seek care if unwell and Follow updates from official public health authorities.

“NCDC will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.”

Gov Soludo Appoints Bishop Kukah Chancellor Of Ojukwu University

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 22, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has appointed the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, His Lordship, Dr. Mathew Hassan Kukah as the Chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Anambra State.

A statement on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from Christian Aburime, the Chief press Secretary to the Governor, noted that the renowned Catholic Cleric is expected to bring his global network “to foster international partnerships and inspire ethical leadership in the university.”

The statement emphasized that Bishop Kukah’s appointment signals the institution’s renewed commitment to the production of quality graduates.

While describing Kukah as an accomplished Nigerian intellectual and cleric whose contributions over the years integrate academic scholarship with pursuit of social justice, the statement expressed the confidence that his rich antecedents will positively impact the university.

“He attended St. Augustine Major Seminary Jos, Plateau State where he studied Philosophy and Theology; the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a diploma in religious studies, the Pontifical Urban University, Rome, where he got a Bachelor of Divinity; followed by a Master’s degree in Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, and a Ph.D from the University of London’s School of Oriental Studies (SOAS) in 1990.

“He, also, at certain times studied at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and at Harvard University, in Massachusetts, the United States of America”, the statement reads

Ekiti Police Command Trains Personnel For New VCRU

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Ayodele Oni

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April 22, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Some selected personnel of the Ekiti State Police Command are undergoing training preparatory to deploying them to a new Violent Crime Response Uniti, (VCRU) under the command.

The new unit followed the disbandment of special squads inherited by the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Tunji Disu.

The Ekiti State Police Command has unveiled the new Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat violent crimes across the state.

The initiative, introduced in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, is designed to enhance rapid response to criminal activities in both urban and rural communities.

Speaking at the launch held at the Command Headquarters in Ado Ekiti, the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, described the VCRU as a strategic addition to the state’s security framework.

He explained that the unit was established to address the changing dynamics of crime and ensure swift intervention during emergencies.

He also called on residents to support the new unit by providing timely and credible information that would aid crime prevention and detection, stressing that community collaboration remains essential for effective policing.

Falade noted that operatives of the unit are currently undergoing intensive tactical and intelligence-driven training ahead of full deployment.

He emphasized that the officers are expected to uphold professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties, warning that any form of misconduct or abuse of power would not be tolerated.

The Commissioner commended the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his continued support, particularly in the provision of logistics and operational mobility, which he said has contributed to recent successes recorded by the Command.

In his goodwill message, the Secretary of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ekiti State, Lawrence Ogunsetire, pledged the committee’s full support, assuring that it would mobilize communities to work closely with the VCRU.

“You Are Committing Big Political Blunder By Aligning With Senator Yari, Matawalle Warns Governor Lawal

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 22, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a development that has signposted the brewing of a deep crack within the ranks of the All Progressive Congress in Zamfara State, Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has warned Governor Dauda Lawal to be wary of his new found political love with a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari.

This is as he lamented his alleged neglect and exclusion from the running of the affairs of the APC in the State since the coming on board of Governor Lawal.

The Source reports that Governor Lawal, who defeated Matawalle in the 2023 general elections on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had, in the wake of the Court of Appeal ruling on March 9, 2026, nullifying the Ibadan National Convention of the party, as well as recognizing the Nyesom Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led faction, defected to the APC.

But in a viral audio online, the Minister expressed serious concern that after receiving Governor Lawal with warmth into the APC, including publicly renouncing his political ambition, he has been relegated, completely, to the background by the duo of Senator Yari and Governor Lawal.

According to him, only Governor Lawal and Yari meet and decide what happens, and who gets what within the APC in Zamfara State, without any reference to him, both as a former Governor, a serving Minister, and one of the old leaders of the APC in the State.

Matawalle emphasized that when he first defected to the APC during his tenure as a Governor, he made sure that every interest was accommodated,and represented.

According to him, even with his large heart and open mindedness ,some forces in the state, including those now romancing with the Governor, sponsored internal insurrection ,and got the APC defeated in 2019 elections.

He expressed serious fears that the same forces are bent on misleading the Governor, and jeopardising the interest of the party in Zamfara State,

“I defected to the ruling Party when I was a Governor ,but I carried everybody along to avoid grudges both within the Party and Government.

“But all the selfless efforts did not stop some of the party members from embarking.on secret anti-party activities which ultimately led to the failure of the APC in the state.

“Since the day Governor Lawal was formally welcomed into the party by the Vice President, Kashim Ibrahim Shettima ,I made a public declaration that I have renounced my ambition, and asked all my followers to redirect their votes in favour of the second term ambition of the Governor.

“Since then, Governor Lawal has openly embraced Senator Yari Abubakar, and abandoned me. But this should be seen as a clear political blunder, because I have my own people across 14 Local Government Areas of the State, and they are just waiting for my order.

”My people have contacted, complaining that they learnt that the present arrangement is not in any way respecting me as one of the party leaders in the state.

“But I asked them to remain patient and loyal to the APC, and that we still have a long way to go.

“I am warning Governor Lawal to be very careful . The posters of Mukhtar Shehu vying for Governorship in 2027 are still flying in the State, and this underground project is sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yari as he did in 2019, which was the development that finally led to the APC losing both the gubernatorial and legislative positions”, stated.

President Tinubu Appoints New Board Chairmen In The Education Sector

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 22, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Hours after reshuffling his Cabinet, President Bola Tinubu has also made some significant changes in the Education Sector.

He has made new appointments for the National Examination Council, NECO, the National Board of Technical Education, NBTE, the Federal Polytechnic in N’yak Shendam, Plateau State, and the National Library of Nigeria, all institutions under the Federal Ministry of Education.

He appointed Prof Modupe Adeola Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of NECO, and retained the current registrar, Professor Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi.

He also appointed Engr. Dr Bongfa Binfa as Rector, Federal Polytechnic, N’yak-Shendam, Plateau State; and renewed the tenure of Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi as Director/Chief Executive of the National Library of Nigeria.

The Chairmanship position in the National Board of Technical Education, NBTE, is distinguished academic, Professor Babatunde Salako.

12 days ago, President Tinubu had reappointed the incumbent executive secretary, Prof Idris M Bugaje, for a second and final term of five years.

Professor Adelabu, who chairs NECO, is a retired Professor of educational administration who rose through the ranks to full professorship at the Obafemi Awolowo University.

She was a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State (2013- 2014) and the Chairman of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) between 2018 and 2021.

Prof. Babatunde Salako, the new chair of NBTE, is a globally respected researcher with decades of experience in higher education, institutional governance and national policy leadership.

She had served as the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) from 2016 to 2024, a period during which the institute experienced significant revitalisation, enhanced research governance, expanded international collaborations, and improved infrastructure and research outputs.

Bongfa Binfa, from Plateau State, succeeds Dr Mukaila Zakari Ya’u, the pioneer Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, N’yak-Shendam, whose tenure expired on March 16, 2026.

The appointment of Binfa by President Tinubu is for a single term of five years, following the conclusion of the process for appointing a new Rector through a public advertisement in national dailies in September 2025.

Gov Otti Appoints Wife Of His Potential 2027 Challenger, ABSUTH Board Chairperson

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 22, 2026

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Benjamin Kalu and Alex Otti and Dr Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu — L-R: Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu,, Governor Alex Otti and Dr Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a move that has provoked widespread and diverse discuss and speculations within the Abia state political space, Governor Alex Otti, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, appointed Dr Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu , wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital ABSUTH Aba.

For the records, the Deputy Speaker, apart from being one of the most vociferous critics of the present Abia state Government, has been the rallying point of the opposition camp in Abia State.

Although he has not formally declared his intention to vie for the highest office in the State, he has nevertheless remained the most visible potential challenger for the gubernatorial race in the State on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Governor Otti is the national leader of the Labour Party, LP, and the only Governor elected on its platform.

Dr Ezinne’s appointment is contained in a release from the Secretary to the State Government SSG ,Dr Emmanuel Meribole who announced the reconstitution of the hospital’s Board.

According to the release, the reconstitution of the 11-member Board is aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery and enhancing the quality of medical training and healthcare services provided by the tertiary hospital.

Other members of the board whose appointments are with immediate effect, include the Chief Medical Director CMD of the hospital, Prof. Nneka Chioma Okoronkwo, Dr Kelechi Omende, Dr Temple Nwosu, Dr Patrick Umezurike ,and Dr Mrs Ifeyinwa Blossom Uma Kalu.

Others are Prof. Gazie Okpara ,the Deputy Vice Chancellor and representative of the Abia State University Uturu, Prof.Chuks Kamanu, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Mrs Ihuoma Nwagbara, the Director of Administration/Secretary to the Board, and a representative of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Dr Odochi Ewurum.

The Abia State Governor charged the Board Members to work in concert and assiduously to reposition the hospital as a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, medical training and research.

As at the time of reporting, it could not be established if the Deputy Speaker was consulted before his wife’s appointment.

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker was yet to officially react to the development which has aroused the curiosity of not a few Abians.

President Tinubu’s Newly Appointed Ambassador Mohammed Lele Passes On

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 22, 2026

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Ambassador Mohammed Lele — Mohammed Lele

By Akinwale Kasali

Mohammed Mahmud Lele, Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador-Designate to Algeria has passed on.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced his death in a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday. He died at the age of 50 in Ankara, Turkey, where he had been receiving medical care over an undisclosed ailment.

President Bola Tinubu had appointed him as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, and he was later confirmed by the Senate.

Before his demise, he was a career diplomat and served as Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry.

He was born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976. Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano.

Over the years, he worked in Nigerian foreign missions in cities such as Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh, building experience in international relations and diplomacy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described him as a committed officer who contributed to Nigeria’s foreign service and worked actively in support of the country’s diplomatic goals.

His remains were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry before being moved for burial.

He was laid to rest in Kano on Wednesday according to Islamic rites.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sadness over his death, noting that it is a great loss to his family, colleagues in the foreign service, and the country as a whole. It also extended condolences to his loved ones and the people of Bauchi State, while praying for peace for the deceased and strength for those he left behind.

Edun, Fmr. Finance Minister, Resigned, Was Not Sacked – State House

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 22, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Presidency has denied that Wale Edun, until Monday, the Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, until same date, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, were sacked by President Bola Tinubu.

The two men were relieved of their duties through a statement from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The statement said that the two had been relieved of their duties by the President who, also, said that such exercise will be routine and was meant to strengthen the running of the Government.

But a surprise State House statement on Tuesday, April 22, 2026, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, back-pedalled and informed that the men were not relieved of their duties as Ministers, but resigned on their own.

Edun, the statement said, resigned on grounds of ill-health. While not explaining why Dangiwa resigned, the statement said both former Ministers were very thankful to Mr President for the opportunity given to them to serve.

Following is the full text of Onanuga’s statement.

Wale Edun, former Finance Minister and Musa Gangiwa, Housing Minister, resigned; they were not sacked

“Former Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, duly tendered his resignation from office, citing health reasons, before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced his replacement on Tuesday.

“Also, the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, similarly resigned and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

“Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda”, his letter read.

“Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected.

“I wish you and the administration every success in the future”, he wrote.

“On Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa. He held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.

“Dangiwa, an architect, previously served as the managing director of the Federal Mortgage Bank between 2015 and 2022, as well as Secretary to the Katsina State Government, before President Tinubu appointed him as housing minister in August 2023.

“Edun, an economist and investment banker, served as Lagos State commissioner for finance between 1999 and 2004, during the tenure of then Governor Bola Tinubu.

“Before then, he worked from 1980 to 1986 at Chase Merchant Bank (later Continental) in Lagos. He joined the World Bank in September 1986 through the elite Young Professionals program, where he worked on economic and financial packages for several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“In 1989, he co-founded Investment Banking & Trust Company Limited (now Stanbic IBTC) and served as executive director. In 1994, he founded Denham Management Limited, which has since become the Chapelhill Denham Group. He served as chairman from 2008 to 2021.

“President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

“In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.

“President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation.

“Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)”

Alleged Coup Plotters Deny Charges, Get April 27 Date, Accelerated Trial

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Ayodele Oni

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April 22, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Rtd Major General Gana brought in on a wheelchair

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court Abuja, has fixed April 27 for commencement of trial of persons accused of plotting to overthrow the Federal Government.

The Court also ordered that the six persons accused of plotting to overthrow the Federal Government be put on remand at the detention facility of the Department of the State Service (DSS).

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order on Wednesday following a request to that effect by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, who led the federal government’s lawyers in the trial.

At the arraignment, all the six accused persons denied the 13- count treason charges brought against them by the federal government.

Shortly after their plea was taken, Fagbemi applied for accelerated trial of the defendants which was promptly granted by the Court along with remand at the DSS custody.

Attempt by some of the lawyers to move oral applications for bail of their clients was rejected by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik who ordered them to file formal applications.

She also ordered that their lawyers be allowed to access them for effective preparation of their defense in the charges against them.

Sunusi Musa, SAN, who stood for the renowned Islamic Cleric, Sheik Abdukadir Sani Zaria, thanked the AGF for the request to remand the accused persons at the DSS custody.

He said that the DSS had been very civil and respects the rights of his client since he was moved from the detention facility of the Defense Intelligence Agency DIA where he claimed no one was allowed to access detainees.

One of the defendants, retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana was brought to the court on wheel chair on accounts of his ill-health and old age.

Former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, also on the charge sheet is said to be at large

Those put on trial in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026 are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani.

In the 13-count charge, they were accused of plotting to levy war against the Federal Republic of Nigeria to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The alleged offence is said to be contrary and punishable under section 37 (2) of the Criminal Code.

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, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

Supreme Court Reserves Judgment On ADC, PDP Appeals

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 22, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, reserved ruling on the appeals filed by the Senator David Mark-led factional leadership of the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic party PDP National Executive Committee NEC for a date to be communicated to all parties.

The Source reports that while the Mark-led ADC leadership had filed an application challenging the Court of Appeal judgment of March 12,2026 ordering parties in the festering leadership tussle rocking the party to return to the trial Court for the continuation of proceedings in the application filed by the Bala Nafiu Gombe-faction of the ADC disputing the Mark-led NEC, the Turaki-led PDP also filed an appeal against the Appellate Court’s verdict of March 9,2026 nullifying its Ibadan National Convention ,as well as affirming the trial Court’s recognition of the Nyesom Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led PDP leadership.

Besides, Mark, in his application, prayed the Supreme Court for an order of stay of execution of the Court of Appeal ruling ordering parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit filed by Nafiu Gombe before Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite of an Abuja Federal High Court.

The Mark-led ADC leadership similarly in the appeal marked SC/CU/180/ 2026, prayed the court to set aside the March 12 Court of Appeal judgment and order the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to restore recognition for its leadership.

According to Mark, the Court of Appeal exceeded its jurisdiction by entertaining an issue that is clearly within the internal affairs of a political party which, going by extant laws, are not justiciable.

In the same vein, the Turaki-led PDP faction in the suit marked SC/CV/164/2026 is also seeking an order of the Supreme Court setting aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal of March, 9, 2026, which affirmed the trial court’s ruling nullifying its Ibadan National Convention,as well as recognizing the Wike-backed PDP faction.

During the last Court proceedings on April 14, 2026, the Supreme Court, after taking pleas from both parties agreed to give the appeals expedited hearing with a directive for all parties to serve all necessary court papers and respondents to file their responses within the next 72 hours.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Mohammed Garba on Wednesday reserved judgment after parties adopted their final written and oral addresses.

The apex court is expected to deliver its verdict ahead of the May 10, 2026, dateline for political parties to file all necessary documents at INEC in preparation for the 2027 polls.

It will be recalled that the electoral Commission had on April 1, 2026, on the strength of the disputed Court of Appeal judgment of March 12, withdrew recognition from the Mark-led ADC leadership and halted all correspondences, a development that have severely disrupted its preparedness for the forthcoming polls.