Clarus Of New Masquerade Television Drama Series Dies At 85

By

-

April 7, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Veteran Nigerian actor, Davis Offor, popular as Clarus has passed on.

The famous actor who featured alongside other renowned thespians in the popular “The New Masquerade” television drama series of many years, died at the age of 85.

His death was announced by a fellow actor Tony Akposheri, known in the New Masquerade as Zacky on his Facebook page on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Akposheri expressed shock and deep sorrow over the demise of his colleague of many years, and noted that nothing suggested that Offor will depart soon as he was full of life when they last met in the early weeks of 2026.

He described the late Offor as not just a colleague, but a friend and brother whose warmth and presence lightened up any space.

“Today, my heart is heavy. Davis Offor, fondly known as Clarus from New Masquerade is gone .

“We crossed into the New Year together laughing , talking , sharing memories ,and speaking hopefully about the days ahead. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.

“You were more than a familiar face on screen. You were a friend ,a brother ,a man with warmth, humour and a presence that could light up any space.

” It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell”, Akposheri stated .

“INEC Bent On Excluding ADC From The 2027 Polls”, Abdullahi Alleges

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

April 7, 2026

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has raised the alarm over what it described as a well scripted plot by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deny the party the chance of fielding candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.

It would be recalled that the electoral umpire had, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, resolved to withdraw recognition for the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC, as well as halting all correspondences with it, thereby effectively shutting the party from all activities.

The INEC had cited a subsisting Court of Appeal judgment ordering the maintenance of the status quo,by parties in the internal and leadership disputes rocking the ADC ,as a major reason for its action.

However, the Mark-led leadership of the party has continued to accuse the Commission of deliberately misinterpreting the said Appallate court’s ruling to justify its orchestrated plot to castrate the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The action also has continued to elicit widespread and scathing criticisms from individuals, and groups both locally and Internationally, with not a few accusing the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, of being the unseen hand behind INEC’s action.

In a statement on Monday April 6, 2026, the ADC national spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi expressed deep shock and regret that the electoral body has deliberately laid down “administrative mines” with the sole aim of ensuring that the party does not pose a threat to the APC in the general elections .

The ADC expressed serious fears that INEC’s decision to halt communication, has the dangerous potential to effectively exclude the party from participating in the electoral process.

According to Abdullahi, INEC’s resolve not to accept any further correspondences from the party pending the determination of a case before a Federal High Court Abuja ,is one sure way of shutting out the ADC .

It emphasized that the unsavoury development poses a serious threat to the party’s ability to meet the statutory electoral requirements as spelt out in the amended 2026 Electoral Act.

The ADC noted that a key aspect of the new Electoral Act is the requirement for a mandatory notice of 21days to the INEC before critical activities ,as well as provision for timelines for the submission of documents.

According to Abdullahi, INEC has already fixed May 10, 2026 as the dateline for political parties to submit all documents relevant to the 2027 polls.

However, the party expressed concern that it may not be able to meet the statutory timelines, going by the decision of INEC to halt all dealings with the party pending the outcome of the court case in Abuja.

“In simple terms, INEC is threatening that unless the courts deliver judgment on the ADC leadership issue before May 10, it will prevent the party from producing candidates”, the party stated.

The ADC emphasized that the situation has placed it in an “impossible position” with the creation of a pathway to artificial non-compliance, which may be used to justify its exclusion from the polls.

Relying on documentary evidence, the ADC regretted that the present posture of INEC is coming even when it had earlier recognized the Mark-led leadership having been part of the processes that ushered it in on July 29 , 2025.

According to Abdullahi,the INEC received a formal notice.of ADC’s National Executive Committee NEC meeting , deployed officials to monitor proceedings ,and subsequently updated its record to reflect the emergence of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

Furthermore, the ADC referenced a sworn affidavit filed by the Commission at a Federal High Court in September 2025 affirming the completion of the party’s leadership transition process as well as recognizing same .

The party, therefore, expressed shock and disbelief that after partaking in, and affirming all the processes that brought the Mark- leadership in place, the INEC could turn round to adopt a contradictory position by suspending engagement with the party ,and at the same time enforcing strict compliance deadlines.

This is as it called on the Commission to resume acceptance of all lawful correspondences from the party ,and , uphold its constitutional responsibility of ensuring a level playing ground for political parties.

ADC: INEC Must Enforce Compliance With Extant Rules, Regulations, APC Insists

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

April 7, 2026

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has warned that any political party that fails to meet up with stipulated guidelines should be prepared to face the consequences.

This is as the party insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is constitutionally mandated to enforce compliance with extant rules for the purpose of ensuring credibility and integrity of the electoral process.

The APC reaction is coming against the backdrop of claims by the the African Democratic Congress, ADC, alleging orchestrated plans to prevent it from fielding candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.

The ADC in a statement from its national spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Monday, April 6, 2026, expressed deep shock and disbelief that INEC has deliberately laid what it described as “administrative mines with the sole aim of ensuring that it does not pose as a threat to the APC ,and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.”

But in a statement on Tuesday April 7, 2026, from its spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, the Lagos State Chapter of the APC while dismissing the ADC’s alarm insisted that the party must comply with extant rules and regulations governing the electoral process.

According to him, the INEC, as an institution, is empowered by the law, and also operates under established rules and regulations and not on sentiments.

The APC maintained that any political parties that do not meet the requirements for the election, should be prepared for the consequences of its actions, noting that the current challenges facing the ADC are neither new nor exceptional.

Referencing the fate that befell the APC in Zamfara state in 2019 , following the decision of the electoral body to bar the party from fielding candidates due to invalid primaries, it warned that no party is above the law.

The APC accused the ADC of trying to shift blame in an otherwise self-inflicted problems.

The APC, according to the spokesperson ,will never accept responsibility for another party’s internal and leadership disputes.

PDP Demands Explanation Over Alleged Dollar, Land Gifts To INEC Chairman, Top Officials By Wike

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

April 7, 2026

0

Nyesom Wike. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic party PDP has called for a clarification from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, regarding allegation that some top officials were feted with cash and land gifts by the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

This is as the party described the alleged development as very disturbing and worrisome ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Source reports that renowned social media influencer and activist, Aisha Yesufu, had, on Monday, in an interview on Arise Television , claimed that some INEC officials were recently compromised by Wike with about $50,000 and lands each to orchestrate INEC’s controversial withdrawal of recognition for the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC of the African Democratic Congress ADC.

But, so far, the electoral umpire has remained silent on the weighty allegation.

However, in a statement on Tuesday April, 7 ,2027 ,the spokesperson for the PDP Ini Ememobong, insisted that the INEC Chairman who it also accused of being a beneficiary of the FCT Minister’s alleged largese, come clean on the issue.

According to Ememobong, the allegation has further imperiled the INEC’s chairman’s ability to preside over the conduct of free and and fair elections in the country.

The PDP urged the Commission to, as a matter of urgent importance, explain to a concerned nation, the circumstances surrounding the alleged cash and land gifts.

“This news is very disturbing, worrisome, and seems to connect the dots in the land-for-favour scenario currently being widely speculated as the strategy for institutional capture by the Minister .

Professor Josiah Amupitan INEC Chairman — Prof Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman.

“It is curious that these land gifts are given to officials in agencies critical to elections ,whereas there are other officials in critical development sectors like healthcare professionals, teachers, and even security officials, whose duties demand that they live in the capital city.

“We have not heard of any land allocation to these people, obviously, because they are not directly related to the electoral process.

“We hereby demand that the National Chairman of INEC come clean on these allegations against his top officials ,and even himself ,as he has also been alleged to be a beneficiary.

“These stories ,at a time like this, deepen the erosion of public trust in an electoral umpire with a legacy of stained credibility. Therefore, the Commission should, as a matter of urgency, and priority, inform the public of the true situation regarding this matter.

” The Commission must remember that at all times, it must strive to be ,

like Caesar’s wife, above board and ensure that transparency and impartiality are not just its watchwords ,but are obvious in both it’s words and actions” ,the PDP stated

Kebbi: Terrorists Kill Five Catholic Church Members, 24 Others In Bloody Attack

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 7, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has announced that terrorists, on Monday, invaded Debe community in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State killing at least 24 villagers.

The incident, which left the area in deep mourning had a widespread destruction of homes, places of worship, and business shops.

The police had earlier confirmed that a suspected Mamudawa new terrorists attacked Gebe, Kawara, Kalkami, and nearby villages.

In a statement signed by the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Fr. Matthew Stephen Kabirat stated that the terrorists invaded the village around 5am on Monday.

According to Fr. Kabirat, “the victims cut across religious and social groups, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence.

“Amongst those killed are five members of the Catholic community: Solomon Gyara, Amos Kagbede, John Solomon, Luka Ishaku, and Yahaya Ayuba. Two others from different Christian denominations—Pastor Ibrahim Mokoshi and Hassan Karaya.”

He added that several traditional worshippers also lost their lives in the attack, including Daura Wojjo, Kogoli Dogo Maigoro, Magandalla Gbakutali, Kalema Gbakutali, Yaron Daura, Abanza Bawa, and Jato Karaya.

Furthermore he disclosed that six victims, identified as Zamani Tanko, Wanzam Bushe, Shekaru Guntu, Sani Maiginan Rijiya, Awwal Shehu Makeri, and Abakar Lenike are from the Muslims community.

The statement revealed that, beyond the tragic loss of life, the scale of destruction was severe as the Roman Catholic Church in Debe an outstation of Sacred Heart Parish Shafaci of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora was completely razed alongside the residence of the catechist, Mr. Zakariya Sule.

Findings also have it that, many homes were destroyed, as local businesses suffered significant losses as well with at least 14 shops burnt dealing a heavy economic blow to the already vulnerable community.

Community leaders say search and recovery efforts are still ongoing, raising fears that the death toll could rise further. The situation remains tensed as villagers have fled and are displaced.

However, calls are mounting for urgent government intervention, a thorough investigation into the incident, and humanitarian support for affected families.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Kebbi state Police Command stated that suspected Mamudawa terrorists attacked Gebe, Kawara, Kalkami, and nearby villages in Shanga Local Government Area, taking advantage of the wetland terrain.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman said the communities were set on fire, and lives were tragically lost.

While expressing the Command’s deepest condolences to the families affected, Bashir said, Security forces, including Police Tactical Units, the Military, Marine Police, and local vigilantes, are actively deployed to restore normalcy, secure the affected areas, and ensure residents’ safety

Seun Okinbaloye To Wike: “Nobody Can Intimidate Me”, As DSS Assures Him Of His Safety

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 7, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

Channels Television’s anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, has expressed concern about the future of democracy in Nigeria if dissenting voices are not allowed.

He declared that “our democracy is in danger if we allow one way traffic in balloting.”

Okinbaloye also said he is not afraid and will not be intimidated following controversy surrounding remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike, while also thanking Nigerians and organisations for their support.

Okinbaloye made this known during a broadcast on Sunday, where he acknowledged the outpouring of solidarity from civil society groups, viewers, and both local and international organisations.

“I sincerely want to thank civil society organisations, our viewers, for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated and reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability,” he said.

He stressed that his comments were not directed at any political group but at all Nigerians, adding that “this is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.”

Okinbaloye disclosed that he received reassurances regarding his safety, noting “the ongoing reassurance from the Department of State Services,” and also revealed that “I also received a call from the Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed.”

Despite the clarification, he cautioned against the use of inflammatory language, saying “violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” especially during an election period when “clear and consistent assurances of safety are critical.”

He added that such statements could create risks if misinterpreted, warning that “we must not create an environment where such statements can be exploited by those with harmful intentions.”

Reaffirming his position, Okinbaloye said, “Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated,” adding that journalism “grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power.”

The anchor maintained that he would continue to hold public officials accountable, stating, “I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account… If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it.”

Wike, had during a media parley in Abuja, reacted aggressively to Okinbaloye’s comments on a Channels Television programme discussing the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress and its implications for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

Okinbaloye had raised concerns about the possibility of a one-party state, a position the minister criticised as inappropriate for a journalist.

Although Wike later clarified that he did not intend physical harm, his aide, Lere Olayinka, said the remark was made “in a hyperbolic context… without intent,” explaining that the minister was responding to what he perceived as the anchor’s involvement in political commentary rather than neutral moderation.

Olayinka added, “The Minister never meant that he would shoot Seun Okinbaloye.

“What he meant was that he was angry seeing Okinbaloye descending into the political arena by speaking as an interested party, instead of an interviewer.”

However, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the minister’s statement, describing it as “reckless and violent,” warning that such language could incite attacks on journalists and undermine press freedom.

The organisation pointed out that the remark “carries the danger of normalising violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job,” stressing that such comments from public officials are unacceptable.

PDP Presidential Aspirant, Hashim, Quits Party

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 7, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

As the gale of resignation continues to take stock on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a presidential aspirant of the party, Dr. Gbenga Hashim has written to formally “convey his resignation with immediate effect.”

In a letter dated 4th April, 2026, addressed to the Chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Usuma Ward, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, FCT, Dr. Hashim reminded him that “the party has been embroiled in persistent and unending crises for over a year, leading to its complete factionalization into two dominant groups.

“You are also witness to the numerous reconciliation efforts I undertook, alongside other well meaning leaders, to bridge these divisions and restore unity within the party.

“Regrettably, these efforts did not yield the desired results.”

Hashim, one of the Conveners of PDP (1998) and the First Elected Deputy National Publicity Secretary explained that “It has become increasingly evident that the crisis was, in part, orchestrated to weaken the PDP as a viable opposition, potentially preventing it from fielding credible candidates in the 2027 election or, at worst, reducing it to a position of tacit support for the incumbent administration.

“I cannot, in good conscience, be complicit in actions that undermine democratic values.

“To remain in a system that appears to endorse a leadership record I fundamentally disagree with would be a betrayal of my principles and commitment to the Nigerian people.

“Today, Nigeria faces severe challenges; widespread insecurity across multiple regions, the tragic and continuous loss of innocent lives, and an economy in distress, with rising poverty among millions.

“It would be inconsistent with my convictions to remain part of any arrangement that appears to legitimize or sustain these conditions.

“Nigeria today is experiencing terrorist wars in four of our six regions.

“Massacres of innocent people have become a daily occurrence. Over eighteen thousand people have been killed in terrorist violence in the three years of the current administration.

“The economy has crumbled, and crippling poverty has soared. Only wickedness, greed and lack of integrity would keep any leader in a system that appears to endorse such outcomes or participate in any charade to coronate a pre-determined candidate.

“It is indeed disheartening that a great party, founded by some of Nigeria’s most committed democrats and patriots has been brought to its knees by internal divisions and individuals whose primary distinction is that they benefited the most from the public offices entrusted to them by the PDP.

“At this juncture, I believe it is necessary for me to step aside and pursue a new path.

“I am compelled by the urgent political realities of our time to collaborate with other patriotic leaders and citizens who are committed to preventing the emergence of a one party state and to building a new political order that guarantees security, justice, and economic prosperity for all Nigerians.

“The time has come to move forward.”

Dr Hashim expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation he received from the Chairman, members of the Ward Executive Committee and all stakeholders.

Petty Trader, Luca, Returns N1 Million Found In Purchased Goods To Owner

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 7, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

In the spirit of Easter and Christian faith, a woman in Plateau state returned a large sum of money she found tucked in purchased goods.

The incident, which happened at Terminus Market in Jos has drawn praise from traders and residents after

Madam Serah Luca, a Christian and petty trader, handed back N1 million that had been mistakenly tucked inside items she bought from a Muslim businessman.

Madam Luca, who lives along Laminga Road, explained that her decision was guided by her faith and personal values.

According to Daily Trust, the petty trader discovered the cash after getting home from the market and rather than holding on to it, she chose to trace the owner and returned it.

“I am a petty businesswoman. I know what it means to suffer loss. If I put that kind of money into my business, I believe God would punish me.”

The trader, Abubakar Dola, who deals in polythene bags at the market, said he had no idea how the money went missing, but later realised it had been placed inside one of the bags sold to Luca.

He recounted that the cash was meant for a transfer through a POS operator. The error occurred when he mistakenly packed it along with the goods she purchased for N6,000.

“I am surprised to see her returning the money, because I did know where I kept the money. I am into polythene bag business here at Terminus.

“She came and purchased goods worth six thousand naira on Friday. I had one million naira kept in a polythene bag which I was supposed to give to a POS operator for transfer, and I mistakenly put the money inside the polythene bag she bought.

“I didn’t know the money was inside the goods she bought. Three days later, the woman returned the money to me. I pray Allah rewards her with more than what she did for me. I pray Allah gives us more people of her kind and who fear Allah.

“I thank Allah for what she did for me. It’s not easy to have people of her character. I had completely given up because I didn’t know how the money got lost. I didn’t even think I put the money in someone’s goods,” the trader narrated.

In another report, residents of Anguwan Rogo and Anguwan Rukuba communities in Jos, Plateau state have received financial support after guarding people of different faiths during recent violence in the area.

The gesture followed incidents in which locals intervened to shield both Christians and Muslims caught in separate attacks.

The reward, amounting to N1 million, was presented by former lawmaker Gwani Muhammad Adam Alkali.

Each community received N500,000 in recognition of their actions during the crisis, which had heightened tensions across parts of Jos North.

Kebbi Assembly Speaker Dies Abroad

By

James Orji

-

April 7, 2026

0

Kebbi State House of Assembly Speaker, Muhammad Usman Zuru, is dead.

The lawmaker died on Monday night in an Egyptian hospital where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness, according to sources familiar with what happened.

Zuru’s death was confirmed by the sources close to the Kebbi State Government, even though the state government failed to give further details.

Before he died, Zuru represented Zuru Constituency in the state assembly and was regarded as a key figure in the legislature.

Confirming the development, an aide to the governor on Communication and Strategy, Idris Zuru, described the incident as shocking, painful and a big loss to the state.

Zuru: “The death of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman Zuru, came to us as a rude shock. It is a painful loss not only to Kebbi State but to the entire nation.

“We are still gathering full details surrounding his passing. The government will make an official statement and announce burial arrangements in consultation with the family.”

Gov Rada ‘Backs’ Yusuf Buhari For House Of Reps

By

James Orji

-

April 7, 2026

0

Yufus Buhari, son of the late Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, has declared his interest to run for the House of Representatives seat in the 2027 poll.

He made his intention known in a letter he personally signed, and made available to the journalists at the weekend.

The letter, dated 3rd April 2026, is titled: “Expression of interest to contest for the seat of House of Representatives Sandamu/Daura/Mai’Adua Federal Constituency.”

It read, “With all respect, I am extremely delighted to write and inform you of my intention to contest for the seat of House of Representatives at the above-mentioned constituency (Sandamu/Daura/Mai’adua), under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

“After wide consultations, I wish to contest for the seat of the House of Representatives, Sandamu/Daura/Mai’adua, as my contribution to ensure a good and qualitative leadership.

“Your support will help my ambition to succeed, to bring infrastructural development as well as human support and development to the people of this constituency.

“While expecting your full support and encouragement, I wish you all the very best in all your undertakings.”

The magazine reporst that Buhari’s declaration comes few days after some APC stakeholders in the Sandamu Local Government Area of Katsina he’s their preferred aspirants for the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency of the state.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held at the Sandamu Local Government secretariat, which brought together elected officials and political appointees across the federal constituency.

Speaking to participants, the council chairman, Usman Na-Lado, described the endorsement as a collective decision by party leaders in the counicl and state as a whole.

He stressed that Yusuf’s candidacy was considered suitable based on his perceived capacity and acceptance among party stakeholders.

The council chairman explained that beyond the House of Representatives seat, the meeting also reaffirmed support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dikko Radda as the party’s flag bearers for the Presidency and governorship seats, respectively, in the 2027 general elections.

Sources within the party informed that the endorsement of Yusuf Buhari is a clear directive from the state governor, Dikko Radda.

One of the sources, said “Yusuf Buhari is Governor Rada’s candidate.”