INEC Not In Position To Interprete Court’s Decision – Prof Odinkalu

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April 2, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A Professor of Law, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, has revealed that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Prof Josiah Amupitan, is under threat for him to have assumed duties of the Court in the interpretation of Court of Appeal judgement.

Odinkalu faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] on its decision to interpret the ruling of the Court of Appeal in the case [appeal] between Senator David Mark v Hon Nafiu Bala Gombe & Ors.

Odinkalu, in an X post, pointed the finger at the INEC leadership, President Bola Tinubu, Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, alleging a meeting that culminated in the Commission’s statement containing its interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling.

He wrote: “This release by @inecnigeria followed a meeting involving senior leaders of the Commission, & @NGRPresident, @CourtOfAppealNG, @FederalHigh in the last 60 hours.

“I have it on the most impeccable authority that there is a pre-signed resignation letter by Chairman [Professor Joash] Amupitan [INEC chairman].

“It was a pre-condition for his appointment. Ultimately, that had to be called in aid by those who persuaded him to issue this release. The threat of releasing it did the magic.

“It shd [should] be evident to a professor of law & #SAN that [it] is not the business of @inecnigeria to interpret the decision of the Court of Appeal. If they had any doubt, an #INEC governed by good faith shd [should] have gone back to the Court of Appeal to secure an interpretation of the decision.

“But that is not where we are now. The country stares down a barrel & only those willing to enable that, make peace with it, or dare it will be able to sniff the stakes in #NigeriaDecides2027.”

ADC has also kicked against INEC’s interpretation. It rejected INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling, alleging that the electoral body acted under pressure from a government that was scared stiff by the opposition’s momentum.

The ADC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said APC-led federal government was still panicky despite its efforts to destroy all opposition parties and foist a one-party rule on Nigeria.

The party described INEC’s position as contradictory and inconsistent with facts, insisting that it would publicly clarify these issues while warning that the commission has effectively sided with the government against Nigerians.

ADC said it was currently reviewing its options and would announce its next steps soon, urging its members and the public to remain steadfast as events unfolded.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties.

“INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people.

“We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon.

“Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives. Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising.”

CBN: Nigerian Banks Now Stronger To Withstand Domestic, Global Shocks

By

James Orji

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April 2, 2026

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, says Nigerian banks have become stronger following the recent recapitalisation exercise.

The apex bank made the disclosure on Wednesday after the expiration of the 24 months window granted the banks to increase their working capital . The directive, which was announced by the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN in March 2024 expired on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

According to a statement jointly signed by Dr Olubukola Akinwunmi, Director, Banking Supervision, and Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department of the CBN, the bank stated most of the banks have fully recapitalized, saying others who are yet to do so will continue to be operational.

The bank stated that over N4.6 trillion has been invested by local and foreign investors in the banks during the period, adding that the exercise attracted 72.55 per cent of local capital while 27.45 per cent investment was sourced from international markets, saying the development has further strengthened confidence in the nation’s financial system and the economy.

It stressed that ongoing ‘judicial and regulatory’ process are ongoing to address banks that failed to meet the new recapitalisation threshold set for them.

“A limited number of institutions remain subject to ongoing regulatory and judicial processes, which are being addressed through established supervisory and legal frameworks,” CBN said.

“All banks remain fully operational, ensuring continued access to banking services for customers.

“The recapitalisation implemented alongside an orderly exit from regulatory forbearance has improved asset quality, reinforcing balance sheet transparency and overall financial system stability.”
The bank stated further that the nation’s banking system has become stronger to support lending, mobilise savings, and capable of resisting any global economic shock.

“The successful completion of the programme establishes a stronger and more resilient banking system, better positioned to support lending, mobilise savings, and withstand domestic and global shocks.

“The CBN remains committed to maintaining a stable, transparent, and resilient financial system that inspires confidence among depositors, investors, and the broader public, and to advancing the sustainability of the nation’s financial architecture,’’ CBN stated.

Plateau Killings: Tinubu Heads To Jos Amid Bloody Clashes

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James Orji

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April 2, 2026

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today Thursday visit Jos, Plateau State following killings in the state by suspected gunmen on Sunday.

No fewer than 30 persons were believed to have been killed during a Palm Sunday attack in Ungwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

The magazine however learnt that bloody clashes have erupted among contending groups in the state, following the killings, particularly after the state government relaxed the 48 hours curfew earlier imposed in the affected communities.

Social media posts, on Wednesday, showed people running for their lives in some communities, a situation that has further put the state on the edge of more violence, if it’s not quickly put under control.

The Palm Sunday killings has drawn global condemnations as security agencies have swung into action to arrest those that carried out the dastardly act.

In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu will also visit other three states after departing from Jos, before he returns to Abuja, the nation’s capital on April 10.

According to the statement, the president is traveling to Jos to ‘commiserate’ with the government and people of the state following the killings by the suspected gunmen. President Tinubu, the statement stressed, will also visit Lagos, where he’s expected to observe the Easter celebrations; Ogun and Bayelsa states, where he will commission some projects.

Some of the projects to be commissioned by the president in Lagos include, the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, amongst others.

After departing Plateau state “the President will travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday.”
“On Saturday, April 4, President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircraft for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth.

“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.

“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.”

Meanwhile, the state government, announced on Wednesday that those suspected to have been responsible for the Jos attacks have been arrested.

The State Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap made the announcement in a statement yesterday saying the state government was caught unaware by the killers.

Rammap: “To start with, no Government will be aware that they will be attacking the community and they will not do anything about it.

“Those who announced there would be attacks in Jos after Ramadan have been arrested.

“The State Government alone will not be able to achieve the necessary results required. Everyone has a responsibility for these people to be brought to book.

“And again, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police was in Plateau, and the Governor reiterated that position to say, okay, we want to see what happens to the outcome of this prosecution and the investigation that will be conducted and hopefully more arrests should be made in this case.

“Now you can see that when arrest is done, it may not go through the military, the army. The arrest will go through the police. The investigation will go through a channel.

The prosecution will go through another; that is the Judiciary, and it’s a whole team that will work on this issue to be able to bring a lasting solution.”

Again, Blood Flows In Jos As Gunmen in Military Uniform Strike After Curfew Relaxation

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 2, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

The streets of Jos, Plateau State were again gripped by fear when gunmen who disguised in military camouflage uniform unleashed terror on unsuspecting citizens.

The assailants exploited a briefly relaxed security and launched a fresh attack on residents a couple of hours after the Plateau State Government relaxed the 48-hour curfew, it had imposed after the Palm Sunday massacre which claimed the lives of about 27 people in the Angwan Rukuba community.

The seeming calm witnessed Wednesday morning shattered when the attackers, again, arrived on motorcycles dressed in military uniforms to evade suspicion. They then moved through settlements shooting.

Eyewitness accounts say hell was let loose when they opened fire on people before speeding away and disappeared to the outskirts of the city. It is not known how many casualties were recorded.

The Government had relaxed the restriction it placed on movements from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, in the belief that normalcy was returning to the bloodied region.

Reacting to the situation, the Spokesperson for the Military Task Force, Operation Enduring Task Force, Captain Chinonso Oteh, said that troops have been deployed to track down the assailants.

He warned the public of the presence of fake soldiers and urged members to be very vigilant when they see individuals in uniform.

In another development, thugs, mainly youths, took to the streets of Jos on Wednesday, assaulting and mobbing, and, killed at least one innocent young man with stones and clubs. A number of vehicles had their windows smashed.

Jos: “Those Who Plotted Attack Have Been Arrested” – Plateau Govt Confirms

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 2, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Plateau State Government has revealed that those who plotted the blood-cuddling attack on Palm Sunday have been arrested.

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap. She said that those who threatened that there will be an attack in Jos, after Ramadan have been arrested.

Recall that about 30 people were confirmed dead and many more injured when gunmen riding motorcycles, invaded the Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area of the State.

The Commissioner who spoke in an interview on Arise Television noted that no government will be aware of threats of attacks and do nothing about it.

Her words: “To start with, no Government will be aware that they will be attacking the community and they will not do anything about it.

“Those who announced there would be attacks in Jos after Ramadan have been arrested.

“The State Government alone will not be able to achieve the necessary results required. Everyone has a responsibility for these people to be brought to book.

“And again, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police was in Plateau, and the Governor reiterated that position to say, okay, we want to see what happens to the outcome of this prosecution and the investigation that will be conducted and hopefully more arrests should be made in this case.

“Now you can see that when arrest is done, it may not go through the military, the army. The arrest will go through the police. The investigation will go through a channel.

The prosecution will go through another; that is the Judiciary, and it’s a whole team that will work on this issue to be able to bring a lasting solution.”

APC Using Nafiu Bala To Stop ADC; He Resigned From Party To Allow Coalition – Okonkwo

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 2, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Kenneth Okonkwo, a Lawyer and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has dismissed the move by a former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, to challenge the David Mark–led leadership as ridiculous. Okonkwo, an accomplished Actor-turned politician insists that Bala officially resigned from ADC’s National Working Committee in May 2025.

In an interview on Channels Television, Okonkwo revealed that Bala personally wrote, signed, and submitted a resignation letter, where he stated clearly that he was stepping aside for a smooth and effective coalition and restructuring.

The ADC chieftain revealed that Bala’s resignation letter was written on 17 May 2025 and filed on 26 May, 2025, by Bala, in hos own handwriting where he stated that he was resigning for the greater good of the party and the coalition.

Okonkwo submitted that after taking that step, Bala has neither a moral nor legal basis to return to Court to challenge a leadership arrangement which stemmed from the collective decision of the former Executive Council.

He noted that it was only after the All Progressives Congress, APC, allegedly “became uncomfortable with the rising strength of the ADC-led coalition that Bala resurfaced, now attempting to truncate ADC by acting as a spoiler.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Wednesday, shocked not a few Nigerians when it suddenly announced that based on its interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling, it has struck out the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party, respectively, from its Portal and will neither attend its already scheduled National Convention, nor recognise any of its activities – for now.

The ADC has already accused INEC of bowing under pressure from “a jittery APC to destabilise” the Party.

ADC Tackles INEC Over Commission’s Interpretation of Court of Appeal Statement

By

The Source

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April 2, 2026

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has rejected INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling, alleging that the electoral body acted under pressure from a government panicked by the opposition momentum despite its efforts to destroy all opposition parties and foist a one-party rule on Nigeria.

The party described INEC’s position as contradictory and inconsistent with facts, insisting that it would publicly clarify these issues, while warning that the commission has effectively sided with the government against Nigerians. ADC said it is currently reviewing its options and will announce its next steps soon, urging its members and the public to remain steadfast as events unfold.

The full statement reads:

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties.

“INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people.

“We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon.

“Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives.

Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising.

“Signed:

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary,African Democratic Congress (ADC)”

INEC Shocks ADC, Removes David Mark And Rauf Aregbesola From Portal, States Why

By

The Source

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April 1, 2026

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INEC’S POSITION ON THE COURT OF APPEAL’S DECISION IN APPEAL NO. CA/ABJ/145/2026: SENATOR DAVID MARK V HON. NAFIU BALA GOMBE & ORS

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received: A letter from the law firm of Suleiman Usman SAN & Co. dated 16th March, 2026, titled: “RE: NOTICE OF PENDING PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT AND CAUTION AGAINST ANY PURPORTED RECOGNITION OF MR NAFIU BALA GOMBE AS ACTING NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF THE AFRICAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (ADC)” written on behalf of concerned stakeholders within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) A letter from the law firm of Summit Law Chambers also dated 16th March 2026 titled:

“DEMAND FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDERS MADE BY THE COURT OF APPEAL, ABUJA DIVISION IN APPEAL NO: CA/ABJ/145/2026: SENATOR DAVID MARK V HON. NAFIU BALA GOMBE & 4 ORS” written on behalf of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe.

While the letter from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co urged the Commission not to recognise Mr Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on account of the pending Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025: Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe v. ADC & 4 Ors. before the Federal High Court, Abuja, where the question of the leadership of the Party (ADC) is presently being contested, the letter from Summit Law Chambers, on the other hand, attached the certified True Copy of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026: Senator David Mark v Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe & Ors and requested the Commission to enforce the judgement of the Court of Appeal, including: Ceasing recognition of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively of ADC;

Removing their names from the Commission’s portal; and Refraining from dealing with or recognising any actions taken by them in respect of the party in line with the preservation orders made by the Court of Appeal.

Subsequently, by another letter on the same subject matter dated 27th March, 2026, Summit Law Chambers alleged that the Commission had acted in disobedience of the Court of Appeal’s Orders by:

Inviting Senator David Mark’s group to a political parties’ meeting held on Tuesday, 24th March, 2026; and
Monitoring a purported National Executive Committee meeting of that group.

The solicitors (Summit Law Chambers) further drew the attention of the Commission to the Motion Ex-Parte and Motion on Notice filed by their client on 15th December, 2025, seeking to prevent the 1st Defendant (ADC) from holding any convention, congress, conference, or meeting and to stop INEC from attending, monitoring, observing or recognising any activities of the ADC. They accordingly requested INEC to invalidate the NEC meeting held by Senator David Mark’s group on 25th March, 2026, remove the name of Senator David Mark’s group from the INEC portal, stop recognising or acknowledging correspondence from them until the determination of the pending suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja and allow Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe to take over the affairs of ADC pending the determination of the case, and that INEC should respect the orders of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026.

ORDERS OF THE COURT OF APPEAL

In its judgement delivered on 12th March, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed the interlocutory appeal by Senator David Mark and made amongst others, the following Orders:

“Finally, it is necessary to make preservatory orders to ensure that the subject matter of the dispute pending before the trial court is not prejudiced as Courts have inherent powers to control and regulate proceedings to ensure justice…

Accordingly, in order to protect the integrity of the proceedings and the eventual determination of the substantive suit pending before the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025,

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AS FOLLOWS:

That Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, be and is hereby granted accelerated hearing in view of the Electoral Time Table released by the 4th Respondent.

That the parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court.

Cost of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) is awarded in favour of the 1st respondent.”

INEC’S OBSERVATIONS

The Commission, after a careful consideration of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 and the processes filed by the parties in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja wishes to observe as follows:

That the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Party (ADC) came into being following the National Executive Council Meeting of 29th July, 2025 after all the Mr. Ralph Okey Nwosu Exco Members resigned and ratified the appointment of the present members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark.

That Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, who was the Vice-National Chairman, denied he ever resigned from the party and claimed that following the resignation of the Chairman of the party, Mr. Ralph Okey Nwosu, he Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, automatically ought to take over as the Chairman of the Party, being the only Vice-National Chairman left behind in accordance with the constitution of the Party.

That Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, through an Originating Summons, instituted Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 2nd September, 2025 for an order of injunction restraining Senator David Mark’s group (2nd & 3rd Defendants) from parading themselves, dealing or continuing to deal with INEC as National Chairman and Secretary of the 1st Defendant (ADC), an order restraining INEC from recognising, dealing with or continuing to deal with the 2nd and 3rd Defendants as the National Chairman and Secretary of the 1st Defendant (ADC), an order directing INEC to recognise the Plaintiff (Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe) as the acting National Chairman of the 1st Defendant (the ADC), an order of the Honourable Court restraining INEC from parading the 2nd and 3rd Defendants (Senator David Mark’s group) as officials of the1st Defendant (ADC), etc.

Along with the Originating Summons were Motion Ex Parte and Motion on Notice restraining INEC from recognising Senator David Mark’s group.

The motion ex parte was heard on 4th September, 2025 and the trial Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, directed that the Respondents, including INEC, be put on Notice to show cause why the Motion Ex Parte should not be granted.

The 2nd Defendant (Senator David Mark) decided to appeal against the order of Nwite, J. on 18th December, 2025 to the Court of Appeal, Abuja, challenging the jurisdiction of the trial court.

On 12th March, 2026, the Court of Appeal in Abuja ( 6 months after the appeal was filed) dismissed the appeal of the 2nd Defendant and, in addition, made the above-quoted presevatory orders.

The Plaintiff also filed another Motion Ex Parte and Motion on Notice on 15th September, 2025 before the trial court seeking to prevent the 1st Defendant (ADC) from holding, convening or summoning any Convention, Congress, Conference or meeting and to stop the 4th Defendant (INEC) from attending, monitoring, observing, or recognising any activities organised by the 1st Defendant pending the determination of the suit.

That after the Judgment of the Court of Appeal, the Commission received letters from the solicitors to Senator David Mark’s group and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, making claims and counter-claims to the leadership of the party and making several demands on INEC

That the Commission also received on 31st March, 2026, a letter dated 28th March, 2026 from Senator David Mark’s group notifying the Commission of the schedule of ADC Congresses and National Convention as well as the revised schedule of activities earlier contained in their letter of 27th February, 2026.

The request, through a letter dated 29th July, 2025, for the submission of the names of the New Principal Officers of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for upload on the Commission’s portal was received by INEC on 4th September, 2025 and it was approved by INEC on 9th September, 2025.

RESOLUTON OF THE COMMISSION

Given the above scenario, at the meeting of the Commission on Tuesday, 31st March, 2026, the Commission resolved as follows:

To maintain the status quo ante bellum as directed by the Court of Appeal based on the facts and position of the parties existing before 2nd September 2025, when the case was filed by the plaintiff.

That the Commission would, in accordance with the Order of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court, having regard to all the processes filed before the trial Court.

The Commission refused to accede to the request of the Plaintiff’s Solicitors to allow Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe to take over the affairs of ADC pending the determination of the case.

The Commission shall not, given the reliefs claimed in the Originating Summons and the pending motions, receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining the affairs of the party and will not monitor any Meeting, Congress or Convention convened on behalf of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by any group until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court, Abuja so as not to do any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court.

Since the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark were uploaded on 9th September, 2025 by INEC (7 days after the suit was instituted), the names would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the matter is decided by the trial court.

CONCLUSION

The Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to neutrality, impartiality and strict compliance with judicial orders. Political parties and stakeholders are urged to conduct themselves in a manner that does not jeopardise the Electoral Time Table for the 2027 General Election.

Mohammed Kudu Haruna*National Commissioner,*Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee

1st April 2026

Alleged Misappropriation: Laity, Clergy Rise In Support Of Akure Anglican Diocese Archbishop

By

Ayodele Oni

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April 1, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The concerned Laity, Clergy, and faithful members of the Akure Diocese of the Anglican Communion in Ondo State, has dismissed the alleged financial allegations against the Archbishop of Ondo/Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Rt. Revd. Simeon Borokinni.

The group described the allegations as a deliberate move to tarnish the image of the revered man of God, who has played significant roles in moving the diocese and the church of God forward.

In a statement, the Concerned Members of the Akure Diocese Anglican Communion said they had “to respond to the malicious and coordinated attack currently being waged against our Archbishop and Lord Bishop, the Most Revd. Simeon Oluwole Borokini, and his wife, Princess Christianah Adetumbi Borokini.

“It has come to our attention that a group of individuals has come together with a singular, premeditated agenda: to tarnish the image of the bishop and the diocese, with reckless disregard for the implications of their actions on the good name of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

“We hereby state without equivocation that this is not a spontaneous outcry but a calculated and coordinated attack orchestrated by a small but vocal faction whose sole purpose is to destabilize the Church, assassinate the character of a man of God, and divert attention from their own misdeeds.

“A critical examination of the petition reveals a glaring pattern that confirms this agenda.

”This is not a diocesan-wide agitation rather the handiwork of some individuals with a history of rebellion and resistance to accountability.

“We ask the Primate and the wider Church to disregard these petitioners who have consistently resisted oversight while funds for the renovation and construction of the cathedral passed through their hands.

“Now that the Lord Bishop is rightly demanding accountability as he wraps up his tenure, they have resorted to this desperate, coordinated attack.

“Their goal is to blackmail, intimidate, and tarnish the image of the bishop to evade the scrutiny they so richly deserve.

“This gang-up must end now. We cannot and will not continue to watch a handful of individuals dent the image of the Church and the Body of Christ for their selfish, parochial interests.

“Their actions are a direct assault not only on the bishop but on the entire Diocese of Akure and the good name of the Church of Nigeria.

*We call on the Primate, the relevant ecclesiastical authorities, and all well-meaning members of the Church to disregard this petition as the product of a coordinated vendetta.

“The Church’s sanctity must be preserved at all cost and we call of the purveyors of these negativity to desist from such.

“Those who have shown themselves to be agents of division, rebellion, and financial impropriety have no place in the body of Christ

“We stand resolutely with our Archbishop, The Most Rev. Simeon Oluwole Borokini, and his wife, Princess Christianah Adetumbi Borokini.

“We affirm their leadership, their transparency, and their unwavering commitment to the Church of Nigeria.

“No amount of coordinated blackmail will succeed against a man called by God”, the statement added.

APC Has Derailed -Madumere, Fmr. Imo Dep. Gov. Declares, As He Defects To PDP

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 1, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere, has formally joined the Peoples Democratic party, PDP.

Madumere had, in a letter dated March 17, 2026, resigned his membership of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

In the letter addressed to the APC Chairman of the Ezinihitte Ward Mbiere in Mbaitoli Local Council of Imo State, Madumere one of the founding figures of the APC in Imo state, alongside former Governor Rochas Okorocha, informed that his decision to part ways with the party was made after a deep personal reflection on his journey within the APC.

According to him, the decision although a difficult one to take, nevertheless provides yet another opportunity to “explore new paths on his political journey.”

Announcing his defection to the PDP on Wednesday April 1, 2026, at his country home, the former Imo Deputy Governor similarly informed that his choice was made after extensive consultations and careful considerations with his family members , political associates and supporters.

” My dear revered colleagues, supporters and well wishers, after deep reflections and broad consultations with my family, mentors and supporters, I have taken a step into what my conscience prefers.

” Today, I have decided to officially inform you of my resignation from the All Progressive Congress, APC, with effect from March 17,2026, and my entry into the Peoples Democratic party PDP”, he stated.

He emphasized that his decision was not borne out anger, malice and frustration, but necessity.

This was as he noted that he could no longer continue to remain in a system that has little or no regard for loyalty, but instead delights in marginalizing committed members.

According to him, the APC in its current form, has completely deviated from its founding ideals and philosophy, hence his decision to seek alternative political platform.

“For the records, my departure from the APC is not borne out of malice,but of necessity.

“I have come to terms with the notion that I could no longer continue to be an appendage of a party that does not reward loyalty, but is frequently in the habit of disrespecting, and marginalizing members who have stuck their lives for the unity, progress and development of the party. In deed, my old party, the APC, has lost its core objectives”, Madumere noted.

The former Imo Deputy Governor described the PDP as not only a credible alternative ,but a platform that offers hope and renewal.

“I have chosen today to join the Peoples Democratic party PDP because its ideals, philosophy and direction align with my political aspirations and ideology.

“I, therefore, see in this new chapter, a sense of hope and renewal – a platform dedicated to real transformation and progress”, he added.