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.

APC Incentives To Bauchi Gov.: Soft Landing On Ongoing EFCC Case Against Commissioner, Right To Nominate Successor

By

Ayodele Oni

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April 1, 2026

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APC National Chair and Kano Gov In Emergency Meeting With Bauchi Gov

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has put on the table political incentives to encourage the Bauchi state Governor, Bala Mohammed, to join the party.

A Delegation of the APC , led by the national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, was in Bauchi on Wednesday to meet with Governor Mohammed at the Government House.

The visit, which included Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, comes on the heels of reports that Governor Mohammed is planning to exit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The meeting was held behind closed doors, with no official statement issued to the press afterward.

However, sources within the Government House suggest the visit was a strategic move by the APC leadership to persuade Mohammed—the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum—to join the ruling party, instead of his rumored move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The sources also confirmed that the national chairman is ready to offer all the privileges to Bala Mohammed including soft landing to the ongoing EFCC case against his commissioner and state government, and right to nominate his successor

The meeting occurred less than 24 hours after Mohammed hosted an ADC delegation led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

Following that meeting, the Governor lamented the “irreconcilable” crisis within the PDP.

“I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked,” Mohammed stated on Tuesday.

“As of now, the ADC appears to be a very welcoming platform. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make a mistake.”

While Mohammed previously suggested that the APC had not shown interest in him, the sudden arrival of the APC top brass suggests the ruling party has now “opened its doors” to the Bauchi helmsman.

APC Plans To Destabilize ADC – Spokesman, Abdullahi

By

Ayodele Oni

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April 1, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), of a sinister plan to destabilise the party.

“The plan is simple: a paid crowd, posturing as aggrieved party members, will take to the streets demanding “David Mark Must Go,” the latest allegations of the ADC against the APC.

The national publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi who made the allegations on his X handle on Wednesday, said the option of the paid protest was activated after an unsuccessful move to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) into dismantling the David Mark led leadership of the party .

The statement reads: “Yesterday, we disclosed a sinister plot by agents of the ruling APC government to pressure INEC into taking illegal action to destabilise our party, following the milestone movement of H.E. Rabiu Kwankwaso to the ADC.

“After meeting a brick wall with INEC, they have now changed tactics, but the objectives remain the same.

“Information reaching us this morning is that a public protest is being planned for tomorrow, Thursday, 2nd April, in Abuja, sponsored by a particularly notorious minister.

“Their expectation is that a protest will give oxygen to a case already suffocating in the courts under the weight of its own illegality.

“The plan is simple: a paid crowd, posturing as aggrieved party members, will take to the streets demanding “David Mark Must Go.”

“This, they hope, will create ‘public pressure’ on the INEC Chairman to magically upgrade and recognise an individual who resigned his position and was subsequently expelled from the ADC, to the position of National Chairman of a party he no longer belongs to.

“The plan by the ruling APC government is to hijack the leadership of the ADC, the only viable opposition party left in the country, is real. If anything, it has assumed a new level of desperation in the past few days. They are not just afraid of our momentum.”

The party stated that the APC is afraid of what happens when the Nigerian people start paying attention and begin to believe that change is possible.

“ADC remains focused on our duty to Nigerians, and we shall remain law-abiding. We will, however, resist by all lawful and necessary means.

“If they are not acting on his orders, President Tinubu should rein in his enforcers before it is too late.”

APC National Chair, Kano Gov. In Emergency Meeting With Bauchi Gov. Mohammed

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 1, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Barely 24 hours after revealing his interest in joining forces with the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the Bauchi State Governor, on Wednesday April 1, 2026, was locked in a closed-door meeting with the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwaltda, and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf.

The Meeting which held at the Bauchi State Government House featured only the three of Yilwaltda, Governors Yusuf and Mohammed. Other party executives and Government officials were barred.

The Source reports that Governor Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, had on Tuesday March 31, 2026, at a meeting with an ADC delegation led by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, announced his preference for the opposition Coalition platform as an alternative to the crisis-ridden PDP.

Speaking while receiving the delegation in audience, Governor Mohammed cited the festering leadership and internal crises bedeviling the PDP, as well as past failed efforts at reaching agreement with the APC as major reasons for his choice of the ADC.

“We have found ourselves in a very dare situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, including even reaching out to the All Progressive Congress APC, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted there.

“As of now, ADC appears to be a very welcoming, and acceptable alternative political platform.

“However, we have not concluded discussions. We have are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes” Governor Mohammed stated.

He, however, expressed the optimism that all discussions and consultations will be concluded on or before Thursday April 2,2026.

Earlier ,the former SGF had informed that the ADC delegation was in Bauchi at the instance of the National Chairman Senator David Mark to formally invite Governor Mohammed to join the party.

Although details of the emergency meeting between the APC National Chairman, Governor Mohammad and his Kano State counterpart were not made public, ,as they refused to speak on the matter, it was gathered that the parley centred on the political future of the PDP Governors Forum Chairman.

According to inside sources, the APC is not comfortable with the prospect of losing Mohammed to the ADC at the time it is yet to come to terms with missing out on the Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso deal in Kano.

The decision of the party for the Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to accompany the APC National Chairman on the visit was said to be a strategic move to lure Governor Mohammed who is speculated to have been heavily influenced by Kwankwaso in his choice of the ADC.

In fact, a source who is conversant with the ongoing realignment processes, informed that the APC is gradually coming to terms with the danger posed by the ADC ahead of the 2027 polls.

Benue Government Shuts Down For Seven Days To Celebrate Easter Festivities

By

Adesina Soyooye

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April 1, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

In a first of its kind in Nigeria, the Benue State Government has shut down, for seven-days, to celebrate Easter.

Easter holiday, beginning from Good Friday, the day Jesus Christ crucified to His resurrection on Easter Day, is the holiest and most important days in Christendom. It is at the core of the Christian Faith.

To mark it, therefore, the Governor of Benue State, a Roman Catholic Rev. Father, authorised the declaration of a seven-day public holiday to enable its celebration by Christians in the State.

The directive for the seven- day holiday was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 30, by the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Godwin Tyolumun Tighil. He issued it on behalf of Deborah Aber, the Secretary to State Government.

In the statement titled ”Declaration of Public Holiday to Mark Easter

Celebration,” Benue State workers began their Easter break on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, and would resume work on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The statement informed that the seven-day public holiday was approved by Governor Hyacinth Alia, who, also, ordered public servants to close work by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, the day the holiday began.

Workers in essential services, however, are to remain on duty.

The Federal Government-declared public holidays for Easter are usually restricted to Friday to mark the crucification of Jesus Christ, and Monday, the day after his resurrection.

It is not known how the Benue State-extended public holiday will affect private businesses, banks and Federal Government institutions.

Court Vacates Warrant Of Arrest Order Against Turaki, PDP Factional Leader

By

Akinwale Kasali

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April 1, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

An Abuja High Court on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, vacated the arrest warrant it ordered against the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Taminu Saraki, SAN.

The Court had issued a bench warrant against Turaki on March 26, 2026. But Justice Peter Kekemeke vacated the order while ruling on an oral application by Turaki’s lawyer, Chris Uche, following his (Turaki’s) appearance in court.

Uche had apologized for his absence at the last hearing, claiming to have traveled out of the country, stressing that he returned earlier today and headed straight to the court.

He also apologised on behalf of his client, who he said is a Senior Advocate and has the highest regards for the Court.

Responding, lawyer for the prosecution, Usman Rabiu, said he was not opposed to Uche’s applications.

Rabiu noted that the essence of the arrest warrant was to compel the defendant to appear in court.

He added that since he has attended Court, the purpose of the order for his arrest has been met.

“Since he (Turaki) is here, we are not opposed to his being arraigned today.”

Justice Kekemeke noted that the defendant attended the Court on his own before the arrest warrant could be executed.

The Judge also noted that his lawyer has apologised for his absence, even though the reason why he was absent was not clear from what Uche said.

He, however, elected to pardon the defendant and proceeded to vacate the arrest warrant.

Justice Kekemeke said since the case was scheduled for Wednesday for the hearing of the motion on notice filed by the defendant, it was inappropriate to proceed with the defendant’s arraignment.

The Judge also struck out a motion on notice filed by Turaki, in which he had sought the stay of execution of the arrest warrant after Uche applied to withdraw it and Rabiu did not object.

The Judge, however, adjourned the hearing until April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment on a one-count charge, marked CR/647/2026, brought against him by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Justice Kekemeke had, on March 26, issued the arrest warrant after Turaki failed to attend Court for the purpose of his being arraigned on the one criminal charge in which he is accused of, among others, giving false information to the police.

Ondo: Akure Anglican Diocese Invites Anti Graft Agency To investigate Church Accounts

By

Ayodele Oni

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April 1, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Retiring Archbishop of Akure Diocese Anglican Communion, the Most Rev’d Simeon Oluwole Borokini, is in an alleged financial scandal for expending the sum of N200 million Church fund on a personal building.

A petition from the congregation is accusing the Archbishop and his wife, Princess Christianah Adetunbi Borokini, of administrative failure, financial misconduct, and abuse of office.

The petition, dated March 28, 2026, was addressed to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and reportedly submitted by representatives of 19 Archdeaconries and the Cathedral.

Copies were also sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commissioner of Police.

The petitioners accused Archbishop Borokini of failing to effectively manage Diocesan affairs, while alleging that his wife assumed undue control over both administrative and spiritual matters within the Diocese.

*Alleged Administrative Takeover by Bishop’s Wife*

‘Central to the allegations is Mrs. Borokini’s appointment as Principal of St. Mathias Secondary School in 2021.

“The petition described the appointment as irregular and claimed it enabled her to dominate the administration and finances of both St. Mathias Secondary School and Bishop Falope Nursery and Primary School.

“According to the petition, student enrolment at St. Mathias reportedly fell from 602 in 2021 to 62 by 2025. The petitioners also alleged that established financial procedures were bypassed, citing the unilateral appointment of new signatories to school accounts.

*Claims of Financial Impropriety*

The petition further alleged that both the Diocese and school funds were diverted into personal accounts and that Mrs. Borokini operated as sole signatory on several accounts, contrary to laid-down regulations.

“Specific allegations included the mishandling of funds meant for WAEC fees, chapel renovation, entrepreneurship projects, and school programmes.

“The petition also cited an instance where parents allegedly paid ₦8,500 for inter-house sports that was later cancelled without refunds.

“Additionally, the petition claimed that Mrs. Borokini’s daughter, Oluwatosin Borokini-Ojo, had improper access to school funds and continued to receive salary payments despite being a civil servant.

*Unaccounted Revenues and Donations*

Petitioners further alleged that revenues from oil palm operations, timber sales, school facilities, retreat centres, and major donations were not properly accounted for.

“Among the figures mentioned were ₦50 million allegedly received from the NDDC for widows and ₦20 million reportedly donated by St. David’s Cathedral, Akure, and St. Michael’s Church, Ilara-Mokin.

“Concerns were also raised over what the petition described as ‘multiple suspicious accounts’ allegedly opened and operated outside official diocesan structures.

*Alleged Unauthorized Sale of Assets*

The petition accused Mrs. Borokini of involvement in the unauthorized sale of Diocesan land and assets, including plots belonging to St. Mathias Secondary School. It claimed that Diocesan legal officers had found her liable but that no disciplinary action was taken.

“Other assets allegedly sold without approval include four plots of land behind Fiwasaye Grammar School and several vehicles, including a water truck, a bus, and a Hilux.

*Retirement and Governance Controversies*

Archbishop Borokini was also accused of financial recklessness in relation to his retirement plans. The petition alleged that over ₦200 million of diocesan funds were spent on a personal residence in Alagbaka without proper approval, and that the retirement home of his predecessor, Rt. Rev. Ipinmoye, remains incomplete.

“The petition further accused the Archbishop of disregarding the Primate’s directive for peace following a 2025 crisis over the attempted removal of the Cathedral Dean, alleging that several officials were later removed from office for supporting the Dean.

*Calls for Investigation and Accountability*

Among the demands listed are the suspension of the Archbishop’s retirement activities, a halt to construction of his retirement home, and the immediate relief of Mrs. Borokini from all administrative and financial responsibilities.

The petitioners also called for a full forensic audit of Diocesan finances since 2014, recovery of allegedly misappropriated assets, and the establishment of an independent investigative panel involving ICAN and the Nigerian Bar Association.

“Public office is a responsibility, not a privilege shrouded in secrecy. The time to speak is now. Silence is no longer acceptable”, the petition stated.

DSS Re-arrests El-Rufai, As Court Adjourns Ruling on Bail Application

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 1, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, was, on Wednesday, April 1, 2023, re-arrested by suspected operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS.

El-Rufai was reportedly intercepted within the premises of the Federal High Court, Kaduna, immediately after his bail application was adjourned to April 14, 2026 for a ruling.

The Source reports that the African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain who is facing inter-agency investigations and prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds and security related Offences was, on Tuesday March 24, arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of a Kaduna Federal High Court on alleged money laundering and inflation of Severance package to the tune of over N579 billion.

Similarly, his arraignment, alongside a co-defendant, Ahmadu Sule, at a Kaduna State High Court, on a separate 10-count charge bordering on alleged corruption practices abuse of office, money laundering and misappropriation of about N11 billion meant for the execution of a light rail project ,was adjourned to April 10, 2026.

At an interactive session with the Media after Wednesday’s proceedings, El-Rufai’s counsel Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, informed that the Court, after hearing arguments for and against, reserved ruling on the bail application for April 14, 2026.

“We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court ,and this is a court of justice . We await the decision of the court”, he stated.

According to reports, the DSS, before El-Rufai’s re-arrest, had been maintaining a huge presence in court.

The Service is billed to arraign the former Kaduna state Governor at an Abuja Federal High Court on April 23, 2026, on a two-count charge bordering on security related Offences.

Specifically, the DSS will be prosecuting him on charges relating to alleged wire-tapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser NSA.

With the latest arrest, El-Rufai may be facing a prolonged spell in custody .

El-Rufai’s Bail Application Adjourned To April 14 For Ruling

By

Ayodele Oni

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April 1, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Ruling On the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s in the ongoing alleged corruption trial against him has been fixed for April 14.

A Federal High Court in Kaduna on Wednesday fixed the date following arguments by both the defence and prosecution teams.

The lead defence counsel, Adewole Iyamu, said the team is “hopeful of a favourable decision,” noting that all arguments have been fully placed before the court.

According to Iyamu, SAN, “The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14.

“We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice. We await the decision of the court,” he added.

El-Rufai is facing a 10-count corruption charge by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He had been in ICPC custody from February 19 until his temporary release on March 28 following the death of his mother in Cairo, Egypt.

According to Iyamu, the former governor is also expected to appear at the Federal High Court in Abuja on April 10 in a separate matter filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), with all necessary legal papers already filed.

“That is a separate matter. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he said.

The bail application was formally moved in Court and duly responded to by the prosecution, Iyamu told Journalists.

He added that the defence team is fully prepared for the upcoming April 10 hearing in Abuja.

Security around the Kaduna Court complex has been intensified, with operatives deployed to maintain order amid heightened public attention.

Journalists were barred from entering Courtrooms during earlier sessions, and traffic restrictions along nearby roads caused congestion for commuters.

Stern looking operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), later whisked away El-Rufai from the court premises.

52-Year Old Female Drug Dealer Suspect Dies Inside Court Room, Family Blames NDLEA

By

Adesina Soyooye

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April 1, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Confusion reigned at the Federal High Court, Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday when a 52-year old woman died inside the Court during her prosecution.

Before her death in the Court room, she was being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

Identified as Titilayo Akindele, her family holds the NDLEA responsible over, according to them, alleged negligence by the Agency which they claim, refused to grant her bail to enable the family attend to her health issues.

Akindele, a source said, was arrested in the third week of January 2026 by the Edo State Command of the NDLEA over an alleged possession of Loud, a prohibited type of hard drug.

Family members said that while in custody, she complained of ill-health and also emphasised on that during Court arraignments.

According to them, she repeatedly requested medical attention but a deaf ear was turned to her.

They alleged that NDLEA continued to oppose the granting of bail to her. Her death, her collapse, and subsequent death in Court, the family insist, refused to is due to the negligence she suffered in detention and the repeated court appearances without consideration to her health condition.

According to her son, Adeshola, the NDLEA was allegedly hard on her and refused every plea to release her on bail for medical attention.

He said: “Several times we drew the attention of the prison authority to give us the go-ahead to treat my mum but all to no avail as they kept on telling us that NDLEA declined such until she finally collapsed and died in the court room”

In panic, her body was momentarily abandoned in the Court room but was later removed by personnel of the Edo State Police Command, NDLEA officers, in an ambulance from Edo Central Hospital.