International Friendly: Jordan Hold Super Eagles to 2-2 Draw In Antalya

April 1, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

FIFA World Cup-bound Jordan popular as Al-Nashama, had to dig into the deepest part of their pouch to avoid defeat against the Super Eagles in an international friendly match played in Antalya, Turkey on Tuesday night.

The Three-time African Champions wrapped up their March International Friendly window with a pulsating 2-2 draw against the Jordan Senior men team at the Mardan Sports Complex.

The Jordanians currently ranked 64th in the FIFA World Ranking and boasting a formidable recent record, showed their quality early in the match, by finding the back of the net as early as the 17th minute.

A well-rehearsed free-kick routine caught the Nigerian defense off-guard, allowing star man, Mousa Tamari to fire Jordan into the lead.

Nigeria thought they had restored parity just six minutes later when Raphael Onyedika hammered home a clever cut-back from Moses Simon, but the strike was controversially ruled out as offside by the officials.

Undeterred, the Super Eagles equalized in the 30th minute through Captain for the night, Moses Simon.

Simon celebrated a landmark 97th appearance showcasing his predatory instincts yet again, after Ademola Lookman’s initial effort was blocked, the Paris FC forward reacted quickest to slot home with a delightful left-footed finish, marking his second goal in as many games this month.

The turnaround was completed four minutes before the breakas Birmingham City Football Club of England right back, Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered a pinpoint cross that found Emmanuel Fernandez who was making his full debut for the Super Eagles.

The Glasgow Rangers of Scotland man showed remarkable composure to control and fire a left-footed strike into the net, handing Nigeria the lead heading into the interval.

The second period took a physical turn. In the 57th minute, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was forced off following a clearance, making way for Adebayo Adeleye.

Seeking to consolidate the midfield, Eric Chelle introduced veterans Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi for Yira Sor and Raphael Onyedika.

For Iwobi, the substitution marked his 98th cap for Nigeria, edging him closer to the exclusive “Century Club.”

However, Jordan’s evolution as a global footballing force was evident as they pushed for an equalizer, which eventually arrived in the 77th minute.

In a final push for victory, Nigeria handed a senior debut to Philip Otele, who replaced Frank Onyeka, while Samuel Chukwueze came on for Simon.

The closing stages were marred by late tension, resulting in a straight red card for Alex Iwobi.

Despite the draw, the window provided vital insights for the coaching staff.

With Jordan having lost only one of their last five matches prior to Tuesday’s encounter.

The stalemate serves as a testament to the competitive nature of the fixture as the Super Eagles continue their preparations for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Adelabu Denies Resignation As Minister Of Power To Contest Oyo Governorship

Ayodele Oni

April 1, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has declared that resolving the power supply challenges is his priority for now.

Reacting to news of his resignation to enable him contest the Oyo Governorship, the Minister stated: “We have between now and March 31, if I am interested, in the gubernatorial contest in Oyo State. It is all about service, either at the national level or at the subnational level.”

He denied his rumoured resignation from office, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Adelabu dismissed the news on Tuesday night through his Special Assistant on Media, Bolaji Tunji.

The minister insisted that he remains fully committed to his responsibilities in the power sector.

He shared photos of the purported resignation letter stamped “fake news.”, emphasizing that there is no truth to it

It would be recalled that Adelabu at a press briefing in Abuja last Tuesday, said: “What matters to me most now is this job that I am doing as the Honourable Minister of Power.

“I am excelling on the job, and that is my priority for now, tackling foreseen, known and unforeseen challenges in the power sector.”

The minister reiterated that resolving Nigeria’s electricity challenges remains his immediate focus and priority for now, adding that if he is interested in governorship race, he would announce through the media.

‘Resolving the power supply challenges is my priority for now. We have between now and March 31, if I am interested, in the gubernatorial contest in Oyo State. It is all about service, either at the national level or at the subnational level,” Adelabu added

“Defence Minister Musa, Prove You Are Different Or Resign” – Senator Natasha

Adesina Soyooye

April 1, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

After a hard look at the number of innocent Nigerians mowed down, and the rivers of blood which passed through Plateau, Kaduna and Zamfara States in the past one week, an exasperated Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has asked the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa to shape up or ship out.

In the past few days, about 40 Nigerians have been brutally and gruesomely killed in Plateau, Kaduna and Zamfara States.

The killings in Plateau State, in particular, sparked international outrage and so did those in Kaduna State.

In Angwan Rukuba, Plateau State, about 30 people were indiscriminately mowed down, and tens more sustained injuries during an inexplicable attack on Palm Sunday at about 8.30pm

General Christopher Musa - Swears in — General Christopher Musa

In Kaduna, a wedding ceremony turned into mourning when gunmen stormed the venue and opened fire on guests, killed 14 and abducted some more.

Reacting to the blood cuddling killings, Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a post, reminded Defence Minister Musa of the promise he made, and the assurance he gave, to protect Nigerians when he appeared before the Senate for screening. So, far, the Senator pointed out, Musa has not fulfilled his promise, or kept to his assurances. Instead, the situation seem to be worsening.

She condemned, in strong words, the recent killings, and said Nigerians remain unprotected. Finally, the Senator asked Musa to step up his game or resign.

She wrote in her post:

“Dear General Christopher Musa, Angwan Rukuba is another brutal reminder that Nigerians remain unprotected.

“During your screening at the Senate Chambers, your words were filled with promises and I allowed myself a sigh of relief…at last, I thought.

“Well, prove NOW you are different and secure lives or step aside.

“Enough of condolences. Enough of excuses.

“Nigerians want action, protection and results.”

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, Set To Join ADC

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 31, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who is, also, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Forum has signaled his preference for the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Governor Mohammed who spoke on Tuesday, March 31,2026 , while receiving in audience an ADC delegation led by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, at the Bauchi State Government House, expressed his willingness to join forces with the opposition party in the days ahead.

He cited the seemingly intractable leadership and internal crises rocking the PDP as the major reason for his planned defection.

According to him, all meaningful efforts at retrieving the PDP from the brink have so far proved futile owing to what he described as the destructive activities of some hirelings.

“We have found ourselves in a very dare situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation. But it has not worked

“We set up committees at both the national and state levels to explore all conflict resolution options, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted”, Gov Mohammed stated.

He emphasized that after several discussions and consultations, ADC has emerged as the auspicious and acceptable alternative political platform to the PDP.

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

“However, we have not concluded. Talks are still ongoing. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes.

” However, we are still conscious of the dateline. Everything, I believe will be concluded on, or before Thursday so that we can move forward together. You will hear a firm commitment from us”, Mohammad assured the ADC delegation.

Earlier, Lawal had noted that the ADC delegation was in Bauchi State at the instance of the party’s national leadership headed by former Senate President, David Mark, with a clear mandate to officially invite the Governor to join the ADC.

According to the former SGF, the task of rescuing the country from the precipice is one that requires unity and commitment.

This was as he expressed the optimism that their mission to Bauchi would yield the expected results.

Mohammed and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, are the only two Governors still in the PDP. The others, over 12 of them, have all decamped to the APC, except Osun State Governor who decamped to the Accord Party.

Aftermath of Kwankwaso Defection: ADC Says Pressure Mounting On INEC to Destabilise Party

The Source

March 31, 2026

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the APC-led Federal Government of attempting to destabilise the party following Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s defection, alleging pressure on INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), to interfere in its leadership.

In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said a March 28 letter by some Senior Advocates, purportedly representing an expelled member of the party, is being used to push INEC to invalidate party actions and alter its structure before the court rules. The ADC alleges that this is part of a grand plan to destabilise the only viable opposition party left in the country and promises to resist it using all constitutional means.

The full statement reads:

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has observed a coordinated attempt to pressure the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), and destabilise the David Mark-led leadership of the party.

The decision of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join our party has understandably sent jitters through the ruling party. Since then, top officials within the Federal Government have renewed their onslaught against our party, in a bid to discourage other high-profile figures.

This conspiracy is centred on a legal dispute that is now being pushed beyond the courtroom. In a letter dated March 28, 2026, a team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria is asking INEC to enforce a curious and peculiar interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling regarding what constitutes “status quo ante bellum.”

In the said letter, the writers even went ahead to threaten the INEC chairman with arrest if he does not grant their request within seven days. They want INEC to invalidate party meetings, remove recognised officials, and hand over the affairs of the party to a specific individual, even though the case itself has not been fully decided by the courts. Obviously, what the authors of this vexatious letter are attempting to do is to pressure INEC to take sides and grant them what no court in Nigeria has granted.

For the avoidance of doubt, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is claiming to be aggrieved over the ADC leadership, was never the Chairman of the ADC. And, perhaps more significantly, Nafiu Gombe had earlier resigned his position alongside other members of the National Working Committee. He has also since been expelled from the party. Therefore, any attempt to recreate a “status quo” that upgrades his position to National Chairman of the ADC at any point in time is, at best, fictitious.

What we are witnessing is a convergence of legal pressure and political intent by a ruling party that is unsettled by the growing appeal of the ADC. But Nigerians can see what is happening.

No amount of pressure, no manufactured confusion, and no distortion of legal processes will stop what is already in motion. The ADC is growing. Nigerians are joining. A credible opposition is taking shape.

We call on INEC to remain guided by the Constitution, resist all forms of pressure, and uphold its duty as an impartial umpire.

This is bigger than the ADC. It is about whether Nigerians can freely choose a different path. And that must not be compromised.

Signed:

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi

National Publicity Secretary

African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Shock As Lawyer Trapped In Abuja Hotel Lift Suffocates To Death

Adesina Soyooye

March 31, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

When a Kano-based Lawyer, Abdulsalam Ginsau, took off to Abuja and was in a hotel where he either lodged or went to a meeting, little did he know he would not come out alive.

In an incident that defies all understanding, the Barister -at-law, got trapped in the lift of the hotel on Tuesday, March 31, and suffocated to death, apparently, before any hope could come.

No explanation has yet been given of the circumstances which surrounded this tragic incident. Nobody has publicly answered questions begging for answers.

For instance, was there a power-failure and the hotel was not able to switch over to its power generating set? Or was the hotel already using its power-generating set and it suddenly packed up? Where were the hotel’s technicians who, ordinarily could have taken care of the lifts? Was Abdulsalam unable to press the emergency button of the situation and rescued him from such a painful end? Were hotel staff unaware that somebody was inside the lift? Or was the lift faulty?

There has been no official statement from the Police or the hotel which name has, also, not been disclosed.

But Shehu Sani a former Senator in a post on his

X handle confirmed the tragic incident which he described as pathetic.

Senator Sani: “The case of Barister Abdulsalam Ginsau from Kano is very pathetic. He was trapped in an Abuja hotel lift, and he suffocated to death.

“Could it be that the power supplying the lift ceased midway, or the lift had technical issues or was just a tragedy of fate?

May his soul rest in peace, Amen.”

President Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval For $6 billion To Fund Infrastructure

Ayodele Oni

March 31, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A fresh foreign loan request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu berthed at the Senate on Tuesday.

President Tinubu is seeking approval for new external loans totalling $6 billion to fund infrastructure projects, debt servicing, and port rehabilitation.

In a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during Tuesday’s plenary, the President sought approval for a $5 billion facility from First Abu Dhabi Bank.

If approved, Nigeria’s total public debt would rise from $110.3 billion to $115.3 billion.

Tinubu urged the Senate to grant “urgent approval,” noting that the loan would be backed by naira denominated securities as collateral.

In a separate letter, the President also requested approval for an additional $1 billion loan to rehabilitate the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.

This is one of the fallouts of the president visit to the United Kingdom.

According to him, the facility arranged by Citibank London and backed by UK Export Finance, is aimed at modernising the two major ports to improve efficiency, safety, and overall functionality.

He stated that the rehabilitation would address longstanding infrastructural deficiencies, align operations with global best practices, and support economic growth.

The President added that the proposed loan would have a repayment tenure of 14 years, including a 48 month availability period, with a 1.1 percent availability fee and a 1.07 percent UKEF premium.

Both requests have been referred to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Loans for further scrutiny, with a directive to report back to plenary as soon as possible

El-Rufai Back In ICPC’s Custody

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 31, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has been taken back into custody days after he was granted compassionate bail by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to enable him participate in the funeral ceremony for his mother.

El-Rufai’s return to custody followed the adjournment of his bail application filed at the Federal High Court Kaduna to April 1, 2026, for both hearing and ruling.

Speaking after court’s proceedings, the spokesperson for the ICPC, John Odey, informed that El-Rufai will be attending Wednesday’s Court session at the Federal High Court from the Commission’s facility.

Presiding Judge, Honourable Justice Rilwan Aikawa, had on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, following the formal arraignment of El-Rufai on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and inflation of Severance package to the tune of over N579 billion by the ICPC, adjourned proceedings till March 31, for ruling on the former Kaduna state Governor’s bail application.

The Court adjourned to Wednesday April 1, for the determination of the bail application, a development that forced the ICPC to return El-Rufai back to custody.

Meanwhile, the anti-graft Commission, also, on Tuesday, arraigned El-Rufai on a separate 10-count charge bordering on alleged corruption practices, abuse of office and money laundering at a Kaduna State High Court.

Part of the charges include the alleged mismanagement of about N11 billion approved for the execution of a light rail project

The prosecution alleged that the project was not carried out with the approved amount diverted.

However, the Court was forced to adjourn till April 10, for a formal arraignment, following the absence of a co-defendant, one Ahmadu Sule.

Massive Defection In Reps: APC Leads With 280, ADC Gets First Principal Officer

Ayodele Oni

March 31, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

In a bid to strategize and position themselves ahead 2027 general elections, 27 members of the House of Representatives have dumped their political platforms for new ones.

The green chamber witnessed massive defection of members across political parties on Tuesday as the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) gained about 14 new members, losing two to the Labour Party, (LP) and African Democratic Congress, (ADC) respectively.

Meanwhile, the ADC, received eight new members, Accord Party and Action People’s Party two each while LP got one.

House Speaker, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, while reading the various letters of defection explained that the defecting lawmakers blamed the development on political disagreements in their parties.

House Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinnobi led the LP defectors to the ADC, giving the opposition coalition its first principal officer in the National Assembly.

Ozodinnobi told lawmakers that the crisis in the LP has affected the collective pursuit of a common agenda, adding that his decision to join the ADC will enhance his contribution to national development.

Other members who joined the ADC include Harris Uchenna (LP, Anambra), Yahaya Tongo (PDP Gombe), Oluwaseyi Sowumi(LP, Lagos), Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi (APC Kaduna), Mani Maishinko (PDP, Sokoto), Abdulsamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto) and Umar Yusuf Yabo (PDP, Sokoto)

For the New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP), the House Deputy Minority Leader, Sani Madaki led his fellow members to the APC.

Madaki explained that the crisis in the party, which has resulted in series of court cases has divided its members with some supporting former Kano state governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others pitching tent with another faction.

The Kano NNPP members who joined Madaki to the APC include Mustapha Ghali Tijani, Mohammed Umar Shehu, Dankwa Idris, Hassan Shehu, Tanimu Yusuf, Mohammed Ciroma, Sani Madaki, and Tijani Jobe

Other lawmakers who joined the APC are Ja’afaru Yakubu (PDP, Taraba), Sadiq Tafida (PDP, Taraba), Ibrahim Mohammed (PDP, Kebbi) and Hassan Shinkafi.

Also, lawmakers who left their political platforms to different parties include Ikenga Ugochinyere PDP to APP, Matthew Nwaogu, LP to APP, Ademola Akani and Lanre Oladebo Omoleye, PDP to Accord.

With this development, the number of lawmakers on the platform of the APC stands at 280, while the Peoples Democratic Party still maintains the highest number of members among the opposition parties with 38 members.

The ADC now has 15 members, followed by the LP with 12 members, NNPP five, while Accord and APP have two members each.

APC Will Regret Losing Kwankwaso To ADC – Party Chieftain Accuses Governors Of Insincerity To Tinubu

Ayodele Oni

March 31, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

As political realignment towards 2027 intensifies, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is already counting possible loses of the party in Kano state, following defection of former Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Kwankwaso on Monday led several of his followers to the ADC in Kano where he was received by chieftains of the party.

APC chieftain, Alwan Hassan, maintained that it was a big loses for the party to have lost the former Governor to the opposition.

He warned that the ruling party risks losing Kano State in the 2027 elections without engaging the support base of Kwankwaso, declaring that the party has “already lost Kano” by allowing the former governor to join the opposition.

Speaking on Channels Television, Hassan alleged that “political termites” around President Bola Tinubu blocked Kwankwaso from seeing the president despite waiting in Abuja for two nights, and warned that many ministers and governors in the APC do not have the president at heart.

Hassan was emphatic that the APC has already lost Kano State. “We’ve lost Kano. We’ve already lost Kano. For us allowing Kwankwaso to join the opposition, we’ve lost Kano.

“I don’t think the governor has the strength to defeat Kwankwaso. I don’t think anyone in Kano has the strength to defeat Kwankwaso in Kano.”

He explained that Kwankwaso has a “cult followership” in Kano and that the state’s 3.5 million votes are enough to win elections in Nigeria.

“If we consolidate and if we had spoken to Kwankwaso, it was a 3.5 million vote Kano — that’s enough to win elections in Nigeria,” he said.

Hassan alleged that Kwankwaso was prevented from meeting President Tinubu by people around the president with vested interests.

“I’m aware and informed that he stood in this town on standby waiting to see the president and some people blocked him.

“I’ve said this so many times — we can’t win Kano without Kwankwaso either in the APC or we partner with him in another party.”

When asked about reports that Kwankwaso was offered the vice presidential slot as a condition for joining the APC, Hassan dismissed the claims.

“Nothing. There was nothing discussed like that between Kwankwaso and the president.

“I’m telling you that they blocked him from seeing him. Those months of talks never happened. The talks didn’t happen with Kwankwaso and that is where we made it wrong. That is why we got it wrong.”

He clarified that while talks happened between the APC and the NNPP at the party level — which resulted in Governor Abba Yusuf joining the APC — direct talks between Kwankwaso and the president never occurred.

Hassan warned that many APC governors do not genuinely support President Tinubu.

“A lot of those governors are not real. A lot of them are murmuring inside their stomach. They don’t like the president.

“He has given them a lot of money because of subsidy removal. I’m telling you, they can work against the president. That’s what he doesn’t know. They’re not sincere people.”

He accused the president of investing heavily in governors who cannot be trusted.

“He’s investing so much on the governors. I don’t know whatever it is that is making the president imprisoned and not knowing what he needs to know.

“In Lagos, he was better than this politically. He’s investing so much in people that are not supposed to be trusted. A lot of these governors do not have him 100% at heart.

“I’m telling you, once they see the opposition getting set, they join the opposition either directly or indirectly.”

When asked why governors still join the APC despite not being loyal, Hassan gave a stark answer.

“It’s for a better betrayal. If they’re in the opposition, they feel the government will go for them. Nobody wants to fight the government.”

He explained that the governors have received substantial funds from the federal government following subsidy removal.

“He’s already invested so much. He’s given them so much money by constitution. They must get that money because subsidy is removed. They have so much money to work against us,” Hassan warned.

Hassan compared the current situation to what befell former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

“This was the same thing that happened to Jonathan. We used a lot of Jonathan’s people to win elections against him. That is exactly what is happening today. I’m telling you, it’s the pattern.

“A lot of ministers, a lot of governors in this government, in our party do not have the president at heart. They don’t like him for who he is. They like him for what he is.”

Hassan noted that despite having significant northern representation in the federal cabinet, none of the ministers is actively campaigning for the president.

“Nobody is out there among the ministers in northern Nigeria. 27 ministers out of 47 are from the 19 northern states. None of them — none of them has the faith to go out and campaign for the president. It’s time already and nobody’s saying anything.”

When asked about the threat posed by the African Democratic Congress, Hassan dismissed the opposition party as irrelevant.

“You have said the ADC is not a factor. What then is making you afraid?” the interviewer asked.

“It is our own selves and the way we treat our own people that is making me scared of the election. The sabotage will come from within. Yes.”

Hassan also alleged that the president is being poorly advised on Borno State.

“The foreign affairs minister just resigned yesterday and he’s going for the contest. The president is being ill-advised on somebody else.

“That person he’s being ill-advised on is someone that the president sacked from NNPC last year. That is what the party is bringing in. Someone that goes to EFCC every day for corruption trials, corruption allegations. We want to put him in front because he’s looking for shield.”

He compared the situation to how Governor Bala Mohammed allegedly sought the governorship position to gain immunity while facing EFCC allegations.

“We’ve become safe haven for corrupt individuals,” Hassan lamented.

Hassan contrasted the handling of Rivers State with Kano State, noting that Minister Nyesom Wike’s position in the cabinet gave him leverage that Kwankwaso lacks.

“In the case of Rivers, it was a different scenario. That is the same approach I had wanted him to take in Kano. Wike is a minister in his cabinet.

“Kwankwaso is not a minister in his cabinet. That’s the difference. He can easily call on Wike and say come to me, but Kwankwaso doesn’t have that leverage of being in the same cabinet with the president.”

Despite his warnings, Hassan said it was not too late for the APC to correct course.

“It’s not like it’s late for us. It’s 10 months to elections and in politics, five minutes matter.

“I’m just saying this for the president to wake up. The people around him and the people he’s talking with are the wrong people. They give him wrong advice.”

When asked what will happen if Kwankwaso is fielded as the NNPP gubernatorial candidate in Kano, Hassan was blunt.

“We lost. We lost. We lost. We will lose.

“The federal government has done everything for Kano. The president has given 28 federal appointments in Kano. That speaks volumes.

“But it does not speak volume on the electorate. It doesn’t speak volume on the electorate,” he added.

Hassan’s stark warnings paint a troubling picture for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

His allegations that ministers and governors are disloyal and that “political termites” are sabotaging the president’s efforts to build alliances suggest deep internal divisions within the ruling party.

The comparison to the Jonathan administration — which lost power in 2015 partly due to internal defections — is particularly significant, as it suggests the APC may be following a similar trajectory.

With 10 months to the elections, Hassan’s call for the president to “wake up” and reassess the people around him reflects growing anxiety within some quarters of the party about the path to 2027.

The failure to engage Kwankwaso directly, if Hassan’s account is accurate, represents a significant strategic error that may cost the APC dearly in Kano — a state with substantial electoral weight in any presidential contest.

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