Borno: Gov. Zulum Dissolves State Executive Council

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March 30, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

To allow those seeking elective positions time, Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, has approved the immediate dissolution of the State Executive Council.

This was contained in a statement issued Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani.

According to the statement, the decision is to provide an enabling environment for any member of the council who may wish to contest elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.

Governor Zulum directed all commissioners to hand over the affairs of their respective ministries to the Permanent Secretaries on or before Friday, April 3, 2026.

He expressed his profound appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their dedication, commitment, and invaluable contributions to the development and service of the people of Borno State.

The development comes 24 hours before the deadline given by President Bola Tinubu for all political appointees under his administration intending to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments.

Palm Sunday: Aggrieved Members Lock-up Anglican Church In Ondo, Accuses Cleric Of High-handedness

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Ayodele Oni

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March 30, 2026

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Ondo Anglican Church Locked Cleric Out — St. David Anglican Church, Ibulesoro, in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

He curses the congregregants, fiddles with finances, they allege, and have asked the Bishop to remove him

As Christians observed pa3lm Sunday on Sunday, St. David Anglican Church, Ibulesoro, in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, was under lock and key as aggrieved Church members prevented the Clergy from conducting service.

They shut down the Church building and forced out the presiding cleric, Venerable Adebanjo over allegations of high-handedness and financial impropriety.

The dramatic scene saw men, women, and youths barricade the church entrance, locking both the main building and its gates, while openly declaring their rejection of the Cleric’s leadership

“We are not fighting God, and we are not fighting the Church,” one of the aggrieved members said. “But we are no longer interested in his leadership. He should not come here again to preside over our services.”

Sunday’s protest, which was the high point of crisis, has been brewing for weeks, as congregants accused the Cleric of sidelining Church elders in decision-making, particularly on financial matters.

A senior member alleged, “On the issue of expenditure of Church money, the Reverend awards contracts without involving the elders. He will then ask those he gave the jobs to return a percentage to him. That is unacceptable to us.”

Beyond financial concerns, members also decried what they described as verbal abuse and spiritual intimidation from the pulpit.

“He mocks this community and says we are ‘light’ and have no value,” another member lamented. “Imagine a Reverend cursing members of his own Church. We cannot continue like this.”

Youth members of the Church appeared particularly aggrieved, accusing the Cleric of repeatedly insulting them during sermons.

“One of the youth leaders said, “Every Sunday, he turns us into sermon topics, calling us ‘Yahoo boys.’ Because of that, many youths have stopped coming to church.”

The youth further revealed that internal tensions disrupted key church activities, including the cancellation of the Church’s annual harvest in 2025.

“We were not allowed to hold our harvest because he said the offerings were from fraudsters and ritualists. That statement drove many people away.

“We informed the Bishop and asked for his redeployment,” a Church elder said. “He came, but since then, there has been no response. We have even paid all the Cleric ’s entitlements as requested, yet nothing has changed,” the youth leader claimed

Determined to press their demands, the congregation insisted that the church would remain shut until their grievances are addressed.

“If the Bishop is ready to redeploy him, let him do so,” another member declared. “If not, we will not open this church again. We cannot continue in this situation.”

Despite the tension, the protesters maintained that their actions were peaceful and aimed solely at restoring order and dignity within the Church.

Recapitalisation Deadline: FUGAZ Mobilise N17trn Capital As 12 Banks Struggle

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James Orji

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March 30, 2026

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With less than 24 hours to the recapitalisation deadline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, indications have emerged that about 12 commercial banks may fail to meet the requirement.

The CBN had fixed March 31, 2026, as the final deadline for banks to shore up their capital base in line with its directive aimed at strengthening the financial system.

Findings show that out of the 44 deposit money banks operating in the country, only 32 have successfully met the recapitalisation threshold. The remaining 12 lenders are still exploring last-minute options to comply and avoid regulatory sanctions.

Industry sources reveal that some of the affected banks are pursuing merger arrangements, while others are considering private placements as alternative means of raising the required capital before the deadline expires. However, uncertainty persists over their ability to conclude these processes within the limited timeframe.

Speaking on the development, CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, said the recapitalisation exercise has recorded significant progress, noting that the majority of banks have complied.

According to him, the exercise has strengthened the resilience of Nigeria’s banking sector and positioned it to better mobilise long-term capital for economic growth.

“The banking sector recapitalisation programme has recorded commendable progress, with 32 banks having already met the revised capital requirements. This achievement has significantly strengthened the resilience and capacity of the Nigerian banking system, positioning it to effectively mobilise long-term capital, support productive investment, and play its critical role in enabling the transition towards a $1 trillion economy,” Cardoso said.

Meanwhile, data from the apex bank indicates that the combined market value of 13 listed banks on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX, including the tier-one “FUGAZ” banks, has exceeded ₦20 trillion.

The FUGAZ banks—First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc, United Bank for Africa, Guaranty Trust Holding Company, Access Holdings Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc—continue to dominate the market.

Other listed lenders include Fidelity Bank Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Sterling Financial Holdings Company, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Wema Bank Plc, Unity Bank Plc, Jaiz Bank Plc, and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc.

Breakdown of market capitalisation shows that GTCO and Zenith Bank lead with ₦4.2 trillion each, followed by First HoldCo at ₦2.2 trillion. Stanbic IBTC and UBA both stand at ₦2.1 trillion, while Access Holdings is valued at ₦1.39 trillion.

Others include Ecobank (₦1.09 trillion), Wema Bank (₦1.06 trillion), Fidelity Bank (₦971.4 billion), FCMB Group (₦511.1 billion), Jaiz Bank (₦465.96 billion), Sterling Financial Holdings (₦419.5 billion), and Unity Bank (₦17.65 billion).

Tinubu’s Ministers Weigh Resignation Over 2027 Ambitions As Deadline Pressure Mounts

By

James Orji

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March 30, 2026

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There are strong indications that several ministers and political appointees in the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu may resign their positions within the next 24 hours to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development follows last week’s directive issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF George Akume, mandating all political appointees intending to contest elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive, according to the SGF, is in compliance with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 general elections.
Affected officials include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants to the president, as well as directors-general, chief executive officers of federal agencies, and other political appointees.
“Accordingly, all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026,” the circular stated.
However, with less than 24 hours to the deadline, findings indicate that several appointees—particularly ministers—remain undecided.
Presidency sources in Abuja, the nation’s capital revealed that some ministers believed to be nursing governorship ambitions are still weighing their options. Among them are the Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari; and Minister of Transport, Saidu Alkali.
Others reportedly considering similar moves include the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Education, though confirmations remain fluid.
Apart from the ministers, key presidential aides such as Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, and Muri Okunola, the President’s Principal Secretary, are also said to be weighing governorship bids in Lagos State.
However, emerging political calculations appear to be reshaping decisions. Sources indicate that both Gbajabiamila and Okunola are reconsidering their ambitions following reports that the current Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, is favoured as the consensus candidate of the ruling party.
Party insiders disclosed that a recent meeting of South-West APC leaders with President Tinubu in Lagos may have produced informal agreements on consensus candidates across the region.
Governorship elections are expected to hold in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states in 2027, while Osun State is set for an earlier poll in September 2026, according to INEC’s timetable.
In Bauchi State, where two ministers are believed to be eyeing the seat of incumbent governor Bala Mohammed, uncertainty over presidential backing is said to be fueling hesitation.

According to party sources in Oyo state, the Minister of Power, Adelabu is said to be wiehging his governorship ambition against recent reports, to the effect that the presidency favours Senator Sarafa Ali as APC governorship candidate in the upcoming election. Whether Adelabu will drop out of the race by resigning his position, is still a subject of speculations, particularly after the minister disclosed last week that he’s still in the race.
“It would be risky to resign from a ministerial position without clarity on party support,” a presidency source said.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on all affected appointees to comply with the directive before the close of business on Tuesday. Failure to do so, insiders say, would signal abandonment of any plans to contest in the 2027 elections.

Jos North Shootings: Plateau Imposes 24 Hours Curfew

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Ayodele Oni

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March 30, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Plateau State Government has imposed 24 hours curfew on Jos North local government, following attacks on residents of the area by unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle.

This was contained in a Government statement on Sunday, signed by Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Commissioner for Information and Communication.

‎The statement reads: “A tragic security incident occurred at Gari Ya Waye community Angwan Rukuba today Sunday 29th March, 2028, resulting in the loss of lives, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

‎”The Plateau State Government in conjunction with security agencies wishes to inform the general public of the imposition of a 48 hour curfew within Jos North Local government Area with immediate effect, commencing from 12 midnight of 29th March, to 1st April, 2026.

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‎”The Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, strongly condemns this barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

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‎”Citizens are urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and cooperate fully with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing investigations.”

Report revealed that in Anguwan Rukuba, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, there was a deadly shooting incident on Sunday evening.

It was learnt that unidentified gunmen, reportedly riding on a motorcycle, shot and killed an unspecified number of youths in the area.

A resident, narrated “The attackers just rode past and started shooting sporadically. People were running in different directions.

“The attackers just rode past and started shooting sporadically. People were running in different directions.”

In the aftermath of the attack, angry youths reportedly blocked major roads within the community, raising fears of escalating tension.

2027: APC Risks Losing Adamawa Over Fintiri, Ribadu’s Succession Dispute — Jalo Warns

By

James Orji

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March 30, 2026

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Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State — Governor Ahmadu Fintiri

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Abubakar Jalo, has warned that the party may lose the state in the 2027 governorship election if the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is allowed to determine the successor to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.Governor Fintiri, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, is set to leave office in 2027 after completing the constitutionally mandated two terms.
However, tensions are reportedly mounting between the governor and Ribadu over control of the party structure and the choice of the next governorship candidate.
Sources within the state indicate that Ribadu has strengthened his political influence following the emergence of Idris Shuaibu, a former Adamawa APC chairman, as North-East Vice Chairman during the party’s recent National Congress in Abuja.
At the congress, members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) were elected by consensus, including National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru.
Speaking with The Punch, Jalo alleged that the NSA is working aggressively to install a loyalist as the next governor, warning that such a move could trigger backlash within the party.
“Some people are working for a Fulani candidate on the APC platform come 2027, but that will be the end of the party during the governorship poll,” Jalo said.
He cautioned that supporters of the incumbent governor might revolt electorally if Fintiri is denied the opportunity to influence his successor.
“We in Adamawa are all for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but for governorship, we are counting on our governor to pick his successor,” he added.
Jalo referenced the 2015 governorship election, claiming that Ribadu’s emergence as PDP candidate at the time—allegedly through imposition—led to the party’s defeat in the state.
“When Ribadu was imposed on the PDP as governorship candidate in 2015, he lost, even in his own voting unit,” Jalo said.
“APC should avoid such a development, or we can vote for any governorship candidate from any political party.”
Despite their grievances, Jalo stressed that the governor’s supporters remain committed to supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid, but may reject any governorship candidate perceived as imposed by the party’s national leadership.
Governor Fintiri, who formally joined the APC on March 3, 2026, said his defection was driven by political survival and the need to support the continuation of power in southern Nigeria.
“I have been a central player in my former party, the PDP. I have not seen any candidate declare interest, and I cannot remain and jeopardize my political future,” Fintiri said.
“A northerner has no business vying for the presidency at the moment. It is the turn of the South.”

Former AGF Aondoakaa Dumps APC, May Battle Gov. Alia For Benue’s Top Seat

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Adesina Soyooye

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March 30, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Extending appreciation and commendation to President Bola Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

While dumping the Party to which he decamped to from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under which he served in the Government of late President Umaru Yar’adua, Aondoakaa, SAN, did not disclose where he is headed to, yet. Speculations, however, point toward the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

His resignation took effect from March, 28, 2026.

In a statement he issued, the former Cabinet Minister said he resigned from the APC after a “careful reflection and wide consultations with my family, political associates, and supporters.”

He added that his decision is embedded “in the overall interest of my people and democratic values.”

He commended the President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and described his administration as visionary. He noted the support Benue State has received under Tinubu’s leadership and assured the President of his continued loyalty to the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Aondoakaa, also, commended and praised Senator Akume, for his leadership within the APC in Benue State, and acknowledged the SGF’s role in shaping the state’s political landscape. He assured the Akume of his deep and enduring respect.

He, also, thanked party members and leadership across Ushongo Local Government Area and the wider Benue State, and noted the importance of relationships and experiences gained during his political career.

To his supporters, he pleaded for calm and patience. He said: “At this critical time, I call on all my supporters and associates to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast. A new direction aimed at salvaging and repositioning Benue State in the best interest of our people will be communicated in due course.”

Political observers, however, noted that Aondoakaa did not extend the same appreciation, or commendation, to the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Speculation, therefore, is that he may be headed to the ADC from where he would run for the Governorship of the State, backed by SGF Akume who has since fallen out with political godson, Governor Alia.

I Have Not Been Endorsed By Wike For Rivers State Governorship Seat – Boma Iyaye

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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March 29, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Hon Boma Iyaye, an ally of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has debunked widespread insinuations suggesting that he has been endorsed to supplant Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Rivers State seat of power come 2027 .

He described asfalse, misleading and totally baseless, claims that Wike has annointed him for the office.

The Source reports that the media space, especially the social media has been awash in the last couple of days with the speculated endorsement of the Executive Director ,Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NNDC, by major Rivers State and All Progressive Congress, APC, stakeholders led by Wike as a replacement for the embattled Governor Fubara.

Reports indicate that Wike, who has been having a running battle with his estranged protege, Governor Fubara, for the past two years, has penciled down Iyaye as the gubernatorial candidate for the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition which has been floated by the FCT to promote the second term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

But in a statement on his official site on Sunday March 29,2026, Iyaye, while admitting knowledge of his speculated ambition and endorsement, however, insisted that the situation on the ground does not represent his true position, and or intentions.

He emphasized that his primary focus at the moment is to serve the people through his present position at the NNDC.

“At this time, my full attention and commitment remain focused on my responsibilities as the Executive Director Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission NNDC”, he stated.

Iyaye maintained that he is fully concentrated on the task of delivering on the Commission’s mandate of sustainable development in the Niger Delta region in concert with key stakeholders and other management members.

He insisted that he has not declared interest in contesting the Rivers State gubernatorial seat or any other position, neither has he been endorsed by the FCT Minister or any other perceived power brokers.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I have not made any formal declaration regarding a Governorship ambition, nor have I received any endorsement from the Honourable Minister, or any other individual as being suggested”, Iyaye added.

Kwankwaso Resigns From NNPP

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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March 29, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has formally resigned his membership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP.

The Source reports that speculations had been rife in the last 24 hours regarding the possible defection of the presidential candidate of the NNPP in the 2023 general elections to the opposition African Democratic Congress ADC.

In a statement personally signed and posted on his official site on Sunday, March,¡ 29 2026, the erstwhile National Leader of the NNPP appreciated the party

and its leadership for the opportunity given to him to further his political journey.

According to him, the resignation which takes immediate effect was nevertheless not an easy decision to take.

He, however, cited recent events within the country’s political landscape which, according to him, call for realignment as a major reason for his action.

“I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP with immediate.

“I seize this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the honour and privilege of serving as the Party’s National Leader ,and its presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.

“As a committed and bona fide member of the party, this was not an easy decision to make.

“However, considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the opportunity to effectively change the nation.

“I extend me deepest appreciation to the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed ,and the entire National Working Committee NWC for their steadfast support throughout my time.

” I also thank the Board of Trustees the National Executive Committee ,and all levels of leadership across the party – from the ward to the state level ,as well as followers of the Kwankwasiyya Movement for their dedication and commitment to our shared mission.

“We shall continue to collaborate and work together towards charting a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation”, Kwankwaso stated.

Although he did not indicate his next destination, there strong indications that he, alongside members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and other notable Kano political figures, including the All Progressive Congress, APC, gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections, Dr Nasir Gawuna will be joining forces with the ADC any moment from Monday, March 30, 2026.

NFF Samson Adamu Takes Over As Sec. Gen CAF

By

Ayodele Oni

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March 29, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Samson Adamu from Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) is taking over as acting general secretary of Confederation of African Football(CAF) following resignation of Veron Mossengo-Omba, on Sunday.

His resignation is coming after five years as the deputy head of African soccer’s governing body.

The Swiss-Congolese official, who left FIFA to take over as CAF general secretary in 2021, however, disclosed that he was stepping down “to devote myself to more personal projects.”

Mossengo-Omba explained that he was retiring, but his departure comes amid a crisis of confidence in ‌the organisation’s leadership, with a growing fallout over the decision to strip Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations title and calls for an investigation into alleged corruption at African football’s governing body.

There has been a swell of recent criticism of his staying on as general secretary well past the organisation’s mandatory retirement age of 63, largely on social media, but also from members of CAF’s executive committee.

“After over 30 years of an international professional career dedicated ⁠to promoting an ideal form of football that brings people together, educates, and creates opportunities for hope, I have decided to step down from my position as Secretary General of CAF to devote myself to more personal projects.

“Now that I have been able to dispel the suspicions that some people have gone to great lengths to cast on me, I can retire with peace of mind and without constraint, leaving the CAF more prosperous than ever.

“I sincerely thank the CAF’s President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, my teams, and all those who, directly or indirectly, have enabled CAF and organised African football to make real and remarkable progress. Let us hope that the progress made will last and be sustained,” he ‌concluded.

Mossengo-Omba has been a divisive figure at CAF, accused by some employees of creating a toxic atmosphere at the workplace, although an investigation after staff complaints cleared him of any wrongdoing.

The 66-year-old is of Congolese origin but a Swiss citizen and former FIFA employee who was a university friend of FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Although he said he was retiring, Mossengo-Omba is expected to run for the ⁠post of president of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s football federation in elections in the coming months, sources disclosed