ADC: Supreme Court Voids INEC’s Stand On Mark’s Leadership, Says Lower Court Acted In Bad Faith, Returns Case To It

By

-

April 30, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered all factions in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership tussle to return to the Federal High Court for continuation of proceedings, effectively restarting the legal battle.

The Apex Court also set aside orders made by the Court of Appeal in the ADC leadership dispute, ruling that the appellate court acted improperly by issuing directives after it had dismissed the appeal before it. It accused the Court of acting in bad faith.

The decision was quickly interpreted as restoration of Senator David Mark leadership of the ADC.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had maintained that, in line with the directive to preserve the status quo ante bellum, directed by the Court of Appeal, it would refrain from recognising any faction within the party pending the final resolution of the legal dispute.

The Supreme Court’s latest intervention is expected to reopen proceedings at the lower court, setting the stage for a substantive determination of the leadership tussle within the party

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the apex court held: “Giving such an order in an appeal it had already dismissed was unnecessary, unwarranted and improper.”

The ruling favoured David Mark, whose appeal succeeded in part. The court, however dismissed his challenge to an earlier ex parte order of the Federal High Court concerning service of processes in the suit filed by aggrieved ADC members.

The judgement does not however declare David Mark the substantive leader of the ADC. It nullifies the Court of Appeal’s post-dismissal orders and directs the trial court to determine the leadership question on the merits.

INEC had, on April 1, removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as ADC National Chairman and Secretary from its portal, citing the Court of Appeal decision.

INEC explained that it would maintain the status quo ante bellum and not recognise any faction until the dispute was finally resolved.

With Thursday’s ruling, proceedings will now resume at the lower court for a substantive determination of the party’s leadership.

Tinubu Appoints New Minister Of Power

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

April 30, 2026

0

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Joseph Tegbe as Minister of Power, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Tegbe, a tax and financial expert, former employee of KPMG had earlier been appointed as the Director General of National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, NTPIC, by the president.

In his current appointment, he will replace Adebayo Adelabu, a former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor who resigned from the position earlier in the month, to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo state.

The appointment, the Presidency said, is subject to confirmation by the Nigerian senate.

According to a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday Tinubu said Tegbe’s appointment is necessary enhance stability in the power sector in the country.

Onanuga: “His nomination is expected to strengthen further ongoing efforts to reform the power sector, enhance grid stability, and attract sustainable investment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The President expects the Minister-Designate, upon confirmation, to bring his extensive expertise to bear to advance critical reforms and deliver improved outcomes for Nigerians in the power sector.”

Supreme Court Cancels Ibadan PDP Convention

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

April 30, 2026

0

The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, seeking to overturn the Court of Appeal judgment which nullified its National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo state on November 16, 2025.

In a split judgment delivered on Friday, a five member panel of the nation’s apex court, with three justices leading dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit, saying the National Convention was held in contravention of a court order.

In the judgment delivered by Justice Adah, the justices upheld the decision of the two lower courts, the federal High court and the Court of Appeal which had earlier ruled that the Convention was against the law.

The court ruled that the lower courts were correct in applying Sections 221, 222, and 229 of the 1999 Constitution, adding that political parties in the country must act within the law and respect court orders.

More to come………

Cervical Cancer Screening Campaign In Nigeria Gathers Momentum In Imo

By

The Source

-

April 30, 2026

0

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has called for stronger public awareness and increased uptake of free cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination across the State.

Speaker after speaker were in agreement that the lives of women can be prolonged if they had the opportunity to take advantage of the cervical cancer screening campaign across the country which the First Ladies in Nigeria, under the leadership of Sen Oluremi Tinubu, have initiated.

Speaking at the official flag-off of the ‘Cervical Cancer Screening Programme’

in Owerri, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Governor Uzodimma urged communities to leverage technology and grassroots networks to spread information, stressing that cervical cancer is now preventable and treatable, and no longer the death sentence it was thought to be.

He encouraged women to take advantage of available free services, dismissing fears about vaccination side effects.

The Governor commended President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu for supporting cancer control initiatives, including financial backing, and pledged continued State collaboration to eliminate cervical cancer through sustained awareness and partnership with health stakeholders.

In her address at the event, the wife of the Governor and Chairperson First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Barr. Chioma Uzodimma said the initiative, under the partnership for Cervical Cancer Elimination in Nigeria, marks “the beginning of a new era of hope and decisive action” against a disease she called “one of the gravest threats to Nigerian women.”

Citing 2023 data of 13,676 new cases nationwide, Mrs. Uzodimma stressed the urgency of action, aligning with the World Health Organisation’s 90-70-90 targets on vaccination, screening, and treatment.

She commended the First Lady of Nigeria for a N1 billion donation to the national task force, noting that Imo’s selection reflects the State government’s commitment to women’s health.

According to her, the programme will expand access to screening, promote early detection, and strengthen treatment systems.

She urged women to take advantage of the initiative, emphasising that “early detection saves lives.”

Mrs. Uzodimma also highlighted the role of First Ladies Against Cancer in reaching underserved communities and pledged continued collaboration to eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Iziaq Adekunle Salako said the initiative reflects the commitment of President Tinubu to prioritise women’s health.

“No woman should die from a largely preventable cancer,” he stated.

He noted that Nigeria has vaccinated over 15 million girls against HPV and introduced a national screening guideline, backed by the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030).

Salako commended Imo State’s leadership and urged women to take advantage of free screening services. He also called on health workers and community leaders to support awareness efforts.

The programme is part of Nigeria’s broader target to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030.

The Co-Chair of the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, in her remarks urged health officials in Imo State to sustain newly launched screening programmes.

Speaking at the flag-off, she warned that past initiatives in other States faded after political transitions, stressing the need for continuity. “We have done our part; it is now left to you to uplift the women of Imo State,” she said.

Dr. Bagudu called for efficient use of resources and stronger institutional support, urging stakeholders to prioritise funding and implementation.

She also challenged Imo to lead Nigeria in eliminating cervical cancer, describing it as a preventable disease that should no longer claim lives.

Chairman of the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination, Prof. Isaac Adewole who joined virtually hailed the rollout of Nigeria’s national cervical cancer training programme.

He said the initiative, which began with the task force’s inauguration in 2024, positions Nigeria as the first country in Africa to implement a nationwide cervical cancer training scheme.

Prof. Adewole, Nigeria’s Ambassador designate to Canada credited government support and donor funding for accelerating the programme.

He added that the first phase will screen about 60,000 women across six States, with plans to expand to local governments and primary healthcare levels nationwide, ultimately aiming to eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria.

The Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu said the Programme will strengthen prevention, screening, treatment, and HPV vaccination across the state.

Imo State, Dr. Egu said had already launched the Partnership for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer Programme, aimed at strengthening prevention, screening, treatment, and HPV vaccination.

She praised Governor Uzodimma’s leadership and the First Lady’s advocacy, while commending the National Task Force for support.

Dr. Egu commended Governor Uzodimma for his “unwavering political will” and praised the First Lady for her advocacy in cancer prevention, while acknowledging the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination for technical support.

Dr. Egu urged women to embrace screening and HPV vaccination, stressing early detection and collective action to eliminate the disease.

Officials noted that cervical cancer causes about 22 deaths daily in Nigeria despite being preventable. They urged women to access screening services and HPV vaccination, stressing early detection and collective action to eliminate the disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Roche Diagnostics, Gates Foundation, Nigerian Cancer Society, among numerous development and technical partners declared their affirmation and commitment to the initiative, pointing out that the launch is a major step toward eliminating the disease.

The development partners praised Federal and State health authorities, including Governor Uzodimma and his wife, Barr. Chioma and urged sustained political commitment, community engagement, and expanded access to save women’s lives.

The event attracted the presence of wives of Jigawa State Governor, Hajia Amina Nemadi, and that of Osun State, Mrs Titilayo Adeleke; traditional and religious leaders, community and women leaders; Federal and State legislators, Frontline health executives, members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council, as well as the media.

Female Drug Kingpin, Ariket Bags 45-Years Imprisonment Over Cocaine Trafficking

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

April 30, 2026

0

By Akinwale Kasali

After nine years in custody, Lagos-based socialite and drug kingpin, Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, popular as Ariket, has been sentenced to 45 years’ imprisonment for the exportation of 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia.

Delivering judgment at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu found her guilty and sentenced her accordingly.

She was, however, given 15-years sentence on each of the three counts bordering on conspiracy, possession, and illegal exportation of cocaine.

The Court further ordered that the sentences should run concurrently, meaning the convict will serve 15 years effective from 19th May, 2017, the date of her arrest.

The court had earlier found Ariket guilty on all counts but adjourned sentencing following a request by her counsel.

The matter, marked FHC/L/124C/2017, stemmed from the arrest of Ariket’s co-defendant, Odeyemi Omolara, also known as Ariyo Monsurat Olabisi, who was apprehended on 23rd February, 2017, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

During interrogation, Omolara reportedly confessed that Ariket supplied her the cocaine for export to Saudi Arabia.

Omolara had earlier pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari, now a Justice of the Court of Appeal.

While the trial lasted, prosecution witnesses detailed how the operation was carried out.

One of the witnesses, Iyabode Shonibare, the arresting officer, told the court that Omolara raised an alarm upon arrest, shouting that “Arike has k!lled me”.

Another witness confirmed that Omolara consistently maintained that Ariket handed her the bag containing the illicit substance.

A security guard attached to Ariket’s residence, identified as Aliyu, also testified that Omolara visited the house a day before her arrest and spent the night there.

He further revealed that unknown individuals had earlier delivered the same bag later used for the drug exportation, and that Ariket personally transported Omolara to the airport on the day of her arrest.

In her defence, Ariket admitted knowing Omolara but denied any involvement in drug trafficking.

She claimed Omolara had visited her to seek financial assistance and that she only gave her N10,000.

She also confirmed dropping Omolara at the airport en route to her own trip to Ajase in the Republic of Benin, insisting she was unaware of the drugs.

After evaluating the evidence, Justice Dipeolu found her guilty on all three counts.

During allocutus, defence counsel, Yakubu Galadima, urged the court to temper justice with mercy, noting that the convict is a first-time offender, remorseful, and has dependents.

However, the Court sentenced her accordingly.

Lagos 2027: Tinubu Endorses Hamzat As Sanwo-Olu’s Successor

By

Adesina Soyooye

-

April 30, 2026

0

Obafemi Hamzat and Bola Tinubu and Babajide Sanwo-olu — From Right; Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu, President Bola Tinubu and Dr Obafemi Hamzat

By Adesina Soyooye

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State Dr Obafemi Hamzat can go sleep over his 2027 Governorship ambition. And why not? All things considered, he is already the Governor.

Hamzat has been endorsed by every who is who in the Lagos State All Progressives Congress, APC, including, in a rare action, his boss, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

But the real big one came on Wednesday when President Bola Tinubu endorsed Hamzat as the next Governor of Lagos State.

The public endorsement came when the highest political decision making body in Lagos (APC), the Governance Advisory Council, GAC, took Hamzat and presented him to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The GAC had endorsed him earlier in Lagos.

And, on presenting him to President Tinubu, introduced him as the APC consensus Governorship Candidate and approved Governor Sanwo-Olu’s successor.

An excited Hamzat exclaimed: “President Bola Tinubu has blessed my governorship ambition.”

He stated this shortly after the meeting between President Tinubu and the GAC.

Speaking to newsmen Hamzat said the delegation, led by GAC chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi, presented him to the President and that he has received his blessing.

“These are fathers, they are leaders, they’ve seen a lot of Christmases, they’ve seen a lot of Eid El Kabir, so they have experience, and therefore I’m really, really excited that they brought me here to meet Mr President, and Mr President has blessed us and blessed the decision of GAC.”

Governorship, he said, is an assignment and audacious. He flaunted his experience as Deputy Governor and said it has already prepared him for the task ahead.

“Nobody is ready because the assignment is audacious. But what you have is experience. Having served as Deputy Governor of Lagos under Governor Sanwo-Olu, I’ve learned a lot. I know the room. I know where the kitchen is.

“You know, if you want to cook for people and you don’t know the kitchen, it doesn’t matter how good a chef you are, you must know the kitchen.”

However, two other aspirants on the banner of the APC have picked the form for the APC Governorship Primary – meaning there will be a Primary election.

Osun: Why Adeleke Will Be Defeated By 10pm On Election Day- APC

By

James Orji

-

April 30, 2026

0

Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

Oluwole Oke, the Director General of the All Progressives Congress, APC Campaign Council in Osun state has vowed that the Governor of the state, Ademola Adeleke will be defeated by 10 pm on election day, saying his party campaign will be issue-based.

Oke said the APC candidate in the election, Bola Oyebamijin will emerge victorious in the election because he has the capacity to turn the state around.

He spoke on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Campaign Council sub-committees in Osogbo the state capital, accusing Governor Adeleke of failing in his promise to the people of the state.

The independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has set September this year for the governorship election in the state.

The incumbent, Governor Adeleke is seeking a second term in office under the Accord party.

According to Oke, Governor Adeleke does not deserve a second term, judging from his performance,which he said has set the state back, in areas such as education, health and infrastructure.

He accused the governor of frittering the state resources, saying Governor Adeleke’s only achievement is the payment of salary, arguing that the governor has not done the state any favour, but has only fulfilled his obligation to civil servants by paying them their salary.

“The truth remains that the government has failed the people of Osun State on all fronts. Governance goes beyond the payment of salaries to civil servants. Labourers deserve their wages; paying salaries is not an achievement but a basic obligation,” he said.

Adding, “Our party is coming back to address these issues and restore hope to the people. Through our mobilisation efforts, we will engage citizens and present a clear agenda for development. I want to remind you that we are specialists in removing sitting Governors, by 10 pm on Saturday, November 15, Governor Adeleke will be defeated at the poll fairly.”

Meanwhile, in a swift reaction to Oke, Governor Adeleke said the ratings of the APC has so much plummeted in the state, wondering how the party can win election.

The governor rebuffed Oke in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, saying the popularity of Governor Adeleke has soared, as recent reports indicate that his approval rating has hit over 70 percent, unlike the APC which is rated below 30 percent among the people of the state.

Bianca Ojukwu Replaces Tuggar As Minister Of Foreign Affairs

By

James Orji

-

April 29, 2026

0

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs. She was, until the new appointment, the Minister Of State in the ministry.
Her appointment followed the resignation, on March 15, of Yusuf Tuggar, who resigned his position to contest the Bauchi State governorship election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga,
Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Enikanolaiye, had previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

He’s a career diplomat who have served the country in foreign mission, such as Addis Ababa, London, Belgrade, New Delhi, and Ottawa.

Their appointment, the statement said, is subject to Senate Confirmation.

According to Onanuga, Odumegwu-Ojukwu appointment is strategic, in the sense that it will strengthen the Foreign Affairs Ministry, with greater efficiency and continuity.

He said the appointment of the two Ministers also aligns with the Tinubu’s administration diplomatic posture and economic priorities at this time.

“These adjustments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships,” the statement read.

Adding, “Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu brings decades of diplomatic experience and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s engagement with the global community.”

The statement stressed that Enikanolaye is coming to the position with a lot of experience.

“Ambassador Enikanolaiye’s extensive experience across multiple diplomatic missions will support Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy objectives,” the statement added.

GTCO Shareholders Get N466bn Dividend Payout

By

James Orji

-

April 29, 2026

0

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO shareholders have approved total dividend of N466.378 billion for the financial year ending December 2025.
The figure represents N12.76 per share, according to the details provided by the lender.

The bank’s management had declared an interim dividend of N1.00 per share for half year ended June 2025 and final dividend of N11.76kobo in the 2025 financial year performance, bringing its total dividend to N12.76kobo for 2025 financial year.

The shareholders made the decision on Tuesday, at the virtual GTCO’s fifth Annual General Meeting, AGM, where they also hailed the bank for meeting the N500 billion minimum capital requirement set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Speaking at the AGM, the president of the Nigerian Shareholders’ Solidarity Association, Timothy Adesiyan, lauded the management for paying 2025 full dividend, saying the bank has sustained dividend payout to shareholders.

Also, a shareholder of the bank and chairman, Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mrs. Bisi Bakare, lauded the management for paying shareholder N12.76 kobo total dividend payout in 2025, she noted that GTCO makes history as the first Nigerian bank to reward shareholders with N12.76 dividend payout, urging the management to maintain such a gesture.

In his remark to shareholders, GTCO Board chairman of GTCO, Suleiman Barau, said over time, the Group has evolved from a single-line banking institution into a broader financial services ecosystem encompassing banking, payments, funds management, and pension administration.

“This diversification is not simply a structural change; it represents a strategic effort to build an institution that can serve customers more comprehensively while creating multiple engines of sustainable growth.

“A diversified ecosystem allows the Group to operate with greater balance across economic cycles, reduces concentration of risk, and broadens the value proposition we offer to individuals, businesses, and institutional clients,” he said.

Adding that “the Board remains deeply committed to ensuring that the Group’s growth is anchored in careful risk assessment, responsible lending practices, and robust internal controls.”

The Group chief executive officer, GTCO, Segun Agbaje, stated that 2025 full year was a year of deepening this integration, saying that “across our Banking, Payments, Asset Management, and Pension businesses, we leveraged data, digital tools, and operational insight to create frictionless experiences for our customers across Africa and the United Kingdom.

“By connecting our personal and business solutions, we are able to extend the reach of each business line while amplifying the value delivered to customers.”

He expressed that 2025 would be remembered as a landmark year in GTCO’s growth and expansion journey with the successful listing of its shares on the London Stock Exchange.

Agbaje stressed that “GTCO execution discipline will remain our defining advantage. By integrating our ecosystem offerings, deepening customer engagement, and leveraging platform-driven solutions, we will continue to create meaningful experiences and long-term impact for individuals, businesses, and communities.”

Supreme Court To Rule On ADC, PDP Appeals Thursday

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

April 29, 2026

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Supreme Court of Nigeria will, on Thursday, April 30 ,2026, deliver judgments on the appeals filed by factions of the African Democratic Congress ADC and the Peoples Democratic party PDP.

The Source reports that the Apex Court had, on Wednesday April 22, 2026,

ruled to reserve its verdict on the appeals filed by the Senator David Mark-led factional ADC leadership, and the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP NEC for a date to be communicated to all parties.

The Mark-led ADC leadership had filed an appeal challenging the Court of Appeal verdict ordering parties in the festering leadership tussle bedeviling the party to return to the trial court for the continuation of proceedings in a motion on notice filed by the Bala Nafiu Gombe-faction of the party, disputing the Mark-led NEC.

Senator Mark, in the appeal, also prayed the court for an order of stay of execution of the Appallate court’s ruling ordering parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive suit filed by Nafiu Gombe before Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite of an Abuja Federal High Court.

It similarly asked the court to set aside the March 12, Court of Appeal judgment ,and order the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to restore recognition for its leadership.

In the same vein, the Turaki-led PDP had filed an application challenging the Court of Appeal judgment of March 9, 2026, affirming the trial court’s ruling nullifying the Ibadan National Convention of the party, as well as recognizing the Nyesom Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led PDP NWC.

In the appeal, the Turaki-led faction prayed the Supreme Court to set aside the Appellate Court ruling of March 9 nullifying its November 14 and 15, 2025, Ibadan Convention, and an order mandating the INEC to recognize it as the authentic national leadership of the party.

The judgment of the five-member panel of Supreme court justices headed by Justice Mohammed Garba is being perceived as holding much for the two parties, particularly the ADC which leadership was on Wednesday April 1, derecognised by the INEC.

The withdrawal of recognition for the Mark-led ADC leadership has severely disrupted its preparations for the 2027 polls, as the electoral umpire has seized all form of correspondences with it.

The schedule of the judgment date is coming barely 24 hours after the Mark-led ADC leadership had petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, demanding an expedited ruling of the appeal before the apex court.

In the letter written by its counsel Shaibu Enejo Aruwa, SAN, dated April 28, 2026, the ADC had expressed serious concern that any further delay in the apex court’s delivery of its ruling could jeopardize the chances of the party.participating in the 2027 elections.

In the letter addressed to the CJN, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the ADC called for a timely delivery of the verdict to enable the party work towards meeting the INEC’s dateline for political parties to file necessary documents ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We are most respectfully constrained to request for my lord’s kind intervention and directive in ensuring that the judgment is rendered timeously.

“Without the delivery of the judgment within the next three days from the date of this letter ,the ADC stands the grave and irreversible risk of being excluded from participating in the 2027 General Elections” the ADC letter stated .