A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned hearing on the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to Tuesday next week.
The adjournment followed proceedings on Tuesday where both the defence and prosecution presented arguments on whether the ex-governor should be granted bail.
Counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, SAN, urged the Court to release his client, citing his constitutional right to liberty and the need to adequately prepare for trial.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, insisting that the weight of the charges against El-Rufai requires caution insisting that granting bail at this stage could affect ongoing investigations.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), is prosecuting El-Rufai over alleged financial misconduct.
According to the commission, the former governor is facing charges bordering on conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering. He is being tried alongside one Joel Adoga
In addition, the ICPC disclosed that a separate case has been filed at a Kaduna State High Court against El-Rufai and another defendant, Amadu Sule.
The stated charges include alleged abuse of office, fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The anti-graft agency said both cases were instituted on March 18, adding that the former governor had been duly served in line with legal procedures.
El-Rufai’s arraignment follows weeks of legal and public scrutiny after his arrest on arrival from foreign trip by the Directorate of Security Services, (DSS).
Political Parties have rejected some aspects of the new Electoral Act, especially direct primaries, mandatory NIN-based membership register submission, and push for compulsory electronic transmission of results.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) which spoke on behalf of of the parties, strongly criticised the Electoral Act 2026, describing it as a major setback to Nigeria’s democratic progress and calling for its urgent amendment ahead of the 2027 general election.
The IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, spoke at the consultative meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and leaders of political parties in Abuja on Tuesday
He pointed out that the new law contains provisions capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process and destabilising the country’s democracy if left unchanged.
Dantalle said the Act, rather than reflecting the expectations of Nigerians who participated in public hearings on constitutional and electoral reforms, had fallen “far short” of democratic aspirations.
He argued that the law has already placed undue pressure on political parties following INEC’s release of the timetable for the 2027 general election, especially for opposition parties and smaller political platforms outside government.
The Independence National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan said the commission convened the meeting to present the draft INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2026 for stakeholder input.
The INEC Chairman pointed out that the review became necessary following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026 and stressed that the commission could not “navigate a 2027 horizon using a 2022 map.”
Amupitan stated that the revised guidelines were designed to align party regulations with the new law and improve transparency in party registration, mergers, operations, primaries, campaigns, election expenses and deregistration.
He noted that the 2027 election timetable is compressed, with presidential and National Assembly polls fixed for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.
INEC chairman also revealed that the commission had embedded measurable benchmarks for the participation of women, youths and persons with disabilities in the new framework.
Amupitan urged political parties to see the draft regulations not as restrictions, but as safeguards aimed at protecting the sovereign will of Nigerians from nomination to final declaration of results.
To cushion the depletion of health personnel by the Japa syndrome, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the recruitment of over 700 medical and non-medical personnel as part of a deliberate effort to strengthen healthcare delivery across the State.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, who disclosed this during a press briefing, said the approval underscores the administration’s sustained commitment to expanding the health sector in line with ongoing infrastructural upgrades.
He explained that the recruitment became necessary due to increased demand for healthcare services, following major developments, including the upgrade of General Hospital Warri to a Central Hospital and the near-completion of the Mother and Child Hospital in Ekpan.
“This approval reflects the government’s proactive approach to ensuring that our health facilities are adequately staffed to meet the growing needs of our population,” Onojaeme stated.
Providing a breakdown, he said 295 personnel would be deployed to the Hospital Management Board, while the Delta State University Teaching Hospital would absorb 120 staff.
The newly established College of Health Technology, Ovrode, is expected to recruit 100 personnel, with Asaba Specialist Hospital and Warri Central Hospital receiving 60 and 12 staff respectively.
The Commissioner noted that the exercise is also designed to mitigate the effects of the ongoing migration of healthcare professionals, popularly known as the “Japa syndrome,” which has created workforce gaps across the sector.
He added that the government’s standing directive to replace exiting personnel has helped maintain operational stability within the system.
Onojaeme further highlighted ongoing efforts to address critical gaps, including the establishment of a State Public Health Laboratory, which is nearing completion.
He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, samples had to be sent to Abuja due to the absence of such a facility in the State.
According to him, a new psychiatric hospital currently under construction will further expand healthcare services and require additional skilled manpower.
On medical technology, the Commissioner revealed that the government has procured three 1.5 Tesla MRI machines, noting that the helium-free systems are more cost-effective and easier to maintain compared to older models.
He also pointed to significant investments in dialysis infrastructure, which have reduced treatment costs to as low as ₦45,000 in some facilities, with further reductions possible through additional interventions.
Onojaeme assured that the recruitment process would be transparent and merit-based, with vacancies to be advertised in national and local dailies.
He said the positions would cover a wide range of professionals, including consultants, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, health technologists, administrators, and support staff.
There are indications that the Nyesom Wike backed-Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ekiti State has rejected the governorship candidate of the party, Dr Wole Oluyede ahead of June 20 poll.
The rival bloc ably backed by former Governor Ayodele Fayose had, last week, put in place a parallel state executive council headed by Lanre Omolase.
The PDP camp, which aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rejected assertions by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction, which is backed by several PDP governors, that it remains the recognised leadership in the state and has produced Dr Wole Oluyede as the party’s flagbearer.
The chairman of the Turaki faction in Ekiti, Tunji Odeyemi, said in Ado Ekiti that the congress organised by the Wike-backed group in the state is illegal and of no effect, insisting that it lacked constitutional backing.
Odeyemi maintained that the executive elected on October 1, 2025, still holds a valid mandate, stressing that no court ruling has nullified its leadership status.
Citing a judgment of the Federal High Court, he said the court had affirmed Oluyede as the duly recognised governorship candidate of the party in Ekiti and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to acknowledge him, adding that the verdict had settled previous disagreements over the ticket.
According to the Turaki camp, allegations of leadership change in the state chapter are baseless, as those behind the recent congress are only attempting to distract the party from its preparations for the forthcoming poll.
Reacting, the chairman of the Wike-aligned faction in Ekiti, Lanre Omolase, argued that the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the Abduraham Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee, had effectively resolved all factional disputes within the PDP.
Omolase said that following the collapse of the Ibadan convention, the Turaki faction lost its standing, adding that the National Caretaker Committee had since dissolved the state working committee it recognised as improperly constituted.
He further alleged that the earlier state congress conducted by the Turaki group was flawed and merely involved the sharing of positions among loyalists, describing it as an act of impunity.
The Wike-backed leadership insisted that it was lawfully installed by the national caretaker body before conducting its own congress, which produced a new state working committee.
In a statement jointly signed by Omolase and the state publicity secretary, Femi Phillips, the faction faulted the presentation of Oluyede as PDP’s candidate, saying no official organ of the party in Ekiti had processed or endorsed his nomination.
The statement emphasised that the state chapter had not formally received any aspirant for the governorship race, noting that no individual could supersede the party’s constitution and laid-down procedures.
It added that if Oluyede’s candidature had been validly recognised, he would have featured at official party engagements, including the recent inauguration of the state executive committee.
The Wike-aligned group also claimed that there was no documented proof of Oluyede’s involvement with the recognised party structure in Ekiti, particularly after judgments delivered by the Federal High Court in Ibadan and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The Wike backed faction of the PDP is solely routing for the return of President Bola Tinubu for the second term, while at the state level, it has thrown its support behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Following concerns by stakeholders, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has ordered stoppage of the implementation of recently approved tariffs at the nation’s ports.
It has therefore directed all shipping lines and their agents to immediately halt action on the new tarrifs.
The directive, followed concerns raised by key stakeholders about the timing, structure, and potential impact of the new charges on port users and the broader logistics sector.
In a statement, the NSC said the suspension is necessary to safeguard fair competition, transparency, and stability within the maritime sector while comprehensive consultations and regulatory reviews are ongoing.
“All affected operators are required to revert to the tariff regime in place before the recent increase. Any deviation from this directive will be treated as a breach of regulatory compliance and may attract sanctions under existing laws,” the Council stated.
The regulator emphasized that the decision is temporary and that a final position will be communicated after stakeholder engagements and internal review processes are concluded.
The NSC reiterated its commitment to effective economic regulation, the protection of cargo interests, and the promotion of an efficient and equitable maritime transport system.
Operators have been urged to ensure immediate and strict compliance with the directive to avoid penalties.
The Council’s action comes amid ongoing efforts to balance revenue generation with the operational needs of port users and maintain stability across Nigeria’s shipping and logistics value chain.
Former Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate, in the 2023 general elections has decried Nigeria’s gradual but steady descent to authoritarianism.
Obi, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress, spoke on Tuesday March 24 ,2026 in reaction to the arrest of a Kaduna-based prominent Islamic scholar and Cleric Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar shortly after he hosted Obi.
According to the former Anambra State Governor, Sheikh Umar was arrested and whisked away by Security Operatives after playing host to him at his Kaduna residence.
In a statement on his official site, Obi described the development as representing a very dangerous threat to freedom of speech and movement as well as a dent on the Country’s democratic arrangement.
This is as he warned against what he described as the growing level of opposition suppression and intimidation by the All Progressive Congress-led Federal Government of Nigeria.
“I have just been made aware early this morning that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar has been arrested by the authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna on Sunday.
“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy ,where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened ,and where citizens ,and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecutions . This cannot be allowed to continue .
“This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society.
“Suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democratic society, and this Nigerian Government must understand this fact.
“I respectfully call on those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to please stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens” Obi stated.
There appears to be no respite in sight for former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN. Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, invaded his Abuja residences.
The Source reports that Malami, one of his wives and son, who are facing multiple inter-agency prosecutions over charges bordering on alleged money laundering diversion of funds, abuse of office, terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms only regained their freedom a few days ago after weeks in Custodial Centres in Abuja.
The EFCC operatives who were said to have stormed Malami’s residence early in the morning were, however, pushed back by the Malami who demanded to see a valid Court warrant for the raid.
In a video online, the Kebbi state-born chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC, was seen furiously demanding to see the Court order authorizing the said search of his residence.
“Where is your court order? Or do you want to disgrace me?”
However, the EFCC operatives informed him that, as an already marked property under investigation, they have the right to visit it in continuation of their inquest.
But the embattled Malami was not persuaded by the argument of the Operatives. He questioned the essence of raiding the property after the expiry of its probation period with the matter already before a Court of competent jurisdiction.
“You said the property is under probation. Is it still under probation when the order has since elapsed?
“You were at my other house earlier this morning, and now you are here again,why?”, Malami queried.
This is as he insisted that the Operatives tender a clear legal instrument authorizing the raid on his residence .
“The order you are referring to is not specific. It does not give you clear directives to come and mark my property.
“This matter is already pending in Court. Show me anywhere it is stated that you have the authority to be here?”, the former Minister fumed.
The raid came just as the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar paid a solidarity visit to Malami.
Writing on his official site on Monday, Atiku one of ADC’s Presidential hopefuls, said that his visit followed his return to the country from a lesser Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
” I led a delegation on a solidarity visit to the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN , following my return to the country on Saturday night from Umrah (lesser Hajj)”, Atiku stated .
The Source further reports that the EFCC, in one of its cases before the Court, is seeking an order of the Court for the permanent forfeiture to Federal Government of about 57 choice properties worth about N213 billion linked to Malami, his wife and son.
Peter Obi’s entry into Nigeria’s political landscape is a breath of fresh air in a system that often demonises those with differing views. His recent publicly stated advocacy for the release of Nasir El-Rufai has ignited significant discussions across Nigerian politics, especially considering their intense rivalry before and during the 2023 elections. In the traditional Nigerian political playbook, Obi could have easily reminisced about the pivotal role El-Rufai played in thwarting his aspirations Despite Obi being the people’s choice, El Rufai went for party loyalty and supported Bola Tinubu, who has now become his traducer.
However, what we are witnessing is not merely nostalgia; it is a strategic shift reflecting Obi’s commitment to a “politics of principles.” This shift serves as a foundation for a new political coalition—the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—as they gear up for the 2027 polls.
On March 9, 2026, Obi released a powerful statement on X, vehemently condemning the continued detention of El-Rufai and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami. His argument rests on three essential pillars: fairness, the illegitimacy of the government’s “Fishing Expeditions,” and the undue “repeated transfers” of El-Rufai between the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS. Obi called out this approach as a “desperate search for any charge that might stick,” challenging the integrity of the investigations. While he supports the fight against corruption, he insists that it must begin with those currently in power, emphasising that selective enforcement undermines the broader fight against corruption. He framed El-Rufai’s detention as “political persecution disguised as criminal prosecution.”
By defending a man who once dismissed him as a “tribal candidate” and a “Nollywood actor,” Obi is establishing himself as a leader who prioritises constitutional processes over personal grievances, elevating the rule of law above political grudges. As a Northerner who once admired El-Rufai until the latter joined with Tinubu in 2022, I find Obi’s principled stance on El-Rufai’s detention to be a monumental moment for our politics and for the ADC Coalition.
Both Obi and El-Rufai have recently united under the ADC banner, and Obi’s defence of El-Rufai is a savvy move to fortify this coalition. It sends a clear signal to northern power brokers that he is a fair partner, capable of putting aside past disagreements. I stand firmly with Obi’s supporters (Obidients) who interpret this act of magnanimity as evidence of his “superior temperament.” In a civilised society, detractors are entitled to fair treatment and the rule of law.
Yet, some critics may dismiss this “spirit of fairness” as merely a “marriage of convenience” with a former adversary. They are mistaken. It is high time for the North to cast aside its prejudices against Igbos and give Obi a chance. He has a proven track record that can instil confidence, especially given his pragmatic vision that has the potential to transform the North. I am happy that a formidable Northern mobilizer like Rabiu Kwankwaso is trying to identify with this Obi project. Imagine how electrifying it would be to have a political movement like the Obidient and Kwankwansiyya groups on one platform.
The time has come for the North to confront the escalating poverty in our region—a situation that is primed to erupt into crisis. We must acknowledge that no one will escape the fallout when that happens. Let’s act decisively for the collective good.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has called for strict alignment of messaging and mobilisation across the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging Party coordinators to adopt a unified strategy in promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms.
Speaking at the South-South zonal workshop of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Asaba, Uzodimma stressed that “we are one Party; we must have one message,” describing coordination as “a requirement, not a suggestion.”
He said the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ national work plan—developed after the APC strategic summit in Abuja—provides clear guidelines, timelines and responsibilities for grassroots mobilisation.
Highlighting key economic indicators, Uzodimma noted improvements in foreign reserves, GDP growth and oil production, but acknowledged that many Nigerians still feel the impact of ongoing reforms.
“The pain is temporary; the gains are permanent,” he said, urging Party members to bridge the gap between government performance and public perception, guarding against, “wesponising people’s pain against the APC administration,” and seeking alignment in policies and speeches.
He tasked coordinators to intensify grassroots engagement, counter misinformation and translate government policies into relatable terms for citizens.
Uzodimma also set a 90-day timeline for measurable mobilisation outcomes, including ward-level structures and reporting systems.
“The President has done the hard work of reform; we must now do the work of communication,” he added.
“Move beyond propaganda – honest conversations, active listening and fact-based communication,” Uzodimma advised, adding,” misinformation travels faster than facts. We must counter propaganda with truth and cynicism with hope.”
The Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum and Director General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and the Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassador in the South South, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, for rising up to the decision of the APC leadership to provide informed narrative of the activities of the Party under President Tinubu at the local, State and national levels to Nigerians.
“There is no reasonable Nigerian who will not want to support the pensioners….If there is anything I would do to improve the lives of the pensioners in Imo State I will not hesitate to do it.”
The above statement was made in September 2020 by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State during one of his meetings where he addressed the concerns about delayed pension payment in the State.
Four months earlier, May 2020 to be precise, and in his determination to right certain institutional wrongs in Imo, Uzodimma had signed a bill into law that repealed an earlier one that gave former Governors and their deputies, former Speakers and their deputies, the right to collect pension and gratuity after leaving office as political office holders.
Uzodimma had reasoned that the operationalisation of such law in Imo State then violated the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, and that the past leaders in the State were simply taking undue advantage of the offices they had held in trust for the people to exploit them and undermine the system.
Mind you, Uzodimma did not bother that he would have been a beneficiary of the same law that made past Governors and their deputies, past speakers and their deputies, to collect pension and gratuity from the State if such law is allowed to stay.
But for this bold move by the Governor, what many Imo people did not know was that a bill was already in the works at the then House of Assembly where the lawmakers were seeking to be paid pension and gratuity after leaving office.
Today, if that bill had also been passed into law, together with the one already in existence to take care of the former Governor, his deputy, the former speaker and his deputy, all the resources of the State would have been used to service their interest.
The Governor had initiated the biometric verification and automation processes for pensioners in Imo State and before long, the verified pensioners started receiving bank alerts of payment of their pensions from the comfort of their homes. It never happened before.
I recall the leadership of the Imo Pension Union paying a courtesy call on Governor Uzodimma on behalf of their members to express their profound gratitude and support for the full implementation of the biometric verification and automation processes to ensure all the retirees were captured. Today, that request is history as the exercise has long been completed and all pensioners in Imo receiving their pay without let or hindrance.
Oguwike Nwachuku
Away from the challenges of payment of pensioners’ salary every month, the Governor also promised to commence payment of their more than 20 years unpaid gratuities which none of his past colleagues wanted to touch with a long spoon because of the princely sum running into billions of Naira involved.
In no time, the phased payment of gratuities started in Imo in line with the payment structure the Governor had envisaged and openly disclosed to the retirees accordingly. Again, the pensioners were excited and full of gratitude. In fact, it was the size of their excitement that made them to give the Governor an award as – “Most Pensioners- friendly Governor of Imo State”- which he cherishes till date.
As yours sincerely writes, the pensioners who fall within the first phase of the gratuity payment plan/structure have been paid. Arrangements are also in top gear to migrate another set of pensioners to the structure where they will get paid their entitlement.
The above short background is critical for us to understand the intention behind the decision of the persons claiming to be pensioners who were credited to have gone to the Assumpta Cathedral last week for a Thanksgiving for surviving the none payment of gratuities by the Governor Uzodimma administration.
Report had it that the so-called pensioners had beseeched God to intervene on their plight.
Before I proceed to evaluate what the acclaimed pensioners must have done with their supplication to God over gratuity, it is important to note that the Union of the Pensioners in Imo State had long distanced the members from the Assumpta Cathedral excursion, describing those involved in the exercise as impersonators.
However, the point must be made that the Church, as God’s Sanctuary, desires that all manner of persons approaches it. That is why both the good, the bad and the ugly, even in behaviour, can boldly go to the Church to seek God’s face. No man of God drives anyone who has approached the Church for God to solve his or her problem away. In fact, the more persons that approach the Church for whatever reason, the greater the believe that God dwells therein and prayers answered.
But what is usually the challenge is the intension. Is it with good heart? Is it to kill or destroy or blackmail or slander? Is it for mischief purpose or for attention seeking? Or is it for just social outing?
I am really concerned about the intention of the so-called pensioners who were said to have gone to ask God to compel Uzodimma to pay them their gratuity.
I am also compelled to draw our attention to the book of Jeremiah 17:9, which says, “the heart is deceitful above all things.”
If we are in agreement that human emotions, desires and subjective reasoning are unreliable guides that can trick us into making poor decisions and judgement, as well as prioritizing selfish desires over truth, is it not possible that the so-called pensioners had a motive that was beyond seeking God’s face?
Given that their is no retiree in Imo State that is not in tune with Uzodimma’s intentional efforts to clear the backlog of gratuities owed to the pensioners since the past 20 years, is it out of place to describe these few respected elder statesmen and women who went to Assumpta Cathedral as mischievous retirees?
It was late South African President and anti Apartheid Czar, Dr Nelson Mandela who said, “it always seems impossible until it is done.”
Before now, no retiree in Imo State believes payment of gratuity was possible. But can they sincerely say that there is no action on the subject matter? If it is because you have not received your own, should that be a reason to deny the genuine effort of a man who has remained passionate about the welfare of not just pensioners but the entire workforce in the State? Apart from Imo, which other State in Nigeria is paying N104,000 minimum wage in Nigeria, more than the Federal Government pays? Which State in Nigeria is implementing a free Health Insurance programme for her workforce including for the pensioners? What happens to the our heart of gratitude?
Many believe that political opponents always find in our retired elder statesmen and women a willing tool to play politics because of their “vulnerability.” If the leadership of the Imo State Pension Union is unaware of the so-called Thanksgiving prayer at Assumpta Cathedral and said those who went there are imposters, what message has their outing sent across – those praying to God for answers to their problems or those mocking Him for the sake of their selfish desires?
Interested political opponents may want to take advantage of the “vulnerability” of our aged retirees to get them engaged in any activity to keep them busy in line with George Bernhard Shaw’s caution that, ” a life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.”
Unfortunately, did the Holy Book not warn us in Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked?”
Mine is a frank advice to our respected retirees. They should rather engage in genuine and sincere prayer to God for the gift of a man like Hope Uzodimma at this period in the history of Imo State for what God has used him to accomplish for the State.
They ought to pray to God to continuously supporting, sustaining and encouraging Hope Uzodimma in his determination to leave Imo State better than he met in all ramifications. They should implore God in their supplication to help Hope Uzodimma fulfill his promise to make every worker and pensioner in Imo State happy by ensuring that the resources of the State are used, only for their good and not for the select few whose stock in trade has always been to play politics with their livelihood and future. I am certain they will not lose anything should they pray the way Hezekiah did in 2 kings 19 and 20, because God is still in the business of answering prayers when the heart is genuine and pure.
The popular saying that an elder does not stay at home and watch a tethered she-goat suffer the pains of child birth ought to also apply to our senior citizens.
Nwachukwu, Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to Governor Uzodimma writes from Owerri
