Ondo SDP Goes Digital On Membership Drive

April 11, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has embarked on digital membership registration exercise to strengthen grassroots base for the party.

The initiative, which commenced on Thursday at the party’s state secretariat in Akure, brought together chieftains and representatives from all 18 local government areas.

The gathering doubled as a strategic meeting and hands-on training session, equipping officials with the technical skills required to drive seamless online registration at ward and council levels.

Party leaders described the transition to a digital membership system as a critical reform aimed at enhancing transparency, inclusivity and organisational discipline.

The exercise is expected to harmonize existing records, eliminate duplication and build a credible database for effective mobilisation and decision-making.

The move also aligns with directives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which requires political parties to submit updated membership registers ahead of party primaries, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

Addressing participants, State Chairman, Gbenga Akinbuli, commended the turnout, noting that it reflects renewed unity and commitment within the party.

He urged stakeholders to deploy the knowledge gained to ensure comprehensive registration of both existing and prospective members, stressing that cooperation across all levels would determine the success of the exercise.

Similarly, State Secretary, Femi Ikoyi, reaffirmed the party’s readiness for “massive and strategic mobilisation” ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that the registration drive would be complemented by targeted engagement programmes to attract new members, particularly youths and professionals, while strengthening the party’s grassroots base.

ADC To INEC Chairman: “Resign Over pro-Tinubu Online Tweets Or We Will Escalate Civil Disobedience Actions Across Nigeria

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 11, 2026

Professor Josiah Amupitan INEC Chairman — Prof Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Saturday, insisted on the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, over an alleged tweet which indicated his political affiliation with the President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressive Congress, APC.

This is as the ADC accused him of desperately attempting to alter digital records to conceal his alleged partisan posture and past political affiliations.

The ADC’s stance however is coming , despite Amupitan’s plea of innocence.

The Source reports that the media space has been saturated with reports of past pro-Tinubu online tweets particularly during the 2023 general elections linked, allegedly, to the INEC Chairman.

The revelation expectedly has ignited widespread indignation and condemnations, with not a few, including individuals and groups calling for the immediate resignation of Amupitan over fears that his alleged compromised position may not allow for the conduct of free, fair and credible polls in 2027.

But a statement on Friday from Adedayo Oketola, INEC Chairman’s spokesperson, dismissed the allegation of Amupitan’s tweet as false ,and unfounded.

Oketola, while distancing the INEC Chairman from any pro-Tinubu online tweets, described the allegation as the handiwork of detractors out to distract him from the task ahead.

He emphasized that Amupitan has never, in his life, operated an X account.

“To clarify, the INEC Chairman does not possess, or manage any personal account on X.

” He has never engaged in partisan commentary, nor has he ever aligned himself with any political bias or activity in either his private or public roles”, Oketola stated.

However, the ADC in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, while insisting on Amupitan’s resignation, expressed concern that the social media posts allegedly linked to him has raised serious doubt about the credibility of the electoral umpire.

The party maintained that the development , which Amupitan has been struggling to cover has severely hampered and undermined public confidence in the INEC ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the ADC, the INEC’s Chairman’s moves to alter digital records with a view to concealing past political affiliations, represents a clear threat to the twin principles of transparency and accountability.

Abdullahi warned that an electoral umpire must not only be independent ,but also be widely perceived as unbiased at all times.

He insisted that anything to the contrary will inevitably erode public trust and confidence, as well as undermine the electoral process.

The ADC posited that Amupitan’s conducts and alleged partisan disposition fell short of the minimum acceptable standards for someone saddled with the task of conducting elections in a democratic system.

The party, therefore, called on the INEC Chairman to immediately resign from office, warning that anything to the contrary amounts to an insult on the Nigerian people.

The party also warned that it will not relent in its efforts until the INEC chairman is eased out of office.

The party threatened to escalate civil disobedience actions until Amupitan steps down from office.

Police Hands Over PDP National Secretariat To Wike’s Faction

Ayodele Oni

April 11, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that its national headquarters in Abuja has been unsealed by the Police.

The opposition party’s national headquarters was sealed by the Police in the wake of the crisis which culminated in the two factions of the party struggling to take over the Secretariat.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike’ faction of the party has held its national convention with new officers headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed emerging while the other faction, which held its Congress in Ibadan Oyo State in 2025, has been derecognized by the Court of Appeal judgement.

A statement on Saturday, signed by the publicity secretary of the party, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, revealed the latest development, saying the keys to the Secretariat has been handed over to the national chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The statement reads : “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) hereby informs all members and the general public that the Party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, as well as the Legacy House, Maitama, have been

unsealed by the Nigeria Police Force and handed over to the National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara and Senator Samuel Anyawu, National Secretary in full compliance with duly issued court orders.

“The party commends the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism and adherence to the rule of law. This action is a clear demonstration of respect for constitutional order and due process.

“The Party strongly warns that it will not condone any act capable of causing obstruction, disruption, or breach of peace at the secretariat again.

“All individuals and groups are advised to conduct themselves within the bounds of the law, as security agencies have been duly alerted to take necessary action against violators.

“This positive development reassures members that the recent challenges confronting the Party have been effectively resolved.

“We therefore call on all aggrieved members to sheath their swords and embrace unity in the collective interest of the Party.

“The Party also expresses its profound appreciation to our leaders and stakeholders for their steadfast support during this period.

“In particular, we acknowledge the guidance and commitment of our National Leader, His Excellency, Chief Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the Hon Minister of the FCT, whose support has been invaluable.

“Together, we move forward, Stronger, United and more Committed to our shared Vision.”

ADC Crisis: Nafiu Gombe’s Sponsors Identified

Ayodele Oni

April 11, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

African Democratic Congress (ADC), chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has clarified that those sponsoring him are not members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or those in government.

Admitting that he is getting assistance from outside the ADC, in prosecuting his legal matters against the Senator David Mark-led leadership, Gombe explained that his support is mainly from public-spirited individuals and Nigerians averse to the alleged injustice being meted out to him.

Abimuku Monday, spokesman to Bala Gombe, who spoke when he featured on Morning Briefs, a Channels Television programme, said: “Before now, they were saying these people are big weights and we are lightweights. Now, we are suddenly being seen as human beings.

“Earlier, we were seen as nobodies – as boys who don’t have capacity to challenge this in court. They say ‘Nafiu Bala does not even have money to pursue his case.

“They don’t find out who. They have forgotten that for you to seek legal actions, there are so many ways to go about it.

“It is either you use your own money or your personal relationship with people. Does it mean that somebody in politics cannot have his own friends or cannot have lawyers as his friend or cannot have other members of the society as his friends?

“These are not members of the APC. They don’t belong to any party. They are citizens of this country, who mean well for Nigeria.

“Nobody is scuttling the coalition. The fact remains that if you have a challenge, people will rally around you knowing it is a good cause you are fighting,” he stated

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had on April 1, 2026 withdrew its recognition of the Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola leadership of the ADC and had their names deleted from its portal citing a Court of Appeal order directing that the parties should observe ‘status quo ante bellum’.

The ADC leadership had accused Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy Chairman of the party of being sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to play the spoiler role to pave way for President Bola Tinubu to emerge as a single presidential candidate in 2027.

Speaking on the development, Spokesperson of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi expressed concerns on how suddenly, Bala Gombe, who he noted could not on his own afford the services of a lawyer, is now living large, staying in a presidential suit in Hilton and now hiring more than three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to represent him – a venture that may probably run into tens of millions of Naira in expenses.

Insecurity: Atiku Appreciates USA’s Support In Fight Against Terrorism

Ayodele Oni

April 11, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has acknowledged the continued support of the President and Government of the United States of America, (USA) in the global fight against terrorism.

In his latest post on X, Atiku, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated that the USA has demonstrated the importance of international partnership in addressing insecurity.

Atiku write “I condemn, in unequivocal terms, the continued acts of terrorism and brigandage that threaten the peace, unity, and stability of our nation.

“Such attacks on innocent citizens are a grave affront to our shared humanity and must never be allowed to define who we are as a people.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have suffered loss and stand in solidarity with all affected communities during this difficult time.

“The foremost responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property.

“It is therefore imperative that renewed urgency, coordination, and resolve be brought to bear in confronting this challenge and restoring public confidence.

“I also acknowledge, with appreciation, the continued support of the President and Government of the United States of America in the global fight against terrorism.

“This cooperation underscores the importance of sustained international partnership in addressing threats to peace and security.

“Nigeria will endure, and with collective resolve, we shall prevail. “

INEC Refutes pro-Tinubu Social Media Post By Its Chairman, Alleges Political Mischief

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 11, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has strongly rejected claims linking its Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan to a pro- Tinubu post online.

The Source reports that the media space has been awash with reports suggesting that the INEC Chairman, in a post in 2023, expressed support for President Tinubu, then All Progressive Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate.

Prof Amupitan was said to have on his X accounted posted the phrase “victory is assured” in an apparent expression of his support for Tinubu, thus sparking widespread indignation and condemnations across the country from netizens who subsequently re-echoed the demand for his resignation.

They accused the INEC boss of bias and, so, incapable of conducting free, fair and credible polls, given his observed partisan posture.

It would be recalled that the Senator David Mark-led faction of the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, had earlier protested and openly called for the resignation and sack of the INEC Chairman on account of his alleged bias, and questionable actions since mounting the saddle.

The INEC on Wednesday April 1,2026, had ignited tension and controversy with its decision to discontinue the recognition of the Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC of the ADC on the strength of a Court of Appeal judgment ordering parties in in the internal and leadership crisis rocking the party to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a motion on notice filed at the Abuja Federal High Court.

But not a few have impugned political motives into the INEC’s decision, accusing the its Chairman of collaborating with the ruling party at the centre to suffocate opposition parties as well as shrink the political space ahead of the 2027 polls.

However, a statement late on Friday, April 10, 2026, from his spokesperson Adedayo Oketola, the INEC Chairman while distancing himself from the said pro-Tinubu post , explained that he has never, in his life operated an X account.

This is as he described the development as the handiwork of detractors out to distract him from the task ahead through orchestrated smear and malicious campaign.

Oketola in the statement, described the allegation as totally unfounded, fabricated ,and only depicting the figment of the imagination of the promoters.

“To clarify, the INEC Chairman does not possess, or manage any personal account on X.

“He has never engaged partisan commentary, nor has he ever aligned himself with any political bias or activity in either his private or public roles” Oketola stated.

The spokesperson emphasized that the development is yet another, in the desperate attempts by some forces to rubbish the integrity of the INEC Chairman at this critical moment when the electoral umpire is engaged in electoral reforms , and preparations for the forthcoming polls.

The electoral body equally alleged that some unscrupulous elements have been using the name of the Commission’s Chairman in perpetrating Cybercrimes.

“In addition to this partisan mischief, the Commission is aware that Cybercriminals have been active, using fraudulent social media accounts in the Chairman’s name to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians.

“We would like to officially state that numerous such fraudulent accounts have been identified ,and reported to security agencies.

“The latest fabrication is simply a continuation of a criminal trend aimed at exploiting the Commission’s reputation for unlawful purposes.

“We wish to inform the public that we are collaborating closely with relevant security agencies,and cyber-intelligence units to track down ,and identify the individuals ,or groups responsible for this identity theft and misinformation”, the statement added.

OPINION: Amupitan’s Past Tweets Show An APC Sympathizer

James Orji

April 11, 2026

By Farooq A. Kperogi

Several verifiable past tweets by INEC chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan from his time as a professor at the University of Jos unmistakably reveal partisan sympathies for the APC and, more specifically, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If he has any regard for institutional integrity, he should own up to them, acknowledge the moral burden they place on his office, and resign. I will return to this.

Amupitan’s neutrality has long hovered under a cloud of suspicion, but I deliberately gave him the benefit of the doubt, to the irritation of many who urged me to call him out earlier and who falsely thought my reluctance to criticize him was the result of my having a relationship with him.

When it surfaced that he had written a tendentious memo alleging a “Christian genocide” without acknowledging equally horrific Muslim deaths in the recurring communal violence in central Nigeria, I attributed it to what I call epistemic closure, a condition where a person’s informational environment is so internally reinforcing that outside evidence is dismissed or never encountered. In that state, complex issues get reduced to narrow, self-confirming interpretations because the person is effectively sealed inside a filter bubble.

For a professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, that kind of intellectual insularity is disappointing. It runs against the grain of scholarly training, which stresses self-criticism and transcendence. Still, I did not think it was sufficient to establish bias.

When he was criticized for fixing the 2027 election during Ramadan, I again resisted the rush to judgment. Islam does not prohibit work during Ramadan, and several Muslim-majority countries have conducted elections in that period. Besides, with figures like Malam Mohammed Haruna on the commission, it would be simplistic to assign sole responsibility to him. So, even at the cost of being suspected of unduly shielding him, I held my fire.

But two developments began to strain my charitable reading of his actions. His push to revalidate permanent voter cards, which carried the risk of disenfranchising millions, gave me pause. Then his interventions in the ADC’s internal crisis revealed a man who struggled unsuccessfully to conceal partisan impulses aligned with Tinubu’s apparent determination to fracture the opposition and stall the emergence of a viable challenger.

Even these, troubling as they were, pale beside what emerged on Friday. Evidence now shows that in 2023, about two years before his appointment as INEC chairman, Amupitan used an X account bearing his name to engage in openly partisan commentary.

On March 18, 2023, Dayo Israel, the APC’s National Youth Leader, whom Amupitan followed, boasted that he had flipped his “nearby,” “Igbo-dominated” polling unit from the opposition to the APC. Amupitan replied: “Victory is sure.”

Pause on that for a moment. This was a direct affirmation of a partisan boast couched in ethnically coded language. The reference to an “Igbo-dominated” polling unit invokes the ethnic polarization that defined much of the 2023 election cycle. To respond to such a claim with “Victory is sure” is to align oneself not just with a party, but with a particular narrative of electoral conquest over an implicitly defined “other.”

A day earlier, March 17, 2023, one Okodoro Oro circulated a claim that Peter Obi supporters had repurposed an old photograph of a bloodied man to malign Lagos State legislator Desmond Elliot. Amupitan’s response was: “They are evil in the 24th [sic] century.”

This is not the language of a detached observer. It is the language of moral condemnation directed at a clearly identified political camp. To be fair, future electoral umpires are not

Borno ISWAP Attack: Army Speaks On Death of Brigadier-General Braimah

Adesina Soyooye

April 11, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Reports circulating in sections of the media and on social platforms as they concern the fatalities recorded in Thursday’s terrorists’ ambush in Benisheikh, Borno State, have been debunked by the Nigerian Army which described them as false and misleading.

In a statement, the Headquarters, Operation HADIN KAI, insisted that the narratives surrounding the incident have been exaggerated. The statement insisted that some of the reports and images and videos are unrelated to the attack and meant to misinform the public and undermine the ongoing operations.

Contrary to the claims that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed in the attack, the Army confirmed that casualty figure remains four personnel — two officers and two soldiers. It did not confirm the killing of Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah even though it become public knowledge and confirmed by President Bola Tinubu.

As it concerns the Brigade Commander’s vehicle, the statement said that it was inaccurate to say it was unserviceable.

On the contrary, the Army said, the Commander was operating from a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, which, sadly, became temporarily immobilised during the battle while he was actively coordinating the response to the attack.

It dismissed the visuals being circulated in connection with the incident as fake, and did not originate from the Benisheikh encounter.

What is being circulated, it noted, were “deliberately misrepresented to reinforce false narratives and create panic.”

The statement reaffirmed the Army’s commitment and condemned, according to it, attempts to distort operational facts for personal or political motives. stressing that such actions undermine the sacrifices and professionalism of troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, the statement insisted, “successfully repelled the attack, retained control of their position, and forced the attackers into a disorganised retreat.”

The Army noted what it described as the growing combat effectiveness of forces in the North-East theatre and urged members of the public to rely on official channels for verified information and to stop the spread of unconfirmed reports capable of eroding public confidence in military operations.

The statement reads in part: “The Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has noted with serious concern the circulation of false, misleading and highly exaggerated reports across some television stations and social media platforms following the recent foiled terrorist attack on troops’ location in Benisheikh. These narratives, often amplified with unrelated pictures and videos, are not only inaccurate but constitute a deliberate attempt to distort facts, undermine ongoing military operations and erode public confidence.

“OPHK categorically refutes the claim that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, lost their lives during the incident. The official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that 2 officers and 2 soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement. Any contrary figure being circulated is entirely false, misleading, and devoid of credibility.

“The insinuation that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable is equally incorrect. The Commander was mounted on a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised in the heat of combat while he was actively coordinating the counter-assault. This reflects the intensity of the engagement and the presence of leadership at the decisive point, not any equipment failure.

“Furthermore, the pictures and videos being circulated in connection with the incident are unrelated to the Benisheikh attack and are being deliberately misrepresented to reinforce false narratives. The public is urged to disregard such content, which is clearly intended to misinform and create unnecessary panic.

“The Nigerian military strongly frowns at the distortion of operational facts and the use of such unfortunate incident for personal/political gains or propaganda. Such actions not only mislead the public but also diminish the sacrifices, courage, and professionalism of officers and men who continue to risk their lives daily in the defence of the nation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains professional and committed solely to their constitutional mandate.

“It is pertinent to reiterate that troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled the attack, maintained control of their location, and forced the terrorists into a disorganised retreat. The failed assault underscores the sustained pressure on terrorist elements and the growing combat effectiveness of troops across the Theatre. The military remains the only credible source of verified information on its operations and will continue to provide timely and accurate updates through official channels.

Members of the public are, therefore, advised to rely on such sources and refrain from spreading unverified information.”

Niger State Deadly Bandit Attack: Bodies Of Scores Of Security Operatives, Civilians Recovered

Adesina Soyooye

April 10, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

About 61 bodies of Security Operatives and civilians have been recovered after a deadly Bandit Attack on Tuesday in Niger State. Residents, in their hundreds have fled the Communities

The bodies of the security operatives and civilians were recovered from the bush following after the bloody attack in Bagna, Erena, and other communities in Erena Ward of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Reports disclosed that the civilians have been buried in Erena while the remains of security operatives were deposited at the Minna General Hospital mortuary.

Eye witnesses confirm the enormity of the tragedy even though police claim only three vigilantes were killed. But the dead included Mr. Manga, the commander of the vigilante who was reportedly rescued alive but later succumbed to gunshot wounds he sustained during incident.

While eesidents commended the security operatives for engaging and overpowering the attackers they thumped down the authorities for not acting on prior intelligence.

Residents of nearby communities of Bassa in Bassa/Kukkoki Ward had fled on Thursday following rumours of another planned attack.

In circulating online videos, women and children were seen rushing to board canoes to escape to safer areas.

Hundreds of displaced residents are currently refuges at Zumba Central Primary School and other locations within Shiroro LGA.

Alaafin Of Oyo Reads Riot Act, Threatens Jail Term For Land Grabbers

Akinwale Kasali

April 10, 2026

Alaafin owoade — Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade 1,

By Akinwale Kasali

Oba Akeem Owoade, Alaafin of Oyo, has warned individuals involved in land grabbing, particularly those who employ violence, threats, or coercion to extort fees from legitimate property owners that they risk 15 years jail term.

The Monarch urged those engaging in the act to desist or face severe consequences.

The warning follows the wave of violent attacks reportedly carried out by land grabbers against residents of 12 villages in the Oyo West Local Government Area.

The affected communities include Itosi Yaya, Tella Omooba, Jowe, Idi-Iyalode, Bada, Ladindin, Janna, Ojutaye, Iporin Kajola, Ajibade, Laagbe, and Ariwinyo.

The disputed land spans a wide area stretching from Odo-Itosi to Odo-Ogun.

The Monarch, in a statement on Friday, through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, noted that Oyo metropolis is endowed with an extensive landmass, emphasising that land remains a critical, if not the most critical, factor for economic growth.

He lamented that over time, land speculators and lawless individuals seeking unearned gains have resorted to various unlawful tactics to dispossess rightful owners of their properties.

The Alaafin further reminded perpetrators that the Real Properties Protection Law 2016 has been enacted by the Oyo State Government and is currently being enforced through a dedicated Task Force Unit.

He stated: “Under the Law, land grabbers can now be jailed for up to 15 years while those who aid and abet them will also not go scot-free.”

The statement further highlighted that land, being fundamental to shelter, commerce, and investment, has increasingly become one of the most contested assets within the Oyo metropolis.

“Rising demand has, however, fuelled a troubling surge in land grabbing, illegal transactions, and violent encroachments,” the statement said.

“For years, these activities have not only deprived individuals of their rightful properties but have also eroded investor confidence and threatened peace across communities.

“In response to the escalating crisis, the Alaafin, upon ascending the throne, declared that “enough is enough” and established a Land Committee tasked with restoring order and legality to land administration in the kingdom.

“The Committee, comprising seasoned professionals and respected elders, was inaugurated to tackle a long-standing issue that has persisted for decades.

“Its creation was prompted by widespread complaints from residents who have endured intimidation, unlawful land acquisitions, and exploitation by unscrupulous speculators.

“The Committee’s mandate is to ensure that land ownership and transactions within the metropolis are governed strictly by law rather than force.

“Its responsibilities include investigating cases of land fraud, encroachment, and unauthorised sales,“ the statement said.

Oba Owoade reiterated his administration’s commitment, the royal father stressed that peace, order and the protection of lives and property remain top priorities, affirming that no effort would be spared in safeguarding security across the kingdom.

He further advised members of the public to disregard any individual, group, or organisation falsely claiming ownership of land in the affected communities.

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