NIGERIAN NOTCH

By Chigozie Igbo Jnr  ABUJA — The Supreme Court of Nigeria has granted accelerated hearing in a politically sensitive appeal arising from the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), fixing April 22, 2026, for definitive proceedings. The decision followed deliberations by a five-member panel of the apex court, which directed all parties in the suit to fast-track the filing and exchange of legal processes in line with an expedited timetable. The appeal, filed by a factional national leadership group within the ADC, challenges earlier judgments of both the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Court of Appeal, which had upheld prior rulings affecting the control and structure of the party’s leadership. At the centre of the dispute is a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is contesting decisions that reshaped the party’s national leadership framework. Court records show the appeal, registered as SC/CV/180/2026, stems from a March 12 judgment of the Co...

The Anambra State Police Command has intensified security arrangements ahead of the forthcoming Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), deploying no fewer than 60 personnel under its Safe School Initiative to ensure a hitch-free exercise across the state. The operatives have been strategically assigned to designated examination centres for the exercise organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), scheduled to hold from April 15 to April 26, 2026. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, the deployment is coordinated from the eight police area commands in the state, with the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Harrison Oruruo, overseeing the initiative. Ikenga explained that the move forms part of proactive measures to guarantee the safety of candidates, invigilators and examination officials, while also preventing examination malpractice, disruption and other security breaches. “The Command has ...

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has granted an application for accelerated hearing in an appeal filed by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki. In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, the apex court directed all respondents in the matter to file and exchange their briefs within five days, underscoring the urgency of the case. The court subsequently fixed April 22, 2026, for the hearing of the appeal. The decision followed arguments over the timeline for filing processes. While a rival bloc associated with Nyesom Wike and Bola Ahmed Tinubu had initially sought 20 days, deliberations among parties later produced a consensus for 10 days. However, the Supreme Court, in a move seen as prioritizing expeditious resolution, reduced the period to five days, signaling its determination to ensure swift adjudication of the dispute. The appeal is expected to address critical issues surrounding the party’s internal leadership crisis, with broader implication...

The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has issued a strong warning over what it described as “sponsored attacks” against prominent Igbo leaders, dismissing recent claims made by Igboayaka Igboayaka as baseless and misleading. Igboayaka, who purportedly identified himself as President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, had declared several former South-East governors persona non grata for allegedly endorsing President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. Among those he criticised were David Umahi, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sullivan Chime, Chris Ngige, and Okezie Ikpeazu, accusing them of political betrayal. However, reacting in a statement issued on Monday, the National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Okwu Nnabuike, urged the public to disregard the remarks, describing Igboayaka as “an impostor” engaging in political mischief. Okwu emphasised that no individual or group has the authority to declare others persona non grata over their political ...

From Chinwe Onuigbo,  Awka  At least 30 young people from Anambra State and other parts of Nigeria have received financial support totaling ₦15 million under a youth empowerment programme organized by the Faithspiration Initiative. The grants were disbursed during the third edition of the group’s youth forum, themed “Ablazed with the Fire of God,” held at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity in Onitsha. The event brought together no fewer than 50,000 youths from across the South-East and South-South regions, alongside religious leaders and public officials. Building on the legacy of its previous editions, the forum has emerged as a major platform for spiritual growth, motivational discourse and youth empowerment. Its inaugural edition, themed “Blossoming Youth, Flourishing Generation,” and the second edition, “Gen Zs: Limitless for Christ,” attracted thousands of participants and facilitated the disbursement of millions of naira in grants. Organizers s...

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and aspirant for the Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Amb Lotanna Ikebunwa, has launched the Good Governance Initiative group, calling on Nigerians to embrace the party as a credible alternative for accountable leadership. The initiative was inaugurated on Saturday at Anaedo Hall, Nnewi, drawing party faithful, community leaders and supporters from across the constituency. Speaking at the event, Amb. Ikebunwa emphasised the need for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s governance culture, urging citizens to demand transparency, inclusiveness and effective representation at all levels.  “This initiative is designed to awaken the consciousness of our people to demand better governance. Nigeria requires a new direction, and the ADC offers that alternative,” he said. In a major highlight of the event, the aspirant donated a plot of land valued at over N10 million to a women’s support gro...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has formally handed over the site for the construction of a new student hostel, signaling the institution’s commitment to improving student welfare and accommodation. Speaking during the brief ceremony, Dr. Awuzie disclosed that work on the project would commence imminently. Represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Comrade Chibuzor Asomugha, the Rector assured the contractor of the management’s full support and cooperation throughout the duration of the project. She also charged the contractor, Engr. Philip Onome, to adhere strictly to quality standards and deliver the project within the agreed timeline, emphasizing the institution’s zero tolerance for substandard work. According to Asomugha, the Rector places a premium on accountability and due process, noting that the project would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with specifications. Earlier, the project consultant underscored the importance of p...

In what many are already calling a major political turning point, frontline House of Representatives aspirant, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, has announced the official inauguration of the Good Governance Initiative (GGI) structure across Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency. The event, scheduled for April 11 at Anaedo Hall, Nnewi, will see the full unveiling of the Local Government and Ward Executives of GGI, now widely recognized as the biggest and most popular support group of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Anambra State. For many constituents, this is not just another political gathering. It is a strong signal that a new movement has taken over the political space, one that is driven by the people, not monetary inducements. Across the three local governments, hundreds of people have continued to join the Good Governance Initiative willingly. No inducement of any kind, no payments, just pure belief in a leader they trust. Speaking ahead of the ina...

Mounting internal strife within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is forcing key opposition actors to reconsider their political alignment, with growing attention shifting toward the Action Democratic Party (ADP) as a potential coalition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ADC, once positioned as a rallying point for opposition collaboration, is now grappling with deepening leadership disputes, legal battles, and the looming threat of derecognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The crisis has been further exacerbated by accusations from founding members who allege a “hostile takeover” of the party’s structure. Amid the uncertainty, multiple opposition stakeholders are said to be quietly exploring alternative political vehicles. The ADP has emerged as a leading option, with its leadership reportedly engaging influential political figures across the country. In an interview in Abuja, ADP National Chairman, Yusuf Sani, confirmed tha...

Frontline aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, has extended warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Ben Chuks Nwosu following his recent appointment as Chairman of the ADC Congress Screening Committee. Rt. Hon. Nwosu, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Membership Mobilization, Revalidation and Registration Committee (MMRRC) in Anambra State, earned this new responsibility in recognition of his outstanding performance and proven leadership capacity in his previous role. Reacting to the development, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna expressed great confidence in Rt. Hon. Nwosu’s ability to deliver effectively, noting that his track record speaks volumes. He emphasized that the success recorded during his tenure as Chairman of the MMRRC clearly demonstrated his competence, dedication, and strategic leadership, which ultimately paved the way for this higher responsibility. According to him...