NIGERIAN NOTCH

Atiku, Kwankwaso, Amaechi, others converge on Ibadan summit The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a proposed power-sharing framework aimed at preserving unity within Nigeria’s opposition ranks ahead of the 2027 presidential election, amid concerns that competing ambitions could trigger divisions after party primaries. The proposal, described as a “collegiate system,” seeks to move away from winner-takes-all politics by promoting a shared governance structure in which key actors retain influence even after the emergence of a single presidential candidate. Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise TV, ADC chieftain Lukman Salihu said the initiative is designed to entrench collective decision-making and prevent the concentration of power in one office. “The framework we are putting together is collegiate in nature. It is not one where a single individual takes everything,” he said. “Our leaders are committed to ensuring that if we form the next government, it will not...

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in a suit seeking the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), until May 5, 2026. The suit, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, also targets the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA), alleging violations of Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution. Presiding over the matter, Justice Peter Lifu granted the plaintiffs leave to amend their originating summons to formally include additional political parties accused of breaching constitutional provisions. In a brief ruling, Justice Lifu directed all parties yet to respond to the amended processes to do so without delay, stressing the urgency and public importance of the case. He ordered that all necessary filings be completed by May 1. The judge noted that with party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections approaching, the court must act swiftly to ensure clarity on the legal ...

Nsukka Local Government Area on Wednesday last week rolled out high-powered motorbikes to neighborhood watch officials, prioritizing border communities grappling with security flashpoints. Over 200 neighborhood watch officials were present for the distribution exercise, including 36 Community Security Officers (CSOs) drawn from 56 communities across the 20 wards in Nsukka LGA. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and the Area Commander also made early appearances in support of the initiative before departing due to other pressing operational matters. Addressing attendees, the Council Chairman, Hon. Engr. Jude Chinedu Asogwa, KSJI, explained that the initial phase of the distribution prioritizes border communities due to their heightened vulnerability.  The first batch of beneficiaries includes Anụka, Agụ Ama-Agụ, Agụ-Opi, Eha Ndị Agụ, and Agụ-Obimo, which shares a boundary with Ụzọ-Uwani. The Chairman added that the next phase will extend to additional commun...

Tension gripped parts of Anambra State on Sunday following an attack on a House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), during which two of his security aides sustained gunshot injuries. The incident reportedly occurred in Idemili North Local Government Area while the aspirant was holding a political engagement with stakeholders as part of his consultations ahead of the next general elections. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the meeting was underway when armed men invaded the venue, triggering panic and forcing attendees to scamper for safety. In the ensuing chaos, gunshots were fired, leaving two security operatives attached to the aspirant wounded. The injured aides were quickly evacuated to a nearby medical facility where they are currently receiving treatment. Their condition has not been officially disclosed at the time of filing this report. The aspirant was reportedly unharmed during the incident but condemned the attack, d...

The Enugu/Ebonyi Staff Welfare Association of Federal Polytechnic Oko has commended the institution’s Rector, Chioma Irene Awuzie, for what it described as significant strides in infrastructure development, staff and student welfare, and academic advancement. The commendation was conveyed during a courtesy visit to the Rector at her office, where the association expressed solidarity with her administration and acknowledged her contributions to the growth of the institution. In a letter jointly signed by the association’s Chairman, Emeka Icha Ituma, and Secretary, Ursula Nkechi Ugwoke, the group said the visit was also to identify with the Rector, who spent part of her early life in Ihe, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The association noted that within a relatively short period, Dr. Awuzie has repositioned the polytechnic through a series of impactful projects and reforms. Among the projects highlighted were the construction of a security building, the activation ...

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has approved its timetable for congresses, primaries and national convention ahead of forthcoming electoral activities, with May 30, 2026, slated for both its National Convention and presidential primary. The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the party’s 25th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at its National Secretariat in Abuja. According to the communiqué signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Wale Martins, the schedule of activities will commence with Ward Congresses on May 21, followed by Local Government Congresses on May 22 and State Congresses on May 23. The party fixed May 24 for House of Assembly primaries, May 25 for House of Representatives and Senate primaries, and May 26 for governorship primaries, culminating in the National Convention and presidential primary on May 30. The NEC also approved nomination fees for aspirants, pegging House of Assembly forms at N1.5...

The Federal Government has rolled out a comprehensive welfare package for civil servants, including a N10 billion housing loan scheme, enhanced allowances, and a new exit benefit structure aimed at improving the financial security of workers before and after retirement. The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, announced the reforms at a press briefing in Abuja, describing the initiative as a decisive step toward aligning public service welfare with prevailing economic realities. She said the reforms reflect the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to prioritising workers’ welfare and strengthening the public service system. “This marks a shift from policy promises to tangible benefits,” Walson-Jack said, adding that the package is designed to provide both immediate relief and long-term support for government employees. At the heart of the reforms is a newly introduced Exit Benefit Scheme, which guarantees 100 per cent o...

As Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen internal security, the ongoing police recruitment exercise has reached a decisive stage, with the Police Service Commission (PSC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), fixing April 28 to 30, 2026, for the written examination of prospective constables. The nationwide exercise, scheduled across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, represents a critical phase in the multi-stage recruitment process for both General Duty and Specialist applicants. For thousands of young Nigerians, it is a significant opportunity to join the country’s security architecture at a time of heightened demand for effective policing. In Anambra State, the examination will be conducted at the Federal Government Technical College, Awka, where only candidates who successfully passed the earlier physical and credentials screening have been cleared to participate. Eligible applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruit...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has approved the appointment of new directors and the reappointment of others in a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s administrative framework and improving operational efficiency. The announcement, made available to the polytechnic community, underscores the Rector’s commitment to repositioning the institution for enhanced productivity, accountability and academic excellence. According to the statement, the newly appointed directors are expected to inject fresh ideas and renewed energy into their respective offices, while those reappointed were retained in recognition of their competence, dedication and impactful service during their previous tenures. The restructuring is widely regarded as a strategic step to consolidate the gains recorded under the current administration, particularly in institutional development, staff welfare and academic innovation. Speaking on the development, Dr. ...

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command , SP Tochukwu Ikenga, has disclosed that operatives of the Command, in a joint security operation, rescued an abducted victim and arrested three suspected kidnappers in Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State . The operation, carried out on the evening of April 18, 2026, involved police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in collaboration with members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, Nnobi. Acting on credible intelligence, the team stormed a bush at Umuezeala Awuda Village, leading to the successful rescue of the victim and the arrest of the suspects. The suspects were identified as Chidalu Obi, 25; Chichebem Ojenigbo, 26; and Chikannechukwu Eze, 20. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly lured the victim, an electrician, under the pretext of offering him a job. Upon arrival at the agreed location, he was reportedly blindfolded at g...