Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in ADC Leadership Battle Ahead of 2027 Elections

By: Naija prime media on April 22, 2026 / comment : 0

The apex court, acting in line with timelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for electoral preparations, had earlier ordered an accelerated hearing of leadership disputes affecting several political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and ADC.

On Wednesday, the Court heard arguments in the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC.

Court documents show that the case, marked SC/CV/180/2026, pits a faction aligned with former Senate President David Mark against another led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, in a dispute that has deepened uncertainty within the party ahead of expected political realignments.

Also present at the proceedings was the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.

The Supreme Court is expected to decide whether to uphold or overturn earlier rulings that questioned Mark’s leadership, including decisions that led INEC to remove officials aligned with his faction from its official records.

The dispute comes amid weeks of escalating tension within the party. SaharaReporters had earlier reported that a planned national convention organised by the Bala-led faction in Abuja collapsed, as the venue was left empty with no delegates or party officials in attendance.

This development raised questions about the faction’s organisational strength and legitimacy.

Counsel to the party, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), had previously disclosed that the apex court granted accelerated hearing on the matter, directing parties to file briefs within strict timelines.

According to him, the appeal by Mark seeks, among other reliefs, a stay of execution of the Court of Appeal judgment and an order restraining INEC from acting on it pending final determination.

“Well, the issue before the court fundamentally is whether this is a matter the court can even adjudicate on,” Okutepa had said, hinting at the constitutional questions embedded in the dispute.

Despite the high stakes, the senior advocate declined extensive comments, insisting that the matter remains strictly within judicial consideration.

With proceedings still ongoing and no ruling yet delivered, uncertainty continues to trail the ADC’s leadership, leaving party members and political observers awaiting what could be a defining judgment.

Tinubu Okays Adelabu’s Governorship Bid as Power Minister Prepares to Resign

By: Naija prime media on April 22, 2026 / comment : 0

The development was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by Adelabu’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Tunji Bolaji, shortly after the meeting.

According to the statement, Adelabu used the meeting to present a detailed report of his performance and activities in the power sector over the last two and a half years. He highlighted major efforts made under his leadership to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission infrastructure, and introduce reforms aimed at improving efficiency across the power supply chain.

A key part of the presentation was the unveiling of the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) and its accompanying Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), as well as the Medium- to Long-Term Integrated Resource Plan for Nigeria’s power sector.

The minister explained that the NIEP is designed as a long-term roadmap to boost national energy security, expand electricity access, integrate renewable energy solutions, and build a more resilient electricity system. The Strategic Implementation Plan, he added, outlines clear actions, timelines, and institutional responsibilities required to turn the policy into measurable results.

The statement noted that President Tinubu commended Adelabu for his work, particularly for laying what he described as a solid policy foundation for the future transformation of the power sector.

It further disclosed that Tinubu granted Adelabu his “consent and blessing” to pursue his political ambition of contesting for the Oyo State governorship seat ahead of the 2027 elections.

“In view of this development, Chief Adebayo Adelabu is expected to resign his position as Minister of Power in the coming days,” the statement said.

Adelabu reportedly stated that the timing of his resignation reflects his desire to ensure continuity in key reforms and address ongoing challenges in the sector before leaving office. These challenges include recent drops in power generation linked to gas supply constraints, pipeline repairs, and unpaid obligations owed to gas suppliers.

He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support and reaffirmed his commitment to national development and the advancement of Nigeria’s electricity sector.

The minister’s planned resignation comes after weeks of speculation over his political future, particularly in relation to a presidential directive reportedly requiring cabinet members with ambitions for the 2027 elections to step down.

The rumours gained momentum in late March 2026 after a resignation letter allegedly linked to Adelabu circulated on social media. His media team later dismissed the document as fake and insisted he remained focused on addressing power sector challenges.

Speculation continued after a March 31 deadline reportedly issued for political appointees, as Adelabu remained in office while other politically interested officials were said to have stepped aside.

However, Tuesday’s meeting with the president appears to have confirmed that Adelabu did not abandon his governorship ambition but delayed his move to complete key policy frameworks, particularly the NIEP.

Adelabu is expected to re-enter the Oyo State governorship contest under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he is likely to face stiff competition from other aspirants.

His return to the race comes after previous attempts in 2019 and 2023. In 2019, he ran as the APC candidate but lost to Governor Seyi Makinde. In 2023, after losing the APC primary to Teslim Folarin, he defected to the Accord Party and contested the election, finishing third.

While Adelabu highlighted achievements such as reforms and policy initiatives, his tenure has also drawn criticism due to persistent power supply challenges, rising electricity tariffs, and repeated grid instability.

His resignation is expected to form part of a broader cabinet adjustment as the Federal Government moves to align with electoral processes ahead of party primaries.

Jonathan Fires Back at Atiku: “Was I Supposed to Be 100 Years Old Before Becoming President?”

By: Naija prime media on April 21, 2026 / comment : 0

Atiku, who is currently pursuing the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had stated during an interview on Arise TV that Jonathan’s leadership struggles were partly due to his age and lack of experience.

“I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but also inexperienced, and I believe that contributed to his inability to manage the affairs of the country, particularly when he was faced with challenges,” Atiku said.

Jonathan, however, dismissed the claim while speaking at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) awards ceremony held in Abuja on Monday. He acknowledged that mistakes are inevitable in leadership but insisted that his age did not make him unfit to govern.

“So not too long ago, a very senior politician said, ‘Oh, Jonathan was too young and probably that’s why he made mistakes,’” Jonathan said.

“If I made mistakes, yes, nobody who becomes a governor or a president will say you did not make mistakes. All human beings must make mistakes.”

The former president pointed out that he became Nigeria’s president in 2010 at the age of 53 and left office in 2015 at 58, questioning why anyone would describe him as “too young” at that stage of his career.

“I became president in 2010 at the age of 53. I left in 2015 at the age of 58, and they say I was too young. Must it have been 100 years before I ran the affairs of the state?” he asked.

Jonathan maintained that, despite challenges, he took decisions he believed were in Nigeria’s best interest. He also highlighted Nigeria’s diplomatic achievements during his tenure, including the country’s successful election to the United Nations Security Council on two occasions.

Speaking to diplomats at the event, Jonathan said his administration’s international accomplishments were proof that he was not as inexperienced as critics claimed.

“If I were so naive, I don’t think I would have been able to navigate through that process,” he stated.

Jonathan also used the platform to address broader regional issues, warning that political instability remains one of the biggest obstacles to economic growth in West Africa. He noted that the vision of ECOWAS founders for regional cooperation continues to face setbacks due to repeated political crises.

“We cannot progress economically if we are very unstable societies politically,” he said.

According to Jonathan, ECOWAS has struggled to enforce democratic standards across member states because of the sensitive issue of sovereignty, urging West African leaders to work collectively to ensure political stability across the sub-region.

“The heads of states of ECOWAS must continue to work together and agree on concrete terms and make sure that the sub-region is politically stable,” he added.

During the event, Jonathan paid tribute to the founders of ECOWAS, including former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, describing the creation of the regional bloc in 1975 as a courageous and visionary step toward unity and economic integration.

Gowon, who was also honoured at the ceremony, recounted how ECOWAS was formed following diplomatic engagements across West Africa after Nigeria’s difficult civil war period. He said the idea emerged from discussions with regional leaders who shared a common desire for stronger cooperation.

“This would not have been possible without the support of all the staff of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development,” Gowon said, adding that the recognition he received should be shared with those who worked behind the scenes.

Also speaking, ARCAN President Joe Keshi stressed the importance of recognising excellence in diplomacy, noting that diplomatic achievements often go unnoticed because they are measured by stability and conflict prevention rather than public celebrations.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waheed Shaibu, also praised Gowon, describing him as a symbol of unity and national development, and commended ARCAN for promoting Nigeria’s diplomatic legacy and global engagement.

“Tinubu’s Government May Be Hard, But It’s Nigeria’s Way Forward” — DeeOne

By: Naija prime media on April 21, 2026 / comment : 0

DeeOne made the remarks while speaking on Vanguard’s podcast, The Nigerian Meter, where he stressed that anyone hoping to unseat the ruling government in 2027 must clearly explain what they intend to offer Nigerians.

According to him, Tinubu’s leadership may not be comfortable, but it represents a necessary step forward for the nation.

“Tinubu’s regime won’t be easy for anybody, but it is the way forward and it is the truth,” he said. “For me, this government is doing well, and if any other government wants to take over, let them tell us what they want to do.”

Reacting to criticisms from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently described Tinubu’s administration as the worst he has witnessed and said he was “terribly disappointed,” DeeOne questioned what realistic alternatives the opposition was proposing.

He argued that many of the issues Nigerians blame on the president should be addressed by governors and local government chairmen, noting that government allocations have significantly increased in recent times.

“Do you want to bring back subsidy? This is not about me, but about our children,” he said. “Do you know that the monthly allocation the government receives has increased tremendously?”

He added that if opposition leaders cannot present a practical roadmap for Nigeria’s progress, then the current administration should be allowed to continue.

DeeOne also spoke about President Tinubu’s visit to the United Kingdom, saying he was impressed and proud of the reception given to the president, which he described as a sign of respect for Nigeria as a nation.

“I’m only saying I want the road to be completed, student loans to continue, and state police to happen,” he said. “Look at the way the president was received in the UK; I was proud to be a Nigerian.”

He explained that the warm reception was not only in honour of the president but also a celebration of Nigeria and its identity.

Commenting on activism and political criticism ahead of the next election season, DeeOne urged public figures and protesters to be transparent about political sponsorship, insisting that Nigerians deserve honesty.

“I want them to be honest. If they are paid, let Nigerians know they are paid,” he said. “If anybody pays me today, I will tell everybody.”

He criticised what he described as hypocrisy among some activists, noting that some individuals claim to be suffering while living extravagant lifestyles.

“You go out there to shout, ‘We’re hungry,’ yet you are wearing perfume worth almost one million naira,” he added.

2027 Realignments Begin as Three Reps Defect to ADC, Others Switch Parties

By: Naija prime media on April 21, 2026 / comment : 0

The lawmakers—Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, Lagos), Usman Zubairu (Birnin Gwari/Giwa Federal Constituency, Kaduna), and Sani Noma (Argungu/Augie Federal Constituency, Kebbi)—officially announced their defection during plenary on Tuesday.

Their move reflects a cross-party shift, as Attah left the Labour Party (LP), Zubairu defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Noma dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with all three joining the ADC.

The defections further highlight rising dissatisfaction within Nigeria’s major political parties, as internal divisions and unresolved leadership disputes continue to trigger movement among lawmakers. Observers believe the growing interest in the ADC, traditionally viewed as a smaller party, suggests that some politicians are now exploring alternative platforms ahead of the next election cycle.

In a separate development, two other lawmakers—Abubakar Buba (Chanchaga Federal Constituency, Niger State) and Ibrahim Mohammed (Bunza/Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo Federal Constituency, Kebbi State)—also announced their defection from the PDP to the APC. Their move is considered a strategic gain for the ruling party, particularly in strengthening its influence in key northern constituencies.

Meanwhile, in Osun State, Mudashiru Alani (Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency) and Adetunji Olusoji (Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe Federal Constituency) left the PDP for the Accord Party, adding to concerns over the PDP’s internal stability as more members continue to exit the party.

In Taraba State, David Fuoh, representing Sarduana/Kurmi/Gashaka Federal Constituency, also switched allegiance, moving from the APC to the PDP—showing that the wave of defections is not one-sided but reflects broader political uncertainty and shifting alliances across party lines.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, announced the defections by reading the formal letters submitted by the lawmakers. In their notices, the legislators cited internal crises within their former parties as the major reason for abandoning their platforms—an explanation that has become common in Nigeria’s legislative politics.

The developments come as political actors begin to reposition ahead of 2027, raising fresh concerns about party loyalty, cohesion, and ideological consistency in the country’s democratic space.

Following the session, the House adjourned plenary to Wednesday in honour of the late Muhammad Danjuma Hassan, a lawmaker representing Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, who died on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.