Former Bayelsa State governor and current senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has stated that the Nigeria Democratic Congress is ready to welcome politicians affected by internal crises in other parties, especially those caught up in the ongoing turmoil within the African Democratic Congress.

Dickson described the NDC as a stable and crisis-free platform, positioning it as an attractive option for political actors seeking a fresh start.

According to him, the party is “clean and unencumbered” by the disputes and legal battles currently troubling some other political groups.

His remarks come amid continued uncertainty within the ADC, where internal disagreements and regulatory issues have created tension among members and leadership.

He emphasized that the NDC is open to Nigerians who feel politically displaced and are looking for a new direction.

The party, he said, is also reaching out to politicians nationwide who have been affected by shifting political dynamics and need a reliable platform.

The NDC, which was registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission in February, has begun expanding its presence across the country.

Dickson officially joined the party on March 5 in Abuja and has since helped launch a digital membership registration system to boost its growth.

Highlighting the party’s vision, he noted that the NDC is built on ideology and aims to promote a new style of politics focused on ideas and service rather than personalities.

Dickson also dismissed criticisms directed at the party, describing them as baseless and driven by misinformation.

He expressed strong confidence in the party’s future, insisting that it will continue to grow and mobilize support nationwide.

Addressing comments by Umar Ardo, Dickson said the criticism was unexpected and clarified that the NDC has no connection to disputes involving the Advanced Democratic Alliance (ADA).

He explained that those issues are internal to the ADA and unrelated to the NDC.

He further noted that the party resumed its registration activities after INEC lifted restrictions on political party registration, adding that all necessary stakeholders were duly informed.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised serious concerns over the federal government’s repeated approvals of trillions of naira to settle power sector debts, questioning their effectiveness and transparency.

In a post on his official X handle on Tuesday, Obi highlighted the latest ₦3.3 trillion approval as a “full and final” settlement for power liabilities, noting that similar disbursements had been made in the past without yielding tangible results.

“Let us reflect, sincerely and without sentiment,” he wrote, referencing previous approvals of ₦3.3 trillion on May 17, 2024, and a ₦4 trillion bond on July 25, 2024, for the same purpose.

Obi expressed frustration over the state of electricity supply despite these interventions, reminding Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 campaign promise that failure to deliver stable electricity would make him ineligible for re-election.

“Today, the reality is that power supply has worsened,” he noted, citing reports that even the Presidential Villa could face grid disconnection.

He criticised what he described as a pattern of repeated policy announcements without measurable outcomes.

“Each time legitimate concerns are raised, what we see appears more like policy pronouncements than tangible progress,” Obi said.

Linking the mounting debts to previous administrations, Obi questioned fiscal management and accountability.

“These debts were largely accumulated under successive APC administrations between 2015 and 2025. This raises serious concerns about transparency, effectiveness, and responsible financial management,” he stated.

He further questioned why government institutions, including the Presidential Villa, have not cleared their electricity obligations despite budgetary allocations.

Obi also sought clarity on whether the recent ₦3.3 trillion approval differs from prior approvals, asking: “Is the ₦3.3 trillion approved on April 6, 2026, the same as that in May 2024, and how does it relate to the ₦4 trillion bond approved in July 2024?”

The former presidential candidate urged the government to move beyond repeated announcements and implement decisive reforms.

“Nigeria must confront the power sector crisis with sincerity, transparency, and effective reforms. Until we do so, we remain trapped in a cycle of debt and darkness,” Obi warned, while expressing optimism that improvements remain possible through accountability and discipline.

Nafiu Bala, factional national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has confirmed that he attended the party’s July 2025 event where an interim leadership led by Senator David Mark was unveiled.

However, Bala insisted that the proceedings lacked the consent of party members and should not be seen as an endorsement.

The confirmation comes amid videos circulating online showing Bala at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja during the event.

The ADC has been embroiled in internal disputes since July 2025, when a coalition group assumed control of the party, with both Bala and the Mark-led group claiming leadership.

The crisis prompted legal battles, leading the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of both factions, citing a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment.

Bala explained that the July 2, 2025 meeting was originally convened to adopt the ADC as a platform for coalition partners, not to announce new party leaders.

“Contrary to expectations, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, the then national chairman, delivered a surprise resignation, issued membership cards to Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, and declared them acting national chairman and national secretary,” Bala said.

He argued that these actions violated the party’s constitution, which does not empower an outgoing chairman to appoint successors without formal voting or consensus.

Several members of the National Working Committee were reportedly taken aback by the sudden appointments.

Bala emphasized that his attendance and prior discussions with coalition partners should not be interpreted as approval of the leadership changes.

Videos show him seated alongside party stakeholders, including actor Kenneth Okonkwo, during the event.

He further revealed that the then national secretary, Sa’id Baba Abdullahi, resigned shortly after the announcement, highlighting the lack of communication with party leadership.

The Federal Government has proposed a whopping N135.22 billion in the 2026 budget for “Electoral Adjudication and Post-Election Provision,” signaling a major financial commitment to managing disputes and obligations that often follow elections in Nigeria.

The allocation, revealed in the House of Representatives Order Paper for March 31, 2026, is part of the Service-Wide Votes, a centrally managed fund for obligations not tied to a specific ministry, department, or agency.

Observers note that the allocation accounts for about 3.65% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund charges, highlighting the government’s expectation of substantial post-election legal activity.

This comes alongside the N1.01 trillion statutory transfer earmarked for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the largest recipient in that category.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have raised alarms, questioning the transparency and rationale behind the N135bn allocation.

PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong described it as a signal that INEC anticipates election disputes, implying potential weaknesses in electoral transparency.

ADC’s Bolaji Abdullahi also criticized the sum as excessive, urging clearer justification.

Legal experts and civil society organizations have joined the debate.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) noted that INEC’s internal legal mechanisms should suffice, suggesting the allocation may be far higher than necessary.

Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi argued that election-related legal costs should be borne by candidates, not the Federal Government.

Civil society leaders, including Anthony Ubani of #FixPolitics Africa and Auwal Rafsanjani of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, warned that the huge provision signals a troubling expectation of widespread election disputes, undermining public confidence in the democratic process.

Critics contend that credible, transparent elections would naturally reduce litigation and taxpayer expense.

They argue that the focus should be on strengthening electoral integrity, including real-time result transmission, transparency, and enforcement of existing laws, rather than budgeting billions to manage legal fallout.

The government and INEC have yet to fully clarify the intended use of the N135bn, leaving many stakeholders calling for accountability and reassessment of the controversial line item.

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Nigeria’s democratic process will remain intact even if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other parties fail to make it onto the ballot in upcoming elections.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the party dismissed concerns raised by a faction within the ADC over alleged attempts to block its participation, insisting that elections must strictly follow laid-down legal procedures.

The APC emphasised that democracy operates within the framework of laws and institutions, not emotions or political pressure, noting that all parties are required to meet the conditions set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the ruling party, failure to comply with electoral guidelines carries consequences, adding that no political party should expect special treatment.

Drawing from past experiences, the APC recalled its own exclusion from elections in some states during the 2019 general elections due to legal issues, stressing that such outcomes are part of a rules-based system.

The party also criticised the ADC, attributing its current challenges to internal disputes and organisational lapses rather than external interference.

It argued that attempts to blame others were misplaced, describing the situation as a result of self-inflicted problems within the opposition party.

Reaffirming its stance, the APC maintained that the absence of any party from the ballot due to non-compliance would not undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

The party urged political actors to prioritise internal cohesion and adherence to electoral laws, while reiterating its commitment to credible and transparent elections.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for an immediate apology from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a controversial comment directed at television presenter Seun Okinbaloye.

In a statement issued by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union expressed strong outrage, describing the minister’s remark as dangerous and capable of undermining press freedom.

The controversy stems from a statement attributed to Wike in which he allegedly said he would have “shot” the journalist if it were possible through the television screen.

The NUJ condemned the comment as a serious threat that could intimidate media professionals and discourage critical reporting.

According to the union, it initially held back its response in anticipation of a retraction or apology. However, the absence of any such move, it said, suggests the comment may have been deliberate rather than a slip.

The NUJ warned that such rhetoric from a high-ranking public official risks creating a hostile environment for journalists and could embolden attacks on the media.

It further urged the Federal Government to publicly denounce the remark and take concrete steps to safeguard journalists and uphold democratic values.

Calling for solidarity, the union appealed to media organisations, civil society groups, and pro-democracy advocates to resist any attempts to silence the press.

Reiterating its position, the NUJ demanded an unreserved apology from Wike, stressing that the safety and independence of journalists are essential to a healthy democracy.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for an immediate apology from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a controversial comment directed at television presenter Seun Okinbaloye.

In a statement issued by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union expressed strong outrage, describing the minister’s remark as dangerous and capable of undermining press freedom.

The controversy stems from a statement attributed to Wike in which he allegedly said he would have “shot” the journalist if it were possible through the television screen.

The NUJ condemned the comment as a serious threat that could intimidate media professionals and discourage critical reporting.

According to the union, it initially held back its response in anticipation of a retraction or apology. However, the absence of any such move, it said, suggests the comment may have been deliberate rather than a slip.

The NUJ warned that such rhetoric from a high-ranking public official risks creating a hostile environment for journalists and could embolden attacks on the media.

It further urged the Federal Government to publicly denounce the remark and take concrete steps to safeguard journalists and uphold democratic values.

Calling for solidarity, the union appealed to media organisations, civil society groups, and pro-democracy advocates to resist any attempts to silence the press.

Reiterating its position, the NUJ demanded an unreserved apology from Wike, stressing that the safety and independence of journalists are essential to a healthy democracy.

Former Bayelsa State Governor and senator, Seriake Dickson, has rejected allegations questioning the legitimacy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), describing them as baseless and politically motivated.

Dickson was responding to claims by Umar Ardo, a chieftain of the All Democratic Alliance, who alleged that the party’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not follow due process.

In a statement shared via his official X handle, Dickson expressed disappointment at Ardo’s stance, especially given their long-standing relationship, and accused him of spreading misinformation.

He explained that the NDC’s registration process began as far back as 2017 but was delayed when INEC, under the leadership of Mahmood Yakubu, suspended the registration of new political parties.

According to him, when the process resumed, the commission initially rejected the party’s application over concerns that its proposed logo resembled that of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Despite attempts to address the issue, INEC maintained its position, prompting the party to seek legal redress.

Dickson stated that the court ruled in favour of the NDC, affirming its right to exist and directing INEC to complete its registration.

He noted that the commission complied with the judgment and has not filed any appeal within the stipulated timeframe.

He further revealed that the party has since begun formal activities, including notifying INEC ahead of its National Executive Committee meeting, which the commission reportedly monitored.

While acknowledging that Ardo had faced similar challenges with his own political platform, Dickson said he had advised him to pursue legal action, but insisted that the NDC had no involvement in the issues affecting Ardo’s group.

Emphasising that other political parties have also been registered through court rulings, Dickson questioned why the NDC was being singled out for criticism.

He maintained that there is no legal dispute over the party’s status and warned against the spread of false information, adding that only INEC has the authority to challenge the court-backed registration.

Confident about the party’s prospects, Dickson said the NDC is gaining traction nationwide and remains open to Nigerians seeking a credible alternative political platform.