The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Zuru, has died.

He reportedly passed away in a hospital in Egypt, where he had been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness.

Sources within the Kebbi State Government revealed that the late lawmaker had been battling health challenges for some time and was flown abroad after his condition deteriorated shortly before the Ramadan fasting period.

Until his death, Zuru represented the Zuru Constituency in the state assembly.

Reacting to the development, an aide to Governor Nasir Idris on Communication and Strategy, Idris Abdullahi Zuru, described the loss as shocking and deeply painful.

He noted that the state government was still gathering full details surrounding the incident and would, in collaboration with the family, announce burial arrangements in due course.

Yusuf Buhari, the only male child of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has formally declared his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections.

In a letter dated April 3, 2026, Yusuf announced his ambition to represent the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’Adua Federal Constituency in Katsina State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He stated that his decision followed extensive consultations and a desire to contribute to quality leadership and development in the constituency.

Yusuf emphasized that his candidacy would focus on improving infrastructure and supporting human development across the area, while appealing for backing from party stakeholders and constituents.

His declaration comes shortly after APC stakeholders in Sandamu Local Government publicly endorsed him as their preferred candidate.

The endorsement reportedly followed a high-level meeting involving political figures and appointees from across the constituency.

Speaking at the gathering, council chairman Usman Na-Lado described the move as a collective decision, citing Yusuf’s perceived capability and acceptance within party ranks.

Sources within the party further suggested that the endorsement aligns with the position of Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, who is believed to support Yusuf’s candidacy.

The meeting also reaffirmed loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Radda ahead of the 2027 elections.

A coalition of youths in Yobe State has raised ₦188 million in support of a potential 2027 governorship bid by former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

The fundraising initiative, organised by the Yobe-East Progressive Youths, was announced in Damaturu by the group’s leader, Dr. Yerima Goni, who said the effort was aimed at promoting civic engagement and encouraging broader participation in the political process.

According to Goni, the funds were generated through a mix of pledges, bank transfers, and cash donations, reflecting strong grassroots support for Lawan’s possible candidacy.

The event drew a large turnout of youths, community leaders, and political stakeholders from across the state, highlighting growing interest in the 2027 governorship race.

Responding to the gesture, Lawan expressed appreciation, describing the support as a sign of responsible citizenship and active public involvement in leadership matters.

While he has yet to formally declare his intention to run, the former Senate President indicated his readiness to answer the call to serve the people if required.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deliberately attempting to exclude it from participating in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that INEC is creating “administrative landmines” that could prevent it from fielding candidates.

At the centre of the dispute is INEC’s decision to stop accepting correspondence from the party pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court.

While the commission describes the move as procedural, the ADC argues it could make it impossible for the party to meet key legal deadlines.

According to the party, the Electoral Act 2026 sets strict timelines, including a 21-day notice period for political activities and a May 10 deadline for submissions.

The ADC insists that INEC’s refusal to engage effectively blocks it from complying with these requirements.

The party also pointed to past interactions with INEC, claiming the commission had previously recognised its leadership and monitored its internal processes, including its National Executive Committee meeting that produced new party officials.

Describing the situation as a calculated attempt to force “artificial non-compliance,” the ADC warned that such actions could be used as grounds to disqualify it from the 2027 general elections.

The party has called on INEC to reverse its position and resume normal engagement, warning that the development poses a serious threat to democratic fairness and political inclusion ahead of the 2027 polls.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deliberately attempting to exclude it from participating in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that INEC is creating “administrative landmines” that could prevent it from fielding candidates.

At the centre of the dispute is INEC’s decision to stop accepting correspondence from the party pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court.

While the commission describes the move as procedural, the ADC argues it could make it impossible for the party to meet key legal deadlines.

According to the party, the Electoral Act 2026 sets strict timelines, including a 21-day notice period for political activities and a May 10 deadline for submissions.

The ADC insists that INEC’s refusal to engage effectively blocks it from complying with these requirements.

The party also pointed to past interactions with INEC, claiming the commission had previously recognised its leadership and monitored its internal processes, including its National Executive Committee meeting that produced new party officials.

Describing the situation as a calculated attempt to force “artificial non-compliance,” the ADC warned that such actions could be used as grounds to disqualify it from the 2027 general elections.

The party has called on INEC to reverse its position and resume normal engagement, warning that the development poses a serious threat to democratic fairness and political inclusion ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is facing mounting backlash over an alleged threat directed at television journalist Seun Okinbaloye, with the Glide Media Foundation calling for an immediate and unconditional apology.

In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, the foundation described the alleged remark as “reckless, alarming, and unacceptable,” warning that such rhetoric poses a serious danger to press freedom and democratic values.

The group expressed concern that a high-ranking public official could be associated with statements perceived as endorsing violence against a journalist, stressing that such actions undermine the rule of law and public trust in governance.

“Journalists are not enemies of the state,” the foundation stated, emphasizing their constitutional role in holding leaders accountable and informing the public.

It added that no media professional should face threats, intimidation, or harassment for carrying out their duties.

The organisation further warned that unchecked inflammatory remarks by public officials could embolden attacks on journalists and create a chilling effect across the media landscape.

The development comes amid growing concerns over press freedom in Nigeria, where incidents of harassment and intimidation of journalists have continued to draw criticism from media and civil society groups.

Calling for urgent action, the foundation urged authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and hold accountable anyone who undermines press freedom, insisting that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and silence.

A claim that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) hired a United States lobbying firm with “zero revenue” has been found to be misleading after a closer examination of official disclosure records.

The report, which cited OpenSecrets data, stated that Von Batten-Montague York L.C. had only one client and generated no income in 2025.

However, this conclusion was based solely on records filed under the US Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA), which captures domestic lobbying activities and does not include work carried out for foreign clients.

In contrast, filings under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), maintained by the US Department of Justice, reveal that the firm is actively engaged in foreign lobbying.

In April 2026, it registered a $1.2 million contract linked to Atiku Abubakar, covering advisory services, engagement with US policymakers, and strategic communication on Nigeria-related issues.

Although no filing explicitly lists the ADC as the direct client, the firm has publicly indicated it intends to engage US authorities on matters concerning Nigeria’s electoral process, including disputes involving the party.

The fact-check also found no verifiable evidence supporting claims that the firm declared assets of just $5,000, noting that standard LDA and FARA filings do not typically disclose total asset values.

Additionally, describing the ADC as Nigeria’s “main opposition party” is inaccurate. Opposition strength in the National Assembly is largely held by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), based on electoral outcomes and parliamentary representation.

Verdict: The “zero revenue” narrative is misleading, as it ignores foreign lobbying disclosures and relies on incomplete data.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has signed a $1.2 million (about ₦1.9 billion) lobbying contract with a United States-based firm as he intensifies political manoeuvres ahead of a potential presidential ticket battle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that the 12-month agreement with Washington-based Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. was signed on March 10 and registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) on April 1, 2026.

Under the deal, the firm will provide strategic advisory services, facilitate engagement with US Congress and executive officials, and manage Atiku’s image among policymakers and institutions in Washington.

The goal is to strengthen his international standing, shape policy messaging, and build key political relationships.

The agreement outlines core objectives, including promoting Atiku’s leadership vision, countering opposing narratives, and enhancing his reputation within US political circles.

Services will also include policy briefings, high-level meetings, and risk advisory.

The move comes amid shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, with the ADC emerging as a potential coalition platform.

Atiku is expected to face strong competition within the party, including from Peter Obi.

The latest contract adds to Atiku’s long history of engaging US lobbyists, spanning over two decades and involving multiple firms focused on political advocacy, public relations, and international outreach.

The filings, made under US transparency laws, highlight ongoing efforts by foreign political figures to shape perceptions and influence policy discussions in Washington.