A coalition within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the renomination of its National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, ahead of the party’s forthcoming national convention.

The group, operating under the banner Move Forward with Nentawe Advocates, urged party leaders and stakeholders to unite in support of Yilwatda, citing his leadership performance since assuming office.

Speaking in Abuja, the group’s convener, Ezenwa A. A. Onyirimba, described the chairman as a “visionary leader and tested technocrat,” noting that he has demonstrated strong leadership qualities within a short period.

The group also appealed to Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other key figures in the ruling party to back Yilwatda’s return at the convention.

According to the statement, retaining him as chairman would strengthen the party’s internal structure and position it for success in the 2027 general elections.

Onyirimba revealed that consultations were already underway nationwide to mobilise support for the chairman, expressing confidence in his capacity to steer the party toward victory.

“With him at the helm, the APC remains stable and well-positioned to secure victory in 2027,” he said.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity and credible leadership within the party, insisting that Yilwatda’s renomination would consolidate the APC’s gains and ensure continued political success.

An Abuja High Court has fined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) N500,000 for repeated delays in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Presiding judge, Hamza Muazu, imposed the fine after the prosecution failed to produce its 13th witness, Deputy Commissioner of Police Edwin Okpoziakeo, in court.

Emefiele is facing multiple charges, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money under false pretences during his tenure as head of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The EFCC alleges that he fraudulently obtained $6.23 million meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.

The agency also accused him of granting undue advantages to two firms—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

However, the former apex bank chief has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

At the hearing, EFCC counsel A.O. Mohammed told the court that the witness was unavailable due to administrative requirements, including directives from the police hierarchy.

He added that the witness was also engaged in another legal matter in Gwagwalada.

Defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa, opposed the request for another adjournment, arguing that the prosecution had already exceeded the maximum number of adjournments allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

He noted that despite earlier calls for accelerated hearing, the EFCC had continued to stall proceedings.

In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged the repeated delays but stated that the court could still grant adjournments in the interest of justice, especially where key witnesses are involved.

He, however, sanctioned the EFCC with a N500,000 fine for its failure to proceed as scheduled.

The case was subsequently adjourned to April 27 for continuation of trial.

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State have celebrated Governor Peter Mbah on his 54th birthday, commending his leadership and developmental strides.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ozor Kennedy Agu said the occasion was not only a celebration of Mbah’s life but also a recognition of the vision and purposeful governance he has brought to the state.

In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday in Enugu, the stakeholders praised the governor’s commitment to transforming Enugu through progressive policies, infrastructure development, and people-focused initiatives.

They noted that since assuming office, Mbah has demonstrated “uncommon courage and determination,” driving innovation, accountability, and growth across key sectors.

“Your vision in building a modern and prosperous Enugu State continues to inspire confidence among the people,” the statement read.

The group highlighted ongoing investments in education, security, technology, and economic development, as well as efforts to uplift rural communities and empower young people.

They added that the administration has sparked a renewed sense of progress and inclusiveness in governance, earning widespread recognition across the state.

The stakeholders also offered prayers for the governor, wishing him wisdom, good health, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Tuesday paid a solidarity visit to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, following his recent release from detention.

The meeting took place at Malami’s residence in Abuja, where both men reportedly spent several hours in discussion.

Sources close to Obi described the visit as a gesture of support rather than a political engagement, noting that Malami had recently faced a series of challenges, including alleged harassment and detention.

“The visit was purely an act of solidarity. It was not about politics but about standing by him during a difficult time,” the source said.

According to insiders, the atmosphere of the meeting reflected concern and empathy, with both leaders focusing on shared experiences rather than political strategy.

The visit came just hours after Malami regained his freedom, underscoring what observers see as growing bonds among key opposition figures.

The Labour Party has announced May 23, 2026, as the date for its presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision was reached during a statutory meeting of the party’s National Executive Council, which was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

This was disclosed in a statement by Ken Asogwa, media aide to the party’s interim leadership, who said the date forms part of a broader timetable guiding the party’s primary elections.

According to the schedule, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly primaries will take place on May 15, while April 15 has been set as the deadline for submission of the party’s membership register to INEC.

The party’s national convention is slated for April 11.

The NEC also ratified earlier congresses at ward, local government, and state levels, scheduled for March 26, March 28, and March 31, respectively.

Addressing internal matters, the council condemned the recent invasion of the party’s national secretariat, describing it as the handiwork of disruptive elements.

Following recommendations from its disciplinary committee, some members were suspended over alleged anti-party activities and misconduct.

The party further announced plans to expand its membership base through a hybrid registration system, combining digital and manual processes, particularly targeting rural communities to improve participation and transparency.

In addition, NEC approved the appointment of interim leaders to fill existing vacancies within party structures, pending the conduct of substantive congresses.

Members were also encouraged to resolve disputes through internal mechanisms to foster unity.

The council reaffirmed its confidence in the interim leadership of Nenadi Usman as National Chairman, alongside key stakeholders including Alex Otti.

The party also commended INEC for complying with a recent court ruling affirming its leadership structure, as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections.

At least three security operatives collapsed from exhaustion during the second-term inauguration of Chukwuma Soludo in Awka on Tuesday.

The incidents occurred at different points during the ceremony held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, where personnel had been stationed for hours under intense heat.

Those affected included a police officer, an operative of the Directorate of State Services, and a female officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Sources said the operatives slumped after enduring prolonged parade duties in the scorching sun, highlighting the physical strain faced by security personnel deployed for major public events.

The inauguration attracted a large crowd and a heavy security presence, with officers positioned across key locations to maintain order throughout the ceremony.