The Forum of State Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refuted circulating reports claiming that some members oppose using the party for the upcoming coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

The report suggested that ADC was divided into two factions, led by National Chairman Dr. Ralphs Okey Nwosu and Kogi State Chairman Kingsley Ogga respectively.

However, Ogga, who also serves as Chairman of the ADC Chairmen’s Forum, dismissed the report as “not only misleading but outdated.”

He explained, “The internal leadership dispute referenced in the publication has since been resolved amicably through an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.”

Ogga further revealed that as a result, “the case was formally withdrawn and struck out by the Supreme Court and Federal High Court in Abuja respectively.”

Insisting on the party’s unity, Ogga said, “The ADC remains strong, united, and fully committed to its role in the growing coalition movement, offering Nigerians a credible alternative anchored on integrity, transparency, and democratic excellence.”

Speaking alongside fellow chairmen Clement Ehigiator (FCT), Kennedy Odion (Edo State/Secretary of the Forum), High Leader Sampson (Rivers State), and Dom Norman (Abia State), Ogga disclosed that he had instructed his lawyer to withdraw the lawsuit earlier this year.

In a letter dated February 11, 2025, addressed to his lawyer Kolawole Olowookere and titled “Withdrawal of Lawsuit Against ADC,” Ogga wrote:

“The internal dispute that led to the legal action has been amicably resolved through the party’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms, with the involvement of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Department.”

“Given that all outstanding issues have been settled satisfactorily, there is no further need for litigation. Kindly take the necessary legal steps to discontinue the case at the appropriate court.”

“Please provide me with an update on the process at your earliest convenience,” he added.

Mustapha Salihu, the National Vice Chairman (North East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has made it clear that the decision regarding Vice President Kashim Shettima’s role in the 2027 elections rests solely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Salihu made this statement during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Monday.

The statement comes after a wave of controversy on Sunday when APC North-East stakeholders, at a meeting held in Gombe, Gombe State, endorsed President Tinubu for re-election without mentioning Shettima.

However, Salihu clarified that the North East APC’s endorsement of Tinubu was unconditional.

He explained, “We cannot as North East APC stakeholders, because our son is the vice president, endorse Asiwaju with condition. We cannot do that. We are endorsing Asiwaju unconditionally.”

“And given the fact that constitutionally it is only one ticket we have, we don’t have the vice president ticket. If we put the words in Asiwaju’s mouth and we now say we have endorsed Kashim Shettima, we are putting the cart before the horse.”

Salihu added, “This is not unconnected with the fact that some people are still practising the politics of 1979. Politics has moved from barbarism and decadence without passing that kind of civilization.”

He continued, “How can you think that by bringing such thugs into the summit to be threatening people will now show your popularity in the zone? We are endorsing Asiwaju unconditionally. We are proud that Kashim is our son, we respect him and we stand by him.”

Concluding his remarks, Salihu said, “But it is the prerogative of Asiwaju to determine whether Shittima is going to be his running mate or not. But we are not endorsing Asiwaju without conditions.”

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has given the green light for the return of schools to missionary organisations, reversing a policy that dates back to the 1970s.

The development was confirmed after a meeting between the governor and Bishop Gabriel G. Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi on Monday at the Government House in Benin City.

In a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo noted that a committee would be constituted to determine which schools would be handed over.

He added that schools currently undergoing government-led renovations would remain under state management until those projects are completed.

Schools likely to be affected by the handover include several long-standing Catholic institutions such as Our Lady of Fatima College, Auchi; St. Angela’s Grammar School, Uzairue; St. John Grammar School, Fugar; St. Peter’s Grammar School, Agenebode; St. James’s Grammar School, Afuze; St. Joseph College, Otuo; St. Mary Grammar School, Eme-Ora; and St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grammar School, Ososo.

These institutions were among those taken over by the civil government in the 1970s during a national wave of educational reform.

Bishop Dunia, speaking on the significance of the decision, said the Church had made repeated appeals to past governments without success until Governor Okpebholo’s administration.

He stressed the broader purpose of the schools within the Church’s mission.

“Ideal moral character, which constitutes the bedrock of a good society,” he said, is as important as intellectual development.

He added that the Church viewed the schools as essential tools for shaping not only minds but values.

Former Senate President, David Mark, has raised alarm over the growing insecurity in Benue State, warning that continued killings could push residents to take the law into their own hands in a bid for self-preservation.

In a statement released on Monday through his media aide, Paul Mumeh, Mark condemned the unrelenting attacks on Benue communities, describing the situation as “tragic and senseless.”

“This is the sad reality confronting our people. If nothing is done, they may be forced to take their safety into their own hands,” he said, warning that the state’s deteriorating security could soon leave citizens with no choice but self-defense.

Mark criticized the government’s perceived failure to protect lives and property, saying such inaction was eroding public trust.
“When the government fails in this duty, it betrays the trust of the people,” he stated.

He called on the federal authorities to take immediate steps to halt the violence and restore peace to the region, stressing the urgency of the matter.

He also appealed to the Benue State government to strengthen internal security mechanisms and reclaim stability in affected areas.

Mark further encouraged traditional rulers, community heads, and residents to cooperate with security agencies and maintain vigilance.

“This is not the time for silence. Communities must stand firm and support all genuine efforts to end this crisis,” he urged.

While expressing deep sympathy for the victims and their families, Mark cautioned citizens against taking unlawful actions, calling instead for unity and resilience.

“Our people have suffered enough. But even in pain, we must not resort to lawlessness. Let us show resilience, support one another, and resist fear,” he said.