The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been thrown into mourning following the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Hassan Danjuma.

Danjuma, who represented the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency, reportedly passed away on Friday after a brief illness.

A first-time legislator elected in 2023, he initially won his seat under the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) before later defecting to the ADC.

News of his death was confirmed on Saturday by Saifullahi Hassan, who shared the update via a Facebook post written in Hausa.

According to the statement, the late lawmaker was last seen in good condition earlier in the week when he attended a political meeting at the residence of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Abuja.

The meeting was said to have focused on preparations for the upcoming ADC State Congress.

Danjuma was among a group of federal lawmakers from Kano State who chose not to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Abba Yusuf, instead maintaining political alignment with Kwankwaso.

A former aide to ex-Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Dr. Cosmo Agbo, has formally declared his intention to contest the Enugu North Senatorial bye-election, DAILY GAZETTE reports.

Agbo, who previously served as Special Assistant and later as Deputy Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, made his ambition known while speaking exclusively with DAILY GAZETTE on Saturday.

He confirmed that he will be seeking the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The senatorial seat became vacant following the death of the incumbent lawmaker, Senator Okey Ezea, whose passing Agbo described as a painful loss to the people of Nsukka and Enugu State at large.

In his declaration, Agbo appealed for support from constituents across the Enugu North Senatorial District, emphasising the need to sustain what he described as the “Nsukka mandate” secured in the 2023 general elections.

“We mourn a courageous leader — a voice of resilience and a champion of our collective aspirations. But even in grief, we must remain resolute. The mandate Ndi Nsukka earned must be protected,” he said.

Highlighting his credentials, Agbo pointed to his experience in both executive and legislative roles, as well as his academic background, noting that he holds a Ph.D in Political Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

He also underscored his longstanding political involvement in the district, including his role as a campaign Director-General and his track record in electoral mobilization since 2015.

Describing himself as a bridge between generations, Agbo pledged to offer effective representation through what he termed data-driven legislation, active oversight, and consistent engagement with constituents.

“I will be visible, vocal, and steadfast in promoting the interests of our people and advancing the development of Nsukka nation,” he added.

A factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala, has declared that individuals above the age of 55 would not be eligible to contest for elective positions under his leadership, as part of efforts to promote youth participation in politics.

Bala made this known during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, where he emphasised that leadership within the party must strictly follow constitutional provisions rather than informal arrangements.

He warned against what he described as attempts by non-members to assume leadership positions, insisting that only those who have fulfilled the party’s constitutional requirements can be recognised.

According to him, the ADC constitution clearly outlines procedures for membership and leadership eligibility, stressing that political authority cannot be conferred arbitrarily.

“It is unacceptable for individuals to claim leadership without properly registering as members of the party. Due process must be followed at all times,” he said.

Bala also clarified his presence at a recent political gathering attended by notable figures, noting that it should not be interpreted as support for any rival leadership, including that of David Mark.

“I attended in solidarity with those aligning with the ADC as a platform to challenge the current administration, not to endorse any individual as leader,” he explained.

He further asserted that the courts have upheld his leadership position, revealing that opposing parties had their appeal dismissed and were fined.

Bala added that his faction remains focused on preparations for upcoming elections, expressing confidence in the party’s chances of electoral success under his leadership.

A former senatorial candidate in Borno State has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja for selling petroleum products to members of the Boko Haram sect.

The convict, Babagana Habeeb, was found guilty on a lone-count charge of aiding and abetting terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government.

Habeeb, who contested for a Senate seat in 2015, was said to be a fuel dealer in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, where he allegedly supplied petroleum products that were later used by terrorists operating in the North-East.

According to court proceedings, he admitted to the offence upon arraignment but claimed that his fuel attendants may have carried out the sales without his direct knowledge.

During sentencing, the defendant reportedly pleaded for leniency, kneeling in the dock for nearly an hour and appealing to the court, saying he had been in detention for over 10 years without contact with his two wives and six children.

Counsel to the Federal Government, Mr. David Kaswe, opposed the plea for mercy, arguing that the supply of logistics such as fuel had significantly aided terrorist operations, resulting in deaths and displacement of civilians.

He urged the court to impose a 20-year sentence.

Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Odo Lifu held that while there was no evidence linking the convict directly to Boko Haram membership or training, the prosecution proved that he facilitated the supply of fuel to the group.

The court also noted that the defendant’s claim of spending over a decade in detention was not disputed by the prosecution.

Justice Lifu subsequently sentenced Habeeb to 10 years imprisonment, ordering that the term should run from the date of his arrest.

The judge further directed that the convict be released immediately upon the signing of his release warrant to enable him undergo rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled April 14, 2026, for the hearing of a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), currently associated with former Senate President, David Mark.

The suit was filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking an order restraining Mark and other party leaders from presenting themselves as executives of the party.

Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date on Friday after hearing that all parties in the case had been duly notified.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, lists the ADC, Mark, former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and former ADC Chairman Ralph Nwosu as defendants.

The matter had earlier been adjourned indefinitely pending the outcome of an appeal, but the Court of Appeal, in a judgment delivered on March 12, directed all parties to return to the trial court and maintain the status quo pending determination of the substantive suit.

Following that ruling, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal as national officers of the party.

In response, the Mark-led faction filed a motion on April 7, urging the court to compel INEC to restore their names and also sought accelerated hearing of the case.

However, Mark and Aregbesola have both filed preliminary objections asking the court to dismiss the suit.

Mark argued that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the case and maintained that internal party disputes are non-justiciable matters.

Aregbesola also described the suit as baseless and urged the court to strike it out, requesting N50 million in damages for what he termed a frivolous action.

Ralph Nwosu also challenged the suit, stating that internal dispute resolution mechanisms of the party were not exhausted before the matter was brought before the court.