The Federal Government has downplayed concerns following a recent advisory by the United States authorising the withdrawal of non-essential personnel from its embassy in Abuja, describing the action as a standard precaution rather than a reflection of Nigeria’s overall security situation.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement issued through his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, reassured Nigerians and the international community that the country remains stable, with normal activities ongoing across sectors.

According to the minister, the US decision was based on its internal security protocols and should not be interpreted as an indication of widespread insecurity in Nigeria.

He acknowledged that while certain areas continue to face security challenges, these are limited and do not represent the general state of the nation. He stressed that law and order remain intact in most parts of the country.

Idris highlighted ongoing efforts by security agencies, noting that coordinated military operations and intelligence-driven strategies have continued to yield positive results.

He added that these efforts have helped to weaken criminal networks and improve safety in affected regions.

“Our security agencies are working tirelessly to protect lives and property, and the progress made is becoming increasingly visible,” he said.

The government also reaffirmed Nigeria’s position as a safe destination for investment, tourism, and business activities, pointing to ongoing economic reforms aimed at strengthening investor confidence and international partnerships.

While recognising the right of countries to issue travel advisories, the Federal Government called for fair and updated assessments that reflect the realities on ground.

It further urged international partners to maintain active engagement with Nigerian authorities to gain a clearer and more accurate understanding of the country’s security landscape.

Reiterating its commitment to national security, the government assured citizens and visitors alike of sustained efforts to enhance safety and preserve Nigeria’s image as a secure and welcoming nation.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed strong optimism about its long-term political future, stating that the party has the capacity to remain in power in Nigeria for the next 100 years.

This position was made known by the Yobe State Chairman of the party, Muhammad Gadaka, during the 2026 Yobe Leadership and Innovation Summit held in Damaturu.

Represented at the event by the State Youth Leader, Muhammad Musa Gulani, Gadaka said the APC’s policies and programmes have positioned it as a dominant political force capable of sustaining governance across all levels—federal, state, and local—for decades to come.

According to him, the party remains committed to improving the lives of Nigerians and building a stronger, more united nation.

He added that with continued strategic planning and effective implementation of policies, the APC can maintain its leadership role well into the future.

He also called on Nigerians to remain patient and supportive, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms will eventually yield positive results for citizens, particularly in the area of economic development.

Gadaka noted that the party is currently reviewing its progress while refining its strategies to ensure that its policies translate into measurable impact nationwide.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Convener of the summit, Faruk Abdullahi Chiromari, said the gathering was organised to highlight the achievements of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni.

He praised the governor for creating opportunities for young people to actively participate in governance, noting that many youths in the state have been appointed into key roles, including commissioners, advisers, and members of various government agencies.

Chiromari added that the administration has demonstrated confidence in youth capacity, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to governance and development in Yobe State.

A Federal High Court sitting in Yola, Adamawa State, has ordered the suspension of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) state congress following an escalating leadership dispute within the party.

The crisis is linked to a power struggle between former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and former governorship candidate, Aisha Dahiru Binani.

Despite the court order, the party’s congress committee insisted that the exercise at the polling unit, ward, and local government levels was ongoing.

Chairman of the committee, General Ishaya Bauka, made this known during a press briefing in Yola, dismissing reports of the suspension as mere speculation.

However, Justice Ahmed Isah of High Court No. 6 issued an order restraining the conduct of the congress pending the determination of a suit before the court.

The case has been adjourned to April 15, 2026, for further hearing.

The legal action was initiated by the state chairman of the party, Comrade Shehu Yuhanna, against the state transition committee led by Barrister Sadiq Dasin.

Yuhanna alleged that he was sidelined in the planning and execution of the congress.
The ADC in Adamawa has been grappling with internal crisis, which intensified following the defection of several prominent political figures into the party.

At the heart of the dispute is the contest over party leadership in the state.

Babachir is reportedly backing Mustapha Arabi as the state chairman, in place of Yuhanna, who currently occupies the position.

This disagreement has triggered a series of legal and political battles.

To manage the situation, a caretaker transition committee headed by Sadiq Dasin was constituted.

However, another faction loyal to Senator Binani, led by Sai’du Komsiri and supported by Umar Bello Jada, a member of the party’s National Working Committee, emerged as a parallel leadership structure.

With at least three factions now laying claim to the party’s leadership in Adamawa, Yuhanna approached the court to challenge the legitimacy of both the Dasin-led committee and the Komsiri faction.

A former senator and key figure in the Tinubu/Shettima 2023 campaign in Zamfara State, Kabiru Marafa, has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Marafa, who once served as a commissioner in Zamfara State and played a prominent role in mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu across the North-West, announced his defection on Thursday following consultations with political allies.

According to a statement issued by his media aide, Mansur Haruna, the decision came after a strategic meeting with stakeholders held in Kaduna State, where the future of his political movement was extensively discussed.

The former lawmaker explained that his move to the ADC reflects a deliberate shift in political direction, driven by what he described as the need to realign with a platform capable of delivering meaningful change.

In his remarks, Marafa criticised the ruling APC, accusing it of engaging in political manipulation and actions capable of destabilising the country’s democratic system.

He also alleged attempts to misuse sensitive national data, including the National Identification Number (NIN), for partisan purposes.

He further accused the current administration of fostering confusion within opposition parties but insisted that such pressures would not deter his resolve.

According to him, joining the ADC represents a firm commitment to what he called the “liberation” of the people from political dominance and control.

Marafa’s political journey in Zamfara has been marked by longstanding rivalries, particularly with former governor Abdulaziz Yari.

Their disagreement over party structures and candidate selection led to deep divisions within the APC ahead of the 2019 elections.

The dispute eventually ended up at the Supreme Court, which nullified the APC’s victories in Zamfara due to irregularities in its primary elections, handing the party’s wins to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Although Marafa and Yari briefly reconciled in 2021, their alliance did not last, especially after the APC lost the state again in 2023.

He has also been at odds with other key figures in the state, including former governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as internal struggles for control of the party structure persisted.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained that the recent visit by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark was aimed at promoting unity and safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic space.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting held at Mark’s residence in Abuja, Makinde described the visit as one of solidarity, coming at a time of heightened tensions within the ADC following its leadership dispute.

According to him, the PDP delegation sought to identify ways to strengthen democratic values and ensure stability within the political system.

“We came to visit the leadership of the ADC. It is a solidarity visit. We have been observing developments within the political space, including the court processes and protests, and we felt it necessary to show support and commitment to a clean democratic process,” he said.

The meeting took place shortly after the Mark-led faction of the ADC staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenging recent actions taken by the electoral body regarding the party’s leadership.

Among key figures present at the meeting were prominent opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Others in attendance included Rabiu Kwankwaso, Abubakar Malami, Aminu Tambuwal, and ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi.

On the PDP side, Makinde was joined by members of a faction associated with Kabiru Turaki, including the party’s National Secretary, Taofeeq Arapaja, and spokesperson Ini Ememobong.

The ADC is currently split into two factions, with one led by Mark and the other by Nafiu Bala.

The crisis deepened after INEC suspended recognition of Mark’s leadership, citing a directive from the Court of Appeal which ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of an ongoing case at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In response, the Mark-led faction has criticised INEC’s decision, accusing the commission of interfering in party affairs and undermining democratic principles.

The group has also called for the resignation of the INEC chairman, alleging bias in the handling of the situation.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained that the recent visit by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark was aimed at promoting unity and safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic space.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting held at Mark’s residence in Abuja, Makinde described the visit as one of solidarity, coming at a time of heightened tensions within the ADC following its leadership dispute.

According to him, the PDP delegation sought to identify ways to strengthen democratic values and ensure stability within the political system.

“We came to visit the leadership of the ADC. It is a solidarity visit. We have been observing developments within the political space, including the court processes and protests, and we felt it necessary to show support and commitment to a clean democratic process,” he said.

The meeting took place shortly after the Mark-led faction of the ADC staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenging recent actions taken by the electoral body regarding the party’s leadership.

Among key figures present at the meeting were prominent opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Others in attendance included Rabiu Kwankwaso, Abubakar Malami, Aminu Tambuwal, and ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi.

On the PDP side, Makinde was joined by members of a faction associated with Kabiru Turaki, including the party’s National Secretary, Taofeeq Arapaja, and spokesperson Ini Ememobong.

The ADC is currently split into two factions, with one led by Mark and the other by Nafiu Bala.

The crisis deepened after INEC suspended recognition of Mark’s leadership, citing a directive from the Court of Appeal which ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of an ongoing case at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In response, the Mark-led faction has criticised INEC’s decision, accusing the commission of interfering in party affairs and undermining democratic principles.

The group has also called for the resignation of the INEC chairman, alleging bias in the handling of the situation.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, is facing increasing calls to declare his intention to contest the Abia State governorship election in 2027, following fresh endorsements from political stakeholders across the state.

Leaders from Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency on Thursday threw their weight behind Kalu, urging him to join the race.

They described him as a unifying figure with the vision and capacity to reposition Abia State for growth and development.

The endorsement, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, is part of a broader mobilisation within the Ngwa political bloc, one of the state’s influential power bases.

Community leaders in the area have reportedly adopted Kalu as their preferred candidate.

The show of support came during the inauguration of the Ikeoha Movement and the formal declaration of Uzoma Ihuka to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Addressing party members at the event, Kalu expressed confidence in the leadership of Bola Tinubu, noting that the current administration has helped stabilise and strengthen the APC nationwide.

He maintained that while opposition parties continue to grapple with internal challenges, the APC remains focused on governance and development.

According to him, ongoing reforms by the Federal Government present new opportunities that Abia State can benefit from.

Kalu also assured party faithful of inclusive leadership and a people-centred approach, emphasising the party’s commitment to engaging communities and addressing their needs.

Responding to the growing calls for him to contest, the Deputy Speaker acknowledged the support but stopped short of making a formal declaration.

He said he would make his position known at the appropriate time.

“I have heard your request,” he said, “but I will respond at the right time. I want it to be a collective call from across the state.”

He further stressed that any such declaration would be made in Umuahia, the state capital, in line with constitutional symbolism and the significance of the governorship office.

Kalu’s rising political profile comes amid increasing engagement with the current administration led by Governor Alex Otti.

In recent months, he has been vocal on governance issues, particularly on infrastructure, economic development, and inclusiveness.

Political observers believe his growing grassroots presence across key areas such as Bende, Obingwa, and the Ngwa axis signals early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, Governor Otti has continued to defend his administration’s performance, highlighting ongoing reforms and developmental projects aimed at improving the state’s economy and infrastructure.

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the names of some of the party’s top officials from its official records.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, was triggered by INEC’s action on April 1, which saw the removal of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary from its portal.

In a motion on notice dated April 7, Mark, through his counsel, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), is seeking a court order compelling INEC to immediately restore the names of the party’s National Working Committee members as they appeared before the controversy.

The application, filed under the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, is anchored on the court’s equitable jurisdiction and requests three major reliefs.

Chief among them is an order setting aside INEC’s decision to delete the names of the party’s leadership and its refusal to recognise or monitor the party’s congresses and conventions pending the determination of the suit.

Mark is also asking the court to direct INEC to reinstate and maintain his position as National Chairman, alongside Aregbesola as National Secretary, including all members of the National Executive Committee.

In addition, the suit seeks to restrain INEC from further interference with the party’s leadership records or recognising any rival claims until the case is fully resolved.

The legal action follows a March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal in a dispute initiated by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Gombe.

The appellate court had directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum—the condition that existed before the dispute began.

Mark’s counsel argued that as of September 2, 2025, when the suit was originally filed, Mark was the duly recognised National Chairman of the party.

He maintained that INEC misinterpreted the appellate court’s directive by removing the names, thereby creating a leadership vacuum within the party.

According to the senior advocate, the commission’s action undermines the intent of the court’s ruling and threatens the integrity of the ongoing legal process.

He further noted that the law permits the grant of a mandatory injunction at an interlocutory stage to restore a party to its previous position when such position has been wrongfully altered.

In a separate motion, also filed in April, the applicant is seeking an accelerated hearing of the case, citing the urgency and wider implications of the dispute on the party’s operations and Nigeria’s democratic process.

The request includes a call for shortened timelines for filing court processes and a day-to-day hearing schedule until the matter is concluded.

Usman warned that prolonged uncertainty over the party’s leadership could lead to the emergence of parallel factions and disrupt its internal administration and political activities.

Court documents indicate that the dispute dates back to September 2025, when the trial court declined an ex parte application by Gombe seeking to halt the activities of the Mark-led leadership.

Instead, the court directed that all parties be put on notice.

Subsequently, the Mark-led faction challenged the court’s jurisdiction at the Court of Appeal, which ordered that the case return to the lower court while maintaining the existing leadership structure.

In the substantive suit, Gombe listed the ADC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and Ralph Nwosu as defendants.

Nwosu, a former national chairman, had earlier stepped down, paving the way for Mark’s emergence as party leader.

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the names of some of the party’s top officials from its official records.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, was triggered by INEC’s action on April 1, which saw the removal of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary from its portal.

In a motion on notice dated April 7, Mark, through his counsel, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), is seeking a court order compelling INEC to immediately restore the names of the party’s National Working Committee members as they appeared before the controversy.

The application, filed under the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, is anchored on the court’s equitable jurisdiction and requests three major reliefs.

Chief among them is an order setting aside INEC’s decision to delete the names of the party’s leadership and its refusal to recognise or monitor the party’s congresses and conventions pending the determination of the suit.

Mark is also asking the court to direct INEC to reinstate and maintain his position as National Chairman, alongside Aregbesola as National Secretary, including all members of the National Executive Committee.

In addition, the suit seeks to restrain INEC from further interference with the party’s leadership records or recognising any rival claims until the case is fully resolved.

The legal action follows a March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal in a dispute initiated by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Gombe.

The appellate court had directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum—the condition that existed before the dispute began.

Mark’s counsel argued that as of September 2, 2025, when the suit was originally filed, Mark was the duly recognised National Chairman of the party.

He maintained that INEC misinterpreted the appellate court’s directive by removing the names, thereby creating a leadership vacuum within the party.

According to the senior advocate, the commission’s action undermines the intent of the court’s ruling and threatens the integrity of the ongoing legal process.

He further noted that the law permits the grant of a mandatory injunction at an interlocutory stage to restore a party to its previous position when such position has been wrongfully altered.

In a separate motion, also filed in April, the applicant is seeking an accelerated hearing of the case, citing the urgency and wider implications of the dispute on the party’s operations and Nigeria’s democratic process.

The request includes a call for shortened timelines for filing court processes and a day-to-day hearing schedule until the matter is concluded.

Usman warned that prolonged uncertainty over the party’s leadership could lead to the emergence of parallel factions and disrupt its internal administration and political activities.

Court documents indicate that the dispute dates back to September 2025, when the trial court declined an ex parte application by Gombe seeking to halt the activities of the Mark-led leadership.

Instead, the court directed that all parties be put on notice.

Subsequently, the Mark-led faction challenged the court’s jurisdiction at the Court of Appeal, which ordered that the case return to the lower court while maintaining the existing leadership structure.

In the substantive suit, Gombe listed the ADC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and Ralph Nwosu as defendants.

Nwosu, a former national chairman, had earlier stepped down, paving the way for Mark’s emergence as party leader.