ICPC intimidates, blocks access to El-Rufai, ADC alleges

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of denying senior party officials access to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in the custody of the anti-graft agency.

The party also alleged that security operatives deployed heavily around the commission’s headquarters in Abuja during an attempted visit by top ADC officials, describing the move as intimidation and a sign of growing political persecution against opposition figures.

In a statement issued on Friday by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said a delegation comprising its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, Abdullahi, and Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, Salihu Lukman, was denied access to El-Rufai despite prior communication with the commission.

According to the statement, the ADC had earlier written to the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, requesting visitation rights to the former governor amid concerns over his wellbeing.

The party claimed that while its leaders awaited a response at the ICPC premises, at least three truckloads of armed police officers arrived at the location.

“The heavy deployment, which appeared entirely unnecessary and disproportionate to the peaceful presence of unarmed political leaders, created the unmistakable impression that the authorities feared that the mere presence of opposition leaders at the Commission could trigger public outrage,” the statement said.

ADC maintained that its delegation neither threatened unrest nor mobilised supporters, arguing that the deployment of security personnel suggested an attempt to intimidate opposition politicians.

The opposition party further alleged that El-Rufai’s family had raised concerns over restricted access to doctors and food while he remained in custody.

It referenced claims by El-Rufai’s wife, Asia El-Rufai, who reportedly alleged that her husband had been denied access to medical care and that attempts to deliver food to him were blocked.

While noting that the ICPC had denied such allegations and maintained that due process was being followed, the ADC argued that continued restrictions on access by family members, doctors and political associates raised questions about the treatment of the former governor.

The party insisted that El-Rufai voluntarily submitted himself to authorities and remains entitled under the constitution to fair treatment, medical care and family access.

“What we are witnessing increasingly appears to be punishment by process, intimidation through isolation, and an attempt to break the spirit of a leading opposition figure,” the statement added.

ADC demanded that the ICPC immediately grant unrestricted access to El-Rufai by his family, legal representatives, medical personnel and party leaders.

“The ADC will not stand by and watch one of its leaders subjected to this pattern of harassment and calculated humiliation. Nigeria is watching. The international community is watching. The world is watching,” the statement said.

The former governor of Kaduna State was picked in February 2026 by the anti-graft agency over allegations of financial malfeasance and abuse of office.

However, an Abuja court granted him conditional bail, but had not met the conditions required for release, resulting in continued detention.

Separately, there have been additional legal matters involving allegations of unlawful interception of communications, for which another court reportedly granted bail under different terms.

There are conflicting public claims from his family, political allies, and authorities about access to doctors, family visits, and treatment in custody but the ICPC has denied some of the allegations and says it is complying with court orders.

Ekiti, Osun governorship elections litmus test for 2027 — INEC Chairman

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Friday said the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states would serve as a major test for preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Ado-Ekiti, Amupitan warned against the spread of misinformation and fake news capable of creating panic before, during and after the elections.

He also urged security agencies to remain vigilant against individuals or groups seeking to disrupt the electoral process, stressing the need for collective efforts to ensure the success of Nigeria’s democracy.

“We must all make conscious efforts to ensure that this country works,” he said.

The INEC chairman assured stakeholders that the commission remained committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections that would reflect the choices of voters in Ekiti State.

According to him, readiness assessments conducted across selected local government areas indicated that preparations were on course, with the commission currently configuring the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and advancing recruitment of ad hoc staff through the INECPRES portal.

Amupitan disclosed that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for voters captured during the first and second phases of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) would soon be distributed across the 177 registration areas in the state.

“To guarantee that no eligible citizen is left behind, the commission will soon deliver the PVCs across all wards in Ekiti State. Our mandate is to conduct an inclusive and transparent election, and we are determined that no eligible voter should be disenfranchised due to administrative bottlenecks,” he said.

He appealed to community leaders, civil society organisations and political actors to mobilise eligible voters to collect their PVCs before the exercise ends.

The INEC chairman described security agencies as critical to the success of electoral operations, noting that effective logistics and field operations depend on a secure environment.

He said preliminary assessments showed security agencies had developed deployment plans, visibility patrols and tactical responses to potential flashpoints across the state.

Representatives of the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military, he said, had assured the commission of adequate security before, during and after the polls.

Amupitan revealed that INEC had completed a risk analysis of all local government areas in Ekiti and identified several high-risk zones prone to thuggery, kidnapping, cultism, vandalism and ballot snatching.

The identified local government areas include Ado-Ekiti, Effon, Ekiti East, Ekiti South-West, Emure, Ikere, Ikole, Ilejemeje, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Moba and Oye.

He said 469 polling units located within 500 metres of identified risk areas had been mapped out for closer monitoring.

The INEC chairman further warned against vote-buying, describing voter inducement as a major threat to credible elections.

He said the commission was working with anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, to apprehend offenders.

“Any attempt to disrupt the level playing field through vote buying before or during the election must be aggressively resisted and neutralised,” he said.

He urged deployed security personnel to prevent illegal financial transactions capable of compromising the electoral process.

Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Micheal, assured residents that security agencies would provide maximum protection before, during and after the election.

He disclosed that police personnel were already securing INEC offices across the state, although many identified flashpoints were located in border communities.

The police commissioner identified misinformation and fake news as major concerns, warning that they could heighten fear and tension among residents.

He called for intensified public sensitisation campaigns by the National Orientation Agency to counter disinformation ahead of the election.

Also speaking, the Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, described the ICCES meeting as timely and strategic given the importance of election security and intelligence sharing.

According to him, the commission had intensified preparations through stakeholder engagements, logistics reviews, training of election personnel and continuous consultations with political parties, traditional rulers, civil society groups and the media.

Omoseyindemi, however, raised concerns over persistent challenges, including misinformation, political violence, threats against electoral personnel, transportation difficulties and voter apathy fuelled by declining confidence in the electoral process.

He stressed the need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in Ekiti State. Authority.

Hayatu-Deen challenges Atiku, Amaechi to publicly endorse ADC Code of Ethics

Presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has challenged fellow contenders in the party’s presidential race, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, to publicly declare their commitment to the party’s newly introduced Governance Principles and Code of Ethics, known as The Orange Book.

Hayatu-Deen made the call following his appearance before the ADC Presidential Screening Committee, saying one of the notable features of the screening process was the issuance of the Orange Book to all presidential and governorship aspirants, alongside a requirement to affirm its principles.

In posts shared on his social media platforms on Friday, the economist described the document as “perhaps the first of its kind in modern Nigerian politics,” arguing that it establishes an ethical framework that places service to citizens above personal or political interests.

“The Orange Book is not a slogan. It is a declaration that public office is not for self-enrichment, personal glory, or political entitlement, but for service to the Nigerian people,” Hayatu-Deen said.

According to him, aspirants seeking the party’s mandate are expected to uphold principles including integrity, transparency, accountability, merit, discipline, rejection of corruption, opposition to vote-buying and godfatherism, as well as prioritising public interest over personal ambition.

Hayatu-Deen noted that two provisions in the document particularly resonated with him: “Leadership is measured not by individual legacy, but by the enduring impact of completed, purposeful, and people-centred action,” and “I am a public servant, not a ruler of Nigerians.”

“These are not ordinary political declarations. They are standards that every leader, irrespective of political party, should be willing to uphold,” he stated.

The former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group publicly affirmed his commitment to the ADC’s Code of Ethics and urged other aspirants to openly do the same.

“Because Nigerians deserve transparency from those who seek to lead them, I believe every aspirant seeking the mandate of our great party should publicly declare whether they are willing to uphold these standards,” he said.

Hayatu-Deen argued that Nigeria’s challenges extend beyond economic hardship and insecurity, insisting that the country is equally confronting a crisis of leadership, accountability, and public trust.

“Nigeria needs a different political culture rooted in service, responsibility, competence, and moral courage. We must begin to change that,” he added.

The challenge comes amid increasing activity within the ADC ahead of its presidential primary, as aspirants intensify campaigns to secure the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election.

Labour Party petitions Police, DSS over alleged illegal sale of nomination forms by Abure

The Labour Party has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services over what it described as the illegal circulation and sale of nomination forms allegedly linked to the party’s former National Chairman, Julius Abure.

The development was disclosed on Thursday in Abuja by the factional National Chairman of the party, Nenadi Usman, who stated that copies of the petitions had also been forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Usman accused Abure of operating outside the recognised leadership structure of the party, insisting that his tenure as national chairman had expired and that a valid national convention held in Umuahia had already produced a new leadership currently recognised by INEC.

According to her, the continued circulation of nomination forms by Abure and his loyalists amounted to impersonation and deliberate deception aimed at misleading unsuspecting aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We received the news surprisingly. It was a big surprise because after the court said his tenure was over, we went to Umuahia, held a national convention, and elected new leaders,” Usman said while addressing journalists in Abuja.

She maintained that the party’s current leadership emerged through a legitimate convention process and that INEC’s official records already reflected the changes made during the Umuahia convention.

The LP chairman argued that any nomination forms or political activities conducted outside the recognised leadership amounted to illegality and should not be accepted by party members or aspirants.

According to her, some politicians seeking elective offices had already fallen victim to the alleged unauthorised sale of nomination forms.

“One man came here to tell me his wife was contesting, and when I looked at the form, it was not the form we issued. They are deceiving people, and it is not right at all,” she stated.

Usman expressed concern that the alleged circulation of unauthorised forms could create confusion within the party and undermine preparations for the 2027 general elections.

She said the petitions submitted to security agencies were intended to prevent further impersonation and protect aspirants from being defrauded.

The latest development is another chapter in the prolonged leadership crisis that has continued to affect the Labour Party since after the 2023 general elections.

The dispute over the party’s leadership has resulted in multiple court cases, competing factions and disagreements over the control of party structures nationwide.

Usman insisted that the legal position regarding Abure’s tenure was already clear, adding that the courts had previously ruled that his tenure had expired.

She also dismissed reports suggesting that Abure had filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the leadership situation within the party.

According to her, the current leadership of the Labour Party had not been formally served with any notice of appeal.

“My take is that the Supreme Court will maintain its stand. If a court says my tenure is over, I cannot go back to say it is not over,” she said.

The factional chairman expressed confidence that the judiciary would uphold its earlier decisions regarding the party’s leadership structure.

She also stressed that the Labour Party was moving forward with preparations for the 2027 elections despite the internal disputes.

Usman revealed that interest in the party’s platform had continued to grow, with several aspirants already indicating interest in contesting various elective positions under the Labour Party.

According to her, three presidential aspirants had already purchased nomination forms ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

She further disclosed that the party had resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region of the country.

“We have decided that our next candidate or flag bearer should come from the South. Anybody from the North who wants to buy forms should not even bother,” she stated.

The zoning declaration is expected to shape political alignments and consultations within the party as aspirants position themselves ahead of the primaries.

Usman explained that the party was considering adopting a consensus arrangement for its presidential primaries in order to minimise internal conflicts and strengthen unity ahead of the general election.

However, she stressed that all aspirants would still undergo rigorous screening to ensure that only credible and competent individuals emerged as candidates.

“We are hoping for consensus, but we are going to screen really well because to lead this great country, we need the best,” she said.

The Labour Party chairman also expressed optimism about the party’s chances in the next election cycle, insisting that Nigerians would ultimately determine who governs the country.

According to her, the party was not intimidated by internal disputes or external political pressure from rival parties.

“I am not afraid because I know power belongs to God, and Nigerians will come out to choose who they want to lead them,” she stated.

Political observers say the ongoing leadership tussle within the Labour Party could significantly influence the party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Labour Party gained national prominence during the 2023 presidential election following the strong performance of Peter Obi, who emerged as the party’s presidential candidate and attracted widespread support among youths and urban voters.

However, analysts warn that unresolved leadership disputes could weaken the party’s internal cohesion and electoral prospects if not addressed before the next election cycle intensifies.

The controversy over nomination forms and party leadership is also expected to attract attention from INEC and security agencies as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.

Political stakeholders are likely to monitor how the police, DSS and electoral authorities respond to the petitions submitted by the Labour Party leadership.

As the 2027 political season gradually gathers momentum, the Labour Party faces the challenge of managing internal disputes while sustaining the support base that propelled it into national prominence during the last election. Uzorngoladi.

Why Nwoko lost in Delta North – APC National Chairman’s aide

Fresh reactions have continued to trail the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Delta State as a chieftain of the party, Norbert Sochukwudinma, dismissed allegations made by Senator Ned Nwoko over the conduct of the exercise.

Nwoko, who contested for the APC Delta North senatorial ticket, had earlier claimed that the primary election was manipulated in favour of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. The senator insisted he had evidence, including videos and ward-by-ward results, which he said showed he enjoyed broader support across the district.

He also alleged that participants were informed midway into the process that results from the wards would no longer be announced locally, but would instead be collated and declared by the party’s national leadership in Abuja.

Reacting to the claims during an interview on Arise Television, Senior Special Assistant to the APC National Chairman on Local Government Affairs, Norbert Sochukwudinma, argued that Nwoko failed to build the necessary grassroots relationships within the party before the primary.

“He said, “Nwoko stayed away from the party and expected victory.

Anyone seeking to win an election must engage with party structures, yet he never consulted the nine local government party chairmen or leaders.”

Sochukwudinma further stressed that only registered members of the APC were eligible to participate in the primary, adding that party politics required more than popularity or public visibility.

“Only card-carrying APC members are eligible to vote, and party politics is not show business.”

The APC official also rejected claims that the primary results circulating online reflected the true outcome of the election, describing some of the figures being shared as unofficial.

“From the available evidence, Senator Ned Nwoko was clearly defeated, and some of the results circulated online were fabricated and not official.”

He added, “In fact, I was surprised he even secured over 2,000 votes.”

The exchange has further intensified discussions surrounding the APC primaries in Delta State, with supporters of both camps continuing to debate the credibility of the process and the eventual outcome of the contest. GWG.

Only foolish people believe I’m working for Tinubu behind the scenes – Kwankwaso

Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano, has dismissed claims insinuating he is working for the interest of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Kwankwaso, who spoke on Wednesday night in an interview with Global TV, noted that certain persons have been peddling the rumours since his days in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Sanusi Bature, spokesperson for Abba Yusuf, Kano governor, had alleged that Kwankwaso, former national leader of the NNPP, is indirectly working for Tinubu’s re-election.

He alleged that Kwankwaso worked for Tinubu in 2023, and had recently pushed for a direct meeting with the president, which did not materialise.

However, Kwankwaso refuted the allegations, saying only foolish people would believe the claims.

“I think only foolish people would believe that. We are not working for anybody. We are only working for NDC,” he said.

“Bola Tinubu has been my senior brother and good friend up till now. But that doesn’t mean we shall pull all our political ideologies together with him.

“He is doing his own and I am doing my own.”

The ex-minister of defence said even though he belongs to another political party, he believes the president is not aware of the issues plaguing the country because those around him are not telling him the truth.

“Normally under the current circumstances, the president may not see what is happening. And unfortunately, most of the people around him are actually the ones creating the problems,” Kwankwaso said.

“So, in those circumstances, it is difficult to see who will advise him or tell him the obvious situation. What they normally tell and what they are doing is to pick governors. I think going by the number of governors now, APC is number one.” Thecable

Tinubu appoints new JAMB registrar ahead of Oloyede’s exit

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), marking a major leadership transition at one of Nigeria’s most critical educational institutions. Aina will officially succeed Ishaq Oloyede, whose tenure is scheduled to end on July 31, 2026, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The Presidency described Aina as a seasoned academic and systems expert with deep experience in digital infrastructure, examination security and public-sector reforms. Currently a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Aina is expected to lead JAMB into a new phase of technology-driven administration and institutional modernization.

According to the statement, the incoming registrar earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent before obtaining both a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University. He also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

The Presidency noted that Aina, who turns 40 in July, is one of Nigeria’s youngest professors in Computer Engineering and will become the youngest registrar in JAMB’s history. Officials said he possesses more than 15 years of experience advising federal and state governments on digital transition policies, institutional reforms and systems architecture.

Before his appointment, Aina reportedly worked with several examination bodies, including the National Examinations Council and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, where he contributed to ICT system development and examination integrity frameworks aimed at reducing malpractice and improving transparency.

The statement further highlighted his memberships in several professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Tinubu expressed confidence that the incoming registrar would consolidate on the reforms and institutional restructuring introduced during Oloyede’s tenure. The Presidency said Aina is expected to deploy his experience and technical expertise to further strengthen the credibility, efficiency and operational capacity of JAMB as the agency continues its transition into a more technology-driven examination body. Newsscroll.

I withdraw from guber race for peace to reign in Rivers -Fubara

Rivers state Governor, Simi Fubara on Wednesday withdrew from the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship primaries.

In a statement, the Governor said he withdrew so that the peace in Rivers State would not be shattered.

Below is his statement:

MY DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE RIVERS STATE GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARIES

Fellow Rivers People,

After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.

Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.

To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.

As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.

I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.

The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.

Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s state Gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term.

Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.

Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS

Governor, Rivers State

May 20, 2026 .

Tinubu still distrusts me over my past support for Obi – Cubana Chief Priest

Popular Nigerian businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu still views him with suspicion due to his support for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election.

Speaking during a livestream with popular streamer Peller, Chief Priest addressed politics, loyalty, and his current relationship with the Tinubu-led administration.

“President Bola Tinubu does not really trust me as an Igbo man that I am. He looked at me with one eye because he believes that this one worked for Peter Obi before at the last election,” he said.

Chief Priest explained that he later switched support to the All Progressives Congress (APC) because he did not want to remain on what he described as the “losing side” politically.

Responding to questions about why he stopped supporting Obi, he said: “Because I don’t want to lose again because they say first fool not be fool, na the second fool be proper fool.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, Chief Priest dismissed Obi’s chances, stating that the former Anambra governor was “not serious” and insisting that “serious people will win.”

The remarks have sparked mixed reactions online. Some critics accused the Chief Priest of political opportunism, while others framed his comments as reflective of Nigeria’s highly competitive political climate.

Chief Priest was among several celebrities who openly supported Obi and the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 elections before later aligning with Tinubu and the APC.

He recently obtained an APC nomination form to contest a House of Representatives seat but reportedly withdrew shortly before the primary election.

This latest revelation adds to ongoing debates about loyalty, political realignment, and celebrity influence in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. Starnews.

I won’t accept results, Delta APC primaries manipulated to favour preferred candidates — Ned Nwoko

Senator Ned Nwoko has rejected the primary election result of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Delta North, Delta saying it was manipulated to favour selected candidates.

In an interview, the Delta North senator expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primaries, insisting that the process lacked fairness, transparency and credibility.

“I wouldn’t accept. Because I have a mandate. I have a mandate by the people,” he declared.

He insisted that the exercise was compromised from the onset through coordinated efforts allegedly designed to produce predetermined results.

“The process was manipulated from day one. The State Government. It’s something that they conspired to produce results,” Nwoko stated.

Nwoko claimed that his political camp was in possession ward-by-ward results and video evidence from the primary election, adding that the materials had already been forwarded to relevant authorities for proper review and investigation.

He dismissed a viral video showing former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, being declared winner, arguing that the footage represented only one ward out of the 98 wards involved in the exercise.

“I want you to understand something. The video that you saw, where Ifeanyi Okowa was announced as the winner, was just one video from one ward out of 98 wards. Maybe they should show us other videos. They must show us the figures,” he said.

He explained that his earlier decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stemmed from frustrations over alleged political restrictions imposed on him by the Delta political establishment.

“I was in PDP. I got elected as a PDP Senator. But I realized that my people there, the Governor Okowa himself, didn’t allow me to operate freely,” he said.

The embittered lawmaker expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would intervene in the matter, while reaffirming his loyalty and commitment to the APC.

“I’m not going to say I’m going to work against the party; I’m going to work for the party. But I can assure you of this: I’m sure that the President will intervene in this matter,” he added.

Sunrisereporters.