News
Heavy Security Presence at INEC HQ over ADC Planned Protest
Armed soldiers and heavily equipped Police operatives on Thursday mounted a heavy security presence at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, following threats of a mass protest by members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Eyewitness images show a significant deployment of Nigerian Army personnel around the commission’s premises, supported by armoured vehicles and officers of the Nigeria Police Force bearing assault rifles and other security gear. Access to parts of the complex was restricted, with operatives maintaining a tight cordon to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The heightened security comes amid escalating tensions within the ADC, which is currently embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis that has fractured the party into rival factions.
Sources indicated that the show of force was prompted by intelligence reports suggesting that aggrieved party members were mobilising for a protest at INEC’s office over recent decisions affecting the party’s leadership structure.
The controversy intensified on Wednesday after INEC removed the names of former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively.
INEC explained that the action was taken in compliance with “preservatory orders” issued by the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the substantive case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to the commission, the dispute stems from a protracted legal battle involving Mark and another party figure, Nafiu Bala Gombe, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s leadership.
INEC further revealed that it had received conflicting communications from the rival camps—one rejecting Gombe’s recognition as acting chairman, and another insisting on full enforcement of the appellate court ruling.
To avoid further complications, the commission announced a suspension of recognition for any faction of the ADC, stating that it would not engage with any group or monitor party activities until a final judicial determination is made.
“The commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups… and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened on behalf of the ADC by any group,” INEC said.
The decision has sparked outrage among sections of the party, with some members accusing the electoral body of bias and undue interference in internal party affairs.
As tensions continue to rise, Thursday’s security lockdown underscores fears of potential unrest, as authorities move to forestall any disruption at one of Nigeria’s most sensitive democratic institutions.
Culled from Sahara Reporters
The campaign team of Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has announced that their leader, who is Governorship aspirant, has formally purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections in Lagos State.
The development was disclosed in a press statement issued on Wednesday by Gbenga Ogunleye, spokesperson for the Jandor campaign organisation, marking a significant step in Adediran’s bid to contest for the state’s top office.
According to the statement, the move underscores Adediran’s commitment to due process and strict adherence to the party’s internal democratic procedures.
The governorship aspirant also reiterated his alignment with the party’s decision to adopt direct primaries for all elective positions, expressing optimism that the process would enhance grassroots participation, strengthen unity within the party, and promote inclusiveness in the emergence of candidates.
Jandor further reaffirmed his loyalty to the National Leader of the APC and President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while also paying tribute to party leaders in Lagos State for their continued guidance and commitment to progressive ideals.
He also extended gratitude to members of the JAGABAN–JANDOR 2027 Movement, young Lagosians, and supporters who contributed financially towards the purchase of the nomination forms, commending their dedication and belief in his leadership capacity.
Jandor assured party members and residents of Lagos State that his governorship ambition is rooted in unity, inclusiveness, and a commitment to sustaining and advancing good governance under the APC platform.
All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Samuel Ajose, has declared that the endorsement of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the next governor by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) will not stand.
GAC, regarded as the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, endorsed Hamzat, as its consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The decision was reached during a closed-door meeting held at Lagos House, Marina, indicating an early alignment within the ruling party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Speaking after the session, GAC leader, Tajudeen Olusi, said members unanimously agreed on Hamzat, expressing confidence in his ability to sustain and build on the state’s developmental progress.
Olusi explained that the meeting was convened to deliberate on the party’s forthcoming primaries and assess the governorship position ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking about the GAC adoption of Hamzat as Lagos APC consensus 2027 governorship candidate on Arise News on Tuesday, Ajose said that Sanwo-Olu and others are trying to force President Tinubu into making a decision.
“I don’t think our president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is giving in to what they are doing.
“What they are just trying to do is to coerce him into taking a decision, and I don’t think that decision will stand.”
The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to borrow Five Hundred and Sixteen Million, Three Hundred and Thirty-three Thousand, seven ($516,333,007) US dollars in syndicated financing from Deutsche Bank AG.
The House approved it during the plenary on Tuesday in Abuja after the presentation of a report by the deputy chairman of the House Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debts Management, Abdullahi Rasheed.
The money is expected to fund the construction of sections of the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway.
President Tinubu wrote to the lawmakers, seeking a $516.3 million loan from Deutsche Bank to support the construction of the road.
The president said the loan, to be sourced from a syndicated financing facility by Deutsche Bank, will fund sections 1, 1A, and 1B of the project, which covers about 120 kilometres.
Tinubu requested a resolution in line with Sections 16 and 21 of the Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act, 2011, to enable the federal government to secure the financing for Sections 1, Phase 1A, and Phase 1B of the project.
The project is a flagship initiative of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is targeted at enhancing national connectivity, improving the movement of goods across key economic corridors, and drastically shrinking travel time.
The 1,000-kilometre project will link Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states, connecting Illela to Badagry.
According to him, the financing arrangement will be backed by a partial risk guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).
He said the Federal government will provide counterpart funding of over N265 billion for land acquisition, compensation, and related infrastructure.
The former Lagos governor said the loan is structured for nine years and includes a three-year grace period.
It has an interest rate pegged at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange SOFR plus 5.3 per cent per annum.
Already, the Federal Executive Council has approved the financing plan.
