Headlines
Loyalists Dump Wike, Pledge Allegiance to Fubara
Leaders of the Rivers State GrassRoots Development Initiative (GDI), founded by the former Governor, Nyesom Wike, have warned that “actions will be taken” if the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) does not cease interfering with politics in the State.
The GDI leaders spoke in Port Harcourt on Monday after a meeting with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who welcomed the former members of GDI and the Coordinators Forum at the Government House.
They pledged their dedication and allegiance to the Rivers State Government and the “Simplified Movement”.
A former Chairman of the Coordinators Forum of the Grassroots Development Initiative and Chairman of GDI, Hon. Collins Onuwo, said: “Yes, two days ago, Coordinators of the Grassroots Development Initiative from Ogugbolo, Gokana, Agba-Egbema Ndoni, Borno, Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru, Ahoada-East resigned to join three of their members who had earlier resigned.
“These members are Kinikawa Amada of Port Harcourt Local Government, Daddy Green of Ahoada-West, Elder Ogolo of Opobo-Nkoro LGA, and Agumuo Eze of Oyibo LGA. We want the public to know that the GDI is the movement, the association, the group founded by the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike. He founded that group.
“That group brought him to power. That group supported him for a second term. That group is his strength. Whoever he is today, it is because of the GDI. However, today, we have all collectively decided that we are no longer members of that group.
“The reason is that we want to stand with the people of Rivers. Rivers’ interest is paramount. When we started GDI in 2012 and 2013, we were told to stand for Rivers’ interest. What was Rivers’ interest then? We were told to ensure the protection of our brother-in-law, the President of Nigeria at that time, who happened to marry our beloved daughter, Patience Jonathan.
“That was Rivers’ interest then, and we all supported that interest, which led our chief, our leader, to become the Governor. In his second term, the interest was that people in Abuja said it should not happen, but Rivers’ interest demanded it.
“People died, blood was shed, those who survived did so with injuries, and those who were killed, may their souls rest in perfect peace. He won that election. We stood firm for Rivers State and the entire nation.
“Women came out to protest. Back then, women protesting naked was not considered an abomination. Today, what is Rivers’ interest? It is to ensure the protection of our votes that were brought in Siminalayi Fubara.
“The Supreme Court has affirmed that indeed, he won that election. It was the most peaceful election, devoid of bloodshed, accidents, or gunshots, and Fubara won in all the LGAs.
“This has never happened before… today, one man says that the election should not be held. We have joined millions of Rivers women, youths, and elders who insist on protecting our votes.
“We do not care who the Governor is. A fight against any youth in this State is a fight against the entire state. All the youths of Rivers State will stand against you. The fight against Edison Ehie, because he stood for the truth… all of us are willing to stand with Edison Ehie, even unto death,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Achor Nna, a former leader of the Obio-Akpor legislative council, for declaring his support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Just last week, Nna, an ally of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Councilor of Ward 9, representing Wike in the Local Government Council resigned his position to support Fubara.
In a swift reaction, and in a letter titled ‘RE: EXPULSION OF HON ACHOR NNA’ dated March 9 2024 and signed by the PDP Ward 9, Chairman in Obio-Akpor LGA, Collins Chukwu, the ward accused the lawmaker of failing to defend himself from allegations of misconduct and misappropriation despite receiving multiple invitations to do so.
The letter reads:
“The Ward 9 PDP executive under the able Chairmanship of Chukwu Collins Wobo, JP on the 10th day of February 2024 received from the Elioparanwo PDP chapter the suspension of Hon Achor Nna the former leader of Obio-Akpor LGA council legislative arm.
“In view of the above the chairman of Ward 9 acting in compliance with chapter 10, section 57 (1) of the party constitution set up a disciplinary committee purposely to ascertain the veracity of the allegations against Hon. Achor Nna.
“The disciplinary committee headed by Chief Solomon Chime Esq invited him (Achor Nna) severally and repeatedly to appear before the committee to defend himself of the grievous allegations (misappropriation of funds and misconduct) against him which invitations were utterly turned down.
“In view of this, the committee recommended that he (Hon Achor Nna) be expelled from the party and the fact that Hon Achor Nna was unable to defend himself, he was expelled from the party, we had no option but to take this decision as the ward cannot condole his unwarranted acts and indiscipline.
“So, the resignation of Hon Achor Nna from his position as the leader of Obio-Akpor legislative council and as councillor Ward 9 didn’t come to us a surprise because he couldn’t defend himself from the allegations against him which led to his expulsion from the Party.
“Apparently, the political crisis in Rivers state is far from resolution as both sides continue jostling for control of the political structure in the state.”
“In view of the above the chairman of Ward 9 acting in compliance with chapter 10, section 57 (1) of the party constitution set up a disciplinary committee purposely to ascertain the veracity of the allegations against Hon. Achor.”
Achor, while reacting to his expulsion from the party on the allegations of misappropriation of funds dismissed the allegations as “after thought and prefabrication. Let them show the public any evidence of misappropriation of funds and copies of letters inviting me to any disciplinary committee.”
Achor spoke to a Port Harcourt based radio station Nigeria Info FM on Monday evening.
Veteran journalist and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Dele Momodu, has declared that a joint presidential ticket between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi represents the strongest strategy for the opposition to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Momodu said the emerging ADC coalition is gaining momentum as a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he accused of promoting “one-man rule” and weakening democratic institutions.
Momodu argued that an Atiku–Obi ticket offers both experience and electoral appeal, noting that both politicians already command significant national followings from previous elections. He recalled their collaboration in 2019, adding that Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election provides a ready base of supporters that can be consolidated.
According to him, the coalition is further strengthened by the involvement of political heavyweights such as Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, making it a formidable opposition alliance.
“The candidates who placed second, third, and even fourth are aligning. That naturally builds a strong challenge,” Momodu said, suggesting that this development could unsettle the APC ahead of 2027.
He also accused the Tinubu administration of centralising power and undermining democratic processes, claiming that key institutions—including the legislature and electoral system—are increasingly influenced by the executive arm of government. He warned that such a trend poses risks to Nigeria’s democracy.
Momodu further alleged that opposition parties face systemic obstacles, including difficulties in accessing venues, legal pressures, and institutional interference. He argued that these challenges have made opposition unity not just strategic, but necessary.
Dismissing concerns about possible cracks within the ADC coalition, Momodu described such fears as speculative, insisting that current political realities have effectively forced major opposition figures to work together.
The Supreme Court has scheduled hearing for April 22 in the appeal filed by the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, in relation to the leadership dispute in the party.
Mark’s appeal is against the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his appeal against the September 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja refusing to grant some injunctive reliefs contained in an ex-parte application filed by a chieftain of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba chose the date on Tuesday after granting accelerated hearing in the appeal marked: SC/CV/180/2026.
The court ordered Mark’s lawyer, Jibril Okutepa (SAN) to file the appellant’s brief and serve on Wednesday.
It ordered the respondents to each file and serve on the appellant, a respondent’s brief within three days of being served with the appellant’s brief.
The appellant, according to the court, is to file a reply brief, if needs be, within one day of being served with the respondents’ briefs.
Headlines
Amid Denials, ADC Reportedly Secures Rainbow Event Centre As Venue for National Convention
Baring any last minute change, the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National chairman and National Secretary respectively will hold the party’s National convention at the National Rainbow Event Centre in Garki on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has being denied two venues without any cogent reasons despite early arrangements, according to sources.
First, it was alleged that the Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotels, which was initially approached, turned down the ADC request to use it’s facility.
The ADC, having sensed sabotage, has kept the Rainbow Event Center under rap as it’s definite venue.
The last National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party was held at the same venue.
Located adjacent the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters, the event centre will host the second NEC meeting of the ADC and it’s forthcoming national convention.
According to The Guardian’ report, the ADC leadership has communicated the venue to state chapters with the caveat not to escalate it.
The ADC is in a battle of survival against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and has approached the Supreme Court for intervention.
The INEC national chairman Prof Joash Amupitan has suspended recognition of the David Mark-led ADC rendering a leadership vacuum in the party.
INEC said it’s decision was on the basis of an Appeal Court pronouncement that ordered statusquo ante-bellum be maintained.
Reports say that why the venue is being quietly decorated moderately for the event, the ADC intends to fully move in the early hours of Tuesday.
The Guardian
