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ADC Crisis: Fani-Kayode Says Party ‘Rejected’ After INEC Derecognition

Published

6 months ago

April 2, 2026

Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Germany and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Fani-Kayode

ADC Crisis: Fani-Kayode Says Party ‘Rejected’ After INEC Derecognition

Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Germany and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Fani-Kayode, has launched a fierce attack on leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the INEC derecognition of key party officials, describing the development as proof of political rejection.

The controversy erupted after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as the ADC’s national chairman and national secretary, respectively. The decision was based on the commission’s interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s lingering leadership crisis, further deepening internal divisions within the opposition platform.

Reacting in a post on X, Fani-Kayode mocked the party’s leadership, insisting that the ADC has effectively lost its political footing due to repeated legal and institutional setbacks.

“Given the fact that they have been affected by the decisions of the courts and INEC and they no longer have a party and platform to stand and run on… who are the ones that have been rejected now?” he wrote.

He doubled down on his criticism, stating that the party has suffered rejection from multiple fronts, including the courts, electoral authorities, its founders, and the Nigerian electorate.

The former minister also questioned the party’s 2027 election prospects, suggesting that the ADC is no longer in a position to mount any serious challenge in the next general elections.

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“May I suggest that they channel all their energy to building up and forming a real opposition party over the next five years and then field a candidate for the 2031 presidential election? Given the circumstances, that is their best bet because 2027 is already lost to them,” he said.

In a strongly worded critique, Fani-Kayode blamed the party’s current troubles on what he described as poor leadership and lack of substance, accusing its officials of focusing on rhetoric rather than solutions. He argued that the crisis was self-inflicted and a consequence of failing to build a credible political structure.

Despite the setback, the ADC has attempted to project resilience. Party officials confirmed that INEC communicated the development but insisted that the situation does not signal the collapse of the party. According to the party, more than 40,000 Nigerians have recently joined the ADC, a claim aimed at demonstrating continued grassroots support amid the turmoil.

Sources within the party indicate that consultations are ongoing, with possible legal steps being explored to challenge INEC’s action and clarify the implications of the appellate court ruling.

The unfolding ADC leadership crisis highlights broader issues within Nigeria’s political system, particularly the role of the judiciary in party administration and the struggle of smaller parties to maintain internal cohesion. Analysts say the development could influence political realignments ahead of 2027, as affected politicians may seek alternative platforms.

For now, the exchange has intensified political tensions, with Fani-Kayode’s remarks amplifying debate over party legitimacy, electoral readiness, and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.

ADC Crisis: Fani-Kayode Says Party ‘Rejected’ After INEC Derecognition

Related Topics:ADC Derecognition Fani-Kayode INEC

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Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

Published

15 minutes ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Arinze Nwogba

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Arinze Nwogba in the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations that he impersonated the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina.

Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered that Nwogba remain in custody pending a ruling on his bail application. The court fixed October 7, 2026, for ruling on the bail request and October 19 for the commencement of trial. (Vanguard News)

The case was brought by the Inspector-General of Police in a six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/612/2026. The charge was dated September 18 and filed on September 21, 2026.

Nwogba, who was arraigned before the court, pleaded not guilty to all six counts.

The police alleged that Nwogba and other suspects still at large fraudulently impersonated the JAMB Registrar in 2026 by using Prof. Aina’s name and photograph on platforms including WhatsApp, Truecaller and LinkedIn.

According to the prosecution, the alleged syndicate used the identity to approach unsuspecting members of the public with purported offers of government and JAMB-related contracts.

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Investigators alleged that the suspects directed prospective victims to communicate through a WhatsApp number and claimed that the Federal Ministry of Education had approved the supply of 200 HP laptops as part of a digitisation programme.

The prosecution further alleged that victims were asked to pay N900,000 as an initial processing or “handshake” fee, with another N3 million allegedly demanded for payments purportedly meant for senior officials in the Ministry of Education.

Police investigations reportedly led to Nwogba’s arrest in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in August.

The prosecution told the court that Nwogba allegedly operated under the name Dr Stephen Igwe and provided bank details to facilitate the alleged transactions.

Investigators also alleged that an Access Bank account linked to a deceased person was provided for the payment of the requested money. Police said Nwogba told investigators that the account belonged to his late nephew, who died in April 2026 and was buried in July.

The police further alleged that Nwogba admitted forwarding the account details to a cousin identified as Nnabuife Nwekpa, whom investigators described as the alleged principal suspect in the operation.

Nwekpa remains at large, according to the prosecution, while efforts are reportedly ongoing to arrest him.

The case followed a petition by the JAMB Registrar concerning the alleged unauthorised use of his identity and photograph to deceive members of the public.

At Friday’s proceedings, Nwogba’s lawyer, Christian Ejike, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms. The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that there was a risk that the defendant could evade trial if released.

The prosecution also told the court that its witnesses and exhibits were ready and that it was prepared to proceed with the case.

Justice Ibrahim, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the bail ruling to October 7 and fixed October 19 for trial.

The allegations against Nwogba remain before the court, and his plea of not guilty means that the prosecution must prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

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Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

Published

1 hour ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa

Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

The Enugu State Police Command has identified a 27-year-old woman allegedly killed by her boyfriend as Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

Ugwu, who recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, 30-year-old Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, in Enugu.

The suspect was arrested after the discovery of Ugwu’s remains at his residence in the Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

According to the police, the incident allegedly occurred on September 19, 2026. Ugwu’s remains were reportedly discovered after neighbours became suspicious of an offensive odour coming from the suspect’s apartment.

The police said neighbours forced the door open and found the deceased’s remains concealed in the toilet. Emmanuel was reportedly apprehended by residents before police officers arrived and took him into custody.

The command had earlier alleged that an argument between the couple over claims relating to HIV infection preceded the incident. Police said the suspect told investigators that he struck Ugwu on the head with a pestle during the confrontation.

However, the circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation, and the suspect’s account has not been established as fact by a court.

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Ugwu’s remains were reportedly taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy as investigators work to establish the circumstances and cause of her death. The police have not announced the outcome of the autopsy.

In a fresh update, the Enugu police command said investigators had established the identity of the deceased and identified her parents and siblings, who were subsequently interviewed as part of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, also met with members of Ugwu’s family and the suspect. The commissioner assured the family that the command would conduct a thorough investigation and pursue justice in accordance with the law.

The family has also reportedly called for a comprehensive investigation, questioning the suggestion that the alleged killing should be attributed solely to an HIV-related disagreement.

The police said Emmanuel has been interviewed by investigators as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death.

The command urged members of the public, particularly women, to remain vigilant in their relationships and when meeting people they know. It advised people to keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their whereabouts and to take warning signs in potentially dangerous situations seriously.

The police said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.

Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

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Lagos Coastal Road Crash: One Killed, Three Seriously Injured

Published

1 hour ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos Coastal Road Crash: One Killed, Three Seriously Injured

Lagos Coastal Road Crash: One Killed, Three Seriously Injured

One person has been killed and three others seriously injured in a road accident on the Lagos Coastal Road inward Eko Hotel in Lagos.

The crash, which occurred on Friday, involved a grey Lexus Jeep 350 with registration number LSD 554 KV.

Preliminary information from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) indicated that the vehicle lost control, crashed into a roadside pole and overturned.

The impact left one person dead, while three others sustained serious injuries. The injured victims were reportedly trapped in the wreckage before passersby assisted in bringing them out.

They were subsequently taken to Duck-Yard Hospital within the Military Zone for medical treatment.

LASTMA officials who responded to the scene secured the area and coordinated the emergency operation. Security personnel from the Victoria Island area also assisted in managing the situation.

The damaged Lexus was later removed from the road to prevent further danger to motorists and help restore normal traffic movement along the affected section.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged motorists to exercise greater caution while using the road.

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He advised motorists to avoid excessive speed, reckless driving and other dangerous practices that could result in loss of vehicle control.

The latest Lagos Coastal Road accident has also renewed attention on road safety along the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, particularly as construction and traffic movement continue on parts of the route.

Federal officials have previously raised concerns about motorists exceeding the recommended speed on the highway. However, authorities have not established that speeding was the direct cause of Friday’s Lexus crash.

The incident follows another fatal crash reported on the Coastal Road in August, when a trailer reportedly lost control and collided with a Toyota mini truck, leaving one person dead and two others injured.

LASTMA urged motorists to remain vigilant and comply with traffic regulations while using the Lagos Coastal Highway. Members of the public were also advised to report road crashes, vehicle breakdowns and obstructions through the agency’s toll-free emergency line, 3367.