Politics
ADC pulls out of Rivers LG election, condemns RSIEC action
ADC pulls out of Rivers LG election, condemns RSIEC action
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it will not take part in the Rivers State local government election slated for August 30, 2025, describing the build-up to the poll as a charade.
The party also claimed that the administrator assigned to handle the state’s business lacked the constitutional authority to hold an election for the Rivers people.
This comes as the Rotimi Amaechi faction of the All Progressives Congress in the state accuses the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) of making its own regulations.
The faction claimed that the electoral commission had not contacted the Emeke Beke-led party leadership, which is recognised by the court.
Luckyman Egila, the state publicity secretary of the ADC, stated during a news briefing in Port Harcourt over the weekend that the administrator, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), is now occupying the Government House illegally and without the constitutional authority to conduct any election.
“The African Democratic Congress, Rivers State chapter, will not be participating in the selection process that is going on in Rivers State, because an election is not taking place in Rivers State.
“Rivers State is presently under martial law. When you are under emergency rule, you want to come and conduct elections, but I don’t know how.
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“The Administrator that is there now constitutionally does not have the right to conduct elections for Rivers people because he does not represent Rivers people.
“We don’t know him. So, appointing someone who is not from Rivers State to come and conduct elections for us is absurd. We will not be partaking in the charade they call elections,” he said.
Darlington Nwauju, the state publicity secretary for the Beke-led APC, accused RSIEC of “creating its own rules”.
Nwauju stated that the faction’s candidates originated during the last RSIEC, chaired by Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), which was suspended.
He bemoaned that the current commission, chaired by Dr Michael Odey, had not even contacted the Beke leadership.
He stated, “So we are waiting on RSIEC to do the right thing so that we can be part of the process. They have not done the right thing, so we cannot stay outside and say we can be part of the process, whereas RSIEC has clearly, as at this moment, ignored the subsisting order of a state high court, which validates Chief Emeka Beke’s leadership.
“They need to interface with us, because we have our internal processes. We had nominated candidates before, and those candidates are all alive. We are not saying we are not prepared—if we are contacted or communicated with—to run elections.”
He added, “Part of our fears with the present commission is the fact that, whereas they have used some of the materials and policies earlier adopted by the Justice Adolphus Enebeli commission, they are now cherry-picking in terms of what to adopt.
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“Now, what happens to the fact that stakeholders of political parties who were contacted officially about the process are suddenly not communicated with again?”
The faction had urged RSIEC to wait for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the voters’ registration exercise, in compliance with the Supreme Court judgement delivered in February, before going ahead with the LG poll.
According to him, “If you look at the Supreme Court judgement in February this year, one of the fundamentals is this issue of an updated voters’ register. The requirement simply means that RSIEC should have an updated register for effective planning of elections.
“I do not think you’re supposed to have registration in the middle of elections, given the fact that most persons who are up to voting age by this year would have been effectively alienated or disenfranchised from this election.”
However, the Chief Tony Okocha-led APC in the state confirmed it’s ready to participate in the LG election, stating that its candidates have emerged and that the party will begin campaigns this week.
Its Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, stated that the party was satisfied with the timetable and guidelines established by RSIEC.
Ikenga stated, “Yes, we will be participating. So far, RSIEC has done the right thing, and we don’t have any issues. As we speak, our candidates have all emerged. We will participate fully in the elections, and we are flagging off our campaigns on Thursday.”
ADC pulls out of Rivers LG election, condemns RSIEC action
Politics
Kwankwaso Resigns from NNPP, Signals Political Realignment
Kwankwaso Resigns from NNPP, Signals Political Realignment
Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has formally announced his resignation from the party, citing the need for strategic political realignment.
In a press statement dated March 29, 2026, Kwankwaso said his decision to quit the New Nigeria People’s Party takes immediate effect.
The former NNPP National Leader described the decision as difficult but necessary in view of the evolving political landscape in the country.
“Considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” he stated.
Kwankwaso, who was the party’s presidential flag bearer in the 2023 general elections, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the party at the highest level. He thanked the NNPP leadership, including the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, as well as members of the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and National Executive Committee.
He also acknowledged the contributions of party members across all levels, from ward to state structures, and paid tribute to supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement for their loyalty and commitment.
Despite his exit, the former governor assured that collaboration with party members and stakeholders would continue in pursuit of a better future for Nigeria.
Kwankwaso’s resignation is expected to trigger fresh political alignments ahead of future electoral contests, as attention shifts to his next political destination.
Kwankwaso Resigns from NNPP, Signals Political Realignment
Politics
Kwankwaso Set for ADC Defection as Mark, Aregbesola Prepare Grand Reception
Kwankwaso Set for ADC Defection as Mark, Aregbesola Prepare Grand Reception
Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is set to formally defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move that signals a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources within the party disclosed that the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, will officially receive Kwankwaso during his declaration ceremony scheduled to hold in Kano.
Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in 2023, is expected to join the ADC alongside key political allies, including former Kano Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo.
The defection follows months of negotiations between Kwankwaso and the ADC leadership, as the party intensifies efforts to build a formidable opposition coalition.
Initially, talks nearly collapsed after Kwankwaso reportedly demanded the party’s vice-presidential slot as a condition for joining ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the ADC leadership declined to guarantee such a position, insisting that no prior commitments could be made.
The deadlock was eventually resolved after a private meeting between Kwankwaso and Aregbesola in Abuja, with insiders confirming that the former governor has now agreed to join the party without any preconditions.
Kwankwaso’s move is widely seen as part of a broader opposition strategy involving key political figures such as Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, aimed at strengthening alliances ahead of the next general election.
His formal entry into the ADC is expected to reshape political dynamics, particularly in northern Nigeria, where he maintains significant influence.
Kwankwaso Set for ADC Defection as Mark, Aregbesola Prepare Grand Reception
Politics
Naira Strengthens for Third Day Against US Dollar as Forex Reforms Take Effect
Naira Strengthens for Third Day Against US Dollar as Forex Reforms Take Effect
The Nigerian naira recorded its third consecutive gain against the US dollar at the official foreign exchange market, closing Friday at ₦1,380.57 per dollar, up ₦3.30 or 0.23% from Thursday’s ₦1,383.88. This follows a gradual rebound earlier in the week, after the currency weakened to ₦1,386.70 on Wednesday.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) show that the steady appreciation reflects renewed confidence in the official FX window, driven by better liquidity, policy consistency, and ongoing foreign exchange reforms. Analysts attribute the gains to sustained forex inflows and tighter monetary measures that are gradually stabilising the exchange rate and reducing market volatility.
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Experts say the PASGA reforms and government measures allowing full repatriation of export proceeds for oil companies are also contributing to the positive trend. Increased transparency and structural adjustments in foreign exchange management have begun to produce measurable results, boosting investor and market confidence.
Despite the gains, market observers caution that external pressures, including global dollar strength, could challenge the naira’s resilience in the coming weeks. They note that discrepancies between the official and parallel market rates remain, which may affect importers, exporters, and individuals seeking foreign currency outside the official window.
The naira’s rebound is part of a broader effort by the CBN and the federal government to strengthen the currency, enhance foreign exchange liquidity, and stabilize the Nigerian economy amid global economic uncertainties. Analysts believe that sustained reforms and careful macroeconomic management are crucial to maintaining this upward momentum and supporting long-term financial stability.
Naira Strengthens for Third Day Against US Dollar as Forex Reforms Take Effect
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