Kwankwaso, Sowore parties have no gov, assembly candidates yet, says INEC - Newstrends
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Kwankwaso, Sowore parties have no gov, assembly candidates yet, says INEC

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Two political parties, African Action Congress (AAC) led by Omoyele Sowore and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) headed by Rabiu Kwankwaso are yet to upload a single nomination of their candidates for governorship, deputy governorship and state assembly elections on the Candidate Nomination Portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the electoral body has said.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, Festus Okoye, said this on Wednesday in a statement.

He said, as provided for in the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2023 general elections released by the commission on February 26, 2022, all political parties that conducted valid primaries are required to nominate their candidates for governorship, deputy governorship and state assembly elections via the ICNP from 1st-15th July 2022.

He said, “So far, the commission has processed 6,995 nomination forms (EC9) uploaded by 16 out of 18 political parties for the constituencies where they intend to sponsor candidates.

“However, two political parties, the AAC and NNPP, are yet to upload a single nomination to the portal. The commission hereby reminds all political parties that they have three days left to upload their list of candidates to the ICNP.

“The deadline is Friday, 15th July 2022. The portal will automatically shut down at 6.00pm on that date.”

On issuance of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of documents, Okoye said the commission had continuously responded to requests for CTCs of documents mainly arising from the conduct of party congresses, primaries and nomination of candidates.

He said, “The number of requests processed has now risen to 1,662,987 pages of documents. Sadly, in spite of the commission’s effort, 147 out of 476 requests processed as at today involving 5,646 pages are yet to be collected by applicants.”

Okoye appealed to prospective litigants to come forward and collect the certifed copies of the documents.

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Kwankwaso Reveals Details of Kwankwasiyya’s ADC Power-Sharing Formula

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Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Kwankwaso Reveals Details of Kwankwasiyya’s ADC Power-Sharing Formula

Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has explained why his group accepted a reduced share in the power-sharing arrangement within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite being initially offered a larger portion.

Kwankwaso disclosed this while speaking to supporters of the movement in Kano over the weekend, saying the decision was taken to promote inclusiveness and strengthen internal cohesion within the emerging opposition structure.

According to him, the bloc that transitioned from the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) into the ADC was initially offered about 80 per cent of positions within the party structure, while the remaining 20 per cent was to go to other stakeholders.

However, he said the group opted to accept a 60–40 arrangement instead.

“They gave us 60 per cent and the old ADC took 40 per cent. In the presence of the national leadership, they offered 80 per cent but we said no and took 60,” Kwankwaso told his supporters.

He explained that the decision was deliberate, stressing that the Kwankwasiyya Movement prioritises unity over dominance.

“We showed them that we want everyone else to come in,” he said.

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Kwankwaso added that the move was consistent with his group’s previous political strategy, recalling a similar arrangement during their political transition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), where power-sharing was also structured around compromise.

“When we came from PDP to APC that time, we had government and we did the same—60-40,” he said.

He maintained that political stability and long-term strategy were more important than controlling party structures, especially as opposition groups reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former governor also revealed that Kwankwasiyya members currently occupy leadership positions across all 44 local government areas of Kano State, including chairmanship roles and other key administrative positions.

However, he noted that some of these positions were later reduced following complaints and negotiations with other stakeholders.

“In every local government, we are the ones who have chairmen and other leaders across the 44, but after an outcry, we have given them 10 out of the 44,” he said.

Kwankwaso urged supporters to remain patient and avoid unnecessary pressure over appointments, stressing that political inclusion must balance competence, eligibility, and broader party harmony.

“I want us to be patient enough. Don’t say you must be everywhere or insist on a particular person when that person may not even be eligible,” he added.

Political observers say the development reflects ongoing negotiations within opposition blocs as they attempt to build a more unified front capable of challenging dominant parties in future elections.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement remains one of the most influential political structures in northern Nigeria, with strong grassroots support and a disciplined mobilisation network.

Kwankwaso Reveals Details of Kwankwasiyya’s ADC Power-Sharing Formula

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ADC Crisis: Supreme Court to Hear David Mark’s Appeal April 14

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African Democratic Congress (ADC)
African Democratic Congress (ADC)

ADC Crisis: Supreme Court to Hear David Mark’s Appeal April 14

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a decisive legal showdown as the Supreme Court prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The appeal challenges the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which has fueled internal disputes within the party over its national leadership structure.

According to official court documents, the case—marked SC/CV/180/2026—was scheduled following a hearing notice issued by the apex court and circulated to all parties through its Litigation Department.

In the suit, Mark is seeking a stay of execution of the appellate court’s ruling, warning that failure to grant the request could render his appeal ineffective. He is also asking the Supreme Court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any leadership outside the current ADC national executives led by him.

The appeal lists Nafiu-Bala Gombe, the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, INEC, and Ralph Nwosu as respondents in the ongoing legal battle.

Through his counsel, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark argued that the Court of Appeal’s directive for parties to maintain status quo ante bellum has been misinterpreted and used to undermine his leadership.

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He alleged that Gombe has relied on the ruling to pressure INEC into withdrawing recognition of the current party leadership, a move he described as an attempt to enforce the judgment prematurely.

The situation escalated after INEC reportedly removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal on April 1, triggering fresh legal actions and intensifying tensions within the party.

In response, Mark approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to compel INEC to restore their names as national chairman and national secretary respectively. The case, assigned to Justice Emeka Nwite, is also scheduled for hearing on April 14.

However, legal experts say proceedings at the lower court may be suspended or adjourned in deference to the Supreme Court, in line with established judicial hierarchy.

The dispute originated from a suit filed by Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, who is challenging the legality of Mark and Aregbesola’s emergence. He argued that their appointments violated provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

Gombe is seeking a court order restraining both men from parading themselves as national officers of the party.

Earlier, Justice Nwite had declined an ex-parte application to halt the Mark-led leadership, instead directing that all parties be put on notice. The matter later moved to the Court of Appeal after the Mark faction challenged the jurisdiction of the lower court.

The appellate court subsequently ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the dispute—an order that has now become a central issue in the ongoing appeal.

Legal analysts say the Supreme Court’s ruling will be crucial in determining the authentic leadership of the ADC and could significantly influence the party’s internal stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With the case now before Nigeria’s highest court, stakeholders within and outside the party are watching closely, as the outcome is expected to shape party leadership legitimacy, electoral positioning, and broader political realignments in the country.

ADC Crisis: Supreme Court to Hear David Mark’s Appeal April 14

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Stop Blaming Tinubu, Focus on States, LGs — Lagos Lawmaker

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Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Temitope Adewale
Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Temitope Adewale

Stop Blaming Tinubu, Focus on States, LGs — Lagos Lawmaker

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Temitope Adewale, has urged Nigerians—particularly councillors—to hold local government chairmen accountable for governance and service delivery at the grassroots level.

Adewale, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I, made the call during an interview on Sunday in Lagos, stressing that Nigeria’s governance challenges cannot be solved by the Federal Government alone.

He referenced the landmark 2024 Supreme Court judgment which granted full financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local governments, mandating that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to councils rather than routed through state governments.

The apex court ruling also barred state governors from withholding or tampering with local government funds and reaffirmed that only democratically elected councils are entitled to manage such allocations. (Independent Newspaper Nigeria)

According to Adewale, the judgment has significantly increased financial inflows to local governments and created an opportunity for real development at the grassroots.

“It is wrong to place all the blame on the President. Governors and council chairmen must complement federal efforts,” he said.

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The lawmaker noted that since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, allocations to local governments have improved, aided by reforms supporting direct funding and fiscal transparency.

He commended the Federal Government for enforcing local government autonomy, describing it as a major step toward deepening Nigeria’s federal system and ensuring that development reaches rural communities.

“The President ensured councils get allocations directly, enabling development from the grassroots,” he said.

“You will notice governors no longer receive funds on behalf of councils, leading to increased infrastructure and development projects across local governments.”

Adewale, however, warned that financial autonomy alone would not translate into development without strong accountability mechanisms.

He urged councillors to actively monitor the use of public funds and demand transparency from local government chairmen.

“Councillors must hold chairmen accountable and ensure public funds are properly spent,” he said, adding that they must be bold enough to challenge cases of misappropriation.

Experts have noted that while the Supreme Court ruling represents a major shift, local governments still face challenges such as weak financial systems, low internally generated revenue, and poor accountability structures, which could undermine effective service delivery if not addressed. (Punch Newspapers)

On security, Adewale emphasized that responsibility lies with all tiers of government, not just the Federal Government.

He reiterated calls for the establishment of state police, noting that decentralised policing would improve response to insecurity at the grassroots.

“The President has been advocating state and community policing, which can help tackle insecurity effectively,” he said.

He further urged the National Assembly to fast-track legislation that would enable the creation of state police across the country.

Adewale concluded that meaningful development in Nigeria would only be achieved when local governments function effectively as the third tier of government closest to the people.

Stop Blaming Tinubu, Focus on States, LGs — Lagos Lawmaker

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