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

Nigerians to Enjoy Four-Day Break as FG Declares Easter Holidays

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration, a development expected to bring relief and excitement to millions of Nigerians across the country.

The announcement, made ahead of the Holy Week, effectively creates a four-day holiday period from Good Friday through Easter Monday, offering workers, students, and families an extended break for religious observances and social engagements.

The Minister of Interior,  Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, acting on behalf of the Federal Government, is expected to formally communicate the directive through a circular to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), while urging Nigerians to use the period to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, love, and unity exemplified by the life of Jesus Christ.

Good Friday, observed on April 3, commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, while Easter Sunday, which falls on April 5, celebrates His resurrection—regarded as the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Easter Monday, April 6, traditionally serves as a continuation of the celebration, often marked by relaxation, family gatherings, and community events.

In line with the declaration, government offices, financial institutions, and many private establishments are expected to shut down operations on the designated days. However, essential service providers, including security agencies, healthcare workers, and emergency responders, have been directed to ensure uninterrupted services throughout the period.

The Easter holidays are widely regarded as one of the busiest travel periods in Nigeria, with increased movement across states as citizens visit loved ones or attend religious programmes. In anticipation of this, security agencies have reportedly heightened surveillance and operational readiness to safeguard lives and property, particularly along major highways and in urban centres.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant authorities are also expected to deploy personnel strategically to manage traffic flow and respond swiftly to emergencies during the festive period.

Across the country, the announcement has been met with enthusiasm, especially among families and religious groups planning church conventions, retreats, and outreach programmes. Many Nigerians have expressed delight at the opportunity to enjoy an extended holiday without drawing from their annual leave allowances.

Observers note that the declaration reflects the government’s continued recognition of Nigeria’s religious diversity and its commitment to allowing citizens observe key spiritual events in an atmosphere of peace and inclusiveness.

As Christians prepare to celebrate Easter, religious leaders have called on Nigerians to imbibe the values of love, tolerance, and selflessness, which the season represents, while also praying for national unity and progress.

Nigerians to Enjoy Four-Day Break as FG Declares Easter Holidays

Akwa Ibom Barber Jailed 14 Years for Defiling 12-Year-Old Girl

An Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Ikot Ekpene has sentenced 32-year-old barber, Ofonime Augustine Etim, to 14 years’ imprisonment without an option of fine for defiling a 12-year-old girl, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to child protection and sexual offence enforcement.

The convict, who hails from Abama village, Obot Akara Local Government Area, was found guilty of committing the offence on May 10, 2023, in Ikot Obong Otoro, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

During the trial, the State Ministry of Justice prosecution team called three witnesses, including the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and a consultant gynecologist, and tendered documentary evidence. The medical evidence was pivotal, with the gynecologist confirming a 2cm deep vaginal wall laceration and multiple bruises, consistent with forceful sexual penetration.

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The IPO testified that the victim had been abducted and taken to the convict’s residence, while the victim’s elder sister recounted that the girl had been missing for several days before being rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Justice Augustine D. Odokwo, who presided over the case, ruled that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt, dismissing the convict’s own testimony as unsubstantiated. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offence, stating, “The law is designed not only to punish but to deter others from such acts. Children must be protected.”

The court ordered that the time Etim has spent in custody since May 13, 2023, be deducted from his sentence. It also directed that the convict’s name be entered into the State Sex Offenders Register, while all exhibits tendered during the trial remain in court custody pending any appeal.

Child protection advocates hailed the verdict, noting that it sends a strong message that perpetrators of child defilement and sexual abuse will face strict penalties, reinforcing justice and safety for minors across the state.

Akwa Ibom Barber Jailed 14 Years for Defiling 12-Year-Old Girl