News Politics March 24, 2026 The Great Reversal: 18 Lawmakers Who Fled PDP Now Flee Accord Party

18 Osun Lawmakers Set to Dump Accord Party Amid Leadership Crisis, Court Battle

Fresh political uncertainty is brewing in Osun State as no fewer than 18 lawmakers of the State House of Assembly are reportedly set to dump the Accord Party, barely months after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to a release signed by Yusuf Adegboye,the Secretary of the Accord Libration Movement of Osun Accord party, The planned exit, according to multiple party sources, is being driven by growing discontent over the party’s internal instability, particularly the unresolved leadership crisis currently before the court. The lingering legal battle over who controls the party structure has reportedly created confusion and weakened confidence among key stakeholders.

Insiders revealed that the lawmakers, who had initially moved to Accord in what was seen as a strategic political realignment, are now reconsidering their positions amid fears that the party may not provide the stable platform required for their political survival.

A source familiar with the development said the situation within the party has become increasingly untenable. “There is no clear leadership direction at the moment. The issue of who is in charge is still in court, and that uncertainty is affecting everyone,” the source said.

The crisis was further compounded by the resignation of Hon. Adesina Atanda Rabiu, the lawmaker representing Iwo State Constituency, whose exit is widely viewed as a signal of deeper cracks within the party. Observers believe his departure may have emboldened other aggrieved members to consider leaving.

Another party insider suggested that the lawmakers’ loyalty to the platform has been significantly shaken. “They came into Accord expecting a cohesive structure, but what they met is a party battling itself in court. That is not the kind of environment politicians want to operate in, especially with elections around the corner,” the source alleged.

Political analysts warn that the potential mass exit could significantly weaken the Accord Party’s presence in Osun and disrupt ongoing political calculations in the state. The development is also seen as having possible implications for Governor Ademola Adeleke, amid speculations of political alignments involving the party.

It was gathered that bearing any last minute change, members representing : Olorunda

, Ifelodun, Ifedayo, Ila, Ife South, Ife East, Aiyedire, Olaoluwa, Ayedaade, Ilesa East, Osogbo, Ede South, Orolu/Irepodun, Ife Central and Egbedore could be on their way out of the Accord party.

“The instability within Accord could ripple into broader political dynamics in Osun,” an analyst noted. “If the lawmakers eventually leave, it will diminish the party’s influence and could affect alliances tied to the upcoming election.”

With the court yet to resolve the leadership dispute, uncertainty continues to hang over the party’s future, leaving members and stakeholders in a state of apprehension as the political landscape ahead of 2027 begins to take shape.

News Politics March 24, 2026 APC Convention: Orji Kalu, Biodun Oyebanji to lead Screening Committee

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has constituted a high-level Screening Committee ahead of its forthcoming national convention, appointing former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial zone Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu as TEAM B Chairman, alongside Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who will also play a chairman role in TEAM A of the exercise.

Senator Kalu’s committee is designed to ensure a transparent, credible, and seamless screening of aspirants contesting for various party positions. Serving as Vice Chairman is former Ogun State Governor and Senator, Gbenga Daniel, while Sarafa Alli will function as Secretary.

Other prominent members of the committee include Senators Osita Izunaso and Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, as well as respected political figures such as Adebayo Adelabu, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, and several other stakeholders drawn from across the federation.

According to party insiders, the composition of the committee reflects the APC’s commitment to inclusiveness, experience, and institutional balance. The diverse membership is expected to bring credibility and depth to the screening process, reinforcing confidence among party members and aspirants.

A senior party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated, “The APC is determined to set a high standard with this convention. The screening committee has been carefully selected to uphold fairness, integrity, and due process. This is about strengthening internal democracy and consolidating the party’s unity ahead of future electoral engagements.”

The APC national convention is widely anticipated to shape the party’s leadership structure and strategic direction, making the role of the screening committee critical to its overall success. The screening exercise begins today.

News March 24, 2026 EFCC raids Malami’s residence, office

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday stormed properties linked to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, taking over his residences and offices in an operation his camp describes as unlawful and politically driven.

The operation came minutes after a visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to Malami’s residence.

In a statement, Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami, accused the EFCC of acting without legal backing and in disregard of an ongoing court process.

“The Office of Abubakar Malami, SAN, wishes to formally address the shocking and unlawful actions carried out today by operatives of the EFCC at properties associated with the former Attorney General of the Federation, inclusive of his residential and business premises,” the statement said.

According to Doka, EFCC operatives, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel, forcefully entered the properties, marked them, and took control without presenting any court order authorising such action, while two individuals were taken into custody during the operation.

“EFCC officials, in the company of heavily armed security personnel, forcefully invaded and took over residences and offices linked to Malami, marking same without presenting any valid or subsisting court order authorizing such actions. Two people were taken to forceful custody in the course of the said invasion,” he alleged.

The office said the matter remains before the court, pointing to a case filed by the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, and stressed that no final ruling has been made.

“The case instituted by the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division… remains ongoing. The Honourable Court has not made any final determination on the issues in dispute, and no order authorizing the invasion and marking of the premises was argued and granted,” the statement added.

It also argued that an earlier interim forfeiture order obtained by the commission had expired and could not justify the action taken.

“The ex parte order granted on January 6, 2026, was expressly time-bound for a period of 14 days, which had already elapsed. That order has since lapsed and cannot, under any stretch of the law, justify the EFCC’s actions today,” Doka said.

The statement further claimed that EFCC operatives failed to present any lawful authorisation when asked during the operation.

“At the time of the invasion, EFCC operatives were requested to produce a lawful court order authorising their actions. They failed, refused, and/or neglected to present any such order, underscoring the illegality of their conduct.

“This is nothing short of a flagrant disregard for the rule of law, a gross abuse of power, and a dangerous precedent in a constitutional democracy. It represents a calculated attempt to harass, intimidate, and embarrass Malami, evidently on account of his  political affiliations,” he added.

While insisting that Malami supports accountability, the statement warned against what it described as overreach by state institutions.

“While Malami remains a firm believer in accountability and the fight against corruption, such efforts must be conducted strictly within the ambit of the law and not through executive lawlessness or institutional overreach.

“We wish to reiterate that Malami will continue to fully cooperate with lawful judicial processes and will defend his rights and reputation through appropriate legal channels,” the statement added.

 

News March 24, 2026 JUST IN: Many feared dead as explosion rocks Kwara community

The Kwara State Government has confirmed an explosion in the Woro community of Kaiama Local Government Area, raising fresh security concerns in the area already struggling with previous attacks.

The Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, confirmed the incident on a popular WhatsApp platform on Monday.

He said the explosion involved an Improvised Explosive Device that detonated along a road some distance from the community on Monday morning.

“The IED incident occurred on a road a distance from Woro. The device went off as a vehicle rode past it on Monday morning,” Ajakaye stated.

He disclosed that the blast led to the instant death of a male victim, while a woman and her child, who were in the vehicle, were affected.

“Sadly, the man died instantly, while his passenger, a woman travelling with a little child, sustained injuries,” he said.

Ajakaye added that the injured woman has been taken to a hospital for immediate medical attention and is responding positively, while the child escaped unhurt.

The confirmation has thrown residents into renewed panic, as the community remains on edge after previous attacks.

Also speaking on the development, the Special Assistant on Media to the Kaiama Local Government Chairman, ZulQharnain Shero Musa, said the explosion caused casualties, though the exact number of victims is not yet certain.

“There was an explosion around Woro this morning. The explosion claimed lives, though the number of casualties is not yet confirmed,” Musa said.

He added that preliminary reports suggest the IED may have been planted by suspected insurgents.

“A car drove over an IED. We believe it was planted by Boko Haram members,” Musa explained.

The PUNCH reports that the latest incident comes weeks after a deadly February assault on the Woro community, which left several residents dead and many others injured during a violent incursion by suspected armed groups.

During that attack, gunmen reportedly stormed the community in the early hours, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee, while homes and valuables were destroyed.

The February incident displaced many families, disrupted livelihoods, and intensified calls for increased security presence in the area.

With the recurrence of violence, residents have renewed appeals to the government and security agencies to take decisive action to safeguard lives and prevent further attacks.

News Politics March 24, 2026 Abia APC assures Tinubu of 80 per cent votes in 2027

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured President Bola Tinubu that it will deliver over 80 per cent of the votes in the state in the 2027 presidential election.

The assurance came against the backdrop of a reported claim by a member of the Labour Party, alleging that Governor Alex Otti will work for the re-election of Tinubu in 2027.

In a statement signed by the state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Uche Aguoru, the party said, “one might be tempted to welcome and even appreciate such a claim, especially coming from a party that has consistently undermined President Tinubu and his party, the APC.

“Moreover, we are not oblivious to the deceptive tendencies and unreliability that have come to define Gov. Otti’s brand of politics. As such, we refuse to be misled by what is clearly a calculated and self-serving narrative.”

The statement said it is on record that Governor Otti and his party openly rejected the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.

“Furthermore, his supporters and close aides have continued to launch coordinated attacks against Mr President and his policies on social media. Credible intelligence strongly suggests that these actions are encouraged by Governor Otti’s government.”

The Abia APC said it is ironic that, rather than openly and boldly identifying with President Tinubu, Governor Otti has chosen to deploy proxies to communicate supposed support.

“While honest Governors like Charles Soludo of Anambra State have clearly and publicly declared their support for President Tinubu. Governor Otti has consistently denied President Tinubu due recognition for all the federal government projects he executed in Abia State.

“This sudden declaration of support is nothing more than a desperate and deceptive tactic aimed at political survival”, the statement added.

“We therefore advise President Tinubu to disregard such misleading overtures. The APC in Abia State possesses the structure, grassroots support, and political strength required to deliver no less than 80–90% of the votes for his re-election in 2027.

“The APC in Abia State remains strong, united, and influential, with vibrant grassroots structures such as the Renewed Hope Partners, Renewed Hope Ambassadors, City Boys Movement, and Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria. These groups have continued to take the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda to the grassroots, where it has been widely embraced by the people of Abia.”

Crime News March 24, 2026 N868m Fraud: Court sentences ex-AGoF to 72 years imprisonment

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.

Jutsice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.

The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nwabuoku was admitted to a N500 million bail with two sureties in the like sum after he was arraigned on Jan. 15, 2025, on a nine-count amended charge.

The EFCC listed Mr Nwabuoku as the sole defendant in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024.

Nwabuoku was alleged to have perpetrated the act while serving as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.(NAN)

News March 24, 2026 CBN reaffirms commitment to inflation targeting monetary policy

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening engagement with the academic and research community as Nigeria progresses toward a fully-fledged Inflation Targeting (IT) monetary policy regime.

A statement issued by the CBN on Monday said its Deputy Governor in charge of Economic Policy, Dr Muhammad Abdullahi, said this during a strategic session with the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) and the academic community in Abuja.

Abdullahi described the dialogue as timely and essential to Nigeria’s ongoing economic reform programme.

He addressed a gathering of scholars, directors, and policy experts as part of a sensitisation programme.

The deputy governor said that the transition to an inflation-targeting framework marked a significant shift toward a transparent, forward-looking, and rules-based monetary policy system anchored in long-term price stability.

He said that inflation targeting would serve as a crucial nominal anchor for the Nigerian economy.

“By guiding market expectations and reducing the impact of supply-side shocks, the framework improves transparency, accountability, and the overall credibility of monetary policy.

“Stabilising inflation expectations will help lower risk premia, support long-term investment plans, and enable policymakers to look beyond short-term disruptions.

“With global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and volatile energy prices, putting pressure on emerging economies, a credible monetary anchor is important to bolster Nigeria’s resilience,” he said.

He highlighted several reforms already put in place to support the transition.

According to him, these include the return to orthodox monetary policy tools, withdrawal from quasi-fiscal activities, and the strengthening of institutional independence.

He also said that major foreign exchange market reforms, including rate unification and the deployment of electronic trading platforms, had reduced volatility and improved price discovery.

The deputy governor said that additional measures, such as bank recapitalisation and improved prudential oversight, had further stabilised the financial sector.

He said that enhancements in policy coordination with the fiscal authority and communication had also increased coherence across monetary operations.

According to him, these reforms are already yielding measurable outcomes, with headline inflation declining sharply from 34.8 per cent in late 2024 to 15.1 per cent by early 2026.

He said that the outcomes were driven by sustained monetary tightening and improved policy discipline.

Abdullahi said that Nigeria was firmly on track to achieve low and stable inflation.

“The medium-term target is to steer inflation into a single-digit range of 6–9 per cent, barring major external shocks.

“Achieving this will require sustained policy discipline, anchored expectations, and a credible institutional framework trusted by markets,” he said.

Also, Dr Victor Oboh, the Director of the Monetary Policy Department at the CBN,  reaffirmed CBN’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the NES.

Oboh said that it was part of efforts to enhance monetary policy effectiveness and deepen macroeconomic stability.

He said that the success of any monetary framework, especially inflation targeting, depended on technical capacity, and also on public trust and effective communication.

According to him, academics, researchers, and thought leaders play a vital role in shaping narratives, influencing expectations, and building the evidence base for sound policy decisions.

Oboh acknowledged potential challenges, including short-term trade-offs and the need to reinforce institutional credibility.

He expressed confidence that the combined expertise of the CBN and NES would significantly advance Nigeria’s monetary policy goals, building sound, evidence-based policy decisions.

The President and Chairman of the Council of the NES, Dr Baba Musa, praised the CBN for what he described as a bold and reform-minded approach to monetary and financial sector management.

Musa commended the apex bank for its openness, policy direction, and willingness to collaborate with the academic community.

He reaffirmed the commitment of NES to support the CBN’s stabilisation efforts.

“Nigeria needs a credible Central Bank, and the Nigerian Economic Society needs a Central Bank worth standing with,” he said.(NAN)