News Politics April 03, 2026 PDP Reps Aspirant, Mazi Iroegbu Accuses INEC of Political Bias, Says Democracy Under Threat

A House of Representatives aspirant for Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency in Imo State, Mazi Nnamdi Iroegbu, has alleged that Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been compromised by political interference, warning that such developments pose a grave threat to the country’s democratic future.

Mazi Iroegbu, a veteran broadcaster and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed deep concern over what he described as a systematic effort to weaken opposition parties and tilt Nigeria towards a one-party state. 

He urged Nigerians across political divides not to succumb to intimidation or abuse of state institutions by those in power.

In a statement shared on social media, the PDP aspirant said recent political trends in the country are “disturbing” and indicative of a broader agenda to shrink the democratic space.

It could be recalled that the INEC recently withdrew the recognition of David Mark-led ADC, a leading political party rivaling PDP and Labour Party. 

“All patriotic citizens of this country, irrespective of party affiliation, know now that the recent political trend is quite disturbing,” Mazi Iroegbu said, noting that the PDP, in particular, is being “fractured, fragmented and destabilized from within.”

According to him, the internal crises within opposition parties go beyond routine political disagreements and reflect a deliberate attempt to weaken credible alternatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“At this rate, there is an impending fear that all credible opposition parties may be incapacitated to effectively organize or legitimately contest the 2027 elections,” he warned. 

“If this doesn’t trouble you, then you should doubt your Nigerian citizenship,” he added. 

Mazi Iroegbu reiterated that INEC must remain neutral, but lamented that recent developments suggest otherwise.

“In all my public engagements, I have stressed that INEC should remain an unbiased umpire. However, recent events in the country’s electoral atmosphere show a deviation from this principle, with signs of undue partisanship and disregard for due process,” he stated.

He emphasized that the issues at stake go beyond partisan politics, describing them as fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic survival. He warned that once institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy begin to exhibit bias, public trust erodes and the system becomes vulnerable to collapse.

Drawing parallels with countries such as Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, Somalia, and Congo, Iroegbu noted that political instability often stems from weakened institutions and disregard for the rule of law.

“The history of political instability across the world shows that breakdown of trust in institutions leads to disastrous consequences. Nigeria must guard against such trends,” he cautioned.

The aspirant also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold his constitutional responsibility of protecting democratic institutions and ensuring a level playing field for all political actors.

“It is a constitutional duty for the President to maintain democratic institutions and ensure fairness. That duty cannot be sacrificed,” he said, while questioning political rhetoric that appears to undermine due process.

“This is a moment that calls for unity across political, ethnic, and regional lines. We must insist on fairness, the rule of law, and a system where the will of the people prevails,” he said.

News April 03, 2026 Wells Carlton Warns Against Fraudulent Sale And Lease Claims On Abuja Luxury Hotel

The management of The Wells Carlton Hotel & Apartments, Asokoro, Abuja, has issued a strong public disclaimer rejecting any purported sale, lease, or third-party management arrangement involving the property, describing such claims as fraudulent.

In a statement released through media consultant Mr. Courage Moses, the management reaffirmed that the luxury property remains solely owned by the company and is not available for sale under any circumstances.

“The Wells Carlton Hotel & Apartments belongs exclusively to the family of the late Dr. Wells Idahosa Okunbo,” Moses stated.

“The property is not for sale, and no group or agent has been authorised to transact any business in respect of the property without the express written consent of the owner.”

The statement urged members of the public and prospective investors to be wary of individuals or organisations falsely presenting themselves as agents or representatives of the owners, warning that any such dealings are illegal, fraudulent, and constitute trespass.

“Any person or entity engaging in transactions relating to the property without proper authorisation does so at their own risk.

The owner will not honour any agreements entered into with unauthorised parties, as such transactions are null and void from the outset,” Moses added.

The company further warned that unauthorised interference with the property could attract both civil and criminal liability, and reiterated its readiness to pursue legal action against offenders.

Wells Carlton also used the statement to reaffirm its commitment to growing the Wells Carlton brand and preserving the legacy of its founder, the late Capt. (Dr.) Idahosa Wells Okunbo.

“The family remains committed to strengthening and expanding the brand in honour of their patriarch and has no intention of disposing of the property.”

News April 03, 2026 Ex Beauty Queen, Blessing Dooga Makes List Of Face Of Hope Finalists, Set For The Big Stage

An Akwa Ibom-born beauty queen, Blessing Dooga has made the list among the three top finalists at the ongoing online voting Face of Hope beauty pageant to hold in Lagos. 

The third in the series, the grand finale of. Face of Hope Beauty Pageant 2026 will take place April 19, 2026, at the Eko Hotel, Lagos. 

The annual beauty pageant is organised to empower and celebrate beauty, brain, diversity and innovation. 

Queen Blessing Dooga, the founder of The Iveren Charity Foundation has undergone rigorous processes, flying the flag of her state Akwa Ibom which she is representing, to the final stage. 

She is the winner of Face of Democracy Nigeria Queen 2021 a platform that gave her opportunity to embark on several per projects that promote the welfare and amplify the voices of women. 

Stakeholders say her experience as the winner of Face of Democracy five years ago puts her at an advantage as she is seen as sufficiently experienced. 

She emerged the Top 3 contestants after garnering a massive voting across various platforms. 

The grand finale will feature international guests to select a representative for Miss International. 

The winner of Face of Hope will go home with exciting offers, including GLE 350 car, ₦10 million cash prize and other fantastic gifts.

News April 02, 2026 Tinubu lands in Lagos for Easter, begins project inaugurations

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Lagos State on Thursday evening to mark the Easter holiday, following a condolence visit to Plateau State over Sunday’s deadly attacks in Jos North Local Government Area.

The President’s aircraft touched down at about 7:20 p.m. at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, where he was received by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other senior state government officials.

His stay in Lagos forms part of his scheduled engagements lined up for the Easter period.

During the visit, President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate the Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge, the Geographic Information System Building, a multi-agency complex named after him, and a school complex.

As part of his itinerary, the President will travel to Ogun State tomorrow to unveil the Gateway International Cargo Airport. He will also inaugurate two commercial aircraft designated for the export and import of goods, as part of efforts to boost economic activities in the state.

In addition, he will commission the new headquarters of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, along with a fleet of operational vehicles.

After these engagements, President Tinubu will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday before proceeding to Bayelsa State on April 10 for the inauguration of projects executed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri.

News April 02, 2026 Real reason we derecognised Mark, Aregbesola, others as ADC leaders

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained that its decision to withdraw recognition from the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was based strictly on compliance with a court of appeal ruling and adherence to the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Adedayo Oketola, chief press secretary (CPS) to INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, said the move was necessary to avoid a repeat of situations witnessed in Zamfara and Plateau states, where elected officials lost their positions after failing to comply with court orders.

INEC’s clarification follows criticism from some political stakeholders who accused the commission of bias and demanded the removal of its chairman over the handling of the ADC leadership crisis.

The commission had announced on Wednesday that it would no longer recognise either the faction led by David Mark or that headed by Nafiu Bala Gombe. This followed a court of appeal directive ordering all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum — the condition that existed before the case was instituted at the federal high court.

Earlier on Thursday, Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the Mark-led faction, insisted that the party would proceed with its congresses and convention despite INEC’s stance.

Responding, Oketola said the appellate court’s preservatory orders, along with ongoing proceedings at the federal high court, prevent the commission from recognising or engaging with any faction of the party.

“In addition, the Commission did not want to disobey the preservative order of the court not to do anything or take any step that would render the processes already filed at the Federal High Court nugatory,” the statement reads.

“Proceeding to monitor the congress and convention of the David Mark-led ADC would amount to a disobedience of that order since the relief claimed in the Originating Summons and other court processes filed include an order restraining INEC from monitoring any meeting, congress and convention of the party.

“Additionally, it was only on the 9th of September 2025 that INEC accepted and approved David Mark’s Exco, which was seven days after the matter was filed at the Federal High Court.

“The order to maintain status quo ante bellum means the position of the parties before the beginning of hostilities. It is either that INEC obey the order of the Court of Appeal fully or refuse to obey it.

“Section 287(2) of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 mandates every person and authority in Nigeria not only to obey the Judgment of the Court of Appeal but also to enforce such Judgment.”

Addressing calls for the removal of the INEC chairman, Oketola described such demands as politically driven and inconsistent with constitutional provisions.

“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. Any call for removal outside the established constitutional process is a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire,” he said.

He further stated that INEC’s involvement in the ADC dispute is limited to its legal and regulatory responsibilities, stressing that the commission “will not be drawn into the internal strife within political parties.”

News April 02, 2026 Burkina Faso military leader, Traore, urges citizens to forget democracy

Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traore, has called on citizens to set aside discussions about democratic governance, declaring that the system is not suitable for the country.

Traore made the remarks during an interview aired on national television on Thursday.

The junta leader, who seized power in a September 2022 coup after overthrowing a previous military government, has since intensified efforts to silence opposition voices.

In the broadcast with state-run RTB, Traore dismissed conversations about elections and democratic transition.

“We’re not even talking about elections, first of all,” Traore said.

“People need to forget about the issue of democracy. Democracy isn’t for us.”

Since assuming control, the military administration has taken sweeping political measures. Last year, authorities disbanded the electoral commission, and in February, the junta-controlled parliament dissolved all political parties. Their activities had already been suspended since 2022.

Following the initial coup in January 2022, authorities had outlined a transition to civilian rule expected to conclude in July 2024. However, the junta later extended the timeline by five years, effectively keeping Traore in power as the country continues to grapple with a decade-long jihadist insurgency that has resulted in thousands of deaths.

The United Nations has called on Burkina Faso to reverse the ban on political parties and end restrictions on civic freedoms.

Traore’s administration, which has taken a hostile stance toward Western nations, particularly France, has also moved against the international press, banning or suspending several foreign media organisations and expelling some journalists.
AFP

News April 02, 2026 Killings : Tinubu approves 1,000 forest guards, 5,000 CCTV cameras for Plateau

The Plateau State Government has secured President Tinubu’s approval to recruit 1,000 forest guards as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.

This was disclosed on Thursday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, in a terse post shared via his verified X handle.

He noted that the announcement was made by Governor Caleb Mutfwang in Jos, where he also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his visit and for approving the recruitment initiative.

Meanwhile, Tinubu has ordered the installation of over 5,000 Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Plateau State following the recent killings in Jos.

Tinubu gave the directive during a town hall meeting with political and traditional leaders in Jos, days after the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, which left over 27 people dead,

“The Honourable Minister for Communication is here to give you assurance that we are going to install immediately a network of cameras that will help the law enforcement agencies to identify the troublemakers instantly, over 5,000 of that,” Tinubu stated as he invited the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, to explain the plan.

The President, who said no amount of money could compensate victims for their losses, directed security agencies to go after perpetrators of the crime.

“I thank the men and women of the armed forces, particularly the police, for what they are doing and what they are about to do.

“You must unearth and find the killers. I’m glad IGP is here. I’m glad the Chief of Defence Staff is here too. I’m glad the Minister of Defence is here,” the President stated.

The President announced plans to set up a committee to assess losses suffered by victims and recommend compensation.

“Immediately we return to Abuja, the committee, as mentioned, will include the governor and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. Come see me. Take numeric analysis. You are a data person for the victims.

“Let’s see what we can do for their losses. We cannot replace human beings, but whatever we can do to give them minimum comfort, we will,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu arrived in Jos on Thursday evening for what was described as a short but significant visit, during which he engaged with religious, political and community leaders.

During the visit, the President also met with about 15 victims of the Agwan Rukuba attack, including Madame Rhoda Favor Ayuba, who lost her son in the incident.

It would be recalled that Jos was recently rocked by violence following an attack by gunmen on Agwan Rukuba, which resulted in multiple deaths and triggered reprisal killings in the area.