Category: Africa

ABUJA, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to stop receiving its correspondence pending a Federal High Court ruling could jeopardise its participation in the 2027 elections.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said INEC sits at the centre of the emerging crisis.

Abdullahi explained that while the commission’s action might appear procedural, it directly conflicts with timelines in the Electoral Act 2026, which provides defined compliance windows, including the mandatory 21-day notice period and subsequent submission requirements for political parties.

“This has revealed the deliberate administrative landmines being deployed by INEC to prevent the party from fielding candidates in the upcoming elections,” Abdullahi said. He added that documentary evidence, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the commission’s sworn affidavit, establish a clear record of events.

He noted that INEC monitored the ADC’s July 29, 2025 NEC meeting, documented proceedings, updated records, and recognised the new leadership, including Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. “These are not claims. They are facts contained in INEC’s own records,” he stressed.

Abdullahi argued that leadership transition had already been completed and recognised, and such internal party matters fall outside judicial interference. “Yet, despite this clear documentary trail, INEC has now taken the position that it will no longer receive any correspondence from the ADC. This is where the contradiction becomes dangerous,” he said.

He further noted that INEC had fixed May 10 as the submission deadline, but its refusal to accept ADC correspondence within that period could block compliance with statutory requirements. “This places the ADC in an impossible position and creates a clear pathway to artificial non-compliance, which can justify excluding the party from fielding candidates,” Abdullahi warned.

He added that INEC claimed its April 1 decision was taken to avoid rendering proceedings before the Federal High Court nugatory. “The reality is the opposite. By intervening in a matter already before the court, the commission has undermined the very process it claims to protect,” he said.

The spokesman urged INEC to reverse its position, resume accepting lawful correspondence, and uphold its constitutional duty to ensure fairness and a level playing field.

ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a statement titled “My response to Peter Obi’s media people,” questioning why what he described as “incompetent politicians” are attacking the President over INEC’s delisting of ADC leadership from its portal.

Onanuga stressed that President Tinubu has no involvement in Obi’s departure from the Labour Party or the challenges he now faces in the ADC.

He argued that Obi used the Labour Party to contest the presidency in 2023 but abandoned it afterward, failing to demonstrate leadership in resolving its internal crisis. Instead, he leaned on the IPOB-linked Obidient movement, which Onanuga described as “more active online than on the ground.” He added: “You would think the man would transform the movement into a political party. But no, he didn’t. He is incapable of building an organic party of his own.”

Onanuga further claimed that Obi, aware he needed a political structure to pursue his presidential ambitions, moved to the ADC, which he alleged was “an SPV bought by Atiku Abubakar from Ralph Nwosu.” According to him, no due diligence was carried out, leading to the crisis now confronting the party.

The statement reads in part: “What is the connection of Tinubu with the ADC crisis? Absolutely none. Whatever problem they have is self-inflicted. Obi and his co-travellers need to get their acts together, clear the mess in their new party and then compete for the presidential ticket. As of now, Obi, without being made a candidate, is inconsequential for 2027. The fact that he came third in 2023 does not mean he will have the same showing in 2027, if he ever becomes a candidate of any party. 2023 is not like 2027. President Tinubu is an incumbent with many achievements to flaunt, most of which Obi has been blind to acknowledge.”

Onanuga concluded by insisting that all accusations against President Tinubu were baseless, describing them as “sheer baloney” and an unfair attempt to undermine his democratic credentials.

ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The youth wing of Nigeria’s opposition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a three-day ultimatum to restore democracy or face nationwide civic action, following the delisting of the Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola-led ADC leadership from its portal last on April 1, 2026, citing a Court ruling. 

At a press conference in Abuja, Balarabe Rufai, ADC National Youth Leader, declared Nigeria is under democratic siege. He said what should have been 27 years of uninterrupted civil rule is now being undermined by institutions meant to protect it.

“This is not a warning, this is a crisis,” Rufai said, quoting Mallam Aminu Kano’s warning that democratic humanism can only be built on the ruins of a corrupt system.

The ADC recalled that on July 29, 2025, it held a lawful NEC meeting under INEC supervision, dissolving the previous National Working Committee and producing new leadership led by Senator David Mark. INEC verified and uploaded this leadership on September 9, 2025, with no dispute or objection.

Months later, individuals who had resigned resurfaced to challenge the process. While the matter remains in court, the Court of Appeal ordered a return to the last uncontested position — the David Mark-led leadership. The ADC accused INEC of ignoring facts, misinterpreting court orders, and acting beyond its constitutional authority.

The youth wing urged the National Assembly to investigate and, if necessary, remove the INEC Chairman, stressing that democracy must be defended with action. It also called on the Judiciary to clarify its orders and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s legal system.

The group emphasized that the military must remain neutral, warning against force in civic matters. To Nigeria’s youth, it declared: “This is about our future, our voice, our democracy. Together, let’s defend it or lose everything it represents.”

The ADC insisted that the July 29, 2025 leadership under Senator David Mark remains the only legitimate leadership and demanded INEC restore it immediately and apologize to Nigerians.

GABORONE, BOTSWANA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana will undertake a Working Visit to France and Spain from April 6 to 11, 2026.

In France, President Boko will participate in the One Health Summit on April 7, coinciding with World Health Day. Hosted by the French Government under the G7 Presidency, the Summit will bring together Heads of State, international organisations, scientists, private sector leaders, youth, and civil society to deliberate on human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health, and explore coordinated approaches to shared global health threats.

According to a government statement, President Boko will join a High-Level Panel under the theme “Governance, Science and Finance.” His intervention will highlight Botswana’s One Health policy framework and its role in promoting health security, economic resilience, and sustainable development. He will also hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and engage business leaders on trade and investment opportunities in Botswana.

The visit will continue in Spain on April 9, where President Boko will advance Botswana’s economic diplomacy agenda, supporting national revitalisation and diversification efforts. He will also hold bilateral talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.

President Boko will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations Dr. Phenyo Butale, Minister of Health Dr. Stephen Modise, Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, and senior government officials.

The delegation is expected to return to Gaborone on April 11, 2026.