Category: Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a public notice on Friday, informed its members that despite what it described as “INEC’s illegal actions,” the party will proceed with its congresses as scheduled. The ADC said it had duly notified Nigeria’s electoral body through letters dated 27 February 2026 and 28 March 2026.

In the congress notice signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, and National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, the ADC outlined the timetable as follows: screening of aspirants on 7 April; appeals on the screening exercise on 8 April; polling unit, ward, and local government congresses on 9 April; appeals on those congresses on 10 April; state congresses on 11 April; appeals to the state congresses on 12 April; and the party’s national convention on 14 April 2026.

Meanwhile, the ADC criticised INEC’s delisting of the David Mark‑led leadership from its website, describing it as a sinister plot by agents of the ruling APC government to destabilise the party following the movement of H.E. Rabiu Kwankwaso to the ADC. The party alleged that the ruling APC is attempting to hijack its leadership, calling it “the only viable opposition party left in the country.” 

It added that the plan has reached a new level of desperation in recent days, driven by fear of the ADC’s growing momentum and the possibility that Nigerians may begin to believe change is achievable.

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to remain law‑abiding while resisting by all lawful means any attempt to undermine its independence. “If they are not acting on his orders, President Tinubu should rein in his enforcers before it is too late,” the party said, stressing that it remains focused on its duty to Nigerians and determined to protect its democratic processes.

‘Leadership Without Compassion is Not Leadership’ — Obi criticises Tinubu for ending Plateau visit at airport instead of affected communities

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Mr Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to visit Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government, where terrorists murdered innocent people last Sunday. Obi, in a statement on Friday, titled “Leadership Without Compassion is Not Leadership,” condemned what he described as the president’s lack of empathy.

Obi alleged that during Tinubu’s visit to Benue State in June 2025, the president stopped at the Government House instead of visiting the actual scene of killings, and that in Jos yesterday, his engagement ended at the airport rather than in the affected communities. “What happened in Plateau yesterday highlights a complete absence of leadership. True leadership requires presence, empathy, compassion, and a willingness to meet people where their pain truly lies. For citizens who have just lost loved ones, homes, and their sense of safety, being addressed from an airport tarmac is profoundly inadequate,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State Governor argued that Tinubu’s governance approach deepens the sense of abandonment already felt by Nigerians enduring repeated cycles of violence without meaningful protection or justice. “Plateau deserves more than distant words; it requires urgent action and a clear commitment to ending the insecurity that continues to claim innocent lives,” he added. 

Obi stressed that leadership must be both visible and tangible—standing with victims, listening to survivors, and acknowledging their grief. 

Signing off with his political slogan, “A new Nigeria is POssible. –PO,” Obi concluded that if Nigerians truly desire a better country, they must demand leadership that is present, responsive, and responsible at all times.

OGUDAGODOU, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s military leader, has ignited global controversy after declaring that “people need to forget about democracy,” insisting Western‑style systems are unsuitable for his country. Speaking in a televised interview on April 2, 2026, Traoré argued that democracy “kills” and cited Libya as an example of failed attempts to impose foreign governance models. 

His remarks follow actions by his junta, including dissolving the electoral commission in 2025 and suspending all political parties in February 2026, effectively scrapping elections promised for 2024.

Traoré defended these measures as necessary to safeguard Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and stability, rejecting pressure from the UN, ECOWAS, and Western governments to return to civilian rule. He maintained that the country must pursue governance structures aligned with its own realities rather than imported systems. Analysts say his comments mark a deepening of authoritarian rule, with dissenting voices silenced and political freedoms curtailed. 

The statement has been trending across Africa and beyond, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups and international observers who warn that abandoning democracy risks worsening repression. Supporters, however, argue that Traoré is prioritising security and national survival in a region plagued by insurgency and foreign interference.

The controversy underscores the growing divide between military regimes in the Sahel and international institutions, raising questions about the future of governance in West Africa. As of 2026, nine African countries are under military rule: Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Chad, Sudan, Madagascar, Guinea‑Bissau, and Gabon. These regimes emerged from coups between 2020 and 2025, with West Africa most affected. 

The takeovers were often justified by claims of insecurity, corruption, or political crises, but they have led to suspended constitutions, delayed elections, and strained relations with ECOWAS and the African Union. This wave of coups has undermined democratic progress, fueled instability, and created economic and security challenges across the continent.