Author: Vanguard News

The Supreme Court has fixed April 14 for the hearing of an appeal filed by David Mark, national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in the ongoing leadership dispute with Nafiu Bala.

The appeal, marked SC/CV/180/2026, challenges a ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on March 12, which forms the basis of the current crisis within the party. Mark is seeking an order of the apex court to stay the execution of that judgment pending the determination of his appeal.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), hearing notices were issued to all parties on Friday through the litigation department of the Supreme Court.

In the suit, filed by his counsel, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is also asking the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any changes to the party’s leadership structure as currently constituted under his leadership, pending the resolution of the appeal.

He further requested an order to halt proceedings in a related case — suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 — before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The respondents in the appeal include Bala, the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola (national secretary), INEC, and Ralph Nwosu.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has also scheduled April 14 to hear Bala’s suit challenging Mark’s leadership of the party.

With both matters slated for the same day, legal observers say the lower court may adjourn or suspend proceedings in deference to the Supreme Court, in line with the hierarchy of courts.

The case marks a critical stage in the internal crisis rocking the ADC, as both factions seek judicial validation of their claims to the party’s leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The post ADC crisis: Supreme Court to hear Mark-led faction appeal against Nafiu Bala on Tuesday appeared first on Vanguard News.

Works minister, Senator David Umahi has expressed profound grief over the passing of Most Rev. Dr. Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki.

Umahi said the departure of Bishop Chukwu marked the end of an era characterized by selfless service, deep spirituality, and an uncommon dedication to the work of God.

He stated that Bishop Chukwu was not only a spiritual father to his flock, but also a moral compass to society, an embodiment of discipline, and sacrificial leadership.

This was contained in a statement the minister personally signed and made available to journalists in Abakaliki on Sunday.

“As a teacher of the Word and a shepherd of souls, Most Rev. Dr. Chukwu distinguished himself through his calm wisdom, pastoral care, and his ability to reach both the high and the low with equal compassion.

“At a time when moral clarity and spiritual guidance are most needed in our society, his passing leaves a significant void.

“Yet, even in death, his legacy remains a guiding light, etched in the lives he touched, the faith he strengthened, and the enduring impact of his ministry across Ebonyi State and beyond.

“On behalf of my family and the Federal Ministry of Works, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Catholic faithful, the clergy and religious of the Diocese of Abakaliki, and the immediate and extended family of the late Bishop. I also commiserate with all who were privileged to encounter his remarkable life and ministry.

“I pray that the Almighty God, whom he served will grant his gentle soul eternal rest in His heavenly kingdom, and grant the Church and all who mourn him the strength, and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.

Umahi mourns passing of Abakaliki Catholic Bishop Chukwu, says death monumental loss

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Troops in Borno State have arrested a 15-year-old suspect, identified as Tijjani, who allegedly admitted involvement in recent attacks on Benisheik and Ngamdu communities in the state.

Security sources said the teenager was apprehended on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Ngamdu during ongoing military operations targeting insurgent activities in the area.

In a statement attributed to the suspect during preliminary interrogation, he claimed he was part of a group that participated in the Thursday attacks on the affected communities, which have repeatedly come under assault from insurgent groups linked to Boko Haram and allied factions.

He further alleged that he moved between locations within the insurgency-affected axis of northern Borno before his arrest by troops. According to him, he had recently separated from other members of his group shortly before the incident that led to his capture.

The post Benisheik, Ngamdu attacks: 15-year-old suspected insurgent arrested in Borno appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ordered an immediate probe into alleged civilian casualties following an airstrike in Jilli, Borno State.

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has criticised supporters of Peter Obi, describing them as “monsters” and warning that they could undermine his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Her comments followed backlash to a tweet in which she shared her visit to Silicon Valley, California, where she met Nigerian professionals and took a ride in a driverless car. In the post, she praised the experience and thanked Kunle Adeyemo for the tour.

The post triggered angry reactions from some users who accused her of hypocrisy and questioned her political alignment, with some comments becoming abusive.

One user wrote: “You went to where the system is working and enjoy a ride in a driverless car, but you will come home and support a dead man as president because he’s your tribal man,” while another said: “You enjoy all these abroad and join hands to destroy Nigeria.”

Responding to the criticisms, Dabiri-Erewa accused Obi of failing to control his supporters popularly known as Obi-dients, insisting their conduct could damage his political future ahead of the 2027 elections.

“@PeterObi has actually raised monsters. By God’s grace @officialABAT will win the 2027 elections. When it’s the turn of the south east and who knows, if the lot falls on him, I hope he knows that these obingos/ Obi-dients will ironically be his downfall. He needs to call them to order,” she wrote.

The NiDCOM chairman doubled down on her position in subsequent posts, insisting that the behaviour of Obi’s supporters could ultimately harm his political prospects if not addressed.

“Let the obingo/ obi -dient madness continue to be on display. They will be alright . Someday,” she wrote.

“They will eventually be Peter Obi’s downfall if he does not call them to order,” she added in response to another user’s comment.

Dabiri-Erewa also defended her decision to engage critics online, rejecting the notion that her role as a public official should prevent her from responding to attacks.

“This is my personal account. You can hack it again if you so wish. So because I’m a public official, I should keep quiet to Rada Rada rede rede of @PeterObi’s toxic obidients??” she wrote.

Obi ‘Raised Monsters’, Obidients Would Be His Downfall – NiDCOM Chair is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

By Obas Esiedesa | Abuja

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has insisted that electricity supply in the country has improved in line with his earlier promise of measurable progress within two weeks, attributing the development to increased gas supply to power plants.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, the Minister said the improvement reflects ongoing reforms and coordinated efforts within the power sector.

Adelabu said generation output recorded steady gains between March 28 and April 10, 2026, rising from about 3,951 megawatts to over 4,300 megawatts within the period.

He explained that the improvement was driven largely by increased gas supply to thermal power plants, which rose from approximately 605 million standard cubic feet per day to over 704 million standard cubic feet per day.

According to him, mechanical and operational availability of generation assets also improved during the period, contributing to a more stable electricity output.

“Despite minor fluctuations recorded on some days, the overall trajectory points to a gradual recovery in the power sector, driven largely by improved gas supply and better coordination among critical stakeholders,” he said.

The Minister stressed that the performance underscores the strong link between gas availability and electricity generation, noting the need for sustained interventions in the gas-to-power value chain.

To consolidate recent gains, Adelabu disclosed that a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee has been inaugurated to improve coordination, address bottlenecks, and ensure real-time monitoring of gas supply to generation companies.

He said the committee is expected to enhance collaboration between gas producers and power generation firms, with the goal of delivering more stable electricity nationwide.

“We are not there yet, but we will continue to ensure measurable improvements,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Adelabu also urged the new management of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to boost internally generated revenue and reduce reliance on government funding.

He gave the charge during a meeting with the agency’s new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Olusegun Adesayo, and Board Chairman, Ikechi Nwosu, in Abuja.

The Minister called for the establishment of additional meter testing centres across the country and emphasised the need to address manpower shortages in the sector, particularly among meter installers.

He also advocated closer collaboration between the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and NEMSA to close skills gaps and support ongoing metering expansion efforts.

The post Power supply improves within two weeks, Minister insists appeared first on Vanguard News.

Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Emmanuel Babayaro, has explained why Brentford defender Michael Kayode is prioritising playing for Italy over Nigeria.

Kayaode had recently expressed his desire to represent the senior national football team of Italy while also acknowledging his home nation, Nigeria.

Speaking about the Nigeria Football Federation’s efforts to convince Kayode, Babayaro suggested that the young defender is drawn to Italy because of the country’s richer footballing heritage and greater global appeal.

“We need to pay more attention to production. A lot of these players, their first instinct is that they would rather be with their adopted countries, the places where they think the football is bigger,” Babayaro said on the ATHLST podcast.

“So more often than not, them coming back to say they are going to play for Nigeria is as a result of missing out on selection in their adopted countries. That means us taking the leftovers.”

Why Kayode prefers to play for Italy over Nigeria – Babayaro

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International (TI) in Nigeria on Sunday expressed grave concerns over reports of a Nigerian Air Force airstrike that struck

Thousands of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend staged a solidarity march in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, endorsing the re-election bids of Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally, organised under the Ifediche Political Family, attracted over 10,000 participants from Awgu, Oji River, and Aninri local government areas. The supporters marched through major roads before converging at the council headquarters.

Prominent APC stakeholders in the state, including the State Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike; Chairman of Oji River LGA, Chief Greg Anyaegbudike; and the group’s founder, Mazi Dr. Ezenwa A. A. Onyirimba, were in attendance.

Addressing the crowd, Chukwunweike referenced what he described as a political tradition in Enugu State of supporting governors to complete two terms in office, citing past administrations under Chimaroke Nnamani, Sullivan Chime, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

He said Governor Mbah, who assumed office in 2023, deserves similar backing to complete a second term, pointing to achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He commended the organisers for mobilising grassroots support and urged party leaders to strengthen APC structures across wards and local government areas.

Oji River LGA Chairman, Chief Anyaegbudike, also praised the mobilisation efforts, noting that the group has contributed to unity within the APC in the area. He urged members to remain active at all levels of party organisation.

Convener of the group, Dr. Onyirimba, said the rally was aimed at galvanising support for APC candidates in 2027, including the President and the governor. He also outlined the group’s community interventions, including ICT training for youths, borehole rehabilitation, healthcare support, and agricultural assistance.

The event concluded at the Oji River Local Government Secretariat, where Evangelist Dr. Walter Madu urged members to remain committed as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

The post APC supporters rally in Enugu, endorse Mbah, Tinubu for 2027 appeared first on Vanguard News.

Enyimba Football Club of Aba, on Sunday, defeated Katsina United Football Club of Katsina in Week 34 of the Nigerian Premier Football League game at Aba Stadium.

Enyimba took the lead in the 23rd minutes with Stanley Dimgba scoring the first goal.

In-form player, Chidera Michael doubled the lead for the host team in the 31st minutes, sending the home fans into jubilation.

In the second half, Katsina United players upped the ante in their quest to equalize the score line and the pressure resulted in Enyimba conceding a penalty in the 72nd minutes.

Uche Collins stepped up to take the spot kick for Katsina United but the penalty was saved by Enyimba Goal Keeper, Kelvin Ogunga.

In the 79th minutes, Enyimba extended its lead courtesy of third goal scored by Wonah Williams.

With the 3-0 victory, Enyimba has now accumulated 43 points and climbed to 12 the position of the NPFL table.

NPFL: Enyimba beat Katsina Utd 3-0, climb to 12th position