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The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved judgment in an appeal filed by David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), against Nafiu Bala, a former deputy national chairman of the party.

Justice Lawal Garba who led the five-member panel of Justices, made the announcement shortly after lawyers representing parties in the appeal adopted their processes as brief of their arguments, for and against the appeal.

Garba said that the judgment would be delivered on a date to be communicated to all parties in the appeal.

The ex-Senate President had asked the court to grant an order staying the execution of the court of appeal’s ruling delivered on March 12 that dismissed his appeal in relation to the ongoing leadership dispute in the party.

A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam had upheld the objection raised by Bala insisting that the appeal was incompetent and that it was based on issues not reflected in the ruling of the trial court.

Mark had appealed a Sept. 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja that refused to grant some injunctive reliefs contained in an ex-parte application filed by Bala.

The leadership crisis rocking ADC had left the party without a recognised national leadership.

The dispute, which began as an internal transition disagreement in mid-2025, has now drawn in the courts and INEC, raising concerns over the ADC’s capacity to function as a viable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC’s decision on April 1, to withdraw recognition from both the Mark- and Bala-led factions, citing a subsisting Court of Appeal order to maintain the status quo ante bellum, has left the party without an officially recognised leadership structure.

The electoral body said it would not engage with any faction pending a final judicial determination, a position that could have far-reaching implications for the party’s participation in the 2027 polls.

The Mark-led faction insists it emerged through due process, citing a series of National Executive Committee (NEC) decisions in 2025, including the July 29 ratification of a caretaker leadership.

Relying on provisions of Article 13 of the ADC constitution, the group argues that the NEC is empowered to administer the party, implement convention decisions and establish interim structures where necessary.

It also cites Articles 17(3) and 17(4) to justify the transition process, maintaining that vacancies were properly filled through the appropriate executive mechanisms.

On eligibility, the faction contends that requirements such as the two-year membership rule under Article 9(4) were lawfully waived through NEC resolutions earlier in 2025 to accommodate coalition-building efforts.

It further argues that its initial recognition by INEC in September 2025, alongside its conduct of congresses and the April 14, National Convention, affirms its legitimacy.

S/Court Reserves Judgment In ADC Leadership Dispute is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Defections have continued to rock the National Assembly as four members of the House of Representatives from Kano State, on Wednesday, dumped the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, announced the defections during plenary after reading the formal letters submitted by the lawmakers.

The lawmakers involved are Sani Wakili, representing Minjibir/Ungogo Federal Constituency, Muktar Zakari of Tarauni Federal Constituency, Umar Datti of Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Federal Constituency and Abdulhakeem Ado of Wudil/Garko Federal Constituency.

It would be recalled that on Tuesday, the House witnessed another round of defections, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) losing five members, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) also recorded the exit of two lawmakers.

Four Kano Reps dump NNPP, join ADC

Iran has acknowledged the extension of a ceasefire with the United States but has signalled reluctance to send a delegation for further negotiations, raising uncertainty over the next phase of diplomatic efforts and leaving the fragile truce in question.

President Donald Trump announced the extension on Tuesday, saying the truce would be prolonged to allow Iranian officials more time to present what he described as a “unified proposal” to end the conflict. The move came shortly before the ceasefire was due to expire and followed mediation efforts involving Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei acknowledged the development in remarks carried by state media but did not confirm any commitment to renewed talks.

“Diplomacy is a tool for securing national interests and security, and whenever we reach the conclusion that the necessary and reasonable conditions exist to use this tool to achieve national interests… we will take action,” he said.

The statement reflected Tehran’s cautious stance, with officials appearing divided over how to proceed.

Some Iranian figures adopted a more critical tone. Mahdi Mohammadi, an adviser to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed the extension, describing it as “meaningless” and accusing Washington of attempting to dictate terms while delaying possible military action.

Iranian media reports also indicated that Tehran has informed mediators it may not participate in the proposed talks in Islamabad, though no formal government announcement has confirmed a final withdrawal.

On the U.S. side, planned discussions also appeared uncertain, with officials citing ongoing policy consultations as negotiations faced delays.

The proposed talks were expected to address major sticking points, including U.S. demands that Iran halt its nuclear programme and Iranian calls for the lifting of economic and maritime restrictions. U.S. officials have maintained that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a central objective.

Tehran, meanwhile, has insisted that sanctions relief and the easing of pressure measures would be necessary conditions for meaningful engagement.

The disagreement underscores broader divisions between both sides, with each maintaining firm positions despite mediation efforts led by Pakistan.

While Islamabad had been positioned as a venue for renewed dialogue, the latest developments suggest the diplomatic track remains fragile, with both sides yet to bridge key gaps.

The ceasefire extension has therefore created temporary breathing space, but the prospects for sustained negotiations remain uncertain.

Iran Acknowledges Ceasefire Extension, Signals Reluctance Over Talks is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, David Mark, challenging the jurisdiction of court to intervene in the internal affairs of the party.

A five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Garba Mohammed reserved its verdict shortly after lawyers representing parties adopted their briefs of argument for and against the appeal.

Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, who represented David Mark, in urging the court to allow the appeal, submitted that the apex court had in a judgment on March 21, 2025 put an end to the issue before the court when it held that “no court has jurisdiction to entertain cases bordering on internal affairs of political parties”.

Okutepa therefore urged the apex court to allow the appeal and hold that the Abuja Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain a suit bordering on the ADC’s internal matters.

Robert Emukpero, SAN, who represented the 1st respondent, Nafiu Gombe however, urged the apex court to reject the appeal and affirm the judgment of the lower court, which held that the case of the appellant was premature and dismissed it.

It will be recalled that a three-member panel of the appellate court had dismissed Mark’s appeal, challenging the jurisdiction of the Abuja Federal High Court presided by Justice Emeka Nwite, to entertain the suit filed by Bala against the leadership of the ADC.

The appellate court in its decision held that the appeal was not only premature but was brought without leave of the trial court.

The appellate court subsequently ordered that the matter be returned to the trial court for expeditious hearing, adding that parties should maintain status quo.

Following the order for status quo, the electoral umpire subsequently de-recognized the ADC leadership headed by Mark, pending the resolution of the matter by the court.

Dissatisfied, Mark approached the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling of the appellate court as well as an order staying the order for maintenance of status quo.

Rather than taking the motions filed in the appeal, the apex court directed parties to file their briefs for and against the appeal.

After taking arguments from the parties, Justice Garba announced that judgment is reserved to a date that would be communicated to parties.

BREAKING: ADC leadership battle: Mark, Bala await fate as Supreme Court reserves judgment

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Cross River State Government have activated emergency response measures against Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) following the detection of a case in the state.

NCDC, on Monday, confirmed a fresh report of a variant of COVID in the state from a Chinese national who flew into Nigeria on March 17 before he took ill.

Also, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, said the case involving a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate working in a company in Akamkpa Local Government Area, became worse at the medical facility of his office and was taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where his sample was taken, and after due process, it was confirmed that he had symptoms of COVID.

“The confirmed case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate who arrived in Nigeria about a month ago and works in a company at Akamkpa Local Government Area,” Ayuk said.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, the Centre said the confirmed case had been isolated and was being managed in line with national treatment guidelines, while assuring residents there is no cause for panic.

“The patient is in stable condition at the state’s designated isolation and treatment centre and responding to care,” NCDC stated.

The Centre further listed some confirmed and coordinated response measures that were immediately activated in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health and development partners, to include contact tracing, surveillance and infection prevention and control.

It added that all identified contacts are being actively monitored with no indication of further spread.

“Following confirmation of the case, the Cross River State Ministry of Health, in coordination with NCDC and with support from partners, has activated response measures, including contact tracing, surveillance, and infection prevention and control,” the statement read.

“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission,” the NCDC added.

Coronavirus Disease is an infectious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and was identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. Its symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and breathing difficulties, spreading through respiratory droplets, which has led to a global pandemic.

However, the state commissioner noted that the government delayed public announcement until diagnostic protocols were completed to avoid misinformation, while reassuring residents of their safety.

NCDC Begins Contact Tracing After C/River Covid-19 Case is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has revealed that there will be a mass exodus from the

The post 2027: There will be mass defection from APC – Primate Ayodele appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen fair business conduct as well as discourage harmful market practices in Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja at the signing of the MoU by the duo, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, […]

The post FCCPC, LASCOPA sign MoU to strengthen fair business conduct, stop harmful market practices appeared first on Tribune Online.

The senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi, has called for the suspension of all political activities over the escalating insecurity in many parts of Northern Nigeria.

Ningi, who made the call during the Senate plenary on Wednesday, said the suspension of political activities would allow the federal government to focus on the fight against the rising cases of attacks.

The senator spoke during a debate on the 416 persons being held captive in a Borno forest by Boko Haram terrorists.

The captives, mostly women and children, were captured when terrorists overran a military base in Ngoshe, in Gwoza local government area in Borno State on March 3, 2026.

A top military General and many soldiers, as well as a significant number of residents were killed during the attacks.

In his contribution, the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, urged the federal government to effect the rescue of the 416 captives without further delay.

Ndume told the Senate that the captors have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the federal government to pay N5 billion ransom for the release of the captives, threatening to execute them if the ransom was not paid.

In a video footage released by the terrorists a few weeks ago, the captives were seen pleading with President Bola Tinubu and the Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum to rescue them.

Many of the senators who contributed to the debate lamented the ravages of the terrorists in states across the Northeast and bandits across states in the Northwest and the North Central.

They called on the federal government to strengthen security in the affected states and prioritise the security of lives and property of the people.

The Senate also called for relief materials and extension of humanitarian services to the affected states, cutting across Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Plateau, Benue, Kwara and Nasarawa states.

The lawmakers called for adequate funding and equipping of the armed forces and other security agencies to enable them tackle the growing menace of terrorism and banditry in the country.

Terrorism: Senator Calls For Suspension Of Political Activities is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian music star and former P-Square member, Peter Okoye, known as Mr P, has denied suggestions that a woman was behind the fresh rift in the Okoye family, saying the disagreement stems from years of internal disputes over loyalty, trust, and control of their music business.

In a series of posts shared on Wednesday via his X handle, Mr P pushed back against public speculation linking women to the family’s breakdown.

“Before you drag any woman into this! No woman directed or advised anyone to steal from what I worked for over the years. Stop pushing that narrative to suit your agenda.”

He maintained that the conflict began long before any of the brothers got married.

“None of us were even married 20-something years ago when this whole betrayal and stealing started! I said what I said.”

Mr P, who has repeatedly spoken about distancing himself from family members over alleged betrayal, said he has prioritised his mental health despite public criticism.

“Yes, it’s painful. And yes, it’s my loss. But no one should keep reminding me that I was betrayed and used by my own blood for over 20 years plus.”

He added that setting boundaries became necessary for his well-being.

“Even if my parents were alive and supported this kind of betrayal, I’d still choose to step back, cut them off, and protect my peace. Boundaries are necessary! Blood isn’t thicker than my peace of mind.”

The singer further confirmed that the dispute remains unresolved and is now before the courts.

“Now that I’ve uncovered the betrayal that has been going on for over 20 years plus, suddenly we’re blood? No… it doesn’t work like that. We are still in court!”

The comments come amid renewed attention on the long-running crisis within the Okoye family involving Peter and Paul Okoye, as well as their elder brother, Jude Okoye, which has seen multiple breakups, reconciliations, and fresh disputes over the years.

Mr P Denies Women Behind Okoye Family Rift, Cites Betrayal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has opened up about how her 2024 meeting with global music icon Rihanna in Barbados marked a significant turning point in her journey toward self-confidence and personal growth.

In a recent interview with W Magazine, the 23-year-old singer revealed that she had been battling low self-esteem at the time of the encounter. However, Rihanna’s warmth and genuine interest in her work helped her regain confidence and reconnect with her sense of self.

Recounting the experience, Starr described one of her most memorable moments as sitting with Rihanna while they watched her music videos together. She said the Barbadian superstar pointing out her favourite scenes felt surreal and deeply affirming during a period when she was struggling with her self-image.

According to Starr, the meeting was “one of the most amazing feelings,” adding that she believed the moment was divinely orchestrated, as it came at a time when she needed encouragement the most.

The “Rush” singer has consistently expressed admiration for Rihanna, whom she regards as her biggest inspiration and role model. During their meeting, Rihanna also indicated interest in collaborating with Starr and fellow Nigerian artist Tems, highlighting her continued support for emerging African talents on the global stage.

Rihanna Boosts My Confidence – Ayra Star is first published on The Whistler Newspaper