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Economist, banker, and former presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has joined the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Former presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing worsening economic hardship and insecurity in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Sunday by his media office, Hayatu-Deen said his decision was driven by growing concerns over the rising cost of living and what he described as a decline in the country’s democratic space.

“Like many Nigerians, I want a safer and more prosperous future, but the nation faces fundamental problems that are being ignored,” he said.

He noted that the hopes of many Nigerians have not been met in recent years.
“Every day I hear from people across the country that they want a government focused on fixing problems, reducing the cost of living, and creating jobs,” he said.

Hayatu-Deen also raised concerns about the state of democracy, warning that voices are being stifled, institutions are under strain, and the space for credible opposition is shrinking.

According to him, “I am also deeply concerned about the increasing shrinkage of our democratic space. Voices are being stifled, institutions are under strain, and the space for credible opposition and real choice is being systematically closed. Democracy must offer Nigerians genuine options. This gives me an even greater impetus to be involved in the political process.”

The former presidential aspirant said he believes the ADC offers a credible alternative, stressing that this is not just a change of party, but a step towards building a better future for Nigerians.

He pledged to campaign actively with the party ahead of the 2027 elections, saying, “From this day onwards until the 2027 elections, I will campaign relentlessly as a party member, to help the ADC win the elections and deliver the better future Nigeria desperately deserves.”

Hayatu-Deen joins ADC, cites economic hardship, democratic decline

Amnesty International has condemned a military airstrike on a market along the Borno–Yobe border.

Several civilians were reportedly killed and injured in the strike, which occurred on Saturday at Jilli Market between Gubio and Geidam local government areas of Yobe and Borno states.

The airstrike was said to have taken place during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the area.

In a statement on Sunday, the organisation said witnesses reported that three military jets bombed the market, killing over 100 people.

Amnesty added that the emergency unit of Geidam General Hospital had received at least 35 people with severe injuries following the incident.

The group criticised the use of air power in a civilian setting and questioned the legality of the operation.

“Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard,” the statement read.

“Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military’s disregard for civilian lives.”

The organisation called on authorities to take urgent steps to establish accountability and prevent a recurrence.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and impartially investigate the incident and ensure that suspected perpetrators are held to account,” it said.

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The United States has commended the Nigerian government for accelerating the prosecution of terrorism-related cases, describing the recent conviction of 386 Islamist militants as a significant milestone in the country’s justice system.

The praise was conveyed in a statement posted on Sunday via X by a Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs at the United States Department of State.

According to the US official, the convictions mark an important step toward accountability, particularly in cases that had previously been delayed in Nigerian courts.

The statement emphasized that timely and transparent legal processes are essential in addressing extremism and strengthening public confidence in judicial institutions.

The US also reiterated its support for Nigeria’s efforts to enhance judicial efficiency and fairness, noting that adherence to the rule of law is critical to ensuring long-term security, stability, and safety across the country.

“The United States commends the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes.

“We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts, and we recognize this as an important step toward accountability and justice,” part of the statement read.

Trump administration hails Nigeria’s mass conviction of 386 Islamist militants

By Ndahi Marama | Maiduguri

The Medical Director of the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Shehu Muhammad, has raised alarm over a severe shortage of blood following the admission of victims linked to the recent air operations in Jilli village.

Muhammad said on Sunday that the hospital urgently requires blood donations as it struggles to manage increasing cases brought in after the incident.

He disclosed that 21 persons have so far been admitted for treatment, many of whom require immediate blood transfusion to survive.

According to him, medical personnel are doing their best to stabilise the patients, but the lack of adequate blood supply remains a major challenge.

“We need people to donate blood, as most of the victims brought in from Jilli need blood transfusion with immediate effect,” he said.

The hospital has called on residents and voluntary donors to assist in replenishing its blood bank to support ongoing emergency care efforts.

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A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has defected to the African Democratic Congress, citing urgent national concerns and shifting political realities.

The former presidential aspirant, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, linked his decision to worsening insecurity, rising living costs, and what he described as a shrinking democratic space.

Hayatu-Deen, who contested the 2022 PDP presidential primaries, said national challenges compelled him to seek a credible alternative focused on security, economic stability, and job creation.

He cautioned that democratic institutions were under strain, stressing that the space for genuine opposition was narrowing and that Nigerians deserved real and meaningful political choices.

While pledging to deploy decades of experience in business and economic reform, he said he would campaign actively with ADC, ahead of the 2027 elections.

Hayatu-Deen, who reflected on his political journey, said his 2022 ambition was driven by hope, adding, however, that Nigerians’ expectations had been met with disappointment and unfulfilled promises.

He expressed concern about what he called the shrinking of civic space, stating that democracy must provide genuine options for Nigerians.

The former presidential aspirant vowed to leverage his experience in business, reforms, and philanthropy to support job creation and deliver a more prosperous Nigeria.

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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.

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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.

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