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Members of the deeply factionalised Adamawa State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), loyal to former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, have secured victories in state, local government and ward congresses conducted over the weekend.

The new leaders were elected in congresses completed in defiance of a court order that had suspended the exercise.

A legal practitioner, Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin, emerged as the new State Chairman of the ADC in Adamawa, heading the executive council reportedly elected across the state.

The congresses took place with organisers claiming they were unaware of the court order halting the exercise, amid intense intra-party rivalry, chiefly between Babachir Lawal and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and their respective loyalists.

The state chairman of the ADC, Yohana Shehu, aligned with the Atiku camp, had approached the court earlier in the week, arguing that the committee sent to organise the congresses—reportedly aligned with the Babachir Lawal faction—failed to consult him or his executive.

The High Court sitting in Yola subsequently ordered the suspension of the congresses.

However, the exercise proceeded, producing a state executive committee that includes Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin as State Chairman; Muhammad Arabi Mustapha as State Organising Secretary; and Muhammad Umar U.J. Jada as State Youth Leader.

Other members of the State Executive Council include Hyellagiziya Fakuta Naiwa as Treasurer; Mohammed Alhaji Adamu as Assistant Financial Secretary; Teneke Atimo Medan as State Assistant Youth Leader (South); Anas Muhammad (Yawudima) as Deputy Youth Leader; Hon. Rahab Nyayeba Audi as Woman Leader; Sani Hassan as Deputy Chief Whip; and Zainab Abubakar as Deputy Women Leader.

Factional Adamawa ADC secures congress victories despite court order

By Emmanuel Iheaka | Owerri

Former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is preparing for a door-to-door mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the aim of taking over Imo State.

Ihedioha made the declaration on Saturday during the party’s state congress held at the Kanu Nwankwo Sports Complex, Owerri.

He said more than 200,000 people have already registered with the party in the state, expressing optimism that newly elected party officials would work toward achieving its electoral goals.

Also speaking, former governor and state party leader, Achike Udenwa, described Imo State as one of the strongest ADC chapters in the country, noting that the ward and local government congresses were conducted peacefully and without rancour.

He urged party members to remain committed to the party’s ideals and its ambition to reposition the state.

The National Vice Chairman of ADC (South East), Bon Unachukwu, also commended the smooth conduct of the congresses, saying they have laid a strong foundation for future electoral success in the state.

During the congress, delegates unanimously re-elected Prof. James Okoroma as State Chairman.

Other elected officials include Barr. Gregory Ihejirika as State Secretary and MacDonald Amadi as Publicity Secretary, among others.

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Werder Bremen icon, Aílton Gonçalves da Silva has provided a pointed critique of Victor Boniface.

The former Bundesliga leading scorer did not shy away from expressing his views on Boniface’s current state, emphasizing that the forward must urgently enhance his fitness.

“His belly is unbelievable. He absolutely needs to shed some weight. I do not foresee him scoring any more goals for Werder this season,” Aílton remarked.

Boniface’s difficulties have gone beyond just fitness issues.

Since joining Werder Bremen in the summer, the Nigerian international has faced a challenging period, recording only two assists in 11 league matches and failing to score a goal.

In spite of these obstacles, Werder Bremen remains keen to have the forward available as they strive to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.

Werder Bremen’s head coach, Daniel Thioune provided insight into the player’s situation, indicating that the striker will only return to play once he is considered fully fit after his recent injury recovery.

Boniface has been out of action due to a knee issue and has only recently started training with the Bundesliga team.

Nevertheless, worries regarding his physical condition have taken center stage, especially following reports that the Nigerian forward returned to training above his ideal weight.

Even with his return to training, the 25-year-old has missed Werder Bremen’s last two league matches against RB Leipzig and FC Köln, raising doubts about his readiness to assist as the club endeavors to maintain its top-flight status.

In addressing the matter, Daniel Thioune emphasized that Boniface will be gradually reintegrated into the team, particularly in games against opponents of a similar caliber to Werder Bremen.

“As soon as I believe he is prepared, he will receive playing time,” he disclosed to Bild.

“However, when I consider matches against teams of equal strength, it is a way to pose a threat to the opponent again with him,” he added.

Bundesliga: ‘His belly is unbelievable’ – Da Silva laments Boniface’s fitness

By Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria has intensified efforts to attract diaspora investment, as Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, declared the country open for business at a high-level gathering in the United States.

Speaking as the keynote speaker at the pre-event dinner of the African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2026 held in Silicon Valley, Dabiri-Erewa assured Nigerian professionals and global investors that the country possesses vast opportunities across multiple sectors.

The dinner, which preceded the main summit hosted at Santa Clara University, brought together top African and international investors, innovators, and policymakers under the theme: “Bridging Africa & Silicon Valley: Shaping the Future of Innovation, Investment, and Inclusive Growth.”

In a press release by NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging the expertise, networks, and capital of its diaspora community to drive economic diversification and technological advancement.

She pointed to ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving the investment climate and strengthening diaspora participation.

According to her, the Federal Government is putting in place policies to create an enabling environment for sustainable investments, noting that Nigerians abroad remain critical partners in national development.

She commended the collaborative spirit of Nigerians in the United States and acknowledged the role of the African Diaspora Network, led by its founder Almaz Negash, for fostering impactful engagement between Africa and its global diaspora.

At a separate working lunch with Nigerian professionals, participants expressed readiness to partner with NiDCOM to contribute to Nigeria’s growth through innovation, investment, and knowledge transfer.

The events collectively underscored a shift from traditional remittances to structured, long-term investments, as stakeholders explored ways to deepen partnerships between Africa and the global technology ecosystem.

The summit, which attracted a diverse mix of leaders from Africa and the United States, provided a platform for dialogue on sustainable development and diaspora-driven economic transformation.

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Veteran Nollywood actor, Patrick Doyle has announced the heartbreaking loss of his newborn daughter, Omayinuwa Harriet.

In a post shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, Doyle revealed that the baby passed away on Saturday at about 4:15 p.m just a day after her birth.

“Omayinuwa visited us briefly at about 10:40 am on Friday 10th April and returned to heaven on Saturday 11th of April at about 4:15 pm,” he wrote.

“Her stay was short but it brought great joy with it. We would have wished for a longer stay, but alas, heaven thought otherwise.

“This much we know though, God still rules in the affairs of men. Our faith in the goodness of God remains resolute regardless. Sibe’ sibe’ Oluwa n’be’. It is well with our soul,” he said.

DAILY POST gathered that the child was Doyle’s daughter with his third wife, Funmilayo.

The actor had earlier shared news of her birth

on Friday, noting that both mother and child were in good health at the time.

Nollywood actor, Patrick Doyle loses newborn baby daughter

A sense of dread spread across the Middle East after talks between the US and Iran collapsed, as fears of renewed fighting rattled an already tense region with Donald Trump ordering a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Following more than 20 hours of talks in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, US Vice President JD Vance admitted the yawning differences between the US and Iran proved to be insurmountable for the moment.

What could come next and whether the two sides will continue to respect a two-week ceasefire was anybody’s guess as both the Iranian and American delegations departed Pakistan without a deal.

“Things could change at any moment,” said Aishah, a 32-year-old economic consultant based in Doha.

“It’s more about taking each day as it comes.”

The failure of the talks, however, did not surprise many in the region.

“I didn’t have a lot of hope for them going in, because the two sides want completely opposite things,” Laura Kaufman, a 38-year-old school teacher in Tel Aviv, told AFP.

“There didn’t seem to be anyone willing to actually negotiate.”

A recent poll found that only 10 percent of the Israeli public believe the war against Iran had constituted a “significant success, compared to 32 percent who view it as a failure”.

In Iran, a brief spell of hope that talks would end the hostilities between the long-time foes was quickly dashed.

“I really wanted them to make peace,” said Mahsa, a 30-year-old employee of an export company in the Iranian capital.

“It’s been almost 45 days now that I’ve seen everyone stressed. It’s a bad situation.”

– ‘Worried’ –

Elsewhere in the Middle East, the negotiations’ failure only seemed to guarantee more uncertainty.

“I am worried about the continuation of the situation and the return of attacks again, because they were causing me tension,” said Imam, an Egyptian housewife living in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi.

“I was making a great effort not to pass my tension on to the children.”

With nerves already battered, President Trump on Sunday ordered an immediate naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to intercept any ship that pays tolls to Tehran while also preventing Iran from earning future oil revenues.

“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!” he wrote.

The news came as many in the region were hoping for a return to normality.

Earlier Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry said its key east-west oil pipeline and other major energy facilities had been restored following attacks by Iran on targets across the Gulf.

“Of course I am worried that the war will return again,” said Amin, a pharmacist living in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province, who asked to use a pseudonym for security reasons.

Back in Iran, a sense of the inevitable had begun to sink in for many people.

“I would have preferred peace, but I think there is no other way but war and confrontation,” said Hamed, 37.

“Based on what I see and hear, unfortunately we are going to war again and it seems like we will have a long war.”

In Lebanon, meanwhile, the ceasefire never started in the first place, with the warring sides disputing whether it was included under the deal as Israel stepped up its strikes there.

Dentist Kamal Qutaish called Lebanon “an arena where the whole world fights”, adding much depended on how efforts towards peace progressed.

“If (negotiations) collapse, it will affect not just us, but the whole world,” he said. “Only a madman wouldn’t be afraid.”

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The post ‘No other way’: Middle East prepares for more fighting as talks fail appeared first on Vanguard News.

World figures urged the United States and Iran to keep negotiating after marathon Washington-Tehran talks in Islamabad ended on Sunday without a deal to end the war in the Middle East.

– Pakistan urges ceasefire –

“It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to cease fire,” said Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar, whose government hosted the talks and acted as a mediator.

“Pakistan has been and will continue to play its role to facilitate engagement and dialogue between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America in the days to come,” he said in a brief statement broadcast by state media.

– EU urges diplomacy –

Diplomacy is “essential” to resolve the war in the Middle East, a European Union spokesman said.

Noting failed US-Iranian talks hosted by Pakistan, EU foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni said “we salute Pakistan for its mediation efforts” and added Brussels would contribute to further efforts to reach a settlement in coordination with its partners

– Putin offers mediation –

Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that he was ready to help mediate efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, the Kremlin said.

“Vladimir Putin emphasised his readiness to further facilitate the search for a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict, and to mediate efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” the Kremlin said in its readout of the call.

– UK disappointed –

“It’s obviously disappointing that we haven’t yet seen a breakthrough in negotiations and an end to this war in Iran that is a sustainable one,” UK health minister Wes Streeting told Sky News.

“As ever in diplomacy, you’re failing, until you succeed. So while these talks may not have ended in success, (it) doesn’t mean there isn’t merit in continuing to try,” he added.

– Australia urges more talks –

“The priority now must be to continue the ceasefire and return to negotiations,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement, adding it was “disappointing that the Islamabad talks between the United States and Iran have ended without agreement”.

The post World leaders urge more negotiation after US-Iran talks end without deal appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations that it copied a press statement from Dada Olusegun, a Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on New Media, insisting that its actions were misrepresented in some media reports.

INEC described the claims as “fake, misleading, and a misrepresentation of facts,” following online controversy over similarities between its official statement and an earlier post attributed to Olusegun.

The controversy began after INEC reposted a statement addressing claims that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, maintained a personal X account or endorsed a partisan post online. The Commission, through its Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, had on April 10, 2026, dismissed the allegations as “entirely baseless” and warned against impersonation and fake accounts being used to mislead the public.

However, reports by Peoples Gazette alleged that Olusegun had shared a similar statement hours before INEC’s publication, sparking public debate over possible coordination. The report also cited social media users who questioned the timing and similarity of the messages.

An X user identified as #Mrfestusogun was quoted as saying, “Dada Olusegun posted an INEC press statement 23 hours before INEC even posted it.”

Another user, #adeyanjudeji, also alleged that “the president’s SA on media is the one helping the INEC chairman to debunk allegations of partisanship.”

Responding, INEC maintained that it did not copy any external statement and insisted its communication was independently issued through official channels. It further clarified that any circulation outside its platforms was not coordinated with any individual or political actor.

“INEC’s repost of the statement was solely to amplify accurate information earlier released from the Commission and should not be misconstrued as alignment with any individual or political office holder,” the Commission said.

It added that it “remains strictly non-partisan” and urged the public to rely only on its verified communication channels.

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Sevilla coach, Luis García Plaza, has insisted that he was scared when Ademola Lookman got the ball during both sides’ LaLiga clash on Saturday.

The victory, secured through strikes from Akor Adams and Nemanja Gudelj, handed Sevilla a vital boost in their fight to avoid relegation this season.

Reflecting on the encounter, García said via Marca: “I was scared myself whenever Lookman had the ball.

“I liked that the team stepped up again after that equaliser,” he said.

Lookman has been performing well for Atletico Madrid since he joined Diego Simeone’s side from Serie A side Atalanta in January.

LaLiga: What Sevilla coach Luis García said about Lookman after win over Atletico Madrid

By Ndahi Marama | Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has warned residents against aiding, harbouring, or providing logistical support to Boko Haram insurgents.

The warning follows recent military operations carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in the Jilli area of Gubio Local Government Area on April 11, 2026.

Jilli, a border community between Gubio LGA in Borno State and Geidam LGA in Yobe State, has been identified as a strategic location in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum described Jilli Market as a notorious hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.

“I have been properly briefed on the airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on Jilli Market, a border town between Borno and Yobe states. Let me state categorically that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago,” the governor said.

He added that he is in close consultation with the Yobe State Government and the military hierarchy over the development.

Zulum explained that the state government maintains close coordination with the military and other security agencies before resettling communities or reopening markets, particularly in areas affected by insurgency.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and sustaining joint efforts with security agencies to restore lasting peace and stability across the state.

The governor also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence to support ongoing military operations.

The post Zulum warns residents against aiding Boko Haram insurgents appeared first on Vanguard News.