News
Civil Society groups tell APC national to cancel Edo primary election
…say it was a sham and national disgrace
… insist due process trampled upon
A coalition of Civil Society organisation has picked holes in the ongoing All Progressive Congress (APC), primary election in Benin, the state Capital, saying that the process lacks transparency because it deviated from the party’s guidelines.
The groups asked the party National Leadership to save itself from the looming danger of litigation and consequences by ensuring that it’s constitution and guidelines are followed to the latter.
In a statement by the coalition signed by Comrade Victor Kalu Grassroots Development and Peace Initiative, and Edmond Osareti, Development Center For Rescue Mission sighted by journalists urged the party leadership to urgently address the flaws.
The Statement reads:
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Edo State has encountered significant challenges, hindering a seamless selection process for aspiring candidates.
“This preliminary report as observed by the underlisted Seven reputable Civil Society Organizations committed to strengthening democratic values and credible leadership in Nigeria, sheds light on three major concerns observed during the primary: a lack of awareness among party members about the process, a dearth of stakeholders meetings to inform party members, and the absence of the party voters register for aspirants who had made payments.
“One critical issue that emerged during the APC primary in Edo State was the limited awareness among party members regarding the electoral process. Numerous party members expressed their concern and ignorance about the primary’s procedures and guidelines.
“This knowledge gap resulted in a sense of disillusionment and frustration among the party faithful, who had expected a more inclusive and transparent election.
“Another significant concern was the lack of stakeholders meetings conducted by the APC in Edo State to fully brief its members about the primary election.
“Stakeholders meetings play a crucial role in disseminating important information, clarifying doubts, and building trust among party members.
The absence of such meetings left many aspirants and their supporters feeling neglected and uninformed about crucial aspects of the primary process.
“Aspirants who had paid for access to the party voters register, as part of their preparations for the primary, faced an unexpected hurdle.
“This setback impeded their ability to effectively engage with and mobilize potential voters within the party. The absence of the required voters register not only hindered the aspirants’ campaign strategies but also raised questions about the transparency and efficiency of the registration system within the party.
“The APC primary election in Edo State faced significant challenges, prominently including a lack of member awareness, insufficient stakeholders meetings to provide guidance, and the unavailability of the party voters register for the aspirants.
“These issues undermine the transparency, credibility, and inclusivity of the primary process, potentially leading to a diminished trust among party members. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring a fair and democratic primary election, thereby strengthening the party and promoting a genuine sense of participation among its members
Finally, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said the decision would take effect from April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth transition.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture, President Bola Tinubu, has sent a formal communication to the House of Representatives on seeking legislative approval for the repeal and re-enactment of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF) Establishment Act, 2025.
The request which was transmitted to the House for consideration and passage on Wednesday at plenary, underscores the need to improve the management and administration of the fund, enhance police training, and provide modern equipment for the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the letter,, the proposed amendment is aimed at boosting the operational capacity, accountability, and sustainability of the Police Trust Fund in line with current security challenges.
The President urged lawmakers to give the bill expeditious consideration, as the said the reform will improve the welfare of police personnel and support skill development across the force.
In another development, the House Committee on Rules and Business has moved to tighten legislative discipline, directing all standing and ad hoc committees to submit reports on bills and motions within set timelines in line with House procedures.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Francis Uwaive, reminded all committee chairmen to treat all assigned matters within 30 days, with the risk of losing such assignments after 60 days if no progress is made, except where a short extension is granted.
A firm deadline has also been set for all outstanding reports, with the end of April 2026 as the cut-off point, and non-compliance attracting automatic discharge.
Amid the formal proceedings, lawmakers briefly paused to celebrate two members marking their birthdays, acknowledging their contributions to public service and national development.
The mood later shifted as the House paid tribute to a former member of the Fifth Assembly, observing a minute’s silence in his honour following his passing after a prolonged illness.
He was remembered for his dedication and service to his constituents in Benue State, with colleagues noting that his death represents a significant loss to the legislature and the country.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that their naval forces stopped two ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz and directed them to the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic.
“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval force this morning identified and stopped in the Strait of Hormuz two violating ships,” the Guards said in a statement.
“The two offending ships… were seized by the IRGC’s naval forces and directed to the Iranian coast.”
They identified one ship as “MSC-FRANCESCA”, which they said belonged “to the Zionist regime” in reference to Israel, and the other as “EPAMINONDAS”, which they said was “tampering with navigation systems and jeopardising maritime security.”
The Guards further warned against any action against the regulations imposed by the Islamic republic in the strait “as well as activities contrary to the safe passage” through the waterway.
Tehran has said vessels must seek permission to leave of enter the Gulf through Hormuz, through a route that in peacetime accounts for a fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports along with other vital commodities.
Source: AFP
BREAKING: Finally, Power Minister, Adelabu resigns from Tinubu’s cabinet
Reps Begin Review of Police Trust Fund Law, Tighten Timeline for Committee Work
Iran Seizes Two Ships attempting to cross Strait of Hormuz
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