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The gubernatorial candidate of ADC in Kwara, Hon Zakari Mohammed has expressed sadness over the death of Asamu of Olayinka, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, while in the captivity.

This was contained in a statement he personally signed stating that:

“It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that we received the devastating news of the death of the Asamu of Olayinka, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, while in the captivity of his abductors despite the enormous sacrifices made by his family, subjects, and well-wishers to secure his release.

” Reports indicate that ransom and other demands were met, yet the revered monarch did not return alive to his people.

“Olayinka, a peaceful town in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has been thrown into mourning by this tragic loss. The death of Oba Aweda is not only a loss to his immediate family and the people of Olayinka, but also to the entire traditional institution and the people of Kwara State.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the royal family, the elders, youths, women, and all sons and daughters of Olayinka. We share in your grief and stand with you at this difficult time.

“This unfortunate incident further exposes the alarming deterioration of security across our communities and underscores the failure of both the Federal and Kwara State Governments to adequately discharge their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

” It is unacceptable that a traditional ruler could be abducted from his palace, held for weeks, and eventually die in captivity despite desperate efforts by his community to secure his freedom.

“Government must rise to its responsibilities and take decisive action against the menace of kidnapping and banditry that has continued to traumatize innocent citizens. The lives of our people must never be treated as expendable.

“As we mourn this painful loss, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgives the shortcomings of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, expands and illuminates his grave, admits him into Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and grants his family, subjects, and the entire Olayinka community the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss.

“May Allah comfort the bereaved family, preserve the unity of the people of Olayinka, and protect our communities from further tragedies.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others, describing the judgment as an attempt to use the judiciary to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance and Zenith Labour Party for allegedly failing to satisfy constitutional and electoral requirements outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.

The judgment followed a suit instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which sought a declaration that INEC was obligated to remove political parties that failed to meet prescribed electoral performance benchmarks. These include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in any state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective position.

Responding in a statement posted on X and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned the ruling as unconstitutional and deeply troubling.

According to the ADC, the decision runs contrary to established legal precedents and even conflicts with positions previously advanced by INEC on the issue of political party deregistration.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to warn, in the strongest possible terms, against any attempt to use the judiciary as an instrument to undermine democracy and plunge Nigeria into a major political crisis.

“We are deeply alarmed by the judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a case filed by the so-called National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the de-registration of the ADC and four other political parties. This judgment stands in direct conflict with constitutional principles and all known judicial processes and procedures.”

The ADC maintained that INEC had expressly defended the party’s status before the court, arguing that it remained fully compliant with all constitutional and statutory requirements for political parties.

According to the party, the electoral commission clearly informed the court that the ADC had neither breached any registration condition nor failed to meet any constitutionally prescribed electoral-performance benchmark that could justify its deregistration.

The party quoted INEC as insisting that political parties could only be deregistered on grounds recognised by law, stressing that such decisions must not be influenced by political interests, public sentiment or pressure from vested groups.

Beyond challenging the substance of the judgment, the ADC also questioned the procedure that led to the ruling. It alleged that the Federal High Court proceeded with the matter despite an existing order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing that proceedings be stayed.

The party described the development as a violation of established judicial procedure and a disregard for the hierarchy of courts.

We are therefore left in no doubt that this latest development is a continuation of the ruling party’s persistent efforts to undermine the opposition, especially the ADC,” the statement said.

The ADC also raised concerns about the timing of the judgment, noting that it came shortly after the party concluded its primaries and began preparations for the 2027 general elections, including the presidential race.

It warned that attempts to remove a major opposition platform through what it termed judicial manipulation posed a serious threat to democratic stability.

“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring… is a direct invitation to anarchy,” the party stated.

Describing the ruling as “reckless, provocative, and even incendiary,” the ADC argued that efforts to use state institutions to restrict political competition amounted to tampering with the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy.

The party said the case had grown beyond a dispute over party registration and now touched on a broader national question — whether Nigerians would be presented with genuine political alternatives in the 2027 elections.

“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not stand by while the democratic rights of millions of Nigerians are threatened. We reject any and all attempts to intimidate, suppress, deregister, or politically extinguish our party and other opposition parties through means that offend both the spirit and the letter of the Constitution.”

Reaffirming its confidence in the rule of law, the party said it would challenge the judgment through all available legal and constitutional avenues. It also pledged to engage democratic stakeholders across the country while continuing to protect the interests of its candidates, members and supporters.

The ADC further alleged that the ruling formed part of a wider effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next election cycle.

“Make no mistake, this is another act of desperation by the ruling party and the government to hand President Tinubu a second term without contest. This will not work,” it said.

The party warned that any attempt to create what it described as a “civilian dictatorship” could have far-reaching implications for national stability, adding that those responsible should be held accountable for any tensions arising from such actions.

It also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council, accusing the trial judge of misconduct and conduct capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute.

While calling on its members, supporters and coalition partners to remain peaceful, the ADC urged them to stay alert and committed to the democratic process.

The party declared that, “Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold.”

The ADC and other opposition parties have repeatedly accused Tinubu and the APC of attempting to dominate the political space and steer the country toward a one-party system.

However, the President and his party have also repeatedly dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, insisting that a strong and credible opposition remains essential for democratic growth.

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…move follows discovery of 1,000 vehicles using forged diplomatic, government identification documents

By Gloria Ikibah

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have agreed to strengthen cooperation in a renewed effort to tackle the growing misuse of diplomatic number plates and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic system.

The decision was reached during a meeting between the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, and senior officials of the FRSC at the Corps’ National Headquarters on Monday in Abuja.

The discussions, which took place during a courtesy visit to the Corps Public Education Officer and spokesperson of the FRSC, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, as well as a meeting with Assistant Corps Marshal Operations, Olusegun Ogungbemide, focused on emerging security concerns linked to the proliferation of fake diplomatic number plates and other official vehicle identification documents.

During the engagement, Ebienfa disclosed that the ministry was already intensifying efforts to curb the unlawful use of ambassadorial titles and diplomatic credentials by individuals with no official status.

Mr Ebienfa informed that the Ministry is currently campaigning against the illegal use of Ambassadorial titles by unauthorized persons and some of such persons also use fake diplomatic passports and vehicle number plates.

The meeting also reviewed the outcome of recent enforcement operations conducted by the FRSC across several states aimed at identifying and confiscating illegally acquired diplomatic and government number plates.

According to the Corps, the operations uncovered widespread abuse involving forged registration documents, fake diplomatic plates and unauthorised government vehicle identification.

“The operations, conducted in several states of the Federation, resulted in the interception of one thousand vehicles found to be using fake diplomatic plates, unauthorized government plates, cloned registration documents, and other forms of vehicle identification obtained through fraudulent means”, he said.

Officials of both institutions expressed concern that the abuse of diplomatic identification systems poses serious security risks and damages Nigeria’s international standing.

To address the worrisome development, the two institutions expressed concern that the misuse of diplomatic number plates not only undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic privileges and immunities regime but also constitutes a significant national security threat capable of facilitating criminal activities, identity concealment, and other unlawful acts.

They also warned that the practice undermines globally accepted diplomatic protocols and could weaken confidence in Nigeria’s diplomatic framework.

Both agencies agreed that such practices tarnish Nigeria’s international image and undermine established diplomatic norms.

As part of the new collaboration, the Ministry and the FRSC agreed to enhance information sharing, strengthen verification procedures for diplomatic vehicles and accreditation records, and develop a more effective monitoring system for the issuance and use of diplomatic number plates.

The agencies are also exploring technology-driven solutions that would enable real-time verification of diplomatic vehicles through integration of accreditation records and vehicle registration databases.

The two institutions also agreed to explore the establishment of improved verification mechanisms linking diplomatic accreditation records with vehicle registration databases to facilitate real-time authentication of diplomatic vehicles and prevent unauthorized use of diplomatic identities and privileges.

The Ministry commended the FRSC for its enforcement efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to working with security and law enforcement agencies to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s diplomatic institutions.

In the coming months, both organisations are expected to undertake additional consultations and public awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders on the lawful use of diplomatic number plates and the consequences of offences such as forgery, impersonation and unlawful possession of diplomatic documents.

The Ministry reiterated that diplomatic number plates remain the exclusive preserve of accredited diplomatic missions, international organisations and recognised diplomatic personnel, stressing that diplomatic privileges and immunities must never be transferred, sold or exploited by unauthorised individuals.

It also urged members of the public to report suspected cases of misuse of diplomatic number plates and diplomatic identification documents to the relevant authorities as part of efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility, national security and international reputation.