ADC Clarifies Transition Timelines; Sets 12th May As Date For Assumption Of Office By Its New Executives

The African Democratic Congress ADC says newly elected state executives and party officers will only assume office after their formal inauguration on May 12, 2026, or any later date announced by the party.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, current executives remain the recognized office holders until the transition process is completed.

ADC

He urges newly elected officials to avoid any actions that may create confusion within the party.

The statement further adds that ADC remains committed to discipline and strict adherence to its constitution.

PCN Seals 600 Medicine Stores, Arrests Two For Violations: Kaduna

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria sealed 598 premises and arrested two vendors in Kaduna during a major enforcement drive targeting widespread violations of drug regulations and unsafe pharmaceutical practices.

Suleiman Chiroma, the PCN national head of enforcement, disclosed this on Friday in Kaduna.

Mr Chiroma said the operation, which began on Monday, covered Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Zaria, Makarfi, Kudan, Igabi, Chikun, Sabon Gari, Giwa, and Ikara council areas.

He said 828 premises were visited during the four-day exercise, including pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and unlicensed outlets.

Mr Chiroma explained that the 598 premises, which were sealed, comprised pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and all unlicensed premises identified. He said two vendors were arrested for gross violations of the PCN Act.

Mr Chiroma, however, said that only nine per cent of inspected premises were operating unlawfully, indicating improved regulatory compliance. He added that 28 per cent of the premises were fully compliant, while 45 per cent of pharmacies and 28 per cent of patent medicine shops met the required standards.

PCN

“The premises sealed were for offences including lack of valid licences, unauthorised clinical practices, improper stocking of medicines, illegal operations, restricted drug access breaches, and obstruction of inspectors,” Mr Chiroma said.

Speaking further, he explained that the operation targeted unsafe medicine handling and illegal practices threatening drug quality, potency, and therapeutic effectiveness across the supply chain.

He added that the exercise forms part of efforts to eliminate substandard and falsified medicines while safeguarding public health and safety.

Ayere-Kabba Kidnap Victim Freed, Suspects Arrested, Says Police

The police command in Kogi has rescued one victim and arrested seven suspects in connection with a kidnapping on the Ayere-Kabba Road.

The command’s spokesperson, Afusat Saliu, announced this in a statement on Friday.

Ms Saliu said the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on April 13 on the Ayere-Kabba road, heading toward the Kabba council area.

She said preliminary findings showed that armed hoodlums attacked a Toyota Hiace bus owned by Chisco Transport Company, with registration number KJA 405 YJ.

“The bus was en route to Abuja from Lagos when it came under attack.

“A coordinated response by security operatives led to the rescue of one victim, identified as 56-year-old Adoun Julius. The vehicle was also recovered and has been taken to the police station for further action.

“The commissioner of police, Naziru Kankarofi, has assured the public that the command is fully on top of the situation,” she said.

Ms Saliu said the joint team of the police, military, and other security agencies has intensified bush-combing and search-and-rescue operations to free the remaining abducted passengers.

According to Ms Saliu, the suspects linked to the attack have been arrested and are in custody, assisting police investigations.

“The anti-kidnapping unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), backed by tactical teams, is leading the operation to ensure the safe rescue of victims and arrest of other perpetrators,” she added.

Police

Ms Saliu reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property. She said Mr Kankarofi warned criminal elements to desist, stating that “the full weight of the law will be decisively brought to bear on anyone found culpable”.

The police urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and to share credible information with security agencies.

Families or relatives of the victims have been asked to report to the SCID Headquarters in Lokoja, specifically the anti-kidnapping unit, to aid identification and investigations.

She said suspicious activities can be reported to the command’s control room on 07038329084 or 08152195982.