News
ADC Raises Alarm Over INEC Landmines – Plot To Prevent Party From Fielding Candidates
ADC Raises Alarm Over INEC Landmines – Plot To Prevent Party From Fielding Candidates
ADC Raises Alarm Over INEC Landmines. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has revealed the deliberate administrative landmines being deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent the Party from fielding candidates in the upcoming elections.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party stated that at the heart of this emerging crisis is INEC’s stated position that it will no longer receive any correspondence from the ADC pending the determination of a matter before the Federal High Court. On its face, this may appear procedural. In reality, it creates a direct and dangerous conflict with the clear timelines imposed by the Electoral Act (2026), which provides defined windows, including the mandatory 21-day notice period and subsequent submission requirements, within which political parties must complete critical electoral processes.
The full statement reads:
We are compelled to raise serious concerns about a developing situation that appears designed to prevent the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from fielding candidates in the upcoming elections. It is based on documentary evidence which we are now placing before the Nigerian public, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the Commission’s own sworn affidavit. Taken together, these documents establish a clear and consistent record of events.
INEC received formal notice of the July 29, 2025 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ADC. It deployed officials to monitor that meeting. It documented the proceedings and received formal reports from its field officers. Following this, INEC updated its internal records and uploaded the names of the new leadership, including Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
These are not claims. They are facts contained in INEC’s own records.
In addition, the Commission’s sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court, in its response to Nafiu Bala Gombe on 12 September 2025, particularly in Clauses 14 to 19, affirms key legal principles: that the leadership transition had already been completed and recognized, that such internal party matters fall outside the scope of judicial interference, that completed acts cannot be reversed by injunction, and also recognizes the David Mark-led NWC.
Yet, despite this clear documentary trail, INEC has now taken the position that it will no longer receive any correspondence from the ADC pending the determination of a matter before the Federal High Court. This is where the contradiction becomes dangerous.
The Electoral Act imposes strict timelines on political parties, including the 21-day notice requirement and submission deadlines. INEC itself has fixed May 10 as the deadline for the submission of relevant documents. However, by refusing to receive communication from the ADC within this same period, the Commission is effectively preventing the Party from complying with the law.
In simple terms, INEC is effectively threatening that unless the courts deliver judgment on the ADC leadership issue by May 10, it will prevent the ADC from producing candidates.
This places the ADC in an impossible position and creates a clear pathway to artificial non-compliance, which can then be used to justify excluding the Party from fielding candidates. That is the landmine.
INEC has claimed that its April 1 decision was taken to avoid rendering the proceedings before the Federal High Court nugatory. The reality is the opposite. By intervening in a matter already before the court and issuing a pronouncement with clear legal and operational consequences, the Commission has itself undermined the very process it claims to protect.
ADC
What is even more concerning is that this position contradicts INEC’s own prior conduct and legal stance. The same Commission that monitored, documented, recognized, and swore to an affidavit confirming the ADC leadership is now acting in a way that contradicts its earlier position.
We therefore call on the Commission to immediately reverse this position, resume the acceptance of all lawful correspondence from the ADC, and uphold its constitutional responsibility to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
We also call on Nigerians to be wary and remain vigilant about these dangerous machinations to subvert Nigeria’s democracy and impose a civilian dictatorship on the country.
Signed:
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
News
NAF, Oyo Deepen Strategic Partnership To Advance Aviation Capability, Security And National Development
NAF, Oyo Deepen Strategic Partnership To Advance Aviation Capability, Security And National Development
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Oyo State Government have taken significant steps towards strengthening institutional collaboration following a visit by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal SK Aneke, at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, on Friday, 24 July 2026.
Eereporter.com
Discussions focused on a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will facilitate strategic cooperation in the operation and maintenance of the Oyo State Government’s newly acquired Diamond DA-42 aircraft, reinforcing a shared commitment to enhancing aviation capability, security and sustainable development.
Governor Makinde expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its unwavering support to Oyo State, particularly its vital role during the recent rescue operation involving abducted students in Oriire Local Government Area.
He commended the professionalism and dedication of NAF personnel, noting that the Service’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) personnel operated tirelessly, day and night, to provide critical situational awareness that significantly supported the operation.
The Governor further observed that the intelligence and operational insights shared by the Nigerian Air Force have also provided valuable perspectives that will help shape the State’s technology-driven security architecture and future security initiatives.
He also appreciated the Service for supporting the accommodation of the State’s aircraft and expressed the desire to expand collaboration in aviation operations and post-service housing initiatives for the benefit of both institutions.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the Nigerian Air Force, describing the proposed partnership as a reflection of the Service’s professionalism, operational excellence and enduring relationship with the people of Oyo State. Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to supporting the State Government in areas of mutual interest, assuring that the necessary frameworks would be explored to facilitate a mutually beneficial collaboration.
NAF, Oyo
He further commended Governor Makinde’s visionary leadership and reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve to continue fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen national security, promote innovation, enhance personnel welfare and accelerate socio-economic development.
Eereporter.com
CDS Charges Air-To-Ground Integration Graduands To Strengthen Joint Operational Capability
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged newly qualified Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) and Joint Fire Observers (JFOs) to apply their specialised skills in strengthening joint military operations and enhancing operational effectiveness across the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
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Represented by the Director Liaison, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Garba Bello, the CDS gave the charge during the graduation ceremony of the Advanced Air-to-Ground Integration Course 4/2026 held at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi.
He emphasised that effective air-ground integration remains indispensable in today’s complex security environment, as it enhances mission success while reducing the risks of friendly fire and collateral damage.
He also commended the successful evolution of the programme into a fully indigenous training capability delivered by Nigerian instructors, describing it as a major milestone in building sustainable national capacity for joint operations in line with the Chief of the Air Staff’s commitment to strengthening jointness, mission-oriented training and operational excellence.
A total of 53 personnel comprising 16 JTACs and 37 Joint Fire Observers (JFOs) drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force successfully completed the intensive 16-week programme.
Through rigorous classroom instruction, simulation exercises and practical field training culminating in live Close Air Support missions using A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, the participants acquired the expertise required to coordinate close air support, facilitate effective joint fires integration, and provide accurate targeting information that enhances commanders’ decision-making and the effective employment of joint fires.
The enhanced capability is expected to improve the precision, responsiveness and effectiveness of joint operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other emerging security threats across the country.
Earlier, the Director General, Air Power Centre of Excellence, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, described the graduation as another significant milestone in institutionalising doctrine-driven air-to-ground integration and developing a specialised cadre capable of strengthening the vital link between air power and surface forces.
Also speaking, the Commandant, Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Air Vice Marshal Garba Ibrahim Jibia, noted that the graduates are now equipped with the knowledge, procedures and interoperability required to coordinate joint fires in accordance with established operational doctrine.
CDS Charges Air-To-Ground Integration Graduands
The ceremony featured a live air-to-ground targeting demonstration, a video presentation of field exercises, and the presentation of awards and certificates to outstanding graduands, reinforcing the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to developing a highly professional, mission-ready and interoperable force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.
Eereporter.com
Arsenal Moves For Vinicius Jr As Real Madrid Push For Diomand
Arsenal are exploring a potential deal for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, while the Spanish giants are reportedly advancing their efforts to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande.
Eereporter.com
Sky Sports News on Saturday reported that there has been no club-to-club contact between Arsenal and Real Madrid over Vinicius, but the Premier League club’s interest is genuine.
The Brazilian is one of several forwards Arsenal are exploring, with Julian Alvarez, Diomande and Bradley Barcola also among their options.
Vinicius, 26, has entered the final year of his contract with Real Madrid. If an agreement cannot be reached on a new deal, the Spanish club could be open to selling him rather than risk losing the Brazil international for free next summer.
The situation has also been linked to Real Madrid’s interest in Diomande.
Sky Sports, Talk Sports and other reports said the Spanish club had an £85.4m bid rejected by RB Leipzig for the 19-year-old Ivorian winger, while Liverpool and Arsenal have also shown interest.
A report carried by Yahoo Sports said the developments could provide a boost to Arsenal’s hopes of signing Vinicius, with the Brazilian potentially open to a move if Real Madrid complete a deal for Diomande as his replacement.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Diomande has reportedly intensified, with talkSPORT reporting that the club is advancing its efforts to sign the winger after its initial bid was rejected.
The report said Diomande had initially preferred a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but the lack of a completed agreement between PSG and Leipzig had left room for Madrid to pursue the deal.
Sky Sports’ Peter Smith described a potential move for Vinicius as a “jaw-dropping addition” for Arsenal.
“It’s well known Arsenal are aiming to strengthen their left-wing options this summer – but a deal for Brazil ace Vinicius Junior would be a jaw-dropping addition,” Smith said.
Vinicius was runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting and is regarded as one of Real Madrid’s leading attacking players.
He has also been named one of the club’s captains for the new season, according to Brazilian outlet ge, which reported that he would wear the armband in the absence of Federico Valverde.
The report also noted that Vinicius’ relationship with new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho had been in focus.
“However, it is understood the player and head coach have been in touch since an incident last season which saw Vinicius Jr abused by Mourinho’s Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni and that the pair were ready to start this new campaign together with a clean slate.
“But with Arsenal’s interest being reported, there is now the possibility Vinicius Jnr will be kicking off the 2026/27 season in the Premier League,” the report said.
Arsenal have been looking to strengthen their left-wing options this summer.
The club sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17m and signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m, while Gabriel Martinelli scored one Premier League goal last season.
Arsenal Moves For Vinicius Jr
Arsenal’s interest in Vinicius remains exploratory, with no club-to-club contact reported, while Diomande is being pursued by Real Madrid and has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
A move for Diomande could therefore have implications for the transfer market around Vinicius, although no deal has been agreed for either player.
Eereporter.com
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