By George Mgbeleke

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the expulsion of several members following resolutions reached at its National Convention held on April 14, 2026, in Abuja.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the decision was taken after the adoption of a disciplinary motion against members found to have acted contrary to its constitution and values.

The affected individuals have ceased to be members of the party with immediate effect and are now free to explore other political platforms, while the ADC affirmed that any party willing to receive them is at liberty to do so. The party reiterated its commitment to discipline, internal democracy, and the rule of law.

The full statement reads:

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to inform the public that, pursuant to resolutions reached at its National Convention held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Rainbow Event Centre, Garki, Abuja, the Party has approved the expulsion of certain individuals for acts deemed inconsistent with its constitution, values, and disciplinary framework.

The affected individuals are Hon. Leke Abejide, Nafiu Bala Gombe, Mr. Kingsley Temitope Ogga, Mr. Don Norman Obinna, Mr. Kennedy Odion, Mr. Clement Ehigiator, Mrs. Stella Chukwuma, Patrick Ambut, Johny Tovie Derek, Duke Dick, and Elias Adikwu.

This decision followed the consideration and adoption of a motion on the discipline of erring members, duly presented and ratified by delegates at the Convention under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator David Mark, GCON, National Chairman of the Party.

With this action, the affected individuals cease to be members of the African Democratic Congress with immediate effect. Consequently, they are now at liberty to explore other political platforms, and any political party that may wish to receive them is free to do so.

The Party reiterates its unwavering commitment to discipline, internal democracy, and the rule of law. The ADC will continue to uphold the highest standards of accountability as it consolidates its position as a credible and viable alternative for Nigerians.

By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the troubling culture of political recycling of individuals facing serious allegations of financial misconduct, warning that such practices undermine public confidence in governance and the anti-corruption campaign.

The group recalled the controversial remark attributed to former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, that “once you join the APC, your sins are forgiven,” describing it as symbolic of growing public suspicion regarding political accountability within the ruling All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress).

HURIWA questioned whether the APC has become “a haven for suspected thieves of public funds,” stressing that such perceptions—whether fair or not—pose a serious reputational risk to Nigeria’s democratic institutions and anti-corruption efforts.

The association specifically raised concerns over the political trajectory of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, noting that his emergence in ongoing political realignments comes amid lingering allegations being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the group, the use of an entire state political structure as a bargaining tool in political negotiations further raises questions about the ethical foundations of such realignments and the sincerity of Nigeria’s commitment to accountability in public life.

HURIWA maintained that the central objective of its position is to establish the principle that individuals facing unresolved allegations of serious financial impropriety should not be considered fit to contest any elective office until they have fully cleared their names of such accusations, including those relating to alleged mismanagement or diversion of public funds.

It stressed that allowing individuals under such a cloud of suspicion to freely recycle into elective positions without resolution of their cases risks weakening public trust and sending the wrong signal about consequences for alleged abuse of office.

However, the organisation clarified that its position does not amount to a declaration of guilt against any individual, but rather a principled call for due process, transparency, and institutional integrity.

The statement was issued by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, who reiterated that no political party affiliation should be interpreted as immunity from scrutiny or investigation.

He urged anti-corruption agencies to remain firm, impartial, and consistent in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, warning that selective accountability would further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.

By David Owei, Bayelsa

Former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, who represented Southern Ijaw Constituency iv High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei has emerged as President of the apex Ijaw sociocultural organisation, the Ijaw National Congress (INC)World wide with 317 votes.

The regent of Belema Community in the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royalty, Anyanate Kio was also elected as National Secretary of the group.

Declaring the result of the 13th April 2026 INC national executive council elections, Chairman of the electoral Committee, HRM. Justice F.F. Tabai (rtd) said Igbadiwei polled 317 votes out of a total 685 votes to defeat other candidates who vied for the position, while Kio scored 284 votes to emerge as Scribe of the organization.

In his acceptance speech, the INC President-elect calls for peace and unity among the ljaw people, promising to aggressively agitate for resource control, and ensuring that more oil blocs are allocated to ljaw people by the federal government.

“I want to thank the National electoral committee of the INC Chaired by the Honourable Justice F.F. Tabai(rtd) for conducting a free, fair and credible election.

“I will not disappoint ljaw nation for the confidence reposed on me. We’ll make sure more oil blocks are awarded to Ijaw people by the Federal Government, and we will take the agitation for resource control to the front burner.

“We’ll work for peace and unity of our people. Ijaw nation has again made history. INEC should learn from the example set by the national electoral committee of the INC”, the President-elect said.

Meanwhile, Speaking shortly after receiving his certificate of return, the INC Secretary-elect and regent of Belema community, Kio dedicated his victory to Ijaw people world over.
He stressed that his landslide win was made possible by the numerous Ijaws whose lives have been impacted by his contributions to societal peace and development.

Our correspondent learned that until his election, Kio was the Leader of the National Representatives Council(NRC), of the INC.

“In my tenure as scribe of the the INC, I would continue to tow the path of peace and development in Ijaw land. It is my desire to forge stronger synergy with all members of NEC, and other strata of the INC.

“I’m dedicating this victory to the great people of Ijaw nation. Without them this victory wouldn’t have come. This victory is in recognition of my great contributions to the peace and progress of Ijaw nation.

“When you’re given a task to handle and you do it well, it’s expected that this sort of reciprocation would come. I thank all delegates and Ijaws for the confidence reposed in my by turning in their votes to make me win this election”, he said.

Others elected are, the pioneer President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dr Felix Tuodolo as Vice President one, Chief Kennedy Odiowei, Vice President three, Same Rosemary Obuoforibo, Vice President two, Barr. Marshall Abraham, National Assistant Secretary, Dr Sheriff Mulade, National Treasurer, Elder Gabriel Benamaisia, Auditor, amongst others.

However, two right activists, Chief T. K Ogoriba and chief Nengi James, boycotted the election.

Other presidential aspirants scored thus; Prof Erepamo Osaisai 152, Engr Wodu 53, Comrade TK Ogoriba 11 and Nengi James 4 votes,respectively