There is a simple truth about power: it can make nations forget. Not just forget others; but forget themselves. The story of the United States of America (USA) is, in many ways, the story of a country that rose to greatness on the strength of ideas – freedom, democracy, opportunity – but has often struggled to live by those same ideals when dealing with the rest of the world. To understand this tension, let’s go back to the end of World War II. Much of Europe was in ruins. Millions were dead. On the premise of that devastation, the USA stepped forward; not just as a victor, but as a builder. It helped rebuild broken economies, supported new international institutions, and positioned itself as a defender of liberty. At that moment, America looked less like an empire but more like a hope. But history rarely moves in straight lines. Following the emergence of the Cold War, fear began to shape decisions. The rise of communism was seen not just as a political threat, but as an existential one. In a desperate effort to stop it, the United States continually abandoned the very democratic principles it claimed to defend. Governments were influenced, elections were undermined, and in some cases, leaders were removed; not because they were tyrants, but because they were seen as ideologically inconvenient for American democracy to tolerate. To the ordinary people in parts of Latin America, Africa, and Asia, “freedom” as it were, began to feel selective. Then came Vietnam—a war that still echoes in global memory. For many Americans, it was a painful chapter filled with loss and national introspection. For the Vietnamese, it was something deeper: a devastating conflict that tore through families, villages, and generations. The tragedy was not just in the scale of destruction, but in the stubborn belief that power alone could dictate outcomes in a land with its own history, identity, and will. One might think such a lesson would be unforgettable. Decades later, history seemed to whisper the same warning. Once again, it went largely unheeded. The 2003 invasion of Iraq was presented as a necessary act to eliminate a looming threat. But when the promised weapons of mass destruction were not found, what remained was a fractured nation, deepened instability, and a region struggling to recover. For many outside the United States, the war reinforced a familiar perception: that American power often acts first and reflects later. Yet, it would be unfair and inaccurate to paint the United States as simply oppressive. The country is far more complex than that. It is a place where citizens protest wars, where journalists question authority, and where students debate justice and history with passion. During Vietnam and Iraq, millions of Americans themselves raised their voices in dissent. That matters. It shows that within the system, there is a conscience. Meanwhile, when conscience is ignored by power, it becomes frustration. History offers several warnings about what happens when powerful nations stop listening. The Roman Empire once stretched across continents, confident in its strength, yet ultimately weakened by internal decay and overexpansion. The British Empire ruled vast territories, only to watch them slip away as people demanded dignity and self-rule. These were not sudden collapses. They were slow realizations that power without fairness cannot last. Sooner or later, it evaporates. That not withstanding, there is something unique about how America sees itself. The idea of “exceptionalism.” Different as they perceive it, America see it as being perhaps even immune from the fate of past empires. It runs deep into the country’s political culture.
Trump
Exceptionalism is an idea that inspires confidence, but also, at times, blinds. This is because, history does not grant exemptions. Today, the world is changing. Countries like China and Russia are asserting themselves more forcefully, challenging the idea that one nation alone can shape global affairs. Power is therefore becoming more distributed, more contested, and more complex. It is against this backdrop that domination is no longer as effective as cooperation in the fast unfolding World politics. For many people outside the United States including here in Nigeria, global politics is not an abstract debate. Far from that! It affects real lives: fuel prices, security concerns, economic opportunities, even social tensions. When powerful countries act without listening, smaller nations often bear the consequences. That is why the question of whether America learns from history is not just an American issue—it is a global one. The encouraging reality, however, is that the United States of America still has the ability to change course. Its greatest strength has never been just its military or economy, but its capacity for self-reflection. It has, at different moments in its history, corrected itself—sometimes slowly, sometimes painfully, but meaningfully. The civil rights movement, the end of unpopular wars, the expansion of democratic rights—these are reminders that learning is possible. But learning requires humility. It requires asking difficult questions: Are we listening enough? Are we acting justly? Are we repeating what we once criticized in others? Power, when guided by wisdom, can build. But power without memory and the discipline to learn from past mistakes could easily result to destruction. The paradox of the United States of America is that it remains both a teacher and a student of democracy. It teaches through its ideals, but it is still learning how to apply them consistently. That, perhaps, is the real story: not of a villain, but of a nation still struggling to align its strength with its values. The paradox remains: a nation that Teaches the World about democracy, yet struggles to apply it’s principles consistently beyond it’s borders. History is watching. The world is watching as the US-Israeli’s imposed war on Iran rages.
– Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, Abuja based veteran journalist can be reached on: nowmalik@gmail.com
No fewer than 50 patients have been confirmed dead at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, from an outbreak of Lassa fever in Taraba State. The Head of Clinical Services at the hospital, Dr Suleiman Abubakar Kirim, in an interview with journalists, described the development as the most severe outbreak. According to him, a total of 226 suspected cases were admitted at the facility, out of which 95 were laboratory-confirmed. He said that out of the confirmed cases, 50 patients died, while 20 others have been successfully treated and discharged. Dr. Kirim said that new cases are still being reported and that the current situation represents the highest number of suspected cases and fatalities recorded by the centre in recent years. He was confident that the rate of infection would decline with the onset of the rainy season, explaining that Lassa fever transmission is typically higher during the dry season. The hospital management said that recently introduced service packs are aimed at ensuring standardisation, efficiency, safety, and accountability in healthcare delivery. The management emphasised that, in the context of recurring infectious, disease outbreaks such as Lassa fever, the importance of controlled and structured healthcare systems cannot be overstated. It noted that the service pack system is not unique to FMC Jalingo but is a standard practice in leading tertiary institutions across Nigeria, including Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. It said that similar systems are also used in advanced health systems in countries such as Ghana, the United States, India, and South Africa. According to the management, service packs play a critical role in infection prevention and control by ensuring the availability of sterile and properly structured consumables. “The absence of properly structured and sterile consumables, or reliance on repeatedly handled materials, increases the risk of transmission to healthcare workers and other patients, with potentially severe public health consequences. “Service packs therefore serve as a frontline safeguard for both patients and medical personnel.”
There’s no doubt that Nigeria has long emerged as a nation of diverse faith, ethnicity and culture. In that context therefore, the pursuit of religious harmony has become not just a moral aspiration but a strategic imperative for national security and sustainable development. Over the years, Nigeria has grappled with recurrent religious tension, misinformation and identity-based conflicts. Such tensions have continually threatened its unity and undermined its socio-economic progress. These are the factors that have brought about the need for innovative, coordinated and credible platforms that can bridge the divides for the purpose of fostering dialogue. The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria), which stands as unique intersection of media practice and interfaith engagement, stands as one of such platforms that deserves greater national attention and institutional support. As a professional body made up of experienced journalists, editors, communication experts and faith-conscious media practitioners, the Guild is strategically positioned to influence public discourse, counter harmful stereotypes and promote narratives that emphasize co-existence, mutual respect and shared national values. It must be stressed that so far, the great potential of the group has remained barely noticed and therefore underutilized. It is therefore imperative for government institutions, faith leaders and interfaith non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to deliberately leverage GIMP-Nigeria as a partner in advancing religious harmony and strengthening national security. It is a fact well known across the world that the role of the media in shaping perceptions is unquatifiable. This is backgrounded in the dictum which says that conflicts are not only fought on the ground but amplified or de-escalated through the media. For example, sensational reporting, biased framing and the spread of unverified information have, at times, exacerbated tensions between religious communities in Nigeria. Conversely, responsible journalism that prioritizes accuracy, balance and sensitivity can serve as a powerful tool for peacebuilding. This is where GIMP-Nigeria’s mandate becomes critical. By promoting ethical reporting on religious issues and training media practitioners in conflict-sensitive journalism, the Guild can help transform the media landscape from one that sometimes fuels division to one that actively promotes unity. For the Nigerian government, particularly agencies responsible for information, security and national orientation, partnering with GIMP-Nigeria offers a cost-effective and impactful strategy for peace promotion. Rather than relying solely on top-down communication approaches, the government can benefit from the Guild’s grassroots networks and professional expertise to disseminate messages of tolerance and counter extremist narratives. Through joint campaigns, public enlightenment programmes and media training workshops, GIMP-Nigeria can serve as a trusted intermediary between the state and the citizenry, thereby enhancing credibility and public trust. Faith leaders, who wield significant influence over millions of Nigerians also have a critical role to play. The fact can not be controverted that their messages reach only their immediate congregations, but by collaborating with GIMP-Nigeria, they can amplify their voices across wider audiences through structured media engagement. The Guild can help translate sermons and interfaith dialogues into compelling media content: news features, documentaries, radio programmes and social media campaigns, reaching far audiences beyond the pulpit. This synergy can ensure that messages of peace are not confined to places of worship but become part of the national conversation. Interfaith NGOs, many of which are already doing commendable work in promoting dialogue and reconciliation can also benefit from the media expertise that GIMP-Nigeria provides. Too often, impactful grassroots initiatives remain under-reported, thereby limiting their reach and replication. By integrating GIMP-Nigeria into their programmes, these organizations can enhance visibility, document success stories and influence policy through strategic communication. The Guild’s members, trained in both media practice and interfaith sensitivity, are well-equipped to tell stories that inspire hope, challenge prejudice and highlight the dividends of peaceful coexistence. Beyond collaboration, there is also a need for institutional support. Government agencies and development partners should consider funding capacity-building initiatives led by GIMP-Nigeria, including training programmes on conflict-sensitive reporting, fact-checking and digital literacy. In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly through social media, equipping media practitioners with the skills to verify information and counter false narratives is essential for national security. GIMP-Nigeria can serve as a hub for such capacity-building efforts, ensuring that journalists and communicators across the country are better prepared to handle sensitive religious issues responsibly. Moreover, the inclusion of GIMP-Nigeria in national peacebuilding frameworks and security strategies can enhance policy coherence. Too often, media engagement is treated as an afterthought in conflict prevention and response. Recognizing GIMP-Nigeria as a strategic partner can help mainstream communication into peace and security initiatives, ensuring that narratives are aligned with broader national objectives. This approach not only addresses the symptoms of conflict but also tackles its underlying drivers, such as mistrust, misinformation and identity-based polarization. The private sector and international development partners also have a role to play. Corporate organizations, particularly those operating in conflict-prone areas, have a vested interest in promoting stability. By supporting GIMP-Nigeria’s initiatives as part of their corporate social responsibility, they can contribute to a more peaceful operating environment. Similarly, international donors working on governance, peacebuilding and media development can partner with the Guild to scale up its impact and share best practices across regions. Ultimately, the quest for religious harmony and national security in Nigeria requires a whole-of-society approach. No single actor, whether government, religious institution, or civil society organization can achieve this goal in isolation. What is needed is a collaborative framework that leverages the strengths of each stakeholder. GIMP-Nigeria offers a ready-made platform for such collaboration, combining professional media expertise with a deep commitment to interfaith understanding. As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex socio-political landscape, the importance of credible, responsible and peace-oriented communication cannot be overstated. By embracing and empowering GIMP-Nigeria, the nation has an opportunity to harness the power of the media as a force for unity rather than division. The time to act is now. Government agencies, faith leaders and interfaith NGOs must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to integrate GIMP-Nigeria into their peacebuilding and security strategies. In doing so, Nigeria will not only strengthen its internal cohesion but also set an example for other multi-religious societies grappling with similar challenges. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, understanding and mutual respect. Through strategic partnerships with institutions like GIMP-Nigeria, that vision can become a reality.
The writer, Yusuf Ozi-Usman is the Director of Programmes Development, and member of the Governing Board of the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria). He can be reached at oziusman@yahoo.com
National chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda has advocated the deployment of modern surveillance and intelligence-driven technology, including Artificial Intelligence-powered cameras, drones, advanced tracking systems and real-time intelligence gathering mechanisms, to detect, monitor and neutralize criminal elements in the country before they strike. He said that the present era of sophisticated criminality demands smarter, faster and more sophisticated security responses and that the protection of lives and property must be driven not only by manpower, but also by technology, intelligence, precision and accountability. The APC chairman, who along with the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, received President Bola Tinubu in Jos, the state capital, condemned the killings of innocent residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area in the strongest and most unequivocal terms. Professor Nentawe Yilwatda described the attack as inhuman, cowardly, reprehensible and a direct assault on the peace, unity and soul of Plateau State. According to him, the continued shedding of innocent blood in Plateau is not only unacceptable but a national tragedy that must no longer be treated with routine outrage and temporary responses. In a Statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the National Chairman on Media and Communications stategy, Yilwatda stressed that the time has come for deliberate, coordinated, and result-oriented efforts by all relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that such dastardly and unconscionable acts never happen again in Plateau State or anywhere else in the country. Professor Yilwatda called on leaders of communities across Plateau State to become more vigilant, responsive, and proactive in identifying and reporting suspicious movements and security threats within their domains. He noted that the recurring pattern of killings strongly suggests that many of those behind these heinous acts are not ghosts or invisible invaders, but criminal elements and miscreants living within or around the communities, exploiting local vulnerabilities to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens. He said that these evil perpetrators must no longer be shielded by silence, fear, complicity, or communal indifference. He insisted that they must be identified, exposed, apprehended, and made to face the full wrath of the law. The APC National Chairman charged security agencies to urgently rethink and upgrade their security architecture and operational methods in tackling the persistent violence in Plateau State. He emphasized that the security agencies cannot continue to deploy outdated tactics against increasingly adaptive and ruthless criminal networks and expect a different outcome. He said that Plateau cannot continue to mourn in cycles, while the enemies of peace roam freely and repeatedly unleash terror on innocent citizens. Professor Yilwatda also drew attention to the grave economic implications of insecurity in Plateau State, lamenting that the state, which is richly blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant tourism assets, and enormous economic potential, has continued to suffer avoidable setbacks due to persistent violence. He noted that Plateau has long been celebrated as a peaceful and attractive destination with some of Nigeria’s most vibrant tourism centres, cultural attractions, and agricultural potential, but all of these opportunities remain vulnerable and stunted in the face of recurring attacks. According to him, no economy can thrive where fear reigns, no investment can flourish where blood is spilled, and no society can truly prosper where innocent citizens live under the shadow of insecurity. He warned that without adequate protection of lives and communities, the social and economic future of the state could be severely paralysed, thereby depriving the people, especially young people, of prosperity, stability, and hope. Professor Yilwatda therefore called for a whole-of-society approach to ending the violence in Plateau, urging traditional institutions, religious leaders, political actors, youth groups, women’s groups, security operatives, and community stakeholders to work together in honesty and patriotism to restore peace and stability. During the visit, other leaders from across Plateau State also spoke passionately on the disturbing security situation in the state and the urgent need for decisive and sustained intervention to halt the bloodshed and restore confidence among the people. As part of the visit, President Tinubu, accompanied by Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former leaders, and other key stakeholders, paid a visit to the families of the affected victims of the Angwan Rukuba attack. The visit to the bereaved families was a moving moment of compassion and national mourning, as the President shared in their pain and offered words of comfort, reassurance and solidarity in the face of unimaginable loss.
Nurses serving in the General Hospital of Kuje Area Council have emerged the best amongst others across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the health care delivery. An award insignia from the FCTA Hospitals Management Board Nursing Department tagged it: “award of Efficiency and Responsiveness.” It said that the award has been conferred on Nurses in Kuje General Hospital “in recognition of their exceptional synergy, responsiveness and unwavery commitment to administrative excellence.”
It added: “with coordinated teamwork, effective and swift action, the (Nursing) unit has consistently upheld the highest standard, setting a benchmark for health care delivery within the federal capital Territory for the 2025.” The award, dated March 31, 2026 was signed by the Director of Nursing Services in the Board. There are 14 general hospitals in the six Area Councils of the federal capital city, each with no fewer than 100 serving nurses. Meanwhile, the winning Kuje Nurses are already patting one another on the back for the feat even as they prayed that the authority would reward them for their dedication to the service of the health care delivery of the FCT Administration, led by Minister Barrister Nyeson Wike.
As Christians across Nigeria and the world celebrate Easter, the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria), has advised Nigerians to seize the spiritual significance of the season to promote religious tolerance and national unity. The group said that this is a pathway to sustainable socio-economic development. In a statement today, April 3, Director of Governmental Relations, Mallam Idris Abdullahi, said that the group wanted Nigerians to see Easter beyond its theological meaning, adding that it offers an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the values that bind the nation together. Abdullahi, who is also a member of the body’s Governing Board, noted that in a country as religiously and culturally diverse as Nigeria, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence remain indispensable for progress. He noted that, over the years, religious intolerance has contributed to social fragmentation, insecurity, and economic stagnation in parts of the country. He said that GIMP-Nigeria insisted on interfaith harmony which is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic necessity for national development. “No nation can achieve meaningful socio-economic growth in an atmosphere of suspicion, division, and conflict. Peaceful coexistence among religious groups creates the enabling environment for investment, innovation, and inclusive governance.” He called on religious leaders, media practitioners, civil society organisations and government institutions to use the Easter season as a platform to amplify messages of peace, dialogue, and understanding. GIMP-Nigeria, he said, urged faith leaders to preach sermons that emphasise tolerance, compassion, and respect for human dignity, regardless of religious affiliation. He also highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and promoting interfaith dialogue. It encouraged journalists to adopt responsible reporting practices that avoid sensationalism and instead promote narratives that unite rather than divide. ‘The media must rise above divisive tendencies and become a force for national cohesion. Through balanced and ethical reporting, we can build bridges of understanding among Nigeria’s diverse communities.” He appealed to Nigerians, especially the youth, to reject hate speech, misinformation and extremist ideologies that threaten the country’s unity. He also advised citizens to embrace the spirit of Easter by showing kindness, forgiveness, and solidarity with one another, saying that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and that harnessing this diversity through religious tolerance is key to unlocking the nation’s vast socio-economic potential. “Let this Easter be a kicker to our resolve to collectively choose peace over conflict, dialogue over discord, and unity over division.”
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan has reminded those demanding that he should be sacked or resign that they are attacking the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Any call for my removal outside the constitutional process amounts to a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire.” In a statement reacting to the demand by the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark for his sack or resignation, Professor Amupitan said that INEC came into existence under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and that his appointment, tenure and removal as Chairman and that of the National Commissioners are clearly provided for under Section 157 of the Constitution. Professor Amupitan insisted that INEC was right in disowning the leadership of the ADC, adding he is not in office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. He said that INEC’s decision to comply with the judgment of the Court of Appeal in the case of the ADC was to avoid a repeat of past experiences where disobedience of court orders led to grave consequences. He recalled situations in Zamfara and Plateau States where elected officials were removed by election tribunals on account of non-compliance with court judgments. He also referenced a preservative order restraining the Commission from taking steps that could render pending processes before the Federal High Court nugatory, saying that monitoring the congresses or convention of the David Mark-led faction would have amounted to disobedience of that order. According to Professor Amupitan, INEC had initially accepted and approved the David Mark Executive Committee on September 9, 2025, seven days after the matter was filed at the Federal High Court and that the order to maintain status quo ante bellum required adherence to the position of parties before the dispute escalated. He said that Section 287(2) of the Constitution mandates every authority in Nigeria not only to obey but also to enforce the judgments of the Court of Appeal. Responding to allegations that 8NEC actions undermine the multi-party system, he described the claims as unfounded. He pointed to the recent registration and recognition of three new political parties, bringing the total number of active political parties to 22, as evidence of INEC commitment to expanding democratic space. The Commission chairman stressed that INEC remains a neutral regulator and not a participant in political competition. On the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, Professor Amupitan condemned attempts to politicise what he described as a professional and administrative necessity. According to him, the decision to revalidate the National Register of Voters predates his appointment as Chairman and is aimed at strengthening the integrity of the register, which contains data spanning from 2011 to 2024. He said that the exercise is designed to confirm the status of registered voters, address issues arising from transfers, multiple registrations and deceased persons and enhance the reliability of voter data. He said that the revalidation is an administrative audit, not a fresh registration, and is not targeted at any region, party or demographic group. According to him, the exercise will be conducted uniformly across all Local Government Areas and Polling Units, with robust digital options to ensure ease of access. The chairman said that detailed modalities for the exercise will be made public in due course and that all stakeholders will be fully carried along. He said that the Commission is currently focused on preparations for the Ekiti State governorship election in June 2026 and the Osun State governorship election in August 2026, assuring Nigerians that he will not be distracted by unfounded allegations of collusion or bias. Reaffirming his commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law, the Commission chairman said that decisions are based on thorough evaluation and in alignment with the legal framework governing the operations.
National chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark has made it clear that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no power to determine who leads the party and any other political party in Nigeria. He said: “INEC does not have the power to determine for any political party who its leaders should be.” Speaking at a world press conference today, April 2, in reaction to INEC’s announcement yesterday that it did not recognize any leader of the ADC, David Mark said that there was no time that the ADC did not have a duly constituted leadership. In the text of the world press conference titled: “this attack on democracy will not stand,” Senator David Mark accused INEC of being “irredeemably partisan, working, as it were, towards a preconceived agenda. With its action, this INEC has left no one in doubt that it has chosen the path of dishonour and has become complicit in undermining Nigeria’s democracy. “It therefore can no longer be trusted.” The ADC collectively demanded the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and all the National Commissioners. “We no longer have confidence in them. We are convinced that they are incapable of conducting any credible election.” Senator David Mark made it clear that the party would continue with its activities, including the National Convention scheduled for April 9 with all the officers intact, warning that INEC should be held responsible for whatever ugly incidence that may crop up. The full text of David Mark’s world press conference is reproduced hereunder: On behalf of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and lovers of democracy, I welcome you all to this world press conference. Since 1999, Nigeria has been under democratic rule. After 27 years, we thought we could proudly celebrate the entrenchment of democracy, believing that the country’s dictatorial past has receded into history. Our experience in the past three years or so since President Bola Tinubu came to power has however confirmed otherwise. Democracy is only sustained by the quality of freedom that it offers and guarantees, especially the freedom to choose, the freedom to participate, and the freedom to associate. These freedoms are so critical to democracy that without them, democracy dies. Yet, in the past three years, we have witnessed a relentless assault on these very freedoms. The agenda is very clear, to create a situation where, in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only option left for the people, despite the widespread suffering and wanton killings going on across the country. The twin challenge of deepening poverty, and worsening security situation in the country did not just happen. They are direct consequences of the failure of this government. They know that Nigerians will not want this to continue. They know Nigerians will vote them out. This is why they would do anything to hang on to power by hook or crook. Background to the Coalition The coalition of opposition parties came about as a result of a collective search for democratic freedom and the desire to resist what was clearly a relentless assault on opposition political parties. The coalition leaders decided to come together under ADC to save multi-party democracy in Nigeria and rescue Nigeria from what was clearly an emerging dictatorship. We did not come to the ADC by chance. We did our due diligence. We fulfilled all the party’s constitutional requirements, as well as all wider requirements under the laws that guide the management and operation of political parties. In furtherance of this process, a NEC meeting was convened on July 29th, 2025, monitored by INEC officials. One of the conclusions of that NEC meeting was the dissolution of the National Working Committee of the party, and the ratification of a caretaker committee to take over the affairs of the party, with my humble self, David Mark, as the National Chairman; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary; as well as others who have since been serving as officers of the party. In addition to witnessing this process that brought in the new leadership of the party, a formal report of these resolutions was subsequently communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). On September 9th, 2025, INEC then uploaded the names of the relevant NWC members of the party, based on the NEC resolutions. One of the officials in the dissolved NWC was Nafiu Bala, who was one of the Deputy National Chairmen of the party. It is on record that Gombe resigned this position on 17th May, 2025. His resignation was also duly transmitted to INEC on the 12th of August, 2025. Regardless of his resignation, he decided to approach the courts on September 2nd, 2025, four clear months after his resignation, seeking to be recognised as the Chairman of the ADC. What this means is that by the 2nd of September, when he approached the courts, INEC was already aware that Secretary Aregbesola and I had been inaugurated on the 29th of July in a process monitored by INEC. INEC was also aware that Gombe had resigned his position before the said inauguration on the 29th of July. While this matter was in court, our team of lawyers approached the Court of Appeal, challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. In rejecting the appeal, the Court of Appeal ordered the parties including INEC to maintain the status quo ante bellum. After this ruling on March 12th, 2026, we noticed a flurry of activities by lawyers associated with Nafiu Bala, requesting INEC to recognise him as the new chairman, or to de-recognise Aregbesola and I as the secretary and chairman respectively, in a curious interpretation of what constitutes status quo ante bellum. But we knew all along that Nafiu Bala and his lawyers were not acting on their own volition. They had become willing tools in the hands of a ruling party that had lost all support and goodwill of the Nigerian people; a government that had become desperate to cling on to power by all means even if it meant throwing the country into avoidable crisis. In the past couple of months, ADC has become the only viable opposition party left in Nigeria. But this APC government does not want any opposition. While we were fully aware of all their desperate plans, we remained confident that no level of desperation would have driven the government and the INEC to take a direct action against the ruling of the court. But we were wrong. It was therefore to our surprise, yesterday, 1st of April, that INEC issued a press statement after the close of business hours, announcing that it had decided to withdraw recognition for both the ADC leadership, which I head, and the fictitious one purportedly led by Nafiu Bala, thereby creating a false equivalence between the parties. By purporting to recognizing Nafiu Bala as a faction, INEC seems to have conveniently forgotten that this individual had resigned his position, to the knowledge of INEC itself. The Legal Position The crux of the matter is the interpretation of what constitutes status quo ante bellum, which the Court of Appeal directed should be maintained. From all authoritative counsel at our disposal, there is no legal interpretation or precedent that could possibly lead to the outcome that INEC seeks to foist on our party. Based on its press statement of yesterday, INEC is pretending to be confused as to what constitutes the status quo ante bellum. If this was so, under the circumstances, what one would have expected was for INEC to approach the Court of Appeal to request a judicial interpretation of what truly represents the status quo under the circumstances. But it did not do this. While posturing to be neutral, its actions confirm that it has become irredeemably partisan, working, as it were, towards a preconceived agenda. With its action, this INEC has left no one in doubt that it has chosen the path of dishonour and has become complicit in undermining Nigeria’s democracy. It therefore can no longer be trusted. What we say in essence is this: INEC cannot choose to fix the status quo from the day it took the administrative action to upload the names of the new ADC officials on its website, because INEC does not have the power to determine for any political party who its leaders should be. That decision was taken on July 29th, not on September 9th. With its press release yesterday, INEC has invented a status quo that never existed, because there was no time that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) did not have a duly constituted leadership. What INEC has done is to create a situation that, by its own curious logic, leaves the ADC without leadership. This certainly cannot be the status quo that the Court of Appeal directed should be preserved. It is an INEC invention that is not known to any Nigerian law. There is only one conclusion that Nigerians can draw from the April 1st action taken by INEC: THE ELECTORAL UMPIRE HAS TAKEN SIDES. IT CAN NO LONGER BE TRUSTED. As a matter of fact, INEC has acted in contempt of the Court of Appeal and has therefore acted unlawfully. My fellow democrats, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. It is not the ADC that is under attack. This is a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy and the right of Nigerians to choose, participate, and exercise their rights as free citizens. We have witnessed how the APC-led Federal Government has undermined, compromised, and coerced other opposition political parties. The ADC has risen as the last bastion between Nigeria’s democracy and full-blown dictatorship. And this is what worries them. What is now unfolding is a concerted effort to dismantle that last bulwark. If we allow this to happen, it could signal the end of our democracy as we know it. If we yield to it, we would have become complicit by our inaction. We therefore hold it a duty to our democracy and the Nigerian people to say “no”. Right now, I speak to Nigerians at home and in diaspora. I also speak directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: with 90% of the National Assembly and over 30 of Nigeria’s 36 Governors in the APC, President Tinubu, what are you afraid of? If you are convinced that you have done well for the people who voted for you, why are you afraid of a free, fair, and transparent electoral contest? If you are indeed the democrat that you claim to be, why are you bent on destroying all opposition political parties? Let me reiterate for the record; there are no competing claims on the leadership of the ADC. Nafiu Bala has no locus whatsoever. INEC should have waited for the Court of Appeal to decide this matter. Instead, INEC went ahead to do the bidding of the ruling party. But let us be clear: the role of INEC over political parties is not administrative: it is not managerial: It is simply supervisory. For the avoidance of doubt, the leadership of ADC inaugurated at the 29th July 2025, NEC meeting remains the lawful leaders of the party. Party members and all Nigerians should therefore remain calm as there is no cause for alarm whatsoever. It is important to state the net implications of this decision taken by INEC, in case they had not thought of it, or they just do not care: First, by attempting to subvert the leadership of the ADC, INEC has already undermined our participation in the Osun and Ekiti elections taking place later this year. Secondly, we have our congresses starting on the 9th of April, 2026, ending with our convention on the 14th April, 2026. We have given due notice to INEC, and they have acknowledged receipt of that notice. This is what the law requires of us. Let us sound a note of warning. This INEC under Professor Joash Amupitan will be held directly responsible for whatever actions or reactions that follow this criminal path that it has chosen to take. Our demand is therefore clear: We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, and all the National Commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them. We are convinced that they are incapable of conducting any credible election. Let us also make it clear: we are proceeding with our party programmes, because there is nothing under the law that makes INEC’s attendance, a mandatory requirement. We have duly served INEC notice, and we will proceed accordingly. We also call on the international community to take note of INEC’s actions of April 1st, and of the restraint we are exercising today. We urge them to recognise the clear threat to Nigeria’s democracy and stability, and to hold accountable those who are undermining the integrity of the electoral process. We call on Nigerians to defend our democracy. This is a defining moment. Stand firm. Speak out. Participate. Resist any attempt to impose a one-party state on Nigeria. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and together, we must protect it. It is often said, that the arc of history does not bend towards tyranny. It bends towards freedom. And no matter how long the night may seem, the morning will come. Nigeria will not be silenced. Nigeria will not be conquered. Nigeria is rising, ADC is rising. Sen. David Mark National Chairman African Democratic Congress April 2, 2926.
Nigeria’s political environment is gathering hot air as the National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) suddenly woke up to disown the leadership of David Mark as national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), leading to the deployment of security operatives to it’s headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s federal capital in anticipation of possible reaction. Our Reporters said that as early as this morning, April 2, armed soldiers and police operatives had taken over INEC headquarters as news of mass protest by members of the ADC filtered in. The reporters said that there’s a large deployment of Nigerian Army personnel at the commission’s premises, with armoured tanks and officers of the Nigeria Police Force brandishing assault rifles and other weapons. Reports indicate that aggrieved members of the party were planning to stage a protest at the INEC’s office over the decisions affecting the party’s leadership structure. Yesterday, INEC announced the removal of the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC respectively, citing an ongoing court dispute. The commission said it acted in compliance with “preservatory orders” issued by the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case before the Federal High Court in Abuja. INEC said that the order arose from a legal battle involving Mark and another party chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s leadership. “The names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum.” INEC said that it had received conflicting communications from rival factions, with one group warning against recognising Gombe as acting chairman, while another demanded full implementation of the appellate court ruling. Amidst the confusion, the commission said that it would suspend recognition of any faction of the ADC and refrain from engaging with any group until the court delivers a final judgment. “The commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups… and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened on behalf of the ADC by any group.” Meanwhile ADC has faulted INEC, saying that it acted outside the law by taking sides in the party’s leadership dispute. The national publicity secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi argued that Bala no longer has the legal standing to act on behalf of the party as his tenure ended following his resignation and the dissolution of the executive committee he belonged to. He said that the party’s National Executive Committee, as the next highest organ after the convention, had already taken binding decisions regarding the leadership structure. The ADC spokesman questioned INEC’s actions, alleging that the commission was recognising moves by Bala despite being aware of his resignation. He also criticised the commission’s conduct in relation to a directive of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo.
The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian has thrown a question to Americans, asking: “is America First” truly among the priorities of the U.S. government today?” In a letter to American people, ahead of the national broadcast by President Donald Trump to the nation about the ongoing war with Iran, President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the ongoing war had brought the world to stand at a crossroads. President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the confrontation is becoming more costly and futile than ever before, emphasizing that the choice between confrontation and engagement is both real and consequential. “Its outcome will shape the future for generations to come.
“Throughout its millennia of proud history, Iran has outlasted many aggressors. All that remains of them are tarnished names in history, while Iran endures—resilient, dignified, and proud.” The President of Iran warned that the US/Israeli attacks on the country’s vital infrastructure, including energy and industrial facilities are direct attack on the Iranian people. “Beyond constituting a war crime, such actions carry consequences that extend far beyond Iran’s borders.” Part of Masoud Pezeshkian’s letter goes thus: “To the people of the United States of America, and to all those who, amid a flood of distortions and manufactured narratives, continue to seek the truth and aspire to a better life: Iran—by this very name, character, and identity—is one of the oldest continuous civilizations in human history. Despite its historical and geographical advantages at various times, Iran has never, in its modern history, chosen the path of aggression, expansion, colonialism, or domination. Even after enduring occupation, invasion, and sustained pressure from global powers—and despite possessing military superiority over many of its neighbors—Iran has never initiated a war. Yet it has resolutely and bravely repelled those who have attacked it. The Iranian people harbor no enmity toward other nations, including the people of America, Europe, or neighboring countries. Even in the face of repeated foreign interventions and pressures throughout their proud history, Iranians have consistently drawn a clear distinction between governments and the peoples they govern. This is a deeply rooted principle in Iranian culture and collective consciousness—not a temporary political stance. For this reason, portraying Iran as a threat is neither consistent with historical reality nor with present-day observable facts. Such a perception is the product of political and economic whims of the powerful—the need to manufacture an enemy in order to justify pressure, maintain military dominance, sustain the arms industry, and control strategic markets. In such an environment, if a threat does not exist, it is invented. Within this same framework, the United States has concentrated the largest number of its forces, bases, and military capabilities around Iran—a country that, at least since the founding of the United States, has never initiated a war. Recent American aggressions launched from these very bases have demonstrated how threatening such a military presence truly is. Naturally, no country confronted with such conditions would forgo strengthening its defensive capabilities. What Iran has done—and continues to do—is a measured response grounded in legitimate self-defense, and by no means an initiation of war or aggression. Relations between Iran and the United States were not originally hostile, and early interactions between the Iranian and American people were not marred with hostility or tension. The turning point, however, was the 1953 coup d’état—an illegal American intervention aimed at preventing the nationalization of Iran’s own resources. That coup disrupted Iran’s democratic process, reinstated dictatorship, and sowed deep distrust among Iranians toward U.S. policies. This distrust deepened further with America’s support for the Shah’s regime, its backing of Saddam Hussein during the imposed war of the 1980s, the imposition of the longest and most comprehensive sanctions in modern history, and ultimately, unprovoked military aggression—twice, in the midst of negotiations—against Iran. Yet all these pressures have failed to weaken Iran. On the contrary, the country has grown stronger in many areas: literacy rates have tripled—from roughly 30% before the Islamic Revolution to over 90% today; higher education has expanded dramatically; significant advances have been achieved in modern technology; healthcare services have improved; and infrastructure has developed at a pace and scale incomparable to the past. These are measurable, observable realities that stand independent of fabricated narratives. At the same time, the destructive and inhumane impact of sanctions, war, and aggression on the lives of the resilient Iranian people must not be underestimated. The continuation of military aggression and recent bombings profoundly affect people’s lives, attitudes, and perspectives. This reflects a fundamental human truth: when war inflicts irreparable harm on lives, homes, cities, and futures, people will not remain indifferent toward those responsible. This raises a fundamental question: Exactly which of the American people’s interests are truly being served by this war? Was there any objective threat from Iran to justify such behavior? Does the massacre of innocent children, the destruction of cancer-treatment pharmaceutical facilities, or boasting about bombing a country “back to the stone ages” serve any purpose other than further damaging the United States’ global standing? Iran pursued negotiations, reached an agreement, and fulfilled all its commitments. The decision to withdraw from that agreement, escalate toward confrontation, and launch two acts of aggression in the midst of negotiations were destructive choices made by the U.S. government—choices that served the delusions of a foreign aggressor. Attacking Iran’s vital infrastructure—including energy and industrial facilities—directly targets the Iranian people. Beyond constituting a war crime, such actions carry consequences that extend far beyond Iran’s borders. They generate instability, increase human and economic costs, and perpetuate cycles of tension, planting seeds of resentment that will endure for years. This is not a demonstration of strength; it is a sign of strategic bewilderment and an inability to achieve a sustainable solution. Is it not also the case that America has entered this aggression as a proxy for Israel, influenced and manipulated by that regime? Is it not true that Israel, by manufacturing an Iranian threat, seeks to divert global attention away from its crimes toward the Palestinians? Is it not evident that Israel now aims to fight Iran to the last American soldier and the last American taxpayer dollar—shifting the burden of its delusions onto Iran, the region, and the United States itself in pursuit of illegitimate interests? I invite you to look beyond the machinery of misinformation—an integral part of this aggression—and instead speak with those who have visited Iran. Observe the many accomplished Iranian immigrants—educated in Iran—who now teach and conduct research at the world’s most prestigious universities, or contribute to the most advanced technology firms in the West. Do these realities align with the distortions you are being told about Iran and its people? Today, the world stands at a crossroads. Continuing along the path of confrontation is more costly and futile than ever before. The choice between confrontation and engagement is both real and consequential; its outcome will shape the future for generations to come. Throughout its millennia of proud history, Iran has outlasted many aggressors. All that remains of them are tarnished names in history, while Iran endures—resilient, dignified, and proud.”
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It added: “with coordinated teamwork, effective and swift action, the (Nursing) unit has consistently upheld the highest standard, setting a benchmark for health care delivery within the federal capital Territory for the 2025.”
Religious Harmony: Need For Govt, Others To Strike Strategic Partnership With Interfaith Media Group
There’s no doubt that Nigeria has long emerged as a nation of diverse faith, ethnicity and culture. In that context therefore, the pursuit of religious harmony has become not just a moral aspiration but a strategic imperative for national security and sustainable development.
Over the years, Nigeria has grappled with recurrent religious tension, misinformation and identity-based conflicts. Such tensions have continually threatened its unity and undermined its socio-economic progress.
These are the factors that have brought about the need for innovative, coordinated and credible platforms that can bridge the divides for the purpose of fostering dialogue.
The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria), which stands as unique intersection of media practice and interfaith engagement, stands as one of such platforms that deserves greater national attention and institutional support.
As a professional body made up of experienced journalists, editors, communication experts and faith-conscious media practitioners, the Guild is strategically positioned to influence public discourse, counter harmful stereotypes and promote narratives that emphasize co-existence, mutual respect and shared national values.
It must be stressed that so far, the great potential of the group has remained barely noticed and therefore underutilized.
It is therefore imperative for government institutions, faith leaders and interfaith non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to deliberately leverage GIMP-Nigeria as a partner in advancing religious harmony and strengthening national security.
It is a fact well known across the world that the role of the media in shaping perceptions is unquatifiable. This is backgrounded in the dictum which says that conflicts are not only fought on the ground but amplified or de-escalated through the media. For example, sensational reporting, biased framing and the spread of unverified information have, at times, exacerbated tensions between religious communities in Nigeria. Conversely, responsible journalism that prioritizes accuracy, balance and sensitivity can serve as a powerful tool for peacebuilding. This is where GIMP-Nigeria’s mandate becomes critical.
By promoting ethical reporting on religious issues and training media practitioners in conflict-sensitive journalism, the Guild can help transform the media landscape from one that sometimes fuels division to one that actively promotes unity.
For the Nigerian government, particularly agencies responsible for information, security and national orientation, partnering with GIMP-Nigeria offers a cost-effective and impactful strategy for peace promotion. Rather than relying solely on top-down communication approaches, the government can benefit from the Guild’s grassroots networks and professional expertise to disseminate messages of tolerance and counter extremist narratives.
Through joint campaigns, public enlightenment programmes and media training workshops, GIMP-Nigeria can serve as a trusted intermediary between the state and the citizenry, thereby enhancing credibility and public trust.
Faith leaders, who wield significant influence over millions of Nigerians also have a critical role to play. The fact can not be controverted that their messages reach only their immediate congregations, but by collaborating with GIMP-Nigeria, they can amplify their voices across wider audiences through structured media engagement.
The Guild can help translate sermons and interfaith dialogues into compelling media content: news features, documentaries, radio programmes and social media campaigns, reaching far audiences beyond the pulpit. This synergy can ensure that messages of peace are not confined to places of worship but become part of the national conversation.
Interfaith NGOs, many of which are already doing commendable work in promoting dialogue and reconciliation can also benefit from the media expertise that GIMP-Nigeria provides. Too often, impactful grassroots initiatives remain under-reported, thereby limiting their reach and replication. By integrating GIMP-Nigeria into their programmes, these organizations can enhance visibility, document success stories and influence policy through strategic communication.
The Guild’s members, trained in both media practice and interfaith sensitivity, are well-equipped to tell stories that inspire hope, challenge prejudice and highlight the dividends of peaceful coexistence.
Beyond collaboration, there is also a need for institutional support. Government agencies and development partners should consider funding capacity-building initiatives led by GIMP-Nigeria, including training programmes on conflict-sensitive reporting, fact-checking and digital literacy.
In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly through social media, equipping media practitioners with the skills to verify information and counter false narratives is essential for national security. GIMP-Nigeria can serve as a hub for such capacity-building efforts, ensuring that journalists and communicators across the country are better prepared to handle sensitive religious issues responsibly.
Moreover, the inclusion of GIMP-Nigeria in national peacebuilding frameworks and security strategies can enhance policy coherence. Too often, media engagement is treated as an afterthought in conflict prevention and response. Recognizing GIMP-Nigeria as a strategic partner can help mainstream communication into peace and security initiatives, ensuring that narratives are aligned with broader national objectives. This approach not only addresses the symptoms of conflict but also tackles its underlying drivers, such as mistrust, misinformation and identity-based polarization.
The private sector and international development partners also have a role to play. Corporate organizations, particularly those operating in conflict-prone areas, have a vested interest in promoting stability. By supporting GIMP-Nigeria’s initiatives as part of their corporate social responsibility, they can contribute to a more peaceful operating environment. Similarly, international donors working on governance, peacebuilding and media development can partner with the Guild to scale up its impact and share best practices across regions.
Ultimately, the quest for religious harmony and national security in Nigeria requires a whole-of-society approach. No single actor, whether government, religious institution, or civil society organization can achieve this goal in isolation. What is needed is a collaborative framework that leverages the strengths of each stakeholder. GIMP-Nigeria offers a ready-made platform for such collaboration, combining professional media expertise with a deep commitment to interfaith understanding.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex socio-political landscape, the importance of credible, responsible and peace-oriented communication cannot be overstated. By embracing and empowering GIMP-Nigeria, the nation has an opportunity to harness the power of the media as a force for unity rather than division.
The time to act is now.
Government agencies, faith leaders and interfaith NGOs must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to integrate GIMP-Nigeria into their peacebuilding and security strategies.
In doing so, Nigeria will not only strengthen its internal cohesion but also set an example for other multi-religious societies grappling with similar challenges. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, understanding and mutual respect. Through strategic partnerships with institutions like GIMP-Nigeria, that vision can become a reality.
The writer, Yusuf Ozi-Usman is the Director of Programmes Development, and member of the Governing Board of the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria). He can be reached at oziusman@yahoo.com