By Our Security Reporter

Proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna State on Tuesday drew nationwide attention as the court adjourned the bail application of former governor Nasir El-Rufai to March 31, 2026.

The high-profile session witnessed heightened security presence around the court premises, as El-Rufai arrived under tight protection for his arraignment. The development attracted a large number of observers, supporters, and members of the public eager to catch a glimpse of proceedings in one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political cases.

During the hearing, defence counsel Ukpon Akpan urged the court to grant bail to his client, arguing that El-Rufai is constitutionally entitled to his liberty pending trial. He maintained that granting bail would allow the former governor sufficient time and access to adequately prepare his defence.

“The defendant has a right to bail under the law and poses no flight risk,” the defence argued, emphasizing the need for fairness and due process.

However, the prosecution strongly opposed the application, citing the gravity of the charges against the former governor. Prosecuting counsel argued that granting bail at this stage could potentially interfere with ongoing investigations linked to the case.

According to the prosecution, the matter requires careful judicial consideration given its sensitivity and the nature of the allegations.

After listening to submissions from both parties, the presiding judge ruled that a decision on the bail application would be deferred, adjourning the matter to March 31, 2026.

The adjournment has further heightened public interest in the case, with legal analysts noting that the court’s eventual ruling could set the tone for the trial going forward.

As proceedings continue, more details surrounding the charges against El-Rufai are expected to emerge, keeping Nigerians closely tuned to developments in the courtroom.

By Our Political Reporter

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State has officially kicked off a comprehensive membership registration exercise, signaling a renewed push to strengthen its grassroots structures and expand its political base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The exercise, which includes the launch of membership card book registration across all 114 wards in the state, was unveiled on Monday at the party’s state secretariat in Gombe. Party leaders described the initiative as a strategic move to consolidate support, improve internal organization, and ensure inclusiveness among members.

Speaking at the event, the ADC State Chairman, Auwal Abba Barde, stressed the importance of unity and coordination in building a formidable political structure. He noted that the exercise would deepen the party’s presence at the grassroots and foster stronger engagement across communities.

“This initiative is about strengthening our foundation from the ward level. A well-organized structure is key to achieving our collective political goals,” he said.

Also addressing party members, the state leader of the ADC, Idris Umar Hinna, explained that the registration process was designed to accommodate both new and existing members seamlessly. According to him, the initiative will empower members with the necessary tools to actively participate in party affairs and decision-making processes across all 11 local government areas of the state.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the Registration Committee, Ahmad Muhammad Gana, disclosed that registration materials had already been distributed to leaders coordinating the exercise in all wards. He urged members who registered online to also document their details at their respective ward levels to ensure proper record-keeping and inclusion.

“This widespread distribution ensures accessibility and removes barriers, enabling every interested member to participate fully in the process,” he said, adding that the move would help build a more united and formidable party structure.

On her part, the National Women Leader of the ADC, Naomi Abel Lasara, called on women, youths, and stakeholders across the state to seize the opportunity to join the party. She emphasized that the ADC remains committed to inclusive participation and community development, while appreciating the support received from the people of Gombe State.

She also pledged to work towards strengthening the party at all levels, particularly in mobilizing women for active political involvement.

Observers say the large-scale distribution of registration materials to all wards could significantly boost the party’s visibility and grassroots appeal in the state, positioning it as a growing force in Gombe’s political landscape.

The event attracted top party executives, as well as aspirants eyeing various elective positions, including the State House of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship, and other key offices under the ADC platform.

With the extension of continuous online registration, the party has encouraged interested individuals to take advantage of the opportunity to formally join, as it intensifies preparations for future electoral contests.

The launch marks a critical step in the ADC’s broader strategy to build a strong, inclusive, and people-driven political movement in Gombe State, as the race toward 2027 gradually gathers momentum.

By Our Political Reporter

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Abbas Ahmad, has formally resigned from the party, citing dissatisfaction with what he described as poor leadership and actions that violate the party’s constitution.

Ahmad, who holds membership registration number GM/GME/14818 from Gabukka Area in Pantami Ward, announced his resignation in a letter made available to journalists. He stated that his decision takes immediate effect.

In the letter, the former APC member expressed “deep disappointment and concern” over the conduct of some party officials occupying positions of power at both federal and state levels. According to him, such actions contradict key provisions of the APC constitution.

He specifically referenced alleged violations of Article 7 — Items 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 16 — as well as Article 9.2(i) of the party’s amended 2014 constitution, suggesting that these breaches influenced his decision to exit the party.

Ahmad further requested that his ongoing membership revalidation process be discontinued, aligning with his immediate withdrawal from the ruling party.

Political observers say such resignations, though not uncommon, often signal internal dissatisfaction within party structures, particularly at the grassroots level. While the APC leadership in Gombe State has yet to officially respond to Ahmad’s claims, the development may add to ongoing conversations about internal party discipline and adherence to constitutional provisions.

The resignation comes at a time when political alignments and realignments are gradually gaining momentum ahead of future electoral cycles, with parties under increasing scrutiny from members and the public over governance style and internal democracy.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no confirmation on whether Ahmad plans to join another political party or remain politically independent.