Latest News from Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 elections, alleging the use of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to weaken opposition parties.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday visited Jos, Plateau State, following a deadly attack in Jos North Local Government Area that left at least 28 people dead and 22 others injured.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has approved the deployment of more than 850 troops to Plateau State to curb rising tensions and restore order.

Prominent legal scholar Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu has alleged that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan’s recent decision to withdraw recognition from David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) stemmed from undue pressure linked to a pre-signed resignation letter.

The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, has arrested three men suspected of cybercrime, fraud, forgery, impersonation, and cult activities, seizing laptops, phones, a toy gun, and counterfeit U.S. dollars.

 “Remain calm, stay vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies,” charged Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, as he led a high-powered security assessment team to Jos on Thursday, 2 April 2026.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a single, unified system to handle election-related court cases in Nigeria, warning that the current process is too slow and confusing.

The National President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action to stop the ongoing killings in parts of northern Nigeria.

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the Task Force, has launched a new anti-crime patrol unit aimed at strengthening security operations and curbing criminal activities across the state.

Pope Leo XIV is set to mark his first Holy Thursday celebration as leader of the Catholic Church by washing the feet of 12 priests, a symbolic act highlighting humility and support for clergy.

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday refused to stop Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting an urgent bid to bar her from the party’s activities.

“The surge in examination malpractice threatens the very core of WAEC’s mandate.” Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama issued that warning as the 74th Annual Council Meeting of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) ended in Accra, Ghana.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 57,000 personnel nationwide to ensure safety during the Easter celebrations, as part of efforts to prevent attacks and maintain public order.

China has urged Israel to withdraw its troops from Lebanon immediately, warning that escalating violence risks triggering a wider regional crisis.

A United States lawmaker, Congressman Chris Smith, has raised alarm over the recent wave of killings in Plateau State, describing the attacks as part of a “deeply disturbing pattern.”

Several Islamic countries and organisations have strongly condemned Israel’s newly approved death penalty law, describing it as discriminatory and a violation of international law.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the release of 43 inmates from correctional centres across the state, as part of efforts to reduce overcrowding and improve the justice system.

The African Democratic Congress is raising fresh concerns ahead of the 2027 elections.

A group of eight countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, has strongly condemned a new Israeli law permitting the death penalty for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Iran has warned against a “vicious cycle” of conflict after threats of military action from U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has temporarily shut down the Temporary Terminal (T3) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) following an electrical spark that produced smoke in an operational office on Tuesday at about 14:05 hours.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of expanded military action against Iran if ongoing talks fail, saying the United States is prepared to escalate its offensive despite claiming major battlefield successes.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, has issued a stern warning to Commission officials, declaring that ignorance of procurement law will no longer be tolerated as preparations ramp up for the 2027 general elections.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that American forces have dealt devastating blows to Iran’s military capabilities, declaring that key objectives of the ongoing campaign are “nearing completion.”

President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled visit to Iperu in Ogun State and will instead travel to Jos, Plateau State, to commiserate with victims of recent attacks that claimed several lives.

The African Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and allies of Peter Obi have condemned the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission to de-recognise key leaders of the ADC, warning of potential political fallout.

The Nigeria Police Force has stepped up awareness efforts on electoral violence and road safety in Lagos and Ogun states as part of activities marking the 2026 National Police Day.