MEZIESBLOG

Good morning from MEZIESBLOG!

Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. The Supreme Court will today deliver judgments that will shape the fate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, ahead of the 2027 general elections. This is coming as an Abuja Federal High Court, on Wednesday, barred the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from recognising the recent congresses conducted by the Mark-led National Executive Committee, NEC.

2. National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, David Mark, has assured party members that the ADC will be on the ballot for all elections in 2027, despite ongoing legal challenges. Speaking on Wednesday night after receiving a briefing from the party’s legal team on the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

3. President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

4. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Rilwan Olutunji Disu, has ordered immediate disciplinary action against officers of the Nigeria Police Force involved in the fatal shooting incident in Effurun, Delta State, which led to the death of a civilian, Mene Ogidi. The IGP made this known during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday.

5. The pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) are nearing N1,400 per litre in many parts of the country as the United States and Iran fail to agree on a ceasefire that should lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. As the crisis in the Middle East lingers, coupled with the exit of the United Arab Emirates from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on Tuesday, the prices of petrol have continued to rise.

6. Katsina State Police Command has foiled a banditry attack on communities in Dandume Local Government Area of the state and arrested one suspected bandit, as well as rescued two injured residents. In a statement on Wednesday, the command said the incident occurred late Tuesday at about 10:00 p.m., when heavily armed bandits reportedly invaded Unguwar Bido and Unguwar Kanawa villages.

7. The Social Democratic Party, SDP, on Wednesday fixed May 9 for its national convention in Bauchi State, defying the Independent National Electoral Commission amid a festering leadership dispute. The embattled National Chairman of the party, Prof Sadiq Gombe, announced the date for the convention and nationwide congresses at a press conference in Abuja.

8. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accused some elements within the fold of the All Progressives Congress in the state of orchestrating moves to disrupt the August 15, 2026, governorship election out of fear of defeat. The governor, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday, alleged that elements in Osun APC were bent on subverting the will of the people, having realised that they stood no chance at the polls.

9. Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged leaders and aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to embrace unity and restraint ahead of primaries and 2027 general elections. In a statement titled “2027: Don’t Pull Down the Roof,” issued in Abuja, Shettima warned that internal divisions could weaken the party’s chances of success.

10. The Naira on Wednesday appreciated at the official market trading at N1,379.46 against the US dollar. According to data released on the official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Naira gained N1.24.