Confusion Over El-Rufai’s ICPC Release after Mother’s Death Anti-corruption agency mum Tinubu, Atiku condole family
Alex Enumah in Abuja
Confusion has trailed reports of the temporary release of former Kaduna Governor,
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) following the death of his mother, This was as Bashir El-Rufai,
son of the former Governor who announced his father’s release on X, deleted the statement later yesterday. Also, when contacted on the
matter, spokesperson of the ICPC, Mr John Odey, declined to respond to calls nor did he respond to messages sent to him via WhatsApp.
Earlier yesterday, the ElRufai’s family had announced the death of Hajiya Umma ElRufai, the former Governor’s mother.
President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, had commiserated with the family of the Continued on page 6
Kano: APC on Edge as Kwankwaso, Gawuna Move to Join ADC.....
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Saturday March 28, 2026 Vol 31. No 11311
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Union Bank: CBN Heads to Court of Appeal, Seeks Stay of Execution...
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APC Convention, Party Politics and Nigeria’s Democracy Adedayo Akinwale and Sunday Ehigiator
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was a beehive of activities from yesterday till the early hours of today as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
held its 8th National Convention with a total of 8,453 delegates electing new national officers of the party. The event went beyond routine party ritual to reflect the deeper state of the country’s democracy. With the presence
N E W S A N A LYS I S of President Bola Tinubu, the gathering was seen as both a consolidation of power and an early rehearsal for the 2027 general elections. To fully understand the
significance of the moment, it is important to situate party conventions within Nigeria’s political history. For instance, in the First Republic, parties such as the Northern People's Congress, Action Group, and National
Council of Nigerian Citizens operated conventions and congresses that were deeply influenced by regional, ethnic, and ideological alignments. While these gatherings provided platforms for leadership selection and policy articulation, they
were also arenas of intense rivalry that sometimes deepened divisions within the fragile federation. Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, conventions have
Continued on page 6
At APC Convention,Tinubu Preaches Unity, Fires at Opposition, Showcases Reform Gains Says ruling party strong, ready for future Charges members not to relent in attracting more govs, legislators to party Abbas harps on president, committed N’Assembly members’ re-election APC chairman, other NWC members re-elected via affirmation by delegates Mbah hails new exco Story on page 6
ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS 8TH NATIONAL CONVENTION...
L-R: Wife of the Vice President, Nana Kashim Shettima; Vice President Kashim Shettima; President Bola Tinubu, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, at the 8th National Convention of the All Progressives Congress held at Eagles Square, Abuja…yesterday PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI
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