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A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by its 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, has announced plans to hold a national convention and set up an interim leadership to steer the party’s affairs.

Speaking in Abuja, spokesperson Norman Obinna said the decision followed an emergency NEC meeting aimed at resolving the party’s lingering leadership crisis.

The group accused the former leadership under Ralph Nwosu of attempting to unlawfully hand over control of the party and sideline state chairmen. It also revealed that legal actions have already been filed to challenge these moves.

The faction further distanced itself from a rival coalition linked to key political figures, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, insisting their actions do not represent the ADC.

It also dismissed claims by Nafiu Bala Gombe to any leadership role within the party.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently removed the names of some party leaders from its portal following a court order, further complicating the situation.

The faction says it has now constituted an interim leadership and is urging INEC to recognise it, warning that the party risks collapse if urgent steps are not taken.

The ADC, which has attracted notable political figures like Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, is positioning itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have called on Nyesom Wike to retract and apologise over a remark he made about Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television.

During a media chat, Wike reacted to Okinbaloye’s analysis on Politics Today, saying, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” He later clarified the statement was not meant literally, while his aide described it as “hyperbolic.”

Despite this, IBAN says such comments from public officials are inappropriate and risk intimidating journalists. The association warned it may boycott all media engagements involving the minister if he fails to apologise.

The NUJ also expressed concern, stressing that journalists are not enemies of the state but key players in democracy. The union urged Wike to withdraw the statement and called on the Federal Government to reaffirm its commitment to press freedom.

Both bodies emphasised that protecting journalists is essential to a healthy democracy, especially as Nigeria faces ongoing challenges related to media freedom.