The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.

Abuja, Nigeria – Tensions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reached a boiling point as Hon Success Opara, a high-ranking party official, warned that she would not hesitate to send former Senate President David Mark to jail if she were the judge handling the party’s internal litigation cases.

Opara’s statement comes in response to allegations that Mark and the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) failed to adhere to the ADC’s constitution.

“I’ll jail David Mark if I’m the Judge handling the ADC party internal litigation cases, citing how David Mark and the NEC were not able to adhere to what is written  in the constitution of the ADC,” Opara said.

The internal strife has led to a flurry of court cases, with various factions vying for control of the party. Opara’s remarks underscore the deepening divisions within the ADC and raise questions about the party’s future.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced the postponement of the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 General Election.

This follows a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, on Friday, April 10.

A statement signed by INEC’s National Commissioner, Chairman, Informationa and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said

“the voter revalidation exercise is a critical component of the Commission’s mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters.

It is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the overall integrity of the voter register.

The exercise also aims to provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required.

INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.”