Tension Rises Nationwide as Government Unveils New Economic Measures

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Mc Ebisco roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 3rd April, 2026.

1. Plateau Killings: President Tinubu Orders Deployment Of Over 5,000 Cameras

President Bola Tinubu has assured the people of Plateau State that the federal government will deploy an artificial intelligence-enabled network of over 5,000 digital cameras to help law enforcement agencies combat insecurity in the state.

President Tinubu gave the promise in his address during his visit to Jos on Thursday.

He commiserated with the government and people of the state on the March 29 gun attacks that claimed the lives of innocent citizens in the Angwan Rukuba district of Jos North Local Government Area.

“I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” he said.

President Tinubu directed the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to “unearth and find the killers” of innocent Nigerians.

He announced that the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, will oversee the immediate installation of the security cameras in close coordination with the Plateau State Government and security agencies.

According to a statement made available to Naija News by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the installation will start in Jos and expand across Plateau State.

2. ‘Amupitan Must Resign’ – ADC Makes Demand After INEC Action

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate resignation of Professor Joash Amupitan as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party also called for the resignation of all INEC National Commissioners, saying that the leadership of the Commission have made itself a tool in the hands of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naija News reports that the demand was made on Thursday by the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, during a world press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

The demand from ADC follows the decision from INEC to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, respectively.

Addressing the press conference on Thursday, Mark accused President Bola Tinubu of denying Nigerians the freedom to choose, the freedom to participate, and the freedom to associate, which are hallmarks of democracy.

He also accused President Tinubu of working towards a situation where, in 2027, he would be the only option left for the people.

The former Senate President also alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become desperate to cling to power by all means, even if it means throwing the country into an avoidable crisis.

The ADC Chairman added that by derecognizing him and former Osun State Governor, Aregbesola, as leaders of the party. INEC has taken sides instead of waiting for the Court of Appeal to decide the matter on the leadership of the party.

The ADC insisted that, despite the position of INEC, the party is progressing with its planned congresses starting on the 9th of April, 2026, and ending with its convention on the 14th April, 2026.

3. ADC Responsible For Its Own Crisis, APC Fires Back

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its ongoing leadership crisis, insisting that the opposition party is solely responsible for its internal problems.

The ruling party accused the ADC of spreading conspiracy theories about alleged attempts by the APC to destabilise it.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, said the ADC’s current predicament was self-inflicted.

Morka described the ADC as a political platform plagued by confusion and desperation, adding that the party had effectively orchestrated its own downfall.

According to him, the party’s internal crisis began when a faction led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola allegedly took control of the party leadership in violation of its constitutional provisions.

4. Abacha Now Better Than Some NADECO Democracy Fighters – Peter Obi

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has labelled some of those who fought for democracy during the days of the late military dictator, General Sani Abacha, as now worse than the former military leader.

Obi, in a post via his account on Thursday, submitted that yesterday’s defenders of democracy have become today’s destroyers.

The former Governor of Anambra State, who spoke against the background of the state of democracy in Nigeria without mentioning names, said Abacha can now be viewed as more democratic than those who championed the fight for democracy and human rights during the days of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

5. Court Rejects Request To Bar Kingibe From ADC Activities

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has rejected an ex parte application seeking to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Naija News reports that the application was filed by leaders of the party in Wuse Ward, Federal Capital Territory, who claimed the senator had been suspended over alleged anti-party activities.

Instead of granting the request, the court directed the ward executives, allegedly loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to serve the senator with court processes to enable her to respond to the allegations.

Justice Lifu held that such a request, particularly in political matters, must be handled with judicial caution.

He ruled that “discretion in such a request for prohibition from party activities and in political matters must be exercised judicially and judiciously.”

The judge emphasised that fairness demanded a hearing from both parties before any decision could be made.

6. Nafiu Bala-Led ADC Faction Speaks On Being Funded By APC

The acting National Publicity Secretary of the All Democratic Congress (ADC), Bashiru Mohammad, has denied claims that the Nafiu Bala faction of the party receives support from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naija News reports that he described the allegations as false and aimed at undermining the faction’s ongoing legal case against the David Mark-led group.

In an interview on Channels TV, Mohammad explained that as the official responsible for party communications, he would know if any external funding existed.

He noted that when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially recognised the Mark faction, his group faced ridicule and was dismissed as “time wasters.” Instead of responding angrily, the faction chose to pursue the matter through legal channels.

He stated that ADC’s current demand is straightforward: INEC should follow a valid court order, stop recognising an unapproved faction, and restore leadership according to the party’s constitution.

Mohammad reiterated that the party is focused on ensuring the legal process is respected and resolving the dispute through the courts rather than creating public disturbances.

7. Sense Doesn’t Come With Popularity – Vee Slams Celebrities Supporting Tinubu

Nigerian reality TV star Vee Iye has criticized celebrities who openly show support for President Bola Tinubu.

Naija News reports that she made the remarks after podcast host Korty questioned the reasons behind celebrities endorsing the government amid the country’s economic and security struggles.

Korty had suggested that many Nigerians are being affected by rising poverty and insecurity, yet some public figures continue to back the administration.

She questioned whether celebrities were benefiting financially from their support, noting that the middle class is increasingly facing hardships.

In response, Vee said that while some celebrities might support the government for personal gain, others truly believe the president is doing well, a view she strongly disagreed with.

She implied that popularity does not guarantee common sense or judgment.

8. ‘Mercy Aigbe Repaid Me With Wickedness’ – Actor Olaide Olabanji

Nollywood actor cum producer, Olaide Olabanji, has accused his colleague, Mercy Aigbe, of repaying him with wickedness after the role he played in her journey to stardom.

Naija News reports that, in a recent interview with media personality Oyinmomo on YouTube, Olabanji claimed to have single-handedly introduced Mercy Aigbe to Nollywood.

The filmmaker explained that Mercy Aigbe’s behaviour towards him changed drastically after her success, stressing that she even went so far as to block him on social media.

Olaide Olabanji further alleged that the movie star resents him so much that she wishes him dead.

9. Alexander Isak Set For Liverpool Training Return Ahead Of FA Cup Clash

Alexander Isak is poised to step up his comeback at Liverpool after head coach Arne Slot confirmed the striker will rejoin full team training on Thursday, April 2.

The club’s £125 million record signing has been sidelined since December after suffering a fractured leg and undergoing ankle surgery. The Sweden international made 16 appearances and scored three goals before the setback halted his debut campaign at Anfield.

Slot revealed the forward is now back in a positive place after months of rehabilitation.

“I think Alex is in a really good place because Sweden qualified for the World Cup and, apart from that, he’s going to train with the group again for the first time tomorrow,” Slot told the club’s website.

10. Atletico Madrid Unhappy With Nigeria Over Lookman’s Workload

Spanish La Liga side, Atlético Madrid have raised concerns over how Ademola Lookman was handled during the recent international break with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

According to AS, the Spanish side are displeased that Lookman played every minute of Nigeria’s two friendly matches against Iran and Jordan in Turkey on Friday, March 27, and on Tuesday, March 31, respectively.

Naija News reports that Ademola Lookman completed the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 win over Iran and again lasted the entire match in the 2-2 draw against Jordan in Antalya, Turkey. The decision has reportedly irritated the Madrid club, who believe the workload was excessive for non-competitive fixtures.

The forward only joined Atletico Madrid from Italian Serie A side, Atalanta during the winter transfer window and has quickly become a key figure in Diego Simeone’s squad. Since arriving in Spain, Lookman has scored five goals and provided four assists in 14 appearances across La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.

Atletico are said to be carefully managing his fitness as the season enters its decisive phase. Club officials fear the heavy minutes played during the international window could lead to fatigue or increase the risk of injury at a crucial point in the campaign.