By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment that could lead to its removal from the ballot, issuing a stark warning to government agents that they are playing with fire and courting anarchy.

In a statement released shortly after the court ruling, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the judiciary of being weaponised by the ruling party to ensure President Bola Tinubu secures a second term by any means necessary.

The judgment, reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, came in a case filed by the so-called National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The ADC argued that Justice Lifu ignored a subsisting stay of proceedings order issued by the Court of Appeal on May 22, 2026, describing the judge’s conduct as contemptuous and a violation of all known judicial traditions.

The party further noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — the only constitutional body empowered to register or deregister political parties — had filed a counter-affidavit stating that the ADC had not violated any registration requirements or failed any electoral-performance threshold.

“We are deeply alarmed by this judgment,” Abdullahi said. This stands in direct conflict with constitutional principles and all known judicial processes and procedures.

The ADC alleged that the case has been championed directly by individuals working with the President’s Chief of Staff and pointed to the Attorney-General of the Federation’s decision to join the matter as a plaintiff — a move the party called an absurdity.

“We are therefore left in no doubt that this latest development is a continuation of the ruling party’s persistent efforts to undermine the opposition,” the statement read.

The party noted the curious timing of the ruling, coming after the ADC had already concluded its primaries and is fielding candidates for all positions, including the presidency.

The ADC warned that eliminating a major opposition party through “judicial manoeuvring” would have severe consequences.

“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring, thereby sabotaging the political aspirations of hundreds of its candidates, is a direct invitation to anarchy,” Abdullahi said.

“We consider this ruling reckless, provocative, and even incendiary. Those who believe they can manipulate institutions of state to narrow the democratic space must understand that they are playing with forces far greater than partisan interests.”

The party vowed to challenge the ruling through all lawful means while petitioning the National Judicial Council over what it called the judicial rascality demonstrated by Justice Lifu.

Despite the fiery rhetoric, the ADC urged its members, candidates, and supporters to remain calm, vigilant, and steadfast.

“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold,” the statement concluded.

The party warned that responsibility for any resulting tension or crisis would rest squarely with those who are pursuing this dangerous and illegitimate path.

The Kano State Government has launched a Digital Multimedia Department under the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs as part of efforts to modernize government communication, improve transparency, and strengthen public engagement through digital platforms.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, announced the development during an unveiling and inauguration ceremony held on Monday at the Ministry’s headquarters within the Audu Bako Secretariat in Kano.

Speaking at the event, Waiya described the establishment of the Department as a significant institutional reform designed to bridge communication gaps between the government and citizens in an era increasingly driven by digital technology.

He explained that the creation of the Department followed extensive consultations and institutional assessments, which identified the need for a dedicated structure capable of effectively documenting government programmes, publicizing achievements, disseminating policies, and countering misinformation through credible and timely communication.

According to the Commissioner, modern governance requires a robust digital communication infrastructure to ensure that government information reaches citizens efficiently and accurately.

“The Digital Multimedia Department represents our response to the growing demand for modern, efficient and professional government communication. It will ensure that the voice of government remains visible, accessible and authoritative across all communication platforms,” Waiya stated.

He noted that the Department would function as the central hub for content creation, digital engagement, online publishing, documentation of government activities, and strategic media management across the state.

Waiya further commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for approving the establishment of the Department, describing the move as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to responsive governance and effective public communication under its Kano First Agenda.

The event also featured the inauguration of the Forum of Directors of Public Enlightenment and Public Relations Officers, bringing together communication heads from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the state.

The Commissioner said the Forum was established to enhance coordination among communication officers, encourage professional collaboration, facilitate information sharing, and ensure strategic alignment in the dissemination of government policies and programmes.

As part of efforts to support the newly inaugurated Forum, Waiya announced a donation of N1 million to strengthen its operations and enable it to effectively carry out its mandate.

In separate goodwill messages, communication experts and media stakeholders applauded the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would strengthen the state’s information management system and improve public access to government activities.

Among those who spoke at the event were Professor Nura Ibrahim, Associate Professor Hassan Alhaji Ya’u, Dr. Saminu Umar Rigiyar Zaki of the Faculty of Communication at Bayero University Kano, Chairman of the Heads of Media Organizations Forum, Ado Sa’idu Warawa, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mustapha Gambo, and the Chairman of the Forum of Directors of Public Enlightenment and Public Relations Officers.

The speakers commended both the Commissioner and the Kano State Government for establishing the Digital Multimedia Department, noting that the initiative would significantly enhance the state’s digital communication strategy, improve information dissemination, and foster stronger engagement between government institutions and the public.

The launch marks a major step in Kano State’s efforts to adapt to evolving communication trends and leverage digital technology to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance

The Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs Director of Special Duties Sani Abba Yola signed the statement

Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, following her abduction by bandits in Katsina State.

According to military authorities, the rescue was achieved after weeks of intensive search-and-rescue operations conducted by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA across bandit-infested areas of the state.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said troops intensified offensive operations against criminal elements, placing sustained pressure on the bandits and restricting their freedom of movement.

He disclosed that troops made contact with the kidnappers at Tunga Village during one of the operations, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs. Abubakar.

“During sustained offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs. Abubakar,” the statement said.

The military revealed that during the encounter, the fleeing bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her as troops closed in on their location.

“In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops,” Major General Uba stated.

Following her rescue, Mrs. Abubakar was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment.

Military authorities said she is responding positively to medical care and that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are providing all necessary support to ensure her full recovery.

“The leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to ensuring her full recovery and is providing all necessary support to her family during this difficult period,” the statement added.

The military also reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing those responsible for the abduction and other acts of terrorism and banditry across the country.

According to the Defence Headquarters, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA will continue ongoing operations aimed at tracking down and neutralising the perpetrators, while intensifying efforts to restore security in affected communities.

The rescue operation is being viewed as another significant breakthrough in the ongoing military campaign against banditry and terrorism in the North-West region, particularly in Katsina State, where security forces have sustained pressure on criminal groups in recent months.

The Armed Forces assured Nigerians of their determination to rid not only Katsina State but the entire country of terrorist and criminal elements threatening national security.