Two senators from Adamawa State have formally defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress. Their departure reduces the PDP's representation in the Senate to just 14 seats, further consolidating the APC's legislative majority. The defection marks a significant shift in the political landscape ahead of future electoral cycles.
The Adamawa senators explicitly cited the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP as the primary reason for their exit from the party. This internal turmoil has plagued the main opposition force for months, eroding its cohesion and legislative strength. The move represents a tangible consequence of the party's failure to resolve its internal disputes and present a united front.
In a separate legislative development, the House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026 for its third reading. The proposed amendment seeks to prohibit individuals from being registered members of more than one political party simultaneously. This legislative action aims to curb the practice of political cross-carpeting and strengthen party discipline.
The amendment includes specific penalties for violations. Any politician found to have registered with two or more political parties concurrently would be liable to a prison term of two years and/or a fine of N10 million. House leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, stated that when passed and signed into law, the amendment is expected to strengthen the legal framework regulating party affiliation in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on Finance has raised concerns over financial discrepancies related to sugar imports. The committee identified inconsistencies between the reported volume of sugar imported into Nigeria and the revenue accruing to the National Sugar Development Council. This inquiry highlights ongoing oversight efforts regarding national revenue collection.
Executive Secretary of the NSDC, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, provided clarification to the committee. Bakrin explained that the council does not directly collect revenue from sugar imports, outlining its different statutory functions. According to his testimony, about two million metric tonnes of raw sugar importation were approved within the period under review by the committee.
In cultural news, the palace of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has formally notified the Nigeria Police Force in Kano about preparations for upcoming Sallah Durbar festivities. A letter dated March 7, 2026, addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, outlined the planned activities. The emirate council stated the durbar would be conducted from the emir's palace in Nasarawa, Kano.
The notification, signed by the Private Secretary to the emir, Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, confirmed the programme of activities had been approved by the emir and the Kano Emirate Council members. According to the letter, the approved Sallah festivities will feature traditional durbar processions including Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe, Hawan Nasarawa and Hawan Panisau. This formal communication ensures necessary security and logistical coordination for the major cultural event.
