Author: Gabby

A magistrate court in Birnin Kebbi has thrown out a contempt case brought against Safiyanu Bala, a factional chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The defendant, who had been brought to court directly from the hospital for the continued hearing, saw the proceedings take an unexpected turn.

During the session, state prosecutor Magistrate Abdullahi-Koko informed the court that he had discovered the same matter was already pending before the High Court in Birnin Kebbi. He subsequently asked the court to strike out the case so that the involved parties could pursue the issue in the appropriate jurisdiction.

Defense counsel Mudasir Sani backed the prosecution’s stance, confirming that the case was indeed already under consideration by the High Court. In his ruling, Magistrate Abubakar Abdullahi-Koko struck out the case, citing the agreement between both legal teams. He simply stated, “The case is hereby struck out.”

The contempt charge had been filed by Abdulrazak Abubakar, another factional chairman within the ADC, who alleged that Bala had violated a court order and incited public disobedience. Notably, in a previous hearing, defense lawyer Ahmad Fingilla had walked out of the courtroom after the magistrate refused to recuse himself over claims of bias.

Jibrin Okutepa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who represented Senator David Mark in the African Democratic Congress leadership dispute, has expressed admiration for the Independent National Electoral Commission’s immediate adherence to the Supreme Court’s directive. Rather than waiting for formal notification, INEC proactively restored the ADC leadership details on its portal following the apex court’s decision.

In a social media post on Friday, Okutepa highlighted that INEC’s swift action demonstrates a commendable commitment to judicial respect. He noted that the electoral body acted without prompting, setting a positive example for other institutions.

The Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered on Thursday, partially allowed David Mark’s appeal and nullified the Court of Appeal’s order that had directed parties to maintain the status quo. The higher court criticized the appellate court for overstepping its jurisdiction by issuing such an order unilaterally. Consequently, the case was sent back to the Federal High Court for a substantive hearing.

The legal tussle began when Nafiu Bala, a former ADC vice chairman, filed a suit seeking to prevent the Mark-led executive from functioning as the party’s national officers. The defendants included the ADC, Mark, Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary), INEC, and Ralph Nwosu, the party’s founder.

Okutepa, who declared himself a non-partisan legal practitioner, stated that the removal of David Mark and his team from INEC’s portal was based on the annulled Court of Appeal order. He praised INEC for respecting the rule of law, unlike some entities that ignore court directives until formally served.

He emphasized that INEC’s proactive compliance reflects a proper understanding of legal decorum. In a society where impunity often prevails, such behavior is exemplary. Okutepa urged other government bodies and individuals to emulate this respect for judicial authority to foster national progress.

Sam Amadi, the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, has called for a strategic alliance between Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election. In a post on his verified X handle, Amadi emphasized the need for an Obi/Atiku ticket, arguing that the arrangement should be ‘OA’ rather than ‘AO,’ meaning Obi should lead while Atiku serves as deputy.

Amadi highlighted that Nigeria is a republic without first-class or second-class citizens, stressing that any candidate who amasses over 6 million votes, excluding those that were not counted, deserves to be treated as an equal, not as a subordinate. He criticized the notion of one candidate dominating others, even if they are more qualified, and urged humility in political partnerships.

According to Amadi, neither Obi nor Atiku can win alone; their combination is the only viable path to defeat the ruling party in 2027. He called for mutual respect and a balanced ticket, where Obi takes the top slot given his strong grassroots support, as evidenced by his 6.1 million votes in the 2023 election under the Labour Party, compared to Atiku’s 6.98 million votes under the PDP.

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has described the recent Supreme Court judgment as a pivotal moment that could resolve the ongoing leadership crisis, paving the way for legality, order, and institutional stability within the party.

Prince Dr. Christopher Odianarewo, the party’s spokesperson, issued a statement on Friday highlighting that the ruling invalidated the November 2025 Ibadan National Convention and upheld the suspension of Samuel Anyanwu and other former National Working Committee members.

He noted that this decision nullifies all structures and actions tied to the affected leadership factions, including the Abuja Convention scheduled for March 29, 2026. The development now provides a legal foundation for the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Adolphus Wabara, to take interim control as outlined in Section 32(5) of the party’s 2017 constitution.

Odianarewo emphasized that the Board of Trustees’ intervention is not a power struggle but a constitutional step to prevent a leadership vacuum and stabilize party operations. He called on all members and stakeholders to set aside internal conflicts and support the transitional leadership, marking the end of parallel structures and conflicting instructions.

The spokesperson also backed the Board of Trustees’ plan to convene an emergency National Executive Committee meeting to establish an Interim National Working Committee. He stressed that this move is essential for restoring internal democracy and repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Describing the current crisis as a defining moment rather than a collapse, Odianarewo noted it presents an opportunity for reform, discipline, and unity. He concluded that a united PDP is vital for offering Nigerians a credible opposition alternative, stating that the party must rise as a cohesive force ready to reclaim its place in the nation’s democratic landscape.

In a significant political development, Yusuf Buhari, the son of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari, has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to vie for the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency seat during the 2027 general elections. The ticket was awarded unopposed following a stakeholders’ meeting convened in Katsina on April 28. Yusuf’s candidacy was confirmed by Alhaji Ahmed Dangiwa, a former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, who chaired the Consensus Committee for Daura Zone and announced the unanimous agreement.

During the meeting, Mannir Musa, the APC chairman for Mai’adua Local Government, called on party members to embrace the consensus decision wholeheartedly. He stressed the importance of unity and collaboration for the party’s progress and the welfare of the people. Musa also appealed to Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda to extend support to aspirants who did not secure tickets, enabling them to continue serving the community. Furthermore, he urged those who received automatic tickets to remain committed to their constituents when elected.

Other aspirants who secured tickets through the consensus process include Nasir Yahaya, who will contest for the Daura senatorial seat, and Mustapha Musa, running for the Mai’adua constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly.

In his acceptance speech, Yusuf Buhari expressed gratitude to party members for their trust and pledged to deliver quality representation if elected to the National Assembly. This development marks a notable step in his political career, as he seeks to follow in his father’s footsteps within the APC.

Hon. Kabiru Adamu Abdullahi, a prominent member of the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano State’s Dala Local Government Area, has officially resigned from the All Democratic Congress (ADC). The move, effective immediately, was communicated in a letter dated May 1, 2026, addressed to the party chairman in Kofar Ruwa Ward.

In his resignation letter, Abdullahi expressed gratitude for the chance to be part of the party and extended best wishes for its future. “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me to be part of the party and wish you and the party the very best in your future endeavors,” he stated.

A House of Assembly aspirant, Abdullahi is recognized as a key figure among Kwankwasiyya leaders in Dala. He made his resignation public via a Facebook post, where he explicitly linked his decision to a directive from the movement’s leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. “This is the order of Jagora,” he wrote, using the term commonly employed by members to refer to Kwankwaso.