Author: Gabby

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has halted the enforcement of a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties. The appellate court, in a unanimous ruling by a three-member panel led by Justice Abubakar Mohammed, criticized Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court for proceeding with the case despite a May 22 order to suspend proceedings.

The panel described the lower court’s action as a ‘brazen violation of the hierarchy of courts’ and ‘the highest form of judicial impertinence.’ It emphasized that a judge who acts in such a manner ‘is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality,’ citing a Supreme Court precedent.

The appellate court stated, ‘Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.’ Consequently, the application for a stay of execution was granted, and the enforcement of the judgment is suspended.

The Court of Appeal has scheduled June 25 for the hearing of the substantive appeal. The deregistration order had been issued against ADC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), based on a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL).

The High Court had ruled that these parties failed to meet constitutional requirements, including winning at least 25% of votes in a state during a presidential election or securing at least one elective seat. It barred INEC from recognizing them or accepting their candidates for the 2027 elections. However, the Appeal Court’s intervention has put the order on hold pending further review.

In a recent media interaction with Rufai Oseni, Peter Obi, the candidate representing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections, reiterated his claim that he emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential contest. The former governor of Anambra State urged Nigerians to set aside the question of evidence, emphasizing that his win was not officially recognized.

Obi stated, “Are you aware that I won the last election? Put the proof aside; they didn’t declare me. I have participated in Nigerian presidential elections and emerged winner, regardless of what is announced. One day, the full story will come to light. For now, I am presenting myself as a candidate for the general election in Nigeria, and eventually, the system will acknowledge this.”

Running under the Labour Party (LP) banner in 2023, Obi secured the third position, trailing behind Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and current President Bola Tinubu. Despite the official results, Obi maintains that the true outcome was in his favor and that historical recognition will ultimately validate his stance.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed approval of the Court of Appeal’s decision to put a hold on a Federal High Court ruling that called for the removal of the ADC and four other political parties from the register.

A statement shared on his X account highlighted that the appellate court’s directive represents a welcome turn of events. Atiku noted the particular importance of the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) itself moved to secure the stay.

Earlier, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had issued an order on Monday compelling INEC to strike off the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, and Zenith Labour Party. However, the Court of Appeal intervened on Tuesday, suspending that order and thus safeguarding the parties’ registered status for the 2027 general elections.

In his reaction, Atiku also voiced criticism over what he described as conflicting judicial decisions surrounding the case. He cautioned that such inconsistencies place the judiciary under public scrutiny and undermine trust in the legal system.

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has voiced strong opposition to a recent court order that mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove five political parties from its register. The group argues that this decision poses a serious risk to Nigeria’s democracy and could cast doubt on the fairness of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, the CNPP criticized the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu. The affected parties include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The CNPP described the judgment as far more than a simple legal matter, calling it a direct assault on constitutional democracy, the multiparty system, and the right of citizens to engage in political activities. The group also raised concerns about the role of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, whose reported backing of the lawsuit has fueled suspicions about the impartiality of key democratic institutions.

According to the CNPP, this development reinforces the perception that opposition parties are being deliberately marginalized and that political institutions might be manipulated to serve partisan interests in the run-up to the 2027 elections. The organization warned that democracy cannot survive when political competition is stifled through judicial or administrative decrees rather than decided by voters at the polls.

The CNPP further alleged that the deregistration case is a sign of “state capture,” where powerful political actors exploit public institutions and regulatory bodies to achieve predetermined outcomes. It cautioned that growing unease over the independence of electoral and judicial processes could undermine public trust in future election petitions and results.

The group also lamented the gradual erosion of Nigeria’s democratic structures, citing the stifling of opposition voices, weakened oversight institutions, and an increasing concentration of political power. It called on Nigerians, civil society organizations, labor unions, religious and traditional leaders, and the international community to stand up for democratic values and political pluralism. The CNPP insisted that Nigeria’s destiny must be shaped by voters through free, fair, and competitive elections.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has forecasted a win for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for Saturday. Speaking at the APC’s grand finale campaign rally held in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, Akpabio expressed strong confidence in Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election bid.

The event drew notable figures including Vice President Kashim Shettima, the APC National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee, numerous federal lawmakers, and several APC governors. As co-chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for the Ekiti poll, Akpabio assured the governor of his unwavering support until victory is achieved on election day.

Akpabio emphasized the peaceful nature of Ekiti residents and urged them to reject any attempts to disrupt the electoral process through violence. He encouraged voters to come out early and cast their ballots, stating that the turnout would reflect the level of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Praising Governor Oyebanji’s performance and humility, Akpabio highlighted his ability to unite former governors of the state, regardless of their party affiliations, in support of his re-election. He noted the governor’s commitment to gender sensitivity by appointing a female deputy governor. Akpabio further stressed that the rally was not just about supporting a party colleague but backing a leader who has delivered tangible results for Ekiti people.

In his speech, Governor Oyebanji reminded attendees of the promises he made during his first campaign and his track record of fulfilling them over the past three to four years. He pledged to do even more if granted a second term, citing visible and impactful projects completed under his administration with the support of President Tinubu.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has publicly endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office, commending his leadership and dedication to the people of Ekiti State. Speaking at a high-profile All Progressives Congress rally in Ado-Ekiti, Tinubu emphasized that Oyebanji entered the governor’s office fully prepared and has since delivered on his promises.

At the event, which drew a massive crowd of party loyalists, cross-party allies, and diverse community representatives, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted the governor’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional institutions and former leaders. He noted that the absence of opposition campaign posters across the state is a clear indicator of Oyebanji’s widespread acceptance.

“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima conveyed on behalf of the President, before symbolically entrusting Oyebanji to former governors and first ladies to secure his victory.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who chairs the APC National Campaign Council, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, chairman of the APC Governors Forum, praised the party’s unmatched visibility due to its grassroots campaigning. APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwadta insisted that the party’s confidence stems from Oyebanji’s deep connection with the people, not merely from being in power.

A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, accompanied by his wife Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, stated that his re-election bid does not rely on federal influence but on his track record and fulfilled pledges since assuming office in 2022. He called for a peaceful election and promised that a second term would surpass the achievements of his first three and a half years.

A political commentator and indigene of Ebonyi State, Paschal Oluchukwu, has criticized Governor Francis Nwifuru for allegedly leveraging future power shift pledges to the Ezza clan as a campaign tool ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Oluchukwu responded to recent political activities involving endorsement and opposition rallies organized by the Ezza Elders Council in Onueke and the Umuekumenyi Leaders Council in Abakaliki.

He branded the governor’s commitment to rotate power to the Ezza-Ezekuna group in 2031 as a mere political gimmick, arguing that lack of personal attendance at the endorsement rally undermines the promise’s credibility.

“A physical presence at the so-called second-term endorsement rally in Onueke and a public pledge to hand over to an Ezza man in 2031 would have offered genuine reassurance to the people of Ezza Ezekuna,” Oluchukwu remarked.

The analyst further condemned the Nwifuru administration’s performance, claiming the state has seen minimal development since the governor took office. He insisted that the 2027 election should be decided based on competence, not zoning considerations.

He urged the Ezza community to remain cautious about political succession promises, emphasizing that power should be earned through democratic competition rather than relying on incumbent assurances.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has linked the growing insecurity in the state to the insufficient arming of the regional security outfit, Amotekun. Speaking to protesters in Ibadan on Tuesday, the governor acknowledged that the security agency lacks the necessary weapons to effectively combat criminal activities.

The protest, led by activist VeryDarkMan, demanded the safe return of over 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area. The demonstration came after weeks of rising tension and public outcry over the kidnapping incident.

Makinde stated: “Security has always been a top priority for this administration, which is why we established Amotekun. However, the corps has not been adequately equipped. That is the reality we face now. But I assure you, we will win the battle against insecurity in Oyo State and bring the abducted victims home.”

The governor’s remarks highlight the challenges faced by state-led security initiatives in Nigeria, where regional forces often lack the resources to match sophisticated criminal networks. The abduction has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for immediate action to rescue the victims and prevent future attacks.

On Tuesday, the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) cleared the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of a N62.2 billion under-remittance query that was part of the 2019 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF).

During an investigative session with Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the committee decided to form a smaller panel to address the remaining 76 queries raised against the Service in the 2019 and 2020 audit reports.

The session focused on the first 77 queries concerning alleged financial infractions by Customs. The Auditor-General’s representative, acting on the directive of SPAC Chairman Senator Ibrahim Dankwabo (Gombe North), read Query 1: In 2017, Customs’ total revenue collection stood at N691.242 billion, but only N629.23 billion was remitted, leaving a balance of N62.2 billion allegedly unremitted to the Federation Account.

Adeniyi explained that the N62.2 billion classified as unremitted was a result of a misclassification of levies collected on behalf of other agencies. He stated, “The under-remittance of N62.2 billion leveled against Customs in the 2019 audit report was wrongly arrived at through misclassification of levies collected. While most levies are to be collected and remitted into the Federation Account, others—like those on local production of wheat, textiles, and wines—do not go into the Federation Account. The totality of these accounted for the alleged unremitted N62.2 billion.”

The committee accepted this explanation and cleared Customs of the query. Similar clarifications were provided for Queries 2 and 3, which also satisfied the committee.

Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North West) questioned why Customs allowed such queries to reach the investigative stage, noting that they should have been resolved during reconciliation with auditors. Adeniyi reminded the committee that the years under review were a period of strained relations between the Senate and the Nigeria Customs Service.

Based on Customs’ explanations, SPAC decided to set up a small panel to meet with the Service to reconcile the issues raised in the remaining 74 queries. The committee expects the reconciliation panel to expedite the resolution of the outstanding audit queries without further delay.

In a recent interview on the Nevon HQ podcast with journalist Rufai Oseni, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), made it clear that his political drive is not about personal ambition for the highest office. The former Anambra State governor emphasized that his primary focus is on resolving the nation’s pressing issues rather than merely seeking power.

Obi stated, “I am not desperate to be president of Nigeria. I am desperate to see Nigeria work.” He highlighted the severe economic difficulties affecting countless Nigerians, especially the youth, who are struggling to find stable sources of income. He described his deep concern for the lack of opportunities and the rampant corruption that plagues the country.

“I am desperate to see young people have a means of livelihood. I am desperate to see people stop stealing public money. I am desperate to see Nigeria work,” he added, underscoring that his motivation stems from a desire for national transformation, not personal gain. Obi’s comments reflect a broader commitment to addressing systemic failures and fostering a better future for all citizens.