Category: News

A legal challenge against the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency encountered a setback on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Jalingo, Taraba State, due to the non-appearance of the lawyer representing the third defendant.

The case was brought forward by Princess Leah Olusiyo Solomon, an APC female aspirant, who is petitioning the court to invalidate the party’s primary election within the constituency. She contends that the exercise was not held in any of the three local government areas—Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing—that form the constituency.

During the scheduled hearing, the attorney for the incumbent House of Representatives member for the constituency, named as the third defendant, failed to appear, thereby preventing the court from moving forward. As a result, the presiding judge postponed the proceedings to July 1, 2026, for further action.

Speaking to the press after the session, Barrister Pius Danba Pius, the plaintiff’s counsel, voiced his bewilderment at the third defendant’s lawyer’s absence, noting that all necessary documents had been properly served to all parties. “I find it puzzling that the third defendant’s counsel was not in court despite receiving the court papers,” Pius remarked.

He conveyed hopefulness that the substantive hearing would commence on the next scheduled date. He also asserted that the case should proceed regardless of the lawyer’s presence at the next sitting.

Additionally, the court postponed a similar case filed by Job Julius, an APC aspirant for the Ardo Kola/Karim-Lamido/Lau Federal Constituency, to July 15, 2026. Julius is also seeking the annulment of the APC primary election in his constituency, alleging that it was not conducted according to the party’s regulations and established electoral procedures.

These two cases underscore the increasing number of post-primary election conflicts within political parties as disgruntled aspirants continue to seek judicial redress over the management of party nomination processes. Both matters are scheduled to return to the Federal High Court in Jalingo on their respective adjourned dates for continued hearings.

The Social Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has declared that President Bola Tinubu has effectively lost the 2027 election before it even begins. In an interview aired on Symfoni TV on Wednesday, Adebayo argued that Nigeria urgently needs new leadership to address its challenges.

According to Adebayo, Tinubu has been defeated on multiple fronts—demographic, economic, and political. He likened the situation to previous claims about Boko Haram being technically defeated, suggesting that Tinubu’s defeat is similarly comprehensive. The SDP chieftain alleged that the president’s only hope lies in a manipulated transition, where a single party fields two candidates and resorts to legal battles to create distractions.

Adebayo asserted that Tinubu lacks popularity across Nigeria’s regions. He claimed the president is not well-regarded in the South, misunderstands the North, has disappointed the West, and is considered unacceptable in the East. The center, he said, cannot hold for Tinubu. Instead of genuine support, Adebayo argued, Tinubu is counting on voter disillusionment and apathy, hoping to distribute rice through his ‘Renewed Hopelessness’ agenda to secure victory.

The presidency has taken aim at Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, criticizing his performance in a recent interview. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, expressed disdain on Wednesday via his verified X handle.

Bwala’s comments followed Obi’s appearance on a podcast with Oseni Rufai on Tuesday, where Obi declined to share his strategies for addressing Nigeria’s poor electricity supply. Bwala questioned Obi’s capacity, stating that even with favorable questions, Obi failed to deliver effectively.

During the conversation, the former Anambra State governor mentioned that if elected, he would engage in dialogue with various agitators across the nation. However, his reluctance to provide specifics on key issues like power generation drew sharp criticism from the presidency.

Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s presidential standard-bearer, has asserted that Nigeria’s top political office is unsuitable for senior citizens. Speaking on Symfoni TV on Wednesday, he drew a parallel between the presidency and football, arguing that no octogenarian can perform effectively on the pitch.

“I am not being ageist, but the Nigerian presidency is no place for elderly individuals,” Adebayo stated. “No matter your passion for football, you cannot represent the Super Eagles at 80. The president requires stamina comparable to that of a coach or captain of the national team. Therefore, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar does not need the presidency to serve Nigeria; there are other avenues.”

He further referenced late President Muhammadu Buhari, who, after his 2015 election, remarked that he wished he had assumed office at a younger age. Adebayo emphasized that age should be a critical factor in selecting the nation’s leader.

The Action Peoples Party (APP) senatorial candidate for Imo West, Rufus Omeire, has urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to promptly suspend Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Omeire contends that the judge’s actions threaten judicial hierarchy, the rule of law, and democratic stability.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Omeire highlighted that during a period when Nigerians face severe insecurity and economic difficulties, judicial decisions that foster uncertainty and tension must not be allowed. He referenced the Court of Appeal’s consistent position that judges who disregard orders from higher courts are unfit for the bench.

“As our nation deals with escalating insecurity, economic hardship, and other critical issues, it is alarming that Justice Lifu appears intent on causing more confusion through conduct that undermines judicial order, which could result in chaos,” Omeire stated.

He emphasized that the NJC must act decisively to preserve the judiciary’s credibility. “The Court of Appeal has repeatedly held that any judge who violates a superior court’s directive is unsuitable to serve. Accordingly, the NJC should suspend Justice Lifu immediately and start appropriate disciplinary measures,” he added.

The APP chieftain stressed that the judiciary is the final hope for ordinary citizens and must be shielded from actions that diminish public trust. “If a Federal High Court judge cannot obey the rulings of higher courts, what moral right does he have to demand compliance with his own orders?” Omeire questioned.

He warned that inaction could encourage judicial misconduct. “A failure to respond firmly will send a damaging message and promote judicial recklessness. Suspending Justice Lifu will act as a warning to other judges who might consider flouting established legal procedures and the authority of appellate courts,” he said.

Omeire also cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy should not be jeopardized by any individual’s actions. “Our democratic system has been achieved through many years of struggle and must not be threatened by the behavior of any selfish person, regardless of their position,” he noted.

Reaffirming his party’s dedication, Omeire stated, “The APP, the fastest-growing and most popular party in Imo State, remains focused on constructive engagement and meaningful dialogue to address insecurity, economic challenges, and development issues in our region. We will continue to advocate for policies that enhance safety, peace, unity, and prosperity in Orlu Senatorial Zone, Imo State, and Nigeria.”

Recall that Justice Lifu issued a judgment ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister several political parties, including the ADC, APP, AA, Accord Party, and ZLP. This decision sparked widespread criticism from opposition groups and the public. Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal has since suspended the enforcement of that judgment.

Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Anka and Talata Mafara councils of Zamfara State have raised concerns about what they describe as a deliberate attempt to tamper with the party’s membership database and card allocations as internal political activities draw closer.

These allegations were made public in a statement issued on Wednesday in Gusau by Nura Rabiu Cibiki, who serves as Director of Media and Strategy for the Campaign and Mobilisation Committee backing Abdulrahaman Yahaya, a contender for the House of Representatives seat representing the Anka/Talata Mafara Federal Constituency.

The committee issued a strong warning against any efforts to modify or replicate legitimate membership figures, cautioning that such actions would likely exacerbate existing frictions within the party in the constituency. The statement emphasized that ADC members across both local government areas are fully aware of the true membership numbers and are determined to defend the accuracy of the party’s records.

Adding a note of resolve, the statement asserted that while justice might not be immediate, the truth will ultimately prevail. Meanwhile, Yahaya has initiated legal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Gusau, questioning the legitimacy of the party’s primary election process in the constituency. The court has scheduled the case for mention on June 23, 2026.

In a significant political shift, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State officially welcomed former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo into its fold during a well-attended event at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta on Wednesday. This move comes shortly after her departure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Iyabo Obasanjo, who is the daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, previously represented Ogun Central in the Senate from 2007 to 2011. Following her unsuccessful re-election bid in 2011, she relocated to the United States to focus on an academic career.

After a 15-year hiatus from active politics, she returned in January 2026 by joining the APC and expressed her intention to run for the governorship position. However, on May 31, she resigned from the APC, citing what she described as a lack of respect, betrayal, and unjust treatment by the party’s leadership after losing the governorship primary.

At the reception rally, Dr. Abayomi Tella, the Ogun State PDP Chairman, formally presented the party flag to Obasanjo, signifying her official candidacy for the Ogun Central senatorial district. Tella stated, “On behalf of our National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, the National Working Committee, and the PDP Ogun Central, I present this flag to our esteemed sister, Professor Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, as the party’s authority for her senatorial candidacy.”

While taking the party’s oath, Obasanjo pledged unwavering loyalty to the PDP’s constitution, manifesto, and code of conduct. She declared, “I commit to the PDP’s ideals. I will serve the people of Ogun State and Nigeria with integrity, humility, and dedication, prioritizing their welfare above personal or sectional interests.” She further asserted that she remains the strongest contender for the Ogun Central seat, confident in her track record as a former senator.

During the event, Adebutu, another PDP stalwart, promised that if elected governor, his administration would ensure local government autonomy and maintain transparency in managing public funds. He assured, “I, Oladipupo Adebutu, will not steal your money. Local governments will receive their funds promptly, and all our dealings will be transparent.”

The internal crisis within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has deepened as a senatorial hopeful, Isaac Nwachukwu, has initiated legal proceedings against the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State. The lawsuit stems from allegations of unfair treatment during the party’s primary elections for the National Assembly. Through his legal representative, Cajethan Oguzie, Nwachukwu claims the party wrongfully denied him the Imo North senatorial ticket, despite him being selected as a consensus candidate and paying the required N5 million nomination fee.

Further complicating matters, Nwachukwu asserts that he made a substantial N20 million contribution to support the party’s growth, which he paid into an NDC FCMB account. However, he alleges that his contribution was mysteriously reduced to N10 million on the official list of supporters. He also contends that the N20 million he paid was incorrectly assigned to another aspirant, Matthew Omegara, while Omegara’s N10 million was credited to him by the party’s screening committee, which included Sam Egwu and Buba Galadimma.

Despite these irregularities, Nwachukwu participated in and passed the NDC screening exercise, allowing him to proceed to the primary election. He claims his consensus candidacy was ratified, and his name was initially included on the list of candidates for the Imo North Senatorial District. However, he alleges that his name was later replaced with Omegara’s after he had already won the primary. This instance of perceived injustice has prompted legal action.

The court filing outlines specific requests, including a declaration that Nwachukwu is the legitimate consensus candidate for the Imo North Senatorial Zone for the 2027 general election. He is also seeking an order to restrain the NDC from fielding any other candidate in that district. Additionally, he wants INEC to be permanently barred from recognizing or accepting any candidate other than himself for the Imo North senatorial election. Another key demand is for the court to compel the NDC to issue him a certificate of return as its official candidate.

In a supporting affidavit, Nwachukwu details how he purchased the expression of interest form and made the N20 million party support payment. He further claims that the NDC’s national leader, Seriake Dickson, summoned him to a meeting where he was told that his candidacy was jeopardized because a party chieftain from his state claimed not to know him. This chaotic turn of events underscores the internal party struggles leading up to the 2027 elections.

The Open Government Partnership in Jigawa State has called on the state government to urgently distribute agricultural machinery and extension motorcycles to farmers and field workers, warning that further delay undermines the impact of these investments. In a statement released by co-chair Isah Mustapha, the group acknowledged the government’s increased budget allocation for agriculture—rising from under five percent to between ten and twelve percent—and the creation of new ministries and agencies to enhance farming and livestock activities.

The OGP praised the procurement of large-scale farming equipment and the establishment of mechanization centers across all thirty constituencies, calling it a major step toward modernizing agriculture. However, it expressed alarm that the equipment remains undistributed, leaving assets vulnerable to weather while farmers face high production costs and limited access to mechanized services. With over ninety percent of Jigawa’s population depending on agriculture, timely deployment could improve productivity, cut costs, and strengthen food security, the group argued.

The statement also highlighted the recruitment of more than nine hundred agricultural extension workers under the J-AGROG initiative, but noted that motorcycles meant for their field operations have reportedly been stored for nearly a year. The OGP warned that continued delays could diminish extension services’ effectiveness and lead to higher maintenance expenses if the motorcycles deteriorate before use. It therefore urged immediate distribution to ensure public funds translate into real benefits for farming communities and support the state’s goals of economic growth and sustainable agriculture.

Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, has spoken out for the first time since a London court cleared her of all bribery charges. The Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday acquitted the ex-minister on five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, bringing a close to a legal battle that has stretched over a decade.

In an emotional interview with News Central, Alison-Madueke described the past 11 years as a period of intense personal suffering. “I’m just thankful to God. It’s been arduous, almost 11 years. It’s been traumatic not just for me but for my family, friends, my 93-year-old mother in Port Harcourt, and my son,” she stated. She emphasized that the ordeal tested her faith and resilience, but she never lost hope. “God will always do as he will. God is not a man that he should lie; when he promises you something, he will see it through.”

Alison-Madueke, who served as Petroleum Minister under President Goodluck Jonathan, noted that she has remained in the United Kingdom throughout the legal proceedings. Reflecting on her tenure, she said, “I did my job to the best of my ability.” The acquittal marks a significant turnaround for the former minister, who had faced allegations of steering oil contracts to companies in exchange for cash bribes. British prosecutors brought the case in connection with contracts worth millions of dollars awarded to several firms.

The court’s decision has drawn mixed reactions, but Alison-Madueke’s supporters have welcomed it as a vindication. Her statement, filled with gratitude and relief, underscores the toll the case took on her personal life. “It has been a hard journey,” she added, “but I tell you this, God will always do as he will.”