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Breaking: Supreme Court upholds President Tinubu’s election
….dismisses Atiku’s appeal as lacking in merit
ABUJA– The Supreme Court, on Thursday, affirmed President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the valid winner of the presidential election that held in the country on February 25.
The apex court, in its lead judgement that was prepared and read by Justice Inyang Okoro, held that there was no merit in the petition that a former President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, filed to nullify the outcome of the election.
It held that Atiku did not prove that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, did not substantially comply with provisions of the Electoral Act, in the conduct of the election.
The apex court held that section 185(1) of the Evidence Act provided that an election should not be liable to be invalidated, when alleged non compliance did not substantially affect the outcome of an election.
It held that evidence contained in the record of the appeal showed that the Appellants abandoned the duty imposed on them by the law to not only prove the alleged non compliance, but to establish that failure of INEC to transmit results of the election through its IReV portal, influenced the outcome of the presidential poll.
The Supreme Court said it had in past judgements, made it clear that there was a difference between election result collation system and the IReV portal.
“Where the IReV portal fails, it does not stop the collation which up till the last election was manually done,” the court held.
Nevertheless, it stressed that INEC’s failure to electronically transmit results of the election, denied the electorates the opportunity to follow and cross-check results that were eventually uploaded.
“Truth must be told, the non transmission of results to the IReV portal may also reduce the confidence of the voting population in the electoral process,” the Supreme Court warned.
The apex court held that Atiku and PDP did not prove that they suffered any miscarriage of justice as a result of the dismissal of their petition by the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC.
It described as misconceived and misplaced, Atiku’s contention that Tinubu ought not have been declared winner of the presidential election, having failed to secure 25% votes in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.
The apex court affirmed the position of the PEPC that the FCT does not have a status that is more special than that of the 36 States of the federation.
It further upheld the striking out the evidence of some of the witnesses that testified for Atiku at the PEPC hearing, adding that most of the witnesses gave “inadmissible hearsay” evidence.
“The Appellants did not present any evidence to warrant the interference of the findings of the lower court,” head of the apex court panel, Justice Okoro, added.
On the issue that President Tinubu was involved in a drug related case in the USA that led to the forfeiture of $460, 000, the Supreme Court held that Tinubu raised the issue when the Respondents had already filed their process.
It held that the action denied the Respondents the right to fair hearing.
“The ruling of the lower court is unassailable and this court will not interfere,” it held.
The court held that whereas Atiku alleged that the result that was declared by INEC was not accurate, he, however, failed to put forward their perceived rightful result.
It held that the result announced by INEC was presumed as correct in the absence of “any rival or alternative result.”
“The figure before us shows that the 2nd Respondent won the highest number of votes and was duly declared winner.”
Consequently, the court, resolved all the issues that Atiku raised in his petition, against him.
“On the whole, having resolved all the issues against the Appellants, it is my view that there is no merit in this appeal and it is hereby dismissed.
“Judgement of the lower court delivered on September 6 is hereby affirmed. I shall make no order as to cost,” the Supreme Court held.
It will be recalled that INEC had on March 1, announced that Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, won the presidential contest, ahead of 17 other candidates that participated in the poll.
It declared that he garnered a total of 8,794,726 votes to defeat his two major rivals, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who came second with a total of 6,984,520 votes, and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who came third with a total of 6,101,533 votes.
Vanguard
The Enugu State Government has tasked health partners and stakeholders on translating government policies, investments and strategic plans into measurable improvements in health outcomes meant to uplift residents’ health status.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, gave the task on Saturday in Enugu while formally declaring open the 2026 Enugu State Health Sector Joint Annual Review (JAR) Meeting.
Ugwu assured that the state government remained committed in building a stronger, more responsive and resilient health system.
The commissioner called for renewed commitment, accountability and collective action to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
He commended Gov. Peter Mbah for his remarkable commitment to transforming the health sector through sustained investments, reforms and initiatives aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for the people.
Ugwu noted that the meeting provided an important platform for partners and stakeholders to take stock of the implementation of the 2026 Annual Operational Plan, assess progress, identify gaps and bottlenecks.
The commissioner said that the meeting would provide opportunities for agreements on practical actions to accelerate health sector performance.
In a remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. George Nwachi, stressed the importance of the review as a mechanism for strengthening accountability, evidence-based decision-making and effective implementation of health programmes.
Nwachi emphasised the need for stakeholders to critically examine achievements and challenges, close identified implementation gaps and develop realistic priorities that would further improve service delivery across the state.
The technical sessions featured the presentation of the 2025 JAR Resolutions by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the Ministry of Health, Mrs Ann Oguejiofor, providing a basis for assessing progress on previously agreed actions.
The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Desk Officer, Mrs Uju Ewoh, also presented an update on the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) initiative.
The State Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Ikechukwu Obodo, presented the validated JAR template to guide the assessment of health sector performance and ensure that the review is anchored on reliable data and measurable indicators.
The outcomes of the two-day critical stakeholders’ meeting would serve as a critical foundation for the development of the 2027 Annual Operational Plan, further advancing Enugu State’s determination to deliver stronger, more efficient and people-centred healthcare services.
…As Nsukka LG boss, Asogwa bags Best Council Chairman Award_
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s transformational leadership and developmental strides took centre stage, yet again, as Enugu Media Village honoured him with an Award of Excellence for dedication to transformational leadership and outstanding governance.
This was even as the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Engr. Jude Asogwa, emerged winner of the 2025/2026 Enugu State Best Performing Local Government Chairman Award, while Isi-Uzo Council Chairman, Barr. Obiora Obeagu came second in the poll.
The awards were presented during the organisation’s 2025/2026 Best Performing Local Government Chairman Poll and Leadership Recognition Ceremony, which took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
Presenting the awards on behalf of the organisation, the Board of Trustees Chairman of Enugu Media Village and former Chairman of Agwu Local Government Area, Hon. Nnanna Nze, commended Governor Mbah for what he described as his remarkable transformation of the state in just three years.
Nze noted that the governor’s developmental strides in critical sectors of the economy had continued to attract commendation from residents and stakeholders.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Founder and Director General of Enugu Media Village, Mr. Kelvin Uche Edeh, described the organisation as a media platform established to promote developmental governance and ensure that information about government projects reaches the grassroots.
He noted that Governor Mbah had demonstrated that governance was a powerful tool for transforming communities and improving lives.
“Governor Peter Mbah has shown us that governance is about changing communities and transforming systems.
“We are committed to supporting developmental governance by ensuring that information reaches the grassroots across all local government areas,” Edeh stated.
Receiving the award, Governor Mbah said the honour belonged to members of his team and the entire people of Enugu State for entrusting their mandate to him.
He, however, said that the people of Enugu State had only seen a tip of the iceberg, as he remained committed to exceeding expectations in delivering more dividends of democracy to the people.
Mbah, who was represented by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, said the people of Enugu State deserved only the very best, hence his insistence on excellence, innovation and high performance from members of his administration.
Another major highlight of the event was the emergence of Engr. Jude Asogwa, as winner of the 2025/2026 Enugu State Best Performing Local Government Chairman Award.
The poll, which featured all 17 local government areas of the state, recorded Nsukka Local Government Area as the overall winner with 110,447 votes, ahead of Isi Uzo, Uzo Uwani, Igbo Eze North and Enugu South LGAs, in that order.
In his acceptance speech, Engr. Asogwa, who dedicated the award to God, Governor Mbah, his family and the people of Nsukka, said the recognition reflected his Council’s commitment to delivering development to all 52 communities in the LGA.
He further reaffirmed Nsukka’s support for Governor Mbah’s re-election, citing the administration’s investments in the area such as 20 Smart Green Schools, 21 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, dualization of the over 44.1-kilometre Enugu – Opi – Nsukka Road, the 52.2km Nguru – Lejja – Aku – Akpakume Nze – Egede – Affa – Eke road, and N1 billion oxygen plant, among other development projects designed to improve lives and grow Nsukka and Enugu North Zone’s economy.
“Let me just tell us that the secret of our performance is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. He is a leader that supports the local government council chairmen. He is a governor who does not tamper with the allocations of the LGAs. That is the secret of the results you are seeing. In addition, he has delivered 267 Smart Schools and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in the 260 wards.
“So, Nsukka is for Governor Peter Mbah. Also, we had earlier decided as a zone that come 2027, we will support and deliver not only the governor but also President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has contributed to the growth and development of our people, including the appointment of the first indigenous Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” he said.
The event also featured the presentation of Awards of Excellence to distinguished public office holders and leaders in recognition of their contributions to governance, leadership and public service.
Among the awardees were Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District; Senator Ikeje Asogwa, representing Enugu North Senatorial District; Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency; Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; and Chie Chukwudi Nnaji.
The Member representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Donland Ojogo, narrowly escaped death on Saturday when his two-vehicle convoy was involved in a road accident.
The incident, which occurred along the Ore–Ondo Road, reportedly involved a commercial bus that dangerously overtook the lawmaker’s vehicle and collided with an oncoming vehicle, causing panic and confusion among road users.
Although Hon. Ojogo, who recently secured a return to the National Assembly, did not sustain any serious injuries, some members of his entourage were affected in the crash.
The federal lawmaker was said to be en route to Arogbo in Ese-Odo Local Government Area for a political l engagement when the accident happened.
Reacting to the incident, Ojogo expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life and that of his team, noting that the situation could have been fatal if not for divine intervention.
According to him, “God took perfect control of the situation and prevented what could have turned into a tragic incident.”
He, however, blamed the driver of the commercial bus for the accident, accusing him of reckless driving and impatience on the highway.
Meanwhile, those who sustained injuries in the crash have been rushed to a nearby hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.
Petroleum marketers have slowed fuel purchases from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery amid uncertainty surrounding the company’s decision to sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in U.S. dollars, raising concerns over possible disruptions in fuel supply across Nigeria.
While some marketers claimed that fuel loading had been suspended at the Lekki-based refinery, the company dismissed the reports, insisting that loading operations were continuing as normal.
Industry players, however, said many marketers had deliberately reduced or halted large-scale purchases while awaiting clarification on the refinery’s new pricing structure and the expected landing cost of imported petroleum products.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike, explained that marketers were reluctant to buy large volumes because of uncertainty over future petrol prices.
According to him, products currently in circulation were purchased at between ₦1,250 and ₦1,300 per litre, while fresh supplies could be priced differently depending on the new crude oil pricing template and imported fuel costs.
“The challenge is that marketers do not know whether petrol prices will rise or fall after making fresh purchases. Consumers still expect fuel to be sold at the prevailing pump price, making it risky for marketers to stock up,” Ukadike said.
He noted that although fuel distribution had not stopped entirely, the volume of products being loaded had reduced significantly. He urged the Federal Government to intervene quickly by resolving the pricing uncertainty to restore confidence in the downstream petroleum sector.
Similarly, the IPMAN Western Zone Chairman, Oyewole Akanni, confirmed that the uncertainty had forced many marketers in the South-West to suspend fresh purchases, resulting in temporary closures of some filling stations.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Akanni said the situation followed the reported suspension of PMS loading at the Dangote Refinery about four days ago, forcing marketers to rely on private depots where prices have risen sharply.
According to him, ex-depot prices at private facilities in Lagos now range from ₦1,200 to ₦1,220 per litre, excluding transportation costs, with some depots reportedly selling at up to ₦1,250 per litre. He added that products were still available from suppliers such as NIPCO and Aiteo at around ₦1,200 per litre.
Akanni disclosed that four truckloads of petrol meant for his filling stations had remained at the refinery since loading was reportedly suspended.
“I was supposed to receive four truckloads of PMS four days ago, but that has not happened because the trucks are still at the Dangote Refinery,” he said.
Despite the situation, Akanni maintained that Nigeria was not experiencing fuel scarcity and advised motorists against panic buying. However, he warned that prolonged uncertainty could eventually lead to an increase in pump prices.
The developments have heightened anxiety in the downstream sector, with marketers closely monitoring pricing decisions before resuming normal fuel purchases.
Specifically, the House seeks details of funds released to the Ministry of Defence over the past six months and an explanation for the perceived lack of corresponding improvements in security nationwide.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance brought on the floor of the Green Chamber by the member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, Mr Sulaiman Gumi, during plenary on Tuesday.
Speaking on the substance of the motion, the lawmaker lamented the sorry state of security in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West zone, noting that as a result of the campaign of violence by insurgents, the entire region is now battling the scourge of humanitarian crises made worse by the harsh economic realities of the times.
He said, “The House is aware that between June 1 and 6, 2026, rampaging bandits riding on about 250 motorcycles with three riders each invaded Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency, and some parts of Sokoto villages bordering Zamfara State, killing 93 people.
“The House is also aware that on the night of June 2, 2026, into the early hours of June 3, 2026, seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, were abducted by bandits at their off-campus students’ hostel.
“Earlier, two senior lecturers of the same polytechnic were kidnapped and held in captivity for more than two months, despite ransom payments for their release.
“We are aware of the violent attack by bandits on Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where four people were killed and several travellers abducted.
“In Talata Marafa Local Government Area, a councillor and a director were abducted while travelling from Jangebe to the local government headquarters over Hajj activities for intending pilgrims from Jangebe. The bandits killed both of them after refusing to collect any ransom.”
The lawmaker also drew his colleagues’ attention to the escalation of bandit attacks in other Northwest states, including Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, and Jigawa.
Gumi recalled that “On May 31, 2026, 17 villagers were killed when bandits in their hundreds and riding on motorcycles invaded Dangulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State,” stressing that “more than 15 communities in Tureta and Sabon Birni local government areas of Sokoto State have been deserted due to constant bandit attacks.
“In Katsina State, a former Director of Defence Information of the Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar Batsari (retd), and his wife were abducted when their vehicle was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area on May 30, 2026.”
He continued, “Just yesterday (Monday), 50 elderly men were kidnapped and are still held captive in Zamfara State.
“In Kaduna State, bandit attacks remain a significant security challenge, with recent incidents heavily concentrated in areas like Kachia, Sanga and Birnin-Gwari Local Government Areas, while in Kano State, bandit attacks have primarily impacted rural communities sharing borders with neighbouring Katsina State, with the most severe incidents resulting in fatalities, livestock rustling, and abductions.”
He expressed concern that the continuous, unchallenged movement of bandits between the towns, states and their hideouts severely undermined the credibility of the nation’s security, adding that if the trend was not checked, more lives would be lost, and the socio-economic fortunes of the region would be ruined.
Contributing, Jigawa lawmaker, Abubakar Yalleman, called for a speedy consideration of all legislative proposals for the establishment of state police.
“I urge the National Assembly to expedite action on state police to help checkmate the deteriorating level of security in the country,” he said, a call backed by his Ogun counterpart, Mr Olumide Osoba.
Also speaking, the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, called on the Federal Government to revisit the cashless policy as a way of restricting incidences of cash payment to kidnappers.
“It is important to revisit the cashless policy because it is difficult to pay ransom through bank transfers,” he said.
Similarly, the member representing Shomolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Ademorin Kuye, called for strict regulation on the activities of Bureau De Change operators, among other measures.
“It is important for us to gazette the prohibition of ransom payment to kidnappers. The Central Bank of Nigeria should consider monitoring the activities of Bureau De Change operators to address illicit financial flows,” he advised.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved to summon the government officials at a date yet to be announced, while urging the defence minister to deploy adequate security personnel and necessary operational equipment to Zamfara State and the entire Northwest to strengthen the security of the region.
It also urged ministers of agriculture, environment, education, humanitarian affairs and disaster management to explore other non-kinetic options of addressing the security challenges in the country.
The House thereafter mandated the Committee on Defence and other relevant committees to ensure compliance and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.
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