Politics
Mark warns FG against political manipulation as A’Court reverses ADC deregistration
Stakeholders also called for sanctions against Justice Peter Lifu for flouting a superior court order, as the ADC assures supporters they will remain on the ballot.
Political parties and stakeholders affected by the Federal High Court’s controversial deregistration order welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of the judgment.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on Tuesday ordered a stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party, while delivering a stinging rebuke to Justice Lifu for flouting a May 22 appellate court order restraining him from delivering the ruling.
In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed condemned Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting a May 22 order that directed him to suspend proceedings before him, describing his conduct as the gravest form of judicial misconduct.
“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,” the panel held.
The appellate court went further, invoking a Supreme Court precedent to characterise Justice Lifu’s conduct in the harshest terms.
“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is the highest form of judicial impertinence,” the panel declared, adding that the Supreme Court had previously held that a judge who acted in such a manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”
The court said it had a duty to assert its supervisory authority over lower courts and protect the integrity of the judicial hierarchy.
“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This court has supervisory authority over the trial court. This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are obeyed. The application for stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the panel ruled.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Lifu, had on Monday ordered INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party, ruling that the five parties failed to meet the constitutional performance thresholds under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, specifically, requirements related to securing at least 25 per cent of votes in certain states or winning seats in the 2023 general elections.
Earlier in Tuesday’s proceedings, INEC told the appellate court it was stunned by Justice Lifu’s decision to deliver the judgment, disclosing that the commission only learned of the ruling through media reports rather than any official notification.
INEC’s lead counsel, Mr Haliru Mohammed, told the panel that the commission had been aware of the appellate court’s May 22 order restraining the lower court from delivering the judgment, which had originally been reserved for June 5.
“We were not aware of any notice from the court regarding the delivery of the judgment. We only saw it as breaking news in the media. We therefore do not oppose the application of the appellant to stay the execution of the judgment,” Mohammed submitted.
The commission also aligned itself with the notice of appeal filed by the affected political parties.
Counsel to the ADC, Mr Shuaibu Aruwa, SAN, told the court that Justice Lifu communicated the judgment’s delivery to the party via WhatsApp, a disclosure that drew visible reactions from the bench.
Aruwa described the lower court’s conduct as an invitation to anarchy and urged the appellate court to invoke its disciplinary jurisdiction under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution to sanction the judge.
“The action of the trial judge calls for swift and extraordinary measures from this court. We have come to the stage where this court should press the reset button.
“We urge this court to take disciplinary steps by immediately suspending that judgment. This court has the power to protect its own integrity. We pray this court suspends the judgment immediately without further delay,” he added.
APC reacts
Reacting to the appellate court’s decision, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ruling offered a measure of hope for the judiciary’s credibility, though he was careful not to celebrate unreservedly.
“It indicates that the judiciary may still redeem itself. We are cautiously delighted but we insist that it shouldn’t have happened in the first place,” Abdullahi said in a telephone interview.
He called on the National Judicial Council to take urgent steps to rid the bench of judges whose conduct brought the institution into disrepute.
“We, therefore, hope that the judicial council will take urgent steps to purge the bench of judges who bring the judicial institution to disrepute,” he said.
The National Leader of the Action Peoples Party, Ikenga Ugochinyere, was more emphatic in his welcome of the ruling, describing it as a vindication of the party’s position from the outset and calling on the NJC to weed out what he termed controversial judges.
“There was no need to panic in the first place, and, so, this ruling is a vindication of our position from the get-go,” Ugochinyere said.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
There is growing confusion in the Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over the party’s candidate for Anaocha 1 State Constituency, following a dispute between two aspirants laying claim to the party’s ticket.
The constituency, which is the immediate constituency of the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has been embroiled in controversy as the serving member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Nkechi Ogbuefi, insists that she remains the duly nominated candidate of the party for the forthcoming election.
Ogbuefi, who is the Deputy Minority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, said she participated in the party’s primary election and was duly returned and nominated as its candidate for Anaocha 1 Constituency.
She alleged that Hon. Azubuike Okoye had been parading himself as the party’s candidate despite, according to her, not purchasing the NDC nomination form, participating in the screening exercise or taking part in the party’s primary election.
“I joined Mr Peter Obi when he went to the Labour Party and also joined him when he became a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
“We had our primary election and it was resolved that all serving members must be given automatic tickets. I, like other sitting members, was given my nomination form and we took part in the primary election of the party.
“After the primary election, I was returned and duly nominated as the candidate for Anaocha 1 Constituency,” she said.
Ogbuefi further alleged that Okoye, after purchasing forms in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and participating in its House of Representatives primary, had been parading himself as the NDC candidate for the State House of Assembly.
She said the matter had also been taken before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where, according to her, the NDC appeared and affirmed her as its candidate.
“Another candidate who heard that I was returned went to the Federal High Court in Abuja and, because it was an originating summons, the NDC came there to affirm me as the candidate of the party.
“The court ultimately affirmed me as the winner of the primary election of the party.
“The party also stated that at no time was Azubuike Okoye’s name submitted as a candidate. He did not purchase the form of the party, he did not take part in the screening of aspirants and he did not participate in the primary election,” she stated.
Ogbuefi further claimed that the state chairman of the NDC, Chief Ikem Uzoezie, had advised her to disregard Okoye’s claim, saying that Peter Obi personally forwarded her name to him as the party’s candidate.
Efforts to reach Uzoezie for his reaction were unsuccessful, as several calls placed to his phone were not answered. Text messages and WhatsApp messages sent to him also received no response.
However, reacting to Ogbuefi’s allegations, Okoye declined to make a definitive claim to the ticket, saying the matter would be settled when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) publishes the list of candidates submitted by the party.
He urged those involved in the dispute to remain calm, saying there was no need for individuals to engage in arguments or trade accusations on social media.
“My brother, I cannot say anything now and I cannot say I am the candidate of the party. I don’t want to join issues with those claiming to be candidates of the party in Anaocha Constituency 1 until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) publishes the list of candidates sent by the party to the Commission.
“So I want the reporters to remain calm because if I say that I am the candidate and INEC publishes another name, what sense does it make?” he said.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The old political rivalry in the Anambra Central Senatorial District contest has returned to the front burner following the emergence of Senator Uche Ekwunife as the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ekwunife’s emergence has set the stage for another keenly contested race, with Senator Victor Umeh already emerging as the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Chief Dozie Nwankwo is the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Before Ekwunife’s emergence, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Chinedu had been listed as the APC’s candidate as a placeholder, pending the expiration of the deadline for the substitution of candidates as stipulated by the Electoral Act.
Ekwunife, Umeh and Nwankwo are no strangers to political contests in the district, having crossed political paths in several previous elections.
Senator Victor Umeh had on two occasions contested the Anambra Central senatorial seat against Ekwunife. Ekwunife won one of the contests but was later ousted by the Election Petitions Tribunal. She subsequently defeated Umeh in another election, before Umeh emerged victorious in the most recent contest.
Similarly, Nwankwo had contested the Anaocha-Dunukofia-Njikoka Federal Constituency seat against Ekwunife. Ekwunife won the first contest and secured a second term, while Nwankwo later defeated her at the subsequent general election after she had moved on to contest the senatorial seat.
The rivalry was further rekindled during the last APGA primary election when Nwankwo defeated Umeh. Umeh subsequently emerged as the candidate of the Labour Party and eventually won the Anambra Central senatorial election.
With Ekwunife now back in the race under the APC, the political contest in Anambra Central is expected to attract renewed attention as the major contenders prepare for another battle.
Speaking on Ekwunife’s emergence, the Anambra State Chairman of the APC, Senator Emma Anosike, said the party was prepared for a keenly contested election.
Anosike described Ekwunife as an outstanding politician who had maintained consistency through sustained engagement with the electorate, stakeholders and the party.
“We welcome our sister, Senator Uche Ekwunife, to the race. With this development, we are good to go.
“We know the capacity of our candidate. She has remained consistent in her interface with the electorate, stakeholders and the party.
“She is in a familiar environment and knows the game. Come 2027, Ekwunife and the rest of our candidates in Anambra State will surely emerge from top to bottom,” he said.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has commended the two former Governors of the state Sen Çhris Ngige and Chief Willie Obiano for their respective contributions towards the socioeconomic development of the state while in office.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Soludo Mr Christian Aburime to mark the 74th birthday of Sen Çhris Ngige and 71st birthday of Chief Willie Obiano, Soludo recalled their respective roles as Governors of the state .
“The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed his felicitations to former Governor, Senator Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, CON, on the occasion of his birthday”
“In his goodwill remarks, Governor Soludo recalled Dr. Ngige’s contributions to Anambra State during a formative and challenging period in the state’s political history, noting his emphasis on discipline in public administration and his efforts in infrastructural development”
“The Governor also commended Dr. Ngige’s subsequent record of service to Anambra and to the nation, including his years representing Anambra Central in the Senate and his service as a former Minister of Labour and Employment”he said.
Soludo described Obiano as a worthy son of Anambra whose eight years in office impacted on the state’s progressive development.
Soludo noticed that Obiano’s progressive initiatives in the growth and development of the State during his tenure as Governor of Anambra remain deeply appreciated
“The Governor also commended the former Governor’s investments in other infrastructural developments in the State, further describing him as a worthy patriot who deserved to be celebrated on this special occasion of his birthday”
“Therefore, Governor Soludo wished former Governor Willie Obiano a happy birthday today, with prayers for his sustained good health, joy, and many more years of a fulfilled, good life” the statement concluded.
Pressure is mounting on President Bola Tinubu to remove the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, over the controversial freezing of Osun State Government accounts ahead of the governorship election.
The controversy erupted after the EFCC restricted access to the state government’s accounts as part of an investigation into alleged suspicious financial transactions.
The move triggered strong reactions from political parties and stakeholders, who accused the anti-graft agency of interfering in the electoral process and creating tension ahead of the poll.
The development took a dramatic turn when President Tinubu directed the EFCC to return to court and vacate the order restricting the accounts.
The directive has intensified calls for Olukoyede’s removal, with critics questioning the timing of the EFCC’s action and its potential impact on the election.
The Accord Party has already demanded Olukoyede’s resignation, accusing the commission of undermining public confidence in the fight against corruption.
However, the EFCC chairman has received backing from some prominent Nigerians, including human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who maintained that the commission acted within its legal powers.
The Presidency has also not indicated that Olukoyede is facing imminent removal.
With the Osun governorship election approaching, the controversy has further heightened political tension, putting the EFCC chairman under intense public and political scrutiny.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over a suspicious credit into one of his private bank accounts, alleging that his confidential banking details may have been compromised.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday and signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
According to the statement, the transfer was made by an individual unknown to the former vice president, with the narration: “Contribution Electioneering Campaign.”
“Neither His Excellency nor his campaign solicited, authorised or has any knowledge of the individual or entity behind the unauthorised payment,” the statement read.
Atiku said the circumstances surrounding the transaction were “deeply troubling,” noting that the account was strictly private and its details were not publicly available.
“The account is a strictly private one whose details are not in the public domain. This raises a fundamental question: How did unknown persons obtain the confidential banking details of a private citizen?” the statement added.
He said the alleged access to his banking information raised broader concerns about the protection of Nigerians’ financial privacy.
“If the private banking information of a former Vice President and a leading presidential candidate can be accessed and deployed for reasons yet unknown, then no Nigerian’s financial privacy is safe,” Atiku was quoted as saying.
The former vice president also expressed concern that the information may have been obtained through individuals with privileged access.
“Even more disturbing is the suspicion that such confidential information may have been obtained through persons with privileged access,” the statement said.
Atiku warned that any breach of confidential banking information could expose citizens to serious security threats.
“If established, this would amount to a grave abuse of power capable of exposing the account holder to kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, fraudsters and other criminal elements,” the statement added.
The ADC presidential candidate said security agencies and Nigerians had been notified of the development, describing it as part of a series of suspicious activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We therefore put the Nigerian public — and the security agencies — on notice about this latest incident in a litany of suspicious activities leading up to next year’s general elections,” he said.
Atiku urged Nigerians not to be distracted by what he described as attempts to smear his reputation as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
“As political activities gather momentum, Nigerians should not be distracted by these tired tactics that smack of character assassination,” the statement read.
“Such desperate antics have failed before and will fail again,” he added.
The former vice president maintained that he remained committed to providing what he described as credible leadership and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
“The Waziri Adamawa remains focused on offering Nigerians credible leadership and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges,” the statement said.
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