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Adegboruwa, SAN disagrees with 2 decisions of Presidential Tribunal
“In any case at all, witnesses on subpoena should not be made to depose to any statement on oath. It was the court that summoned the witnesses in the first place and they obeyed the order of the court to appear. In any event, subpoenas do not normally contain any directive for the witness to depose to any statement on oath. How then can the same court that commanded a witness to appear before it to testify turn around to disqualify the same witness, who is deemed to be a witness of the court? It just doesn’t add up.”
On electronic transmission of results, Adegboruwa wrote: “One of the contentious issues before the Court was that of electronic transmission of results by INEC. It was the contention of petitioners that had INEC followed its own guidelines for electronic transmission of election results real time, then there would have been no cases of manipulation or suppression of results. In this regard, the Court held that INEC is not under any obligation to electronically transmit election results. The Court relied upon the previous decisions of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal which it held were binding on the petitioners. First, this was a fresh election and the petition arising from it was between different parties and under totally different circumstances.
“The Court should have x-rayed the conduct of INEC in relation to the 2023 presidential election simpliciter, being the subject matter of the petition before it. INEC was not conducting the election of the Rotary Club but the 2023 presidential election in which over eighty million people were registered to vote and over N300B spent from the common purse.
“If INEC had through its own guidelines voluntarily made a contract with the people of Nigeria, the Court should hold it bound by that undertaking and/or at least extract cogent reasons why it could not be done. A lot went into the 2022 Electoral Act, the high point of which was electronic transmission of results, which was meant to remove or reduce human intervention in the electoral process.
“The decision of the Court that INEC is not mandated to transmit election results electronically is with due respect to their Lordships, a huge setback to election administration and management in Nigeria, as we will now go back to the days of manipulation, falsification of results and general violence, thuggery and even rigging. It has been said that the most potent form of rigging an election is the stage of collation and transmission of results. By endorsing INEC’s lapses, the Court has unwittingly reversed all the gains of the new electoral law on e-voting. The Court was too fixated on technicalities rather than dwelling on the substantive flaws and misconduct of the electoral umpire. We surely should not and cannot allow INEC to run away with all the mistakes and failures of the 2023 presidential election. If nothing else, we should use the opportunity presented by these petitions to identify the observable lapses associated with the presidential election with the aim of correcting them to avoid the ugly situation where they could be deployed to haunt us in future elections.”
The erudite silk, however, agreed with the Tribunal on the status of FCT Abuja and nomination of candidates.
On the status of FCT Abuja, he wrote: “In the 2023 presidential election, the candidate who was declared as winner did not receive 25 percent of votes from the Federal Capital Territory. It was the contention of the petitioners that failure to secure the mandatory 25 percent of votes from the FCT automatically disqualifies any candidate from being declared as winner of the presidential election. On this issue, the Court held that a candidate who has won up to 25 percent votes in each of at least 25 states in Nigeria, does not need to win 25 percent of the votes in the FCT Abuja. Abuja is one of the states in Nigeria; Abuja is not different from the other states, and does not enjoy any special status.
“I tend to agree with this decision. The FCT Abuja has only six area councils. The total votes cast for Senator Ireti Kingibe to represent the FCT in the last election is less than the votes cast for the Honourable Member of House of Representatives for Alimosho local government council, one of the twenty council areas in Lagos State, not to talk of Kano or Oyo States.
“What then would qualify the voters of FCT to be rated over and above other voters in Nigeria? Is it the mere fact of its geographical location or its administrative status as the federal capital city of Nigeria? The Constitution itself states in its section 42 that no citizen of Nigeria shall suffer any discrimination, disqualification or disenfranchisement to which other Nigerians are not subjected to by reason of his geographical location or circumstances of his birth. Is it an offence to be born in Port Harcourt or to live in Awka? Why should I suffer inferiority status because I voted in Ondo State compared to my fellow free born citizens who voted in the FCT? There is no reasonable logic behind this proposition at all. The FCT has no assembly but rather it is the National Assembly that makes laws for it, it has no governor and no life of its own beyond the federal government of Nigeria. Taking it further, by the principle of federalism, it is the FCT that should be rated lower in rank to the States.”
On nomination of candidates, Adegboruwa had this to say: “To my mind, the issue of who represents a political party in any election should strictly be the internal affairs of the party in question. Although the Electoral Act now confers locus standi on any interested person to challenge the eligibility of any candidate, this should be guided by the principle that an outsider cannot cry more than the bereaved. More importantly however, this issue was decided by the Supreme Court in May 2023 and some of the lawyers for the petitioners were said to have been involved in that case and indeed other cases wherein the issue of the status of the candidates had been resolved. It amounts to professional misconduct for a counsel who is aware of a decision of the Supreme Court that has decided an issue against him and his client to seek to relitigate the same issue.
“If at all this should be allowed, counsel owe a sacred duty to the court to make full and frank disclosure of the said case, by stating the facts of that case and the decision reached on it. He can proceed to state the reasons why he is taking a different position in the present case or why he seeks a departure from the previous decision. But by all means no one should ambush the court.”
News Express
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.
A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.
It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.
In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.
The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.
Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.
Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.
The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .
He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.
Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.
He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.
He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.
Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.
Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.
The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.
“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.
He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.
Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”
“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”
“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.
He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.
Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.
“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi
Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest
2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate
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