Politics
Rivers LG poll: Tension, uncertainty as Wike’s allies, Fubara’s camp set to clash
There is tension and uncertainty in Rivers State over the conduct of the local government election in the state scheduled for today.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the command would comply with the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which restrained the police and the Department of State Services from participating in the poll.
Iringe-Koko said the decision was sequel to the directives by the Force Legal Department.
The statement read, “On July 19, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order preventing the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from providing security during the local government election.
“Additionally, on September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgment that again prohibited the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from participating in the local government election.
“Given these circumstances, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, takes precedence.”
Parties berate police
Reacting, the All Progressives Congress loyal to a former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, said the decision was an aberration.
Chizi Enyim, the Chief of Staff to the state APC chairman, Emeka Beke, berated the police for not arresting those who protested at the command headquarters, urging the police not to participate in the election.
Enyim stated, “First of all, the APC is participating in the election and we have fielded chairmanship and councillorship candidates. What the police are saying is a decision to the rule of law.
“The said judgement by Hon. Justice Lifu did not even say that the election should be stopped but that the police should not cover and also that INEC should not release voter register to RSIEC. But as we speak, the voter register has been displayed in almost all the polling units across the state. So, those who are not comfortable with the situation should go to court.
“What the police are doing is trying to overthrow the government of Siminalayi Fubara and why is the IG interested in the affairs of Rivers people because it is his duty to protect those who are going to vote. Those who said they would not participate should go to court and if the court invalidates the election, fine and good. The election has not been invalidated so what is the IG’s interest?”
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and media aide to the Rivers State Governor, Jerry Omatsogunwa, said the decision of the police to withdraw from the election would not make any difference.
He stated, “I think all the elections that have been happening in this country, there is always tension. You saw what happened in Edo State and all the shenanigans; the police were there and all those things happened.
“Even all the serious violence that has been happening in elections, they have always been there. So, why not do something different to see if this one will be far better than the ones we have been seeing before? So, for me, the police not participating has no effect.
“Don’t also forget that the citizens have a right. Citizens can arrest criminals and hand them over to the police. “But, I also hope that the police are not telling us that tomorrow is a crime-free day that anything can just happen and nobody will be prosecuted because they are the ones that lay the foundation for anything like that to happen.”
Our correspondent gathered that the APC, led by Chief Tony Okocha, and the PDP, led by Chukwuemeka Aaromin, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, boycotted the election, citing lack of due process by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
NBA kicks against court ruling
Speaking with Saturday Punch, the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), said it was unheard of that a court would issue an order stopping the police from carrying out its primary duty.
He said, “Whatever be the purport of the orders, the police have a continuing duty to provide security for the purpose of River State. If the Rivers State electoral committee insists on going ahead with the election, the police have the duty to provide security and I find it strange that a court order suggests that the police should abandon their constitutional duty of providing security to the people of Nigeria.
“The police have an abiding and unending duty to provide security, whatever be the case in Rivers and that duty can never be suspended by the court and the duty of the police is to stay out of the political scene in Rivers and ensure the protection of lives and property in Rivers and ensure that if any person is insisting on going ahead with the election that there is no destruction of voting materials or destruction of lives and properties and that nobody is injured.
“The police have a duty and should be worried that a court will purport or allege to have ordered them not to do their duty because no court in any circumstance should grant such orders and it is an embarrassment for the rule of law if indeed it is true for a court to have ordered that the police should not provide security.
“If indeed that order was made, then it is evidence of rascality and invitation to break down of law and order and no self-respecting police should rely on such an order to abdicate from his responsibility.”
Tension in Rivers
Early Friday morning, some men said to be dressed in police unform were alleged to have invaded the headquarters of the RSIEC.
The men were allegedly deployed from a neigbhouring state, as one of the trucks that conveyed them bore the name of the state that donated the vehicle.
Our correspondent, who was at the RSIEC headquarters along Aba Road, observed that some of the men had no knowledge of the city as they were cited with household property.
A source said, “The men, who were in police uniform, did not know why they were coming to Port Harcourt. They were seen with mattresses and cooking utensils. So, it looked like they came with the intention for election duty but those behind the deployment obviously have other reasons.
“As you know, the police said clearly that it would enforce the Federal Court order against the RSIEC. This means they will neither participate in the election nor provide security. The police even advise other security agencies to follow suit by not providing security.”
It was, however, gathered that a group of youths arrived at the scene later and chased the men out of the area.
Election must hold – Fubara
Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara said the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, should be held responsible if anarchy broke out in the state.
Fubara, while speaking to journalists at the Government House, Port Harcourt, in reaction to the attack on the RSIEC office, also accused the Nigeria Police Force of serving the interest of an Abuja-based politician to scuttle the planned election.
He said an already scheduled local government election, barely hours away, could not be stopped or truncated because a particular person did not want it conducted.
The governor said the police had been informed and were expected to discharge their statutory professional security duties, particularly because the court also directed so in its judgement on the election.
He said, “In the early hours of this morning (Friday), I got a security report that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission office has been invaded by the Nigeria Police.
“I was really surprised because before that time, I got a copy of a signal withdrawing the police officers that were guarding the premises. So, I had to drive to the place myself since the facility belongs to the Rivers State Government.
“Getting to the scene, and to the shock of everyone who accompanied me there, I met the presence of some fierce looking policemen in one truck and three other empty Hilux vans trying to force their way into the premises.
“And, I had to stop them. In the process, we discovered that that movement was a deliberate attempt by the Nigerian Police Force, both the Rivers State Command and the headquarters in Abuja, to steal the electoral materials. But by the special grace of God, that act was foiled.”
Fubara also questioned why the police allegedly allowed their officers to engage in illegal acts that suggested that they had become enemies of the state.
“Here are the questions: first, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, is it not an agency, and a process that is being controlled by the state government? Is it not a system that is governed by the law of the state? Why is Rivers State’s case different?”
Responding to questions from journalists, the governor said the state government sent a copy of the court judgement mandating that the election should hold to the National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police, Director, DSS, and other security agencies, which he believed had been communicated to the President.
“On the aspect of the police withdrawing their services, I don’t think the police (are) supposed to be part of the election process. What the police should do is to protect lives and property, ensure that nobody comes to cause a fight or burn people’s property.
“In fact, police don’t need to be close to the polling units or the voting centres. What is important is for them to ensure that the lives of the people of Rivers State are protected, and their properties are protected.
“On the issue of the election, I don’t think if they withdraw their services, it is going to mar the process. Not at all!
“So, if the police are not providing (security), I strongly believe that some other agencies will provide security for the election,” he added.
Protesters demand council election
Meanwhile, angry protesters defied the heavy rainfall and marched to the RSIEC office, singing and chanting, ‘election must hold’.
The protesters, believed to be supporters of the governor, mounted canopies, while singing and drumming, with one side of the road blocked by security operatives.
The protesters also called on the police to leave the state if they were tired of doing their job.
Expressing his anger over plans of the Rivers State Police Command to stop the voting exercise on Saturday, Fubara also said, “Keep your security, I do not need it. It happened in Anambra State. This election must be held on Saturday. The result will be declared, the winners will be sworn in.”
Meanwhile, the RSIEC denied reports on social media that its Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), resigned his appointment.
The RSIEC Commissioner for Public Affairs and Civic Education, Tamunotonye Tobins, described it as the handiwork of mischief makers.
Residents from various communities in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have endorsed the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, as their preferred choice for the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was made on Wednesday during a gathering tagged “Street Endorsement for Odii” held in Afikpo.
Speaking at the event, the Ebonyi State PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Chinyere Nwele, described Odii’s governorship aspiration as timely and necessary, arguing that the state needed a leader with the competence and vision to drive development.
According to her, Odii possesses the capacity, integrity, experience, and contacts required to reposition Ebonyi State and improve the welfare of its citizens.
She urged residents to rally behind the PDP candidate, warning that the state risked further setbacks if leadership was entrusted to individuals lacking the requisite experience and commitment.
Also speaking, the PDP senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South Zone in the 2027 elections, Mrs. Maria Nwachi, called on residents to support Odii’s ambition and make effective use of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) during the elections.
Nwachi, a former member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, described Odii as a leader who understands the challenges facing Ebonyians and has the capacity to address them.
She expressed confidence that the PDP candidate would bring transformational leadership to the state if elected.
The PDP House of Assembly candidate for Afikpo North-East Constituency, Mr. Iheukwumere Okogwu-Otu, described the endorsement as a significant step towards shaping the future of Ebonyi State.
He said the gathering reflected the confidence many residents have in Odii’s ability to provide purposeful leadership and address the state’s challenges.
Similarly, the PDP House of Assembly candidate for Afikpo North-West Constituency, Mr. Ewa Chukwumaijem, urged residents to support the PDP governorship candidate and ensure they obtain and safeguard their PVCs ahead of the election.
The event drew supporters from several communities across Afikpo, who pledged their backing for the PDP candidate as preparations for the 2027 governorship race gather momentum.
The lawmaker formally announced his defection in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read on the floor of the Senate on Monday by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary.
In the letter, Maidoki said the lingering crisis within the APC had forced him to seek a new political platform.
“I am writing to inform Your Excellency, the President of the Senate, and the distinguished colleagues of my defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC,” he stated.
Explaining the reason for his decision, the senator said the internal wrangling in the ruling party had become a major source of concern.
“My decision is based on the lingering internal crisis of the APC that has made my political inspiration a source of concern,” he said.
Maidoki expressed confidence that the ADC would provide a more suitable platform to advance the interests of his constituents and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“I believe that the ideas of the ADC are better for the benefit of my senatorial district and Nigeria at large,” he added.
The Kebbi South senator also accused the APC of abandoning the principles of justice, peace and unity, particularly during the recently concluded party primary elections in the state.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) has not exhibited its slogan as justice, peace, and unity, especially in Kebbi State during the just concluded primary elections,” he declared.
Reaffirming his commitment to his new political platform, Maidoki said:
“It is in this regard, therefore, that I wish to inform you of my defection to the African Democratic Congress, which I believe guarantees my political aspiration.”
The defection marks another political setback for the APC as the ADC continues to attract high-profile politicians ahead of future electoral contests.
Politics
Enugu High Court Receives OAU Onyema’s N20m Recovery Suit Against NDC, Dickson, Egwu, Others
A legal battle has commenced at the Enugu State High Court following the filing of Suit No. E/619/2026 by Chief Sir OAU Onyema against the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), former Bayelsa State Governor Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu, former Ebonyi State Governor Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
The plaintiff is seeking the recovery of N20 million, which he alleges was procured through misrepresentation, undue influence, and coercive inducement, resulting in what he described as unjust enrichment by the defendants.
According to court documents, the defendants have been given 42 days to file their defence. The plaintiff has also filed an application for summary judgment, urging the court to enter judgment in his favour without a full trial on the grounds that the defendants allegedly have no viable defence to the claims. The defendants were granted 14 days after service to respond to the motion.
In a 41-paragraph affidavit supported by 12 exhibits, the plaintiff detailed the basis of his claims and requested an order compelling the defendants, jointly and severally, to refund the N20 million allegedly paid into Account No. 1046691859 belonging to the first defendant and domiciled with FCMB.
As part of the summary judgment application, the plaintiff is also seeking an order freezing the account pending the determination of the substantive suit if the court declines to grant immediate judgment.
In the substantive action, the plaintiff seeks declarations that the N20 million payment was obtained through misrepresentation, undue influence and coercive inducement, and that the defendants’ continued retention of the funds amounts to unjust enrichment.
He is further asking the court to award N5 million as special damages for litigation costs, N200 million as general damages for alleged psychological trauma, embarrassment, hardship and inconvenience, and interest on the disputed sum at the rate of 10 per cent per month from June 2, 2026, until full repayment.
The matter has been tentatively adjourned to July 2, 2026, for returns on court assignment and the fixing of further hearing dates.
Further details of the proceedings are expected as the case progresses.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised final list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, approving seven candidates from different political parties to contest for the vacant Senate seat.
The updated list significantly expands the race, following the commission’s earlier publication which featured only three candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Boot Party (BP).
The initial exclusion of candidates from several parties, including the Labour Party (LP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), generated controversy and prompted legal and political reactions across the senatorial district.
The Labour Party had approached the court to challenge the omission of its candidate from the election. However, following the inclusion of its flag bearer in the revised list, the party reportedly withdrew the suit.
According to INEC’s final notice, the candidates cleared to participate in the by-election are Chika Idoko Emmanuel (ADC), Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC), Aneke Kingsley Chukwuebuka (BP), Eze Ejike Simon (LP), Ossai Elias Okwudili (NDC), Ezeme Nestor Chika (PDP), and Ugwuanyi Charles Ugochukwu (PRP).
The revised list brings four additional political parties into the contest, broadening the field and offering voters more options ahead of the election.
Political observers and stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a step toward a more inclusive and competitive electoral process.
The by-election is scheduled to hold on June 20 across the six local government areas that make up Enugu North Senatorial District: Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Uzo-Uwani, and Igbo Etiti.
INEC’s records show that Eze Ejike Simon of the Labour Party, aged 67, is the oldest candidate in the race, closely followed by Ossai Elias Okwudili of the NDC, who is 66.
The youngest contender is Aneke Kingsley Chukwuebuka of the Boot Party at 39 years, while Chika Idoko Emmanuel of the ADC is 41.
Other candidates include APC’s Asogwa Ikeje Israel, aged 56; PDP’s Ezeme Nestor Chika, aged 55; and PRP’s Ugwuanyi Charles Ugochukwu, also 55.
The commission further disclosed that all seven candidates contesting the by-election are male.
With the publication of the final list, political parties are expected to intensify campaigns in the final days before the poll, which will determine who represents Enugu North Senatorial District in the Senate for the remainder of the current tenure.
Credit: Nation
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.
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