Supreme Court fixes April 22 for hearing of PDP leadership dispute

By Our Correspondent

In a bid restore peace in the crisis thorn Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),the Supreme Court of Nigeria, has scheduled April 22, 2026, for the hearing of a high-stakes appeal arising from the protracted leadership tussle within the Party.

The development follows proceedings on Tuesday when the appeal, filed by a faction of the party led by former Minister Kabiru Turaki, was mentioned for the first time before the court.

Lead counsel to the appellants, Chris Uche (SAN), urged the court to abridge the time stipulated under its rules for filing legal processes.

He also requested an accelerated hearing, citing the urgency of resolving the dispute to avoid further instability within the party.

The appeal challenges a judgment of the Court of Appeal, which had earlier upheld the decision of Justice Omotosho.

Responding, counsel to the 1st to 3rd respondents, E.C. Ukala (SAN), did not oppose the request for expedited proceedings but sought 15 days to file their brief.

Similarly, counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kingsley Magbim, raised no objection but requested 10 days to respond.

Other parties in the matter also aligned with the position of non-opposition.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court granted the appellants’ application, significantly shortening the timeline.

The court ordered that all respondents must file their briefs within five days, while the appellants were given two days to submit any reply.

It directed that all processes be filed on or before April 21, ahead of the substantive hearing the following day.

In a related appeal involving former Governor ofJigawa State, Sule Lamido, the apex court similarly approved a request for accelerated hearing.

The case stems from an appeal against a ruling of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the judgment of Justice Lifu.

Counsel to the appellants, Paul Erokoro (SAN), made a similar application for abridgment of time, which was not opposed by any of the respondents.

The court consequently ordered the same compressed timelines—five days for respondents’ briefs and two days for replies—and fixed April 22, 2026, for hearing.

Reacting to the developments, the PDP, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong Essien, called on members to remain steadfast and hopeful.

The party urged its supporters to continue to uphold democratic values and expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would deliver judgments that strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

It also reiterated its belief in the judiciary as a critical institution capable of safeguarding democratic governance, particularly at a time of heightened political tension.

By Our Correspondent

Disturbed by the incessant banditry and killings by bandits in parts of yhe country,Speaker, House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed the 10th Assembly unwavering commitment and determination towards enacting laws and strengthening resolutions aimed at tackling insecurity ravaging Nigeria.

Abbas gave the assurance on Tuesday in Jos while addressing participants during a one day conference on the security challenges in Plateau and beyond.

Recall that the House of Representatives adhoc committee on security with the theme:” Restoring stability and unity”, brought together top government functionaries, security agents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations as well as critical stakeholders in the peace building sector.

The 10th National Assembly Speaker represented by Hon. John Dafaan, member representing Mikang, Shendam and Qua’an-Pan Federal Constituency disclosed that since 2001 Plateau have been bedeviled by series violence.

He said the attacks are propelled by the convergence of different factors, leading to lost of thousands of lives, communities and properties worth billions of Naira.

“The House decisively decided to strengthen security appropriation to deal with emerging security challenges aimed at fostering trust among community and sustainable peaceful coexistence.

“We will strengthen intelligence gathering and early warning sign to tackle the drivers of socioeconomic and religious violence”, he stated.

Commending Nigeria’s first Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu intervention for Internally Displaced Persons and governor Caleb Mutfwang leadership quality in tackling the menace of insecurity, the speaker promised that the Legislative will continue working in synergy with the executive to improve security and wellbeing of Nigerians.

“Government must prioritize rehabilitation, reconstruction and stabilization of attack victims as we continue to extol the legacy of diversity and unity”, he added.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the conference as timely taking into account that the successive administrations in Plateau grapple with insecurity challenges.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo confirmed upon
assumption of office, it’s administration placed the security of lives and property at the forefront of its priorities.

“Decisive steps were taken to revamp the previously moribund state security outfit, Operation Rainbow, including the recruitment of personnel across the state to strengthen early warning systems and enhance intelligence gathering.

“Government established the Plateau Activity Centre, equipped with modern technology, including drone surveillance, to support coordinated security operations.

“Over 300 operational vehicles belonging to security agencies were refurbished, while motorcycles were procured to improve rapid response capabilities, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities”, she mentioned.

The Chairman, House of Representatives adhoc committee on security challenges in Plateau state and beyond, Hon. Dr. Adewale Hameed, revealed the adhoc committee was born out of necessity sometimes last year 2025.

Hameed further acknowledged that President Tinubu has directed special security deployments, approved humanitarian interventions, and insisted that the cries from Plateau must reach the highest level and be answered with action.

“We will restore Plateau State to its rightful Place. Not just as the Home of Peace and Tourism, but as a beacon of hope for Nigeria”, Hameed noted.

By George Mgbeleke

Prominent pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) strongly condemns what it describes as the growing and disturbing pattern of judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that such actions pose a grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.

HURIWA expressed deep concern over what it perceives as attempts by certain actors within the judiciary to undermine political pluralism, stressing that the courts must not be seen—under any circumstances—as instruments for advancing partisan political interests or weakening opposition politics in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress).

The association drew attention to the clear provisions of Section 83 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which explicitly states that no court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties. The law further provides that courts must not grant interim or interlocutory injunctions in such cases and mandates significant financial penalties against litigants and counsel who file such actions in violation of the law.

HURIWA noted with concern that despite these unambiguous provisions, there appears to be a rising trend of judicial pronouncements and orders that contradict the spirit and letter of the Electoral Act, thereby raising serious questions about compliance, judicial discipline, and institutional integrity.

The group warned that any sustained pattern of judicial overreach into clearly defined political party matters risks creating the impression of a gradual erosion of multiparty democracy and could undermine public confidence in the independence of the judiciary.

HURIWA cautioned judicial officers to remain guided strictly by the Constitution and extant laws, emphasizing that the long-term consequences of actions perceived as partisan or unlawful could be damaging not only to individual reputations but also to the credibility of the judiciary as an institution.

The association stressed that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and must not be compromised by actions that suggest bias, selective interpretation of the law, or alignment with political interests.

HURIWA therefore called for strict adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act, respect for the autonomy of political parties, and renewed commitment to the principles of justice, fairness, and constitutional order.
The statement was issued by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, who urged all stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions from actions capable of eroding their legitimacy.