Law & Crime
PDP vows to appeal A-court judgment, charges members to be patient, firm, and focused ….Wike hails court ruling, ….calls for party rebuild
By George Mgbeleke
Ireked by the Monday rulling of the Appeal Court on its suit, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the judgment, saying that the battle is not over yet.
This is even as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has hailed the Appeal Court judgment and called for party rebuilt.
Recall that the Court of Appeal upheld the suspension of the National Legal Adviser and other officers, as well as the judgments of Justices Omotosho and Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the Ibadan National Convention of the Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party.
The PDP described the judgment as one that will work untold hardship on its members, and it has instructed its lawyers to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
The party said it has started consulting with critical organs on the way forward and is hopeful that the apex court will expeditiously settle the matter in the interest of democracy.
In the interim, the PDP has urged its members to stand firm, trusting that soon the battle will be over and they shall be more than conquerors.
The party said it sees the judgment as part of the battle to rescue it from the hands of government agents masquerading as opposition leaders.
The PDP is determined to fight and win the battle, and its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong Essien, in a statement urged members to stay firm and stand strong.
The party’s lawyers are taking immediate legal steps to appeal the judgment to the Supreme Court, and the party is confident that the Supreme Court will provide a conclusive adjudication on the matter.
The party’s leadership is urging members to remain calm and united as they navigate this challenging period.
Reacting to the judgment at a media briefing on Monday, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Wike, has hailed the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the ban on the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2025 National Convention, describing it as a victory for the rule of law.
Making this declaration at a briefing, Wike said the ruling was a welcome development that would allow the PDP to regroup and rebuild.
“Today is one of my happiest days because we must always abide by the rules,” he said. “As an opposition party, we should not condone impunity. We should allow due process and the rule of law to prevail.”
The Court of Appeal had ruled that the PDP’s convention, scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, was invalid due to non-compliance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
Wike said the PDP’s failure to comply with the law had put the party in a difficult position, but he urged members to come together and rebuild.
“The PDP convention has provided an opportunity for all groups to put themselves together and see how they can rebuild the party,” he said.
The Minister also dismissed claims that the court’s decision was a setback for the party, saying it was an opportunity for the PDP to refocus. “It’s an opportunity for everybody to come back and see how we can salvage the party,” he said.
Regarding the party’s leadership, Wike said the caretaker committee would continue to run the party’s affairs pending the national convention, which is now scheduled for March 29-30.
“The caretaker committee has gotten approval to use a venue for the national convention,” he said.
“The convention will go ahead as planned, and we have secured the approval of the National Sports Commission to use a venue near the National Stadium.”
Wike urged PDP members to put aside their differences and work towards rebuilding the party. “Leave your ego and personal interests,” he said. “Come back and let’s sit down to see how we can forge ahead. That’s an opportunity. But if you say you don’t, of course, lawyers will tell you, no, let’s go to the Supreme Court. But by the time you go to the Supreme Court, you’re merely doing harm to your party.”
The PDP’s national convention was initially scheduled for November 2025, but was halted by a court order due to non-compliance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
Law & Crime
Lifu Judgement : ADC Guber Candidates Forum Seeks Int. Community’s Intervention
By Grorge Abuja
As the awaits the outcome of Justice Peter Lifu’s judgment invalidating Sen. David Mark led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ( ADC), a Forum of the African Democratic Congress gubernatorial candidates has condemned the ruling and sought the intervention of International community.
Recall that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court ,Abuja had in its judgment invalidated Sen. David Mark led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
The Forum had at a Press Conference on thursday at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja , described the judgment as a dangerous assault on multi party democracy and a threat to Nigetian’ s 2027 electoral process.
A former member of the house of Representatives and ADC kwara state gubernatorial candidates, Hon Zakari Mohammed who spoke on behalf of the forum urged the international Community to monitor the development and process leading to the 2027 general election.
He said ” We Call on the International Community, African Union, ECOWAS, United Nations, Commonwealth and Democratic Institutions Worldwide to Intervene Against the Growing Threat to Opposition Politics in Nigeria.
Distinguished members of the press, fellow Nigerians, representatives of the international community, ladies and gentlemen.
We address you today on behalf of the Forum of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Gubernatorial Candidates across Nigeria, at a defining moment in the history of our democracy.
“We are compelled to speak out against the November 5, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the leadership of the ADC under Senator David Mark and invalidated decisions taken under that leadership,
This judgment has profound implications beyond the internal affairs of the ADC. It raises fundamental questions about judicial consistency, political participation, the independence of democratic institutions and the future of multiparty democracy in Nigeria.
“We consider the decision a grave assault on democratic freedoms and a development capable of destabilising the 2027 electoral process if its implications are not urgently addressed through lawful constitutional remedies.
“We hereby formally draw the attention of the international community to the unfolding developments in Nigeria.
We call on:
The United Nations Secretary-General and relevant democratic institutions of the United Nations.
The African Union Commission and its Peace and Security Council.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Commonwealth Secretariat.
The European Union and European Parliament.
The United States Government and the United Kingdom Government.
International human rights organisations and democracy-monitoring institutions.
International election observation organisations.
“We urge these institutions to closely monitor developments surrounding opposition political parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
We specifically call on them to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the relevant Nigerian authorities on the need to guarantee political pluralism, judicial independence, freedom of association and equal opportunities for all political parties.
“We are not inviting foreign governments to dictate Nigeria’s political choices or interfere in the legitimate judicial process.
Rather, we are asking the international community to uphold the democratic commitments Nigeria has voluntarily undertaken and to ensure that the rights of Nigerian citizens to participate in free and competitive elections are protected.
Nigeria cannot sign international democratic instruments, make commitments to democratic governance and subsequently treat those obligations as ceremonial documents”
The Forum called on the appellate courts to urgently examine the judgment of Justice Peter Lifu and determine the issues raised in accordance with the Constitution, established judicial precedents and the rule of law.
It urged President Tinubu to create the environment that will guarantee free participation than harassment and muzzling of the opposition .
“You cannot demand democratic legitimacy while allowing an environment in which opposition parties face persistent uncertainty over their ability to organise and contest elections.
If you seek another mandate, face the Nigerian people.
Present your achievements, defend your policies and submit yourself to the judgment of the electorate.
That is the essence of democracy.
The opposition is not an enemy of Nigeria. Political disagreement is not treason. Competition for public office is not an act of hostility against the state”
Law & Crime
Niger Police Assures FUT Minna of Enhanced Security
BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA
The Niger State Police Command has assured the management of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, of sustained police patrols and enhanced security around the university to protect students, staff and property.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, gave the assurance when he received the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adamu Faruk Kuta, and his entourage during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Dutsen-kura, Minna.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Police for their prompt response to distress calls and security requests, as well as their continued support in maintaining safety within and around the university environment.
Professor Kuta said the institution, which is approaching its 44th anniversary, has a growing population of about 40,000 students from different parts of the country, making sustained collaboration with the Police necessary to ensure the safety of students, staff and university facilities.
He disclosed that the university had recently commenced medical programmes and sought the support of the Police Command in providing opportunities for students to undertake practical training where necessary.
The Vice-Chancellor also praised the commitment and visibility of police patrol teams around the institution, while requesting sustained and increased deployment to address security challenges associated with its growing population.
Responding, CP Elleman described the university’s requests as part of the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the institution.
He assured the Vice-Chancellor of improved collaboration, sustained police presence and enhanced patrols around the university, particularly at night, to protect students engaged in legitimate academic activities and prevent criminal activities.
The Commissioner urged the university management to promptly report security concerns to the Police, assuring them of the Command’s readiness to respond appropriately.
He further assured the delegation that all the requests presented would receive adequate attention, while expressing appreciation for the visit and reaffirming the Command’s commitment to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the university management.
Law & Crime
Suspected cultists kill rival member in Bayelsa, hid his mutilated corpse in a sack
By David Owei,Bayelsa
There was a sense of horror in Yenagoa, the Bayelsà following the suspected cultists killing of a rival and his his mutilated corpse in a sack.
The sack containing the mutilated body of the victim, according to sources, was dropped in front of the FCMB bank located at Obele junction in the outskirts of the State capital.
The incident according to sources occured on Monday night and the Corpse was discovered on Tuesday Morning.
The killing of the deceased has again threatened the peace recorded under the present leadership of the Police led by Commissioner Ajao Saka Adewale.
Investigation by our correspondent gathered that the deceased, whose identity is yet to be known, was reported to have defected from the notorious cult group, Greenlanders to rival notorious group known as Bobos.
And was accused to have led members of his new group on a “proof of loyalty,” to allegedly attack and kill a member of his former group at the back of Amarata.
It was gathered that suspected members of the Greenlanders were allegedly provoked and reportedly lures him out with a woman and death him several deadly matchet cuts.
Some Residents of the Obele area confirmed to newsmen that the Corpse of the deceased was kept carefully in a sack soaked in blood and left by the FCMB bank.
Concerned Youths and vigilante group contacted the police and the sack was evacuated.
In the last three days after the discovery of the bagged corpse, residents of the Sand Road, Aritalin, GweGwe and Obele streets have been thrown into restless nights due to the activities of the rival cult groups searching for one another.
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