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S/Court verdict on PDP: A Dangerous precedent,A Judicial Miscarriage Serving Political Interests

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By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expresses grave concern and unequivocal outrage over the recent judgment of the Supreme Court nullifying the November 2025 national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

While the apex court, in a split decision of three to two delivered by Justice Stephen Adah and led by Justice Mohammed Garba, upheld earlier rulings that voided the convention on grounds of disobedience to lawful court orders, HURIWA asserts that the broader context and consequences of this judgment raise fundamental questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic and judicial processes.
HURIWA states without equivocation that this verdict bears the troubling imprint of political interference and elite compromise. “The ruling, in our considered view, reflects not just a legal conclusion but a deeply questionable outcome that appears to align conveniently with the strategic interests of powerful political actors.

“This verdict has all the trappings of a procurement by the highest bidder. It reeks of political trade-offs by influential figures aligned with the Presidency who are determined to weaken, fracture, and ultimately sell off the PDP as a viable opposition platform,” HURIWA declares.

The association is particularly alarmed by allegations and emerging patterns suggesting that some governors elected on the platform of the PDP may have played complicit roles in undermining their own party.

“It is both tragic and dangerous that individuals entrusted with the mandate of the people could allegedly engage in actions that amount to the political crucifixion of their own party. If these claims hold any weight, then what we are witnessing is a betrayal of democratic trust at the highest level,” HURIWA warns.

The apex court held that the PDP acted in contempt by proceeding with its convention despite subsisting court orders and ruled that the matter transcended internal party affairs due to violations of due process.
However, HURIWA cautions that legal reasoning, no matter how sound on the surface, must not be divorced from the political realities and implications surrounding such high-stakes decisions.
The nullified convention had produced a factional leadership led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), amid intense internal rivalry. The legal challenge, initiated by aggrieved members including former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, centred on exclusion and procedural breaches, with prior restraining orders issued by Justices Peter Lifu and James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.

While the Supreme Court affirmed that the PDP’s actions constituted contempt of court, HURIWA insists that the ruling has now opened a dangerous door for the manipulation of judicial processes in resolving political disputes
“What we are witnessing goes beyond the PDP. This is about the future of opposition politics in Nigeria. If judicial outcomes—rightly or wrongly perceived—begin to mirror political expectations, then democracy itself is imperilled,” the statement noted.
HURIWA further warns that the verdict could accelerate the erosion of multiparty democracy by weakening opposition structures and consolidating political dominance in a manner that undermines electoral competitiveness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The implication is clear: a major opposition party has been thrown into deeper crisis at a critical time in Nigeria’s democratic trajectory. This raises legitimate concerns about whether the playing field is being systematically tilted,” the group added.
The association calls for urgent introspection within the judiciary to preserve its independence and credibility, stressing that public confidence in the courts must not be allowed to diminish.
“We are approaching a precarious point where citizens may begin to question the neutrality of the judiciary. Once that trust is eroded, the consequences for national stability and rule of law will be severe,” HURIWA cautioned.
HURIWA also urged members and stakeholders of the PDP to remain steadfast and pursue lawful avenues to rebuild and reposition the party.

“Political parties are not sustained by court judgments alone but by the will, resilience, and collective action of their members. This moment, though challenging, must be seen as an opportunity for internal reform and recommitment to democratic ideals,” it stated.

The association concluded by calling on civil society, the media, and the international community to closely monitor developments within Nigeria’s political and judicial space.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy is under intense scrutiny. What unfolds in the coming months will determine whether democratic institutions remain independent pillars of justice or instruments of political expediency,” HURIWA said.

Law & Crime

Lifu Judgement : ADC Guber Candidates Forum Seeks Int. Community’s Intervention

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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”

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Law & Crime

Niger Police Assures FUT Minna of Enhanced Security

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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.

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Law & Crime

Suspected cultists kill rival member in Bayelsa, hid his mutilated corpse in a sack

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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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