Politics
Court of Appeal Adjourns PDP Convention Case, Urges Amicable Settlement
The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has adjourned the case concerning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elective convention held in Ibadan sine die and granted parties leave to pursue an amicable settlement.
A three-member panel led by Justice Biobele Abraham-Georgewill directed the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with their legal representatives, to resolve the internal crisis through dialogue while taking into consideration the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which are currently being processed.
The appellate court formally granted the parties permission to explore settlement options and encouraged them to resolve the dispute amicably.
However, the court noted that if the parties fail to reach a resolution, they may return to the court for further proceedings.
The development comes amid the lingering leadership dispute within the opposition party.
It would be recalled that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja had earlier invalidated the PDP elective convention in Ibadan which produced Kabiru Turaki, SAN, as the party’s national chairman.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his decision to sign Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 into law, describing the move as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
The president made the remarks during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body of political parties in Nigeria, at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu said the legislation was passed with overwhelming support in the National Assembly of Nigeria, noting that refusing assent could have plunged the country into unnecessary political tension and prolonged disputes over the law.
Describing himself as a “die-hard democrat,” the president stressed that Nigeria’s democratic process must always be guided by the rule of law.
He also emphasised that alliances among political parties should remain voluntary in a democratic system, insisting that no political actor should face intimidation or persecution for choosing which political platform or alliance to support.
Tinubu added that political pluralism and freedom of association remain key pillars of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Abba Yusuf Sacks Kano Head of Service With Immediate Effect
By Ezinne Obah
The Governor of Abba Kabir Yusuf has relieved the Kano State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
The decision was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, on Wednesday. Kano State authorities said the move is part of efforts to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency and improved service delivery.
According to the statement, the governor expressed appreciation to Musa for his contributions and dedication during his tenure in the state civil service.
While no detailed reason was officially given for the removal, reports suggest the decision may be linked to broader administrative adjustments within the state government.
The announcement has sparked reactions among political observers and civil servants in the state, with expectations that a replacement or acting Head of Service will soon be appointed to ensure continuity in the administration of the state civil service.
A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Sadique Abubakar, has reportedly defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move that could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abubakar, a retired Air Marshal and former Chief of Air Staff, was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 Bauchi State election, where he challenged the incumbent governor but lost the race.
Sources close to the politician said he was seen at an inaugural meeting of the ADC in Abuja alongside other party stakeholders, signalling his alignment with the opposition party. Although a formal public declaration had yet to be made at the time, insiders confirmed that his presence at the gathering indicated his intention to join the ADC coalition.
Abubakar had reportedly been distant from activities of the ruling APC since the aftermath of the 2023 election and subsequent legal battles over the poll outcome. Observers say the move may position him to contest the Bauchi governorship again under the ADC platform in the 2027 elections.
Political analysts believe the defection reflects growing realignments within Nigeria’s political space as opposition parties attempt to build stronger coalitions ahead of the next general elections.