General News
FEDERAL HIGH COURT REFUSES TO RESTRAIN ADC FROM HOLDING CONVENTIONS AND CONGRESSES
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday declined an application seeking to stop the African Democratic Congress, led by Senator David Mark, from conducting conventions, congresses, or meetings to elect or ratify members of its executive bodies and other party structures. Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, refused the motion ex parte filed by a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, Nafiu-Bala Gombe.
Justice Nwite held that granting the application without hearing from the other parties would amount to overreaching and violate the principle of fair hearing. “I have listened to the submission of the learned counsel for the applicant and have also gone through the affidavit evidence with exhibits thereto along with the written address,” the judge said.
The judge noted that the court had earlier, on September 4, 2025, ordered the defendants to show cause why an interim order restraining them from acting as leaders of the ADC should not be made, stressing that parties had since exchanged processes in the substantive suit. “It is not in dispute that the present application is an off-shoot of the substantive matter,” Justice Nwite held. “It is also not in dispute that all the parties are already before this court. Hence, any ex-parte application without notice to the other parties will be overreaching. The interest of justice will be met by putting the other parties on notice. Consequently, the application is refused.”
Justice Nwite thereafter adjourned the matter to February 3, 2026, for the respondents to show cause.
In the motion ex parte marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, Gombe listed the ADC, Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as first to third defendants, while the Independent National Electoral Commission and Chief Ralph Nwosu were named as fourth and fifth defendants.
Filed on December 15 through his counsel, Michael Agber, the applicant sought interim orders restraining the ADC from holding any convention, congress or meeting to elect or ratify members of its executive committees pending the determination of a motion on notice. He also sought an order restraining INEC from monitoring or recognising any such activities and an order directing the maintenance of the status quo in the management of the party.
When the matter was called, Agber informed the court that he had a motion ex parte. Justice Nwite recalled that a similar application had earlier been refused with an order that the respondents be put on notice. “Is there any difference between this application and the earlier one?” the judge asked. Agber argued that the prayers were different and aimed at preventing steps that could affect the pending suit.
In response, Justice Nwite stated that any action taken during the pendency of the suit would be null and void if found improper, adding that the application ought not to have been brought ex parte. “The parties are already before the court. I cannot make an order in the absence of the other party. Justice is tripartite. You cannot shave somebody’s head in his absence,” the judge said.
Although the court expressed reservations, Agber was allowed to move the motion, which he said was brought pursuant to Order 26 Rule 6 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, Sections 82 and 83 of the Electoral Act 2022, and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction.
In an affidavit of urgency, Gombe alleged that the ADC, with the acquiescence of INEC, had continued nationwide meetings in preparation for conventions and congresses under what he described as the “illegal leadership” of Senator David Mark and others. He cited the unveiling of a purported new national headquarters, issuance of membership cards to political figures, and the release of guidelines for the Osun governorship primary election, which he claimed were in contempt of an earlier court order.
Justice Nwite recalled that on September 4, 2025, the court had similarly refused an earlier ex parte application by Gombe seeking to stop the David Mark–led leadership of the ADC, directing instead that all defendants be put on notice.
Energy
Dangote Warns of Looming Global Oil Crisis, Hails Tinubu’s UK Visit as Game-Changer for Nigeria
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has sounded the alarm over potential global oil shocks that could exacerbate economic hardship across Africa, while praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for unlocking critical investment opportunities during his recent state visit to the United Kingdom.
Dangote made the comments following a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence, explaining that the meeting was primarily to exchange Eid greetings, check on the President’s health, and pay respects.
“I just came to see His Excellency, Mr President, wish him Eid Mubarak, and also ask after his health. I haven’t seen him for a while, and wish him all the very best,” Dangote said.
He described Tinubu’s UK visit as a major diplomatic and investment breakthrough, stressing that modern diplomacy must focus on economic outcomes.
“I think it has opened ways. Today, diplomacy without the economic part of it is not complete. I believe his visit will open quite a lot of doors,” he said.
Dangote highlighted the £746 million UK-backed agreement targeting Nigeria’s infrastructure, especially the ports sector, as a strong signal of international confidence in the country.
“You can see the agreement signed for improving our infrastructure, especially in the ports and other areas, which is almost £746 million. It’s not easy dealing with the British and securing this kind of funding. But it shows confidence in Nigeria,” he stated, adding that the deal is likely to attract further foreign investment from countries such as Germany and others.
He encouraged Nigerian investors to leverage this momentum, particularly by tapping international credit facilities that have remained largely underutilized.
“For Nigerian investors, this shows we can also access these agencies for support. The agency is now open for business for Nigerians, and we should look to tap into it,” he said.
On the global energy outlook, Dangote warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East could drive oil prices higher, intensifying economic pressure, especially in Africa.
“If this crisis doesn’t de-escalate, we’ll end up paying big prices. Africa is already paying debts, and adding more shocks will increase hardship for governments and people alike,” he said.
He also highlighted the cascading effects of rising energy costs on daily life, particularly for small businesses and households that rely on fuel-powered generators.
“People like barbers, bread makers, and small industries who rely on generators will feel the heat if energy prices keep rising,” Dangote warned.
He pointed to global responses to energy pressures, such as reduced work schedules in some countries, drawing parallels to measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Some countries are asking people to work from home or reduce workdays to cope. We did something similar during COVID-19,” he explained.
Despite the looming risks, Dangote expressed hope that the Middle East tensions would ease, urging collective prayers and international cooperation to prevent further escalation.
“We need to pray that this situation de-escalates. In Africa, many people depend on daily earnings, and if they don’t work, they won’t eat. All hands must be on deck to bring this to an end,” he concluded.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing his administration of dismantling democratic institutions and pushing Nigeria dangerously close to authoritarian rule.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the Atiku Media Office and issued on Monday in Abuja on March 23, 2026, Atiku condemned what he described as a “state-sponsored siege” carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on properties linked to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
According to the former vice president, the action—allegedly taken despite the matter being before the courts—amounts to a blatant abuse of power and a calculated attempt to intimidate perceived political opponents.
“This is not governance. This is intimidation. This is a regime weaponising state power to silence dissent,” Atiku stated.
He warned that Nigeria is witnessing a steady erosion of democratic norms, with security agencies increasingly being deployed for political purposes rather than national security.
“What we are seeing is the naked abuse of power—security agencies used not to protect citizens, but to settle political scores. This is how democracies collapse,” he said.
Atiku further alleged that the Tinubu administration is executing a broader strategy to weaken opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, claiming that key political actors are being targeted and pressured.
He referenced figures such as Nasir El-Rufai and Malami, alleging attempts to coerce them into aligning with the ruling party.
“This is political coercion at the highest level—an attempt to force compliance through intimidation,” he said.
The former vice president warned that Nigeria risks becoming a one-party state if dissent continues to be suppressed and opposition voices silenced.
“When opposition is weakened and dissent punished, elections become mere formalities,” he added.
Drawing a historical parallel, Atiku cautioned against a repeat of authoritarian tendencies reminiscent of the Sani Abacha self-succession bid, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant.
He also accused the administration of weaponising anti-corruption agencies to pressure political actors into defection, describing the trend as a dangerous form of state capture.
“No individual has the right to dominate the political system or determine the destiny of millions for personal ambition. Leadership must remain accountable,” he stated.
Atiku concluded by emphasising that democracy depends on freedom of choice and political competition.
“Freedom of choice is the lifeblood of democracy. Once it is undermined, dictatorship takes over,” he said.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on multiple charges bordering on alleged financial crimes.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the commission’s spokesperson, Okor Odey, the former governor will be arraigned on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, before the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
The charges, filed under suit number FHC/KD/73/2026, include alleged money laundering, conversion and possession of public property.
The ICPC further disclosed that El-Rufai will also face a separate trial before the Kaduna State High Court on allegations of abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
In the second case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, the former governor is listed alongside Amadu Sule, also known as LEDA, while another defendant, Joel Adoga, is named in the federal high court case.
Odey noted that both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, and that the defendants have been duly served in accordance with legal procedures. He added that the date for arraignment at the state high court would be communicated in due course.
“The commission remains committed to due process and the rule of law,” the ICPC spokesperson stated.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, following his arrest shortly after his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had earlier detained him for 48 hours between February 16 and 18, 2026.