Politics

Wike mocks Atiku, Bauchi gov after Supreme Court judgment

Published

1 year ago

March 1, 2025

Wike mocks Atiku, Bauchi gov after Supreme Court judgment

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike returned to Port Harcourt in high spirits last night, just hours after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of his loyalists, restoring their control over the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Supporters and political allies gathered at the Port Harcourt Airport to welcome Wike, continuing the celebrations that had started in Abuja during a ‘Worship, Praises, and Prayers’ event following the court’s decision.

The ruling reaffirmed Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, along with 26 other lawmakers aligned with Wike.
Reacting to the judgment, Wike declared it a victory for the rule of law in Rivers State.

He criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who leads the PDP Governors’ Forum, for previously supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions.
He questioned whether they would still stand by Fubara after the Supreme Court’s definitive verdict.

His words: “There is nothing like the Amaewhule faction. What the Supreme Court said is that the budget should be presented to the properly constituted Assembly, which is the authentic leadership of the Assembly led by Martin Chike Amaewhule.
“But first of all, let’s give God the glory, let’s give God the honour, that today, the 28th of February, 2025, God has done it all for the interest of everybody, for the interest of the people of the state.

“I have always said that the wheel of Justice is sluggish, but it will come when it will come. More than 15 months, 16 months, this matter has been laid to rest by the highest court of the land.

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“The Supreme Court has made it very clear that you cannot have democracy without a legislature. The Supreme Court has made it very clear that you cannot have a government without a legislature.
“It is unheard of where anybody will say three people will constitute an assembly to make laws for the entire state. It is unheard of.

“It has nothing to do with any individual, whether you like this person’s face or not. But what is important is that three people cannot make laws for a state, not to even talk about appropriation.
“If the Federal High Court said you cannot do this, you cannot do it, and therefore set aside everything they’ve done.
“Three people will screen commissioners, three people will do all kinds of things, a governor will go and bring down the house of legislature and will do as if nothing happened.

“An arm of government, independent arm of government, and people pretend as if nothing has gone wrong.
“You are talking about Wike, it’s not about Wike. What we are saying is” can you, for whatever it is, go and demolish the building of another arm of government? No consequences?
“Then you carry the legislature to your own house, not even carrying the proper legislature, three people to sit inside the Government House? Begin to make laws? Begin to pass appropriation bills? And you are spending money, and you say nothing will happen?

“You went on appeal, the Court of Appeal said this is wrong, you can’t continue with this. Petitions were written against the justices of the Federal High Court.
“For me, it’s happiness for Rivers State and for Nigerians that yes, this impunity must stop.
“Enough is enough. We can’t continue with this. You are aware, when the issue of local governments came up, a governor elected, who had taken an oath to abide by the constitution, came up to say that is a corrupt judgment, castigating the judiciary.

“But thank God, today, the court has said it all: go back, you have no budget.
“Central Bank, accountant general, you cannot continue to lose money when there’s no government.
“Until you present your budget to the appropriate assembly which is the 27 members, no money should be released.

“You refused to follow the electoral act in terms of conducting local government elections.
“What was the issue? If you don’t comply, you will not obey. I’m not saying we are clapping.
“People like Atiku were hailing him. That yes, you’ve done well. I hope they will also hail him today.

“I hope the chairman of PDP Governors Forum will also hail him today.
“We must not truncate our democracy. If you had allowed this, one day, one member would constitute an assembly, and there is nothing you can do. One member.
“You can imagine three people, one sitting as speaker. So, two people are allowed to vote.

“We must commend the judiciary for being bold and firm to say no, this should not be allowed; this impunity must not be allowed.
“I’ve told people that Rivers State is not like any other state. We are not prisoners of war. We will challenge anything we know is illegal. We will not allow it.
“You can do that in any other state, but as far as River State is concerned, we will not allow it; it doesn’t matter what time it takes us.

“So, for us, it is just happiness. We’re happy that the right thing has been done.
“All we have to say, nobody should go into violence. No fighting. Allow the law to take its course. I knew that the law would take its course.”

Wike mocks Atiku, Bauchi gov after Supreme Court judgment

Related Topics:Atiku Bauchi gov judgment Wike

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Politics

Gov Yusuf Pledges Full Support for Tinubu, Declares APC Unbeatable in Kano

Published

5 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

Gov Yusuf Pledges Full Support for Tinubu, Declares APC Unbeatable in Kano

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the dominant party in Kano State and reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Speaking on Saturday to a massive crowd of APC supporters at the Government House in Kano, Yusuf praised the president for his leadership and the delivery of dividends of democracy to Nigerians. He highlighted Tinubu’s efforts to improve the economy, enhance infrastructure across the nation, and ensure the equitable distribution of federal resources despite limited time and funding.

“Mr. President has been doing his best for this country; he has improved the economy of this country,” Yusuf said. He also thanked Tinubu, describing him as a dogged leader committed to ensuring dividends of democracy are provided across Nigeria.

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The governor affirmed that the people of Kano State fully support President Tinubu and will back his bid for re-election by 2027. He emphasized that the APC is the only party capable of winning elections at all levels in Kano and across Nigeria.

“The APC is the only winning party in Kano State and Nigeria. There is no other party that can take control of Kano State and Nigeria by the grace of God,” Yusuf stated.

Yusuf also congratulated APC members for the successes recorded during the party’s Northwest Zonal Congress in Kaduna and the National Convention in Abuja, noting that the achievements underscore the party’s organizational strength and grassroots influence in the northern region.

Assuring residents of continued progress, the governor pledged that his administration would sustain the delivery of critical infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, employment, and empowerment programs for women and youth across the state.

The governor’s return to Kano was marked by a grand reception at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, with supporters singing, dancing, and chanting APC slogans. He later led a rally through the state capital, including Katsina Road, Emir’s Palace Road, and Saboda Bakin Zuwo Road, receiving a warm welcome from cheering residents en route to the Government House.

Political analysts note that Kano, historically an APC stronghold, remains critical for the party’s electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. Yusuf’s endorsement of Tinubu underscores a coordinated effort to consolidate support in the state and maintain APC’s dominance in northern Nigeria.

Gov Yusuf Pledges Full Support for Tinubu, Declares APC Unbeatable in Kano

Politics

ADC Crisis Halts Makinde, Bala, Lawmakers’ Defections

Published

5 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed

ADC Crisis Halts Makinde, Bala, Lawmakers’ Defections

Strong indications have emerged that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed may be reconsidering their planned defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to escalating internal disputes and regulatory uncertainty. The crisis has also affected several lawmakers who were weighing moves to the party, signaling a setback for opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

The uncertainty stems from the recent action of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which withdrew recognition of the ADC National Working Committee (NWC) led by Mark, following a ruling by the Court of Appeal on March 12, 2026. INEC directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the outcome of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, aiming to prevent actions that could influence the court’s final judgment.

Despite INEC’s directive, the Mark-led NWC rejected the decision and insisted it would proceed with the party’s April 14 national convention in Abuja, intensifying internal divisions between factions loyal to Mark and those aligned with Nafiu Gombe. The leadership tussle has created doubts among potential defectors about the party’s legal standing and operational stability.

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Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, had earlier described the ADC as a “preferred destination” amid failed reconciliation efforts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He reportedly held talks with a delegation led by former SGF Babachir Lawal, but his office confirmed he remains a member of the PDP while consultations continue.

Similarly, sources close to Governor Makinde suggested that his interest in the ADC has waned following INEC’s intervention. His media aide, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, dismissed claims that he is planning to leave the PDP, calling the reports “mere rumors.”

The ADC crisis has also left lawmakers in limbo. Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, said consultations are ongoing, while Lagos lawmaker Jesse Onuakalusi declined to comment on his next move amid the uncertainty. Uchenna Okonkwo of Anambra State downplayed INEC’s action, expressing confidence that the dispute would be resolved legally and noting the influence of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi on prospective defectors’ decisions.

Political analysts warn that the combination of internal party disputes, INEC intervention, and leadership uncertainty poses a significant hurdle to opposition consolidation ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC’s ability to resolve its leadership conflict, secure regulatory recognition, and conduct a credible convention will be crucial for it to attract high-profile defections in the coming months.

ADC Crisis Halts Makinde, Bala, Lawmakers’ Defections

Politics

I Will Support Whoever Emerges as ADC Candidate — Atiku

Published

5 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar

I Will Support Whoever Emerges as ADC Candidate — Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his commitment to support whoever emerges as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate in the 2027 elections, stressing the need for unity within the opposition.

Speaking during an interview with DW Hausa, Atiku—himself a presidential aspirant on the ADC platform—said all contenders must rally behind the eventual flagbearer to strengthen the party’s chances. He noted that unlike previous contests with large numbers of aspirants, the ADC race remains relatively small and manageable, making consensus easier.

“We will support and endorse whoever emerges as the flag bearer,” he said, emphasizing that party unity is critical for electoral success.

The former Vice-President also addressed the controversy surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which recently announced it would halt further engagement with the ADC leadership and would not monitor the party’s scheduled April 14 national convention. INEC cited a court ruling for its position, but the ADC rejected the decision, insisting it was based on a misinterpretation and vowing to proceed with its planned activities.

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Reacting, Atiku dismissed fears that the development could weaken the party, arguing that the ADC continues to gain support nationwide. He alleged that vested political interests are behind the challenges facing the party, linking them to its growing popularity as an opposition platform.

Beyond internal politics, Atiku described the ADC as a youth-driven political movement, highlighting the increasing participation of young Nigerians in the party’s structure. According to him, many aspirants seeking positions from councillorship to the National Assembly are youths, reflecting a deliberate effort to promote youth inclusion in Nigerian politics.

He also expressed readiness to support a younger presidential candidate if elected, noting that leadership opportunities should be extended to the next generation.

“The youths have taken over the party… our role is to create the opportunity and hand it over to them,” he said.

On national issues, Atiku said Nigerians are increasingly frustrated by economic hardship, insecurity, and poor governance, adding that the country is approaching a critical turning point ahead of 2027.

He linked rising insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria, to youth unemployment and lack of access to education, warning that continued neglect in these areas could worsen instability. He stressed that improving education and creating economic opportunities are essential to addressing the crisis.

The former Vice-President also raised concerns about corruption and weak accountability, alleging that authorities have not done enough to curb financial misconduct in government.

Despite these challenges, Atiku expressed confidence that Nigerians are ready for change, noting that growing dissatisfaction could shape voting patterns in the next general election.

Political observers believe Atiku’s stance signals a broader effort to position the ADC as a credible opposition platform, capable of attracting alliances and mounting a strong challenge in 2027. His pledge to support the eventual candidate is seen as a strategic move to avoid internal divisions and strengthen coalition-building efforts.