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Court of Appeal to Decide Fate of ADC, Accord Party Today in Deregistration Suit

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Appeal Court Nullifies INEC Deregistration Order, Restores ADC, Accord Party, Three Others

Court of Appeal to Decide Fate of ADC, Accord Party Today in Deregistration Suit

ABUJA — The Court of Appeal, Abuja division, will today hear the substantive appeal challenging the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) , Accord Party , and three other political parties, in a case that has exposed deep tensions within Nigeria’s judiciary and sparked fears of a slide toward a one-party state. The appellate court had earlier adjourned the hearing from June 25 to July 7 to enable all parties in the appeal to file and exchange their processes for a full-scale hearing, and at the proceedings of June 25, counsel for the Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN , informed the three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Abubakar Mohammed , that the record of appeal and the final judgment of the Federal High Court had been obtained on Monday, June 22, and transmitted to the Court of Appeal as required by law. The senior lawyer subsequently applied for a short adjournment to enable him and other parties to file their briefs of argument and exchange same to pave the way for the hearing of the matter, and the application for adjournment was not opposed by all other parties, prompting the panel to adjourn the hearing of the appeal till today by 2 pm. Although Adetunbi applied for three days to file and exchange briefs of argument, Justice Mohammed noted that some of the justices would be out of Abuja next week for a special session and announced July 7 as the hearing date, setting the stage for what legal observers describe as a landmark judicial confrontation.

The legal battle began when Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a judgment, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, and three other political parties on the ground that they did not fulfill constitutional requirements in the previous election. The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC) , Accord Party (AP) , Action Alliance (AA) , Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) , and Action Peoples Party (APP) , all of which have fielded candidates in previous elections and maintain structures across various states. Justice Lifu held that the parties failed to meet the constitutional threshold of Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution , which empowers INEC to deregister political parties that fail to satisfy prescribed constitutional requirements, including securing at least 25 per cent of the votes in a state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective seat. He held that the parties failed to secure the required electoral performance in the last general elections in compliance with the provisions of the law, and the court also barred INEC from further according recognition to the parties, accepting nominations of candidates from the affected parties, or giving effect to their activities for the purpose of participating in the 2027 general elections.

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Although INEC opposed the deregistration at the trial court, insisting that the parties met constitutional requirements and even provided evidence—including certificates of return issued to candidates elected on the platforms of the affected parties—Justice Lifu nonetheless ordered the electoral body to deregister the five parties, dismissing the commission’s arguments as unsubstantiated. The suit was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) , which argued that the parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to win seats across key tiers of government, and that their continued recognition as political parties was a waste of electoral resources and a distortion of the democratic process. The plaintiffs maintained that the parties failed to meet the electoral performance thresholds set out in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) , as reinforced by the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s regulations, and the forum argued that the continued existence of the said parties as recognised political parties was unlawful and undermined the integrity of the country’s electoral system. The Attorney General of the Federation , Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who was joined as a defendant, threw his weight behind the plaintiffs, arguing that the continued existence of the political parties violated extant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and that the electoral body had the legal duty to deregister non-performing parties to sanitise the political landscape.

In a unanimous ruling delivered on June 16, 2026, the three-member panel of the Court of Appeal ordered an immediate stay of execution of the Federal High Court judgment, preventing INEC from implementing the deregistration order pending the determination of the substantive appeal, a decision that effectively suspended the trial court’s judgment and restored the parties’ legal status. The appellate court not only suspended enforcement of the judgment but also strongly reprimanded Justice Lifu for proceeding to hear the matter and deliver judgment despite an earlier order of the Court of Appeal directing him to stay proceedings, describing his conduct as a direct affront to judicial hierarchy. Justice Mohammed, who led the panel, held that the appellate court has a duty to invoke its power to ensure that its order is obeyed, and he described the action of Justice Lifu as “judicial impunity” and “rascality,” adding that: “What the trial court did was a violation of judicial precedent and the Constitution” . The court held that Justice Lifu’s action was “the highest form of judicial impertinence,” stressing that the Supreme Court had previously held that a judge who acts in such manner “is unfit for the bench, as the conduct amounts to judicial rascality,” and that such behaviour undermines public confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law. The appellate court noted that an enrolled order of the court, signed by Deputy Registrar Josephine Ekperobe, had expressly directed Justice Lifu to stay further proceedings in the suit pending the determination of an appeal filed by the Accord Party, but despite this clear directive, Justice Lifu proceeded to deliver judgment, directing INEC to deregister the five parties and barring them from participating in any future elections, including the 2027 general polls.

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“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution” .

Interestingly, INEC itself supported the application for a stay of execution at the appellate court, a move that surprised many observers given the commission’s statutory role as the electoral regulatory body. Represented by a legal team led by Haliru Mohammed, INEC informed the appellate court that the commission was surprised by Justice Lifu’s decision to proceed with delivery of judgment despite the earlier order restraining the lower court, and according to the commission, it was never formally notified about delivery of the judgment and only became aware of the development through media reports. In a statement that underscored the commission’s discomfort with the trial judge’s conduct, INEC declared: “We were not aware of any notice from the court regarding the delivery of the judgment. We only saw it as breaking news in the media. We therefore do not oppose the application of the appellant to stay execution of the judgment” , effectively aligning itself with the political parties seeking to overturn the deregistration order.

The judgment carried significant political implications, as it affected candidates sponsored by the affected parties, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar , presidential candidate of the ADC, and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke , governorship candidate of Accord Party in the upcoming state election, both of whom would have been rendered ineligible to contest future elections if the deregistration had been enforced. Both political figures slammed the deregistration judgment, describing it as an attempt to weaken opposition politics and undermine democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Atiku’s camp describing the ruling as a “judicial coup” against democracy. The ADC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the court ruling as a threat to democracy and warned against actions capable of destabilising Nigeria’s political system, arguing that the judgment contradicted constitutional provisions and electoral laws governing political parties and that it was an overreach by the judiciary into the affairs of political associations. The party also faulted the judgment, citing the subsisting Court of Appeal order directing a stay of proceedings, which the trial judge proceeded despite being aware of, and described the development as an embarrassment to the Nigerian judiciary and a dangerous precedent for the rule of law. Had the judgment been enforced immediately, thousands of aspirants would have lost their legal platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, and the Court of Appeal’s intervention was widely seen as averting a potential constitutional and electoral crisis that would have disenfranchised millions of voters who identify with the affected parties.

Today, the Court of Appeal will hear the substantive appeals filed by the affected parties seeking to set aside the deregistration judgment, and all defendants, including INEC, have urged the appellate court to overturn the trial court’s verdict on the grounds that it was delivered in breach of judicial hierarchy and without proper consideration of the evidence presented by INEC. Legal observers note that the outcome of today’s hearing will determine whether the five political parties can continue to participate in future elections, including the 2027 general elections, and whether the judiciary can restore public confidence in its ability to enforce its own orders and maintain decorum among its judges. The case has become a test of the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy and the independence of its judiciary, and all eyes are on the Court of Appeal as it prepares to deliver a verdict that could reshape the country’s political landscape for years to come.

Court of Appeal to Decide Fate of ADC, Accord Party Today in Deregistration Suit

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History in Makkah: Nigerian Teen Wins Prestigious Qur’anic Contest, Breaks 46-Year Gender Barrier

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August 21, 2026

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History in Makkah: Nigerian Teen Wins Prestigious Qur’anic Contest, Breaks 46-Year Gender Barrier
Maryam Ibrahim Dan'azumi

History in Makkah: Nigerian Teen Wins Prestigious Qur’anic Contest, Breaks 46-Year Gender Barrier

Makkah, Saudi Arabia – In a landmark achievement that has sent waves of pride across Nigeria, a young Qur’anic scholar from Gombe State has shattered records and broken gender barriers at one of the world’s most prestigious Islamic competitions. Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi, a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Herwagana Quarters, Gombe, has emerged as the overall winner of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition held in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Her victory is not merely a personal triumph—it is a historic milestone. The 2026 edition marked the very first time in 46 years that female contestants were permitted to participate in the competition, making Maryam’s win a groundbreaking moment for women in Qur’anic scholarship globally.

Maryam competed in the competition’s second category, widely regarded as one of the most demanding tracks. Contestants in this category are required to demonstrate complete memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an across all 60 Hizb, flawless recitation with advanced Tajweed rules of pronunciation, and in-depth knowledge of Qur’anic interpretation, known as Tafsir. Her journey to the international stage was a grueling test of discipline and excellence. Maryam first clinched first position at the Gombe Local Government Area level, advanced to secure first place in Gombe State, and subsequently emerged best nationally before earning the right to represent Nigeria in Saudi Arabia.

For her outstanding performance, Maryam was awarded 300,000 Saudi Riyals, which is approximately ₦108 million to ₦120 million depending on prevailing exchange rates. She triumphed over a record-breaking field of 334 male and female contestants from 133 countries, making this the largest turnout in the competition’s history. In the female second category, Bahrain’s Amat Al-Rahman Badi Mutahhar Kulaib secured second place with SAR275,000, highlighting the fiercely competitive nature of the event.

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Maryam’s achievement is even more remarkable when viewed within the context of her family legacy. Her elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan’azumi, won the overall title at the 18th Hashemite Jordan International Qur’anic Competition for Females in 2024, scoring an impressive 99.5 percent. Following Hajara’s victory, she received a Hajj seat from NAHCON, a ₦5 million gift from the Gombe State Governor, and a full scholarship from undergraduate to Ph.D. level. Another sibling, Safiyya Dan’azumi, also distinguished herself by clinching eighth position in the 20 Hizb category at a national competition. The Dan’azumi family has thus become a symbol of excellence in Islamic education and a source of immense pride for Nigeria.

Reacting to Maryam’s historic feat, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the victory as a monumental achievement that underscores the educational heritage of Gombe State. In a statement signed by Ismaila Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House, the Governor said he is deeply proud of his daughter’s exceptional achievement on the global stage, adding that Maryam’s triumph exemplifies the excellence and rich educational heritage of Gombe State. He stressed that her victory brings pride not only to Gombe but to Nigeria as a whole. Governor Yahaya noted that Maryam’s success demonstrates the transformative power of discipline, dedication, and commitment to education. He expressed confidence that her achievement would inspire numerous young people, especially girls, to pursue excellence in their chosen fields, stating that he is particularly confident that this feat will inspire numerous young people, especially our girls, to pursue excellence and distinguish themselves in their chosen fields. The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting Qur’anic and religious education, which he described as vital for character formation and responsible citizenship. He emphasised that his administration’s commitment to promoting the educational journey of young people, particularly in the realm of religious studies, remains unwavering, and that they recognise its role in moulding character and contributing to societal development. He further disclosed that he looks forward to personally honouring Maryam upon her return to Nigeria, stating that such recognition would encourage her to maintain her pursuit of excellence and inspire other young Nigerians.

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Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, also hailed Maryam’s victory through the Isa Pantami Foundation. In his congratulatory message, he said that seeing two sisters excel in international Qur’an competitions is particularly heartwarming. He added that Maryam’s achievement is a source of pride to her family and a beautiful reflection of the talent and potential among the young people of Gombe State in particular, and Nigeria in general.

Governor Yahaya has a long-standing connection with Maryam’s school, Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation. He served as its pioneer Chairman of the Board before assuming office as Governor, later relinquishing the position to Architect Yunusa Yakubu. The Governor commended the institution for its instrumental role in Maryam’s development and success, urging parents, teachers, religious institutions, and other stakeholders to invest in young talents and provide them with the necessary support and opportunities to thrive.

The 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition will be remembered not only for the exceptional quality of participants but also for its historic decision to allow women to compete for the first time. Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi’s victory has thus become a powerful symbol of female excellence in religious scholarship, challenging stereotypes and opening doors for future generations of female Qur’anic memorisers across the Muslim world. Her achievement reinforces the message that talent knows no gender and that with dedication, hard work, and divine guidance, young people can conquer the highest stages of global competition.

As Maryam prepares to return to Nigeria, anticipation is building for a hero’s welcome in Gombe State. Governor Yahaya has already signalled his intention to personally honour her, and many expect that she will follow in her sister Hajara’s footsteps, receiving scholarships and other forms of support to further her education. Her story is a testament to the power of family support, the role of quality Islamic education, and the importance of government recognition in nurturing talent.

In summary, Maryam’s historic victory as the first female overall winner in the 46-year history of the competition, her triumph over a record-breaking field of 334 contestants from 133 countries, the remarkable family legacy with her elder sister having won a similar international competition in Jordan in 2024, the strong government recognition with the Gombe State Governor planning to honour her personally, and the immense inspiration her achievement provides for girls to pursue Qur’anic excellence all combine to make this a truly momentous occasion for Nigeria and the global Muslim community.

History in Makkah: Nigerian Teen Wins Prestigious Qur’anic Contest, Breaks 46-Year Gender Barrier

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Former MFM Pastor Femi Jimoh Dies After Years of Detention, Legal Dispute

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August 20, 2026

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Former MFM Pastor Femi Jimoh

Former MFM Pastor Femi Jimoh Dies After Years of Detention, Legal Dispute 

Former pastor of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM, Femi Jimoh, has reportedly died, years after his release from a prolonged detention that became the centre of a bitter legal dispute involving the church.

Jimoh’s death was reported on Thursday, August 20, 2026, by UK-based Nigerian blogger Maureen Badejo and subsequently reported by Sahara Reporters and other media platforms. Reports said the former pastor had battled serious health challenges following his years in detention and an alleged gunshot injury to his leg. However, the specific cause of his death has not been independently established.

His death has brought renewed attention to the controversial case in which he and two other former MFM pastors were accused of conspiring to rob the church.

Jimoh was arrested in January 2008 and subsequently prosecuted alongside Henry Aiyewero and Caleb Oloruntele over allegations connected with a planned robbery of MFM.

Court records later showed that Jimoh remained in custody for about eight years before he was discharged and acquitted by a Lagos State High Court. The National Industrial Court, in a subsequent judgment concerning his employment dispute with MFM, noted that he had been arrested on January 25, 2008, prosecuted for robbery and conspiracy to rob the church, and remained incarcerated until his acquittal and discharge.

Following his release, Jimoh became increasingly vocal about his experience in detention. His account gained widespread attention after a 2024 interview with Yoruba Gidi TV, during which he alleged that his ordeal had begun after he encountered Michael Gbadamosi, who was then the Chief Security Officer to MFM founder, Pastor Daniel Olukoya, at the residence of a native doctor.

Jimoh alleged that he was subsequently arrested and detained without knowing the offence for which he was being held.

He further claimed that he was initially kept in a cell for about 30 days without access to a lawyer and was later subjected to physical abuse.

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According to his account, he was handcuffed and transported in the boot of a vehicle before being taken to Olukoya’s residence. He alleged that he pleaded with the MFM founder not to allow him to be returned to police custody because he did not understand why he was being detained.

Jimoh also made the serious allegation that a Divisional Police Officer shot him in the leg during his detention.

He claimed that he was subsequently taken to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, where he and others allegedly spent several weeks before being charged with offences including conspiracy, armed robbery and felony. These allegations were made by Jimoh and have not been independently established as facts.

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries strongly rejected Jimoh’s allegations.

In a statement issued in 2024, the church denied that it or its General Overseer, Pastor Daniel Olukoya, had imprisoned Jimoh or Caleb Oloruntele for nine years.

MFM’s Chief Legal Adviser, Davidson Adejuwon, described the allegations as false and maintained that the church did not frame the former pastors or cause them to remain in custody. The church also disputed claims that Olukoya had used his influence to secure their prolonged detention.

MFM maintained that the criminal case was a matter between the accused persons and the relevant law-enforcement and prosecuting authorities, rather than an action in which the church had unlawfully detained them.

The controversy did not end with Jimoh’s release.

He subsequently instituted proceedings concerning his employment relationship with MFM, including claims relating to his salary and employment status during the period he was incarcerated.

In its judgment, the National Industrial Court examined the circumstances surrounding his arrest and prolonged incarceration.

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The court record stated that MFM had argued that Jimoh had effectively abandoned his employment because of his prolonged absence. The church also maintained that his arrest and prosecution were undertaken by the police and the Lagos State authorities and were not caused by the church in the manner alleged by Jimoh.

The court, however, found that Jimoh could not reasonably be regarded as having voluntarily absconded from work because he was in custody following his arrest and prosecution. The judgment noted that he had remained incarcerated for about eight years until his acquittal and discharge.

The legal battle therefore became a separate chapter in the long-running controversy surrounding his relationship with the church.

The criminal case eventually ended in Jimoh’s favour when the Lagos State High Court discharged and acquitted him and the other defendants.

The acquittal became a central part of Jimoh’s subsequent public account of his experience, particularly his argument that he had spent years in custody over allegations he maintained were unfounded.

However, the acquittal did not resolve all the disagreements between Jimoh and MFM, with the former pastor continuing to make allegations against the church and its leadership, while MFM consistently rejected his claims.

Jimoh’s reported death has now revived public interest in the circumstances surrounding his arrest, years-long detention and subsequent legal battles.

His supporters and commentators have questioned why he spent so many years in custody before the conclusion of his trial, while others have pointed to the need to distinguish between allegations made by the late pastor and matters established by the courts.

For now, reports surrounding his death remain subject to further confirmation, particularly regarding the circumstances and medical cause of his passing.

The controversy surrounding his detention also remains a complex matter involving allegations by Jimoh, denials by MFM and documented court proceedings.

As news of his death spread on Thursday, tributes and reactions began emerging online, with many Nigerians recalling the former pastor’s emotional accounts of his years in custody and the prolonged dispute that followed his release.

Jimoh’s death marks the end of the life of a former MFM minister whose name became closely associated with one of the most controversial detention and church-related legal disputes to attract significant public attention in Nigeria in recent years.

For the family, former colleagues and supporters, however, the immediate focus is likely to be on mourning his passing, while questions surrounding his long detention and the events that followed continue to generate public debate.

Former MFM Pastor Femi Jimoh Dies After Years of Detention, Legal Dispute

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40 Feared Dead as Overloaded Boat Carrying Farmers and Children Capsizes in Sokoto

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August 20, 2026

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40 Feared Dead as Overloaded Boat Carrying Farmers and Children Capsizes in Sokoto

40 Feared Dead as Overloaded Boat Carrying Farmers and Children Capsizes in Sokoto

At least 40 people are feared dead after an overloaded wooden canoe carrying farmers and farm labourers capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, with many of the victims reportedly children aged between 10 and 15 years who had been brought along to assist with the rice harvest. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning, August 20, 2026, while the passengers were crossing a stream to access their rice farms on the opposite bank. An eyewitness reported that more than 70 people were aboard the vessel when it capsized shortly after departure, giving those on board little time to react.

A significant number of those on board were children aged between 10 and 15 years who had been brought along to assist with the rice harvest. The victims included both farm owners and hired labourers who had gathered to collect rice from farms across the waterway. Local journalist Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, who was present at the scene, confirmed the devastating toll: “So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued.” The village head of the community was among those on board but survived the accident.

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Abdulkadir Yusuf, an area manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority, confirmed to Reuters that around 40 corpses of children had been recovered. “I can confirm that so far around 40 corpses of children have been recovered,” he said in a statement. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching the waterway for those still missing and recovering bodies. “The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” Kiliya added. Local resident Nasiru Gorau confirmed that “our local divers recovered the bodies and the search is still ongoing.” The final death toll has not yet been confirmed as search efforts continue. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have mobilised response teams to the scene to assess the situation and coordinate rescue efforts.

40 Feared Dead as Overloaded Boat Carrying Farmers and Children Capsizes in Sokoto

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