SERAP Drags Buhari To Court Over Plan To Monitor WhatsApp Messages - Newstrends
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SERAP Drags Buhari To Court Over Plan To Monitor WhatsApp Messages

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LAGOS – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Bu­hari over alleged plans by the Federal Government to monitor WhatsApp messages.

SERAP is asking the court to declare illegal and unconstitutional the plan by the Buhari administration to track, inter­cept and monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls, and text messages of Nigerians and oth­er people, as it severely threatens and violates the right to the preservation of privacy.

SERAP suit followed the proposal in the Supplementary Appropriation Act signed in July 2021 to spend N4.87 billion to monitor private calls and mes­sages. The amount is part of the N895.8 billion supplementary budget approved by the National Assembly.

In the suit number FHC/ ABJ/CS/1240/2021 filed on Fri­day at the Federal High Court inAbuja, SERAP is seeking:“an order of perpetual injunction restraining President Buhari and any other authority, persons or group of persons from unlawfully monitoring the WhatsApp messages, phone calls and text messages of Nigerians and other people.”

SERAP is also seeking “a declaration that any monitor­ing of WhatsApp messages, phone calls and text messages is oppressive and draconian, as it threatens and violates sections 37 and 39 of Nigerian constitution 1999 [as amended]; Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights; and Arti­cles 17 and 19 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeriais astate party.”

The rights group is argu­ing that “the plan to monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls and text messages is an arbitrary interference by the administration into respect for familyandprivatelife, thehome, and correspondence. It also fails to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and propor­tionality.”

According to SERAP, “The Buhari administration has legal obligations to protect Nigerians and other people against arbitrary interference and violations of their human rights. Monitor­ing of WhatsApp messages, phone calls and text messages would grant free rein to govern­ment agencies to conduct mass surveillance of communications of people.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “The mere threat of mass surveillance, even when secret, coupled with the lack of remedy, can constitute an interference with human rights, including the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.”

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BREAKING: Tambuwal Quits PDP, Defects to ADC Amid Internal Party Crisis

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Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives
Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives

BREAKING: Tambuwal Quits PDP, Defects to ADC Amid Internal Party Crisis

Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex‑Governor of Sokoto State, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and deepening divisions as reasons for his departure.

Tambuwal made the announcement on social media platform X on Thursday, confirming that he had communicated his resignation in writing to his ward chairman before officially enlisting in the ADC along with close associates and supporters. “Today, after deep reflection and consultations, I have formally resigned my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, and I have communicated my resignation to my ward chairman in writing,” he stated.

While acknowledging the PDP’s historical role in shaping his political career — which includes two terms as Governor of Sokoto State and a tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives — Tambuwal said the party’s internal deterioration made continued membership untenable. “The persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and growing divisions within the PDP have made it increasingly difficult to continue my membership of the party. These developments have unfortunately weakened the unity and direction that once defined the party and have necessitated this decision,” he added.

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Explaining his choice of the ADC, Tambuwal expressed confidence in the party as a platform for democratic progress, integrity, accountability, and inclusive governance in Nigeria. “I am convinced that this decision is guided by my belief that Nigeria needs a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a clear commitment to national development,” he said, reaffirming his dedication to democracy, justice, and national unity.

Tambuwal’s defection comes amid a series of high-profile defections from the PDP, including lawmakers and political leaders who have left the party over leadership disputes and factional disagreements. Analysts note that his move strengthens the ADC’s position as a credible opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in northern Nigeria where Tambuwal wields significant influence.

The shift also underscores the deepening crisis within the PDP, which has faced repeated defections and legal battles over party leadership. Political observers say Tambuwal’s exit could influence other politicians and voters dissatisfied with the PDP’s internal divisions, reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape in the run-up to the next elections.

BREAKING: Tambuwal Quits PDP, Defects to ADC Amid Internal Party Crisis

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Four Reps Members Defect from PDP, LP to APC

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House of Representatives

Four Reps Members Defect from PDP, LP to APC

Four members of the House of Representatives have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a development that further strengthens the governing party’s presence in the National Assembly.

The lawmakers who announced their defection during plenary are Inuwa Garuba, representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Abdullahi El-Rasheed, who represents Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, also in Gombe State; and Mohammed Audu, representing Karim Lamido/Lau/Ardo-Kola Federal Constituency of Taraba State. The three lawmakers were elected on the platform of the PDP but have now aligned with the APC.

A fourth lawmaker elected on the platform of the Labour Party also joined the APC, citing political realignment and the need to better serve constituents, although details of the defection were still emerging at the time of filing this report.

The defections were formally communicated to the House leadership during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, who read the letters submitted by the affected lawmakers.

In their letters, the lawmakers cited internal crises within their former parties and the need to align politically with developments in their states as key reasons for their decision to move to the APC. They also said joining the ruling party would enable them to attract more federal projects and development initiatives to their constituencies. Political observers note that similar reasons have often been cited by lawmakers who change political parties.

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The defections sparked mixed reactions within the chamber. While APC lawmakers welcomed the new members, some opposition legislators expressed concern over the growing trend of defections in the National Assembly. According to them, frequent cross-carpeting weakens party ideology and undermines the mandate given to political parties by voters during elections. However, supporters of the defecting lawmakers argued that the Nigerian constitution allows lawmakers to change parties, particularly when there are divisions or crises within their original platforms.

The latest defections add to a series of political realignments that have taken place within the National Assembly since the inauguration of the 10th Assembly in 2023. The APC, which controls the executive arm of government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has continued to attract lawmakers from opposition parties. In recent weeks, some senators elected on the PDP platform also defected to the APC, reflecting shifting political alliances ahead of future elections.

Political analysts say the development could further strengthen the APC’s numerical advantage in the National Assembly, making it easier for the ruling party to pass government-backed legislation. However, critics warn that the weakening of opposition parties may reduce the level of debate and oversight expected in a vibrant democratic system. With political activities gradually intensifying ahead of the next electoral cycle, observers believe more defections could occur as politicians reposition themselves within Nigeria’s political landscape.

Four Reps Members Defect from PDP, LP to APC

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BREAKING: Three PDP Senators Defect to APC

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All Progressives Congress (APC)

BREAKING: Three PDP Senators Defect to APC

Three senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday announced their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers—Amos Yohanna, Aminu Abbas, and Ikra Bilbis—formally declared their exit from the opposition party during plenary at the Nigerian Senate.

Yohanna represents Adamawa North Senatorial District, Abbas represents Adamawa Central Senatorial District, while Bilbis represents Zamfara North Senatorial District.

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Their defection letters were read on the floor of the Senate by the Senate leadership, informing lawmakers of their decision to join the APC.

Although detailed reasons for the defections were not immediately made public, such political movements in Nigeria are often attributed to internal disputes within parties, political realignments, or strategic positioning ahead of future electoral contests.

The development is expected to further consolidate the numerical strength of the APC in the Senate, where the ruling party already holds a majority.

Observers say the move could also have implications for the political landscape in Adamawa and Zamfara states, where party loyalties and alignments continue to evolve ahead of the next election cycle.

BREAKING: Three PDP Senators Defect to APC

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