Against reports of discontent among members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change CPC, one of the legacy parties which formed the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders of the bloc have passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu.
Politics
Court fixes date for judgment in suit challenging Atiku’s eligibility to contest presidency
A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, fixed Feb. 21, 2022, for judgment in a suit seeking to challenge former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s eligibility to vie for the office of the president.
Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after taking arguments from counsel to the parties in the suit.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a group, an Incorporated Trustees of Egalitarian Mission for Africa (EMA), in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/177/2019 had sued Atiku, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) as 1st to 4th respondents respectively
EMA is challenging Atiku’s eligibility to contest for presidency on the grounds that he was not a Nigerian citizen by birth.
The group asked the court to hold, among others, that considering the provisions of Sections 25(1) &(2) and 131(a) of the constitution and the circumstances surrounding the former vice president’s birth, he cannot contest for the top office.
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NAN also reports that the Adamawa State Government, through its Attorney-General (AG), had, on July 27, sought an order of the court to be joined in the suit.
The court, in the motion dated April 26 and filed June 24, granted the prayer of the AG of Adamawa to be joined in the case as 5th defendant.
The Adamawa government had told the court that Atiku was eligible to vie for the office of the president.
It said Atiku, against whom the suit was primarily directed, is a citizen of Nigeria from Adamawa who had been elected as a governor of the state in 1999 and served as the vice president of the country between 1999 to 2007.
It stated that the suit threatened the right of not just the ex-vice president to contest the office of the president “but that of the citizens of Nigeria, of Adamawa origin covering 12 out of the 21 Local Government Areas in the state.”
When the matter was called on Monday, Counsel to the plaintiff, Akinola Oladimeji, informed that the matter was slated for hearing of his originating summons.
“We have amended originating summons in response to 1st to 5th defendants counter affidavits,” he said.
Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, who appeared for Atiku (1st defendant), said a notice of preliminary objection was filed.
Jegede, after withdrawing two motions earlier filed, one of which challenged the jurisdiction of court, urged the court to dismiss the plaintiff application.
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He argued that a previous case relied upon by the applicant in filing the suit did not relate with the matter at hand.
The senior lawyer also argued that the matter was already stale as it was tied to 2019 election, in which his client vied for the election, challenged the poll and was unsuccessful.
He said this defined the futility of the plaintiff case.
Corroborating Jegede’s submission, counsel to the 2nd defendant (PDP), Adedamola Falokun, said he also filed a notice of preliminary objection.
He described the matter as a preelection matter, urging the court not to waste its time on it.
“I stand in alignment with the learner SAN that this matter is stale.
“They filed this before 2019 election that the 1st defendant (Atiku) should not be cleared.
“The 1st defendant had been cleared, he contested and lost in the election. And you are still talking about 2019 when we are in 2021 and in few days, we will be in 2022,” he said.
The lawyer argued that there was no single line in the plaintiff application that specifically stated on good ground why Atiku could be debarred from being cleared from contesting election.
He urged the court to dismiss the suit with punitive cost against the plaintiff.
Also lawyers to the 4th (AGF) and 5th (AG of Adamawa) defendants also presented their arguments in the matter.
The plaintiff lawyer, Oladimeji, disagreed with counsel to the defendants.
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He said the suit sought to know the citizenship of Atiku.
He clarified that the suit was not a preelection one.
“For the purposes of clarity, a preelection matter is filed by an aspirant in an election.
“The plaintiff is not an aspirant, it is only seeking an interpretation into the questions raised,” he said.
Oladimeji argued that even though Atiku was said to have been born in Nigeria, he was not a Nigerian citizen.
He stated that for the fact that the mistake had, been done in time past did not mean that this should continue.
He said the interest of the group was for the court to interpret the constitution within the ambit of the law.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until Feb. 21, for judgment.
The Eagle
Politics
Northern youths promise Tinubu two million votes in 2027
Northern youths promise Tinubu two million votes in 2027
In a bold show of political strength and regional solidarity, the Northern Nigeria Youths Union (NNYU) has pledged to deliver a staggering two million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking after a high-powered strategic meeting in Jos, Plateau State, the Chairman of the group, Hon. Abubakar Aliyu, who also holds the traditional title of Galadiman Takai, made the dramatic announcement, describing the union’s commitment as “unshakeable and rooted in patriotism.”
“This declaration follows a massive convergence of passionate Northern youths – both male and female – united by one cause: the continued leadership of Tinubu,” Aliyu declared in a fiery statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He credited the President’s “unrelenting commitment” to infrastructure and national development, particularly the North, for inspiring the movement. Highlighting Tinubu’s flagship project, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano superhighway, he said:
“It’s a three-lane marvel on each side. That road alone is a symbol of hope, progress, and a better tomorrow for the North and beyond.”
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Aliyu also pointed to what he described as the “miraculous crash” in the prices of food and fuel during the just-concluded Ramadan, noting:
“The impact was clear to every Nigerian. For once, the markets breathed. The people felt relief. And they know who made that happen.”
With over 65,000 registered members across the 19 Northern states – both Muslims and Christians – the group insists it is powered solely by volunteer energy and nationalist zeal.
“We didn’t collect a kobo from anyone. This is pure patriotism. We are the people, and we will mobilise voters en masse. The 2027 votes will shock the doubters,” he asserted.
He added that the group’s mobilisation efforts would focus on ensuring that thousands more are registered and equipped with valid voter cards before the polls.
In a pointed appeal to the President, Aliyu urged Tinubu to place his appointees under tight scrutiny to ensure effective governance.
“Let those in government know they are there to serve, not to squander. The people deserve to feel the presence of government at all levels,” he stated.
With this powerful declaration, the political temperature in the North may have just been turned up – and President Tinubu could be looking at a major electoral advantage as 2027 draws near.
Northern youths promise Tinubu two million votes in 2027
Politics
Buhari’s men pass vote of confidence in Tinubu
Buhari’s men pass confidence vote in Tinubu
The CPC bloc had former President Muhammadu Buhari as its leader before the merger to form the APC.
Since the defection of one of its members and a former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai to Social Democratic Party, SDP, there had been concerns that the CPC bloc in the APC was feeling marginalized and planning to ditch the ruling party.
Since the defection of one of its members and a former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai to Social Democratic Party, SDP, there had been concerns that the CPC bloc in the APC was feeling marginalized and planning to ditch the ruling party.
The bloc in a resolution, yesterday, said: “Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded.
“We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.”
Those who signed the resolutions include a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Al-Makura, former Governor of Katsina State and ex-House Speaker, Aminu Masari, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Mustafa Salihu, Farouk Aliyu, Almajiri Geidam, Waziri Bulama, Dr. Nasiru Argungu and Dr. Dominic Alancha.
Others were Ayuba Balami, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Lucy Ajayi, Captain Bala Jibrin, Uche Ufearoh, Alh. Yusuf Salihu, Abubakar Maikudi, Engr. Mutallib Badmus, Alh. Muhammed Datti, Muhammed Etsu, Chief Jerry Johnson and Alh. Alkali Ajikolo.
Part of the resolutions read: “We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former CPC, instrumental in the historic merger that birthed the APC, issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our great party and express our strong solidarity with the administration of President Tinubu.
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“Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded. We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.
“We categorically state that we have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals.
“As a legacy party within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication.
“Attempts to sow disunity within the party and the country do not reflect the will or position of genuine CPC core members and are wholly unacceptable.
“We fully endorse the economic and governance reforms led by President Tinubu. While these policies may present challenges, they are crucial steps toward rebuilding our economy and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians. We urge patience and collective support as their benefits unfold.
“We acknowledge that some members may feel sidelined, but such concerns are not unique to any one bloc. We encourage those affected to seek redress through established constitutional channels within the party, rather than resorting to negative public agitation or hasty exits.
“At this pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, all APC members, especially those deeply rooted in the party’s formation, must work together to preserve its legacy and consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. Actions that undermine our unity and national stability must be avoided.
“We urge APC leadership to increase engagement with members at all levels. Strengthening internal communication will foster inclusiveness, reduce tensions, and enhance support for the party’s programs. Party unity must be continuously nurtured to sustain past gains and secure a prosperous future.
“We therefore reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and our steadfast support for President Tinubu. The CPC family remains a crucial pillar of the APC and will continue to play a responsible role in its growth and in Nigeria’s progress.”
Buhari’s men pass confidence vote in Tinubu
Politics
Rivers administrator Ibas denies summoning Fubara, deputy
Rivers administrator Ibas denies summoning Fubara, deputy
Sole Administrator of Rivers, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has denied summoning suspended governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
There were claims that the sole administrator had summoned Fubara to appear before a panel of inquiry regarding the appointments he made before his suspension.
President Bola Tinubu declared an emergency rule in Rivers on March 18, citing the protracted political crisis in the state.
Tinubu also suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.
The President appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary in the office of the secretary to the Rivers State government,Dede Friday, described the report as a malicious fabrication.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Government has become aware of fraudulent announcements circulating on social media, falsely attributed to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
“These malicious fabrications are designed to mislead the public, create panic, and disrupt the peace in Rivers State.
“One such fake announcement falsely claims that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, and the Deputy Governor, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu, were summoned to a meeting at the Government House on Friday, April 18, 2025.
“The Rivers State Government categorically states that this announcement is fake and did not originate from any official source.”
Friday urged the public to disregard the report, adding that it is the work of “troublemakers”.
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