Politics

Defection suit: Umahi, deputy know fate March 8

Published

4 years ago

January 20, 2022

Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi

Abuja division of the Federal High Court has fixed March 8 and 14 to deliver judgments in the multiple suits filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking the removal of Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, and his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, from office on account of their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the dates after counsel in the suits marked FHC/ABJ/CS/ 920/21 and FHC/ABJ/CS/ 1041/21 had adopted their briefs of arguments.

In an originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/920/2021, PDP urged the court to make a declaration that by defecting from the party on which they were sponsored and elected to a political party that did not win the election, they have resigned or deemed to have resigned from office.

The crux of the plaintiff’s case is that the defendants purportedly defected and relinquished their PDP membership on which platform they contested and won the governorship election, and, by so doing, are deemed to have lost the majority votes scored at the election and consequently should be ordered by the court to vacate their respective offices as governor and deputy governor of Ebonyi State.

Other defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the APC.

However, Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former attorney general of Imo State, who is counsel to Governor Umahi and his deputy, urged the court to decline jurisdiction and transfer the case to Ebonyi State. He particularly drew the attention of the court to the fact that Nigeria is a federation with 36 states, including Ebonyi State.

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Ume argued that since Governor Umahi was sworn in by the chief judge of Ebonyi State and not by the chief judge of the Federal High Court, his removal from office can only be pursued through the state House of Assembly and the state High Court.

Meanwhile, Umahi and Igwe have approached the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal for the interpretation of some constitutional issues arising from the suit filed by PDP challenging their defection. The applicants in their motion requested the appellate court to restore the powers of state high courts as the only courts vested with the exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine the question as to whether the term of office of a member of the House of Assembly of a state, a governor or deputy governor has ceased or become vacant.

Counsel to the applicants consequently filed a motion seeking the declaration by the court that Section 272 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, which vested such powers on the Federal High Court as a scrivener’s error.

The motion, which was brought pursuant to Sections 295 (2); 272(3); 6(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 20 and 29 of the Interpretation Act, has requested the order of the Federal High Court for an order referring some constitutional questions to the Court of Appeal for its opinion.

The affected constitutional provisions are sections 2; 4(6); 5 (2); 6 (1) & (2); 6(5) (a) -(e); 186; Chapter VII; Chapter VII Part II; sections 270 (1) and 272 (1); (2) and(3).

The applicants request the opinion of the Court of Appeal as to “Whether by the community reading of the above provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) more particularly by the express provisions in sections 232(1) 239(1) (a) – (c) and 251(4) each vesting original jurisdiction on the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court on matters on the exclusive legislative list and federal political office holders, the phrase Federal High Court as found in Section 272 (3) (aka Section 28, Act No 1 of 2010) is not a mere or should not be read scrivener’s error or devil’s printer?

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“Whether the Court should not order the phrase Federal High Court as found in Section 272 (3) (aka section 28, Act No 1 of 2010) to be read and understood as state High Court which rightly conforms with the spirit of the federal system of government as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) vesting exclusive original jurisdiction on the High Court of the states of the federation to “hear and determine the question as to whether the term of office of a member of the House of Assembly of a state, a governor or deputy governor has ceased or become vacant?

Before the trial court, the applicants had filed a notice of preliminary objection challenging the suit by the PDP, wherein, they argued hat Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution has provided immunity to them from the plaintiff’s suit and that votes cast during the said elections are by the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) an recent Supreme Court pronouncements belong to them and recent Supreme Court pronouncement belongs to them and not the plaintiff/respondent.

Furthermore, they contested that being Ebonyi State governor and deputy governor sworn into offices by the chief judge of Ebonyi State they cannot be liable to be removed from their offices by a Federal High Court.

Sun

Politics

ADC Expels Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, Ratifies David Mark-Led Leadership

Published

17 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Trends Admin

ADC convention ratifies David Mark-led NWC

ADC Expels Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, Ratifies David Mark-Led Leadership

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expelled its former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and House of Representatives member, Leke Abejide, following decisions taken at its national convention held on Tuesday, in a major restructuring aimed at resolving internal leadership disputes and repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also expelled Kenneth Ehiator, Abia State chairman of the ADC, Stella Chukwu, and Elias Adiukwu, with officials stating that the move was part of efforts to restore discipline, unity, and organisational stability within the party structure.

At the same convention, the ADC ratified a new National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark, alongside former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal as Deputy National Chairman (North East), and Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary.

The leadership changes come amid prolonged internal disputes over legitimacy and control of the party structure, with Nafiu Bala previously insisting he remained the rightful national chairman of the ADC, while Leke Abejide aligned with his faction and participated in protests at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demanding recognition.

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Party insiders said the expulsion of key figures was necessary to end parallel leadership claims and unify the party ahead of its political roadmap toward the 2027 elections, where it plans to field candidates across all elective positions.

The ADC also confirmed that it had duly notified INEC ahead of the convention and would proceed to submit its official report in line with electoral guidelines.

Chairman of the convention media sub-committee, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the party complied with legal requirements, stressing that INEC’s physical presence at the event was not mandatory for the validity of the convention.

According to him, what matters under the law is proper notification and submission of post-convention documentation, which the party says it has fulfilled.

With the convention concluded, the ADC said it is now shifting focus to preparations for its primaries, where it will select candidates for the 2027 general elections, including its presidential flagbearer.

Political sources within the party said the newly established leadership structure would guide negotiations among aspirants, with discussions expected on whether to adopt direct primaries or a consensus arrangement.

The 2026 Electoral Act allows political parties to determine their method of primary elections, either through direct voting by members or consensus among stakeholders.

Sources further noted that managing multiple high-profile aspirants remains one of the biggest challenges facing the party as it prepares for the presidential contest.

Political analysts say the ADC’s evolving structure could reshape opposition politics in Nigeria, especially with the reported involvement of prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

However, analysts also warn that internal competition for the presidential ticket may become a major test of unity for the party as it attempts to position itself as a strong opposition force ahead of 2027.

Despite the tensions, the ADC insists that its convention marks a turning point in its restructuring process and a significant step toward its participation in the next general elections.

ADC Expels Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, Ratifies David Mark-Led Leadership

Politics

2027: Pro-Jonathan Group Launches Campaign Urging Goodluck Jonathan to Run

Published

18 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

2027: Pro-Jonathan Group Launches Campaign Urging Goodluck Jonathan to Run

A new political movement, the Goodluck Presidential Support Campaign Group, has officially launched a nationwide mobilisation calling on former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, amid growing political conversations over leadership direction and national stability.

The group made its position public during a press conference on Wednesday, stating that Nigeria is at a critical point that requires experienced leadership to address economic hardship, insecurity, and declining public confidence in governance.

According to the group, the decision to rally support for Jonathan followed wide consultations across different regions of the country, with stakeholders agreeing that his return to active politics could help restore unity, stability, and economic confidence.

Speaking at the launch, the Director General of the group, Jeff Okoi, said the initiative was driven by national concern rather than political sentiment, stressing that Nigeria needs a leader with proven governance experience.

Okoi described the moment as “a defining period in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” adding that the country is currently facing serious challenges that demand urgent and credible leadership intervention.

He explained that the group is made up of Nigerians committed to national unity, economic recovery, and political stability, insisting that Jonathan’s track record in office remains a key reason for the call.

He said Nigeria is currently battling insecurity, economic pressure, and weakening global confidence, adding that only experienced leadership can reposition the country for growth and development.

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The group further stated that it has begun establishing mobilisation structures across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to build wider support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Okoi also noted that the campaign is not about personal ambition but about what he described as a “national rescue mission” aimed at restoring stability and shared prosperity.

He added that Jonathan remains, in their view, a symbol of democratic stability and international respect, particularly for his role in peaceful political transitions during his time in office.

The group also expressed concern over what it described as the narrowing of democratic space in Nigeria, warning that democracy must remain inclusive, competitive, and fair to thrive.

According to the movement, Nigeria needs a leader who understands governance, embraces diversity, and commands both local legitimacy and international respect.

The emergence of the campaign group adds to rising political pressure on Jonathan, as several youth organisations and civic groups have also staged public rallies in recent weeks urging him to consider a return to the presidential race.

However, despite the growing calls, Goodluck Jonathan has not made any official statement regarding whether he will contest the 2027 presidential election.

Political analysts say the increasing mobilisation signals early political positioning ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle in Nigeria.

2027: Pro-Jonathan Group Launches Campaign Urging Goodluck Jonathan to Run

Politics

2027: Kwara APC Stakeholders Back Bolarinwa as Kwara South Gains Political Momentum

Published

18 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigerian actress, Victoria Inyama

2027: Kwara APC Stakeholders Back Bolarinwa as Kwara South Gains Political Momentum

In the build-up to the 2027 Kwara governorship election, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Isin, Ilorin West, and Ilorin East local government areas have intensified political consultations, declaring that Kwara South senatorial district currently parades some of the most qualified governorship aspirants among over 15 contenders in the race.

The position was made known during separate strategic meetings held in Oke Onigbin, Mandate, and Zango areas of Ilorin, where party stakeholders unanimously endorsed former APC State Chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, describing him as a strong contender capable of sustaining the development agenda of Kwara State.

The endorsement aligns with emerging grassroots realignments within the APC structure across Kwara State, where multiple groups have continued to throw their weight behind Bolarinwa’s governorship ambition, citing his long-standing role in party leadership, political experience, and grassroots influence.

The Isin Progressive Likeminds, led by Kayode Olaoye, said their support for Bolarinwa followed wide consultations, grassroots engagement, and careful assessment of the socio-economic development needs of Kwara State. According to the group, the 2027 governorship contest requires “visionary, inclusive and transformative leadership” capable of uniting different interests across the state. They stressed that the next governor must be able to promote cohesion, equity, and sustainable development, rather than sectional or narrow political interests. The group also resolved to begin full-scale mobilisation across the 11 wards of Isin Local Government Area, including engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, and political stakeholders to strengthen support for their preferred aspirant.

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In Ilorin West Local Government Area, a coalition of APC stakeholders comprising party elders, executives, youth groups, and women organisations also declared support for Bolarinwa. The meeting, convened by Hon. Ayo Obisesan, and supported by APC leader, Professor Yahya Duro Uthman Hambali, brought together stakeholders from across the 12 wards in Ilorin West. According to them, the endorsement reflects a collective decision driven by the need for credible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. One of the leaders, Prof. Hambali, said the group’s position represents a shift towards “progress over stagnation and hope over despair,” adding that Kwara State needs a leader with experience and wide acceptability.

Also, in Ilorin East, party stalwarts under the Ilorin East Progressive Caucus reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, while also endorsing Bolarinwa’s governorship aspiration. The endorsement was made through a voice affirmation led by the caucus chairman, Chief Babatunde Asanlu, who praised Tinubu’s administration for what he described as bold economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms, infrastructure development, and the student loan scheme. He said the policies were laying a foundation for long-term national growth, insisting that the President deserves a second term to complete ongoing reforms. On Bolarinwa’s ambition, Asanlu described him as a “tested leader with strong grassroots connection, administrative experience, and wide political acceptance across Kwara State.”

Political observers say the wave of endorsements across Kwara APC structures signals an early and intensifying succession battle ahead of 2027. While some stakeholders continue to push for zoning arrangements within the party, others argue that the governorship ticket should be determined strictly by competence, popularity, and electability, rather than senatorial rotation. The ongoing alignments suggest that the 2027 Kwara governorship race may become one of the most competitive political contests in the state’s recent history.