Supreme court strikes out Buhari, Malami suit on Electoral Act - Newstrends
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Supreme court strikes out Buhari, Malami suit on Electoral Act

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The Supreme Court has struck out the suit by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, seeking to void the provision of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022.

The provision, included in the amended Electoral Bill signed into law by President Buhari on February 25, 2022 bars political appointees from voting or being voted for at conventions of political parties.

The provision stated, “No political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election.”

Buhari later wrote the National Assembly to delete the section, with claims that it was unconstitutional as it will stop political appointees from exercising their constitutional rights to contest for elections.

Malami had approached the Supreme Court after the National Assembly failed to accede to the President’s request to delete the provision.

In a judgment on Friday, a seven-member panel of the apex court, headed by Justice Musa Dattijo Mohammed, was unanimous in holding that Buhari, having participated in the making of the law by assenting to it, could not turn around to fault its provisions.

The court, which upheld the objections raised by the National Assembly and other defendants against the suit, declined to determine it on the merit but declared that the Supreme Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear it and that the suit was an abuse of court process.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, in the lead judgment, held that it was an attack on the democratic principle of Separation of Powers for the President to seek to direct/request the Legislature to make a particular law or alter any law.

“The President lacks the power to direct the National Assembly to amend or enact an act..it violates the principle of separation of powers.

“There is no part of the Constitution that makes the exercise of legislative powers subject to the directive of the President,” the court said.

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2027: APC Confident of Landslide Victory in Kaduna – Abbas Assures Tinubu

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Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

2027: APC Confident of Landslide Victory in Kaduna – Abbas Assures Tinubu

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed strong confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will secure a landslide victory in Kaduna State during the 2027 general elections, assuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of total dominance across the state.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by Kaduna political stakeholders to the President, Abbas said the ruling party has now gained widespread acceptance across the state’s three senatorial districts—Kaduna North, Central, and South—marking a major political shift ahead of 2027.

According to him, what used to be a divided political landscape has transformed into a unified front, with leaders across all zones working together to ensure victory for the APC. He stated that the visit was aimed at briefing the President on the party’s growing strength and to reassure him that 2027 is guaranteed, with a landslide victory from zone one to zone two to zone three.

The Speaker explained that in previous elections, APC’s strength was largely limited to northern and central Kaduna, while Southern Kaduna remained a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, he credited Governor Uba Sani for fostering inclusiveness and bridging long-standing political and regional divides, which has led to increased acceptance of the APC in the southern part of the state.

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He also highlighted recent political developments, including the defection of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung and other lawmakers from the PDP to the APC, describing it as a major boost to the ruling party’s structure and grassroots appeal. With these shifts, Abbas declared that the APC is now the dominant political force across all three senatorial districts in Kaduna State.

In his remarks, Senator Katung reaffirmed Kaduna’s readiness for the 2027 elections, noting that efforts are ongoing to attract more stakeholders into the APC. He attributed the growing support for the party to federal and state government interventions, including key development projects that have improved the lives of people in Southern Kaduna.

Former lawmaker Shehu Sani described the current political alignment in Kaduna as historic, pointing out that the state has long been divided along religious and regional lines. He noted that while the northern part traditionally supported APC and its legacy parties, the predominantly Christian southern region had consistently aligned with the PDP since 1999.

According to him, this is the first time both the Muslim North and Christian South are united with a common goal—to re-elect Governor Uba Sani and President Tinubu in 2027. He added that this unity is driven by what he described as verifiable achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and governance by both the federal and state governments.

The stakeholders unanimously declared Kaduna “battle-ready” for the next general elections, pledging to mobilise voters across all communities to ensure a sweeping victory for APC candidates. They emphasised that continued grassroots engagement and visible development projects would be key factors in securing electoral success.

Political analysts say Kaduna remains a crucial battleground in Nigeria’s electoral landscape, and the emerging unity, defections, and shifting alliances could significantly influence the outcome of the 2027 elections.

2027: APC Confident of Landslide Victory in Kaduna – Abbas Assures Tinubu

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INEC Derecognition: ADC Alleges Plot to Silence Opposition

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ADC.s David Mark, Atiku Abubakar and Rauf Aregbesola
ADC.s David Mark, Atiku Abubakar and Rauf Aregbesola

INEC Derecognition: ADC Alleges Plot to Silence Opposition

The African Democratic Congress has intensified its criticism of the Independent National Electoral Commission following the commission’s decision to withdraw recognition of its leadership, describing the move as politically motivated and legally flawed.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party rejected INEC’s interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling, insisting that the electoral body acted under pressure from a “jittery” federal government unsettled by the ADC’s growing political influence.

According to the party, INEC’s decision to stop recognising any faction of the ADC—particularly the camp associated with former Senate President David Mark—is not grounded in law but reflects external interference aimed at weakening opposition forces.

The ADC INEC crisis deepened after the commission announced it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party pending the resolution of its lingering leadership dispute in court. INEC also stated that it would not monitor or participate in any party activities, including congresses or conventions, until a final judicial pronouncement is made.

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Reacting, the ADC described the move as a dangerous precedent that raises serious concerns about INEC independence and the future of Nigeria’s democracy. The party alleged that the federal government is actively working to suppress opposition voices and pave the way for a one-party system.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. This action clearly shows the commission has caved to pressure from a government threatened by our rising momentum,” Abdullahi stated.

The party further argued that INEC’s position was riddled with inconsistencies, noting that the commission misrepresented the appellate court’s judgment to justify its action. It promised to release a detailed rebuttal to expose what it called contradictions in INEC’s statement.

Amid the growing tension, the ADC warned that the development reinforces fears of government interference in INEC and undermines public confidence in the electoral process.

“What is evident is that INEC has abandoned its neutrality and chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” the statement added.

Despite its strong stance, the party said it is currently reviewing its legal and political options and will announce its next line of action in due course. Analysts say the outcome of the dispute could significantly shape opposition politics and party alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC, however, called on its members and supporters nationwide to remain calm and resolute as events unfold, reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles and political pluralism.

INEC Derecognition: ADC Alleges Plot to Silence Opposition

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Badagry women rally behind Ajose, demand APC gov ticket in 2027

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Badagry women rally behind Ajose, demand APC gov ticket in 2027

 

Women across Badagry Division, under the aegis of the Women of Badagry Federation, have unanimously endorsed Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose as their preferred governorship candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 Lagos State election.

The group argued that Lagos cannot genuinely claim fairness, equity, and justice while Badagry continues to be sidelined politically, noting that the division has not produced a governor since the state’s creation in 1967, through both military and civilian administrations.

Speaking on behalf of the group at the Badagry Town Hall, former member of the House of Representatives, Rafeequat Arinola Onabamiro, clarified that the move was not a protest but a legitimate demand rooted in equity.

She stressed that it is Badagry’s turn to govern Lagos State in 2027.

“When Lagos needed stability, Badagry stood for peace. When the party needed support, Badagry delivered. When leadership needed mobilisation, Badagry showed up,” she said.

Onabamiro added that history would remember President Bola Ahmed Tinubu positively if he honours the request, stressing that Badagry remains a critical stakeholder in the state’s future and should no longer be treated as a political bystander.

She also warned against individuals exploiting Badagry’s identity to secure political appointments at state and federal levels without truly representing the interests of the division.

The former lawmaker further described Dr. Ajose as a committed party loyalist who has consistently contributed to the growth of the APC, Lagos State, and the South-West region.

 

Also speaking, Chief Rasheed Shobaloju, representing the aspirant, maintained that the demand by the women was both genuine and justified.

He reiterated that the appeal was directed at President Tinubu and the APC leadership, expressing optimism for a favourable response.

In her remarks, APC women leader in Badagry, Mrs. Kikelomo Ladipo, assured that women in the division would mobilise massively to support the party in the 2027 general elections.

Similarly, Hon. Funmi Agbaje stated that the women of Badagry are firmly behind Ajose’s ambition, noting that women constitute a decisive voting bloc capable of determining electoral outcomes.

She described President Tinubu as an inclusive leader and urged continued support for his administration’s policies in the interest of national development.

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