Politics
A’Court upholds Diri election, gov worries over endless cases
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Friday reversed the nullification of the November 16, 2019 governorship election that produced Duoye Diri as governor of Bayelsa State and affirmed his election.
The five-man panel in a unanimous judgment, delivered by Justice Obande Ogbuinya, held that the majority judgment of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal erred in law when it held that the petition of the Advanced Nigerian Democratic Party (ANDP) was not statute barred, according to a THISDAY report.
The tribunal had in a two-to-one judgment in August annulled the election of November 16, 2019 Governorship Election in Bayelsa State on the grounds of unlawful exclusion of the ANDP from the poll.
The tribunal consequently ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh election that will include the ANDP and its governorship candidate within 90 days.
However, Diri approached the appellate court to set aside the majority judgment on the grounds that the majority judgment was flawed.
Delivering judgment in the appeal yesterday, the appellate court held that there was enough evidence to show that the case of the first respondent (ANDP) was statute barred because it was not filed within 14 days as prescribed by law.
Ogbuinya, in the judgment, agreed with the appellant that the case of the ANDP was a pre-election matter, which ought to be filed within 14 days but was filed five months after the cause of event.
Specifically, the court held that the cause of action of the ANDP arose on September 27, 2019, when INEC wrote the ANDP on the disqualification of its governorship candidate having not attained the age of 35 years as required by law, adding that the party ought to have approached a High Court to ventilate its anger 14 days from that date.
The judge said the ANDP, however, filed its petition at the Governorship tribunal in flagrant disobedience to section 285, adding that the tribunal is not a competent platform to institute such a pre-election case.
The appellate court further held that the documentary evidence used by INEC to disqualify the ANDP candidate on account of under-age was incorruptible because they were supplied by the candidate himself with an affidavit sworn to affirm the genuineness and authenticity of the supplied information.
In another ground of appeal, Justice Ogbuinya also agreed with the appellant that INEC has power to disqualify any candidate who does not meet the requirements for participating in an election.
According to the panel, INEC was right in excluding the ANDP from the November 16 governorship poll on grounds of its Deputy Governorship candidate, who was said to be under age at the time of the election.
Overall, Justice Ogbuinya held that the case of the appellant has merit and went ahead to set aside the majority judgment of the tribunal that annulled the November 16 governorship poll.
The Court of Appeal, in addition, affirmed the election of Diri as governor of Bayelsa State.
In another matter, the court dismissed the appeal filed by Mr. Ebizimo Diriyai, the candidate of the Accord Party, on the grounds that the allegation of certificate forgery brought against the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, were not proved beyond reasonable doubt as required by law on criminal allegations.
Justice Folasade Ojo, who delivered the lead judgment agreed with Chukwuma Machukwu-Umeh, SAN, that the case of the Accord Party being a pre-election matter was statute barred and incompetent having been filed outside 14 days stipulated by the 1999 Constitution.
Justice Ojo also agreed with Machukwu-Umeh that the Accord Party and its governorship candidate made heavy weather in their certificate forgery allegations when in actual fact, the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) and the Department of State Service (DSS) have separately confirmed in the reports that mere correction was effected in the name of the deputy governor as contained in his Exemption Certificate.
The appellate court agreed that the allegations were weighty in nature as it could lead to automatic disqualification and also agreed that there was no scintilla of evidence to establish how a mere correction in the spelling of a name transformed into forgery.
The court therefore dismissed the appeal of the Accord Party and its governorship candidate in its entirety for being incompetent and lacking in merit.
Also giving the same reason, the court dismissed the petition of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Liberation Movement (LM) alongside their governorship candidates.
Diri Attributes Victory to God
Meanwhile, Diri, in a press statement by his spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, applauded the decision of the five-man panel of Justices for upholding the law and dispensing justice to all.
He attributed his victory to God whom he referred to as the Supreme Leader of the universe ruling over the affairs of men.
Diri said: “I want to thank God for this victory. Today, a Daniel came to judgement in the name of the Court of Appeal, which has given the true position of the law and we are happy about it.”
But Diri bemoaned the litany of electoral cases trailing his election, describing them as distractions, and stated that it was time “portfolio political parties” stopped fanning the embers of disunity in the state.
Politics
I Will Support Whoever Emerges as ADC Candidate — Atiku
I Will Support Whoever Emerges as ADC Candidate — Atiku
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his commitment to support whoever emerges as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate in the 2027 elections, stressing the need for unity within the opposition.
Speaking during an interview with DW Hausa, Atiku—himself a presidential aspirant on the ADC platform—said all contenders must rally behind the eventual flagbearer to strengthen the party’s chances. He noted that unlike previous contests with large numbers of aspirants, the ADC race remains relatively small and manageable, making consensus easier.
“We will support and endorse whoever emerges as the flag bearer,” he said, emphasizing that party unity is critical for electoral success.
The former Vice-President also addressed the controversy surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which recently announced it would halt further engagement with the ADC leadership and would not monitor the party’s scheduled April 14 national convention. INEC cited a court ruling for its position, but the ADC rejected the decision, insisting it was based on a misinterpretation and vowing to proceed with its planned activities.
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Reacting, Atiku dismissed fears that the development could weaken the party, arguing that the ADC continues to gain support nationwide. He alleged that vested political interests are behind the challenges facing the party, linking them to its growing popularity as an opposition platform.
Beyond internal politics, Atiku described the ADC as a youth-driven political movement, highlighting the increasing participation of young Nigerians in the party’s structure. According to him, many aspirants seeking positions from councillorship to the National Assembly are youths, reflecting a deliberate effort to promote youth inclusion in Nigerian politics.
He also expressed readiness to support a younger presidential candidate if elected, noting that leadership opportunities should be extended to the next generation.
“The youths have taken over the party… our role is to create the opportunity and hand it over to them,” he said.
On national issues, Atiku said Nigerians are increasingly frustrated by economic hardship, insecurity, and poor governance, adding that the country is approaching a critical turning point ahead of 2027.
He linked rising insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria, to youth unemployment and lack of access to education, warning that continued neglect in these areas could worsen instability. He stressed that improving education and creating economic opportunities are essential to addressing the crisis.
The former Vice-President also raised concerns about corruption and weak accountability, alleging that authorities have not done enough to curb financial misconduct in government.
Despite these challenges, Atiku expressed confidence that Nigerians are ready for change, noting that growing dissatisfaction could shape voting patterns in the next general election.
Political observers believe Atiku’s stance signals a broader effort to position the ADC as a credible opposition platform, capable of attracting alliances and mounting a strong challenge in 2027. His pledge to support the eventual candidate is seen as a strategic move to avoid internal divisions and strengthen coalition-building efforts.
I Will Support Whoever Emerges as ADC Candidate — Atiku
Politics
Adeleke’s Aide Anisu Resigns, Defects to APC
Adeleke’s Aide Anisu Resigns, Defects to APC
A political tremor has hit Osun State as a Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke, identified as Anisu, has resigned his appointment and defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development, which emerged on Saturday, has sparked widespread reactions within the state’s political space, with observers describing it as a potential shift in loyalty within the ruling circle of the Osun government.
Although details of his resignation letter were not immediately made public, sources within political circles hinted that the decision may not be unconnected to internal disagreements and realignments ahead of future political contests in the state.
Anisu, who served as one of the aides to the governor, was considered part of the grassroots political structure that contributed to the electoral success of the PDP in Osun. His defection is therefore seen by analysts as symbolically significant, even if its immediate electoral impact remains uncertain.
Supporters of the APC in Osun have since celebrated the move, describing it as a sign of growing acceptance of the party within the state. Some party loyalists took to social media to welcome the former aide, noting that his experience within government would strengthen the party’s strategy ahead of upcoming political engagements.
On the other hand, the PDP is yet to issue an official statement regarding the defection as of press time. However, party insiders have downplayed the development, insisting that it does not pose any serious threat to the administration of Governor Adeleke or the party’s dominance in the state.
Political analysts say defections are not unusual in Nigeria’s political landscape, where alignments often shift based on interests, strategy, and evolving power dynamics. They note that while individual defections may not immediately alter the balance of power, a consistent pattern could signal deeper cracks within a party.
The defection also comes amid ongoing political maneuvering across Nigeria, as parties continue to consolidate their bases and attract influential figures ahead of future elections.
Efforts to reach Anisu for comments on his decision were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Adeleke’s Aide Anisu Resigns, Defects to APC
Politics
Bala Mohammed Rejects APC Pressure, Says He Won’t Be Criminalised
Bala Mohammed Rejects APC Pressure, Says He Won’t Be Criminalised
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has strongly rejected alleged political pressure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the federal government of President Bola Tinubu, insisting he will not be intimidated or “criminalised” for refusing to defect to the ruling party.
Speaking at a press conference, Governor Mohammed accused federal agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the courts, of being used as tools to target political opponents. He described the alleged actions as politically motivated harassment aimed at forcing him and other opposition figures to align with the APC.
“The APC-led federal government thinks they can use the court and the EFCC to prosecute Nigerians who are not in their party,” Mohammed said. “If they don’t stop, we are prepared to declare a war. I assure you, we will not keep quiet any longer. I will not allow anybody to criminalise me because I refuse to join their party.”
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The governor reaffirmed his decision not to defect, highlighting that some of his commissioners have already faced pressure and what he calls unjust scrutiny by anti-graft agencies. He warned that continued coercion could provoke stronger public responses from himself and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership.
Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, accused the APC-led administration of deploying “gestapo tactics” to weaken opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said these actions undermine democratic principles, politicize state institutions, and threaten the independence of officeholders.
Political observers note that his comments underscore rising tension between the federal government and opposition governors, as speculation continues about party realignments and alliances ahead of upcoming elections. Supporters argue that his stance represents a firm defense of political freedom, while critics warn that the rhetoric could further heighten partisan polarization in the country.
Governor Mohammed’s position highlights broader concerns over federal influence on state affairs, the impartiality of anti-corruption agencies, and the use of state institutions in partisan politics, raising urgent questions about Nigeria’s democratic and governance frameworks.
Bala Mohammed Rejects APC Pressure, Says He Won’t Be Criminalised
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