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
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
Politics
US Firm to Engage Trump, Congress Over INEC’s Suspension of ADC Leadership
US Firm to Engage Trump, Congress Over INEC’s Suspension of ADC Leadership
A U.S.-based policy and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague York L.C., has announced plans to brief members of the U.S. Congress and officials linked to former President Donald Trump over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to withdraw recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership. The move has raised concerns about Nigeria’s electoral credibility and the ability of the opposition to participate fully in the 2027 presidential election.
INEC had earlier this week removed recognition of the ADC leadership from its official portal and suspended all formal engagement with the party, citing ongoing litigation over a leadership dispute. The commission said its action was in compliance with a Court of Appeal order directing parties to maintain the status quo until the legal matter is resolved.
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In a statement, Von Batten-Montague York L.C. said INEC’s action has effectively frozen one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties at a critical time, potentially undermining political participation, democratic processes, and election integrity. “This situation could hinder the opposition’s ability to organise and participate fully in the democratic process,” the firm stated.
The U.S. firm also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance to the United States in areas including regional security, economic stability, and counterterrorism, adding that the integrity of Nigeria’s elections has direct implications for U.S. interests and global stability. Accordingly, the firm plans to present its concerns to U.S. lawmakers and Trump administration officials to ensure that free, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria remain on the international agenda.
The firm further called on President Bola Tinubu to guarantee that the upcoming elections are beyond reproach, transparent, and reflective of the will of Nigerians. It urged that no political party or faction should be disadvantaged in a manner that could compromise electoral fairness or democratic participation.
The ADC leadership dispute, involving rival factions led by Senator David Mark and others, has drawn sharp reactions locally. While INEC maintains it is acting to comply with court directives, critics argue that the decision could weaken the opposition and create uncertainty in the lead-up to the presidential elections.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended INEC’s actions, describing the crisis as self-inflicted by the ADC and urging compliance with the law to resolve leadership disputes ahead of election preparations.
Analysts warn that the situation underscores the importance of institutional neutrality, transparency, and timely resolution of party disputes to maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
US Firm to Engage Trump, Congress Over INEC’s Suspension of ADC Leadership
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