Politics
Appeal court nullifies Metuh’s conviction, orders fresh trial
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Wednesday nullified the conviction of former spokesman for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, on alleged money laundering and corruption charges.
The court held that Okon Abang, judge of a federal high court in Abuja, exhibited bias in Metuh’s case.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Metuh on seven counts of allegedly receiving N400 million from the office of the National Security Adviser.
On February 25, 2020, the trial court pronounced him guilty and sentenced him to seven years in prison.
Metuh through his counsel filed an appeal in March 2020.
As part of the 10 issues raised by the appellant for determination by the appellate court, Metuh argued that he was not given a fair trial.
He submitted that the trial judge was biased, considering some of the remarks made during the trial.
He prayed the court to upturn the judgment of the lower court.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, a three-man panel of justice agreed that the trial judge showed influence of bias against the appellant.
Stephen Adah who read the court’s decision, said, “The narrative of the trial judge suggests someone who didn’t enjoy trying the appellant and counsel because he said they were picking on him.
“He was struggling with the case and even wished that he should be recused out of the case. The influence from this narrative is indisputably to say the least that a trial judge was angered only in his mind that he was wrongly influenced and showed bias against the appellant in this case as this is what manifests from all the outburst, he has infused in his judgment.
“Learned trial judge showed in his comments, the influence of an abnormal desire all inclination to pursue a predetermined line of action against the appellant.
“This no doubt is an influence of bias against the appellant. There is no way the learned trial judge can be seen to be detached from the malice against the appellant in the case as alleged.
“The duty of a trial judge is to be completely neutral in the case before him. A judge must not only be impartial; he must be seen to be impartial to both sides.
“His duty is to sit and determine the issues raised by parties and to conduct an examination into the parties. He is not an umpire just yet. His job is to find out the truth and do justice according to law.
“Appellants have been able to convince us in this court from the records shown and from all the utterances of the judge that there is likelihood of bias signifying that he was no freeman while the trial was going on.
“If this is allowed, it will set a dangerous president and that is never allowed by our constitution. Trial that was conducted in a hostile atmosphere without any regard to the constitutional right of the person accused can never be upheld.
“The learned trial judge unfortunately has shown the whole world that much was into that judgment than what was put in evidence before the judge.
“It was in this respect that we cannot ignore it. This court in its duty, set that decision aside. Judgment of the lower court delivered on 25th of February 2020 cannot stand because of the evidence of bias. It is accordingly annulled.”
Justice Adah subsequently ordered a return of the suit to the Federal High Court for fresh hearing by another judge.
Politics
Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket
Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is experiencing rising internal tension as supporters of former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar clash over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, raising concerns about unity within the opposition ahead of the general elections.
The friction stems from competing ambitions, with both Obi and Atiku positioning themselves to lead the ADC into the 2027 Nigerian elections. Atiku, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Obi, who left the Labour Party, have strengthened the ADC’s profile, making it a key opposition platform.
Obi’s supporters, often called the Obidient Movement, fear that Atiku’s extensive political network could overshadow Obi’s bid for the ticket. Atiku, meanwhile, has urged both camps to avoid internal divisions, warning that infighting could advantage the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Political analysts note that Obi could only emerge as the party’s flagbearer if Atiku voluntarily steps aside, a move his supporters are unlikely to accept. Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed has cautioned that the party risks defections and internal weakening if the dispute is not resolved quickly.
Other prominent figures, such as Rotimi Amaechi, are also being considered for the presidential ticket, adding to the ADC’s internal complexities. Grassroots members have expressed concern that the factionalism could distract the party from addressing critical national issues such as unemployment, insecurity, and economic recovery.
Observers say the ADC’s handling of this internal struggle will be crucial in determining whether it can present a united front and remain a credible alternative to the APC in the 2027 elections.
Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket
Politics
PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race
PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan and other southern Nigerian politicians to contest the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, signalling the start of what could be a highly competitive and high-profile primary race.
PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki emphasized that the presidential primaries will be open, fair, and transparent, allowing all eligible southern aspirants to participate. The clarification comes amid speculation over whether Jonathan, who previously served two terms as president, would re-enter the national political scene.
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Prominent party leaders, including Professor Jerry Gana, have publicly welcomed Jonathan’s potential bid, stating that he remains eligible and could strengthen the PDP’s chances in the 2027 elections. However, some analysts and legal experts have raised questions about constitutional interpretations regarding a former two-term president, though no legal barrier has formally blocked him from contesting.
The PDP’s announcement also follows the exit of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who resigned over internal party differences and is now associated with the Alliance Democratic Congress (ADC). Meanwhile, speculation continues about other key figures, including Peter Obi, potentially returning to the PDP fold to contest the ticket.
Political commentators suggest the PDP faces the challenge of balancing zoning policies, internal party ambitions, and legal considerations while positioning itself against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
With party consultations and primaries ahead, all eyes are on how the PDP will navigate internal politics and legal interpretations to emerge united and competitive in next year’s presidential race in Nigeria.
PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race
Politics
ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027
ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027
In a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally joined forces with the Obidient Movement and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie‑Oyegun, to strengthen opposition efforts against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The alliance was announced during a high-profile event in Benin City, Edo State, where leaders of the Obidient Movement officially merged with the ADC, committing to joint mobilisation and grassroots engagement.
Chief Odigie‑Oyegun described the coalition as a timely strategy to consolidate opposition forces and address public dissatisfaction with APC governance. The Obidient Movement — the youth-led network that supported Peter Obi in 2023 — pledged to leverage its national structure to expand ADC’s reach across Edo State and other key regions.
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Political analysts note that the coalition marks a significant opposition realignment in Nigeria, bringing together figures from different parties, including former Labour Party (LP) and APC members, under a single platform aimed at unseating the ruling party in 2027. The coalition has already attracted prominent figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, positioning the ADC as a credible vehicle for national political influence.
Despite growing momentum, observers caution that internal leadership disputes and competing presidential ambitions within the coalition could pose challenges ahead of the elections. Nonetheless, the alliance signals a concerted effort to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and present a formidable challenge to APC dominance.
ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027
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