Politics

Atiku, Obi file 86 grounds at Supreme Court

Published

3 years ago

September 20, 2023

Tinubu, Obi and Atiku

Atiku, Obi file 86 grounds at Supreme Court

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and his party have filed 35 grounds of appeal before the Supreme Court, seeking to quash the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) judgment which dismissed their bid to upturn the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the February 25 presidential election.

Also yesterday, Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi and his party filled 51 grounds asking the Supreme Court to void the PEPC decision.

The candidates and their parties filed their appeals 48 hours ahead of todays’ deadline, the 14th day after the September 6 judgment by the Court of Appeal panel, sitting at the presidential election tribunal. The five-man panel was led by Justice Haruna Tsammani.

The verdict, which was unanimous declared the petitions by PDP, LP, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and their candidates as unmeritorious, lacking a merit and for failure prove their cases beyond reasonable doubt.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the appeals, and the Supreme Court is yet to name the seven-man panel that will hear them.

Led by Dr Livy Uzokwu (SAN), Obi and his party filed appeal, praying the apex court to void Tinubu’s victory.

In the notice of appeal, the PDP and Atiku are contending, among others, that the judgment of the PEPC is against the weight of evidence.

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They are equally contending that the PEPC “erred in law when it refused to uphold the mandatory electronic transmission of results for confirmation and verification of final results introduced by the Electoral Act 2022 for transparency and integrity of results in accordance with the principles of the Act.”

According to them, the Electoral Act 2022 introduced technology in the conduct of elections, particularly in the transmission and collation of results, being part of the election process easily susceptible to manipulation and compromise.

In ground two, the appellants argued that the PEPC erred when, despite the clear provisions of enabling statutes, including the constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, the Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of elections and the Manual for Election Officials, it still proceeded to hold that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was not meant to be used to electronically transmit or transfer the results of the polling unit direct to the collation system.

They also faulted the PEPC for holding that the INEC Result Viewing portal (IRev) was not a collation system.

The appellants faulted the PEPC for holding that the requirement of electronic transmission of the result of the election directly from the polling units to the INEC collation system is not a requirement of the Electoral Act, 2022.

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They are of the view that Section 60(5) of the Electoral Act,2022 makes it mandatory for the Presiding Officer to transfer the result of the election in the polling

unit together with the total number of accredited voters in such manner as INEC may determine.

In ground four, the PDP and Atiku are contending that the PEPC erred when it failed to hold that the non-use of electronically transmitted results by the 1st respondent’s (INEC’s)Collation Officers and Returning Officers for the collation and verification of election results before announcement, constitutes non-compliance with the mandatory provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

According to them, the PEPC erred in law when it failed to determine the case of the appellants with respect to the mandatory verificatons and confirmations required before the announcement of the result of the presidential election, pursuant to Section 64(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

They also faulted the PEPC for failing “to nullify the presidential election held on 25th February 2023 on the ground of non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 when, by evidence before the court, the 1st respondent (INEC) conducted the election based on very grave and gross misrepresentation ,contrary to the principles of the Electoral Act 2022, based on the ‘doctrine of legitimate expectation.’

The PDP and Atiku are also praying the Supreme Court to allow their appeal, set aside the judgment of the PEPC and grant the reliefs as contained in their petition.

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Obasanjo, Atiku, Kwankwaso Lead Opposition Unity Talks in Ibadan Summit

Published

5 hours ago

April 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Obasanjo, Atiku, Kwankwaso Lead Opposition Unity Talks in Ibadan Summit

Leading opposition figures in Nigeria on Saturday converged in Ibadan for a high-level national summit aimed at building political unity, strengthening cooperation, and repositioning opposition parties ahead of future elections.

The meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, brought together key stakeholders from major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other political blocs.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo presided over the summit, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde served as host. The gathering was convened under the theme “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” reflecting efforts to build a more coordinated opposition coalition in Nigeria. Organisers described the summit as a strategic response to rising concerns over economic hardship, insecurity, and governance challenges in the country.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar confirmed his presence at the summit, describing it as a broad consultation involving opposition parties across the country. Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso also attended, expressing optimism about the discussions aimed at fostering political cooperation and national stability.

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Other prominent attendees included former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, alongside representatives from multiple opposition platforms.

Discussions at the summit reportedly centered on building a unified opposition front, improving collaboration among parties, and developing a coordinated strategy for upcoming elections. Sources said participants also explored ways to reduce internal divisions that have historically weakened opposition performance during national polls.

Although no formal coalition was announced, insiders described the meeting as a significant step toward possible opposition realignment in Nigeria. The Ibadan summit comes amid increasing political engagements across Nigeria as parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Analysts believe the presence of top political figures at the same forum signals renewed momentum toward strengthening opposition influence and possibly reshaping the country’s political landscape. However, no official communiqué outlining final resolutions had been released at the time of filing this report.

Obasanjo, Atiku, Kwankwaso Lead Opposition Unity Talks in Ibadan Summit

Politics

Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries

President Bola Tinubu has issued a strong directive to governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), mandating them to ensure free, fair, and rancour-free primaries while granting them full autonomy under the Electoral Act.

The directive followed a strategic meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where governors met with the President to discuss preparations for the party’s primaries ahead of the general elections.

Speaking after the meeting, Mohammed Bago said the governors visited the President to appreciate his support and received what he described as a “marching order” to successfully conduct the primaries.

According to him, Tinubu empowered the governors to adopt either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, provided such decisions align with the law and are accepted by all aspirants.

The meeting, which began around 5 p.m. at the President’s Conference Room, had in attendance key APC governors, including Hope Uzodimma, Inuwa Yahaya, Babagana Zulum, Hyacinth Alia, Biodun Oyebanji, Peter Mbah, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, among others.

Discussions focused on conducting transparent APC primaries that would strengthen party unity and position it effectively for upcoming elections.

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Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC has clarified that there will be no automatic tickets for the President or first-term governors, opening the contest to all qualified aspirants.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, disclosed that the party has adopted both direct and consensus primary options, with a clear condition that consensus must be agreed upon by all aspirants or it will revert to direct primaries.

He emphasised that APC nomination forms are open to all interested Nigerians, dismissing speculation that the process would favour specific candidates.

The party also released a revised timetable in line with the amended Electoral Act 2026 and guidelines from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Sales of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms closes on May 4, 2026. Screening of aspirants is scheduled between May 6 and May 9, with results to be published on May 11.

Primary elections will hold across categories, culminating in the APC presidential primary on May 23, 2026, following an adjustment from the earlier date of May 15–16.

The party also confirmed that updated membership records have been transmitted to INEC, ensuring compliance with electoral requirements.

Tinubu’s directive is widely seen as a move to promote internal democracy, transparency, and party discipline, while preventing disputes that could weaken the APC ahead of the elections.

Political observers note that opening the race to all aspirants could intensify competition but also enhance credibility if managed effectively.

Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries

Politics

Senator Barau Empowers APC Leaders in Kano with 47 Cars, 282 Motorcycles

Published

3 days ago

April 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Senator Barau Empowers APC Leaders in Kano with 47 Cars, 282 Motorcycles

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has distributed 47 Sharon vehicles and 282 Boxer motorcycles to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano North Senatorial District as part of a large-scale empowerment programme aimed at strengthening party structure and grassroots mobilisation.

The distribution exercise, held in Kano State, also covered former party officials in the district. According to organisers, the initiative is designed to improve mobility for party activities, enhance coordination, and support beneficiaries in building sustainable livelihoods.

Senator Barau Empowers APC Leaders in Kano with 282 Motorcycles

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Senate President, Muhammad Abdullahi, said the programme was targeted at promoting self-reliance and human development among recipients.

He praised Senator Barau for consistent interventions in the senatorial district, saying the empowerment items would help improve living standards and ease transportation challenges faced by party officials.

Abdullahi also urged beneficiaries not to sell the vehicles and motorcycles, but to use them productively to generate income and support their families.

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The media aide to Senator Barau, Shittu Madaki, confirmed the distribution, stating that the items included 47 cars and 282 motorcycles, with additional empowerment packages expected in subsequent phases.

He noted that the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen APC structures and deepen grassroots engagement in Kano North.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Salihu Takai, said the programme aligns with the grassroots implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s policy direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the empowerment drive is not an isolated intervention but part of a sustained development effort in the district, with more support programmes expected.

Beneficiaries included APC local government chairmen, secretaries, and former party officials, many of whom expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely support for party operations and grassroots mobilisation.

The programme has also generated public discussion, with supporters praising it as a boost for political organisation and economic empowerment, while critics argue that such initiatives reflect the broader role of political patronage in Nigeria’s democratic system.