Politics

Court stops Agballah, nine others from functioning as Enugu APC exco

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2024

Court stops Agballah, nine others from functioning as Enugu APC exco

A High Court in Enugu State has issued an injunction preventing Ugochukwu Agballah from presenting himself as the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State.

The court order, obtained by our correspondent on Friday, was signed by J. I. Agu, Esq, Deputy Chief Registrar 1.

The following individuals were also prohibited from acting as party officials: Deputy Chairman Chief Augustine Alumonah, Mr. Jude Chinedu Aniogbo, Mr. Moses Emeka Eze, Barrister Sunday Ugwoke, Mr. Ugwu Christian Kanayo, Mr. Eze Chidiebere Johnson, Queen Charles, Onyekachi T. Ezeagu, and Comrade Idoko Chikadibia.

Agballah was penultimate week suspended as the state chairman of the APC, by the state executive council of the party.

He was suspended alongside three other executive members of the party in the state: Chief Augustine Alumonah (State Deputy Chairman); Mr Jude Aniogbo (State Treasurer) and Mr Emeka Eze (State Organizing Secretary). They were accused of abusing their offices.

However, the suit, NO: E/548/2024, filed before Hon. Justice C.V.C. Ezeugwu, has Nwafor Alphonsus Onyeachonam, Acting State Chairman, APC, Enugu State Chapter, Chief Michael Ezeanyawu, State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Peter Chime, State Youth Leader, Mr. Uba Uthman Onah (Chairman Forum Of L.G Chairmen and Comrade Samuel Okonkwo, (Chairman Forum Of L.G Secretaries) listed as plaintiffs/applicants.

They sued for themselves and on behalf of the APC State Executive Committee members in Enugu State.

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The court document said, “UPON an application by Motion Ex-parte brought pursuant to Order 3 Rule 24); Order 38 Rules 1, 2 and 4(a); Order 7 Rule 5; and Order 39 Rules 1 and 2 of the High Court Rules of Enugu State, 2020; Sections 6 and 36 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended); supported by a 46-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Chief Michael Ezeanyawu, and filed at the High Court Registry, Enugu on 2nd day of August, 2024; seeking an Order for Interim Injunction and Substituted Service.

AND AFTER Hearing the submission of J. N. Aloh, Esq. of Counsel, for the Plaintiffs/Applicants.

“The Court hereby orders as follows: An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from acting and parading themselves as occupying any of the following positions/posts to wit: State Party chairman, State Party Deputy Chairman, State Party Treasurer, State Party Organizing Secretary, Nsukka Local Government Party Chairman of APC, Igboeze South Local Government Party Chairman of APC, State Party Youth Leader of APC, Enugu South Local Government Party Chairman, State Party Publicity Secretary of APC and Enugu North Party Chairman, respectively of State Executives Committee, Enugu State Chapter pending the hearing determination Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024;

“An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from calling, arranging, organizing and holding any meetings, congresses or conventions as the leadership of APC State Executive Committee (SEC) and/or interfering, disturbing and meddling with the functions/activities of the Plaintiffs/Applicants (as well as other validly elected members of the said Executive) as the State Executive Committee of the Party in Enugu State, pending the hearing determination of the Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024;

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“An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from accessing, operating, withdrawing and/or in whatever manner dealing with APC, Enugu State Party Account domiciled with the 11th Respondent, UNEC Branch, Enugu with Account Number 1025534529 and the Court hereby restrains the 11th Respondent from dealing with or honouring any instruction given by the 1st to 10th Respondents in respect of the said Account, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024;

“An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from accessing, making use of, claiming or in any manner whatsoever dealing with the Secretariat of APC, Enugu State Chapter which is at No. 598 Bishop Onyeabor Street, G.R.A, Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, pending the hearing determination of the Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024;

“The Court hereby grants leave to the Applicants to serve any Order made herein, the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction and other subsequent processes in this Suit on the 1st to 10th Respondents by Substituted Means, to wit: by pasting same at the conspicuous parts of the APC, Enugu Chapter Secretariat at No. 598 Bishop Onyeabor Street, G.R.A, Enugu North Government Area of Enugu State.”

The matter has been adjourned to the 13th day of August, 2024 for the Motion on Notice

Politics

ADC Raises Alarm as Court Delays Release of Lifu’s Judgment Despite Payment

Published

8 hours ago

November 9, 2026

Trends Admin

ADC Raises Alarm as Court Delays Release of Lifu’s Judgment Despite Payment

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised fresh concerns over the handling of its leadership crisis, accusing the Federal High Court in Abuja of delaying the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a judgment that nullified the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party.

The party’s Presidential Campaign Council said the continued delay had denied affected parties access to the full details of the judgment, despite the payment of the prescribed fees for obtaining certified copies.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, 2026, the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, said lawyers representing some of the defendants had formally applied for the certified judgment but were yet to receive the document.

According to the council, counsel to the third defendant submitted an application on November 5, the day Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment, while counsel to the first defendant filed another application on November 6.

The council maintained that both applications carried the Federal High Court’s official ‘PAID’ stamp, indicating that the required fees had been settled.

Shaibu questioned why the certified judgment had remained inaccessible despite the judge’s reported declaration in open court that copies were ready.

He argued that the delay was particularly troubling because the judgment directly affected the leadership and future of the opposition party, as well as the political interests of its members.

The ADC campaign council maintained that without the certified copy, affected parties could not properly establish the precise orders made by the court or fully determine the appropriate legal steps to challenge them.

It described the situation as a denial of access to justice, insisting that litigants should not be subjected to unnecessary difficulties in obtaining official copies of judicial decisions affecting their rights.

The council also recalled its earlier objection to Justice Lifu presiding over the case, saying its National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, had previously raised concerns about the judge’s impartiality.

It further questioned the timing of the judgment, which was delivered days after the ADC’s campaign activities in Sokoto, alleging that the circumstances surrounding the ruling and the subsequent delay in releasing the certified copy had heightened suspicions among party members.

The ADC had earlier rejected the November 5 judgment and announced plans to challenge it through the appropriate judicial channels.

In the controversial ruling, Justice Lifu nullified the Senator David Mark-led leadership structure and invalidated actions taken by the disputed executive, including decisions connected to the party’s 2027 presidential nomination.

The ruling also recognised the position of Nafiu Bala Gombe in the leadership dispute.

The ADC has vowed to pursue every lawful avenue to challenge the judgment, while demanding an immediate explanation for the delay in releasing its certified copy.

As of Monday, November 9, there was no reported official response from the Federal High Court addressing the campaign council’s latest allegation.

ADC Raises Alarm as Court Delays Release of Lifu’s Judgment Despite Payment

Politics

Tension in Delta as Task Force Members Protest Over Colleague’s Killing at NDC Rally

Published

8 hours ago

November 9, 2026

Trends Admin

One Killed, Five Injured as Violence Disrupts Obi-Kwankwaso Rally in Delta

Tension in Delta as Task Force Members Protest Over Colleague’s Killing at NDC Rally

ASABA, DELTA STATE – Tension has heightened in Asaba, Delta State, following a protest by members of a task force over the killing of their colleague during Saturday’s violent political clash involving supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The protest reportedly took place on Monday, November 9, 2026, two days after violence erupted during a political procession organised by the Obedient/OK Movement in support of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

According to reports, the task force members took to the streets to express their anger over the death of their colleague, who was reportedly among those affected by Saturday’s violence.

The protest came amid growing tension over the circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation, which left one person dead and several others injured.

The incident occurred along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, during the political procession.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the death and disclosed that five other people sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The police said they had received intelligence suggesting a possibility of violence before the procession and subsequently invited the organisers to a security meeting.

According to the command, the organisers were advised against holding an open-road procession and encouraged to conduct their political activities at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided.

However, the police alleged that the organisers ignored the advice and proceeded with the procession.

Following the violence, the command announced that it had commenced a full-scale investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the clash and identify those responsible.

The Delta State Government also condemned the incident, describing the loss of life as unacceptable and calling on the police to ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

The development has further heightened concerns over political violence and public safety in Delta State as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The circumstances surrounding Monday’s protest, including the full identity of the deceased task force member and the extent of the protesters’ demands, were not immediately clear.

Tension in Delta as Task Force Members Protest Over Colleague’s Killing at NDC Rally

Politics

Hamzat, GRV Clash Over Housing, Transport, Governance at Lagos Debate

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Hamzat, GRV Clash Over Housing, Transport, Governance at Lagos Debate

The Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, and his African Democratic Congress (ADC) counterpart, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, have presented contrasting development plans for Lagos State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The two candidates outlined their policy priorities during the 2026 Lagos State Governorship Debate held in Lekki on Sunday, November 8, with particular attention to housing, transportation, infrastructure, security, healthcare, waste management and accountable governance.

Hamzat, who described the debate as a job interview, relied heavily on his experience in public service, arguing that his professional background and previous appointments had prepared him for the responsibility of governing Lagos.

He said his experience as a teacher, case manager in New York and systems manager, alongside his years in the Lagos State Government, had equipped him with the knowledge required to manage the state’s affairs.

The APC candidate recalled his time as Commissioner for Science and Technology, during which he said he led the development of the state’s residents and structural database.

He also highlighted his tenure as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, citing his involvement in the delivery of major infrastructure projects, including a cable bridge described as the first of its kind in West Africa and the second in Africa.

Hamzat said effective governance required a leader who understood the people, the state and the responsibilities attached to public office.

Presenting his development blueprint, tagged Jacob’s Promise, he said it was structured around seven pillars, seven broad areas of action and 100 pledges.

He identified respect for citizens, hard work and truthfulness as the principles that would guide his administration, adding that government should prioritise actual delivery over public announcements.

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According to him, residents should evaluate candidates based on their experience, the substance of their programmes and their ability to translate promises into tangible results.

In contrast, Rhodes-Vivour argued that Lagos needed a different approach to governance, accusing successive administrations of prioritising the interests of wealthy residents and privileged communities over those of ordinary people.

The ADC candidate said his political activities and manifesto had consistently focused on improving the living conditions of ordinary Lagos residents.

He maintained that the state needed an integrated development strategy capable of addressing interconnected challenges in housing, transportation, healthcare, education, waste management and urban planning.

On housing, Rhodes-Vivour promised to deliver 100,000 housing units within his first four years if elected.

He proposed funding social housing through luxury taxation, developing the eastern foreshore and intergenerational areas, and decentralising housing development across the state.

He also promised to expand Lagos’ railway network, saying his administration would connect the state’s rail lines within two and a half years through a private-sector-driven arrangement.

He said the proposed approach would be transparent, equitable and cost-effective, with the objective of improving connectivity and opening up more communities for development.

Rhodes-Vivour further argued that the state’s high internally generated revenue should translate into improved living conditions and better public services for residents.

He cited communities such as Makoko while criticising what he described as development policies that displaced ordinary residents in favour of elite interests.

The ADC candidate also pledged to address traffic congestion, flooding, waste management and the activities of street touts, popularly known as agberos.

OTHER CANDIDATES PRESENT THEIR VISIONS

The debate also featured governorship candidates of other political parties, including Funso Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Deji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Funso Doherty criticised the state’s revenue and taxation system, arguing that Lagos residents continued to face multiple levies without receiving public services commensurate with the revenue generated by the government.

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He maintained that Lagos was operating below its potential despite its substantial internally generated revenue.

The NDC candidate, who said he had spent about 30 years in the private sector, promised a new direction for the state, particularly in healthcare and essential public services.

He urged residents to hold his party accountable if elected.

Deji Doherty, on his part, highlighted the need to improve electricity supply and create more economic opportunities for residents.

He said his experience as a technocrat and industrialist had informed his decision to seek the governorship position.

On housing, the PDP candidate cautioned against making unrealistic promises, arguing that the cost of land and building materials must be considered before setting ambitious construction targets.

He also raised concerns about gaps in primary healthcare delivery, particularly in some island communities.

DEBATE AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTION

The Lagos governorship debate was organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, a coalition of media organisations comprising Channels Television, TVC News, The PUNCH, TheCable and Vanguard.

The exercise is part of a series of debates scheduled ahead of the 2027 general elections, aimed at giving candidates a platform to explain their programmes and respond to questions on issues affecting Nigerians.

The organisers said the debate was designed to promote issue-based political engagement, democratic accountability and informed electoral choices.

The participating candidates were expected to address major concerns affecting Lagos residents, including the economy and cost of living, transportation and infrastructure, flooding and the environment, healthcare and social welfare, security and accountability.

The February 6, 2027 governorship election will determine who succeeds Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the next governor of Lagos State.