Politics

Court strikes out suit challenging Ekiti APC gov primary

Published

4 years ago

August 4, 2022

Ekiti State Governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji

A Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has dismissed a suit filed by an aspirant in the January 27 governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress Engr. Kayode Ojo, challenging the victory of the Governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji.

The court, on Thursday, upheld preliminary objection of the counsel to Oyebanji, Mr. Kabir Akingbolu, that the writ of summons and statement of claims of Ojo were defective which dealt a fatal blow to the case.

Ojo, who emerged first runner in the APC primary election, had approached the court to challenge the exercise, faulting the use of individuals he described as political appointees as electoral officers.

He urged the court to nullify the party’s governorship poll on the grounds of alleged violation of the APC constitution and order a conduct of a fresh primary.

According to The Nation, the APC was the 1st Defendant while Oyebanji, who went ahead to win the June 18 governorship poll, is the 2nd Defendant in the suit.

Other defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (3rd), Ayo Adegbite (4th), Adeoye Aribasoye (5th), Vincent Bewaji (6th), Goke Olajide (7th), Lateef Akanle (8th), Richard Apolola (9th), Kayode Fasakin (10th), Adu Joseph (11th) and Teju Okuyiga (12th).

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The rest defendants are Olumide Fadipe (13th), Dele Oloje (14th), Victor Adeniyi (15th), Folorunso Olabode (16th), Deji Ajayi (17th), Sunkanmi Onipede (18th), Kemi Olaleye (19th) and the Secretary and Members of the Ekiti APC 2022 Gubernatorial Primary Electoral Committee (20th).

The 4th-19th defendants served as Chairmen of the Electoral Committees/Returning Officers in the 16 Local Government Areas during the Ekiti APC Governorship Primary held across the state.

Delivering the judgement, the presiding judge, Justice Babs Kuewumi, dismissed Ojo’s case and agreed with the Oyebanji’s counsel that the discrepancies in the originating processes had rendered the case mere academic.

Justice Kuewumi held that the names of counsel on the Plaintiff’s originating summons and statement and the Nigerian Bar Association stamp ran contrary which is against the law rendering the suit defective and incompetent.

While the name on the NBA stamp of one of the lawyers of Ojo reads “Moroof Bolanle,” the one that appears on the list of lawyers submitted for the case reads “Olayinka Bolanle.”

According to the judge, a further scrutiny on the Plaintiff’s writ of summons and statement of claim reveals two different signatures which renders the suit invalid ab initio.

“The signatures on the writ of summons and the statement of claim are not the same. There is no jurisdiction, there is no case. I will make copies of my judgment available to counsels tomorrow.

“Having ruled on the issue of objection, there is no further judgment to deliver. The Plaintiff is free to approach the higher court for appeal,” the judge held.

Earlier, the judge expressed appreciation to all counsels for their industry and cooperation as the matter was expeditiously heard and determined.

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Counsel to the Ojo, Mr. Taiwo Ogunmoroti, had earlier urged the court to make the judgment available to him for perusal and any possible action.

But counsel to Oyebanji, Mr. Akingbolu, in a chat with reporters after the judgment was delivered, expressed satisfaction with the verdict which he said was in line with the law and the rules of the court.

Akingbolu said “Before a process is filed in court, a known lawyer must sign it but many lawyers subscribed to this originating process but there was only one signature. The law is that you must tick the name of the person who signed it and this was not done in this case.

“Again, the NBA seal, which is the authority of office for a lawyer to signal document was affixed but the name on the seal was different from the one on all the process.

“So, there was no way the court could determine whether it was signed by a clerk or whether it was signed by a street urchin or a lawyer. On the ground, the court has rightly thrown away the case and the whole thing has crumbled.

“What the court is saying is that whatever you put on it cannot stand. You cannot build a castle in the air, it is.bot just possible.”

Related Topics:court Ekiti APC Featured gov primary

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Gov Yusuf Pledges Full Support for Tinubu, Declares APC Unbeatable in Kano

Published

13 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

Gov Yusuf Pledges Full Support for Tinubu, Declares APC Unbeatable in Kano

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the dominant party in Kano State and reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Speaking on Saturday to a massive crowd of APC supporters at the Government House in Kano, Yusuf praised the president for his leadership and the delivery of dividends of democracy to Nigerians. He highlighted Tinubu’s efforts to improve the economy, enhance infrastructure across the nation, and ensure the equitable distribution of federal resources despite limited time and funding.

“Mr. President has been doing his best for this country; he has improved the economy of this country,” Yusuf said. He also thanked Tinubu, describing him as a dogged leader committed to ensuring dividends of democracy are provided across Nigeria.

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The governor affirmed that the people of Kano State fully support President Tinubu and will back his bid for re-election by 2027. He emphasized that the APC is the only party capable of winning elections at all levels in Kano and across Nigeria.

“The APC is the only winning party in Kano State and Nigeria. There is no other party that can take control of Kano State and Nigeria by the grace of God,” Yusuf stated.

Yusuf also congratulated APC members for the successes recorded during the party’s Northwest Zonal Congress in Kaduna and the National Convention in Abuja, noting that the achievements underscore the party’s organizational strength and grassroots influence in the northern region.

Assuring residents of continued progress, the governor pledged that his administration would sustain the delivery of critical infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, employment, and empowerment programs for women and youth across the state.

The governor’s return to Kano was marked by a grand reception at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, with supporters singing, dancing, and chanting APC slogans. He later led a rally through the state capital, including Katsina Road, Emir’s Palace Road, and Saboda Bakin Zuwo Road, receiving a warm welcome from cheering residents en route to the Government House.

Political analysts note that Kano, historically an APC stronghold, remains critical for the party’s electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. Yusuf’s endorsement of Tinubu underscores a coordinated effort to consolidate support in the state and maintain APC’s dominance in northern Nigeria.

Gov Yusuf Pledges Full Support for Tinubu, Declares APC Unbeatable in Kano

Politics

ADC Crisis Halts Makinde, Bala, Lawmakers’ Defections

Published

13 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed

ADC Crisis Halts Makinde, Bala, Lawmakers’ Defections

Strong indications have emerged that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed may be reconsidering their planned defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to escalating internal disputes and regulatory uncertainty. The crisis has also affected several lawmakers who were weighing moves to the party, signaling a setback for opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

The uncertainty stems from the recent action of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which withdrew recognition of the ADC National Working Committee (NWC) led by Mark, following a ruling by the Court of Appeal on March 12, 2026. INEC directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the outcome of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, aiming to prevent actions that could influence the court’s final judgment.

Despite INEC’s directive, the Mark-led NWC rejected the decision and insisted it would proceed with the party’s April 14 national convention in Abuja, intensifying internal divisions between factions loyal to Mark and those aligned with Nafiu Gombe. The leadership tussle has created doubts among potential defectors about the party’s legal standing and operational stability.

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Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, had earlier described the ADC as a “preferred destination” amid failed reconciliation efforts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He reportedly held talks with a delegation led by former SGF Babachir Lawal, but his office confirmed he remains a member of the PDP while consultations continue.

Similarly, sources close to Governor Makinde suggested that his interest in the ADC has waned following INEC’s intervention. His media aide, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, dismissed claims that he is planning to leave the PDP, calling the reports “mere rumors.”

The ADC crisis has also left lawmakers in limbo. Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, said consultations are ongoing, while Lagos lawmaker Jesse Onuakalusi declined to comment on his next move amid the uncertainty. Uchenna Okonkwo of Anambra State downplayed INEC’s action, expressing confidence that the dispute would be resolved legally and noting the influence of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi on prospective defectors’ decisions.

Political analysts warn that the combination of internal party disputes, INEC intervention, and leadership uncertainty poses a significant hurdle to opposition consolidation ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC’s ability to resolve its leadership conflict, secure regulatory recognition, and conduct a credible convention will be crucial for it to attract high-profile defections in the coming months.

ADC Crisis Halts Makinde, Bala, Lawmakers’ Defections

Politics

I Will Support Whoever Emerges as ADC Candidate — Atiku

Published

14 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar

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.