Appeal Court Upholds INEC’s Recognition of Wike-Backed PDP Leadership, Dismisses Turaki Faction’s Suit

Abuja, Nigeria — The Court of Appeal in Abuja has delivered a significant judicial setback to the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, affirming the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the group’s Interim National Working Committee. In a unanimous judgment delivered on Wednesday, a three-member panel of the appellate court dismissed the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1221/2026, which was filed by Senator Adolphus Wabara and seven others. The panel, presided over by Justice Ugochukwu Anthony Ogakwu, with Justices Laja Balogun and Ruquayat Oremei Ayoola, upheld the earlier decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had declined to compel INEC to recognize the Turaki-led interim leadership.

The legal battle stems from the protracted leadership crisis that has rocked Nigeria’s main opposition party. The Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee was constituted following a National Executive Committee meeting held in the wake of a Supreme Court judgment on the party’s leadership dispute. However, the Wike-backed faction, which enjoys INEC’s recognition, has consistently challenged the legitimacy of the interim committee. The appellants had approached the appellate court seeking to set aside the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Salim, which refused to compel INEC to recognize the interim committee. They argued that the party’s internal mechanisms had been exhausted and that the electoral body was bound to recognize the new leadership structure.

In its ruling on Wednesday, the Court of Appeal found no merit in the appeal, upholding the lower court’s decision in its entirety. The panel held that the appellants failed to establish a legal basis for compelling INEC to recognize a leadership structure that emerged outside the established constitutional framework of the party. The judgment reinforces the position of the Wike-backed leadership, which has maintained that only a leadership recognized by the courts and the electoral commission can lawfully run the affairs of the PDP.

Reacting to the judgment, the Turaki-led faction expressed disappointment but resolved to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court. In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the group said it respected the court’s decision but remained committed to pursuing what it described as justice. “We are determined to take our quest for justice anchored on truth to the apex court in the land. It is our belief that no matter how deep the truth is buried, if those seeking it are persistent in digging, it will one day resurface,” the statement read. Ememobong disclosed that the group’s lawyers had been instructed to immediately commence the process of appealing the judgment before the Supreme Court. “We have instructed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal before the Supreme Court, in the hope that justice will eventually be done,” he added.

The faction also emphasized the importance of a strong opposition party to Nigeria’s democratic development, arguing that the PDP must remain an independent political force capable of holding the ruling party accountable. “The PDP, as the main opposition party, must provide a credible alternative to the ruling party and not become its appendage. Democracy survives only when the opposition is strong enough to effectively engage the government,” the statement added.

The latest ruling is another development in the prolonged leadership crisis rocking the PDP, which has been characterized by competing claims over the control of the party’s national leadership and structures. With the 2027 general elections approaching, the party’s ability to present a united front remains a critical challenge. The Turaki faction has urged party members to remain steadfast as the legal battle moves to the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that the eventual outcome would strengthen multiparty democracy in the country. As the case heads to the apex court, the PDP’s leadership tussle continues to test the resilience of Nigeria’s judicial system and the internal democratic processes of political parties.

Appeal Court Upholds INEC’s Recognition of Wike-Backed PDP Leadership, Dismisses Turaki Faction’s Suit

Rufai, Abati Clash Over Natasha’s Cash Empowerment Programme in Kogi

Popular Arise Television presenters, Rufai Oseni and Reuben Abati, have expressed differing views over the controversial cash empowerment programme organised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her constituents in Kogi State.

The disagreement followed the circulation of videos showing bundles of naira notes displayed during an empowerment programme organised by the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The initiative, which has generated widespread reactions across social media, became a subject of discussion during Arise Television’s morning programme, where the two journalists offered contrasting perspectives on the lawmaker’s decision to distribute cash rather than business equipment.

While Rufai Oseni defended the senator’s approach, Reuben Abati reportedly raised concerns about the implications of distributing large sums of physical cash under constituency empowerment programmes.

The development has reignited public debate about the effectiveness, transparency and long-term benefits of political empowerment initiatives in Nigeria.

The programme was organised as part of activities marking Akpoti-Uduaghan’s third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly on November 2, 2026.

The lawmaker subsequently explained that her decision to provide direct financial assistance was informed by experiences from previous empowerment programmes, during which some beneficiaries allegedly sold the equipment given to them.

Defending the initiative, Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that distributing cash would give beneficiaries greater freedom to address their individual business needs rather than receiving equipment they might not necessarily require.

According to her, she had previously distributed sewing machines to beneficiaries but later discovered that some recipients sold the machines to raise money for other pressing needs, including business expansion and payment of rent.

She said the experience informed her decision to adopt direct cash assistance for those who requested financial support to establish businesses or increase their existing stock.

The senator also disclosed that some beneficiaries would receive as much as ₦5 million through bank transfers.

The empowerment programme reportedly covered small-scale entrepreneurs operating in different sectors, including agriculture, tailoring, content creation and manufacturing.

Beneficiaries received grants ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦5 million, depending on their business needs and the nature of their activities.

However, the public display of bundles of cash during the exercise attracted criticism, with some Nigerians questioning whether distributing money in such a manner represents an effective approach to constituency development.

Others argued that direct financial assistance could provide immediate relief and business capital for entrepreneurs struggling with the rising cost of operating small businesses.

The disagreement between Oseni and Abati has further brought the debate into the spotlight, particularly regarding whether lawmakers should prioritise direct cash grants or provide equipment, skills acquisition opportunities and other sustainable economic interventions.

The controversy has also raised broader questions about how constituency empowerment programmes should be structured to ensure accountability, measurable impact and lasting economic benefits for beneficiaries.

Rufai, Abati Clash Over Natasha’s Cash Empowerment Programme in Kogi

DSS Denies Plot to Disrupt ADC Rally, Orders Probe into Atiku’s Allegations

Newstrends.ng – The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally responded to allegations by former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that the agency was planning to disrupt the party’s campaign rally in Sokoto State.

The secret police denied the allegation, stating that its operatives had been providing security protection to members of different political parties, including the ADC. In a statement issued on Tuesday night and signed by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said its attention had been drawn to the allegations .

The agency cited an incident involving the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, on October 31, insisting that its operatives had rescued him when he was attacked. According to the DSS, its personnel evacuated Daniya to safety without injury, while two operatives were assaulted during the incident and were still receiving medical treatment. The agency further disclosed that Daniya personally contacted the State Director of the DSS in Sokoto to appreciate the operatives for their intervention and requested additional security reinforcement .

The statement read, “For the records, DSS operatives deployed to Sokoto ADC Governorship Candidate, Mannir Daniya, evacuated him to safety unhurt on 31st October 2026 when attacked in Sokoto. Two DSS operatives were assaulted during the incident and are still being treated in the hospital. The governorship candidate called personally to appreciate the State Director of Sokoto Command and even requested for reinforcement from the DSS” .

The agency also referenced its arrest and prosecution of a man, Monday Udeme Steven, in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, for allegedly threatening to attack the ADC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi. It said Steven was prosecuted before a Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years in prison. The DSS maintained that its interventions demonstrated its commitment to protecting politicians across party lines, arguing that Atiku’s allegation contradicted the sacrifices of its personnel .

It stated, “Though these operations to protect all political parties are at variance with the elder statesman’s allegation and tend to demoralise our gallant operatives who are risking their lives in the line of duty, the DGDSS has still ordered an investigation into the allegation in deference to the elder statesman” .

Meanwhile, Atiku had accused the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of using intimidation and administrative obstacles to frustrate opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He alleged that public facilities meant for campaign activities had been blocked and logistical support withheld in Sokoto, describing the developments as deliberate attempts to deny the ADC a level playing field .

Atiku had earlier claimed that protesters were being mobilised from an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, with trucks deployed to strategic locations. He described the alleged involvement of security operatives in the mobilisation as political interference and called on the DSS to remain neutral. He insisted that the ADC would resist any attempt to prevent it from exercising its political rights and confirmed that he would visit Sokoto on Wednesday to address residents .

The former vice president also criticised the government over the rising cost of food, transportation, fuel and electricity, arguing that the administration should be defending its economic record rather than attempting to frustrate opposition campaigns. He urged residents to remain peaceful and avoid being provoked into violence, while calling on security agencies to protect commuters, residents and rally participants without discrimination .

DSS Denies Plot to Disrupt ADC Rally, Orders Probe into Atiku’s Allegations