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Nasarawa, Kebbi, Ogun govs, 2 others know fate today as S’Court delivers judgements
Nasarawa, Kebbi, Ogun govs, 2 others know fate today as S’Court delivers judgements
The Supreme Court will today decide the fates of five governors, whose elections had been under litigation for the past nine months.
The apex court had reserved judgement in the various appeals against the elections of the governors shortly after arguments were concluded by their respective lawyers in the separate cases.
The five states, whose governorship appeals will, by law, expire between January 21 and 22 are Nasarawa, Delta, Gombe, Kebbi, and Ogun.
In Nasarawa State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the March 18, 2023 governorship election, Hon. David Ombugadu, had approached the apex court to set aside the judgement of the Court of Appeal, which nullified the judgement of the Nasarawa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, declaring him winner of the governorship poll in the state.
The appellants, through their team of lawyers, led by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, submitted that the appellate court erred in law in reversing the decision of the tribunal.
Agabi, subsequently, prayed the apex court to “allow the appeal, set aside the judgement of the Court of Appeal, and restore the judgement of the tribunal,” which declared his client winner of the election.
The senior lawyer stated that the Court of Appeal unjustly nullified the tribunal’s judgement and unjustly declared Governor Abdullahi Sule winner of the March 18 governorship election.
Agabi specifically asked that the Supreme Court should allow the votes of Nasarawa State people to count and be meaningful by declaring PDP and Ombugadu winners as rightly done by the tribunal.
However, Sule, his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), through their respective lawyers, urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking merit.
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After taking arguments from lawyers, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun announced that judgement had been reserved and the date for its delivery would be communicated to parties.
In the Kebbi case, PDP and its candidate, Aminu Bande, urged the apex court to allow their appeal and set aside the concurrent judgements of the Court of Appeal and the election tribunal, which affirmed the election of Nasir Idris of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Kebbi State Governor.
The respondents’ counsels, however, urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking merit and uphold the judgements of the lower courts that upheld the election.
In Delta State, three candidates, who participated in the March 18 governorship poll, had been seeking to unseat Sheriff Oborevwori as governor of Delta State. They include Kenneth Gbagi of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of APC, and Ken Pela of Labour Party (LP).
INEC had declared Oborevwori of PDP winner of the March 18 governorship election in Delta State.
Not satisfied, the three separate appellants went to the governorship election tribunal to challenge PDP’s victory. However, the tribunal dismissed the various petitions for lacking in merit, just as the appellate court held that Oborevwori was lawfully elected governor.
Still not satisfied, the individual appellants approached the Supreme Court to nullify the election of Oborevwori, conduct a fresh election, or declare them winner of the governorship election. At the end of arguments by lawyers representing parties in the appeal, Justice John Okoro announced that judgement had been reserved.
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In Ogun State, the PDP candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, is seeking to unseat Governor Dapo Abiodun of APC.
Adebutu’s lawyer told the apex court that the case of the appellants was misconceived at the lower courts, adding that evidence were presented before the tribunal to prove that results from 99 polling units with votes of over 40,000 were cancelled.
He argued that the said 40,000 votes were far more than the margin of 13,000 votes between Abiodun and Adebutu.
He submitted that INEC was wrong to have gone ahead to declare results of the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State, when the issue of cancelled votes in 99 polling units had not been resolved.
However, all the respondents, citing Section 179 of the 1999 Constitution, argued that the election of a governor could not be challenged on grounds of margin of lead.
Okoro announced that judgement had been reserved, after taking all submissions from parties.
In the case of Governor Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe State, little respite came his way Thursday as the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by the candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala, for lacking in merit. A five-member panel of the apex court led by Kekere-Ekun dismissed the appeal, shortly after it was withdrawn by the appellants.
Meanwhile, the apex court adjourned to today for judgement in the other appeal filed by Jibrin Barde of PDP. The panel fixed today for judgement after parties adopted and argued their briefs of argument in the appeal, which expires on Sunday, January 21.
Nasarawa, Kebbi, Ogun govs, 2 others know fate today as S’Court delivers judgements
(THISDAY)
News
Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector
Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping ₦3.3 trillion power sector bailout aimed at clearing long-standing debts and stabilising Nigeria’s struggling electricity industry.
The intervention, implemented under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme, is designed to resolve liabilities accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025, following a comprehensive verification process.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the ₦3.3 trillion electricity debt settlement represents a full and final agreement to restore financial stability across the sector. He explained that the debts, largely driven by unpaid invoices, tariff shortfalls, and subsidy obligations, had significantly weakened liquidity in the power value chain.
Implementation of the power sector debt repayment plan has already commenced, with 15 generation companies signing settlement agreements worth about ₦2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has raised ₦501 billion so far to fund the initiative, out of which ₦223 billion has already been disbursed, while additional payments are ongoing.
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The Nigeria electricity sector bailout is expected to inject much-needed cash into the industry, ensuring that gas suppliers receive payments, power plants can sustain operations, and electricity generation becomes more stable. With improved liquidity, officials say the country could begin to see gradual improvements in power supply, reduced grid disruptions, and better service delivery.
Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, said the programme is not just about clearing debts but rebuilding trust across the industry. She noted that restoring confidence is critical to attracting investment, maintaining consistent gas supply, and ensuring that power plants operate efficiently.
She further explained that the initiative forms part of broader power sector reforms in Nigeria, including nationwide metering improvements and the introduction of service-based tariffs that align electricity costs with the quality of supply. According to her, the government is also prioritising electricity supply to businesses, industries, and small enterprises, recognising that reliable power is essential for job creation and economic growth.
The Tinubu administration believes the electricity sector stabilisation plan will reduce reliance on generators, lower the cost of doing business, and improve productivity across key sectors of the economy. Analysts say resolving the sector’s liquidity crisis could unlock new investments and strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic performance.
President Tinubu also commended stakeholders for their cooperation in addressing long-standing challenges in the industry and confirmed that the next phase of the reform programme, Series II, will commence within the current quarter. The phase is expected to deepen structural reforms and ensure long-term sustainability of the electricity market.
Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector
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MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement
MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, describing him as a threat to religious harmony in Nigeria.
In a press release issued on April 6, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group accused the INEC chairman of authoring what it described as a “toxic 80-page legal brief,” allegedly used by the United States of America to indict Nigeria over claims of Christian genocide.
MURIC expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed the “graveyard silence” of the Federal Government over calls from Islamic organisations for Amupitan’s removal. According to the group, the government’s inaction reflects a lack of sensitivity to the concerns of the Muslim community.
The organisation further alleged that Amupitan’s continued leadership poses a risk to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system, claiming that a planned voter registration or revalidation exercise could disenfranchise Muslim voters.
“MURIC hereby declares a vote of no confidence in the current INEC boss,” the statement read, urging the Federal Government to replace him with what it described as a “tolerant Christian” to restore confidence and balance.
The group also accused the INEC chairman of failing to address the allegations against him, noting that his silence has raised concerns among observers. It argued that public officials in other countries often resign over similar controversies, citing examples of past resignations by international political figures.
MURIC warned that Nigeria’s progress could be hindered if individuals accused of misconduct remain in sensitive public offices, stressing that Amupitan’s continued stay in office represents what it called a “sit-tight syndrome.”
Describing the INEC chairman as an “electoral burden” and a “threat to religious harmony,” the group insisted that his resignation or removal is necessary to safeguard national unity and the integrity of the electoral process.
As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the Federal Government had issued an official response to the allegations.
MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement
News
Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria
Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has pledged to defeat banditry, terrorism, and insecurity across Nigeria, promising continued investment in the country’s security architecture. He made the declaration while commissioning the Gateway International Airport and several other federal projects in Ogun State on Saturday.
Speaking at a reception following the inauguration, Tinubu said his administration will intensify efforts to protect lives and property across the nation. “We will win over banditry and defeat insecurity. We will continue to invest more to strengthen the security architecture of Nigeria,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to national safety.
The president described the Gateway International Airport as the economic nerve center of Nigeria’s corridor, highlighting its role in boosting the aviation sector, trade, and socioeconomic development in Ogun State and the wider region. The airport is integrated with independent gas and energy infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and operational efficiency.
Tinubu also lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for using improved federal allocations to develop infrastructure capable of driving Ogun State to greater economic heights. He praised the state government’s focus on mobility, security, agriculture, and industrial development, noting that projects like the airport and new Gateway Airlines will enhance trade, logistics, and employment opportunities.
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Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, emphasized the transformative impact of the airport and related infrastructure on Ogun State’s economy. He noted that the state’s internally generated revenue has grown from ₦40 billion to over ₦250 billion annually, while its GDP increased from ₦4 trillion to ₦17 trillion over the past seven years. He added that the airport features a four-kilometre runway, modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo facilities, making it a centerpiece of the state’s emerging aerotropolis.
The ceremony also saw the launch of Gateway Airlines, operating Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, alongside cargo services designed to expand trade and logistics capacity. Beyond aviation, Ogun State has invested heavily in roads, healthcare, and housing, including over 1,600 km of rehabilitated roads, more than 7,000 affordable homes, and 140 primary healthcare centers, according to Governor Abiodun.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, state governors, lawmakers, captains of industry, and traditional leaders. Both praised the collaboration between federal and state governments in delivering critical infrastructure, with Tinubu’s leadership highlighted as key to Nigeria’s development and security progress.
Tinubu emphasized that the federal government’s reforms and infrastructure investments are people-centered, aimed at improving daily life, fostering prosperity, and ensuring national security. He added that these efforts are designed to overcome violence and terrorism while positioning Nigeria for sustained economic growth.
Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria
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