Appeal Court upholds judgment barring INEC from recognising ADC state congresses

The Court of Appeal has upheld a Federal High Court judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a 2-1 majority decision delivered in Abuja on Monday, a three-member panel of the appellate court dismissed the appeal challenging the earlier judgment, affirming that the Federal High Court acted within the law when it issued the restraining orders.

The lead judgment, delivered by Justice Okon Abang and supported by Justice Donatus Okorowo, held that the appeal lacked merit and reaffirmed the validity of the lower court’s ruling. However, Justice Abba Mohammed dissented, maintaining that the dispute was an internal affair of the political party and therefore outside the jurisdiction of the court.

The legal battle stemmed from a suit filed by seven aggrieved members of the ADC, including elected state chairmen and officials, who challenged the dissolution of the party’s state executive committees and the appointment of caretaker committees to organise state congresses.

READ ALSO:

• Victor Osimhen reveals plans to earn university degree after football career
• Heavy rains, flash floods kill 51 as over one million affected in Bangladesh
• Bangkok bar fire kills at least 27, leaves 25 critically injured

The plaintiffs argued that the David Mark-led caretaker committee lacked the constitutional authority under the ADC Constitution to dissolve elected state executives or appoint committees to conduct state congresses.

They also contended that the actions of the caretaker leadership violated the party’s constitution and sought an order preventing INEC from recognising any congresses conducted by the appointed committees.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal agreed that the issues raised went beyond an ordinary internal party disagreement because they involved the constitutional responsibilities of INEC under Nigeria’s electoral framework.

The appellate court ruled that where allegations involve breaches of constitutional provisions and statutory obligations imposed on the electoral commission, the courts have jurisdiction to determine such disputes.

The judgment affirmed the earlier decision of the Federal High Court, which restrained INEC from recognising, monitoring or participating in any ADC state congresses organised by committees appointed by the caretaker leadership pending the resolution of the substantive issues.

The court also upheld the lower court’s order preserving the tenure of the party’s elected state executive committees, declaring that their four-year mandate remains valid until lawfully terminated in accordance with the party’s constitution.

Additionally, the appellate court restrained the caretaker leadership from interfering with the functions of the elected state executives pending the determination of the substantive suit.

In the minority judgment, Justice Abba Mohammed argued that the matter was purely an internal affair of the political party and should not have been entertained by the Federal High Court.

However, the majority judgment prevailed, meaning the orders of the trial court remain binding unless overturned by the Supreme Court.

The Court of Appeal also awarded ₦10 million in costs against the appellant in favour of the respondents.

The ruling represents another significant development in the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress, a party that has recently attracted national attention following the emergence of a coalition of opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Legal experts say the judgment reinforces the principle that while political parties enjoy internal autonomy, their activities remain subject to judicial scrutiny whenever constitutional provisions, electoral laws or the statutory responsibilities of INEC are involved.

The decision also means that INEC cannot lawfully recognise or act on the outcome of any disputed ADC state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership until the legal issues are finally resolved.

Observers believe the judgment could influence the party’s preparations for future congresses, conventions and candidate selection processes as political realignments continue ahead of the next general elections.

Appeal Court upholds judgment barring INEC from recognising ADC state congresses

Osun governorship election: Governor Adeleke invites EU to monitor August 15 poll

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed to the European Union (EU) to deploy an election observation mission for the forthcoming Osun governorship election, saying international monitoring will strengthen transparency, promote compliance with Nigeria’s electoral laws and boost public confidence in the democratic process.

The governor made the appeal while receiving the Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Guschelbauer, at the Government House in Osogbo, as preparations intensify for the August 15 governorship election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most significant off-cycle elections ahead of the 2027 general election.

Adeleke said the European Union has built a strong reputation for promoting credible elections through its observation missions in democratic countries and expressed confidence that its presence in Osun would further enhance the credibility of the poll.

According to the governor, international observers play an important role in encouraging compliance with the Electoral Act, promoting transparency and reassuring voters that their votes will count.

“I urge the European Union to take special interest in the forthcoming Osun State election. The observer intervention of the European Union will strengthen compliance with democratic practices and the Electoral Act for a free and fair poll,” Adeleke said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible election, assuring residents, political parties and other stakeholders that the state government would continue to provide an enabling environment for all participants in the electoral process.

He stressed that democracy can only flourish where elections are conducted fairly and peacefully, urging politicians and their supporters to avoid violence, intimidation, vote-buying and other actions capable of undermining the credibility of the election.

Adeleke also called on security agencies to remain professional, impartial and vigilant throughout the election period to guarantee the safety of voters, election officials and observers.

READ ALSO:

• Lagos impounds 309 motorcycles in fresh crackdown on illegal okada operations
• NDLEA arrests South African woman with 5.75kg heroin at Abuja airport
• Presidency mocks Peter Obi, labels him ‘miracle centre presidential candidate’

The governor reiterated that his administration remains committed to respecting the outcome of a credible electoral process and ensuring that the will of the people of Osun State prevails.

Beyond electoral matters, Adeleke highlighted the state’s enormous investment potential, inviting Austrian investors and businesses to explore opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, solid minerals, technology, education, tourism and vocational training.

He said the Osun State Government has continued to implement reforms aimed at creating a business-friendly environment capable of attracting both domestic and foreign investment, stimulating economic growth and creating employment opportunities for residents.

“We are ready to work with your country and Austrian businesses in exploring these opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity,” the governor said.

Responding, Austrian Ambassador Peter Guschelbauer reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to promoting democratic governance, credible elections and respect for the rule of law across partner countries.

The ambassador expressed optimism that the Osun governorship election would be conducted in accordance with Nigeria’s electoral laws and democratic principles, noting that the poll would receive considerable attention because it is the last major governorship election before the 2027 general election.

He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, respect the Electoral Act and avoid actions capable of threatening the stability of the state.

Guschelbauer also commended the Adeleke administration’s governance efforts and spoke about the longstanding cultural relationship between Austria and Osun State, particularly through the internationally recognised Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to him, Austria remains interested in supporting cultural preservation, tourism development and stronger economic cooperation with Osun State through partnerships with Austrian businesses and development institutions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 15 for the Osun governorship election, with 14 political parties expected to participate in the contest.

The election is expected to attract widespread national and international attention as political parties intensify campaigns to convince voters ahead of the poll.

Political observers believe the deployment of domestic and international election observers, combined with adequate security and strict adherence to the Electoral Act, will further strengthen the credibility, transparency and peaceful conduct of the election.

As political activities gather momentum, stakeholders have continued to urge all contestants to embrace issue-based campaigns and place the interest of the people above partisan considerations to ensure another successful democratic exercise in Osun State.

Osun governorship election: Governor Adeleke invites EU to monitor August 15 poll

WoPU Backs Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Launches ‘Responsible Citizen’ Campaign

Abuja — The grassroots advocacy group, Working People United (WoPU), has thrown its weight behind the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that despite the short-term hardships associated with the reforms, policy continuity remains crucial to achieving long-term national stability and economic prosperity.

The group made the declaration at its Good Governance Summit held recently at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, where it also unveiled its new civic engagement initiative tagged “Responsible Citizen”, aimed at promoting patriotism, civic responsibility and active participation in national development.

Addressing participants at the summit, the National Coordinator General of WoPU, Comrade Williams Eniredona Akporeha, described the movement as a broad-based grassroots platform representing millions of Nigerians across both the formal and informal sectors of the economy.

He said the organisation was established to serve as the collective voice of Nigeria’s working population, including civil servants, artisans, traders, transport workers, professionals, farmers, entrepreneurs and youths, with the objective of ensuring that government policies translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

According to him, Nigeria’s workforce remains the backbone of the nation’s economy and deserves a stronger voice in governance and policy formulation.

“The working people are the heartbeat of Nigeria. They are the teachers in our classrooms, the healthcare workers in our hospitals, the farmers feeding the nation, the traders sustaining our markets, the transport workers moving people and goods, the artisans creating value and the entrepreneurs driving innovation. Without the working people, there can be no meaningful national development,” he said.

Akporeha noted that although the Tinubu administration’s reforms had imposed significant economic pressure on households through rising food prices, transportation costs and energy expenses, the country was paying the price for decades of structural distortions that had been left unresolved.

READ ALSO:

• Osun governorship election: Governor Adeleke invites EU to monitor August 15 poll
• Lagos impounds 309 motorcycles in fresh crackdown on illegal okada operations
• NDLEA arrests South African woman with 5.75kg heroin at Abuja airport

He argued that the current administration had chosen to confront the root causes of the nation’s economic challenges rather than continue with temporary measures that only addressed symptoms.

“We recognise that the pains are real, but avoiding reform would have been even more dangerous. Reform, however, must ultimately deliver measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. That is why we support policy continuity while demanding results,” he stated.

The WoPU leader further explained that the summit was convened to undertake an objective assessment of the government’s performance, bridge the disconnect between policy formulation and grassroots realities, and provide practical recommendations for improved governance.

He stressed that the movement was not a political pressure group but a civic platform committed to national development, accountability and inclusive governance.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the “Responsible Citizen” campaign, which Akporeha said seeks to encourage Nigerians to embrace integrity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence, respect for the rule of law and constructive participation in nation-building.

He urged Nigerians to refrain from actions capable of undermining the country’s image, noting that responsible citizenship requires citizens to balance demands for good governance with responsible conduct.

“Nation-building is a shared responsibility. Every Nigerian has a duty to obey the law, respect the rights of others, promote peace, contribute positively to society and project the country positively wherever they may be,” he said.

Segun Esan urges citizens to match demands for good governance with civic responsibility

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the summit, the National Public Relations Officer of WoPU, Mr. Segun Esan, said the organisation’s “Responsible Citizen” initiative was designed to complement its advocacy for accountable governance by encouraging Nigerians to become active participants in national development rather than mere observers.

Esan explained that while citizens have every right to demand transparency, accountability and improved service delivery from government, they also have corresponding obligations to obey the law, pay taxes where applicable, protect public infrastructure and contribute positively to their communities.

He noted that WoPU’s growing nationwide membership reflects the desire of ordinary Nigerians to engage constructively in governance, adding that the organisation would continue to sensitise workers, artisans, market associations, professionals and youths on their civic duties through sustained public enlightenment programmes across the country.

The spokesman further called on governments at all levels to sustain dialogue with citizens and ensure that economic reforms produce visible improvements in the welfare of the people. He expressed confidence that greater collaboration between government and citizens would strengthen democracy, promote national unity and accelerate Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

The summit attracted traditional rulers, religious leaders, ministers, members of the National Assembly, state government representatives, labour leaders, market associations, artisans, professionals, civil society organisations and other stakeholders from across the country. It featured discussions on governance, economic reforms, citizen participation and strategies for strengthening national development.

WoPU Backs Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Launches ‘Responsible Citizen’ Campaign