Supreme Court reserves judgement in Kogi, Bayelsa gov election disputes  – Newstrends
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Supreme Court reserves judgement in Kogi, Bayelsa gov election disputes 

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Supreme Court reserves judgement in Kogi, Bayelsa gov election disputes 

 

The Supreme Court on Monday concluded hearing in the governorship election disputes of Kogi and Bayelsa states and reserved judgment till a later date.

The ruling was on the appeals filed by Muritala Ajaka of the Kogi State’s Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Timipre Sylva of the Bayelsa’s All Progressives Congress (APC).

Both Ajaka and Sylva had challenged the declarations made by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on the outcome of the 2023 governorship elections in their respective states.

Ajaka had appealed the judgment of a three-member tribunal that affirmed the election of Ahmed Usman Ododo of APC as governor of Kogi.

However, after the Appeal Court judgment in June, Ajaka alleged that the judgment was influenced by some irregularities and manipulations.

While delivering judgment, the appeal court upheld the tribunal judgment which dismissed his petition for lacking in merit.

Ajaka, in a statement made available to newsmen after the judgment said he would appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal.

He also said the journey to reclaiming his mandate was not limited to the decision of the appellate court.

Sylva also in May expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the governorship election in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Julius Bokoru.

The tribunal in its judgment delivered May 17, 2024, in Abuja, upheld the election and the return of Senator Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Eruwjadkpo as lawfully elected governor and deputy respectively, leading Sylva to file for an appeal.

In July, the Court of Appeal Abuja dismissed the appeal to challenge the judgment of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

Justice James Abundaga who read the lead judgment of the Court of Appeal affirmed the declaration of Diri and the People’s Democratic Party PDP as the joint winners of the November 11, 2023 poll.

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Buhari’s men pass vote of confidence in Tinubu

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ex-President Muhammadu Buhari

Buhari’s men pass confidence vote in Tinubu

The CPC bloc had former President Muhammadu Buhari as its leader before the merger to form the APC.
Since the defection of one of its members and a former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai to Social Democratic Party, SDP, there had been concerns that the CPC bloc in the APC was feeling marginalized and planning to ditch the ruling party.

The bloc in a resolution, yesterday, said: “Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded.

“We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.”

Those who signed the resolutions include a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Al-Makura, former Governor of Katsina State and ex-House Speaker, Aminu Masari, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Mustafa Salihu, Farouk Aliyu, Almajiri Geidam, Waziri Bulama, Dr. Nasiru Argungu and Dr. Dominic Alancha.

Others were Ayuba Balami, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Lucy Ajayi, Captain Bala Jibrin, Uche Ufearoh, Alh. Yusuf Salihu, Abubakar Maikudi, Engr. Mutallib Badmus, Alh. Muhammed Datti, Muhammed Etsu, Chief Jerry Johnson and Alh. Alkali Ajikolo.

Part of the resolutions read: “We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former CPC, instrumental in the historic merger that birthed the APC, issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our great party and express our strong solidarity with the administration of President Tinubu.

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“Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded. We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.

“We categorically state that we have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals.

“As a legacy party within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication.

“Attempts to sow disunity within the party and the country do not reflect the will or position of genuine CPC core members and are wholly unacceptable.

“We fully endorse the economic and governance reforms led by President Tinubu. While these policies may present challenges, they are crucial steps toward rebuilding our economy and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians. We urge patience and collective support as their benefits unfold.

“We acknowledge that some members may feel sidelined, but such concerns are not unique to any one bloc. We encourage those affected to seek redress through established constitutional channels within the party, rather than resorting to negative public agitation or hasty exits.

“At this pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, all APC members, especially those deeply rooted in the party’s formation, must work together to preserve its legacy and consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. Actions that undermine our unity and national stability must be avoided.

“We urge APC leadership to increase engagement with members at all levels. Strengthening internal communication will foster inclusiveness, reduce tensions, and enhance support for the party’s programs. Party unity must be continuously nurtured to sustain past gains and secure a prosperous future.

“We therefore reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and our steadfast support for President Tinubu. The CPC family remains a crucial pillar of the APC and will continue to play a responsible role in its growth and in Nigeria’s progress.”

Buhari’s men pass confidence vote in Tinubu

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Rivers administrator Ibas denies summoning Fubara, deputy

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Rivers administrator Ibas denies summoning Fubara, deputy

Sole Administrator of Rivers, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has denied summoning suspended governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
There were claims that the sole administrator had summoned Fubara to appear before a panel of inquiry regarding the appointments he made before his suspension.
President Bola Tinubu declared an emergency rule in Rivers on March 18, citing the protracted political crisis in the state.
Tinubu also suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.
The President appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary in the office of the secretary to the Rivers State government,Dede Friday, described the report as a malicious fabrication.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Government has become aware of fraudulent announcements circulating on social media, falsely attributed to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
“These malicious fabrications are designed to mislead the public, create panic, and disrupt the peace in Rivers State.
“One such fake announcement falsely claims that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, and the Deputy Governor, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu, were summoned to a meeting at the Government House on Friday, April 18, 2025.
“The Rivers State Government categorically states that this announcement is fake and did not originate from any official source.”
Friday urged the public to disregard the report, adding that it is the work of “troublemakers”.

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NNPP lawmakers seek to rejoin APC after fallout with Kwankwaso

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NNPP lawmakers seek to rejoin APC after fallout with Kwankwaso

Several top lawmakers of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State have entered into closed-door discussions with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, signaling their likely return to the ruling party.

According to sources, the strategic meeting—held discreetly in Abuja—was attended by key NNPP lawmakers including Senator Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South Senatorial District), Kabiru Alhassan Rurum (Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal Constituency), Ali Madaki (Dala Federal Constituency), and Hon. Badamasi Ayuba, a former federal lawmaker for Danbatta/Makoda.

Insiders describe the meeting as part of a defection strategy amid growing discontent within the NNPP over what some lawmakers have labeled “injustice, favoritism, and lack of internal democracy” under the leadership of party founder, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

Although Senator Sumaila’s media aide, Abbas Adam Abbas, confirmed the meeting with Ganduje, he denied that it amounted to a defection.

Speaking in Hausa on Nasara Radio Nigeria, Abbas insisted that while overtures were made, Sumaila had not officially accepted any offer from the APC.

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Nonetheless, political observers suggest the lawmakers’ move could reshape Kano’s political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, recently expressed confidence that the APC would reclaim Kano in 2027, citing the combined influence of Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, Senator Basheer Lado, and Ganduje.

“Ahead of 2027, we are confident that with Senator Barau, Dr. Ganduje, and your strategic self, Kano is already in the kitty of APC,” Akpabio said.

Reacting to the developments, NNPP Chairman in Kano State, Hashim Dungurawa, dismissed the lawmakers as insignificant and described them as “traitors” who had already been suspended from the party.

“They are not important to us. They betrayed the NNPP long ago, and we had taken disciplinary action before now,” Dungurawa said.

“We’ve long suspected their intentions. This only proves that they were sent to create division. But we thank God we discovered their mission early enough,” he added.

Dungurawa stated that suspending senior party members was never easy, but reiterated that the party would not tolerate betrayal.

“Yes, politics needs people—but not traitors. We don’t need them,” he said.

NNPP lawmakers seek to rejoin APC after fallout with Kwankwaso

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