Category: Politics

  • “PDP Is One” — Wike Reacts as Supreme Court Voids Ibadan Convention

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is united following the Supreme Court judgment that nullified its disputed national convention.

    Wike dismisses claims of division

    Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the ruling has resolved internal disagreements and put an end to factional claims within the party.

    “The PDP is one. The judgment has put to rest reactions of factions within the party,” he stated.

    Court nullified Ibadan convention

    The Supreme Court, in a split 3–2 decision, had earlier voided the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.

    The convention produced a leadership backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

    In its ruling, the court held that the exercise violated existing court orders and failed to meet required conditions before proceeding.

    ADC crisis still unresolved

    Wike also commented on the situation within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), noting that its leadership crisis remains unsettled.

    “The Supreme Court referred the ADC back to the Federal High Court. The ADC is still a problem,” he said.

    Strong remarks on political actors

    The FCT minister further drew a line between political parties and individuals, expressing criticism of certain figures.

    “Not that I don’t like the party, I hate the individuals involved. I don’t like them. They are part of the people who have plunged Nigeria into problems,” Wike added.

    The comments come as political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections, with recent court rulings shaping party structures and internal dynamics.

     

  • “I Don’t See Them Defeating Tinubu” — Deji Adeyanju Reacts to Supreme Court ADC Ruling

    Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has reacted to the Supreme Court ruling on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis, saying he does not see the opposition defeating President Bola Tinubu.

    Praise for Supreme Court decision

    In a statement shared on social media, Adeyanju commended the judiciary for what he described as a firm stance in protecting Nigeria’s democracy.

    “I commend the Supreme Court and the judiciary for preserving our democracy and preventing anti-democratic elements within and around the Tinubu government from destroying our country,” he said.

    Acknowledges Tinubu’s stance

    Adeyanju also praised President Tinubu, stating that he resisted pressure from political loyalists.

    “President Tinubu must also be commended for resisting the pressure of all the sycophants around him,” he added.

    Doubts over opposition chances

    The activist expressed scepticism about the strength of the opposition, even if united, suggesting it may struggle to unseat the current administration.

    “Even with a united opposition, I don’t see them defeating Tinubu. The shameless anti-democratic acts carried out to embarrass Nigeria was avoidable,” he said.

    Looks back at 2023 elections

    Adeyanju further argued that the opposition missed its best opportunity during the 2023 general elections.

    “The best time they had to defeat Tinubu was in 2023 but they kept fooling around,” he stated.

    His comments come amid ongoing political conversations following the Supreme Court’s ruling, which resolved the ADC leadership dispute and restored clarity within the party.

  • Supreme Court Backs David Mark, Ends ADC Leadership Crisis

    Nigeria’s Supreme Court has settled the prolonged leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ruling in favour of the faction led by former Senate President David Mark.

    Apex court overturns Appeal Court position

    In its judgment delivered on Thursday, the apex court set aside the earlier directive of the Court of Appeal, which had ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the case.

    That order had created uncertainty within the party and prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from all factions.

    With the new ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed the leadership structure backed by Mark, restoring his faction as the recognised authority within the ADC.

    Origin of the leadership dispute

    The crisis began following internal disagreements within the party, which led to rival claims over its leadership.

    A faction led by Nafiu Bala had challenged Mark’s emergence, resulting in conflicting rulings from the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

    The dispute escalated into a prolonged legal battle that left the party divided.

    Mark’s argument before the court

    Mark’s camp approached the Supreme Court, arguing that leadership issues within political parties are internal matters that should not be subject to judicial interference.

    The appeal sought to overturn earlier decisions that weakened the faction’s control of the party structure.

    Implications ahead of 2027 elections

    Before the ruling, concerns had grown over the ADC’s ability to participate effectively in the 2027 general elections due to the absence of a clear leadership.

    The Supreme Court’s decision now brings clarity, ending months of legal uncertainty and restoring stability within the party.

    The judgment is expected to allow the Mark-led faction to proceed with party activities and preparations ahead of the next election cycle.

  • Senate Confirms Yuguda as CBN Deputy Governor, Approves Onwu for NDIC Board

    The Senate has confirmed Lamido Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), alongside Peggy Onwu as an independent director on the board of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

    Senate backs committee report

    The confirmations were approved on Wednesday after the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions presented its report in plenary.

    Committee chairman Adetokunbo Abiru submitted the findings, which lawmakers adopted, clearing both nominees for their respective roles.

    Tinubu’s nomination and directive

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had nominated Yuguda in March, urging him to serve with professionalism and a strong commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability.

    In a statement issued at the time, the President called on the appointees to discharge their duties with dedication and support the country’s growth agenda.

    Yuguda’s experience in finance sector

    Yuguda, an economist, previously served as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 2020 to 2024.

    He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a member of the CFA Institute.

    His career spans decades, including roles at the CBN, where he started in 1984, and at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he worked between 1997 and 2001.

    Background within CBN system

    After returning to the apex bank, he served as Director of the Reserve Management Department for six years before retiring in 2016.

    He was later appointed to the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in February 2024.

    Broader economic team changes

    His confirmation comes amid ongoing adjustments within Nigeria’s economic management team.

    Recent changes include the appointment of Bala Bello, a former CBN Deputy Governor, as Special Adviser to the President on Political Economy.

  • Tinubu Nominates Tegbe as Power Minister After Adelabu’s Exit

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the new Minister of Power and forwarded his name to the Senate for confirmation.

    Appointment follows Adelabu’s resignation

    The nomination was announced on April 30, 2026, in a statement issued by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga.

    It comes after the exit of Adebayo Adelabu, who resigned from the position to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

    In his resignation letter dated April 22, Adelabu said his decision would take effect from April 30.

    Profile of the nominee

    Tegbe, an indigene of Oyo State, brings over three decades of experience in finance, governance, and economic reform.

    He previously served as a senior partner at KPMG Africa, where he handled advisory roles focused on policy development and institutional reforms.

    Current role and international engagement

    Until his nomination, Tegbe served as Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.

    In that role, he coordinated bilateral engagements and supported development initiatives tied to international cooperation between both countries.

    Awaiting Senate confirmation

    His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate, in line with constitutional requirements.

    If confirmed, Tegbe will take charge of Nigeria’s power sector at a time when the government continues to push for reforms aimed at improving electricity supply nationwide.

  • Supreme Court Voids PDP Ibadan Convention, Upholds Earlier Rulings

    The Supreme Court has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025, bringing an end to the prolonged legal battle over its legitimacy.

    Court faults convention process

    In a split judgment delivered on Thursday, three out of five justices ruled that the appeal filed by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction lacked merit.

    Justice Stephen Adah, who read the lead judgment, held that the appellants proceeded with the convention despite a subsisting order of the Federal High Court restraining them from doing so.

    Earlier rulings affirmed

    The apex court’s decision effectively upholds the earlier judgments of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

    The lower courts had ruled that the convention violated due process, citing breaches of the party’s constitution and unresolved disputes from state congresses.

    They also noted that the exclusion of some aspirants undermined the credibility of the exercise.

    Legal battle over factional leadership

    Despite the court order, the Ibadan convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, producing a set of party executives that became the subject of litigation.

    The Turaki-led faction had approached the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the earlier rulings and validate both the convention and its outcome.

    However, the apex court dismissed the appeal, affirming that the exercise could not stand due to its violation of valid judicial pronouncements.

    Implications for PDP structure

    The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the internal structure and leadership of the PDP.

    It also brings closure to months of legal uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of the factional leadership that emerged from the disputed convention.

  • Wike Bags ‘Hasken Abuja’ Title from FCT Traditional Rulers

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been conferred with the traditional title of “Hasken Abuja” by the FCT Traditional Rulers Council in recognition of his contributions to the development of the nation’s capital.

    Traditional rulers honour Wike

    The title was bestowed on Thursday by the council led by the Ona of Abaji, Dr Adamu Baba Yunusa, during a ceremony attended by key stakeholders.

    The monarchs said the honour reflects Wike’s efforts in driving visible development across Abuja since assuming office as FCT Minister.

    Recognition for infrastructure push

    According to the council, the minister has made notable strides in infrastructure, particularly in road construction, housing projects, and bridge development.

    His administration has also focused on opening up previously inaccessible rural roads to ease movement and improve connectivity within the FCT.

    Growing profile in Abuja leadership

    The conferment adds to Wike’s rising profile within the FCT, as his policies and projects continue to attract attention from both residents and traditional institutions.

    Observers say the recognition underscores the role of traditional rulers in acknowledging government performance at the grassroots level.

  • Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Insecurity Remarks, Says ‘Leadership Must Earn Trust’

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent remarks on insecurity, warning that leadership must reflect responsibility as violence persists across Nigeria.

    Atiku reacts to Tinubu’s stance

    Atiku, in a statement issued by his aide Phrank Shaibu, described Tinubu’s comments as troubling and disconnected from realities on ground.

    “It is not political opponents who will judge this administration, it is the blood of innocent Nigerians being shed daily across our land,” he said.

    He added that leadership should be defined by compassion and decisive action, not defiance.

    Rising death toll sparks concern

    The former Vice President claimed that over 10,000 Nigerians have been killed since May 2023, with some estimates placing the figure above 18,000 within two years.

    According to him, the statistics represent devastated communities and families rather than mere numbers.

    He warned that dismissing such losses as political rhetoric undermines the gravity of the crisis.

    Criticism over government response

    Atiku faulted the President for allegedly downplaying the suffering of victims’ families, stating that such remarks trivialise national grief.

    “It is horrifying that the memories of innocent citizens would be reduced to political rhetoric,” he said.

    He also referenced recent attacks, including the reported church invasion in Ekiti State, saying such incidents require urgent and visible leadership response.

    Call for urgent action

    While acknowledging Tinubu’s right to seek re-election, Atiku said declining public confidence stems from the administration’s handling of security and economic challenges.

    He urged the Federal Government to recalibrate its security strategy and prioritise protection of citizens.

    “At a time like this, Nigerians do not need bravado; they need protection,” he stated.

  • Tinubu Appoints Bianca Ojukwu as Foreign Affairs Minister After Tuggar’s Exit

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue political ambitions ahead of 2027.

    Bianca Ojukwu steps into top diplomatic role

    The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, positioning her as a familiar figure within Nigeria’s diplomatic structure before her elevation to the top role.

    Her appointment signals continuity within the ministry at a time Nigeria is seeking to recalibrate its foreign policy direction.

    Tuggar exits to pursue 2027 ambitions

    The reshuffle follows the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who is expected to join the growing list of political actors preparing for the 2027 general elections.

    His exit creates a vacancy at a critical time in Nigeria’s international engagements, prompting the swift appointment by the presidency.

    The move also reflects early political realignments within the federal cabinet as the next election cycle approaches.

    Enikanolaiye nominated as minister of state

    In a related development, President Tinubu nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.

    Before the nomination, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

    He brings decades of diplomatic experience, having previously held key positions within Nigeria’s foreign service.

    Veteran diplomat with global experience

    Enikanolaiye’s career spans over three decades, including roles as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.

    His nomination is seen as part of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity within the ministry.

    The presidency noted that the appointments are aimed at improving efficiency, strategic engagement, and Nigeria’s global diplomatic footprint.

    Focus on foreign policy reset

    According to the statement, the new leadership is expected to advance Nigeria’s national interest, deepen economic diplomacy, and strengthen international partnerships.

    The President also charged the appointees to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians abroad while promoting regional stability.

    The changes come as Nigeria navigates shifting global dynamics and increasing demands on its foreign policy institutions.

  • Supreme Court Fixes April 30 Judgment in ADC Leadership Crisis as Legal Battle Deepens

    The Supreme Court has fixed Thursday, April 30, 2026, for judgment in the long-running leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), bringing a decisive moment to a case that has split the opposition party.

    Court sets final judgment date

    The apex court, in a fresh notice issued on Wednesday, confirmed that judgment in the matter will be delivered at 2pm on Thursday, following the conclusion of final written addresses by all parties involved.

    A five-member panel of justices, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, had earlier reserved judgment after hearing arguments from the factions locked in the leadership tussle.

    Origin of the political dispute

    The case stems from a factional battle within the ADC, with Nafiu Bala Gombe challenging the legitimacy of the leadership led by former Senate President David Mark.

    Mark’s faction is contesting the March 12 ruling of the Court of Appeal, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the dispute.

    He argues that the matter is strictly an internal party issue and that the appellate court lacked jurisdiction to intervene.

    INEC, Aregbesola and others named in suit

    The respondents in the case include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), its National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former national chairman Ralph Nwosu.

    Mark is also seeking an order restraining INEC from recognising any leadership other than his faction while the appeal is pending before the Supreme Court.

    However, the respondents have urged the court to dismiss the appeal, insisting that the lower court acted within its jurisdiction.

    Warning over 2027 election implications

    In a letter dated April 28, 2026, the Mark-led faction warned that delay in judgment could jeopardise the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.

    Signed by counsel Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, the letter stressed that INEC had already begun implementing its timetable for the 2027 elections, raising urgency around the case.

    The faction argued that failure to resolve the leadership question on time could lead to the ADC being excluded from the polls, potentially affecting millions of supporters nationwide.

    The Supreme Court judgment is now expected to determine not just the party’s leadership structure, but also its immediate political future ahead of the next election cycle, as the matter continues to dominate latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today coverage.