2027 Election: Labour Party and Others self-destruct

Apart from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, other leading players at the last election except the ruling All People’s Congress seem to be imploding, all as a result of frenzied moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.   For instance, both the PDP and the Labour Party, the first and second runners up at the 2023 presidential election have been neck deep in internal wranglings for no specific reasons other than the machinations of greedy party members to self destruct in favour of an individual’s ambition to conquere power in 2027.   In an apparent redundant move the Labour Party has revoked the automatic tickets previously reserved for its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for the 2027 election.   The decision was made during the party’s National Executive Council meeting held on Monday, September 9, in Abuja.   Following the meeting, the party’s National Working Committee, led by Julius Abure, announced that all party tickets, from the presidency to the House of Assemblies, would now be open to all qualified Nigerians.   In a communique signed by the National Chairman of the party, Abure, and National Secretary, Umar Ibrahim, the NEC nullified the decision taken at the stakeholders meeting convened by Otti.   The NEC insisted that there was no vacuum in the leadership of the party after “conducting its National Convention in line with its constitution, the Electoral Act and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on March 27, 2024.”  

Rivers LG Election: Court reserves judgment in APC’s suit against INEC, others

Rivers Guber: Court Upholds Gov Fubara's Victory

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court Abuja, Thursday, reserved judgment in the suit filed by the All Progressives Congress, (APC) against the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) against the conduct of local government election in Rivers State.   After listening to the counsel to both parties adopted thier various arguments, the court reserved judgement on the matter to a date that will be communicated to them.   The judge on Thursday reserved judgment date after counsel to all parties adopted their various legal positions for and against the suit.   The court listened to all pending preliminary applications including those seeking joinder brought by the Social Democratic Party, SDP and the Boot Party, BP, as well as the substantive suit.   The court equally heard motions filed by Chief Goddy Uche, SAN, for change of counsel and another seeking the discontinuance of the suit on behalf of the Rivers State chapter of the APC.   Uche filed and argued an application for change of counsel dated August 28 as well as a motion for the discontinuance of the suit signed by Chief Emeka Beke, Chairman APC Rivers State, and Sam Sam Etetegwung, Secretary APC Rivers State, respectively.   While Joseph Daudu, SAN, leading six Senior Advocates of Nigeria including Dr James Ogwu Onoja, moved the court to grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, Taiwo Taiwo, SAN, for the Attorney General of Rivers State, and Femi Falana, SAN, representing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, all challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case.   The respondents counsel equally challenged the competence of the suit on the ground that it was statute barred.   In addition, on the issue of jurisdiction, the respondents’ counsel argued that the proper court with jurisdiction to entertain the case is the Rivers State division of the Federal High Court.   It was equally their argument that the court sitting as a vacation court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case without obtaining the consent of both parties.   Substantially, the plaintiff counsel argued that the condition precedent for conduct of local government election in Rivers State have not been met by RSIEC.   The plaintiff had approached the court with an application for change of counsel dated August 28, as well as a notice of discontinuance signed by Chief Emeka Beke, Chairman APC Rivers State, and Sam Sam Etetegwung, Secretary, APC Rivers State respectively.   The party, in an originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024 is seeking a declaration that INEC is bound to manage the updating and revising of the register in such a manner as to ensure that the process stops not later than 90 days before the council poll.

Tinubu’s contemptuous of Nigerians

Whether the mounting allegations of governance malpractices against Tinubu are true or not, it has to be noted that the tell-tale signs of the proclivity of the man have been in the public domain for at least 25 years.

Legal Challenges: Edo Deputy Governor Asserts Legitimacy

Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo has reaffirmed his position as the legitimate Deputy Governor of Edo State, emphasizing that he continues to execute his duties as prescribed by the Nigerian Constitution.   This declaration was made during a solidarity visit by the leadership and members of Edo State’s three major transport unions: the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the Edo State Drivers Welfare Scheme.   Despite ongoing legal disputes concerning the Deputy Governor’s office, Omobayo assured that these challenges have not deterred him from his commitment.   He expressed his dedication to supporting Governor Godwin Obaseki in his efforts to advance the economic development and transformation of Edo State.   Omobayo extended his gratitude to the unions for their steadfast support since he took office, and he acknowledged their loyalty to Governor Obaseki.   Earlier, Comrade Monday Orhue, Chairman of RTEAN, and Chief Odion Olaye, Chairman of NURTW, conveyed their solidarity by visiting the Deputy Governor.   They reiterated their endorsement of Omobayo as the authentic Deputy Governor, affirming their confidence in his role.   Chief Olaye expressed optimism for a successful conclusion to the Obaseki administration.