Politics

Fresh blow for ADC as state congresses stall

Published

2 months ago

April 10, 2026

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress shows no sign of abating as internal wrangling and legal hurdles have stalled the state congresses scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The crisis, which has since fragmented the party into three camps led by former Senate President David Mark, Nafiu Gombe and a bloc spearheaded by some state ADC chairmen, led to the recent de-recognition of the Mark-led National Working Committee by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

While some states have announced the suspension of their congresses, a few states have vowed to proceed with the election ahead of the party’s convention.

On Thursday, a faction led by Gombe stormed the INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding formal recognition.

Gombe, accompanied by a Rep member from Kogi State, Leke Abejide, and hundreds of supporters, accused the David Mark-led leadership of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership in defiance of its constitution and internal processes.

Addressing officials of the electoral body during the protest, Gombe insisted that due process must be followed in resolving the leadership dispute.

He said, “We are here to urge INEC to follow due process. You cannot come to the ADC through the window and expect to overturn the owners of the ADC. As democrats, we don’t want any moneybags to come and destroy democracy. The ADC is for all Nigerians from wards, states, to the national level.”

Also speaking, Abejide called on the commission to resist what he described as an attempted takeover of the party, stressing that the ADC constitution clearly outlines eligibility requirements for leadership positions.

“We are here to urge INEC to do the right thing and rescue democracy from the hands of usurpers. How do you come to a party and attempt to hijack the leadership on the same day? Which political platform is that done?

“The party constitution is clear about this. You have to spend at least two years in the ADC as an active member before you can aspire for any position. The commission has not erred. These people are hijackers, and INEC must follow through on reverting to status quo ante bellum by recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as the national chairman of the party,” he said.

Similarly, the ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, commended INEC for complying with a court order, but urged the commission to go further by affirming Gombe’s leadership.

“INEC has not erred in any way. In fact, we commend the commission for obeying the court order. But they need to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the authentic national chairman of the ADC. INEC needs to do the right thing and do it now. That is why we are here,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner, Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, assured the protesters that their concerns would be reviewed.

“I am here on behalf of the chairman, and I believe INEC, as a commission, will look at your letter and give you feedback. Thank you for being orderly with your protest,” he said.

The protest comes barely 24 hours after a rival faction of the party, led by former Senate President David Mark, staged a large demonstration in Abuja under the banner of #OccupyINEC, accusing the electoral body of actions they claimed undermined democracy and the party’s internal leadership structure.

The back-to-back protests underscore the deepening rift within the ADC, raising concerns over the party’s stability ahead of future electoral contests.

Congresses halted in states

The protracted crisis rocking the Adamawa state chapter of the ADC has taken another dimension, as a Yola High Court has stopped the party from going ahead with its planned congresses.

Justice Ahmed Isa, who presided over the case, ordered the suspension of the congresses slated for Thursday until the determination of the case. The court subsequently adjourned the case to April 15, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.

The embattled ADC chairman in the State, Shehu Yohanna, had approached the court, seeking to stop the congresses due to alleged exclusion from the process.

Yohanna filed the suit against Sadiq Dasin, the state chairman of the transition committee. When The PUNCH contacted the North East Vice Chairman of the party and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, he denied knowledge of the court ruling.

“I’m in Abuja, so I don’t know about the case. Go and ask those who were in court today. I don’t know anything about the court case, “ he said.

In Anambra, the state congresses would also not be held. The party chairman, Patrick Obianyo, disclosed that the party has suspended the proposed congresses until further notice.

Obianyo said the party’s decision underscores its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, due process, and respect for judicial authority.

He, therefore, called on all party members and stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful throughout this period.

He also informed the INEC not to recognise anything done by those parading themselves as ADC leaders in the state.

“The African Democratic Congress, the Anambra State chapter, has announced the immediate suspension of all planned and proposed congresses across the state, until further notice.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the tenure of the current ADC Executive Committee in Anambra State, as well as in other states, remains constitutionally valid and duly recognised by INEC.

“Consequently, the general public is strongly advised to disregard any directives, announcements, or actions from unauthorised individuals falsely parading themselves as party leaders.

“The party will duly communicate new dates for congresses and conventions following the conclusion of ongoing national consultations and meetings.’’

Similarly, the Ondo ADC has announced the suspension of its earlier scheduled Congresses following the re-recognition of the national leadership of the party.

The party had earlier scheduled to hold its ward, local government and state congresses this month, but disclosed that the exercises had been suspended.

This was contained in a statement made available to our correspondent by the state chairman of the party, Mr Wole Ademoyegun.

It said the suspension was in line with the directive of the INEC, which asked the party to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

“We reaffirm our unwavering respect for INEC as the constitutionally constituted regulatory authority for political parties and our firm commitment to due process and institutional order.

“Accordingly, all members and stakeholders of the party are hereby enjoined to remain calm, maintain unity, and exercise the highest level of discipline during this period.

“The party strongly advises against any form of activity that may contravene the directive of INEC or disrupt the peace and order within the party.”

Also, the Zamfara ADC said that it might not continue with the congresses as earlier planned.

The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Kabiru Garba, said the party has yet to make any preparations with regard to the congresses.

In a telephone interview with The PUNCH, Garba said, “Being the state chairman of ADC in Zamfara, I am telling you that I don’t know anything about the forthcoming congresses. Nobody has briefed me on the level of preparedness regarding the congresses. As such, I have no idea whether the exercises will hold or not.”

Relatedly, the ADC in Niger State has suspended its planned congresses across all 25 local government areas until further notice.

State chairman Musa Hassan said the decision, conveyed in a Wednesday statement, was to uphold the rule of law, due process, and judicial authority.

He warned that the INEC would not recognise any congress conducted by unauthorised committees and urged the public to disregard directives from individuals posing as party leaders. A new date will be announced after ongoing consultations.

Meanwhile, the crisis rocking the Kaduna State chapter of the party escalated on Wednesday as rival groups issued conflicting positions on the conduct of the party’s ward, local government and state congresses.

While one faction announced the postponement of the exercise to May, another dismissed the decision as unauthorised, insisting that any such move lacked constitutional backing and would not be recognised.

In a statement dated April 6, 2026, a group led by the State Organising Secretary, Adamu Bello, said the congresses earlier scheduled to begin on April 7 had been postponed following a surge in defections into the party.

The statement, co-signed by the Publicity Secretary, Idris Musa, explained that the postponement was to accommodate new entrants and ensure inclusivity.

“This decision follows a significant influx of defectors from various parties, including the PDP, APC, NNPP and Labour Party,” the statement read.

“The party leadership believes conducting the congress at this time would be premature and may not reflect the true representation of the party’s growing strength.”

It added that the congresses had been rescheduled to the first week of May, noting that the national leadership had been informed.

However, another faction rejected the announcement, describing it as misleading and lacking official authorisation.

In a disclaimer issued by the factional State Organising Secretary, Ibrahim Musa, the group denied claims that the INEC had stopped the congresses.

“The attention of the ADC has been drawn to a purported publication claiming that INEC has stopped the party from conducting its leadership elections. This claim is false and misleading,” the statement read.

It added that those behind the publication were not recognised spokespersons of the party and did not represent its official position.

“This appears to be a deliberate attempt to misinform party members and create confusion,” the statement added, warning that action could be taken against those involved.

Weighing in on the development, the factional chairman of the party in the state, Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, insisted that only the state executive committee had the authority to organise congresses.

“They are stakeholders of the party, but the conduct of congresses is clearly stipulated in our constitution,” he said.

“It is the mandate of the state executive committee to decide when and how congresses will be held.”

In Osun, the ADC State Chairman, Charles Omidiji, has said its members will not participate in the forthcoming state congress of the party. He, however, said a faction within the party in the state called the Omoluabi Progressives planned to hold the congress.

“I have the directive of the national body not to participate in the congress. But a faction in Osun ADC called Omoluabi Progressives is planning to hold the congress. But as Osun State chairman of the party, I am telling you that we are not participating.”

However, the Director of Media of Osun ADC, Seun Abosede, said Omidiji was no longer the chairman of the party in Osun and thus incompetent to speak for the party.

“He can’t speak for Osun ADC. He has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress. He has been listed on the website of the party as Osun’s protem chairman. Omidiji is no longer in Osun ADC.

“We are proceeding with the congress. On Saturday, we will have our state congress, and thereafter, we will proceed to the national convention. You can check the website of the NDC, Omidiji is listed on its website as Osun protem chairman,” Abosede said.

But the situation is different in Plateau, where the party insisted it is set to proceed with its state congresses scheduled for Saturday.

In an interview with The PUNCH in Jos on Wednesday, the state ADC Chairman, Hannatu Gagara, confirmed that the party will go ahead with the congress, saying, “We have done the screening of delegates at the ward and local Government levels. So, we are proceeding with the state congress on Saturday by the Grace of God.”

Gagara dismissed concerns over the INEC de-recognition, stating, “The electoral body did not say we should stop our congresses. And besides, we contacted INEC this morning about it, and I can tell you they have no problem with what we are doing.”

The National Chief Whip of the ADC, Sabiu Musa, who is also from Plateau state, echoed Gagara’s sentiments, saying, “The party has held its ward and local government congresses in Plateau state, and from the report I got, it was a success. So, the remaining one, which is the state congress, is going to be an affirmation of the current chairman, led by Amb Hannatu Gagara. So, ADC is good to go in Plateau state.”

In the same vein, the Jigawa State chapter has vowed to proceed with its scheduled ward, local government, and state congresses.

A chieftain and coordinator of the party coalition in the state, Mahmud Gumel, confirmed to our correspondent on Wednesday that the congresses will hold as planned, saying the party is not intimidated by INEC’s actions.

“We will go ahead with our congresses and convention. We have complied with the law by giving INEC the required notice. Whether they attend or not, our processes will continue,” Gumel said.

He expressed concern over what he described as attempts to undermine political pluralism ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such actions could weaken Nigeria’s democratic framework and limit the choices available to voters.

In Edo, the party on Thursday held its ward and local government area Congresses across the 192 wards and 18 local government areas to elect new leaders. The party said it was ready for the state Congress fixed for Saturday.

However, the state chairman, Ken Odion, described the congress as null and void, noting that the state chapter will comply with the decision of the INEC.

Odion said going ahead would amount to a futile exercise, which would result in wanton waste of capital and human resources.

He said, “Some people said that they are going ahead, but as a state chairman, I am not going ahead with those activities because when you go ahead, you finish it, and you need to submit it to the body that said you should not go ahead. Where do you want to submit the report?’’

The Kogi ADC has asked party members to disregard the purported suspension of congresses in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the publicity secretary of the party, Abdumalik Suleiman.

“The African Democratic Congress, Kogi State chapter, wishes to inform party members, stakeholders, and the general public to disregard the purported suspension of congresses in Kogi State contained in a letter issued by the state’s outgoing Chairman, Mr Kingsley Ogga.”

Suleiman said that “Ogga lacks the constitutional authority to suspend congresses in the state.”

“In issuing that directive, he usurped the powers of the National Working Committee NWC, the only organ of the party vested with the authority to commence or halt electoral processes within the party.”

Uncertainty in Oyo

When asked if the congresses would be held in Oyo, the state publicity secretary, Bimbo Adelowo, said, “In the light of the de-recognition of David Mark-led interim committee of ADC, a lot of situations have arisen that make the party a political party technically without clear-cut leadership.

“First, I would like to say this: INEC might be wrong in its decision to derecognise the interim NWC of ADC, but the fact that INEC, as a regulatory body, is empowered under law to set rules, whether the rules are just or not, is another case entirely.

“Since INEC has made a pronouncement, definitely everyone should abide by it until otherwise is pronounced by a court of competent jurisdiction.’’

“Our congresses, in view of the above, have been shelved in order not to run foul of the law. But that doesn’t preclude our party from holding our meetings, only that INEC will not monitor any of the meetings,” he explained.

Division in Abia

In a related development, a faction of the party in Abia State has distanced the party from the actions of Don Obinna, saying he lacks the authority to act or speak as the party’s chairman in the state.

The decision was reached in Umuahia on Thursday, where party leaders, including Austine Akobundu, senator representing Abia Central; Uko Nkole and Okey Igwe, among other stakeholders, reviewed the situation in the party and reaffirmed their commitment to due process.

Reading the communiqué on behalf of the caucus, Nkole drew attention to a subsisting order of the Abia State High Court which, through an interim injunction dated December 3, 2025, restrained Obinna from parading himself or acting in any capacity as chairman of the party in the state pending the determination of the case.

The caucus also referenced the findings of the ADC South-East Zonal Disciplinary Committee contained in a report dated September 25, 2025, which clarified the party’s position on Obinna’s conduct and status.

According to the caucus, Obinna’s continued claim to the leadership of the party in Abia State is unlawful and misleading, describing it as a violation of party discipline and contempt of a valid court order. It therefore declared that any meetings, directives, or public engagements conducted by him in the name of the party are null and void.

The caucus reaffirmed Kanu Kanu as the Acting State Chairman of the ADC pending the conduct of the party’s state congresses.

Meanwhile, Obinna has said the current tenure of the Abia State ward, LGA, and state executives remains in effect.

In a statement on Thursday, Obinna, who still claims to be the substantive state chairman of the party, advised party members, leaders, and stakeholders to “remain calm, stay positive, and promote the constructive message of ADC while refraining from acts that could disturb peace in their areas.”

Mark-led NWC seeks court order against INEC

The David Mark-led NWC, which was sacked by INEC, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking orders to compel the electoral body to reverse its decision to delete the party’s top officials from its records.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, follows the removal of the names of Mark, listed as National Chairman, and Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary, from INEC’s official portal on April 1.

In a motion on notice dated April 7, the embattled chairman, through his counsel, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), prayed the court to issue a mandatory injunction directing the electoral body to immediately restore the names of the party’s National Working Committee members as they existed prior to the dispute.

The application, brought pursuant to Order 26 Rules 1 to 4 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, as well as under the court’s inherent and equitable jurisdiction, seeks three principal reliefs.

The applicant also sought “an order of mandatory injunction, directing INEC to forthwith restore and maintain records of the names of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, as well as all members of the National Executive Committee.”

In addition, the motion is seeking “an order restraining INEC from tampering with, or otherwise interfering with, the said leadership records of the 1st defendant, recognising or giving effect to any contrary or competing claims, pending the final determination of this suit.”

The application is a direct response to the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal in a dispute initiated by a former deputy national chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe, before Justice James Omotosho Nwite of the Federal High Court.

In a seven-point argument supporting the motion, Usman contended that the appellate court had expressly ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, a legal principle referring to the last uncontested state of affairs before litigation commenced.

He argued, “As of Sept. 2, 2025, when this action was instituted, the 2nd defendant (Senator David Mark) was the recognised national chairman of the 1st defendant.

“The said leadership structure had already been constituted. The plaintiff had already resigned his prior office and had no subsisting role within the party.”

The senior advocate further submitted that INEC acted under a misinterpretation of the appellate court’s directive by removing the names of the party’s leadership, thereby creating what he described as a vacuum within the party’s structure.

According to him, the electoral umpire’s decision amounts to a position of non-recognition that is inconsistent with the true intent of the Court of Appeal’s order and capable of undermining the substance of the pending suit.

Usman added, “The law is settled that a mandatory injunction may be granted at an interlocutory stage to restore a party to the position wrongfully altered.

“This is a proper case for the exercise of the equitable jurisdiction of this honourable court.”

In a related application also filed on April 7 but dated April 2, the applicant is seeking an accelerated hearing of the case, citing the urgency and far-reaching implications of the dispute on the party’s operations.

The motion urges the court to abridge the time within which parties are to file and exchange processes and to order a day-to-day hearing until the matter is finally determined.

Justifying the request, the lawyer argued that the suit raises fundamental issues affecting the leadership structure of a registered political party and has broader implications for democratic governance and political participation.

He stated that the Court of Appeal had already directed that the matter be heard expeditiously, warning that the lingering uncertainty over the party’s leadership is hampering its internal administration and political activities.

Usman further noted that the situation could encourage the emergence of parallel structures and conflicting claims within the party if not urgently resolved.

“The continued pendency of the suit is capable of rendering the subject matter nugatory,” he said.

Court records show that the dispute dates back to September 2025, when the trial judge declined an ex parte application filed by Gombe seeking to halt the activities of the Mark-led leadership pending the determination of the suit.

The court, instead, ordered the plaintiff to put all defendants on notice to show cause why the application should not be granted.

Following the development, the Mark-led leadership challenged the jurisdiction of the trial court at the Court of Appeal, which subsequently directed parties to return to the lower court and maintain the status quo ante bellum.

In the substantive suit, Gombe listed the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, INEC and Ralph Nwosu as the 1st to 5th defendants.

Nwosu, a former national chairman of the party, had earlier stepped down, paving the way for Mark’s emergence as the leader of the party.

Despite the developments, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said on Channel Television recently that the ADC would contest the 2027 general election despite the challenges facing it.

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Politics

A three-horse race as Ekiti goes to poll

Published

41 minutes ago

June 17, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Just days to the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, the political atmosphere is steadily reaching a crescendo as parties intensify last-minute campaigns and voter mobilisation efforts across the 16 local government areas of the state. In this report, ’YOMI AYELESO examines the factors likely to shape the outcome of the election, the strengths and challenges confronting the leading political parties.

The people of Ekiti State will on Saturday, June 20, head to the polls to elect a governor who will steer the affairs of the state for another four-year term beginning from October 16, 2026. Following months of political campaigns, consultations, grassroots engagements and strategic mobilisation, candidates and political parties are now making final efforts to consolidate support and secure victory.

Unlike previous governorship contests in the state, particularly the fiercely contested 2022 election, developments in the months preceding this year’s exercise suggest a different political reality. While the contest remains open, many political observers and analysts believe the incumbent governor enjoys a considerable advantage heading into the election.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), popularly known as BAO, secured his first term in office in 2022 after defeating former Governor Segun Oni of the then Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Bisi Kolawole of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Oyebanji polled 187,057 votes, representing 53 per cent of the valid votes cast. Segun Oni garnered 82,211 votes, representing 23 per cent, while Kolawole scored 67,457 votes, accounting for 19 per cent of the votes.

As the state prepares for another election cycle, the political dynamics have shifted. While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 15 political parties are participating in the poll, prevailing political realities indicate that the contest has largely narrowed to three parties — the APC, the PDP and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

• APC and Oyebanji’s quest for continuity

There is little doubt that Governor Oyebanji enters the election as the candidate to beat. In the last three years and eight months, the governor, who hails from Ikogosi-Ekiti in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, has carved a reputation for inclusive governance and a leadership style that many residents describe as markedly different from those of his predecessors. His administration’s six-point Shared Prosperity Agenda has become the central pillar of his re-election campaign.

Across critical sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, economic development and social investment, the administration has implemented programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents. The impact of these interventions has been felt among civil servants, pensioners, artisans, women, transport workers, youths and vulnerable groups across the state.

The governor’s achievements and consensus-building approach to governance have attracted endorsements from across political divides. Notably, four former governors of the state, Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Chief Segun Oni, have publicly expressed support for his re-election bid. Influential figures within the state’s elite class, including legal luminaries such as Chief Afe Babalola, SAN and Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, have also identified with the administration.

Beyond elite endorsements, the APC enjoys significant structural advantages. The party controls all nine National Assembly seats from the state, 26 seats in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, the 16 local government councils and the 22 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Over the past three years, more than 300 groups, associations, communities and traditional institutions across the state have declared support for Oyebanji’s second-term ambition. These factors have strengthened the belief among APC supporters that the party is on course for a convincing victory.

However, despite the favourable outlook, challenges remain. One factor capable of creating some internal discomfort is the outcome of the recently concluded APC State and National Assembly primaries. Of the six House of Representatives members currently serving, only three secured return tickets, while three lost out. Similarly, 20 out of the 26 members of the State House of Assembly failed to obtain tickets for another term, leaving pockets of dissatisfaction within the party.

Should Governor Oyebanji secure victory on Saturday, he would set a new political record as the first governor in Ekiti State’s history to win two consecutive terms in office.

• PDP’s Oluyede and the narrow road to victory

For the PDP, the June 20 election presents both an opportunity and a formidable challenge. The party enters the race weakened by years of internal divisions and factional disputes that have affected its cohesion and electoral strength. Nonetheless, its candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, remains optimistic about his chances and has continued to project confidence throughout the campaign.

Oluyede, an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti South Senatorial District, is no stranger to Ekiti politics. He contested the APC governorship primary in 2018, later emerged as the ADC governorship candidate in 2022, and is now flying the PDP flag in the current contest. His repeated participation in Ekiti’s electoral cycles has helped maintain his visibility among voters.

His home town of Ikere-Ekiti, one of the state’s largest voting blocs after Ado-Ekiti, could provide a significant electoral base. The argument in some quarters that the community should produce a governor rather than continue occupying the deputy governor’s office may resonate with sections of the electorate.

The broader agitation for an Ekiti South governor also remains a factor. Since the creation of the state and the return to democratic governance in 1999, no governor has emerged from the southern senatorial district. Although zoning is not dominating campaign conversations as strongly as in previous elections, many residents of the zone still believe the time has come for power to shift southward.

However, any sentiment favouring the South Senatorial District may not exclusively benefit Oluyede, as ADC candidate Ambassador Dare Bejide also comes from the same zone.

Perhaps the biggest challenge confronting the PDP is the position of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, widely regarded as the party’s most influential figure in Ekiti politics. Fayose has openly endorsed Governor Oyebanji’s re-election and has consistently mobilised support for the APC candidate. Given Fayose’s enduring influence among party faithful and sections of the PDP structure, political observers believe his stance has significantly complicated the PDP’s pathway to victory.

The party’s deputy governorship candidate, Deji Ogunsakin from Ado-Ekiti, is expected to help galvanise support in the state capital, which remains the largest voting centre in Ekiti.

• ADC battles structural limitations despite growing appeal

The ADC has also emerged as a notable contender in the election. Its candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide, is a familiar face in Ekiti politics, having served as Secretary to the State Government and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada. The seasoned politician and elder statesman from Ilawe-Ekiti has positioned himself as a credible alternative to both the APC and PDP.

The ADC gained momentum following the influx of prominent opposition politicians who adopted the party as a coalition platform last year. This development generated expectations that the party could become a major force in the governorship race but happenings in recent weeks and months are suggesting the fact that the ADC might not constitute threat for the office.

Among its notable figures are former Deputy Governor Professor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, former Commissioner for Information Akin Omole, philanthropist Funsho Ayeni and several other influential politicians. Despite these strengths, the ADC faces a significant challenge: the absence of an extensive grassroots structure comparable to those of the APC and PDP.

Political observers argue that while the party enjoys visibility among politically active groups and sections of urban voters, translating that goodwill into votes across thousands of polling units may prove difficult.

The party’s deputy governorship candidate, Ayodeji Babatola, a former APC chieftain from Ado-Ekiti, is expected to strengthen ADC’s appeal in the state capital.

• The final verdict

As Ekiti voters prepare to make their choices, the election appears, on the surface, to favour the incumbent governor and the APC, buoyed by widespread endorsements, strong grassroots structures and the advantages of incumbency, including achievements in office. Yet elections are ultimately decided by voters, and the level of turnout, voter sentiment and election-day dynamics will play crucial roles in determining the final outcome.

Beyond the contest itself, the June 20 governorship election will serve as an important test for Nigeria’s electoral process under the new Electoral Act 2026 and a major indicator of political trends ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Politics

APC, PDP trade words over Pantami’s political membership status

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

A fresh controversy has erupted in Gombe State over the political status of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami, as the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party laid conflicting claims to his party membership.

The dispute followed Pantami’s emergence as the PDP governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, after the APC primary election produced Jamilu Gwamna as its candidate.

The Gombe State chapter of the PDP insisted that Pantami had validly resigned from the APC and is now a bona fide member of the opposition party.

The APC, however, maintained that the former minister remains its member because due process was allegedly not followed in effecting his resignation.

Addressing journalists in Gombe on Tuesday, the APC Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, said the party’s executive committee in Pantami Ward had earlier clarified that it neither received nor deliberated on any resignation letter purportedly submitted by Pantami.

“As you may recall, 25 out of the 27 members of the ward executive committee publicly stated that they neither saw nor deliberated on any resignation letter purportedly submitted by Professor Ali Isa Pantami.

“They maintained that the claim was merely a fabrication orchestrated without the knowledge or approval of the ward executive committee,” Kyari said.

According to him, the ward chairman, Alhaji Bala Galda, disclosed that the alleged resignation letter was received on May 23, 2026, despite being dated May 19, and was delivered by one Abba Pantami.

“Despite repeated requests, members of the ward executive committee have not been provided with a copy of the said letter,” Kyari stated.

He argued that under the provisions of the APC Constitution, the Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines and the Electoral Act, Pantami remained an APC member until the prescribed procedures were completed and verified.

“It is, therefore, our position that Professor Ali Isa Pantami remains a member of the APC until all due processes are properly followed and verified,” he said.

Kyari also dismissed claims allegedly made by Pantami during a televised interview on TVC that his defection to the PDP and governorship ambition had the blessing of President Bola Tinubu.

“We categorically reject this assertion. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a committed leader of the APC and has consistently demonstrated loyalty to the party. It is difficult to believe that the President would endorse activities that are contrary to the interests and unity of the APC,” he said.

He called on the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency to publicly clarify the issue to prevent misinformation.

“We, therefore, call on the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency to publicly clarify and dispel these claims in order to prevent misinformation and avoid misleading the people,” Kyari added.

However, in a swift response contained in a statement signed by its state Public Relations Officer, Abdulkadir Dukku, the PDP dismissed the APC’s position, insisting that Pantami had fulfilled all constitutional and legal requirements for membership of the opposition party.

“We wish to categorically state that Professor Pantami is a bona fide member of the Peoples Democratic Party, having duly complied with all the constitutional and legal requirements for membership of our party,” the PDP said.

The party further stated that it possessed documentary evidence confirming Pantami’s resignation from the APC.

“The PDP possesses all relevant documents confirming his resignation from his former party, acknowledged by his then ward chairman,” the statement read.

According to the PDP, the APC chairman in Pantami Ward personally acknowledged Pantami’s resignation letter on May 19, 2026.

“The chairman of APC in Pantami Ward acknowledged Pantami’s resignation letter in person on May 19, 2026, and subsequently posted it on social media, where it went viral,” the party added.

The opposition party described the APC’s repeated press briefings on the matter as unnecessary.

“It should be noted that this is the third time the APC has organised a press conference on the same issue, despite the facts being clear and well documented,” the statement said.

The PDP urged the ruling party to focus on preparations for the forthcoming elections rather than what it described as distractions.

“Consequently, we urge the APC in Gombe State to focus on preparing for the forthcoming general election instead of engaging in unnecessary distractions,” it stated.

The party also argued that the Constitution and the Electoral Act guarantee freedom of association.

“If the APC lacks confidence in its candidate, it should address its internal concerns instead of insisting that Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami must remain in the party.

“After all, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act guarantee freedom of association,” the PDP said.

It added that the APC still had the opportunity, within the electoral process, to make decisions regarding its candidature if it believed its candidate could not effectively compete against Pantami.

Reaffirming its stance ahead of the elections, the PDP said it remained committed to issue-based campaigns and providing credible leadership to the people of Gombe State.

“The PDP remains committed to issue-based campaigns and to providing the people of Gombe State with credible leadership, development and good governance,” the statement concluded.

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Politics

David Mark slams FG after A’Court reverses ADC deregistration

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Following the Court of Appeal’s decision to reverse the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress and four other parties on Monday, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark stated the judiciary is on trial and warned the Federal Government against political manipulation.

Stakeholders also called for sanctions against Justice Peter Lifu for flouting a superior court order, as the ADC assures supporters they will remain on the ballot.

Political parties and stakeholders affected by the Federal High Court’s controversial deregistration order welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of the judgment.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on Tuesday ordered a stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party, while delivering a stinging rebuke to Justice Lifu for flouting a May 22 appellate court order restraining him from delivering the ruling.

In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed condemned Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting a May 22 order that directed him to suspend proceedings before him, describing his conduct as the gravest form of judicial misconduct.

“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution,” the panel held.

The appellate court went further, invoking a Supreme Court precedent to characterise Justice Lifu’s conduct in the harshest terms.

“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is the highest form of judicial impertinence,” the panel declared, adding that the Supreme Court had previously held that a judge who acted in such a manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”

The court said it had a duty to assert its supervisory authority over lower courts and protect the integrity of the judicial hierarchy.

“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This court has supervisory authority over the trial court. This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are obeyed. The application for stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the panel ruled.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Lifu, had on Monday ordered INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party, ruling that the five parties failed to meet the constitutional performance thresholds under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, specifically, requirements related to securing at least 25 per cent of votes in certain states or winning seats in the 2023 general elections.

Earlier in Tuesday’s proceedings, INEC told the appellate court it was stunned by Justice Lifu’s decision to deliver the judgment, disclosing that the commission only learned of the ruling through media reports rather than any official notification.

INEC’s lead counsel, Mr Haliru Mohammed, told the panel that the commission had been aware of the appellate court’s May 22 order restraining the lower court from delivering the judgment, which had originally been reserved for June 5.

“We were not aware of any notice from the court regarding the delivery of the judgment. We only saw it as breaking news in the media. We therefore do not oppose the application of the appellant to stay the execution of the judgment,” Mohammed submitted.

The commission also aligned itself with the notice of appeal filed by the affected political parties.

Counsel to the ADC, Mr Shuaibu Aruwa, SAN, told the court that Justice Lifu communicated the judgment’s delivery to the party via WhatsApp, a disclosure that drew visible reactions from the bench.

Aruwa described the lower court’s conduct as an invitation to anarchy and urged the appellate court to invoke its disciplinary jurisdiction under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution to sanction the judge.

“The action of the trial judge calls for swift and extraordinary measures from this court. We have come to the stage where this court should press the reset button.

“We urge this court to take disciplinary steps by immediately suspending that judgment. This court has the power to protect its own integrity. We pray this court suspends the judgment immediately without further delay,” he added.

APC reacts

Reacting to the appellate court’s decision, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ruling offered a measure of hope for the judiciary’s credibility, though he was careful not to celebrate unreservedly.

“It indicates that the judiciary may still redeem itself. We are cautiously delighted but we insist that it shouldn’t have happened in the first place,” Abdullahi said in a telephone interview.

He called on the National Judicial Council to take urgent steps to rid the bench of judges whose conduct brought the institution into disrepute.

“We, therefore, hope that the judicial council will take urgent steps to purge the bench of judges who bring the judicial institution to disrepute,” he said.

The National Leader of the Action Peoples Party, Ikenga Ugochinyere, was more emphatic in his welcome of the ruling, describing it as a vindication of the party’s position from the outset and calling on the NJC to weed out what he termed controversial judges.

“There was no need to panic in the first place, and, so, this ruling is a vindication of our position from the get-go,” Ugochinyere said.

“We call on the NJC to weed out controversial justices who say one thing in the morning and another in the evening. These are the bad eggs giving the judiciary a bad name,” he added.

Ugochinyere raised broader concerns about public confidence in the justice system, warning that judicial inconsistency was eroding citizens’ respect for court pronouncements.

“Court pronouncements are supposed to be respected by citizens, particularly because they come from institutions established by law. But when people begin to hide behind technicalities, it raises concerns about the integrity of those institutions.

“How do we expect citizens to obey court judgments when many people no longer see justice as blind, but rather as something influenced by individuals and personal interests? That is the challenge before us,” the APP leader added.

He also noted that the controversy surrounding Justice Lifu’s ruling had sparked frustration across the country, with some of the anger directed at the presidency.

“This situation has generated a lot of reactions across the country. Many people are directing their frustrations at the President. Perhaps there is a need for greater clarity so that Nigerians understand exactly what is happening,” Ugochinyere said.

He nevertheless described Tuesday’s outcome as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

“What happened today (Tuesday) is a victory, not just for democracy, but for the rule of law. We are happy because the courts have once again demonstrated their relevance in our democratic process,” he said.

Other parties speak

The Acting National Chairman of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ameh, took a philosophical approach in welcoming the ruling, invoking the words of the philosopher Edmund Burke to frame the significance of the appellate court’s intervention.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” Ameh said.

He warned that what he described as hostile executive rascality and brazen judicial overreach must not be allowed to stand.

Also, the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar said in a statement posted on his X handle that the ruling was a positive development, noting with particular significance that INEC itself had initiated the application for the stay .

“I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of the Federal High Court judgment seeking the deregistration of our great party, the ADC, and four other political parties. It is particularly significant that INEC itself initiated the application for the stay,” he wrote.

Atiku, Mark protest

The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar also criticised what he described as judicial contradictions in the ongoing legal dispute, warning that such developments had placed the judiciary under intense public scrutiny.

“The disturbing spectacle of judicial contradictions and politically charged rulings playing out in our courts has placed the judiciary under intense public scrutiny. As ADC National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, rightly observed, the judiciary itself is now on trial,” Atiku said.

He warned against any attempt to weaponise the courts against Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“Any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s hard-won democracy through judicial manipulation is a grave danger to the Republic. If our democracy suffers further injury, history will demand accountability from those entrusted with dispensing justice,” he said.

Following the judgment given by Justice Lifu, the National Judicial Council has been urged to investigate Justice Peter Lifu over his decision to deliver judgment in a case that was already before the Court of Appeal.

The civil society organisation, Tap Initiative for FOR Citizens’ Development, on Tuesday in a statement called on the leadership of the judiciary to immediately investigate Justice Lifu over the judgment.

The call follows concerns over the alleged disregard for the hierarchy of courts and implications such actions could have on the judiciary and Nigeria’s democracy as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

Justice Lifu had on Monday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister five political parties over their alleged breach of Section 225(A) of the Constitution.

However, the judgment was reportedly delivered despite an order staying proceedings issued by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on May 22.

The decision has since attracted criticism from several quarters, with critics accusing the judge of undermining democratic principles.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mbasekei Martin Obono, the group urged the NJC to, among other things, “Determine whether the decision was delivered in disregard of pending appellate proceedings and a subsisting order of stay;

“Examine possible breaches of the judicial code of conduct; Take appropriate disciplinary action if misconduct is established; and

Reaffirm the authority of appellate courts and the supremacy of due process within the judiciary”.

The group recalled that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, had consistently emphasised the need for accountability, discipline and ethical conduct within the judiciary.

It disclosed that it had formally petitioned the CJN, in her capacity as Chairman of the NJC, seeking an investigation and possible disciplinary action against Justice Lifu.

According to the group, the petition presents an opportunity to reinforce the principles of accountability and demonstrate that judicial independence is not incompatible with responsibility.

“Tap Initiative expresses grave concern that at the time the said judgement was delivered, there were subsisting appellate proceedings before the Court of Appeal in respect of the same subject matter in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026. Furthermore, the Court of Appeal had issued an Enrolment Order expressly granting a stay of proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, being the very proceedings in which the Federal High Court subsequently proceeded to deliver judgment.

“This development raises profound constitutional and procedural concerns, as it appears that a valid order of stay and active appellate proceedings were in force at the material time. If established, this situation would constitute a serious affront to the doctrine of judicial hierarchy and the supervisory jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal within Nigeria’s constitutional order.

“Tap Initiative emphasizes that the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system depends fundamentally on strict adherence to judicial hierarchy, procedural discipline, and respect for appellate authority. Any deviation from these principles risks creating conflicting judicial outcomes, eroding legal certainty, and undermining public confidence in the courts”, he said.

The group stressed that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common citizen, arguing that its legitimacy is sustained not only by constitutional authority but also by unwavering public confidence in its fairness, discipline and respect for the rule of law.

It therefore called on the NJC to treat the matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves in the interest of justice, democracy and national stability.

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, on Tuesday declared that the Nigerian judiciary, rather than the opposition party, is the institution facing scrutiny over the controversy surrounding the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.

Speaking at the ADC Strategic Communications Retreat in Abuja, the former Senate President accused the judiciary of actions capable of undermining public confidence in the nation’s democratic process, while questioning the conduct of Justice Peter Lifu in matters relating to the party.

According to Mark, the outcome of the controversy will test the credibility of the judiciary and the ability of the National Judicial Council to address concerns arising from the case.

“The ADC is not on trial. Rather, it is the judiciary that is on trial and the nation is waiting to see how the National Judicial Council is going to handle this precarious situation,” he said.

The ADC chairman expressed concern over what he described as unprecedented judicial actions, alleging that Justice Lifu ignored an order of the Court of Appeal directing a stay of proceedings in the matter.

He said it was difficult to comprehend how a judge could be involved in actions that appeared to contradict existing court directives.

Mark further alleged that the judge issued conflicting decisions regarding the status of the party within a short period.

“It is strange that a judge can order the Independent National Electoral Commission to pronounce a party dead and in less than 24 hours put the same party on trial,” he said.

The remarks come amid growing political tension over recent legal challenges affecting opposition parties ahead of preparations for the next electoral cycle.

Despite the legal setback, Mark urged party members not to lose confidence in the ADC, insisting that the party would emerge stronger from the dispute.

“Like I have said previously, our members should not worry about the shenanigans of the ruling party. We will go through all these turbulence because we are up to the task. By the time we are through all these, ADC will come out stronger,” he stated.

The former Senate President also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress APC of attempting to weaken opposition forces through distractions, claiming that the governing party was struggling to defend its record in office.

He alleged that the President Bola Tinubu-led government is diverting attention from its challenges by targeting opposition platforms.

Addressing party communicators at the retreat, Mark charged them to craft messages capable of expanding the ADC’s appeal across political divides, including among members of the ruling party.

He challenged the communications team to develop persuasive narratives that would attract more Nigerians to the ADC project.

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