Politics
N’Delta youths faults A’Court’s verdict on Kano, Plateau, Zamfara guber disputes
The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC), on Saturday, faulted the decisions of the Court of Appeal on the governorship disputes in Plateau, Kano and Zamfara states.
The youths, which cited verdicts on governorship elections in Kano, Plateau and Zamfara states, said discriminatory application of legal standards between the North and other regions, signify a broader conspiracy aimed at debilitating and fragmenting the region.
NDYC Coordinator, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, in a statement, implored stakeholders to prioritize the restoration of coherence and integrity to the electoral process
He said: “The prevailing uncertainties within the judiciary pose a substantial risk, evident in the disparate rulings of the Appellate Court in states like Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara.
“The ostensible divergence in judicial interpretations has cast a pall of uncertainty upon the electoral landscape, compelling the vigilant attention of our discerning youth constituency.
“It is imperative to underscore our unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, justice, and the rule of law, which form the bedrock of our societal fabric.
“The Byzantine nature of the legal labyrinth within which these electoral contests find themselves necessitates a nuanced and comprehensive analysis.
“The cacophony of legal postulations and discordant rulings has sown the seeds of doubt within the public psyche, thereby impinging upon the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process.”
NDYC said the appellate court ought to have dispensed verdicts imbued with unassailable coherence and consistency, to boost the confidence of the people in the judiciary.
He added, “In the Kano case, the Appellate Court’s ruling on Abba v APC raises questions regarding the court’s jurisdiction in pre-election matters. The well-established electoral jurisprudence principle that designates pre-election matters exclusively to the Pre-Election Court finds support in various legal authorities, including the Supreme Court’s stance in Peter Obi v INEC. Regrettably, the Appellate Court’s departure from these principles in the Abba case necessitates correction by the Supreme Court, the bastion of justice.
“This deviation jeopardizes the purposeful categorization of election matters into pre and post-election, undermining legal certainty and sowing unprecedented confusion in electoral litigation. Allowing such a ruling to endure could unravel our electoral jurisprudence, counterproductive to the system. While ensuring political parties adhere to electoral guidelines is vital, overturning an entire election in Kano raises concerns about the democratic process’s legitimacy. This ruling arguably infringes upon people’s right to choose leaders, excessively empowering the judiciary. The situation underscores the imperative of balancing the rule of law with the democratic will of the people.
“Moreover, the disparities between the court’s oral judgment and the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Kano governorship election ruling cast doubt on the judiciary’s transparency and integrity. Such inconsistencies erode public trust, exacerbating skepticism and speculation.
“The Appellate Court’s endorsement of annulling 166,000 votes in Kano, citing irregularities and non-compliance, raises questions about judgment consistency. Contradicting its ruling in Governor Adeleke’s case, where similar irregularities didn’t lead to vote nullification, undermines equal treatment before the law, fueling doubts about the court’s impartiality.
“The identified discrepancies and contradictions in the Appellate Court’s rulings pose profound threats to Nigeria’s democratic system. They undermine equal treatment under the law, erode public trust, foment political instability, and create a fertile ground for social unrest. The apparent targeting of volatile states like Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara hints at a deliberate effort to foment regional crises, potentially escalating to national conflicts.
“The current trajectory of Nigeria’s judiciary presents complications and unforeseen consequences. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must act decisively to avert anarchy and bloodshed,” the Niger Delta group said.
It, however, called on the Supreme Court to address the anomalies by ensuring the will of the people is not truncated.
“The Supreme Court’s critical review of these controversial decisions as the apex temple of Justice is essential to salvage the dwindling integrity of the judiciary. Failure to address these issues promptly could jeopardize Nigeria’s stability and reputation, potentially leading to dire consequences such as anarchy and bloodshed. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the President must act decisively to avert anarchy.
“It is paramount to emphasize that the ramifications of these discordant verdicts extend beyond the confines of the courtroom; they reverberate through the very sinews of our democratic framework.
“In conclusion, alerting the federal government and the international community to the potential consequences of inaction is crucial.”
The Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC) has commended the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its pivotal ruling that reaffirms the rule of law and the integrity of democratic processes amid the ongoing leadership crisis within the Labour Party.
The LPPMC stated, “This judgement, which nullified the illegitimate conventions orchestrated by the defunct Julius Abure-led faction, is a triumph for democracy and a strong rebuke of political impunity.”
In a statement released by its National Coordinator, Dr Kingsley Okundaye, the LPPMC expressed unwavering support for the Sen. Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Political Commission, and members of the former National Transition Committee, whose relentless efforts to restore integrity, transparency, and accountability to the Labour Party have been vindicated by the judiciary.
The LPPMC praised their “dogged” commitment to rescuing the party from the clutches of political opportunists who sought to exploit it for personal gain.
Additionally, the LPPMC welcomed the swift clarification from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on 8 May 2025, which refuted misleading media reports claiming recognition of unauthorised individuals as Labour Party leaders. INEC’s statement, signed by Chief Press Secretary Rotimi Oyekanmi, reaffirmed that the Commission had not made any decisions regarding the Labour Party and emphasised its commitment to reviewing the Supreme Court judgement before taking lawful action.
Okundaye urged INEC to maintain its bold and impartial stance, stressing that democracy flourishes when institutions courageously reject undue influence and uphold constitutional mandates.
The LPPMC encouraged INEC to expedite its review process and formally recognise the Sen. Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee as the legitimate interim leadership of the Labour Party, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The LPPMC condemned the desperate attempts of the defunct Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC), whose tenure expired on 8 June 2024, noting that their recent efforts to suspend duly elected officials such as Governor Alex Otti and Senators Ireti Kingibe and Darlington Nwokocha are a ridiculous charade, and “a dead lion’s growl” lacking any legitimacy.
Joining millions of Nigerians, the LPPMC rejected any agenda to impose a one-party state or undermine the coalition of progressive forces ahead of the 2027 elections. It called on all patriotic Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the international community to support the Sen. Nenadi Usman-led Committee in auditing the Labour Party’s finances and revealing the years of corruption under the Abure faction.
Okundaye emphasised the need to pressure INEC to act decisively in recognising lawful leadership and removing impostors from its records, resisting anti-democratic coalitions that prioritise personal interests over national liberation.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport. It demands vigilance, courage, and collective action. Let us build on this momentum to rescue Nigeria’s democracy from predatory elites.”
The Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, has levelled serious accusations against the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, claiming he has attempted to utilise the party’s platform to incite insurrection in Nigeria.
In a recent appearance on News Central, Arabambi dismissed Obi’s assertions that he won the last presidential election, further igniting the ongoing internal disputes within the party.
This statement follows a significant decision made by the faction of the party led by Peter Obi, who recently announced the indefinite suspension of several notable members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT), and Senator Darlighton Nwokocha (Abia Central), citing alleged anti-party activities.
The announcement came after an emergency meeting of the faction’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held in Abuja, where members reviewed the findings of a five-member Disciplinary Committee established the week prior.
Chaired by Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, the committee included National Secretary Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim and three other senior party officials, tasked with investigating the misconduct allegations against those suspended.
Following what they termed “exhaustive deliberation” and in accordance with the Labour Party Constitution, the NEC ratified the committee’s recommendations.
Other members suspended with immediate effect include Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.
Arabambi expressed disbelief at the audacity of Otti and Obi, stating, “How can Alex Otti and Obi claim to be chairman and secretary? They even have the nerve to write to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) as chairman and secretary to convene a NEC meeting.”
He referenced specific sections of the party’s constitution, asserting, “Section 82(1) stipulates that such letters must be signed by the national chairman of the party, and Section 12 clearly states that any association wishing to register as a political party must have its own constitution. Furthermore, Section 3, number 222 of the Constitution forbids caretakers from managing the affairs of a political party.”
Arabambi went on to criticise the party’s leadership, saying, “They brought in Dr. Doyin Okupe; now they have turned to Nenadi Usman.” He alleged that Usman has an unresolved matter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dating back to 2015, adding, “Obi is synonymous with associating with corrupt individuals.”
He continued, “They claim to be nationalists, but they are nothing but intruders — people intent on setting Nigeria ablaze. Peter Obi and others do not love Nigeria; they require the platform to unleash chaos for political insurrection.”
Arabambi concluded, “They assert they were robbed in the 2023 election, but I am here to tell Nigerians through your station that were not rigged. The individuals Peter Obi relied upon were responsible for our electoral misfortunes.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday warned against the creation of a one-party state, saying any nation that must practice it must do so carefully and with a well-planned process and projected outcome.
He stated this in Abuja while paying tribute to the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, at a memorial lecture and day of tribute.
Jonathan warned that any attempt to bring about a one-party state through political machinations to soothe only personal aspirations will be detrimental to the country.
The former president also called on the family of the late former federal commissioner to, among other things, set up a yearly memorial lecture in his honour to continue to push his ideas and what he stood for, which is a united, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.
On his part, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, lamented that the labour of our heroes past was already in vain.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted the endemic poverty in rural areas, the state of insecurity, and the rising cost of living.
He maintained that the labour of people like Pa Edwin Clark had not paid off, as the sacrifices people like Pa Clark made were in vain today.
The chairman on the occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said that the task of ensuring that Nigeria remains united and indivisible must be ensured by all, as the nation could only make progress if national interest was put before any personal interest.