Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has confirmed her appointment as the Special Assistant on Social Events and Public Hearing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Tajudeen Abbas.

The news of Badmus’ appointment first emerged on May 10 when images of her receiving her appointment letter circulated online.

Speaker Abbas and Eniola

On Monday, Badmus took to her Instagram account to officially announce the role. “It’s Official. SA to the Speaker House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Social Events and Public Hearing,” she posted.

Expressing her gratitude, Badmus thanked Speaker Abbas for the opportunity, calling the appointment a “significant milestone” in her career.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, has addressed the possibility of a merger between the LP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview on NoireTV-GlobalBlackTV released on YouTube on Saturday, Obi also responded to the idea of being backed by Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, as a Southeast candidate.

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Expressing gratitude for Abubakar’s supportive remarks, Obi said, “I commend him and I’m grateful for his statements, especially where he said he will support me if it (the presidential ticket) goes to the South East.”

Obi emphasized that his primary focus is the well-being of Nigeria and its people, rather than personal ambition or political maneuvering.

“I’m not desperate to be president; I’m desperate to see Nigeria work, especially for the poor people because we have a lot of potential,” he stated.

Regarding a potential PDP-LP merger, Obi expressed openness to the idea if it aims to improve governance and unlock Nigeria’s potential.

“If the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly, unlock all those things that will make Nigeria a better place, I’m for it,” he affirmed.

However, Obi made it clear that he is not interested in mergers or alliances that are solely for gaining power or winning elections.

“If it’s just a merger for election or state capture, I’m not for it or part of it, I don’t want to be part of anything like that,” he asserted.

The former Anambra State governor stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among individuals and parties, but only if the objective is to build a better Nigeria.

“It might be at the party level, it might be at the individual level, might be at any level, but we must come together to be able to build a better Nigeria,” he said.

The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja has upheld the election of Governor Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11, 2023, gubernatorial poll.

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On Monday, a three-member panel led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu dismissed the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, citing lack of merit.

The tribunal found that the petitioners failed to substantiate their claims of over-voting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act of 2022.

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The panel ruled unanimously that the evidence presented by the petitioners’ witnesses was inconsistent and therefore unreliable.

Furthermore, the tribunal agreed with the respondents that allegations of forgery brought up in the petition were pre-election issues that should have been addressed within 14 days of the documents being submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During the November 11, 2023, off-cycle election, Ododo of the APC secured a decisive victory over his closest rival, Ajaka of the SDP.

Dissatisfied with the result, Ajaka lodged a petition challenging the election outcome.

The tribunal proceedings began in December 2023, culminating in the final written addresses by the parties involved on May 13. INEC, Governor Ododo, and the APC argued for the dismissal of Ajaka and the SDP’s petition, citing incompetence and lack of merit.

Represented by their legal counsel—Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN; Joseph Daudu, SAN; and Emmanuel Ukala, SAN—the respondents maintained that the petition did not hold substance.

In contrast, Ajaka’s lawyer, Pius Akubo, SAN, urged the tribunal to reject the respondents’ arguments and uphold the petition.

Ultimately, the tribunal sided with the respondents, affirming Governor Ododo’s election and dismissing the petition from the SDP and Murtala Ajaka.

A violent clash erupted at the Labour Party (LP) Secretariat when a mob, suspected to be thugs loyal to the National Chairman, Julius Abure, attacked protesters from the Edo State chapter who were demanding Abure’s removal.

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The confrontation began as the anti-Abure protesters arrived at the party headquarters in several vehicles, holding placards and chanting slogans.

As soon as some protesters disembarked, the suspected thugs, armed with sticks and other weapons, attacked the vehicles, forcing the drivers to flee.

The situation escalated when the thugs began throwing stones into the nearby Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, targeting reporters covering the incident.

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Armed policemen and operatives from the Department of State Security (DSS) intervened promptly, preventing the violence from spiraling out of control.

Currently, a police vehicle is stationed between the opposing factions to maintain order and prevent further clashes.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillips Shaibu, seeking to invalidate the February 22 governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

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Asue Ighodalo was declared the winner of the primary held in Benin City.

On Monday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that Shaibu lacked the legal standing to contest the primary’s outcome, as he neither fully participated in it nor was present at the venue on the day it was conducted.

The judge also noted that Shaibu’s application was premature, emphasizing that he failed to exhaust the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms before taking the matter to court.

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As a party member, Shaibu was required to follow the PDP’s rules and regulations, which mandate that an aggrieved aspirant must approach the party’s Appeal Committee before filing a lawsuit.

Justice Omotosho concluded that there was ample evidence supporting Ighodalo’s victory in the primary, thereby upholding the results of the election.

The Enugu State Chapter of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) has affirmed its preparedness to participate in the upcoming Enugu State council elections slated for October this year.

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Following the announcement by Prof. Christian Ngwu, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, regarding the commission’s readiness to conduct LGA elections on October 5, 2024, the YPP has signaled its commitment to engaging actively in the local elections.

Addressing reporters at the party’s headquarters in Enugu, the state chairman, Engr. Tony Udeani, underscored the significance of grassroots involvement in the democratic process.

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He emphasized the YPP’s dedication to providing a credible alternative for the people of Enugu.

“Our participation in the council elections reflects our unwavering commitment to grassroots development and good governance,” he said.

Highlighting the party’s strategic approach, Udeani disclosed the YPP’s intention to field candidates for all available positions across the various local government areas and assured that candidates would be selected based on merit, integrity, and a track record of community service.

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“Our goal is to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to local government administration in Enugu State,” Udeani affirmed.

The chairman also addressed concerns regarding electoral fairness, urging the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) to ensure a transparent and credible election process.

He called on voters to support YPP candidates, pledging the party’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

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“We call on ENSIEC to conduct these elections with the utmost integrity. We urge voters to rally behind YPP candidates who embody change and progress. With their support, we can drive meaningful change in our local communities,” he added.

Engr. Udeani reiterated YPP’s dedication to empowering youth and promoting inclusive governance.

He encouraged young people to actively participate in the electoral process, both as candidates and voters, to shape the future of Enugu State.