The Federal High Court in Kano has issued an injunction preventing executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ganduje Ward, Dawaki Tofa Local Government Area, from taking further action regarding the suspension of APC national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman granted an interim order directing the respondents to refrain from implementing or enforcing Ganduje’s suspension.

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This decision came after an emergency meeting of the APC executive members of Ganduje Ward on April 15.

The injunction will remain in place pending the hearing and determination of Ganduje’s fundamental right of fair hearing filed before the court.

The court also instructed all parties to maintain the status quo before the emergency meeting and to abstain from any action related to the matter until a verdict is reached.

Justice Liman scheduled April 30 for the hearing in the case.

Ganduje’s legal representative, Jazuli Mustapha, submitted the application supported by an affidavit sworn to by Suleiman A. Suleiman.

Respondents in the lawsuit include Haladu Gwanjo, Nalami Mai AC, Muhammadu Baiti, Danmalam Gata, Musa Lado, Laminu Sani Barguna, Umar Sanda, Auwalu Galadima, and Abubakar Daudu.

The Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Inspector-General of Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are named as respondents.

Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to nullify an arrest warrant issued against him.

Represented by his lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, Bello argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to issue the warrant.

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Mohammed made the submission before Justice Emeka Nwite during the scheduled arraignment of the ex-governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 19-count money laundering charge.

The court had granted the EFCC’s request for a warrant following Bello’s failure to appear on Wednesday.

Justice Nwite ordered Bello’s appearance on Thursday for plea-taking.

Mohammed informed the court of a pending preliminary objection challenging the arrest warrant.

He also cited a High Court of Kogi’s order from February 9, restraining the EFCC from arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello.

The EFCC had appealed this order, with the matter set for hearing.

Mohammed argued that the EFCC’s procurement of the arrest warrant was an attempt to undermine the appellate court’s authority.

However, EFCC’s lawyer, Kehibde Pinhero, SAN, disagreed, asserting that Bello’s arraignment was on the day’s agenda. Pinhero contended that since Mohammed had appeared for Bello, the service of the warrant could proceed in court.

Pinhero emphasized that the warrant was necessary to ensure Bello’s presence in court, as previous attempts to serve him had failed.

The hearing is ongoing as of the time of reporting.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has adjourned the case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to April 23rd.

The adjournment aims to facilitate substituted service and potential arraignment of Bello over allegations of N84 billion money laundering.

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During the latest session, EFCC’s Counsel, Kemi Phinro, informed the court of Bello’s absence, attributing it to the protection provided by an individual with immunity.

Phinro disclosed that Bello was reportedly taken from his Abuja residence by the same individual with immunity.

Expressing concern over Bello’s evasion, Phinro hinted at the possibility of the EFCC seeking assistance from the military to apprehend him.

The National Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that the appointment of the party’s national chairman will not be discussed at today’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

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Speaking to journalists, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, revealed that the issue of leadership was not on the agenda as it was not considered during their yesterday’s caucus meeting.

Ologunagba explained that while the matter could be tabled at a subsequent NEC meeting, the focus of today’s gathering would be on the issues brought forth by the National Working Committee (NWC).

He further stated that Umar Damagum would continue to serve in his acting capacity until the NEC meeting following today’s session, emphasizing the importance of allowing more consultations on the matter to ensure party unity.

Former Minister of Aviation and prominent PDP member, Osita Chidoka, has issued a stark warning ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Chidoka cautioned that any misstep during the meeting could spell disaster for the party.

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In a statement released on Wednesday, Chidoka directed his message to PDP governors and the National Assembly Caucus, emphasizing the critical importance of upholding the party’s constitution.

He stressed that any attempt to disregard the party’s constitutional principles could have catastrophic consequences, potentially leading to the downfall of the party.

The upcoming NEC meeting is set to address the issue of whether the current acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, should continue in his role or be replaced.

Damagum assumed the position following the suspension of Iyorchia Ayu by a court in Benue State in March 2023.

While some within the party advocate for electing a member from the North Central to complete Ayu’s tenure in accordance with the party’s constitution, others support Damagum’s candidacy for the substantive chairman position.

Chidoka expressed grave concern over the direction the party might take at the NEC meeting. He warned that failure to prioritize constitutional adherence and respect for the party’s rules could lead to dire consequences.

He also urged the party to refocus on providing good governance and principled opposition, essential for earning the trust of Nigerians.

Chidoka concluded by underlining the urgency of addressing the internal challenges within the party to safeguard its integrity and relevance in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its highly anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting today, tensions run high amid uncertainty over the party’s direction and leadership.

The gathering is overshadowed by a power struggle among key stakeholders vying to influence the party’s trajectory ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Unlike previous contests primarily between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the dynamics have shifted.

State governors, particularly those in their second terms, have emerged as a formidable bloc seeking to assert control.

Among the influential governors are those from Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states, with some already serving their second term.

Their collective agenda appears focused on shaping the party’s future and positioning themselves for political dominance.

However, internal divisions and conflicting interests within the governor’s forum have hindered cohesive action, impeding their efforts to present a unified front.

Meanwhile, the ongoing feud between Atiku and Wike persists, with both camps maneuvering to consolidate power within the party.

Atiku’s loyalists advocate for key positions within the National Working Committee (NWC) to bolster his influence, while Wike maintains control over the current leadership, viewed as loyalists.

The recent vote of confidence passed by the NWC on the acting chairman, Umar Damagum, underscores the tug-of-war within the party.

Atiku’s camp pushes for a new chairman to spearhead party reorganization, while Wike’s faction seeks to maintain the status quo.

The North Central Caucus, in a bid to assert its influence, insists on producing the next national chairman, citing constitutional provisions. The region’s determination to uphold party rules challenges attempts to prolong Damagum’s tenure.

Former chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s withdrawal of his appeal suit against the party clears the path for decisive action on the chairmanship position. Stakeholders in the North Central now rally behind Gabriel Suswam as Ayu’s potential successor.

Amidst these internal power struggles, the PDP’s NEC meeting holds significant implications for the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects.

The outcome will shape its trajectory and determine its ability to present a united front ahead of the upcoming elections.