Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged Nigeria’s two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to respond constructively to a recent Canadian court judgment branding them as organisations engaged in terror-related activities under Canadian law.

In a statement on Monday, Falana called on both parties to address the damning findings rather than dismissing them outright.

The ruling, issued by Justice Phuong Ngo of the Canadian Federal Court, came in a case involving a Nigerian asylum seeker, Douglas Egharevba, whose appeal was rejected partly on the basis that both APC and PDP were deemed to use violence, coercion, and subversion of democratic processes in pursuit of political power.

Falana described the verdict as having “far-reaching consequences” and stressed that the definition of terrorism under Nigeria’s own Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 aligns closely with the behavior cited in the Canadian ruling.

“It is common knowledge that APC and PDP rig elections and announce fake results with the assistance of armed thugs, police, and military personnel,” Falana stated.

He criticized the parties’ responses to the court’s decision, APC’s labeling of the judge as “ignorant” and PDP’s dismissal of the ruling as “mischievous” saying both parties had dodged the core allegations.

“Rather than resorting to insults, the APC and PDP should urgently take legal steps to disprove the claim that they operate as terrorist organisations,” he said.

Falana warned that if the Canadian decision is adopted or referenced in countries like the U.S, U.K or France, party members may face visa bans, deportation, or other legal repercussions.

He advised the Federal Government to retain immigration lawyers abroad to manage the legal fallout and protect the broader image of Nigeria and its citizens.

“A mere diplomatic protest won’t reverse the judgment. The stigma will affect not only party members but all Nigerians if their government is seen as being controlled by ‘terrorist parties’,” he cautioned.

He further called on Nigerian authorities to enforce the Electoral Act rigorously, ensure that election offenders are prosecuted, and reaffirm the country’s commitment to free and fair democratic processes.

“Only through credible, transparent elections can Nigeria restore its image globally and refute such damaging narratives,” Falana concluded.

A former National Legal Adviser for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mark Jacob, has sharply criticized the conduct of the August 16, 2025 by-elections and re-runs held across 13 states, calling them a major setback for Nigeria’s democratic process.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Jacob lamented a return to an era where political might and control over state institutions determine election outcomes.

“We are back to the old days, the strongest person in government, controlling government agencies, wins, no matter what,” he stated.

Jacob cited a disturbing incident in Kaduna State where a candidate and approximately 25 supporters were reportedly abducted during a strategy meeting, sidelining their participation in the elections.

Despite this, the election proceeded, and some celebrated the outcome.

He also alleged that PDP candidates in other states were intentionally arrested before the polls, describing these tactics as antithetical to democracy.

“If you have political power and control of state apparatus, you’re bound to win. But winning by power at the polls is not something to celebrate or condone,” Jacob emphasized.

Expressing dismay at the judiciary’s role, he accused the courts of acting more like an arm of the ruling party, rather than impartial arbiters of justice.

He warned of weakening democratic checks and balances, observing that the legislative arm has become merely an extension of the executive, given that the executive orchestrates elections and insists on capturing every seat.

Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has announced that all governors from Nigeria’s South-East region are fully in support of President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.

Umahi made this declaration in while receiving the information Minister in Ebonyi state.

He emphasized that South-East governors are united in their political alignment with the president.

“There’s no governor in the South-East who isn’t backing the president,” Umahi stated.

“From Ebonyi to Enugu, Abia, Imo, and Anambra, the governors are doing well and showing support.”

The minister, who has played prominent roles both at state and federal levels, said his track record makes him a top contender should the presidency eventually be zoned to the South-East.

“When the presidency returns to the South-East, I believe I should lead the race, not out of pride, but based on my contributions and performance,” he said, pointing to his developmental achievements as governor and as a federal minister.

Throwing a challenge to his critics, Umahi invited anyone doubting his qualifications to a public debate.

“I created a legacy in Ebonyi. God used me to change things. I stand by my record,” he declared confidently. “Compare me to any other governor across time, and you’ll see the difference.”

He further expressed gratitude for the opportunities given to him, attributing part of his success to President Tinubu’s leadership.

“President Tinubu has helped transform the South-East through me. We haven’t had it this good in a long time,” Umahi said.

Looking ahead to the region’s presidential aspirations, the minister cautioned against relying solely on emotional appeals.

“We won’t achieve the presidency through sentiment. We must re-engage politically and build alliances across regions,” he advised.

“In God’s time, it will come to us. And perhaps, it will be someone standing close to the current minister,” he added with a smile.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the outcome of the Anambra South Senatorial by-election held on Saturday, August 16, accusing the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of widespread electoral fraud and violence.

APC’s candidate, Azuka Okwuosa, who lost to APGA’s Emmanuel Nwachukwu, described the election as deeply flawed and called for its cancellation.

According to the official results announced by INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Frank Ojiako, Nwachukwu won with 90,408 votes, while Okwuosa came second with 19,847 votes. Donald Amamgbo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) received 2,889 votes.

Speaking at a press conference in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Okwuosa condemned the poll as a “charade” and “a disgrace to democracy,” claiming that security forces and electoral officials were used to rig the process in APGA’s favour.

“What we witnessed was not an election but a carefully planned operation to sabotage the will of the people,” he said.

“Armed operatives under the guise of ‘Operation Udo-ga-chi’ were deployed to harass and intimidate voters across all seven local government areas.”

He also accused the operatives of laying siege to his residence and attempting to prevent him from voting.

According to him, he narrowly cast his ballot before the security personnel arrived.

Okwuosa claimed that APC had earlier raised concerns about possible manipulation and use of state apparatus to influence the outcome, saying those fears were validated by Saturday’s events.

“These security teams, made up of people with questionable backgrounds, invaded polling stations, prevented voting in many areas, and even attacked my home,” he added.

He further alleged that members of APGA and the state government, including the local government chairman and an Assembly member, were involved in orchestrating these activities.

He called on the public to reject the election results and urged his supporters to remain peaceful despite the provocation.

“I believe I won this election, and I have evidence to support that. We have CCTV footage of the incidents. Still, I’ve asked my supporters to remain calm and not retaliate,” he said.

He also criticized Governor Chukwuma Soludo, blaming him for the deteriorating security situation in the state and accusing him of failing to protect citizens during the election.

In response, APGA’s Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, dismissed Okwuosa’s allegations, calling them “the rant of a sore loser.”

“Anambra remains APGA territory. The APC has no real presence here,” Opara said.

“It’s ironic for a party that tried to manipulate the election to be the one crying foul.”

Opara claimed that the APC candidate was caught trying to divert electoral materials to his residence and accused his supporters of attacking APGA officials.

“Their governorship candidate physically assaulted the state’s Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, who is now hospitalized,” Opara alleged.

“We have lawyers reviewing the matter, and legal action will be taken.”

He maintained that despite the tension, the people’s will ultimately prevailed.

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has proposed a bill aimed at establishing modern ranches in all 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to tackle open grazing, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and enhance food security across Nigeria.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment, Development, and Management of Ranches in the 774 Local Government Areas and the Federal Capital Territory,” is currently before the Senate.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday, Nwoko who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, said the bill is designed to lay down a comprehensive legal framework for modern livestock farming nationwide.

Key Objectives of the Bill:

End Open Grazing: By providing designated, regulated spaces for livestock rearing.

Promote Food Security: Through sustainable livestock production practices.

Modernize Livestock Farming: Encouraging a shift from traditional methods to organized ranching.

Reduce Conflicts: Especially between farmers and herders.

The proposed legislation includes the creation of a Ranch Management and Development Agency, which would oversee Regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, funding transparency and conflict resolution among stakeholders.

Nwoko explained that the bill allows for state-level input on land allocation, ensures compliance with land tenure laws, and respects the rights of individuals and communities regarding land use.

It also mandates equitable compensation and resettlement for those whose lands may be affected.

He added that the bill would encourage public-private partnerships in ranch development, set veterinary and livestock welfare standards, offer financial incentives to attract private sector investment, support job creation and economic growth in local communities, as well as provide a statutory mechanism for resolving disputes arising from ranching operations.

According to Nwoko, the bill also emphasizes environmental protection, ensuring that ranching projects align with national and global best practices in land use and animal health.

“The aim is to promote sustainable, regulated ranching practices across the country. This will not only boost food production and security but also reduce violent clashes between herders and farmers, which have become a major threat to national peace,” Nwoko said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced a 110-member main organising committee to oversee preparations for its upcoming 2025 elective national convention, scheduled to take place on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

This decision follows a resolution by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which chose the South-West city as the host, aiming to strengthen PDP’s political influence in the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement confirming the development, the party said:

“Sequel to the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to hold the 2025 Elective National Convention of our great Party on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November, 2025, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the following party members have been appointed as members of the 2025 National Convention Organising Committee (Main Committee).”

Key members of the committee include:

Hon. Ahmadu Umaru – Chairman

Senator Ademola Jackson Adelere – Deputy Chairman

Kabir Tanimi Turari, SAN – Deputy Chairman II

Barrister Peter Mbah – Secretary

Senator Adolphus Wadana – Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT)

The Presidency has taken a swipe at key opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, following the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s dominant performance in the recently concluded bye-elections across the country.

Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga sparked reactions on Monday after posting on his X (formerly Twitter) account, “How is the market now?” alongside a photo collage featuring Atiku, Peter Obi, and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Though Onanuga did not explicitly mention any names in his caption, the context of the post, coming shortly after APC’s electoral gains, clearly pointed at leading opposition parties and their leaders.

The bye-elections, held across 12 states to fill vacant legislative seats left by lawmakers who either resigned or died following the 2023 general elections, saw the APC securing 12 out of 16 available seats.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that APC secured 12 seats, APGA 2 seats, PDP 1 seat and NNPP 1 seat.

In Zamfara State, the election was declared inconclusive, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expected to announce a rerun date.