The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who sought to challenge a Federal High Court ruling that barred the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from investigating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The court not only struck out the motions but also awarded ₦100,000 in costs in favor of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The dispute stems from an altercation between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan on February 20, 2025, after which the Senate Committee initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Kogi Central senator.

However, a Federal High Court ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on March 10, 2025, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, halted the committee’s actions.

The injunction followed an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team.

In response, Akpabio filed two motions on March 20 and 25, 2025, asking the Appeal Court to allow him to challenge the lower court’s ruling.

His legal representative, Deborah D. Anyanwu, argued for:

“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may seek leave to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division delivered on 10th March 2025 on grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal attached as Exhibit B.”

She further requested:

“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court granting leave to the Appellant/Applicant to appeal against the decision.

“AN ORDER enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may file their Notice of Appeal… and AN ORDER… staying further proceeding… pending the hearing and determination of the Appellant/Applicant’s appeal.”

However, Akpabio’s legal team later applied to withdraw the motions.

In its ruling delivered on May 21, 2025, a three-member panel led by Justice Hamma A. Barka, with Justices Adebukunola A. Banjoko and Okon E. Abang concurring, struck out the motions.

“It is hereby ordered that: Application seeking to withdraw the two Motions dated and filed on the 20/3/2025 and 25/3/2025 is granted and same struck out.”

“Cost of ₦100,000 awarded to the 1st Respondent. Appeal No: CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 to be deleted,” the ruling read.

According to the enrolled order signed by Deputy Chief Registrar, Josephine J. Ekperobe, the court granted the withdrawal and removed the appeal from its records.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier asked the Federal High Court to stop the Senate and its committee from continuing any disciplinary action against her, arguing:

“I pray the court to grant an order restraining the Senate and its ethics committee from proceeding with the purported investigation.”

She also urged the court to declare that:

“Any action taken during the pendency of this suit is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”

Justice Egwuatu had ordered the defendants to respond within 72 hours of being served, explaining why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued.

Despite this, Akpabio moved to challenge the ruling, only to later backtrack and withdraw the motions, culminating in the appeal court’s latest decision and cost sanction.

President Bola Tinubu has advised Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to remain focused on his duties and ignore detractors.

The President made the remarks on Tuesday during the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated and refurbished International Conference Centre in Abuja, which has now been renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by key political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, FCT Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud, and several federal ministers.

While commending Wike for his work in the capital, Tinubu encouraged him to dismiss distractions.

“Don’t pay attention to busybodies and the bystanders, and whatever they say. Continue with your good work. You are a transformational leader. You have the vision, foresight and determination to succeed,” the President said.

He added that the refurbished conference centre represents a broader vision of national transformation:

“The refurbished international conference centre is part of our determined efforts to change the way we do things, to reflect us as people of quality, people of character, people of determination, people of great spirits, that’s what we are.”

“And I am glad, Nyesom Wike, you are reflecting that.”

President Tinubu emphasized that modern infrastructure is essential for economic development and national progress.

“Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are determined to renew the infrastructural and other key sectors of this country (including) transportation, healthcare, education, energy and urban development.”

“Because we understand that modern infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy in an inclusive and progressive society.”

He further stated that the conference centre’s revival underscores Nigeria’s commitment to international engagement and strategic development goals.

“The rehabilitated conference centre is a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, global partnerships, and many more thoughtful, well-outlined goals that reflect our Nigerian first.”

In a lighter moment, Tinubu addressed his political associates and appointees, reminding them that the use of the new facility would not come without cost.

“You must obey what the landlord says. You want to use this place, you gonna pay for it,” he said, reinforcing an earlier point by Wike that usage of the halls would attract fees.

Wike, a leading figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former governor of Rivers State, joined Tinubu’s cabinet in August 2023.

Despite being from the opposition, he was appointed to the APC-led government, a move that stirred political commentary.

He was later joined in October 2024 by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who became Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

The President’s show of support for Wike comes amid increased political scrutiny, with critics often questioning his position in the APC administration.

“Don’t pay attention to the busybodies and bystanders. Whatever they say, continue your good work,” Tinubu reiterated.

The leadership camp of the Labour Party (LP) under National Chairman Julius Abure has distanced the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government from the crisis currently destabilizing the party, instead accusing Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti of being the real architects of the turmoil.

This rebuttal comes a day after Obi, the LP’s 2023 presidential flag bearer, blamed the federal government for instigating divisions in the party.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday, Obi said:

“This is what you get, always, right? This is what you get always in Nigeria, because we now live in a country of propaganda and lies, and they manufacture it.”

“The problem we have in Labour Party is a problem instigated and sustained by the government of today.
I don’t need to tell you when you have a party chairman who calls a state governor a dwarf and dwarf thinking. Forget about me, so it’s not weak.”

“Okay, I’m weak, but it’s not weak. Is every other person there weak? So we’re not sincere with ourselves.”

“You speak the truth and they call you names. And we now live in a country of propaganda and lies. They are trying to put problems everywhere, they want to even put problems in families.”

In response, the Abure-led faction, through National Secretary Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, dismissed Obi’s claims, accusing him of deliberate misinformation and refusing to own up to his role in the party’s leadership crisis.

“It is therefore pertinent to put on record that the problem with the Labour Party was not created by the ruling party (APC), rather the problem in the Labour Party was created and sustained by Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, who is presently serving suspension for anti-party activities.”

“We dare Obi to produce any tangible or intangible evidence which suggests remotely or otherwise that the Abure leadership of the Labour Party is on the bed with the APC-led government.”

The LP leadership also challenged Obi to take responsibility for what they see as failed leadership.

“Nobody is infallible and it behoves on anyone who makes mistakes to be bold enough to own it. When good leaders fail, they should own up to their responsibilities.”

“Obi failed in providing leadership for the party. He should own up to his mistakes. It is therefore shameful for Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti to continue to accuse the government of infiltrating Labour Party and by so doing demarketing the party.”

Revisiting the past, the Abure faction highlighted the support the party offered Obi during his 2023 presidential campaign:

“This same government was in existence in 2022 when the party made six aspirants, including Prof. Pat Utomi to step down for Peter Obi as the party’s candidate.”

“The government was in existence when the party crisscrossed all the nooks and crannies of the country including the insecurity prone areas campaigning for Peter Obi in 2022 and 2023.”

“The government was in existence when the national chairman, Julius Abure travelled across Europe and the United States to galvanise support for Peter Obi.”

“The government was also in existence when the party leadership mobilised its members across the state leading to over six million votes won during the election.”

They further claimed that peace existed in the party until Obi and Otti allegedly created a parallel leadership structure in Abia State:

“It was the same leadership that you claimed has been infiltrated that stood with Peter Obi throughout the tribunal and up to the Supreme Court.”

“The same Abure appeared in court more than Obi refusing to be cowed when a splinter group wanted to hijack the process.”

“For the record, there was no problem in the Labour Party until Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti went to Umuahia, Abia State to create an illegal and unconstitutional Caretaker Committee that polarized the party. And may I ask, is it the ruling party that sent Obi and Otti to Umuahia to create a division in the party?”

They also referenced the court rulings which upheld Abure’s leadership, accusing Obi and Otti of ignoring legal verdicts in a bid to forcefully seize control of the party:

“They were also aware that the courts; from the lower court up to the Supreme Court clearly affirmed the leadership of the party, but Peter Obi and Alex Otti surreptitiously plotted to hijack the leadership of the party by instigating the division.”

“Again, is it the government in power that created the division or forced them to march to INEC headquarters to exhibit their ignorance?”

Addressing the controversial exchange of insults between Abure and Otti, the camp defended the chairman’s remarks as a response to earlier provocations:

“For Peter Obi to be responding to the comment where the National Chairman referred to the governor as being dwarfy in knowledge, we want to say clearly that there is no action without a reaction.

The National Chairman was only responding to a pejorative comment made by the governor wherein he referred to the National Chairman as ‘masturbating’.

The governor neither retracted nor apologised for that reckless statement. He showed utter disrespect to the constituted authority of the party; to the man who went out of his way to help him achieve his ambition to be a governor.”

They argued that Otti’s stance displayed a misunderstanding of the legal and political situation:

“If the governor is not limited or dwarfy in knowledge, he would have appreciated the import of the Supreme Court judgement which practically resolved the crisis in the party but these men were only blinded by their inordinate desire to wrestle the party from the present leadership.”

Farouk Ibrahim stated that the party is now focused on rebuilding:

“The party leadership has moved on since the Supreme Court judgement and we are working hard to reposition the party, to restore confidence in our members, and prevent further membership hemorrhage being witnessed across virtually all opposition parties in Nigeria today.”

He concluded by reminding Obi and his allies of the loyalty the party had once shown them:

“Labour Party will never go into any alliance with any other party to betray our candidates. We had every opportunity in 2023 to do so, but we chose to stand by Peter Obi and even Alex Otti before and even after the general election, when their matters were in court, but we were very consistent because of the bigger picture.”

“And now that they have failed in their plot to dislodge a lawful leadership, they have simply resorted to blackmail instead of showing gratitude.”

“One takeaway from Obi’s interview is that he has acknowledged that Abure is the National Chairman of the Labour Party as he clearly stated.”

“We are therefore calling on Peter Obi and other aggrieved members of the party to understand and digest the fact that Barrister Julius Abure leadership has come to stay and nothing can change.”

Opposition lawmakers in Nigeria have voiced strong support for embattled Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that he should not be blamed if he chooses to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to them, the real betrayal lies with his current party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The comments come amid growing speculation over Fubara’s possible shift to the APC, following a high-profile visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of the opposition bloc, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere released a statement on Tuesday asserting that the PDP’s internal missteps are the root cause of the current political tensions.

“Well, if Governor Fubara eventually joins the APC, he should not be blamed, but his party, the PDP, betrayed him.”

“It will not be his fault but that of the PDP, which gave the former governor, Nyesom Wike, a serving minister in the APC government, the party’s structure,” the statement read.

The lawmakers criticized the PDP for ceding too much influence to former Governor Nyesom Wike, who now holds a ministerial position in President Tinubu’s cabinet.

According to them, the decision to hand over the party’s political structure to Wike has significantly undermined Fubara’s leadership.

They also condemned the PDP’s perceived silence and inaction during the political crisis in Rivers State, especially when some legislators, who later defected to the APC, allegedly attempted to impeach Governor Fubara.

“PDP equally supported the lawmakers who decamped to the APC against the governor and wanted to impeach him, but his party did little or nothing to protect Fubara as its leadership was busy hobnobbing with Wike,” the lawmakers said.

Following Fubara’s suspension and the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, the opposition accused PDP leadership of offering only superficial responses.

“Even after his suspension, what did PDP do to help Fubara apart from issuing mere statements to condemn the president’s action in the afternoon and support it in the night?” the statement added.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has denied any involvement in opposition-led coalition efforts to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Speaking during a visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, the former governor emphasized that his priority is fostering collaboration between Tinubu and Otti.

“I’m not into coalition talks… My deal is for Tinubu and Otti to support each other,” Kalu stated, firmly distancing himself from political realignment speculations.

“Otti doesn’t have a problem with me. I don’t want to talk about a coalition; I want to talk about Otti supporting Tinubu and Tinubu supporting Otti. That is my deal.”

The senator made these remarks while addressing reporters on the heels of growing speculation surrounding opposition coalition talks aimed at presenting a unified front against the Tinubu administration in the 2027 general elections.

Kalu also spoke about his personal rapport with former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), criticizing the Tinubu government in the process.

“El-Rufai is my personal friend and brother, so their condition is what I do not understand. What I understand is that APC is on course, and I have many triggers to pull out,” Kalu said.

It will be recalled that El-Rufai publicly exited the APC earlier this year, branding the Tinubu-led administration as the “worst and most corrupt” in Nigeria’s history.

His departure added fuel to coalition rumors among key political figures ahead of the 2027 election season.

Despite this political turbulence, Kalu appears committed to maintaining party loyalty while encouraging cooperation between federal and state leadership in Abia.

His visit to Governor Otti has also stirred intra-party controversy, with the Abia APC reportedly distancing itself from the engagement.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) must zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region of Nigeria if it wants to secure his support in the upcoming election.

Wike made this demand on Monday while presenting the communiqué from a PDP stakeholders’ meeting organized under the banner of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP” in Abuja.

Despite currently serving in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wike maintained that his allegiance to the PDP remains conditional.

In May, the APC leadership had endorsed Tinubu for an automatic second-term ticket in 2027, and Wike has publicly committed to supporting the president’s re-election.

However, speaking on Monday, Wike signaled a willingness to throw his weight behind the PDP, but only if the party shifts its presidential ticket southward.

He stated, “The party must make an unequivocal pronouncement zoning its presidential candidate to the South in the 2027 elections after the unbroken years of Northern President under President Muhammadu Buhari.”

He argued that such zoning would reflect principles of equity, inclusiveness, and constitutional fairness within the PDP.

“In the spirit of fairness, inclusion, federal character principles and respect for our party constitution,” he added.

Wike also addressed internal disputes within the PDP, especially concerning the legitimacy of its leadership structure.

He emphasized that only the party’s National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, has the constitutional authority to issue official notices for meetings and conventions.

“In line with the provisions of our party constitution, only the National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, can issue notices of meeting of the National Convention, National Executive Committee, National Caucus and the National Working Committee.”

“And to this end, all notices not issued by him and actions founded on them, including correspondences to INEC, are null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” Wike declared.

He called on the PDP to abide by a Supreme Court ruling recognizing Anyanwu’s position, stating that doing so is essential to the party’s survival.

“To finally arrest the inexorable drift towards extinction in our party, the party must, without further delay, respect the judgment of the Supreme Court,” he said.

“We, therefore, unequivocally reaffirm Senator Sam Anyanwu as the duly elected and substantive National Secretary of our great party,” Wike concluded.

Former Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, has denied claims that he has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following Governor Umo Eno’s recent move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

In a personally signed statement, Chief Essien clarified that his attendance at the governor’s defection event was merely a gesture of solidarity as a native of Akwa Ibom State and not an indication of party allegiance.

“I have not defected from any party to another,” Essien stated firmly, adding that he has maintained a neutral position since retiring from active politics in 2014.

Despite his political neutrality, Essien praised Governor Umo Eno’s leadership style, describing it as both inclusive and mature.

He acknowledged the governor’s defection as a calculated response to ongoing internal crises within the PDP, saying it was intended to help the state align with the APC-led federal government for broader benefits.

“The governor has taken the right decision to secure his next election on a relatively stable platform,” Essien noted.

He went on to criticize the PDP for what he described as a “self-inflicted debacle” and the lack of internal democracy.

However, Essien also expressed concern over Governor Eno’s alleged attempts to coerce lawmakers and local government officials into following him to the APC.

He described this pressure as inconsistent with the inclusive leadership style the governor is otherwise known for.

“These elected officers have independent mandates and should be free to make their own political decisions,” he emphasized.

Essien also voiced disappointment over the lack of support from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

He pointed out that PDP members and politically neutral figures have been excluded from federal appointments and empowerment opportunities under the APC-led administration.

“As an elder statesman, my priority remains the unity, peace, and progress of Akwa Ibom State,” Essien concluded.

He urged political leaders across the spectrum to respect differing opinions and work toward peace, stability, and development in the state.

In a high-profile ceremony in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially inaugurated the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre, a landmark now renamed in his honor.

The event, which took place on Tuesday, drew attendance from prominent government figures including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

FCT Minister Wike used the occasion to defend the decision to rename the centre after President Tinubu, linking the transformation of the facility to his leadership.

“It is important for the public to know and understand why this is called Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre,” Wike stated.

“This conference centre was built in 1991 under the military government. Since that time, nothing has happened to this International Conference Centre.”

Wike recounted how President Tinubu had expressed dismay over the poor state of the centre during a visit in mid-2023.

“Last year, July/August, you (Tinubu) came here to inaugurate the ECOWAS Parliament. It is an embarrassment for a country to still have this as an international conference (centre) then, and you said, ‘how can we have this’? That shows leadership.”

He added, “And you (Tinubu) said, ‘Next time you want to come here, you want to see a different international conference.”

“Within eight months, Mr President, this is what we have. And I agree that without your leadership, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

“You’re not the only President who has come here; so many Presidents have come here, and nobody has said this is what Nigeria needs.”

Describing the updated facility, Wike declared, “Today, this is the Bola Ahmed International Conference Centre, which can match any other international conference centre.”

Originally completed in 1991 under the military administration of Ibrahim Babangida, the conference centre had experienced years of neglect.

The recent renovation, however, has sparked widespread debate, particularly due to its price tag of N39 billion.

Wike addressed the financial concerns earlier this year, saying at a media briefing, “I am pleased with what is happening. Julius Berger has promised us that they will complete it. The total cost is N39 billion, not N39 million.”

He continued, “Furthermore, all the required materials are available. When discussing the percentage of work progress, it is essential to consider the work completed and the on-site materials.”

“I can confidently say that work is 70 to 80 per cent complete, and they have assured us they will finish and hand it over by May.”

Wike concluded by stressing the importance of having a world-class facility: “For everyone’s satisfaction, coming from a country like this, we cannot discuss having a befitting conference centre.”

“What is the essence of Nigeria, the largest nation? Are we merely large in name? We travel globally and observe standards; why should our own be different?”

While the new name and upgraded facility have drawn praise from some quarters, critics continue to question the timing and cost of the project, particularly in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.