The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called for the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of mistreating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The forum also demanded an independent investigation into the matter to ensure justice and maintain the integrity of the Nigerian Senate.

In a statement on Wednesday, NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, condemned the alleged public intimidation of the Kogi Central senator, describing it as unacceptable, particularly at a time when gender inclusiveness and women’s rights are being widely advocated.

The NEF expressed deep concern over the situation, warning that such conduct, if left unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent.

“It is troubling that in an era of increasing global advocacy for gender sensitivity and inclusiveness, a female senator is subjected to public mistreatment by the Senate President,” Jiddere stated.

The forum emphasized that Akpabio’s alleged actions constitute an abuse of power that undermines the dignity of the Senate.

It stressed that an independent probe is necessary to ensure a fair and unbiased review of the allegations.

To facilitate an impartial investigation, the NEF insisted that Akpabio step aside immediately.

“The Senate, as Nigeria’s highest legislative institution, must uphold values of justice, fairness, and respect. Any deviation from these principles damages not only the integrity of the Senate but also Nigeria’s international reputation,” the forum added.

.. Party Disowns Dissident Group Posing As Leaders, Warns Against Division

The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Barr. Julius Abure, has reaffirmed that Barrister Casmir Agbo remains the authentic chairman of the party in Enugu State.

Abure, who was represented by the party’s National Vice Chairman (Southeast), Hon. Ceekay Igara, made this declaration on Wednesday during a visit to the Enugu Labour Party Secretariat.

Igara dispelled speculations about a leadership change within the state chapter.

According to him, Agbo’s leadership remains valid, and any attempts to destabilize the party’s structure in Enugu will not be tolerated.

“There is no controversy regarding the leadership of the Labour Party in Enugu State. Barrister Casmir Agbo is the legitimate and recognized chairman. Any claim to the contrary is baseless and an attempt to cause confusion within our party,” Abure stated.

Labour Party also disowned a group allegedly parading itself as an alternative leadership within the state chapter, describing its members as “disgruntled elements” working against the party’s interest.

Abure cautioned that the party would not tolerate activities aimed at creating division, especially as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

“Our party is focused on strengthening its structures across the country, and Enugu is no exception. We will not allow distractions from those who do not mean well for the party,” he added.

He warned that any member found engaging in anti-party activities or working against the unity of the Labour Party would face serious consequences.

Barrister Casmir Agbo, who has led the Enugu LP chapter through significant political gains, played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the party during the 2023 general elections.

Under his leadership, the party won key legislative seats in both the state and national assemblies.

In response to Abure’s reaffirmation of his leadership, Agbo expressed gratitude to the party’s national leadership and pledged to continue strengthening the Labour Party’s presence in Enugu.

“I remain dedicated to ensuring that the Labour Party in Enugu continues to grow stronger. Our focus should be on consolidating our gains and working towards a more formidable party ahead of 2027,” Agbo stated.

Several party stakeholders in Enugu welcomed Abure’s statement and urged all members to remain united and committed to the party’s ideals.

They emphasized that internal cohesion is critical to sustaining and expanding the party’s influence in the state.

In a move aimed at fostering reconciliation, the Labour Party extended an olive branch to any aggrieved members, urging them to put aside personal interests and work for the party’s collective progress.

“There is room for everyone who genuinely wants to contribute to the growth of the party. We encourage all members to come together and focus on our shared vision,” the party leadership stated.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has endorsed a proposed bill aimed at increasing women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislative chambers by reserving special seats for them.

The bill, championed by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is currently under consideration in the National Assembly.

Speaking at the Art for Governance Exhibition in Abuja—an event organized by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in collaboration with ElectHER, a women’s advocacy group, Mrs. Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized the critical role of women in governance.

She lamented the low number of women in legislative and executive positions despite their significant contributions to national development.

“Ensuring women have a stronger voice in decision-making and policy formulation is not just about fairness; it is a necessity for sustainable growth,” she stated, urging lawmakers to fast-track the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill, which mandates at least 35% representation for women in both legislative and executive arms of government.

Mrs. Tinubu reaffirmed her lifelong commitment to gender inclusion, recalling her advocacy efforts as First Lady of Lagos State, a Senator, and now as Nigeria’s First Lady.

She called on lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the public to support the bill, stressing that greater women’s participation in governance would benefit the nation.

In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu condemned the marginalization of women in leadership and stressed the importance of the bill in ensuring justice and equity.

“This bill is not just about numbers or political strategy; it is about fairness,” Kalu said. “Passing it in the 10th Assembly will not only strengthen our democracy but also leave a lasting legacy of inclusivity.”

Ibijoke Faborode, CEO of ElectHER and lead curator of the Art for Governance Exhibition, highlighted the broader benefits of gender-balanced governance, including stronger democratic institutions, improved policy outcomes, and accelerated socio-economic growth.

The Minister of Women Affairs and other prominent figures at the event also expressed their commitment to ensuring the bill’s passage, viewing it as a crucial step toward gender equality in Nigerian politics.

As part of the event, top artists were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the Art for Governance initiative. From over 150 competitors, three winners emerged:

• Segun Owolabi (First Place) – N2 million
• Chidinma Mordi (Second Place) – N1.5 million
• Precious Samuel (Third Place) – N1 million

In a surprise gesture, Deputy Speaker Kalu doubled the prize amounts, rewarding the artists for their creativity in using art to amplify the message of equity and inclusion.

Their winning pieces will be exhibited at the Echoes of Equity: Art for Governance event and displayed at the National Assembly Library for three weeks, reinforcing the intersection between art, advocacy, and policy reform.

Political tensions in Rivers State have deepened as 22 local government chairmen elected during the tenure of former Governor Chibuike Amaechi declared themselves the rightful leaders of their respective councils.

The group, elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, made the announcement during a press briefing in Port Harcourt following a Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated them.

The chairmen were initially removed from office in 2015 after a Federal High Court nullified their election. However, in a ruling delivered on February 28, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt overturned that decision, stating that the election was conducted lawfully.

Speaking on behalf of the group, former Andoni Local Government chairman, Benson Imie, noted that the Court of Appeal criticized the Federal High Court for denying them a fair hearing.

The court ruled that their removal was unconstitutional and restored them to office.

The chairmen also referenced a Supreme Court judgment from the same day, which voided the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State for violating electoral laws.

They argued that this decision created vacancies in the local councils, which they are entitled to fill.

According to former Etche LGA chairman, Reginald Ukwoma, the reinstated officials do not require a fresh swearing-in, as they had already taken their oaths before their removal in 2015.

He added that they were awaiting the Certified True Copies of the court rulings before resuming office.

The chairmen expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for upholding judicial independence and ensuring justice was served.

Meanwhile, in Osun State, the APC criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke’s visit to former Governor Bisi Akande, accusing him of seeking a “soft landing” over the ongoing local government crisis.

In a statement, APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi alleged that Adeleke’s visit was an attempt to bypass legal channels following the Court of Appeal’s verdict on February 10, 2025, which ruled in favor of the reinstated council officials.

The party challenged Adeleke to seek redress at the Supreme Court instead of political maneuvering.

“The governor’s visit is a desperate attempt to sidestep the legal process,” the statement read. “If he truly believes he has a case, why not approach the Supreme Court?”

Adeleke, however, defended his visit, stating that it was part of a broader consultation process to resolve the leadership dispute in Osun’s local councils.

He emphasized his commitment to the rule of law and peaceful governance.

During a closed-door meeting with Akande in Ibadan, Adeleke reaffirmed his respect for the former governor and pledged to engage other stakeholders, including the Osun Council of Traditional Rulers, to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

In response, Akande commended Adeleke’s initiative but urged all political actors to prioritize peace and legality in addressing disputes.

Amid these developments, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, issued a strong warning to President Tinubu, urging him to prevent a slide into political chaos.

In an open letter titled “From Osun to Lagos and Rivers: Darkness Looms,” George condemned recent political crises in multiple states, describing them as threats to democracy.

He cited the lingering LG dispute in Osun, the leadership turmoil in the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the Rivers State governance deadlock as signs of worsening instability.

George criticized the reinstatement of Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, calling it an embarrassment and questioning how he returned to power after being impeached by 36 out of 40 lawmakers in January.

“The Lagos Assembly has been turned into a battlefield of political interests. Why should this disgraceful situation persist?” he asked.

On Rivers State, George lamented the economic hardship caused by the legal battles over local government leadership, warning that the continued withholding of federal allocations could lead to chaos.

He called on Tinubu to prioritize national stability and democratic governance, urging him to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.

A coalition of opposition lawmakers has warned the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly against issuing directives to Governor Siminalayi Fubara while their defection case remains unresolved.

The warning follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that allowed the Amaewhule-led lawmakers to resume legislative duties.

However, opposition lawmakers insist that the legitimacy of their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is still under judicial scrutiny.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere criticized the faction for attempting to exert authority despite ongoing legal proceedings.

He specifically condemned their recent 48-hour ultimatum for Governor Fubara to sign the 2025 budget, calling it a desperate move to assert legitimacy.

“It is absurd that individuals whose defection remains a subject of litigation are attempting to direct a sitting governor on budgetary matters,” Ugochinyere said.

“The case challenging their illegal decampment is still before the Appeal Court, and it is concerning that the Supreme Court would grant them legitimacy while this fundamental issue is unresolved.”

He reiterated that the 27 lawmakers who defected to the APC had lost their seats by violating constitutional provisions and should refrain from interfering in the state’s governance.

“The pro-Wike group should understand that their defection renders them ineligible to function as lawmakers,” he added.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has revealed that he will announce his preferred candidate to succeed him in January 2026.

Speaking during the 11th Omituntun Ramadan lecture held at the Government House Arcade in Ibadan, Makinde reaffirmed his influence in the state’s political landscape, dismissing any notion that he had become politically irrelevant.

“I’m not yet a lame duck. Please leave my billboard at Isale Alfa,” he stated.

“In January 2026, when political activities begin, I will unveil the picture of the person who will take my place.”

Beyond politics, Makinde called on the Muslim community in Oyo to promote peace and unity, particularly during the Ramadan season.

He also urged residents to pray for his administration’s continued success in governance.