The Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun, from taking any further steps that could negatively impact the interests of the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order in response to a suit filed by Anyanwu, who alleged that there were moves to sideline him in the party’s affairs, even as he continues to challenge a judgment of the Court of Appeal in Enugu that affected his position as PDP National Secretary.

During the last hearing on February 19, Justice Ekwo declined to grant an ex-parte order sought by Anyanwu to prevent INEC from acting on any document from the PDP without his signature as National Secretary.

Instead, he ruled that the respondents—INEC and Damagun—must be given an opportunity to show cause why the reliefs sought should not be granted.

The judge then directed Anyanwu to serve the court documents on the respondents and adjourned the case to February 24 for them to present their arguments.

Among the reliefs sought in the motion, filed alongside the substantive suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/254/2025), are:

“An order of interim injunction, restraining INEC, its servants or officers, from accepting, acting on or giving effect to any correspondence, letter, document, mail, notice, form and or written submission purported to emanate from the PDP not signed by him pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed simultaneously with this motion ex-parte.”

“An order of interim injunction restraining the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagun, or his agents from forwarding, sending or dispatching to INEC any correspondence, letter, document, mail, notice, form and or written submission purported to emanate from the PDP, signed by the acting Chairman and not countersigned by him, pending the hearing of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed simultaneously with this motion ex-parte.”

At Monday’s hearing, INEC was represented by a lawyer, Ahmed Mohammed, while Damagun had no legal representation.

Mohammed informed the court that INEC had filed a counter-affidavit challenging the competence of the suit. He also confirmed receiving all court documents related to the case but admitted that INEC had not filed an affidavit to show cause as ordered by the court.

Justice Ekwo observed that instead of responding to Anyanwu’s application for interim orders, INEC had chosen to address the substantive case by filing a counter-affidavit.

“INEC has not given any tangible reason to show cause, but rather filed a process that goes to the substance of the matter,” the judge remarked.

He then issued a warning to INEC, stating, “It is the order of this court that INEC should not do anything contrary to the prayers of the applicant until further order of this court. The first and second defendants (INEC and Damagun) are ordered not to do anything or take action that will contravene the prayers of the applicant.”

“I hereby make an order for accelerated hearing of this matter,” Justice Ekwo added.

During proceedings, lawyers representing the PDP and Udeh-Okoye Enemchukwu—Paul Erokoro (SAN) and Paul Ogbole (SAN)—informed the court that their clients had applied to be joined as parties in the suit.

Anyanwu’s lawyer, Ken Njemanze (SAN), acknowledged receipt of the joinder applications but noted that the time for his response had not elapsed.

Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned the matter to February 28 for the hearing of all pending applications.

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has ruled out the possibility of joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that while he has no intention of defecting to the party, he might explore other options if the All Progressives Congress (APC) fails to address its internal challenges.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai dismissed speculations surrounding his political future and clarified that his recent engagements with politicians from other parties should not be misinterpreted as plans to leave the APC.

“It should be clear that the fact that I’m in the APC doesn’t mean that I cannot visit a friend of mine who is in the PDP or SDP. So anytime I visit anyone that is not in APC, they say, ‘Oh, he’s thinking of leaving the party.’ In fact, about two months ago, one character in Kaduna posted on his Facebook page that I’ve collected a PDP membership card in my ward. It was totally untrue.”

Addressing rumors about his alleged move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) following his visit to the party’s national headquarters, he explained:

“When I visited my brother and friend Shehu Gabam at the SDP headquarters, they said, ‘Oh, he has joined the SDP.’ Again, not true.”

While reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, El-Rufai acknowledged that his future in the party depends on its ability to realign with its founding principles.

“I don’t know where I will end up if the APC doesn’t come back to where we started. But one thing I can tell you for sure is that PDP is not a party that I will go to, ever. I have thought about that. I’ve decided that long ago, and nothing has changed. In fact, if anything, PDP has gotten worse—rule out PDP.”

His remarks come amid growing speculation about his political realignment, fueled by reports of a recent meeting with PDP leaders in Kaduna. Confirming the meeting, the former governor stated that it was not politically motivated.

“I met with PDP leadership in Kaduna a couple of days ago. The state leadership of the party came to see me, and I will meet with them. You know, I’m a public figure in my state, and at my age, and based on the responsibilities I have held, I am a leader of some sort.”

El-Rufai also emphasized that his political engagements transcend party lines, urging people not to misinterpret such meetings.

“If people say they want to see me, I’m not going to say, ‘You are PDP, I won’t see you,’ or ‘You are SDP, I will only meet with APC people.’ It is my duty to meet with everyone. It is my duty to guide and mentor young people across partisan divides. So, I meet with people, but the moment I meet with everyone, everything is reduced to politics.”

While reaffirming his rejection of the PDP, he did not entirely dismiss the possibility of switching allegiances if the APC fails to address its internal issues.

“But PDP, no. Other parties, possibly, if the APC doesn’t sort itself out.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has criticized Nigerians for demanding better infrastructure while resisting taxation, which funds these developments.

Speaking at a two-day public hearing on the Tax Reform Bills on Monday, he highlighted the contradiction in expecting high-quality public services without contributing to the tax system.

Akpabio pointed out that while the government is committed to improving lives, it cannot function effectively without sufficient revenue.

He explained that tax evasion is widespread across different sectors of the economy, from informal traders to high-earning professionals.

“Tax evasion is not new in Nigeria. From traders in bustling markets to high-earning professionals, many go to great lengths to avoid paying taxes,” he said.

He emphasized that the informal economy, which accounts for a significant portion of Nigeria’s GDP, largely operates outside the tax system.

“Even within the formal sector, businesses often underreport earnings to minimize their tax liabilities.”

“At the same time, Nigerians have high expectations of the government, demanding better infrastructure and services.”

“They demand better roads to ease transportation and reduce accidents, 24-hour electricity to support businesses and households, functional hospitals to reduce medical tourism and save lives, and quality education to prepare the next generation. All of these require funding, and taxation is the most sustainable way to provide it,” he stated.

Akpabio acknowledged the frustration many feel over Nigeria’s complicated tax system, where businesses face multiple levies at the federal, state, and local levels.

He warned that excessive taxation without clarity could discourage investment and economic growth.

“If we are not careful, our system may discourage investment and economic activity,” he cautioned.

The Senate President also addressed concerns about the fair distribution of tax revenue, using breweries in Ogun State as an example.

He noted that while production takes place in Ogun, most taxes are paid in Lagos, where company headquarters are located.

“This imbalance must be addressed,” he insisted, advocating for a tax system that ensures fairness for all states.

He urged Nigerians to view taxation as a civic duty that supports national development rather than a burden.

“There is no country in the world that develops without an effective tax system,” he emphasized.

Akpabio outlined key aspects of the Tax Reform Bills under discussion, including tax harmonization to reduce duplication, lowering the cost of tax collection to maximize development spending, and introducing digital tax systems for improved transparency and accountability.

As the hearing continues, stakeholders from various sectors are expected to contribute ideas to create a tax system that is fair, transparent, and growth-oriented.

The central question, however, remains: Can Nigerians demand good governance while resisting taxation? According to Akpabio, national development is a shared responsibility, requiring both government accountability and citizen participation in funding the system.

Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, representing Rano, Kibiya and Bunkure Federal Constituency of Kano state has dismissed his suspension from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano, calling it baseless and a violation of a court ruling.

Reacting to the announcement by Kano NNPP Chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, Rurum insisted that he and his colleagues have never been aligned with the faction that altered the party’s logo, making it clear that they belong to a different NNPP faction.

DAILY GAZETTE reported that Rurum and Madakin Gini had previously distanced themselves from the Kwankwasiyya movement, aligning instead with the NNPP faction that retains the fruit and basket logo.

“The world knows that since they changed the party’s logo, we have not been with them. We are in the NNPP with the fruit and basket logo, while they are with the book logo. We also have a court judgment that dismissed their claims,” he said.

He accused the Kano NNPP leadership of disregarding legal rulings, stating:

“What they did is a contempt of court. They are not legitimate party leaders. After our victory, they took us to an Abia High Court, and even this week, we were in court again. They are deceiving Nigerians.”

Rurum also suggested that the suspension was linked to the recent wedding of Senator Kawu Sumaila’s daughter, which he noted was attended by several prominent figures.

“The real issue disturbing them, which shouldn’t even be politicized, is the wedding of Senator Kawu Sumaila’s daughter. Honourable Nigerians were in attendance, and all of them, including Kwankwaso, were invited, but they refused to show up.”

Dismissing the suspension as inconsequential, Rurum asserted that his faction operates separately.

“Everybody in this country knows we are on two different lanes. They have only suspended themselves because we are not with them,” he declared.

The controversy over local government administration in Osun State has intensified as Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the newly sworn-in chairmen and councillors to stay away from their offices, despite their inauguration on Sunday.

This directive follows an instruction from the All Progressives Congress (APC), which urged its reinstated chairmen and councillors to resume work at the council offices on Monday, further escalating the dispute.

The swearing-in ceremony, held in Osogbo, was attended by Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who expressed solidarity with Adeleke amid the ongoing local government crisis.

Governor Makinde cautioned against political violence in Osun and the southwest, urging President Bola Tinubu not to use federal influence to interfere in the situation.

During the ceremony, Governor Adeleke defended the legitimacy of the election, asserting that due process was followed.

“We are aware of the legal controversies surrounding the election. However, we are confident that we are on the side of the law, within the framework of the constitution and rule of law,” he said.

The governor also advised the newly elected officials to avoid confrontation and allow the legal process to take its course.

“Please stay away from the council secretariats to prevent any clashes, as the police have aided those forcefully occupying these offices. We will rely on the judiciary to ensure their peaceful removal. Be patient and abide by the rule of law,” Adeleke stated.

A suit has been filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to declare the Delta North Senatorial seat vacant following Senator Ned Nwoko’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The case was brought forward by a constituent and PDP member, Marvis Ossai, who is asking the court to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye-election within 60 days of judgment.

Senator Nwoko, INEC, PDP, and the Senate have been listed as defendants in the legal action.

The plaintiff, in his submission to the court, requested several reliefs, including:

“An order of this Honourable Court, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC– the 2nd Defendant – to conduct a bye-election into the Delta North Senatorial District of the Nigerian Senate within sixty (60) days from the date of the delivery of Judgement herein.”

“An order of this Honourable Court declaring vacant the seat of Ned Munir Nwoko and cancelling his Certificate of Return issued to him by the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

“An order of this Honourable Court mandating the 1st Defendant, Nwoko, to refund into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, forthwith, all the salaries, emoluments and allowances received by him since January 2025 until the date of the final judgement in this matter.”

“An order disqualifying the 1st Defendant from standing election into any elective post under the amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria until and unless he complies with every term of the judgement in this suit.”

“An order mandating the 4th Defendant (Senate) to immediately give effect to the judgement of this Honourable Court.”

According to a five-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Ibrahim Isa, the plaintiff informed the court that Senator Nwoko resigned from the PDP on January 30, despite being elected on the party’s platform to serve until 2027.

The plaintiff, a resident of Oshimili North Local Government Area in Delta North, argued that Nwoko’s continued tenure in the Senate after defecting violated constitutional provisions.

“That since when the 1st Defendant decamped from the PDP up to the present moment of initiating the instant suit, there is never any division in the National Leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”

“That the ideology of the 1st Defendant’s new party, All Progressives Congress (APC), to which the 1st Defendant now fully subscribes, does not bear any similarity or represent the political philosophy of the People’s Democratic Party [which is the basis upon which the Plaintiff resolved to cast his vote for and elected the Defendant in 2023.”

“That the conduct of the Defendant in defecting from the People’s Democratic Party to All Progressives Congress has dealt a major blow to the fortunes of the Plaintiff’s Party, the People’s Democratic Party.”

“That the conduct of the 1st Defendant being challenged herein if not condemned and upturned by this Honourable Court will continue to encourage political harlotry, legislative rascality and destroys the reasons for the laws made to regulate the defection of National Assembly Members by the Constitution of Nigeria itself.”

“That the continuous stay of the 1st Defendant at the Federal Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does no longer represent the Plaintiff’s interest or that of thousands of other members of our constituency who voted him in on the basis of our faith in our Party’s manifesto which they believed the 1st Defendant was capable of representing in the Federal Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

“That the Defendant is now representing adverse interests of the people who fought the Plaintiff’s party tooth and nail [in the year 2023] to forestall the emergence of the 1st Defendant as the Member Representing DELTA NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT Federal Constituency on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP).”

“That time is of the greatest essence in the instant application. It will be in the interest of justice for this Honourable Court to grant the prayers contained on the face of this Originating Summons.”

As at the time of filing this report, the case has not been assigned to a judge for hearing.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has indefinitely suspended Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South, along with three members of the House of Representatives from Kano State, over alleged anti-party activities.

The affected lawmakers include Abdullahi Sani Rogo (Rogo Federal Constituency), Alhaji Abdullahi Rurum (Rano/Kibiya Federal Constituency), and Ali Maadakin Gini (Dala Federal Constituency).

Announcing the suspension at a press briefing on Monday, NNPP Chairman in Kano, Hashimu Dungurawa, stated that the decision was taken due to the lawmakers’ alleged gross misconduct.

Dungurawa criticized the suspended members, noting that they had been given opportunities within the party after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), yet allegedly engaged in actions detrimental to the NNPP’s interests.

He emphasized that the party would not tolerate disloyalty, adding that necessary disciplinary measures had to be enforced to uphold party discipline.