The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other respondents to file their defense in a suit brought by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the directive on Monday after confirming from court records that all parties had been duly served with the case documents.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed an ex-parte motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) against the Clerk of the National Assembly (NASS), the Senate, Senate President Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuem, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.

The lawmaker is seeking an order preventing the Senate committee from proceeding with an investigation into her alleged misconduct during a plenary session on February 20, following a Senate referral on February 25.

She argues that the investigation violates her legislative privileges.

On March 4, Justice Egwuatu granted her request, ruling that any action taken while the suit was pending would be null and void.

He also permitted Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the defendants by substituted means, including publishing the court documents in two national newspapers.

At Monday’s hearing, legal representatives for the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and Senate President Akpabio claimed they had not received the legal documents.

However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), refuted this, stating that affidavits of service were already before the court.

Upon reviewing the court records, Justice Egwuatu confirmed that all defendants had been properly served.

Following this, Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), requested an adjournment to allow all legal processes to be properly filed and harmonized.

Other defense counsels supported the motion, arguing that it would help expedite the case.

Justice Egwuatu granted the request and ordered all parties to ensure their filings were completed before the next hearing. The case was adjourned to March 25 for further proceedings.

The development comes days after the Senate, in a session presided over by Akpabio, suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following a report by the Ethics Committee led by Senator Imasuem.

The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed the impact of former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), insisting that the party remains unshaken.

El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, recently announced his departure from the party, citing its deviation from its progressive ideals and accusing the current leadership of hijacking the party and abandoning internal democracy.

In a statement shared on Facebook on Monday, El-Rufai expressed disappointment over the APC’s trajectory, stating that the leadership had disregarded good governance, democracy, and development.

He called on Nigerians who share his vision for progressive governance to join him in the SDP.

“I, therefore, call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race,” he said.

However, responding to the defection, Kaduna APC Secretary, Yahaya Baba-Pate, dismissed any concerns about El-Rufai’s move, stressing that the party remains focused on securing victory for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.

“We are unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our main focus in Kaduna is to deliver the state to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in the next election,” Baba-Pate said.

He further stated that the APC in Kaduna continues to grow, noting an increasing number of politicians joining the party.

“The APC in Kaduna State is expanding daily, with high-profile politicians streaming into the party. So, we are not concerned about anyone leaving. Based on our governor’s inclusive governance, we remain confident in our strength,” he added.

Baba-Pate emphasized that the APC is not losing sleep over El-Rufai’s exit and remains optimistic about its future in the state.

Emerging reports indicate that former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi are engaged in discussions to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as opposition forces work toward forming a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources also reveal that former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Adamu, and several former ministers from the Muhammadu Buhari administration—along with discontented members of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—are considering defecting to the SDP.

This development comes amid ongoing discussions among opposition parties seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027.

A proposed coalition reportedly includes Atiku Abubakar’s faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi’s faction of the Labour Party (LP), and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently joined the SDP.

Sources suggest that opposition leaders are exploring the possibility of consolidating their forces under an already registered political party.

However, if disagreements arise over the choice of platform, they may ultimately align with the SDP as their preferred vehicle for the 2027 elections.

Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan recently hinted at significant progress in opposition merger talks.

Speaking on AIT’s Focus program, he expressed confidence that opposition leaders would soon present a viable alternative that offers Nigerians renewed hope.

According to Ologbondiyan, with the strategies being developed, defeating the current administration in 2027 could become a realistic possibility.

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has hinted that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may be considering a move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) following his father’s defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The speculation arose from Bashir’s response to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by a user, @Freedom42602077, who suggested that SDP would struggle to defeat the APC in the 2027 elections unless it aligns with Obi.

“Bro to bro, if Peter Obi is not in that party, they can’t win presidential. APC will have it again!” the user wrote.

In reply, Bashir simply stated: “He is coming.”

His cryptic remark has since fueled widespread discussions about potential

The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a warrant for the arrest of Justice Adolphus Enebeli, Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), after he failed to honor a 72-hour ultimatum to appear before the lawmakers.

The warrant was issued on Monday during plenary, as the Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, seeks to investigate Enebeli’s role in the October 5, 2024, local government election, which was nullified by the Supreme Court.

This development adds to the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara had earlier extended an invitation to the Assembly members for dialogue on implementing the Supreme Court’s verdict.

The Supreme Court had not only annulled the local government elections but also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other agencies from disbursing funds to the Rivers State government due to alleged non-compliance with court orders.

Additionally, the court upheld the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led Assembly and directed them to resume legislative activities.

Despite the controversy, Enebeli has scheduled a fresh local government election for August 9, 2025, in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in what is being viewed as a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was warmly received by Adewole Adebayo, SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, who described the move as a step toward national renewal.

Confirming El-Rufai’s entry into the party via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Adebayo hailed his arrival as a boost to the SDP’s mission of rescuing Nigeria from years of misgovernance.

“On behalf of teeming members of the @TheSDPNg and patriotic democrats who believe in Nigeria’s inevitable greatness, I heartily welcome my dear brother @elrufai to our party.

“With the hardworking and sagacious Mallam joining our ranks, an avid worker for the people has been enlisted in our forces against poverty and insecurity.”

Adebayo further emphasized the importance of implementing Chapter 2 of Nigeria’s Constitution, which focuses on fundamental human rights, social justice, and national development.

He urged other like-minded politicians to join the SDP’s movement, insisting that “Good politics begets good governance.”

El-Rufai’s defection has sparked widespread reactions, with many seeing it as a direct critique of the APC’s handling of national issues.

His transition to the SDP—an opposition party known for its progressive stance—has fueled speculation that more political heavyweights may follow suit.

Political analysts believe his departure from the APC could be a turning point in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, particularly as discontent grows within both the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The former governor, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, had previously downplayed speculation about leaving the APC.

However, his latest move suggests a decisive break from the ruling party’s direction.

With El-Rufai now in its fold, the SDP appears to be positioning itself as a credible alternative to the APC and PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adebayo’s message also took a veiled jab at the two dominant parties, referring to their years in power as “the locust years.”

Meanwhile, sources indicate that El-Rufai held closed-door meetings with key political figures on Sunday, though the details of those discussions remain undisclosed.

As the 2027 political race gradually takes shape, the SDP’s “Hope Again” campaign could gain momentum among Nigerians seeking a fresh political direction.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering an extension for the sale of its expression of interest and nomination forms for the Anambra State governorship primary, amid concerns over the party’s participation in the November 8 election.

Originally set to run from February 26 to March 5, the sale of forms was priced at 5 million naira for expression of interest and 35 million naira for nomination.

However, reports indicate that no aspirants have purchased the nomination forms so far, prompting the party to consider extending the deadline to March 12.

Party insiders attribute the lack of interest to an ongoing leadership tussle between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye over the position of PDP National Secretary.

The Court of Appeal in Enugu had ruled in December that Ude-Okoye was the rightful nominee, but Anyanwu has since taken the matter to the Supreme Court.

Speaking on the issue, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed the party’s plan to extend the sale of forms but dismissed claims that no forms had been sold.

“We are extending the deadline to allow wider participation. That is the spirit of democracy,” Ologunagba said.

“The claim that no aspirants have obtained forms is incorrect. If that is reported, it would amount to fake news.”

He further stated that the extension was a routine decision and had no connection to the Supreme Court dispute over the national secretary position.

The party is expected to officially announce the new deadline in the coming days.

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued an ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, demanding his resignation within 48 hours or risk impeachment.

During a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, APC state chairman Tony Okocha accused Fubara of committing several impeachable offenses, as highlighted in a Supreme Court judgment.

These include governing with only 12.5 percent of State Assembly members, controversies surrounding the state budget presentation, and irregularities in local government elections.

Okocha also criticized the governor’s recent invitation to the State House of Assembly through a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, calling it “absurd” and “embarrassing.”

He argued that the ongoing political situation in the state requires serious legislative action rather than what he described as a meeting of “connivance.”

He questioned why the governor was calling lawmakers to discuss their sitting venue, pointing out that they had already been holding sessions.

According to him, budget matters should not be up for debate but rather for implementation.

The APC chairman warned that Fubara was sitting on a “keg of gunpowder,” emphasizing that the party had previously cautioned him, but he ignored their advice, believing he had the ultimate authority.

“Where is the ‘red biro’ now?” Okocha asked, mocking the governor’s previous assertion of control.

Meanwhile, the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the State Assembly reconvened this morning, with sources confirming that key discussions include rejecting the governor’s invitation, addressing the budget presentation, and scrutinizing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

Former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has confirmed his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party he helped to form, following the circulation of a widely shared resignation letter.

The letter, titled “Onwards to the future”, captures El-Rufai’s reflections on his time in the APC and his reasons for leaving.

“As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC will align up to the time I choose to retire from politics.

“Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party.

“On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish. Today, the 10th of March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately.

“Subsequent to this, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues and loyalists alike about the future, and have decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.”

While El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the resignation, sources within his camp confirmed that all arrangements had been finalized for the submission of his resignation letter at his ward in Kaduna.

A close associate who served as a commissioner under El-Rufai’s administration revealed that the former governor’s move to the SDP was not unexpected.

“Yes, we are all aware that he (El-Rufai) will tender his resignation from APC today, Monday, 10th March 2025, and join SDP. That is all we have been waiting for,” the source stated.

The source further noted that those within El-Rufai’s inner circle had been anticipating the move, which had been the subject of discussions among his supporters.

Despite the letter not being posted on El-Rufai’s social media pages, a platform he frequently uses, the source vouched for its authenticity.

Last week, reports indicated that El-Rufai’s ally, Nasiru Abdullahi Maikano, had been appointed as the interim chairman of the SDP’s Caretaker Committee in Kaduna State.

El-Rufai’s recent meetings with prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, have further fueled speculation about his next political steps.

Additionally, he has engaged in discussions with key SDP leaders, solidifying his decision to switch parties.

Neda Imasuen, the chairman of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, has been permanently disbarred in New York, United States, over allegations of fraud and professional misconduct.

Documents obtained by DAILY GAZETTE reveal that Imasuen was stripped of his legal licence after he defrauded a client, Daphne Shyfield, of millions of dollars in legal fees.

Despite receiving payment to represent her in a case in 2009, he allegedly failed to appear in court and later fled to Nigeria, avoiding disciplinary proceedings.

The New York Grievance Committee for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts, after multiple failed attempts to obtain his response, formally disbarred him in May 2010.

The ruling prohibited him from practicing law in any capacity or appearing before any court in the state.

Despite this history, Imasuen was elected as the senator representing Edo South under the Labour Party in 2023 and now oversees ethical and disciplinary matters in the Senate.

His role has come under scrutiny, especially after he dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing procedural technicalities.

His case mirrors that of several Nigerian politicians with tainted pasts, including President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was disbarred in Georgia for misappropriating client funds.

Imasuen has not publicly addressed his New York disbarment.

However, his appointment to a key Senate ethics position raises concerns about accountability and governance in Nigeria’s leadership.