Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a ruling preventing the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from removing Umar Damagum as the party’s Acting National Chairman.

The court’s restraining order ensures that Damagum will remain in the position until the party’s national convention, which is scheduled for December of next year.

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The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by Senator Umar El-Gash Maina, the Yobe State PDP Chairman, who alleged that certain stakeholders within the party were holding secret meetings to forcefully replace Damagum with a former Kogi State deputy governor, Phillip Salawu. Maina argued that these actions were in violation of the PDP’s constitution.

In his judgment, Justice Lifu emphasized that, according to Articles 42, 47, and 67 of the PDP Constitution, national officers can only be elected at a national convention.

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The judge agreed with the plaintiff, stating that Damagum could only be replaced through a court order or during the national convention.

The plaintiff had previously written two letters to the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, to raise concerns about the clandestine meetings, but these letters went unaddressed.

As a result, Maina sought legal intervention to protect the PDP Constitution and ensure that the party adhered to its rules, particularly regarding the rotation of the national chairmanship between the North and South.

Justice Lifu also rejected the defendants’ objections, which claimed that Maina had no legal standing to bring the suit and that the court lacked jurisdiction.

The judge ruled that Maina, as a PDP member with a valid membership card, had the right to protect the party’s constitution and that his concerns were justiciable.

Delta State Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Mr. Emeka Nkwoala, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resume the payment of subvention to political parties in order to promote a healthy multi-party democracy.

Nkwoala made the appeal on Thursday during the party’s state congress in Asaba, where delegates were elected for the ZLP’s upcoming national convention.

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Speaking at the event, Nkwoala noted that smaller parties like the ZLP struggle financially compared to larger parties, which often receive backing from elected officials within their ranks.

“Before now, INEC used to provide subvention to all political parties, but they stopped. They need to create an enabling environment for all parties to foster a multi-party system and ensure a vibrant democracy,” he said.

Nkwoala also criticized early discussions surrounding the 2027 elections, emphasizing the need to focus on holding recently elected leaders accountable.

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“I am concerned when people begin to talk about 2027 elections when it has been less than a year since we elected new leaders. Instead of discussing the next election, we should focus on ensuring these leaders fulfill the promises they made during the campaign.”

He urged citizens to engage with political office holders and demand accountability, noting that elected officials are receiving more revenue from the federal account and should be transparent about how the funds are being used.

Nkwoala further expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s handling of the economy and called on state governments to alleviate the hardships facing the people.

During the congress, five delegates were elected from Delta State to attend the party’s national convention in Abuja.

Mr. Lucky Ukurabore, the ZLP’s National Youth Leader and Chairman of the Planning Committee, confirmed the election results in the presence of INEC representatives, including Barrister Mrs. Ann Nwoko, who observed the proceedings.

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Ukurabore commended INEC for ensuring a smooth and transparent consensus election.

Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has hinted that he will soon address the calls from various political groups and the people of Bauchi State urging him to contest the governorship seat in the 2027 election.

Speaking to journalists in Zaranda Village, Toro Local Government Area, the Senator acknowledged the growing pressure for him to join the race, stating, “I will respond to the calls at the appropriate time, whether positively or negatively. Let us continue to pray for God’s guidance and long life, as He alone knows what the future holds.”

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Senator Buba, who has had a strained relationship with the current state governor, Senator Bala Muhammad, emphasized that it is still premature to delve into discussions about the 2027 election campaign.

Although he represents the Bauchi South district, Buba highlighted his commitment to the broader interests of the entire state, noting that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), only managed to secure the senatorial seat in his district during the last election.

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Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been summoned by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja over allegations of criminal breach of trust and unlawful possession of property.

The court order, issued by Justice Maryann E. Anenih, alleges that Bello committed the offenses between 2016 and 2023.

The summons, dated October 3, 2024, and made public via the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s social media platform, accuses Bello of violating Section 311 of the Penal Code Law, which addresses criminal breach of trust, and Section 319A, related to possession of unlawfully obtained property.

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He is expected to appear in court on November 14, 2024.

The EFCC had previously declared Bello wanted and filed multiple charges against him, accusing him of involvement in money laundering offenses totaling N110.4 billion.

These fresh charges come after earlier accusations involving N80 billion, with the former governor facing 19 charges alongside his nephew, Ali Bello, and others.

Bello’s appearance at the EFCC headquarters in September, alongside the current Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, sparked controversy as the visit was not followed by any interrogation.

The EFCC later criticized the visit, describing it as a “stunt,” suggesting that Bello was not genuinely interested in cooperating with the investigation.

Additionally, an earlier attempt by the EFCC to arrest Bello in September was unsuccessful.

Bello now faces further legal challenges, with fresh charges adding to his already complicated legal battles.

The Rivers State Government has maintained that the recent Appeal Court ruling in Abuja on Thursday did not reinstate Martin Amaewhule and 26 other defected members of the State House of Assembly.

In a statement released by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, the government emphasized that Amaewhule and the others had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 11, 2023, which automatically rendered their seats vacant.

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Iboroma clarified that according to Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, their seats were vacated upon their defection, and no court ruling is needed for this provision to take effect.

He further explained that the issue of their defection was not part of the cases heard by the Federal High Court or the Court of Appeal in Abuja, dismissing any claims that the court had legitimized their positions in the House.

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He added that following the Appeal Court’s decision, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed his legal team to appeal the ruling at the Supreme Court and file for a stay of execution.

The Attorney General also noted that following the defection, the Governor recognized Edison Ehie as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly when the 2024 Appropriation Bill was presented in December 2023.

The bill was later passed into law by the Assembly under Ehie’s leadership.

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Iboroma criticized the portrayal of the court’s decision as reinstating Amaewhule and his group, calling it a misrepresentation.

He stated that their defection was not an issue determined by the courts, and the legal challenges instead centered on the 2023 Appropriation Law and the National Assembly’s involvement in the Rivers State House of Assembly’s legislative duties.

He also noted that Governor Fubara had complied with a directive from the President to withdraw legal actions in order to promote peace, while Amaewhule and the others continued their case, leading to a judgment against the state government.

A factional crisis has hit the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leading to the suspension of several top officials.

The National Working Committee (NWC) led by Acting National Chairman Illiya Damagum first suspended the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, over allegations of disloyalty and insubordination.

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The NWC, during its 593rd meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024, decided that both Ologunagba and Ajibade should step aside to allow investigations into the allegations.

A committee chaired by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, was formed to investigate the matter.

The NWC directed the deputies of the affected officials, Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga and Okechukwu Osuoha, to assume the roles of Acting National Publicity Secretary and Acting National Legal Adviser, respectively, beginning October 11, 2024.

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However, in a surprising twist, Ologunagba responded by announcing the suspension of the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum, and the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.

Ologunagba’s statement pointed to their involvement in sending a letter to the Court of Appeal concerning a case against the PDP’s position regarding 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who had defected from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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This move was deemed an act of gross misconduct and a violation of the party’s constitution.

In response to these accusations, Ologunagba announced that Damagum and Anyanwu would be suspended from all party activities and meetings pending an investigation by the National Disciplinary Committee.

Both officials will remain suspended until further action is taken based on the committee’s findings.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has defended her husband, President Bola Tinubu, against criticisms linking him to the current economic challenges in the country.

Speaking during a visit to the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, she emphasized that the Tinubu administration is still in its early stages and should not be blamed for Nigeria’s economic woes.

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The country has faced severe economic difficulties, particularly after the removal of the fuel subsidy, which caused the price of petrol to surge from N198 to N1,030.

President Tinubu announced the end of the subsidy during his May 29, 2023, inaugural speech, stating that the policy was hindering Nigeria’s progress.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, while at the event to inaugurate a hostel and a 2.7-kilometer road donated to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) by the Ooni of Ife, addressed concerns about the economy.

She stated, “We are just two years into this administration, and we are not responsible for the current situation. We are working to fix it and secure a better future.”

She acknowledged the difficulty of removing the fuel subsidy but expressed confidence that the administration’s efforts would yield positive results in the coming years.

“With God’s help, Nigeria will be stronger in the next two years,” she added.

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The First Lady also dismissed accusations of greed, emphasizing that her husband was committed to Nigeria’s progress.

She said, “We give glory to God for where we are today. Myself and my husband are not greedy, and we will not fail Nigeria. With God’s guidance, we are working toward the promised land.”

In recognition of her alma mater, Senator Tinubu, a graduate of OAU, donated N1 billion to the university for its development and advancement.

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The Ooni of Ife praised the First Lady for her longstanding role as a positive influence on the younger generation.

He particularly noted her efforts in Lagos State with the New Era Initiative, which inspired many young people through programs like the One Day Governor initiative, fostering aspirations among secondary school students.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu, referring to him as “T-Pain” in reaction to the recent increase in petrol prices.

On Wednesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) raised fuel prices across the country, prompting widespread backlash.

In Abuja, the price rose from N897 to N1,030 per litre, while in Lagos it increased from N855 to N998.

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Prices in the North-East, South-West, South-East, and South-South regions also saw significant hikes, with the highest being N1,075 per litre in the South-South.

The price hike has stirred anger among Nigerians, with many calling on Tinubu to address the escalating costs.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, questioned whether Tinubu’s administration exists solely to raise fuel prices.

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Atiku, who competed against Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, added his voice to the debate on Thursday through a post on X (formerly Twitter).

He attributed the country’s economic woes to the administration’s “haphazard and disingenuous” management of fuel subsidies.

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“As things stand, there will be no relief from the rising inflation, which is eroding the well-being of Nigerians. It is even more alarming that T-Pain appears unconcerned about the country’s hardship,” Atiku said.

The nickname “T-Pain,” typically associated with the American musician, has been adopted by social media users to criticize Tinubu for the increasing cost of living.

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Upon Tinubu’s return from an overseas trip last month, a social media user mocked him after he visited Maiduguri to offer condolences to flood victims, calling him “T-Pain” and commenting on his government’s response to the crisis.

In defense of the government, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the federal government was not responsible for the latest fuel price increase.

He explained that NNPCL acted independently, driven by market conditions in the energy sector, and that since the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, the government no longer has the authority to fix fuel prices under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to Idris, NNPCL had been absorbing the losses to keep fuel prices lower but could no longer sustain it.