Court sacks House of Reps Member for defecting from PDP to APC.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has removed Hon. Abubakar Suleiman Gummi from his seat in the House of Representatives for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gummi, who represents Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, was sacked on Thursday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who also directed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to stop recognising him as a member of the lower chamber.

In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat. The certified true copy of the judgment was sighted on Friday.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki. The plaintiffs, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ibrahim Bawa, contended that Gummi’s defection violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), since there was no division in the PDP at the time he left the party.

They asked the court to declare Gummi’s defection unconstitutional and to compel the Speaker to declare his seat vacant.

In his defence, Gummi argued through his counsel that his defection was necessitated by internal crises within the PDP both at the national and state levels, which, he claimed, made it impossible for him to effectively represent his constituents.

Justice Egwuatu, however, dismissed the lawmaker’s argument, holding that the evidence before the court did not establish any division within the PDP capable of justifying defection.

In a scathing remark, the judge condemned what he described as the “growing culture of political prostitution” among elected officials who switch parties without relinquishing the mandate given to them by voters.

The Global Defence Consortium representing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has accused the Federal High Court in Abuja and Justice James Omotosho of bias and denial of fair hearing following alleged irregularities during Friday’s court session.

According to a statement by Barrister Onyedikachi Ifedi, Kanu informed the court that his legal team was dismissed only a day earlier and that he could not access his legal files due to DSS restrictions. His request for more time to review the files, the defence argued, was a constitutional right under Section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, not a delay tactic.

Kanu also sought to extend his legal and medical consultations from three to five days per week—a request the court granted, though the judge claimed Kanu had wasted earlier opportunities. The defence disputed this, saying it was unfair to force a defendant in a capital case to proceed after only “three hours” of consultation.

The statement further alleged that the DSS continues to bug Kanu’s conversations with his lawyers, violating constitutional provisions and international legal standards. It added that Justice Omotosho’s actions—such as vacating the courtroom during consultations and adjourning when Kanu requested court records—proved a breach of fair hearing and contempt for open justice.

The defence also noted that its applications to bring witnesses from the U.S., Kenya, the U.K., and Ethiopia remain unaddressed, describing it as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the defence.

“These are the facts from today’s proceedings. Don’t let them feed you lies,” the defence concluded.

Wole Olanipekun Urges Suspension of 1999 Constitution Amendment, Calls for People-Driven Charter by 2031.

Legal luminary and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has urged the National Assembly to halt the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution, describing the existing document as a “military albatross” that continues to hinder Nigeria’s progress.

Olanipekun made the appeal on Monday while delivering Afe Babalola University’s 13th Convocation Lecture in Ado-Ekiti, titled “Nigeria – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Imperative of a Sober and Definitive Recalibration.”

The former Chairman of the Body of Benchers and current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos stressed that Nigeria must chart a new constitutional course anchored on the collective will of its citizens.

“We cannot continue to live by the 1999 Constitution, which haunts us as a military albatross,” Olanipekun said. “Let us borrow a golden leaf from other countries and agree to live together on acceptable terms and conditions.”

He clarified that suspending the amendment process would not breed instability but would instead allow for sober national reflection.

“By suggesting that the National Assembly stay action on any constitutional amendment for now, one is not advocating anomie,” he explained. “Rather, I propose a transition phase, between now and 2031, to reflect on the ills that have plagued our constitutions to date.”

Olanipekun further called for a national referendum to determine Nigeria’s political and constitutional future, insisting that such a process represents the “unfiltered and undiluted voice of the people.”

His comments align with growing public sentiment that the 1999 Constitution, drafted under military rule, lacks genuine popular legitimacy. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue their review process aimed at amending the same document.

Bill for Creation of Ibadan State Passes Second Reading in House of Representatives.

A bill seeking to create a new state in Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun, representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, the bill proposes an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to establish Ibadan State from the current Oyo State.

During Thursday’s plenary, Adigun argued that Ibadan, once the capital of the old Western Region, deserves statehood, noting that other regional capitals like Enugu and Kaduna have since become states. He described the proposal as a “monumental step toward equitable development and true federalism.

Adigun cited Ibadan’s large population and landmass as justification, claiming that “one local government in Ibadan is bigger than three in Bayelsa State.” His comment sparked protest from Bayelsa lawmaker Obuku Ofurji, who called it “disrespectful.” Adigun later apologised but maintained that his statement was factual.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further consideration.

The proposal aligns with renewed agitation for state creation across Nigeria. In September, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure Ibadan State is created before 2027.

Creating a new state under Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution requires approval by two-thirds of the National Assembly, the affected state’s assembly, local councils, and a referendum supported by two-thirds of residents in the proposed area.

No new state has been created in Nigeria since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Benjamin Kalu Reflects on Nigeria’s 26 Years of Democracy, Calls for Renewed Commitment to Justice and Freedom

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, highlighting both its achievements and ongoing challenges 26 years after the country’s return to civilian rule.

In a video shared by Symfoni TV, Kalu reminisced about the nation’s optimism at the dawn of democracy in 1999, following decades of military dictatorship. He said Nigerians had hoped that the new era would usher in freedom, justice, and prosperity for all citizens.

Speaking during an update on the ongoing constitutional amendment process, Kalu stated that the 1999 Constitution was designed to lay the foundation for a Nigeria where citizens wield real power, rights are protected, and government institutions exist to serve the people.

However, he questioned whether that vision has been fully realized, noting that while progress has been made — including seven peaceful general elections and smooth power transitions between political parties — more work still lies ahead.

Kalu acknowledged that civil society has grown stronger, the media enjoys greater freedom, and the judiciary, despite challenges, continues to assert its independence.

He also emphasized the role of political parties as vital channels for citizen participation, noting that millions of Nigerians continue to cast their votes because they believe in the value of democracy.

“The Constitution of 1999 brought about the return of Nigeria to democratic governance 26 years ago. For a moment, there was great anticipation — we dared to think that a new era of freedom, justice, and prosperity was finally within reach,” Kalu reflected.

Kalu concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain steadfast in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that the ideals envisioned at the beginning of civilian rule continue to guide the nation’s path forward.

Ex-President Jonathan dragged to court over bid to participate in 2027 election

The Federal High Court in Abuja, was Monday, asked to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining former President Goodluck Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party in the country for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election.

The court was equally urged to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from accepting from any political party, Jonathan’s name or publishing same as a duly nominated candidate for the presidential contest.

While ex-President Jonathan was cited as the 1st defendant in the matter, both INEC and the Attorney General of the Federation, were listed as 2nd and 3rd defendants, respectively.

Specifically, the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/ 2025, hich was brought before the court by a lawyer, Mr. Johnmary Chukwukasi Jideobi, posed a lone question for the court to determine:

“Whether in view of the combined provisions of the entirety of Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and their conflated interpretation, the 1st Defendant is eligible, under any circumstances [whatsoever] to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?”

Upon the determination of the question, the plaintiff, sought four principal reliefs, to wit:

“A declaration of this Honourable Court that upon an intimate reading and complete understanding of the entirety of Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended the first Defendant [GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN] is ineligible to stand for or occupy the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“A declaration of this Honorable Court that in view of the entirety of Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended the 2nd Defendant [the INEC] lacks the constitutional power to receive from any political party the name of the first defendant or publish same as the candidate of any political party for the election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria holding in 2027 and other years to come.

Okoi Obono-Obla Denies Reports of Tinubu Sacking INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu

Former Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu has removed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, from office.

In a statement released to THE WHISTLER on Thursday, Obono-Obla described reports circulating on some online platforms (not including THE WHISTLER) as false, misleading, and legally baseless.

“It is both infantile and puerile to witness blazing headlines claiming that the President has ‘sacked’ Professor Yakubu by directing him to proceed on terminal leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure on 18 October 2025. Today is 25 September 2025—barely three weeks to the constitutionally mandated end of his second term,” he said.


Obono-Obla questioned the logic of interpreting a directive to take leave as a dismissal, emphasizing that Yakubu’s tenure was already set to conclude by law.

“How does asking someone whose tenure is set to lapse by law in three weeks to proceed on leave amount to a sack? It beggars belief that media outlets would feast on such patently false narratives,” he added.


The former Special Assistant to the President (Prosecution) also clarified that the President cannot unilaterally remove the INEC Chairman. He explained the constitutional procedure for removal, which requires the President to present an address to the Senate outlining any allegations of misconduct or inability to perform the duties of office.

“For the removal to be effected, the address must be supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate—that is, at least 73 out of 109 senators,” Obono-Obla said, citing Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).


The section provides that removal can occur only for misconduct or inability to discharge official duties, ensuring that constitutional safeguards are followed.

Obono-Obla concluded that any media suggestion that President Tinubu had “sacked” Professor Yakubu ignores these safeguards and misleads the public about the law.

“Any suggestion that the President has ‘sacked’ the INEC Chairman without following this constitutional procedure is not only misleading but legally untenable,” he affirmed.

FG Takes Over Prosecution Of Ogun Monarch Accused Of Cyberstalking Alake.

The Federal Government has formally assumed control of the prosecution of the Alagbado of Agbado, Oba Adedayo Shyllon, who is standing trial for allegedly cyberstalking and threatening the life of the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.

The takeover followed an order of the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, presided over by Justice Abiodun Adeyemi.

According to a Certified True Copy of the order dated September 24, 2025, the decision was reached after the court received a letter from the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation on September 16, 2025, requesting to take over the case in line with Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Justice Adeyemi ruled that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had the constitutional authority to take charge of the matter. The court subsequently directed that copies of the order be served on the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (Zone 2, Lagos), and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police for necessary action.

Wike Dragged Before US Govt Over Newly-Acquired Florida Mansions, Faces Visa Ban.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been dragged before the United States government over alleged unlawful acquisition of multimillion-dollar properties in Florida.

Activist Omoyele Sowore, in a petition dated September 22, 2025, asked the Florida attorney general, James Uthmeier, to prosecute Mr Wike for alleged money laundering and to initiate forfeiture proceedings against the assets.

The petition, signed by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, also urged U.S. authorities to impose sanctions and visa bans on the minister.

The petition, citing Peoples Gazette’s September 1 report and supported with three claim deeds as exhibits, alleged that Mr Wike, with the assistance of his wife, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike of Nigeria’s Court of Appeal, secretly purchased three luxury lakeside homes in Winter Springs, Seminole County, between 2021 and 2023. The properties, now valued at over $6 million, were reportedly transferred to their children — Jordan, 25, Joaquin, 23, and Jazmyne, 20.

The identified homes are: 113 Springcreek Lane, bought for $535,000 and transferred to Jordan; 209 Hertherwood Court, bought for $459,157 and transferred to Joaquin; and 208 Hertherwood Court, bought for $465,000 and transferred to Jazmyne.

According to the petition, all three purchases were made in cash using quitclaim deeds, a transfer mechanism often used within families but vulnerable to exploitation for concealing illicit funds.

“These transactions, executed in cash and hidden under the names of his children, form a deliberate scheme to launder the proceeds of corruption into U.S. real estate,” the petition stated.

Mr Sowore further alleged that the properties were never declared to Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau, thereby breaching the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, which requires public officers to disclose all assets.

Ebonyi gets Acting Governor as Nwifuru embarks on annual leave.

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has embarked on annual leave.

Ebonyi State House of Assembly yesterday gave effect to a letter transmitting executive powers to Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila, who has been discharging her duties as the Acting Governor since the Governor proceeded on annual leave.

It was gathered that this is in compliance with section 190 (1) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

Meanwhile, the Acting Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, has highlighted the potential of irrigation to significantly enhance crop yields and contribute to food security in Nigeria and across West Africa and the Sahel subregions.

Princess Obila made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the National and Regional Hand in Hand Investment Forum on Irrigation, organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in Abuja.

The Acting Governor affirmed that the forum was aimed to chart a course for enhancing agricultural productivity in Nigeria, West Africa, and the Sahel subregions.

She commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative in Agriculture, leveraging Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential.

Princess Obila reiterated the commitment of the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs Agenda to agricultural development.

She noted that the administration was pursuing initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity, promote irrigation, and support farmers to ensure economic diversification and job creation.

Sowore Alleges Obasanjo Was Sworn in Without Constitution in 1999

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has made a controversial claim about the swearing-in of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.

Speaking in an interview with Rock Yusuf TV, Sowore alleged that when Obasanjo assumed office as Nigeria’s civilian president, there was no constitution in existence at the time of the ceremony.

According to him, the then Minister of Information reportedly admitted that not even a photocopy of the constitution was available during the inauguration.

“When Obasanjo was sworn in as president in 1999, there was no constitution,” Sowore stated. “Not even a photocopy existed. After the swearing-in, they went ahead to print what later became the 1999 Constitution—which, in my view, is now obsolete.”

Sowore insisted that this revelation raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the 1999 Constitution, which has since guided Nigeria’s democratic governance.

The activist argued that Obasanjo’s swearing-in was conducted out of necessity to facilitate the transition to civilian rule, but without a binding constitutional framework at that moment.

Court Strikes Down 15-Year Compulsory Service Rule, Upholds Military Officers’ Right to Resign Freely

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has declared unconstitutional the policy requiring Nigerian military officers to serve a minimum of 15 years before resigning.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Justice Emmanuel D. Subilim ruled that members of the Armed Forces cannot be compelled into what he described as “modern-day sl@very under the guise of national service.” He affirmed that officers have the constitutional right to resign at any time.

The case, filed by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong on behalf of Flight Lieutenant J. A. Akerele, challenged the policy after the officer faced persecution, delayed allowances, career disruptions, and mental d+stress following his attempt to leave the Air Force.

Effiong argued that under Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Akerele had an undeniable right to resign, and that the label “voluntary retirement” could not override the substance of his resignation.

Justice Subilim upheld this position, striking down provisions of the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) mandating a 15-year service period before resignation or retirement. He further barred the Chief of Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force from detaining or compelling Akerele to remain in service.

Effiong welcomed the verdict, calling it a “well-researched decision” that reinforces judicial protection of officers’ rights to resign from the military.

2027 Polls: Keyamo Warns PDP Against Fielding Jonathan Or Obi
August 31, 2025 | Politics

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has cautioned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against presenting either former President Goodluck Jonathan or ex-Anambra governor Peter Obi as its 2027 presidential candidate.

Keyamo said Jonathan’s candidacy poses a constitutional risk under Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which may bar anyone sworn in twice as president from running again. He warned that if the Supreme Court disqualifies Jonathan after nominations close, PDP could end up without a candidate.

He also argued that the PDP lost support in the South-South and South-East in 2023 by failing to zone its ticket southward, suggesting Obi’s candidacy would not solve the party’s internal challenges.

Gombe Lawyer Sues State Government, Police Over Motorcycle Ban, Demands ₦50m Damages
August 31, 2025 | News

A Gombe-based lawyer, Usamatu Abubakar, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Gombe State Government and the state police command over what he described as an “unlawful motorcycle ban.”

Abubakar is seeking ₦50 million in damages, a public apology, and a court order lifting the restriction on motorcycle use between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., which has been in force since June 11, 2025. He argues that the restriction, imposed by the police without legislation from the state assembly, violates Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution guaranteeing freedom of movement.

The suit lists the Gombe State Governor, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Police as respondents. Abubakar also wants the unconditional release of confiscated motorcycles and a perpetual injunction restraining authorities from imposing such restrictions without proper law.

A hearing date is yet to be fixed.

Sowore Asks Abuja Court To Dismiss ‘Defective’ Forgery, Cybercrime Charges, Wants IGP Egbetokun Sanctioned For Violating Police Act.

Sowore is facing allegations bordering on criminal defamation, forgery of a police wireless message, and cybercrime. However, through his counsel, Abubakar Marshal, he argued that the charges are “defective, incompetent, and an abuse of prosecutorial powers” in violation of the Nigeria Police Act and Section 174(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Human rights activist and publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, has urged Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja to strike out the charges brought against him by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Sowore is facing allegations bordering on criminal defamation, forgery of a police wireless message, and cybercrime. However, through his counsel, Abubakar Marshal, he argued that the charges are “defective, incompetent, and an abuse of prosecutorial powers” in violation of the Nigeria Police Act and Section 174(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

At Wednesday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel Barrister Madaki informed the court that efforts to serve the second defendant, SaharaReporters, had been unsuccessful.

He explained that although the court granted an order for substituted service, the process of publishing the charges in national dailies had not yet been completed.

He, therefore, requested additional time to perfect the service.

Defence counsel Marshal, however, informed the court that he had filed a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the charges.

He insisted that the objection must be heard before any arraignment could take place.

Nnamdi Kanu Petitions Trump, AU, Others, Seeks Release From ‘Captivity’.

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has petitioned the United States President Donald Trump, the African Union, and several foreign missions and international organizations, seeking urgent intervention for his release from what he described as unlawful captivity.

In the petition sent to THE WHISTLER on Wednesday dated August 22, 2025, and jointly addressed to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, European Union, Netherlands, Sweden, Amnesty International, Red Cross, African Union, ECOWAS Court, Kenya, South Africa, Norway, Denmark, Japan, Brazil, Israel, Finland, and Austria, Kanu said he had been condemned to unlawful detention and solitary confinement since June 2021.

“I, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a dual Nigerian-British citizen and Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), write this petition as a captive of the Nigerian State, condemned to unlawful detention and solitary confinement in Nigeria since June 2021.

“The Nigerian Supreme Court’s perverse and unconstitutional ruling on December 15, 2023 (Appeal No. SC/CR/136/2022) reversed my lawful discharge and acquittal by the Court of Appeal on October 13, 2022, despite clear jurisdictional nullity and violations of my fundamental rights,” Kanu wrote.

He urged the international community to compel the Nigerian government to respect the law. “By this letter, I respectfully implore your urgent intervention to compel the Nigerian government to adhere to its own laws, respect stare decisis, and uphold the constitutional supremacy enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

“The Supreme Court’s lawlessness, compounded by the Court of Appeal’s illegal stay of execution, undermines the rule of law, and I seek your assistance to restore justice,” he added.

Kanu recalled that the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him on October 13, 2022, ruling that his abduction from Kenya, where he entered as a UK citizen, was unlawful and violated the Extradition Act 2004 and his right to a fair trial.

He said the extraordinary rendition constituted a jurisdictional nullity that rendered the Federal High Court proceedings void.

NBA to Tinubu: Release Osun Local Govt Funds, Stop Violating Constitution

August 20, 2025 | News

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of breaching the Constitution by allegedly withholding statutory allocations meant for Osun State local governments since February 2025.

In a letter to the Attorney General of the Federation dated August 19, NBA President Afam Osigwe and General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara insisted there is “no legal justification” for the freeze on allocations, warning that it undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent.

Key Points:

Violates Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution on local government financial autonomy.

Supreme Court ruling (A.G. Lagos vs A.G. Federation, 2004) affirms the President cannot withhold LGA funds.

Action erodes public trust in democracy and emboldens lawlessness.

February 2025 elections confirmed PDP officials as Osun’s valid local government leaders.

The NBA demanded the immediate release of ₦46.9bn owed to Osun LGAs between March and June. It also tasked its National Litigation Committee with enforcing compliance through legal means.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has repeatedly appealed to Tinubu, but the President allegedly tied the freeze to Adeleke’s removal of APC-backed council chairmen after the disputed 2022 elections.

Bottom Line: NBA insists Tinubu has no constitutional authority to block Osun’s LGA funds and must release them without delay.

#NBA #Osun #RuleOfLaw

INEC Withdraws Recognition Of Julius Abure As LP Chairman.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has withdrawn its recognition of Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, citing the expiration of his tenure and the binding judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on April 4, 2025.

Julius Abure Appears As Labour Party National Chairman In Meeting With INEC
The Commission’s position, as contained in a sworn counter-affidavit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, appears to have finally settled the leadership crisis that has plagued the party for months.

In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1523/2025, INEC clarified that Abure’s tenure ended in June 2024 in line with the ruling of the Supreme Court in Appeal No. SC/CV/56/2025, which dismissed his claims for lack of jurisdiction and nullified all earlier rulings that affirmed his leadership.

Ayuba Mohammed, INEC’s Executive Officer (Litigation and Prosecution), who deposed to the affidavit, stated, “The defendant (INEC) cannot accept and issue access codes for the upload of candidates’ nomination forms (EC9, EC9F, and EC9G) for the by-election scheduled for 16/8/2025 to the plaintiff (Abure-led LP), as there were no valid National Chairman and National Secretary for the defendant to deal with, as provided in Exhibit INEC 2.”

On the disputed National Convention held in Nnewi on March 27, 2024, where Abure claimed re-election, INEC maintained it neither monitored nor recognised the event, insisting it contravened the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, its regulations, and the Labour Party’s constitution.

Tinubu urged to pardon suspended DCP, Abba Kyari for security reasons.

Tinubu urged to pardon suspended DCP, Abba Kyari for security reasons
Tinubu urged to pardon suspended DCP, Abba Kyari for security reasons
The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) office in Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to grant a presidential pardon to suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, in the interest of national security.

The appeal was made in a statement by the Head of Diplomatic Mission, Duru Hezekiah, and shared with journalists in Abuja.

Hezekiah said the request became necessary due to rising insecurity across the country, including terrorism, kidnapping, and organised crime. He said Kyari’s expertise could be useful if reintegrated under strict conditions.

The commission clarified that the appeal was not aimed at influencing the ongoing court case, but suggested that the option of clemency could be explored if allowed by law and subject to accountability.


It cited Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, which gives the President power to grant pardons and reprieves, and pointed to global examples where individuals with tactical experience were conditionally reintegrated to serve national interests.

The IHRC stated that conditional clemency is not forgiveness but a strategic tool that can be applied with legal and ethical oversight.

Kyari, once known for high-profile anti-crime operations, is currently facing prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over drug-related charges.

Police detain officers for assaulting man in Delta.

The Delta State Police Command has condemned the assault of a yet-to-be-identified man by police officers in the state.

The condemnation follows a viral video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms, which shows some policemen engaging in unprofessional conduct within the command.

The video captures a man being beaten and dragged by officers near the Asaba Specialist Hospital on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Upon receiving the footage, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered that the officers involved be identified and brought to the Command Headquarters for immediate disciplinary action.

The officers were promptly identified and detained, pending the commencement of their orderly room trial, while their team leader, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), was issued a query.

CP Abaniwonda stressed that the Command will not condone the trampling of citizens’ rights or tolerate assault and harassment by officers.

He assured the public that the erring officers would be dealt with decisively, in accordance with the extant laws as stipulated in the Police Act and regulations, to serve as a deterrent to others.

He urged all officers to uphold the tenets of professional policing and to discharge their duties with respect for the fundamental human rights of all citizens, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The CP expressed hope that the action taken against the erring officers would serve as a warning to others and appealed to the public to remain calm, assuring them that justice will be served.