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BREAKING: Appeal Court suspends execution of judgment on deregistration of ADC, 4 others

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the stay of execution of the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which on Monday deregistered the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and four other political parties.

The controversial judgment which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and four other political parties was ordered not to be executed

In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Abubakar Mohammed, accused Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja of flouting an order it made on May 22, which directed him to suspend proceedings before him. 

The appellate court held that Justice Lifu’s action amounted to an affront, judicial rascally on the hierarchy of courts. 

It held that the lower court’s action was “the highest form of judicial impertinence,” stressing that the Supreme Court previously held that a judge who acted in such manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”

“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.

“This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are made. 

“The application for a stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the appellate court held. 

The Court of Appeal fixed June 25, for the definite hearing of the substantive appeal. 

It will be recalled that aside from the ADC, the other parties the high court directed INEC to deregister are the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

According to the court, the five political parties failed to meet the constitutional requirements to warrant their continued existence and participation in future elections.

It barred INEC from further according recognition to the parties, accepting nominations of candidates from the affected parties, or giving effect to their activities for the purpose of participating in the 2027 general elections.

Moreover, Justice Lifu ordered the defendants to stop parading themselves as registered political parties in the country. He held that there was merit in a suit filed against them by the National Forum of Former Legislators, NFFL.

The group, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, prayed the court to determine whether INEC has a constitutional obligation to remove political parties that fail to meet the electoral performance thresholds set out in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as reinforced by the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s regulations.

It was the position of the plaintiff that the five political parties listed as defendants had persistently failed to meet the constitutional benchmarks required to retain their registration.

The former legislators stressed that the requirements include winning at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or securing at least one elective seat at the national, state, or local government level.

They told the court that the ADC and the four other parties performed poorly in both the 2023 general elections and by-elections conducted by INEC, thereby failing to win seats across key tiers of government.

The litigants insisted that the continued existence of the ADC and the other defendants as recognised political parties is unlawful and undermines the integrity of the country’s electoral system.

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Nigerian Striker Toyosi Olusanya Completes Permanent Move to Aberdeen on Two-Year Deal

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Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.

READ ALSO: Isaac John Turns Heads at Ex-Internationals Cup in Lagos, Declares Himself Ready for the Big Stage 

Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.

Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.

During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.

The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.

His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.

Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.

The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.

For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.

Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.

With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.

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Enugu Air, airport concession to support state’s $30bn economy goal — official

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Enugu State is counting on its new airline and the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, enugu, to support its plan of growing the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2031, the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, said on Tuesday.

Mr Onyia spoke during the Renewed Hope Media Tour of the airport, where he outlined how the state government’s plans to use aviation, tourism, and agriculture to drive economic growth.

According to him, the airport concession is part of a broader strategy by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration to re-position Enugu as a major economic hub in the South-east.

“We looked at Enugu as an economic hub where tourism, hospitality, investment and aviation can work together to drive growth,” he said.

Mr Onyia said the state expects an increase in visitor traffic in the coming years and believes air transport will play an important role in supporting that growth.

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He explained that the government’s projections are linked to plans to attract tourists, investors and businesses to the state.

According to him, depending entirely on commercial airlines could limit the state’s ability to move people into Enugu efficiently.

That, he said, informed the decision to establish Enugu Air.

“If we’re expecting people to come into Enugu, then we can’t depend solely on third-party airlines based on their schedules,” he said.

Mr Onyia disclosed that Enugu Air has six aircraft, describing it as the first phase of the project.

The state government also expects the aviation project to support tourism development.

Mr Onyia said efforts are ongoing to revitalise tourist sites across the state, including attractions expected to draw more visitors to Enugu.

He said that improved access to the state would complement investments in tourism and hospitality by making it easier for visitors to travel to various destinations.

“If people are going to come here for tourism, they need to be able to get into Enugu, and when they get into Enugu, we’ll need places for them to visit,” he said.

He also noted that the airport infrastructure will also support the state’s agricultural development plans through cargo operations.

According to him, the cargo terminal will make it easier to move goods and agricultural produce within and outside the state, creating more opportunities for businesses and investors.

“This is also going to help our agricultural investment outlook because this is where the cargo terminal will be, where we can move things in and out of the state,” he said.

He added that the government’s vision is to use aviation infrastructure to strengthen trade and economic activities across the region.

Private sector-led approach

Mr Onyia said the state adopted a private sector-driven model for the airline and airport projects to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

According to him, professionals with industry experience have been involved in developing the airline and setting up its governance structure.

He said the approach is intended to avoid challenges often associated with direct government management of commercial enterprises.

READ ALSO: ENSSAA to begin enforcement against unauthorised outdoor advertisements across Enugu State

Providing an update on the airport concession process, Mr Onyia said October has been set as the timeline for the next phase of activities.

He explained that the current stage marks an important milestone in the project and will allow concessionaires and contractors to begin work at the site.

Mr Onyia also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Aviation in advancing the project.

According to him, federal approvals helped move the initiative from the planning stage to implementation.

The concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport followed approval by the Federal Executive Council as part of efforts to attract private investment into airport infrastructure.

In January, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed a concession agreement with Aero Alliance for the operation of the airport.

Under the arrangement, ownership of the airport remains with the Federal Government, while the concessionaire will operate, maintain, and upgrade the facility.

The project has attracted public attention in recent months as the Federal Government and Enugu State continue efforts to re-position the airport as a major gateway for business, tourism and trade in the South-east.


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