News

Court order on deregistration of political parties sparks pushback in Taraba

Published

5 months ago

June 16, 2026

The governorship candidates of the Accord Party, Professor Jerome Nyameh and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Alhaji Abubakar Tutare, in Taraba state, have dismissed concerns over a Federal High Court ruling ordering the deregistration of both parties alongside three others by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The development follows a judgment delivered on Monday in Abuja by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister the affected political parties over alleged non compliance with statutory requirements.

However, both candidates insisted that the ruling does not mark the end of their parties’ legal existence, stressing that higher judicial authorities still have the final say.

Reacting to the judgment, Accord Party governorship candidate, Professor Nyameh described the ruling as a first instance decision, arguing that it remains subject to appeal.

He maintained that the legal process is not concluded, noting that both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court remain available for review.

“The Federal High Court is just a trial court. There is the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court,” Nyameh said.

While urging party supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, he expressed confidence in the continued political relevance of the Accord Party, insisting that it remains a viable platform for Nigerians.

Nyameh also referenced internal party strength, noting that the party has prominent political figures, including the sitting governor of Osun state, Ademola Adeleke, adding that preparations for future political activities within the party remain ongoing.

On his part, ADC governorship candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Tutare also rejected concerns that the court’s ruling would lead to the party’s collapse.

Tutare argued that the African Democratic Congress remains politically relevant, pointing to its representation in the House of Representatives as evidence of its continued legal and electoral standing.

He urged supporters not to panic, expressing confidence that the party would ultimately prevail if the matter progresses to the Supreme Court.

“We are not worried. We believe the Supreme Court will do justice in the end,” he said.

For now, both campaigns in Taraba State have urged supporters to remain focused on their political activities pending further legal clarification.

News

Those criticising APC on insecurity did nothing for 20 years – Yari

Published

1 hour ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC-PCC, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has criticised those accusing the ruling party of failing to address insecurity, saying they did nothing to tackle the problem for over 20 years.

Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, while defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over its handling of insecurity.

“Those who are saying we don’t have a plan for security, I want to remind them that they did nothing about insecurity for over 20 years because it started during their time,” Yari said

The former governor of Zamfara State assured Nigerians that the APC would implement its manifesto, adding that the party expected to achieve almost all its promises by 2031.

Yari also expressed confidence in the APC’s chances in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said political leaders and influential figures in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.

Yari further praised Tinubu’s leadership, particularly over the increase in revenue accruing to the Federation Account.

He recalled that the President inherited a federation account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but said the figure had since risen to trillions of naira.

News

2027: We won't endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas

Published

1 hour ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.

The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.

Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.

Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.

He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.

Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.

"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."

Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.

He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.

Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.

He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."

Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.

2027: We won’t endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas