News

Court shifts legal battle over APC Delta South ticket over INEC’s absence

Published

4 months ago

July 6, 2026

The legal battle for the 2027 election ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for Delta South Senatorial seat was on Monday shifted again by the Federal High Court in Abuja due to the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

At Monday’s proceedings, when the suit instituted by a former Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Prince Micheal Diden, was to be heard, Justice Mohammed Umar, put it off till Wednesday, to enable the electoral body appear in court to present its own position.

It would be recalled that this is the third time INEC would be absent in court. The commission has also not filed any process in respect of the matter.

During the proceedings, Bankole Joel Akomolafe, SAN, appeared for the plaintiff, while Lukman Fagbemi, SAN, announced appearance for Senator Joel Onowakpo and Habeeb Lawal stood for the APC.

Lead counsel to the plaintiff, told the judge that he had filed his reply to the two sets of statements of defense of Senator Onowakpo and APC and that he had served same on them as 1st and 2nd defendants.

Akomolafe however, noted that the electoral body was still not in court despite the service of the originating summons on it to enable it file its defense.

The senior lawyer said that in view of the critical importance of INEC to the suit, he would concede to an adjournment till Wednesday to allow the electoral body be in court.

He also announced to the court that the two video recordings on the conduct of the primary election would be played in the open court to enable the court arrive at a just conclusion.

Based on the agreement of lawyers Justice Umar, shifted the hearing till July 8, with an order that a fresh hearing date should be communicated to the INEC.

Ejele, a former Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State commenced the legal battle against the 1st defendant’s (Senator Joel Onowakpo) declaration as winner of the APC’s primary election in the Delta South Senatorial District, held on May 18, 2026.

The plaintiff in the suit marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/1094/2026 is claiming that he secured the highest number of votes cast at the primary election and should be declared candidate of the APC for the Delta South Senatorial District election, slated for January next year.

He is among others asking the court to declare him winner of the May 18, Direct Primary election conducted for the selection of the APC’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election in the district, on grounds that he scored the highest votes cast at the poll.

In the Writ of Summons filed on his behalf by his team of lawyers led by Mr Bankole Joel Akomolafe, SAN, the plaintiff accused the 1st defendant of manipulation and announcement of forged and fake results.

Diden in the statement of claim stated that the National Working Committee of the APC who organised the aforesaid Primary Election announced the established procedures for the announcement of the result of the said election; that the collation and announcement of results would be conducted exclusively in an official briefing at Abuja after the submission of all results.

He averred that contrary to the instructions the 1st defendant immediately ran to various media to pronounce himself the winner of the APC Direct Primary Election for the Delta South Senatorial District, Delta State held on Monday, May 18, 2026, thereby allegedly misinforming the public and particularly members of the Senatorial District of the Plaintiff.

“The 1st Defendant connived and colluded with his cohorts to write forged results where he falsely declare himself the winner of the election, he did not only publish the forged results of the 8 Local Government Areas under the Delta South Senatorial District, Delta State in the various media, he also recorded his cohorts publicly declaring the false result in a video that has gone viral to mislead the people contrary to what actually transpired on the day of election where the plaintiff defeated the 1st Defendant with a wide margin”, he claimed.

Plaintiff further averred that the 1st Defendant made the aforesaid representations fraudulently in that he knew they were false or were reckless, not caring that they were true or false notwithstanding the monitoring of the 3rd Defendant officials at the election.

“Contrary to the above declaration of the false results announced by the 1st Defendant in the viral video pleaded above, the Plaintiff through his agents in all the wards of the 8 Local Government Areas within the Delta South Senatorial District, Delta State have the authentic results of each ward intact in which the Plaintiff defeated the 1st Defendant with a wide margin scoring 96,893 (Ninety Six Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety Three) votes as against the 1st Defendant’s 31,918(Thirty One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighteen) votes respectively”, he said.

The plaintiff added that sequel to the above unequivocal and overwhelming victory he won at the poll the “leaders, stakeholders, elders, women, youths and registered members of the APC in the Senatorial District wrote a formal petition to the party’s national headquarters to denounce and reject the fraudulent declaration of the 1st Defendant as the winner of the election”.

He added that his lawyers had written a similar complaint “about the desperate manipulation and the announcement of fake results of Monday, May 18, 2026 election by the 1st Defendant to the National Chairman of the 2nd Defendant.

“The Plaintiff avers that the 1st Defendant by his actions has not only embarrassed all the contestants of the election but has also cast aspersion on the entire election process, unless this Honourable Court grants the reliefs of the Plaintiff and put the record straight for all observers”.

Among reliefs he is seeking from the court are; a declaration that the Plaintiff being the aspirant who scored the highest number of valid votes cast at the APC Primary Election for the Delta South Senatorial District, Delta State held on Monday, May 18, 2026 and having satisfied the requirements of the Constitution, Electoral Act, 2026 and the APC’s Direct Primaries Guidelines and Procedures, be declared the winner and he should be declared as the Candidate of the APC in the 2027 general elections of Delta South Senatorial District, Delta State in Nigeria.

He is also seeking an order directing the APC to immediately forward his name to INEC as the APC’s candidate for Delta South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.

Diden is also praying for an order directing INEC to accept and/or receive his name from the APC as the party’s candidate in the 2017 senatorial election in Delta South Senatorial District.

News

I’m godfather who doesn't impose appointments on govs — Osoba

Published

37 minutes ago

November 10, 2026

PlateauReports

Former governor Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State has said he is a political godfather who does not impose appointments on governors.

Osoba said that godfathers should serve as advisers and provide guidance, instead of putting political appointees in charge of elected governors.

Speaking during a podcast hosted by Reuben Abati and shared on X, Osoba stated that he does not get involved in the management of his political successors.

He said: “I agree, I’m a godfather. One thing that's helping me in my state is that I don't get in the way much, I counsel and advise him.

"I have never put anyone in his government. That’s the role of a godfather. I agree, I'm a godfather."

He said that putting his own people would weaken the governor's power and cause more conflicts than needed.

Osoba said that choosing just one person from all the people around him might make others feel left out or upset, and that anyone he suggested could end up being doubted or not trusted by others in the organization.

I’m godfather who doesn’t impose appointments on govs — Osoba

News

APM holds Presidential Campaign in Plateau, Pledges Security and Economic Reset

Published

48 minutes ago

November 10, 2026

PlateauReports

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has officially flagged off its state-by-state campaign in Jos, Plateau State, with party leaders pledging to prioritise security, peace, economic prosperity and improved living conditions for Nigerians.

The campaign, which brought together party leaders, supporters and members of the campaign organisation, highlighted the importance of Plateau State in Nigeria’s national development and called for renewed efforts to address the state’s security challenges.

The APM Presidential Candidate and Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, expressed gratitude to the people of Plateau State for their hospitality during the campaign visit.

Makinde highlighted the relationship between security and economic development, particularly the potential of tourism to create jobs and expand the state’s economy.

According to him, improving security would encourage more visitors to Plateau, boost tourism and create employment opportunities for the state’s growing youth population.

“Once we start having tourists coming in, our economy on the Plateau will expand. We will have jobs for our teeming youth,” he said.

The presidential candidate urged supporters to take the campaign’s message to their respective electoral units, stressing that elections are won at the grassroots level.

He encouraged Nigerians to embrace the party’s proposed reset agenda, which he said aims to build a country that works for everyone.

“If Nigeria is not working for you, then let us reset,” Makinde said.

He also accused the ruling party of adopting ideas similar to those contained in the APM’s reset agenda, challenging Nigerians to reflect on the country’s direction over the past three years.

Makinde called on supporters to join the movement in building a Nigeria that works for individuals, families and future generations.

In his welcome address, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, Deputy Director-General of Operations of the campaign organisation, described Plateau State as the heart of Nigeria, explaining why the party chose it as the first destination for its state-by-state campaign.

According to him, Plateau State’s well-being is closely connected to the country’s.

“If Nigeria is sick, Plateau is sick. If Nigeria is well, Plateau will be well,” he said.

Dr. Aziegbemi acknowledged the difficult security situation in the state, noting that the campaign was an opportunity to communicate the party’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing Plateau residents.

He emphasised that the APM’s agenda places security among its major priorities, particularly in view of the displacement of communities, unemployment among young people and the growing economic difficulties facing residents.

“We know your pains. We feel your pains,” he said, assuring the people of Plateau that their security concerns would remain a priority.

He also criticised the economic policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that many Nigerians continue to struggle to afford necessities despite the availability of food in the markets.

In his address before the flag-off, the National Chairman of the Allied People’s Movement, H.E. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, described the security situation in Plateau and Benue states as deeply concerning.

He called for an end to violence and emphasised that victims of insecurity should be regarded first and foremost as Nigerians, regardless of their religious or political affiliations.

“The people who die here daily do not die as Christians. They do not die as Muslims. They do not die as members of the APM, APC, or PDP. They die as Nigerians,” he said.

Dantalle stressed that neither Christianity nor Islam supports the unjust killing of human beings, urging Nigerians to reject religious intolerance and violence.

He also criticised the country’s economic situation, arguing that the earnings of many Nigerians are no longer sufficient to meet their basic needs.

According to him, the APM is presenting an alternative built on peace, harmony, economic prosperity and national unity.

“A vote for the APM is a vote for peace. It is a vote for harmony. It is a vote for economic prosperity,” he said.

He urged supporters to spread the party’s message in their communities and encouraged collective efforts towards building a Nigeria that works for everyone.

The party’s Vice-Presidential Candidate, Lawal Musa Daura, also addressed supporters, expressing appreciation for the people of Plateau State and calling for their support and understanding.

He recalled his previous visits to Plateau, describing the state as a place historically known for peace, tranquillity and tourism.

Daura expressed concern over the challenges facing the country and emphasised the need for collective efforts to restore peace and improve conditions for Nigerians.

The flag-off ceremony centred on the APM’s message of security, peace, economic recovery and national unity.

The party’s leaders urged Plateau residents and Nigerians across the country to support its proposed reset agenda, expressing confidence that improved security and economic opportunities could help address some of the country’s most pressing challenges.

The campaign’s first stop in Plateau State, according to the speakers, reflects the importance of the state to Nigeria’s overall stability and development.

As the APM begins its state-by-state campaign, its leadership has called on supporters to take the message of the movement to their communities and work towards what it describes as a Nigeria that works for everybody.

The event concluded with the presentation of the party’s flag to its Plateau State governorship candidate, symbolising the commencement of the campaign in the state.

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