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Magama/Rijau APC Primary: Court defers ruling on disputed name change in candidate suit

Published

4 months ago

July 10, 2026

The legal battle over the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election for the Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency took a fresh twist on Thursday as the Federal High Court in Minna reserved ruling on an application seeking to amend the plaintiff’s name in the suit challenging the exercise.
Justice Mohammed Aminu Dan-Ige adjourned the matter until July 16, 2026, after hearing arguments from lawyers representing both parties.

The suit, instituted by Alhaji Shehu Samaila Auna, seeks to invalidate the APC primary that produced Professor Yakubu Mohammed Auna as the party’s candidate for the Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.

Also joined as defendants in the suit, marked FHC/MN/CS/54/2026, are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Shehu Saleh Slow, Safiyanu Yahaya, Emma Alamu and Sani Doma.

The plaintiff is asking the court to declare the nomination of the APC candidate null and void, contending that the party failed to conduct a valid primary election in line with Sections 84, 86 and 87 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel to the plaintiff, Mohammed Danjuma Abubakar, sought leave of the court to amend the plaintiff’s name as contained in the originating processes.

The request was strongly opposed by defence counsel, Philip Adah, who argued that the application amounted to an afterthought and failed to explain why the name the plaintiff initially swore to should now be altered.

He urged the court to dismiss the application, describing it as legally untenable.

Following submissions from both sides, Justice Dan-Ige fixed July 16 to deliver a ruling on the application.

Addressing journalists after the hearing, Adah insisted that the application lacked merit.

“You cannot simply seek to change the plaintiff’s name at this stage without giving any cogent reason. We believe the application is incompetent and should be struck out,” he said.

However, counsel to the plaintiff declined to comment on the proceedings.

“It is not yet time for me to speak. I will address the press when it becomes necessary. For now, I have nothing to say because the substantive hearing has not commenced,” Abubakar stated.

News

2027: We're in race to win – PRP Chairman Baba-Ahmed

Published

16 minutes ago

November 10, 2026

PlateauReports

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, says the party is in the 2027 election race to win and not to make numbers.

Baba-Ahmed made this statement at a strategic retreat organised for the party's leadership and candidates.

He charged the party's candidates to go out and convince Nigerians that PRP deserves their trust and their votes in 2027.

According to him, the party has the best presidential candidate in Donald Duke, adding that history and character have moulded him to lead Nigeria out of its current challenges to a deserved status of affluence, security and unity.

He also said that Duke's running mate, Malam Sule Mohammed, is a study in principled loyalty, excellence in personal and professional life and unparalleled humility, which is tragically rare in current leaders.

Baba-Ahmed said the party also has governorship candidates who will be models of competent leadership, integrity and courage, stressing that they are candidates who will embody service, sacrifice and humility.

"We are PRP. We're in the 2027 race to win not to make numbers. We are products of a great tradition which insists that Nigeria can be great enough for all those who work honestly, and a nation which has the same place for the weak and the vulnerable as it has for those who are trusted with power or possess wealth," Baba-Ahmed said.

According to him, the party is under no illusions that its tasks will be easy, stating that the party will be competing in very hostile environments where incumbents fear change, while PRP champions it.

He said the party will find resistance from politicians who bribe the people for their future, while PRP asks for trust and the courage to choose quality and integrity.

On his part, the party's presidential candidate, Donald Duke, took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, saying it is enjoying too much advantage when it comes to campaign visibility.

According to him, opposition parties are finding it hard to get venues and places to put their adverts as the 2027 elections draw near.

He said the problem is making it harder and harder for opposition candidates to reach voters in different parts of the country.

2027: We’re in race to win – PRP Chairman Baba-Ahmed

News

Rose Onoja Abu Makes History as Nigerian Umpire Officiates at First WTA 125 Event in Africa

Published

1 hour ago

November 10, 2026

PlateauReports

WhatsApp Image 2026 11 10 at 4.33.15 PM.jpeg

Nigerian female tennis umpire, Rose Onoja Abu, has earned recognition after officiating at the WTA 125 tournament in Luanda, Angola, marking a significant milestone in her professional career and another proud moment for Nigerian tennis.

Sports247 reports that the tournament made history as the first-ever WTA 125 event to be staged on African soil, bringing an important international women’s tennis competition to the continent. Abu’s involvement as an official at the landmark event further highlights Nigeria’s growing presence beyond the playing court in international tennis.

Her appointment and participation represent an encouraging achievement for Nigerian sports officiating, particularly for women working to establish themselves in the highly competitive world of international tennis administration.

Officiating at a tournament of this level requires professionalism, consistency, sound judgement and a strong understanding of the rules of the game. Abu’s presence at the Luanda event reflects the value of dedication and sustained commitment to developing a career in sports officiating.

The achievement also provides inspiration for aspiring Nigerian umpires and other sports professionals, demonstrating that opportunities at the highest levels can emerge through discipline, diligence and continuous improvement.

For Nigerian tennis, milestones such as this are important in showcasing the contributions of officials who help drive the sport forward, often away from the spotlight enjoyed by players.

While the WTA 125 assignment represents a significant step in Abu’s journey, it could also serve as a platform for greater opportunities on the international stage.

With consistency and continued dedication, the ambition of seeing a Nigerian umpire officiate at a Grand Slam tournament remains a possibility worth pursuing.

Congratulations to Rose Onoja Abu on this remarkable achievement. The journey continues, and a Grand Slam appearance could be the next milestone.