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Court Of Appeal Dismisses Ondo Gov’s. Request To Stop Amendment Of Suit Filed To Stop Contest In 2028

March 9, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Attempt by the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to challenge the amendment of a suit seeking to bar him from contesting the 2028 governorship election, has suffered setback as the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Monday dismissed the appeal.

Although the Governor has not publicly declared interest in the 2028 election, an APC chieftain, Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, approached the Federal High Court in July 2025, seeking interpretation of the constitutional provisions on tenure.

The plaintiff argued that having taken the oath of office twice, Aiyedatiwa may not be eligible to contest again in 2028, citing provisions of Sections 137(3) and 182(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which limit the number of terms a person who completes another person’s tenure can serve.

Defendants in the suit — the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney-General of the Federation, Governor Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami — had earlier filed preliminary objections, arguing that the suit was premature and speculative since no election timetable had been released and the governor had not declared interest in re-election.

However, the Federal High Court granted the plaintiff’s request to amend the suit, a decision that prompted the governor to appeal on grounds that his right to fair hearing was breached.

The appeal, marked CA/ABJ/319/2025, was subsequently dismissed by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, paving the way for the substantive suit at the Federal High Court to continue.

In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court held that the appeal lacked merit and awarded a cost of ₦2 million against the governor.

Delivering the lead judgement, Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam ruled that Aiyedatiwa failed to prove that the Federal High Court in Akure denied him fair hearing when it granted leave for the amendment of the suit filed against him.

The court further held that the appellant could not establish that the lower court exercised its discretion based on any wrong legal principle.

The appellate court therefore affirmed the November 24, 2025 ruling of the Federal High Court in Akure, which allowed the plaintiff to amend the originating summons in the case challenging the governor’s eligibility for another term in office.

Governor Aiyedatiwa was first sworn in on December 27, 2024, following the death of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to complete the tenure for which Akeredolu was elected.

He was later inaugurated again on February 24, 2025, after winning the governorship election in the state.

Egypt Asset: You Are Trying To Justify My Unlawful Detention – El-Rufai Fires ICPC

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 9, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Detained former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has described claims linking him to some properties in Egypt as an ingenious ploy by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to divert attention from his unlawful and malicious incarceration.

This is as he reiterated his demand for the ICPC to charge him to Court or put a stop to his illegal detention.

The Source reports that El-Rufai, a prominent figure within the opposition coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 18, 2026, after being granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The immediate past Governor of Kaduna State is facing inter-agency investigations and prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, corrupt enrichment and security related issues.

A 14-day remand order granted to the ICPC by a Gwari Magistrate court to enable it conclude its investigations against El-Rufai, elapsed last Friday, with the anti-graft Commission still holding on to their guest.

El-Rufai’s reaction is coming against the backdrop of reports on the social media space claiming that the ICPC has uncovered several choice and multi-million dollar properties in Egypt allegedly linked to El-Rufai.

The discovered properties are said to be central and material to the investigation and prosecution of the ADC chieftain.

But in a statement on Monday, March, 9, 2026, signed by Ubong Esop Akpan, his lead counsel, El-Rufai accused the ICPC of deliberately engaging in a smear campaign primarily aimed at justifying his illegal detention without trial.

El-Rufai further described the reports of alleged Egypt properties being circulated in the media as not only unverified, misleading and mischievous, but also a deliberate falsehood targeted at diverting attention from the unconstitutional and unlawful activities of the Commission.

According to El-Rufai, having held him for over 20 days without a formal charge, the authorities of the ICPC are now shopping for some ingenious ways to cover their illegal activities.

The former Kaduna State Governor noted that the various reports which are heavily anchored on anonymous sources and unverified evidence are part of the grand smear and politically motivated rhetorics being carried out against him by the powers-that-be.

El-Rufai in the statement maintained that his continued detention without trial is a gross violation of his fundamental human rights as a Nigerian citizen, as well as an assault on the 1999 Constitution.

El-Rufai who questioned the validity and legality of the 14-day remand order, however expressed profound disappointment that the ICPC still holds him in custody after the expiry of the remand order on March 4, 2026.

According to El-Rufai ,the tendency to resort to ” media leaks, instead of a formal judicial proceeding, underscores the fact that the Commission does not have any case against him.

The statement disclosed that a formal criminal complaint proceedings have been initiated against the ICPC chairman ,the Director -General DG of the DSS, and others involved in the unlawful detention of El-Rufai.

PDP Dispute: Appeal Court Rules In Favour Of Wike’s Faction, Nullifies Ibadan Convention

Ayodele Oni

March 9, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court which stopped the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) November 15 and 16 national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State that produced Tanimu Turaki, as the National Chairman of the party.

The Federal High Court judgement was delivered by justice James Omotosho.

A three-member panel of the appellate court, chaired by Mohammed Danjuma agreed with the lower court that there was no proper conduct of congresses before the convention.

It also dismissed the argument of Turaki faction that the issues bordered on internal affairs of the party.

The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership dispute since late 2025, with rival factions contesting the legitimacy of the Ibadan convention.

Despite existing court orders restraining the gathering, Turaki’s faction went ahead with the event, electing him and other party officers.

In January 2026, a Federal High Court in Ibadan declared the convention null and void, citing violations of court orders and party regulations, and barred Turaki’s group from acting as the party’s national leadership.

The conflict deepened in February when an Oyo State High Court issued a separate judgment recognizing Turaki as chairman, a decision rejected by the faction aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Earlier in the judgment, the panel dismissed the argument of the PDP faction led by Tanimu Turaki that the Federal High Court judge, Justice James Omotosho lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit against the Ibadan Convention on that grounds that the issues bordered on internal affairs of the party.

The preliminary objections raised by the respondents, faction loyal to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike that Chris Uche is not a proper legal counsel to represent PDP has been dismissed by the court on the grounds that the former PDP National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade was suspended by the party’s National Working Committee NWC.

Monday’s appellate ruling in Abuja decisively sided against Turaki’s faction, affirming Abdulrahman Muhammed-led National Caretaker Working Committee as the legitimate leadership of the party and declaring the appeal “lacking in merit.”

Allies of Wike have welcomed the decision, seeing it as a reinforcement of their position.

Letter To My Bandit Brothers Through Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser

The Source

March 9, 2026

By Ikeddy Isiguzo

The statement by Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, that we are brothers, that you are peaceful, and that we should negotiate with you, prompted this letter.

I struggled to greet you as “Dear bandits,” hence the letter skipped the salutation.

Had I known we were brothers and that you wanted peace, I would have written to you earlier. We, as brothers, should be grateful to Ribadu for making our relationship public, though years after he had done so.

Ribadu is still hiding something from us. Garrulous as he is, he knows he cannot say everything. Why did he keep brothers apart for so long?

What agenda did he have?

Isn’t Ribadu a bad brother to you and us? What does Ribadu want from us? How can he be a brother and not be able to get you out of the forests? And he dares bring your message to us? Ribadu sounds as if we are the problem.

His high office could have been used to do something about making you happy, peaceful, and partakers of the great life that Tinubu and his APC have ordained for Nigerians since Muhammadu Buhari became President in 2019.

I don’t know what you think we are enjoying in Nigeria with all the killing of our brothers by Fulani cattle herders, terrorists, who we have been calling bandits.

We never knew you were not bandits. Ribadu didn’t tell us. He was busy negotiating the release of victims of your attacks on your brothers.

Clarity is the issue. All the time Ribadu was speaking of non-kinetic approaches in engaging you, he did not explain that he meant we should allow you to kill Nigerians, including our security agents to impress on us that you are our peaceful brothers.

Which brother treats the family the way you have been carrying on? While Ribadu was making a case for you, attacks on unarmed villagers and farmers have not abated even in the holy month of Ramadan. You have extended the level of your well-known brutality.

You slaughtered a Chief Imam, worshippers, and abducted women and children who had broken their fast in Ngoshe, Borno State, on Wednesday evening.Those were not your brothers, or do you and Ribadu have a definition of brotherhood that excludes them?

You reportedly abducted more than 100 women and children. Ribadu must be impressed by your performance.

Your new approach is to inflict maximum brutality on your victims using swords and long knives to slaughter them, rather than shooting, as was the practice in past cases.

Our brothers are bragging about killing other brothers and their plans to cause more havoc.

“We have slaughtered them, abducted their women and children and enslaved them. They are our legal property to use as ordained by God. We have conquered Ngoshe and will remain here; we are willing to die for this course. It’s our third day in this town, and we will extend the fight and reclaim more places from here to Maiduguri, up to Abuja,” they said in a video that Daily Trust reviewed.

In Benue, Kwara, Kebbi, Plateau, Niger, Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria, our brothers act in similar manners without consequences.

People like Ribadu stand with you, ignoring the larger family, Nigeria. He doesn’t know what you want. I speculate that you, too, don’t know what you want.

What did Muhammadu Buhari, as President, not give you over the rest of the family? What did you do with it? His embarrassing support for you divided the family, Nigeria, beyond the imaginations of even the most acerbic critics of Buhari.

Perhaps you want everything. In that case, you want everything which turns out to be nothing.

The Almighty – the same one we all serve but we name Him differently – did not give any individual or group the capacity to have everything. Only greed drives such desires.

Ribadu serves you above everyone. He invents excuses for your crimes. He makes you victims. We should apologise to you and convert ourselves to your brothers.

What are the terms of this brotherhood with bandits? Are the terms secret? Ribadu is singing peace with bandits like a broken record.

Is advising bandits and making their “case” part of Ribadu’s mandate from Tinubu?

If, for any reason, Ribadu had stepped off the line, Tinubu is expected to fire him or at least reprimand him.

Of course, Tinubu’s silence speaks louder than words. He supports Ribadu in his shenanigans because “he is continuing from where Buhari”.

Ribadu can go on being brother to bandits who believe their missions of killing, maiming, stealing and causing chaos in many parts of the country are “divinely ordered”.

When bandits kill our soldiers, our compatriots and other security agents, Ribadu wants us to remember that our attackers are peaceful compatriots who are bandits.

IWD: Agency Extols Women’s Contribution To Maritime Dev.

James Orji

March 9, 2026

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola has applauded the contributions of women to the development of the Nigerian Maritime industry.
In a goodwill message to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day with the theme “Give to Gain”, Dr Mobereola celebrated the strength, expertise and invaluable contributions of women to the sector emphasising that the industry has gained progress, innovation and sustainable growth through their efforts.
According to him “I celebrate your strength, expertise, and invaluable contributions to our maritime industry.
“The theme #GiveToGain reflects your daily impact. Through your professionalism, leadership, and resilience across sea-going, regulatory, technical, and administrative roles, you give excellence and our sector gains progress, innovation, and sustainable growth.”
The DG further commended the dedication of women in the industry and reaffirmed his commitment to “a maritime industry where every woman is empowered to lead and thrive”.
International Women’s Day is a global observance that seeks to draw attention to challenges faced by women and the need to ensure gender equity. This year’s theme “Give to Gain”, focuses on investing in women through resources, education, and mentorship to create a stronger, more equitable society highlighting the fact that empowering women brings collective benefits; economies, communities, and workplaces all grow when women thrive.

PLASU To Engage Private Investigators To Probe Lecturers Alleged Maltreatment Of Students

Ayodele Oni

March 9, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Management of Plateau State University (PLASU) has promised to involve private investigators to look into an alleged maltreatment of some students during examination.

The University was responding to a viral video showing some students kneeling and moving on their knees during an examination period, an incident that stirred allegations that a lecturer forced them to kneel for arriving late.

The video, widely circulated on Facebook, led to claims that a lecturer, identified as Felix Masok, allegedly punished students by making them kneel after they arrived late for an examination.

In an official statement released by the university on their website, and signed by Masara Kim, acting Public Relations Officer, PLASU denied that the students were forced to kneel as a form of punishment.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on February 5, 2026, more than 30 minutes after the scheduled General Studies (GST) examination had ended at about 3:30 p.m.

The university explained that a group of students, who arrived at the venue after the examination had already been concluded, reportedly chose to kneel on their own as a plea for mercy so they could be allowed to sit for the test.

Management pointed out that the supervising official, after seeing the students’ display of remorse, intervened and asked them to stand up, eventually granting them exceptional permission to take the examination despite their lateness.

PLASU noted that its Student Handbook strictly prohibits entry into the examination hall 30 minutes after the start of an exam, adding that allowing the students to write the test technically bypassed the institution’s established rules.

While acknowledging the backlash generated by the viral video, the university expressed concern about what it described as a “social media trial”, noting that no formal complaint had been submitted through official channels such as the university management or the Student Union Government (SUG) before the video surfaced online.

The institution further announced that the independent investigators would also examine the incident and determine whether any examination regulations were violated by those involved.

The statement reads, “The Management of Plateau State University (PLASU) is aware of a video circulating on social media regarding the alleged maltreatment of students during the recently concluded first-semester examinations.

“We wish to categorically state our unwavering commitment to the fundamental human rights and dignity of every member of our university community.

“Following a preliminary internal review, the University provides the following clarifications regarding the events of February 5, 2026, which coincided with a world press conference by the Vice Chancellor and a campus tour by invited reporters who witnessed the early part of the examination:

“The incident occurred after 4:00 PM, more than 30 minutes after the official conclusion of the General Studies (GST) examinations, which ended at 3:30 PM.

“Evidence suggests that a group of students who arrived late to the venue — more than 30 minutes after the exams were concluded — voluntarily chose to kneel and approach the hall as a collective plea for mercy. Their intent was to appeal for late entry into the examination.

“Contrary to reports of ‘punishment,’ the supervising official—acted out of compassion. Upon seeing the students’ public display of remorse, he intervened, directed them to stand, and granted them exceptional permission to sit for the exam despite their late arrival.

“While the University commends the spirit of “magnanimity” shown by the official to ensure students did not miss their academic requirements, it is important to note that the Student Handbook (Section 6.4, No. 2 & 3) strictly prohibits entry into an examination hall 30 minutes after commencement.

“By allowing these students entry, both the staff and the students technically bypassed established protocols.

“While this was done to mitigate the stress of overwhelmed resources at the Computer-Based Test (CBT) center, the University maintains that regulations exist to ensure order and fairness.

PLASU views the ‘social media trial’ and the resulting backlash with concern.

“While we respect the public’s right to free expression, the University has established internal channels for grievances, including formal petitions to Management or the Student Union Government (SUG).

“To date, no formal complaint was lodged through these official channels before the video was shared online.

“To ensure absolute transparency and fairness, the University will engage independent investigators to probe the incident further.

“We will examine the adherence to examination regulations by all parties involved to determine if further administrative action is required.

“In addition, management is actively working to address the resource constraints that contribute to overcrowding at examination centers, contributing to students’ lateness as in the case under review.

“We appeal to the student body, parents, and the general public to remain calm and allow the University to conclude its findings.

“PLASU remains a sanctuary for learning and character building, and we will not allow its reputation to be unfairly maligned by incomplete narrative.”

Police Detains Ebonyi APC Publicity Secretary, Ogbuatu, Over Kidnap, Murder Of Monarch

Ayodele Oni

March 9, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Governor Francis Nwifuru expresses shock over the alleged involvement of the APC Chieftain

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Ebonyi state, who volunteered his bank account to suspected bandits, into which money collected as ransom in the abduction of a monarch, is helping police to track the suspects.

The APC member, Mr Simbad Ogbuatu, who is the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, is being alleged of his involvement in the kidnapping and killing of the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, Chief Francis Igwe.

Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed this during a condolence visit to the family of the late monarch.

Igwe, who is the father of a former Deputy Governor of the state, Kelechi Igwe, was abducted by suspected kidnappers and later died in their custody after reportedly sustaining injuries from physical assault.

According to the governor, Ogbuatu came under investigation after security agencies traced a bank account allegedly used in the ransom negotiations to him.

Nwifuru revealed that the information linking the APC official to the case first came to his attention during a party meeting.

“During our party meeting, somebody whispered to me that the money paid was linked to the publicity secretary of the APC. I asked, ‘What?’

“They said they were still investigating it, but wanted to know if they should go ahead with his arrest. I approved,” the governor said.

He added that although he initially doubted the claim, he directed security operatives to invite the suspect for questioning.

According to the governor, Ogbuatu allegedly admitted during interrogation that he provided his bank account details after being contacted by one of the suspects, who was said to be his personal assistant.

The governor explained that the APC spokesman claimed he provided the account without knowing it would be used for ransom payment, adding that he initially told investigators the funds expected in the account were related to proceeds from a land transaction.

“He said one of his boys, his personal assistant, called him to give an account, and he gave the account the assistant asked him to give.

“Later, he said the account was for money from a land sale of about N200 million.”

Nwifuru further disclosed that security operatives later used the suspect’s phone to communicate with members of the alleged kidnap gang in an effort to track them down.

He said one of the suspects eventually called the phone and accused Ogbuatu of collecting ransom money without sharing it with the group.

According to the governor, the police instructed Ogbuatu on what to say during the conversation to lure the suspects to a meeting point.

Security operatives subsequently laid an ambush and arrested members of the gang who reportedly arrived at the location expecting to collect their share of the ransom.

Nwifuru further revealed that the suspects later told investigators that they contacted Ogbuatu through one of their members who worked as his personal assistant.

Security agencies, he added, were continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing of the monarch and the alleged involvement of those linked to the crime.

PSC Set To Elevate Lagos, FCT Police Commissioners, Moshood, Dantawaye, 14 Others To AIGs

Ayodele Oni

March 9, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Promotion interview set for Tuesday

The Police Service Commission, (PSC), is set to fill vacancies of seven Assistant Inspector General of Police, (AIGs) elevated last week to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs).

It has announced a promotion examination for senior officers, in a move aimed at filling vacancies created by the recent retirement of several senior officers in the Nigeria Police Force.

Already, a promotion examination and interactive session for senior officers to Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Police Service Commission Corporate Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

According to a police wireless communication circulated by NIGPOL FORSEC Abuja to commands and departments nationwide, the session is set to begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. at the Chairman’s Conference Room, 6th Floor.

Officers are required to report by 7:00 a.m. for briefing and conveyance to the venue.

The list of officers instructed to attend includes: Christopher Ado Emmanuel, Joseph Eribo, Miller Gajere Dantawaye, Henry Ifeanyi Uche, Olanrewaju Peter Ogunlowo, Mohammed Dahiru (FDC), Dankombo Faling Morris, Bello Shehu, Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, Ahmed Musa, Olohundare Moshood, Jimoh Simeon, Udofia Akpanudom (FDC), and Haruna Olufemi.

Moshood is the Lagos State Commissioner of Police. He officially assumed office in February 2025 as the 41st Commissioner of Police in the state, taking over from CP Olanrewaju Ishola, who was redeployed to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Dantawaye is the 34th Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, assuming duty in October 2025.

The communication also detailed dress code and professional standards for the interview.

Officers are required to wear conventional attire, including black jackets, berets, and carry swagger canes.

Additionally, they must adhere to professional conduct during the examination, which covers law, local acts, and professional studies.

For operational support, the Force directed 12 neatly turned-out, armed officers from MOPOL to provide escort duties.

The transport department has been directed to provide serviceable vehicles, including two Hilux vans, for the conveyance of the senior officers to and from the interview venue.

Vehicles are to be on standby at the FHQ Parade Ground by 6:00 a.m.

The directive emphasised that all commands treat the operation as “very important” to ensure the smooth conduct of the promotion interviews.

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that the Police Service Commission (PSC) had promoted seven AIGs to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) .

The development followed the exit of senior police officers who served under the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

In a statement released on Friday, PSC spokesperson Torty Kalu said the promotions were based on merit, seniority, service records and performance in both written and oral examinations conducted at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to the statement, the newly promoted officers include Zachariah Fera Achinyan, formerly AIG in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi; Zango Ibrahim Baba, formerly AIG, Department of Logistics and Supply; Isyaku Mohammed, formerly AIG, Armament, Force Headquarters, Abuja; and Margaret Agebe Ochalla, formerly AIG, FCID Annex, Lagos.

Others elevated are Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman, formerly AIG, Police Accounts and Budget at Force Headquarters; Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, formerly AIG in charge of Zone 15, Maiduguri; and Umar Shehu Nadada, formerly AIG in charge of Zone 14, Katsina.

The commission stated that the promotions were necessary to strengthen the leadership structure of the police force.

Gov Fintiri Imposes Curfew On Communities After Deadly Clash

James Orji

March 9, 2026

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has imposed curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area to prevent further communal clash between two communities in the state.

The two communities, Chobo and Bachaman have engaged in bloody clashes recently resulting in the death of at least 30 persons, according to sources privy to the issue.

The state Police Command spokesman, Suleiman Nguroje, Superintendent of Police, on Sunday confirmed the clash to journalists but refused to provide further details on the number of casualties.

The state government, however, said it cannot continue to fold its hands while lives and properties are being lost, warning those fomenting troubles in the two communities to stop or face the wrath of the law.

The government imposed the curfew in a statement signed on Sunday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humeashi Wonosikou, who said the governor took the decision following the renewed clashes between the two communities.

“Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area with immediate effect,” the governor’s spokesman said in the statement.

“This follows renewed violent attacks and breach of peace in some communities within the area.

“Government views these disturbances as unacceptable and has directed security agencies to enforce the curfew strictly.”

Governor Fintiri warned trouble makers on both sides not to test his resolve on the issue, saying he will not hesitate to bring down the full force of the law on those who flout his order, adding that the government was committed to maintaining peace and order in the state.

“The curfew is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Governor Fintiri has also directed security agencies to enforce the curfew and maintain law and order in the area.”

“The government is committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” the statement added.

PDP: Tension As Appeal Court Rules On Leadership Crisis Today; Govs Call For Calm

James Orji

March 9, 2026

Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State — Governor Bala Mohammad

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Governors Forum, the umbrella body of governors elected on the platform of the main opposition party in the country, has called on its supporters to remain calm as the Court of Appeal is set to rule on ledarship crisis rocking the party.

There are only two governors elected on the party’s platform, Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state, who is the Chairman of the Forum, after a flurry of defections of some of its governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC due to the protracted leadership tussle that has lasted for months.

Not a few watching the PDP insist that the Court of Appeal judgment will determine the future of Nigeria’s former ruling party, as serious tension has mounted among members on what will be the direction of the court, which is expected to rule on the leadership problem in few hours.

There’s are two factions in the party laying claim to its leadership, one led by Governor Makinde of Oyo state and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The Forum said whatever the outcome of the Appellate court judgment on the issue, the party is ready to move forward particularly as it prepares for the 2027 election.

The PDP-GF made this known in a statement signed on Sunday in Abuja, the nation’s capital by Director General of the Forum, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, who said the country is on the threshold of history , urging the justiciary, the custodian of rule of law and justice in the country, to do the right thing by ensuring ‘fairness and impartiality’ in its ruling.

According to the Forum, the party will meet after the judgment to chart the way for the party ahead next years’ election, calling on the members to continue to have faith in the party, saying the PDP will continue to play its role as the voice of Nigerians.

“We stand at a defining moment for our democracy. The judiciary, as the custodian of justice, carries the weight of ensuring fairness, impartiality, and the preservation of national stability,” the Forum said.

“Whatever the decision may be, the PDP reaffirms its respect for the judicial process and its commitment to peace.

“We urge our members, supporters, and indeed all Nigerians to remain calm and disciplined in their reactions to the ruling. Our collective response must reflect maturity and a deep respect for the rule of law.

“We call on all party members and leaders to show maximum restraint, remain calm and be law-abiding before, during and after the judgment as leadership will meet immediately to review the judgment and chart the necessary post-judgment line of action.

The Forum stressed that democracy thrives on diversity of ideas and competition, urging members who are planning to contest under the party’s platform not to lose faith yet.

“Democracy thrives on diversity of voices, competition of ideas, and the ability of citizens to choose from credible alternatives.

“We therefore call on members aspiring to contest the 2027 general elections to have faith in the party’s platform.

“The PDP has always been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic journey. Our party has governed, opposed, and contributed to the strengthening of institutions that protect the rights of citizens.

“Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the PDP remains resolute in its mission to provide Nigerians with a strong, credible, and people-centred alternative.

“No ruling can erase the will of Nigerians for a fair and competitive political system. We are prepared to participate fully in the democratic process, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and respected.”

Meanwhile, close watchers of the party insist that the Court of Appeal ruling on the issue may be challenged at the Supreme Court, the nation’s apex court by opposing side who is not satisfied with today’s outcome.

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