OPINION: Thinking About Midlife

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November 6, 2025

By Azu Ishiekwene

It feels somewhat like nostalgia, but it’s not. Life, they say, happens. There was something else I used to hear while growing up: A fool at 40 is a fool forever. I suspect that the wit here, if I may call it a wit, is that whatever one cannot achieve in life at age 40 may not be achievable thereafter.

This saying may be valid only in some cultures or inapplicable in all cases, even in cultures where it is commonly used. It suggests that whatever is not achieved by age 40 – believed to be the beginning of midlife, marked by identity crises, choices, and fear of mortality – would be even more challenging to achieve afterwards.

How true is this? I’m well past 40 but still forward-looking. And I might add that I’m not nostalgic. If Virginia Miller Reeves could produce her first book, Once in the Blue Moon, after 80, why should anyone, many years younger, feel their productive years have passed, especially with advances in medicine, science and technology?

Life in the years

Isn’t life, whether at 25, 50 or 70, largely dependent on how well we use the knowledge and information available to us as we respond to the challenges we face? My new book, A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit, is partly inspired by my 2024 book, Writing for Media and Monetising It, to which I also published a workbook as a complement shortly afterwards. After its release, I met many midlifers who felt stranded and left out.

One of them was Nengi Owei-Ilagha, the former chairman of the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), whom I first met at a book reading sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in Yenagoa. My new book was partly inspired by my reflections from that encounter.

An accomplished writer in his younger days, with several published books to his name, Nengi asked me if it was still possible for him to receive a reward or, to put it bluntly, earn money for his labours of earlier years, several of them either out of print or forgotten by a generation riveted on Kindle. Has he not been left behind by the new tech wave of e-books and digital migration?

Self-reinvention

He was keen to know how to capitalise on current opportunities, especially in new media – or put another way, how to get a new lease on life. My book on content monetisation seemed to be aimed at millennials or Gen Z – the tech-savvy, social media-obsessed digital natives – with very little, it seems, for the likes of Nengi, who is in his 60s.

That got me thinking, so I decided to engage with this demographic – my demographic – more intimately. When the phrase “content monetisation” is mentioned, it’s tempting for those nearing 60 to think they are approaching life’s departure lounge or that the train may have left the station. Yet, in some parts of the world, 80 is the new 60.

Midlifers got the money!

Concerns about potentially diminished earning power in later years may exist. However, studies in the US and the UK suggest that the populations in this cohort are wealthier, often more so than the baby boomers (born 1946-1964), millennials (born 1981-1996), or Gen Z (born 1997-2012).

Although A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit is written for midlifers (people between 40 and 60), it is strongly biased towards Gen X (born 1965-1980). It shares insights with midlifers on the possibilities for rewarding their mental exertions handsomely, whether through literary, artistic, or acoustic talent, or the sheer capacity to curate and tell a good story from their experiences, using new technologies. The book, published by Premium Times Books, taps into the experiences of some midlifers, including Teju Oyelakin, famously known as Teju Babyface and Jude Nebanmor, a leading Nigerian content provider based in Canada.

It also offers them suggestions about relating to other age groups in their day-to-day life or at the workplace, mainly through personal anecdotes and interviews. This book argues that older adults can profitably interact with and expand their frontiers in the evolving landscape, despite the challenges of adapting to new technologies and social media.

Tech to advantage

It also argues that the social values that shaped them, particularly those in midlife, can help them adjust. Yet, social values are not enough. They must be reinforced with know-how and the ability to identify and apply information to beneficial, practical use. This guide aims to fill the vital knowledge gap for midlifers.

Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the registrar of Nigeria’s higher institutions’ admission board, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which is similar to the UK’s UCAS, shared a story of how two journalists aged 50 and above seized opportunities once thought to be the preserve of academics to boost their careers.

After many years of doing the usual – getting and writing news and features and later working as editors – they decided to try something new. They submitted their short stories in a competition organised by JAMB for standard texts, which areusually selected periodically for the body’s examination candidates.

Lekki Headmaster

An entry by one of the journalists and Editor of the Weekend Guardian, Dr. Kabiru Alabi Garba, was adjudged best, scoring even higher than that of a professor with many years of experience. Alabi’s book, The Lekki Headmaster (2024), might fetch him a tidy sum in gross earnings in two years or more, if the deal is extended up to a maximum of four years.

Sharing his experience with me, Garba, 56, spoke of how using tech tools for research and editing made his work faster, more efficient and easier. “In the past, it might have been a lot more difficult to combine my day job with writing a book, but embracing new tools for transcription, research, and editing took the drudgery away and kept me focused on the creative part of my work, Dr. Garba said.

The Lekki Headmaster speaks more to young adults on the japa train than it does to midlifers. “I was motivated to write the book to lend a voice to the japa phenomenon,” the author said. “But in doing so, I harnessed the advantages of technology and new media.”

Means to an end

Technology is not an end but a means to an end. A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit discusses how midlifers can use the core values of resilience and resourcefulness that shaped that generation in adapting to the digital age. It examines built-in design and marketing biases in new tools and provides practical guidance on how to navigate them.

It is a story about constantly finding ways to make lemonade from life’s lemons. This may well be the life-changing story you have been waiting for. Who knows, some endlifers might even find it helpful.

Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the new book,A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit.

Edo Reclaims Museum Land, Set To Rebuild Demolished Hospital

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Ayodele Oni

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November 6, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Government has moved to reconstruct a hospital which was demolished and the land allocated for the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) project.

The state government has announced the reclamation of a portion of the land for the rebuilding of the health facility.

The MOWAA project was conceived by the immediate past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, despite people’s resentment to the project.

This decision, according to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, underscores the administration’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare delivery for its citizens, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The decision is coming after Benin protest, organized by palace chiefs, civil society groups, youth organizations, and concerned Edo indigenes, condemned the demolition of a hospital for the inauguration of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

They decried the event as premature and disrespectful, arguing it bypasses ongoing deliberations in the Edo State House of Assembly and lacks the explicit endorsement of Oba Ewuare II.

Afegbua explained that the reclaimed land will be used for the reconstruction of the Benin General Hospital, which was previously demolished.

He stated, “People must be healthy before they can visit museums to appreciate artifacts,” highlighting the government’s stance on the fundamental importance of accessible healthcare.

The commissioner emphasized that the decision reflects a pragmatic approach to resource allocation, ensuring the well-being of the populace takes precedence.

“While the government initially considered demolishing the entire MOWAA structure, it ultimately opted for a compromise.

“Recognizing the significant investment of over N3 billion already made in the museum project, the decision was made to reclaim only a part of the land.

“This allows for the hospital’s reconstruction while halting further expansion of the museum, striking a balance between cultural preservation and the urgent need for improved healthcare facilities.”

Afegbua also expressed concern over the change of name from Edo Museum of West African Arts (EMOWAA) to Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA), describing it as disrespectful to the state’s heritage.

IPOB: Again, Kanu Insists “No Case”, As Sowore Reveals Plot To Sentence Him To Death

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James Orji

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November 6, 2025

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Detained Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has until November 7 to defend terrorism charges against him, according to Justice James Omotosho of the Federal high Court in Abuja, presiding over the case.

The judge gave the directive on Wednesday even as Kanu reiterated yesterday in the country that he has nothing to defend, and has no case to answer on the charges of terrorism and treason preferred against him by the federal government.

The IPOB strongman had two weeks ago sacked his lawyers, including Kanu Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, after which he made a ‘no case’ submission before the Justice Omotosho-led court.

Reacting to the judge’s order to defend himself, Kanu who has been in detention since 2021 said he could not be tried under the current terrorism law in the country.

“The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put in defence under a repealed law. I won’t do that,” he said.

While offering Kanu another opportunity, Justice Omotosho, said his decision was based on the interest of justice and to the nation.

Meanwhile, a human Rights Activist, Omoyele Sowore, said on Wednesday that the federal government has concluded plans to sentence Kanu to death following his “no case’ submission in the court.

Sowore, in a statement posted on his verified X account on Wednesday, noted that the plan of the federal government is to either sentence him to death or condemn him to life imprisonment.

Part of the message reads: “For the avoidance of doubt and to alert the public, it has become clear that a secret decision has long been reached within the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration regarding the fate of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“The plan, devised through a high-level political conspiracy, is to either sentence him to death or condemn him to life imprisonment. This outcome, predetermined far in advance, is now being dressed up in the guise of judicial procedure.”

Sowore alleged that Justice James Omotosho is expected to conclude Kanu’s trial by declaring that his refusal to open his defence amounts to an admission of guilt, a convenient interpretation designed to seal a verdict already agreed upon behind closed doors.

He said the ruling is anticipated this November, a month that bears a haunting historical precedent, one of Nigeria’s most haunting tragedies. “It was in November 1995 that the military tribunal of General Sani Abacha sentenced Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists to death, a sentence carried out with ruthless precision.

“Today, three decades later, Nigeria appears to be standing at the same moral crossroads. Only the year has changed; this is 2025, not 1995, but the machinery of repression grinds on. The trial of Nnamdi Kanu has ceased to be about justice; it is now a test of conscience for the Nigerian state and its citizens alike.”

Following his arrest in Kenya On 27 June 2021, the IPOB leader has been detained and prosecuted by the DSS on terrorism and treason related charges.

Not a few Nigerians have however called for his release in the spirit of reconciliation and peace, particularly in Nigeria’s south east.

Ondo Police Foils Kidnap, Robbery Attempts, Arrests Five Suspects

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Ayodele Oni

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November 6, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command has foiled an attempted kidnap of a lady and arrested four suspects.

The Command also arrested a robbery suspect while trying to snatch a motorcycle in Akure.

Command’s spokesman Olusola Ayanlade explained that the kidnap incident occurred on the 4th of November, 2025, at about 6:30 p.m.

“A Good Samaritan notified the Police that four young men, driving an unregistered Toyota Camry (popularly known as Muscle Camry), had forcefully abducted a lady and were heading towards the Shoprite Roundabout in Akure.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, Police personnel from the Command immediately mobilized, strategically blocked the suspects’ route, and successfully intercepted the vehicle leading to the arrest of all four assailants and the immediate rescue of the victim.

“Subsequent investigation revealed that the victim, identified as Adebayo Oluwaseun, was abducted along Weluwelu Street, Ilekun, Oda, and was being taken to an unknown destination before the prompt intervention of the operatives.

“The timely coordination between the alert citizen and the rapid response of the Police proved pivotal in foiling what could have become another tragic case of abduction.

“In continuation of the investigation, the unregistered Toyota Camry (Muscle Camry) used by the suspects has been recovered as an exhibit, while all four suspects remain in custody as discreet inquiries continue to uncover further details surrounding the incident.

“The robbery incident occurred on 2nd November 2025 at about 8:00 p.m., when Mr. Omoniyi Elijah, a commercial motorcyclist, was attacked by two passengers who attempted to snatch his motorcycle.

“In the course of the struggle, one of the suspects, later identified as Ahmed Tijani, stabbed the victim multiple times with a knife.

“Despite the severe injuries inflicted, the victim’s courage and quick thinking in raising an alarm set in motion the chain of events that led to the police response.

“Acting swiftly on the distress call, officers of Oda Division, with the support of vigilant residents, moved in and apprehended Ahmed Tijani at the scene, while his accomplice managed to escape.

“The promptness of this arrest prevented what could have been a fatal outcome. The victim was immediately taken to the hospital for urgent medical care and has since been discharged on 4th November 2025, while the stolen motorcycle was recovered on 5th November 2025”

Tinubu Must Accept Trump’s Offer To Tackle Killings-Ex Presidential Aide

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James Orji

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November 6, 2025

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A former Presidential aide, Laolu Akande has urged the federal government to stop denying the obvious fact that Nigerians are being killed in their numbers by terrorists, in the wake of the US Donald Trump warnings to intervene.

Akande, who served as an aide to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said Christians and Muslims are being killed by the terrorists, saying the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration must accept outside help to tackle the problem of insecurity in the country.

He spoke on Channels Television programme ‘Sunrise Daily’ on Thursday amid diviisions among Nigerians on the hardline position on the issue and the pushback by the federal government that the country is sovereign and cannot be intimidated by a foreign power.

The former presidential aide spoke following a remark on Wednesday by Dele Alake that President Tinubu inherited the problem form past administrations in the country, noting that the US leader’s position on the issue was contrary to the reality on ground. Alake said the motives of the terrorists killing Nigerians are more of political than religious, saying the criminals don’t consider religion when they kill their victims.

According to Akande, it’s a possibility that more Muslims are being killed considering that the terrorists operate in the northern part of the country predominant with Muslims, he however, stated that the federal government should align with Trump on how to end the menace rather than pushing back that the problem does not exist.

The magazine reported that President Trump warned that the use of military force can not be rule out if the terrorists could not be contained by the federal government, he also threatened to impose economic sanctions and stop aid to the country as part of his government measures to end alleged genocide against Christians in the country.

The US leader had since designated Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern”, which diplomatic s experts say will have far-reaching implications on the country.

Nigeria’s Minister To Trump: Tinubu Not Responsible For Christians Genocide

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James Orji

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November 6, 2025

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Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals has reacted to the United States President Donald Trump’s recent remark on insecurity in the country, particularly the killings of Christians in some parts of the country, saying past leaders failed to tackle the problem.

Alake said terrorists Nigerians do no consider faith or creed when they carry out their devious act, saying the US leader’s position is contrary to “the reality on ground” in the country, adding that the killers has more of political undertone rather than religious motives.

The minister who spoke on Wednesday during a news conference hosted by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to him, President Tinubu has taken critical steps to tackle insecurity in the country since he came to office in 2023, citing the recent rejig of the Service Chiefs as an example, noting that past administrations failed to take action on the issue.

Alake: “From the actions taken so far; from the plethora of actions, if such were taken ten years ago, we probably would not be where we are today.eep Watching

“Ranging from the changing of security architecture, the top brass of our security agencies.

“The change in 2023, change again a few days ago; all these are to reinvigorate and re-inject new enthusiasm and impetus into the fight against insecurity.

“These are policies and actions emanating from deep exhaustive planning and strategising and they are yielding results.

“When you look at the last ten years and do a comparative analysis with the last two years, you will notice the tremendous efforts that this government has put in place and actions so far taken to stem the tide of insecurity.

“Everyone knows that there is no deliberate targeting of any religion or persecution. Sometimes, when these terrorists go to attack, they don’t do it based on religion, rather it is based on either economic or political reasons.

“Such do not reflect the reality on the ground.”

President Trump, the magazine recalls, had in a tweet threatened to impose economic sanctions, stop aids and use military force against the country if the federal government failed to stop alleged genocide against Christians.

TUC Rejects FG’s 15 Percent Petrol Tax

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 6, 2025

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Festus Osifo- TUC President and Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The Trade Union Congress, TUC, has warned that the proposed 15 percent import duty on Premium Motor Spirit also known as petrol will compound the economic problems of Nigerians.

TUC National President Festus Osifo gave the position of the union on the issue while speaking on Channels Television programme “TUC Half Hour” on Wednesday , saying the union is currently studying the proposal to fully understands its implications on the economy.

According to him, the duty will likely increase the pump price of petrol considering that that the country currently imports over 70 percent of the product, as the local refinery have no capacity to meet local needs of Nigerians.

If the proposal is implemented by the government, the TUC President said the pump price of PMS could be as high as N970 per litre in Lagos, with more higher cost in other parts of the country.

He explained that the import duty on petrol is wrong at the time when the local refineries are not working, saying the Dangote Refinery in Lagos cannot produce what the country need, despite the fact that it’s not likely to be affected by the policy because it’s located within a Free Trade Zone, FTZ.

“The first impression was a no, no, no. Why are we imposing tax when our refineries are not producing?be | Punch

“The Dangote Refinery operates within a free trade zone, which means it already enjoys import duty waivers. So, if this 15 per cent duty applies to importers, they will simply transfer the cost to consumers, that’s the reality,” Osifo said.

The Tinubu administration had while announcing the policy recently disclosed that it’s part of the government’s strategy to protect local refiners and reduce the influx of cheaper imported products that threaten domestic refining investments.

Senate: NNPCL Fails To Account For $300bn Crude Oil Sales

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 6, 2025

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The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft in the Niger Delta says it has uncovered close to $300billion unaccounted for from crude oil sales by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPCL Limited.

The revelation was contained in a preliminary report submitted to the Senate on Wednesday by the chairman of the Committee, Senator Ned Nwoko.

The report noted that a forensic review of domestic crude proceeds and tax oil returns showed differentials, mismatches and unaccounted funds amounting to a staggering $22 billion.

Similarly, it uncovered a shortfall of $81 billion between receipts declared by the NNPCL and those recorded by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN for 2016 and 2017, a development that shocked the Senate.

Furthermore, the panel’s review of crude oil sales from 2015 to date, indicated that over $200bn in oil proceeds remained unaccounted for globally.

The report followed months of document reviews and public hearings, tracing the problem to faulty measurement systems, weak regulatory oversight, and poor coordination among government agencies.

The panel identified the use of unverified measuring instruments, lack of meteorological control, ineffective interagency collaboration, and uncoordinated enforcement mechanisms as major enablers of crude oil theft.

The panel also faulted the suspension of the Weights and Measures Department’s activities in the upstream sector under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, saying the decision undermined accountability and accurate measurement in crude oil operations.

In addition, it noted that the absence of a special court to prosecute oil thieves and the non-implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund, HCDTF, under the PIA had contributed to persistent sabotage and theft in oil-producing areas.

The panel projected that the unaccounted domestic crude sales proceeds amount to about $300 billion, calling for urgent local and international tracking, tracing and recovery of stolen crude oil funds for the benefit of the country.

The committee appealed to the Federal Government to mandate the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission, NUPRC to enforce international crude oil measurement standards at all production sites and export terminals or restore the Weights and Measures Department to its former regulatory role.

Moreover, it recommended that the government provide security agencies with modern surveillance technology and equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles, to strengthen monitoring of oil facilities and detect theft and leakages in real time.

The panel called for the establishment of a Maritime Trust Fund to support the development and maintenance of maritime infrastructure, training and safety operations, as well as the creation of a special court to promptly prosecute crude oil thieves and their collaborators.

The Nwoko panel advised the immediate implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) to reduce community sabotage and promote inclusion in the management of oil resources.

Besides, the committee expressed concern over the growing number of abandoned and poorly decommissioned oil wells across the Niger Delta, which it said were leaking oil and gas into the environment and polluting communities.

The report recommended that such wells be ceded to the NUPRC for handover to modular refineries to increase crude availability for local consumption and reduce vandalism.

Nigerian Tribune

PDP Convention: Anyanwu Kicks Against BOT Intervention

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 6, 2025

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Samuel Anyanwu, the factional National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has rejected the peace overtures by the party’s Board of Trustees, BOT, to reconcile the two factions in the leadership crisis rocking the major opposition party in the country.

The magazine reports that the Adolphus Wabara-led BOT had met on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital where it set up a six-member reconciliation committee to resolve the leadership crisis rocking the party.

The BoT, named Ambassador Hassan Adamu (North-East) to head the reconciliation committee, with a representative from each of the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Other members are Mike Oghiadomhe (South-South), who doubles as the Secretary of the committee; Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South-East); Senator Zaynab Kure (North-Central); Prince Onyinlola Olagunsoye (South-West); and Dr Lubna Mohammed Gusau (North-West).

The intervention came after last week’s suspension and counter- suspension by the two factions involved in the leadership crisis, one led by Umar Damagun and the other led by Mohammed Abdulrahman .

The two factions are claiming control of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC following last Friday’s judgment of the Abuja High Court which stopped the National Convention of the party slated for Ibadan, the Oyo state Capital next week.

Another ruling from an Oyo state High Court, which ordered the Damagun-led NWC to go ahead with the Delegates Convention has further polarized the party, so much so that it’s no longer clear which of the factions is now in charge.

During its meeting to intervene in the leadership crisis yesterday, the BOT urged the two factions to sheathe their sword to enable the Trustees resolve the problem, even though the BOT said there was no going back on the Ibadan Convention in line with the state’s court ruling.

Reacting to the BOT, Anyanwu described its action as a nullity, saying he was supposed to be invited into the meeting as a member.

“What took place today was a meeting of friends and associates.

“Any BoT meeting without my presence is a nullity. The letter of the PDP is with me. Since I was not there and I was not invited, what took place was not a BoT meeting”, Anyanwu said.

The PDP national scribe also reiterated the judgment of the AbujaH igh Court which stopped the National Convention, noting that the ruling of the Oyo High court on the issue cannot stand, because it’s not superior to the one given by Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja High court last week.

Meanwhile, the BOT in the communique issued yesterday after the emergency meeting aligned with the Oyo state high court ruling, saying it “ solidly stands with” the Damagun-led NWC.

Part of the communique, reads: “The BoT solidly stands with and commends the Amb. Iliya Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors Forum, the National Convention Organising Committee and other critical Organs of the Party for their collective roles in stabilising our Party, especially as we progress towards the conduct of the Elective National Convention scheduled to hold on the 15th and 16th of November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

“The BoT welcomes the ruling of the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice A L Akintola which affirmed the Constitutional right and liberty of our Party to manage its internal affairs including holding our 2025 Elective National Convention as scheduled. This landmark ruling is a victory for Democracy, Rule of Law and political development in our country.

“The BoT, however, expresses worry over the recent developments within our ranks that have caused understandable concerns. The tensions, misunderstandings, and regrettable incidents that have played out in public including the invasion of our National Secretariat are not reflective of the ideals and character of the PDP.

“As the conscience of the party, the BoT cannot and will not take sides but remain focused on safeguarding the integrity of the PDP and ensuring dialogue over discord. The decision for reconciliation is not as a sign of weakness but as a demonstration of maturity and responsibility.

“Against this backdrop, the BoT sets up a high-powered committee to immediately reconcile all conflicting sides and restore unity of purpose in our party as we head to the Elective National Convention in Ibadan.”

PDP Factional NEC Suspends Party’s National Convention

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Ayodele Oni

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November 5, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Factional Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP), Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, has announced the suspension of the forthcoming National Convention, which was earlier scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

The Acting Chairman, alongside the suspended factional National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) disclosed this at a press briefing on wednesday.

He informed the public that the PDP had received the Certified True Copy of the recent Judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja delivered by Honorable Justice James Omotosho in Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.

Members of the factional NEC are all loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike.

Wike had, earlier, described the order of the Oyo state High Court directing the National Chairman of PDP, to go ahead to conduct the party’s National Convention as a ruse.

The Acting Chairman pointed out that “we are pleased to confirm that our esteemed National Legal Adviser, Ajibade K.A. (SAN), has provided a thorough legal opinion on the implications of the judgment.

“In strict adherence to due process and our commitment to fairness, we have filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal to seek further judicial clarification and interpretation in the overall interest of our party, our members, and Nigerian democracy.

“Consequently, having lodged an appeal and in line with our responsibility to uphold the rule of law, the PDP hereby suspends and cancels the proposed Ibadan National Convention pending the decision of the Court of Appeal.

“Any continuation with the proposed convention at this time would amount to a violation of the rule of law and shall not be condoned.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission was a party to the Suit and is fully aware of the judgement of the Federal High court.

“Nevertheless, we have dimmed it necessary and responsible to formally communicate our position to the commission. Accordingly, we have notified INEC to suspend the National Convention in strict compliance with the directive contained in the judgement.”

On the judgement of Oyo High Court given a go ahead order for the convention, Mohammed stated that “We are also aware of an ex-parte order recently issued by a High Court in Oyo State.

“While we await the Certified True Copy of the said order, we reiterate that an ex-parte order cannot override a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court. We shall continue to act only in accordance with valid judicial authority and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As a responsible, law-abiding, and democratic institution, the PDP remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, constitutional governance, and internal party democracy.

“Our actions will continue to be guided by legal advice, by respect for our members, and by our duty to protect the integrity of our party.”