Politics
Court Of Appeal Dismisses PDP’s Suit Against Tinubu, Shettima
On Friday evening, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed an appeal made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to disqualify Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his running mate, Kassim Shettima, from the 25 February election.
In a unanimous judgment, a three-member panel led by Justice James Abundaga ruled that the PDP did not have the legal standing (locus standi) to bring the case, as they failed to establish a legal basis for it.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the PDP filed an appeal with the appellate court, marked as CA/ABJ/CV/108/2023, requesting a reversal of the 13 January judgment given by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The previous judgment had dismissed the PDP’s case, citing a lack of legal standing to bring the suit.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as Bola Tinubu and Kassim Shettima, were respondents in the appeal, while the PDP was the appellant in the case.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had filed a lawsuit on 28 July 2022, challenging the eligibility of Bola Tinubu and Kassim Shettima as the presidential and vice-presidential candidates respectively, for the 2023 election.
The suit argued that Kassim Shettima’s nomination as the vice-presidential candidate for the APC was a violation of Sections 29(1), 33, 35, and 84(1)(2) of the amended 2022 Electoral Act.
The party claimed that Shettima had been nominated for two different political offices, which constituted a breach of the electoral laws.
According to the PDP’s lawsuit, Kassim Shettima’s nomination as the APC’s vice-presidential candidate violated the electoral laws because he had not resigned or withdrawn his candidacy for the Borno Central senatorial election at the time of his nomination.
The PDP not only sought the disqualification of the APC, Bola Tinubu, and Kassim Shettima from the 25 February presidential election, but also requested an order nullifying their candidacy in the election.
Additionally, the PDP requested that the court order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the names of the APC, Bola Tinubu, and Kassim Shettima from the list of nominated or sponsored candidates eligible to participate in the presidential election.
However, the defendants filed a preliminary objection, urging the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction.
The defendants argued that the PDP had no legal standing to bring the case since it challenged the APC’s decision and nomination of candidates, which they claimed were within the internal affairs of the party and therefore not justiciable.
They contended that the PDP lacked the legal basis to bring the case before the court.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Abundaga, he concurred with the arguments of the respondents’ lawyers, including Thomas Ojo of Lateef Fagbemi and Co. The judge described the PDP as a busybody that meddled in the internal affairs of the APC.
Justice Abundaga also ruled that the trial court’s decision that the PDP lacked legal standing to bring the case was correct.
The appellant’s lawyer, J.O. Olotu, was ordered to pay a cost of N5 million by the judge.
Politics
“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.
Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.
ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back
“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.
The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.
He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.
Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.
In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.
He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.
Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.
Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.
He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.
Politics
Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting
There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.
The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.
However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.
ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition
Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.
He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.
As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.
Politics
Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift
The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.
Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.
The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.
SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja
Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.
He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.
In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.
The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.
The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.
Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.
The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.
As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.





