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Court Rejects INEC Temporary Voter Card Demand For Polls
A lawsuit seeking to permit registered voters without Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to cast their ballots in the upcoming general elections using their Temporary Voter Card or Voters Identification Number (VIN) was dismissed yesterday by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The suit aimed to require the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow these voters to participate in the election was dismissed by Judge Binta Nyako, who ruled that the deadline set by INEC for the collection of voter cards across the country has not yet passed.
Justice Nyako stated that it would be a futile effort for the court to make a ruling on the matter as INEC had extended the deadline for the collection of the PVCs in accordance with its decision to only allow those with the voter cards to participate in the upcoming elections.
The case, designated FHC/ABJ/CS/2348/2022, was initiated in court by the Incorporated Trustees of International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, a non-governmental organization, along with two additional plaintiffs, Emmanuel Chukwuka and Bruno Okeahialam.
The plaintiffs informed the court that they had brought the lawsuit for their own benefit and on behalf of over 20 million registered voters who they claimed were facing the possibility of being denied the right to vote in the 2023 general elections due to INEC’s actions.
INEC was the sole defendant in the lawsuit. The plaintiffs, represented by their lawyer Mr. Max Ozoaka, argued that due to several administrative difficulties and challenges associated with collecting the PVCs across the country, a significant number of registered voters would be unable to exercise their right to vote.
They asked the court to determine whether; “Having regard to the clear and unambiguous relevant provision of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the true intendment of Section 47 (1) thereof, whether the defendant, can as a consequence of their own contraption, bottleneck, compromise and negligence, dasenfranchise or otherwise deprive the plaintiffs and a class of persons they represent in this suit, the right and opportunity to vote in the forthcoming general election fixed for February 25 to March 12, 2023.”
Upon determination of the legal question, the plaintiffs, are praying the court for: “A Declaration that having duly registered and been captured in the Defendant‘s Register of Voters and electronic database of registered voters, the Plaintiffs and all persons they represent in this suit are entitled to exercise their right to vote in the forthcoming general elections fixed for February to March 2023.
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Obi Calls for Tinubu’s Resignation Over ‘Failure in Governance’ After UK PM Exit
Former presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over what he described as “failure in governance,” drawing comparisons with political accountability in other democracies following the resignation announcement of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, Obi said he had followed Starmer’s resignation speech and reflected on what he described as the importance of leadership responsibility in democratic governance.
ALSO READ: UK PM Keir Starmer Resigns
“As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development,” Obi said.
He noted that Starmer’s decision followed growing public dissatisfaction over economic challenges, rising cost of living, and unmet campaign promises in the United Kingdom.
Obi then drew parallels with Nigeria, recalling that before the 2015 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had repeatedly called on then-President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over insecurity.
“During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives,” Obi stated.
He also referenced campaign promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 elections, including commitments to improve electricity supply, tackle corruption, and enhance the welfare of Nigerians.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments,” Obi said.
According to him, conditions in the country have since deteriorated, with persistent power shortages, worsening insecurity, and deepening economic hardship.
“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased,” he added.
Obi further argued that other sectors, including infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, had also suffered setbacks, insisting that Nigeria is currently in “the worst possible condition.”
The opposition figure therefore called on President Tinubu to step down, saying such a move would promote accountability in public office.
“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance,” Obi said.
He added that resignation would help foster “a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility” and reinforce the idea that “public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement,” stressing the need for what he called “a New Nigeria that is possible.”
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Ex-IGP Usman Alkali Baba Joins Yobe Governorship Race, Vows to End Insurgency
Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Yobe State, promising to tackle insecurity and rebuild the state’s economy.
In a statement released Tuesday following a consultation meeting in the state, the retired police chief said his ambition is driven by a desire to restore peace, strengthen institutions, and accelerate development across all sectors.
Alkali pledged to “wipe out insurgency” and revive economic activities disrupted by years of insecurity, noting that his administration would prioritise intelligence-driven security and community partnerships.
“My vision for Yobe State is clear. I want a state where security is strengthened through intelligence and community partnership. I want a state where farmers can return to their farms with confidence, traders can move freely, and children can go to school without fear,” he said.
The former police boss emphasised his experience in national security management, stating that his years in public service have equipped him with the discipline and strategic thinking needed to govern effectively.
According to him, Yobe State requires leadership that understands security, institutional coordination, and human development, adding that insecurity has significantly hindered growth and deepened poverty in the region.
He also outlined plans to boost agriculture, expand infrastructure, and invest in education and youth empowerment. Alkali promised to provide microcredit support for women and equip young people with technical skills and startup kits to drive commerce and industry.
On healthcare, he pledged to combat child-killer diseases, including polio, and introduce free maternal healthcare services, as well as free medical care for children aged zero to five.
“Mothers will not die during childbirth, and children will live and thrive. They will go to school and graduate in a safe and secure environment,” he assured.
Alkali further stated that his administration would focus on inclusive governance, ensuring development reaches all local government areas without discrimination.
While expressing readiness to build on the achievements of the current administration, he maintained that governance must go beyond rhetoric and propaganda, stressing that it requires “vision, action, and the courage to make tough decisions.”
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Bayern Won’t Sell Olise Even for €200m — Rummenigge Drops Bombshell
Bayern Munich have made a strong statement over the future of winger Michael Olise, with Vice-President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisting the club would reject even a €200 million offer for the player.
The comments, reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Monday, highlight Bayern’s long-standing policy of prioritising sporting stability over financial gain.
SEE ALSO: BREAKING: Chelsea Hit With £10.75m Fine, Transfer Ban
Rummenigge explained that the club’s position is rooted in a historic decision made in 2009, when Bayern received a massive bid from Chelsea for Franck Ribéry.
After internal discussions involving then CFO Karl Hopfner and former president Uli Hoeneß, the club chose to reject the offer — a decision that shaped its modern transfer philosophy.
According to him, that principle remains unchanged today.
He stressed that Bayern do not consider selling players who are essential to the team, adding that even a record-breaking €200 million bid would not change their stance on Olise.
The statement is expected to fuel further transfer speculation across Europe, but Bayern officials maintain that Olise is a key part of their long-term sporting project and not for sale.
Bayern Munich continue to uphold their “untouchable players” policy, while Michael Olise remains central to their squad plans.





