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EFCC, ICPC To Address Keyamo’s Lawsuit Against Atiku

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated its intention to reply to the lawsuit filed by Festus Keyamo against Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 25th February 2019 election.

This announcement was made by the EFCC on Thursday.

In addition, Lawyer to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Oluwakemi Odogun, informed Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja that the commission plans to file its response in the case.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Festus Keyamo, who served as a spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), filed a lawsuit marked as FHC/ABJ/CS/84/2023 against Atiku Abubakar. The suit pertains to allegations of money laundering leveled against Mr. Abubakar.

In addition to Atiku Abubakar, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been named as defendants in the lawsuit.

Prior to filing the lawsuit against Atiku Abubakar, Festus Keyamo had called on law enforcement agencies to arrest Mr. Abubakar based on an audio recording that was released by his former aide, Michael Achimugu.

In the audio recording, Atiku Abubakar was alleged to have explained how shell organizations were established to siphon public funds.

According to the report by NAN, Justice James Omotosho had issued a warning on March 7th that he might strike out the lawsuit due to Festus Keyamo’s alleged lack of diligence in prosecuting the case.

However, at the resumed hearing, Mr. Keyamo’s lawyer, Okechukwu Uju-azorji, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for hearing.

During the hearing, Mr. Uju-azorji stated that the former vice president, who is the 1st defendant, had served him with a preliminary objection and that they had responded accordingly.

However, he also mentioned that Atiku Abubakar was not present in court to receive their application.

Mr. Uju-azorji therefore requested an adjournment from the court to allow the 1st defendant to receive and respond to their objection.

Additionally, the counsel to the EFCC, Senami Adeosun, also requested a short period of time to file their response in the lawsuit, noting that they were still within the allowable timeframe. Similarly, Oluwakemi Odogun, who represented the ICPC, made a similar request.

“We were served on March 15 with the originating processes. We sought an adjournment since we are within time to file,” she said.

The judge adjourned the matter until 18 April for a hearing of the pending preliminary objection.

Justice Omotosho, having noted that Atiku Abubakar and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) were not represented in court, ordered that hearing notices be issued to them.

He also directed that any party wishing to file any application should do so before the next adjourned date.

According to the NAN report, Atiku’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, had filed a preliminary objection seeking an order to strike out or dismiss the lawsuit for being incompetent and lacking in “locus standi.”

Mike Ozekhome, contended that the case lacked jurisdiction and should be dismissed, as it did not provide a valid basis for the lawsuit against his client.

However, Festus Keyamo, in a counter affidavit sworn by Henry Offiah, a litigation clerk in his chamber, argued that the CCB, ICPC, and EFCC had failed to respond to the allegations he had made against Atiku.

He also claimed that these agencies had not taken any steps to investigate or invite the former vice president for questioning regarding the accusations leveled against him.

He said that he had written a petition to the CCB, ICPC, and EFCC on January 16th, requesting that they invite Atiku for questioning as part of an investigation into the accusations leveled against him.

Festus Keyamo further stated that the three agencies – CCB, ICPC, and EFCC – had refused to initiate any investigation into the accusations against Atiku, which left him feeling aggrieved. As a result, he filed the present lawsuit on January 20th.

“The allegations made against the 1st defendant (Abubakar) are the subject matter of the investigation sought by the plaintiff and the plaintiff seeks reliefs against the 1st defendant,” the document read.

Festus Keyamo argued in his counter affidavit that dismissing Atiku’s preliminary objection would be in the interest of justice.

 

 

 

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Politics

“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

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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.

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Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

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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.

 

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Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

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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.

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