Politics
INEC Reverses Decision, Appeals Kano Tribunal Verdict
INEC has reversed its initial stance and will now participate in the appeal challenging the Kano governorship election tribunal’s decision, which declared the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the winner.
BIZTELLERS reports that the tribunal nullified Governor Yusuf’s victory and directed INEC to issue a Certificate of Return to the APC candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna.
Governor Yusuf is taking decisive action, enlisting Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun, to challenge the tribunal’s decision.
He had submitted a comprehensive 42-ground appeal to the Kano Appeal Court, seeking the nullification of the tribunal judgment in his pursuit to reclaim victory.
In the Notice of Appeal submitted on Friday, Chief Wole Olanipekun is heading the legal team, including Bode Olanipekun (SAN), Ibrahim G. Waru, and Akintola Makinde, with Wole Olanipekun & Co serving as the legal firm representing Governor Yusuf’s case at the Appellate Court. Meanwhile, Chief E.O.B. Offiong (SAN) continues to act as counsel for the APC.
Contrary to Governor Yusuf’s move, Suleiman Alkali, Head of Legal Department at INEC’s Kano office, conveyed INEC’s decision not to join the appeal against the Tribunal judgment.
In a letter to the Secretary of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Alkali, representing the Resident Electoral Commissioner, emphasized that INEC, as an impartial entity, has no grounds to appeal any judgment.
The letter obtained by PM News reads “I have been instructed by the Commission headquarters that INEC as an umpire have no reason to appeal any Judgement.
“Consequently, the National Commissioner in charge of Legal Services and National Commissioner in charge of Kano zone are directed that the Appeal be withdrawn and all processes for all Appeals should be forwarded to the Kano Office.”
In a surprising turn, Alkali, while confirming the letter, revealed that INEC has reversed its decision and will proceed with the case at the appellate court.
He explained that the withdrawal letter sent to the Tribunal was recalled, indicating that the INEC legal team is ready to pursue the case.
Alkali expressed concern about how the letter, which was recalled 40 minutes after being sent, got leaked to the media, stating that he was initially misled into writing it.
Journalists in Kano were presented with a copy of the Notice of Appeal filed by the law office of Dikko & Mahmood on behalf of INEC on October 3.
This serves as official confirmation that the Commission has indeed lodged an appeal against the judgment.
Former senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Philip Aduda, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing ongoing internal conflicts within the party.
Aduda announced his resignation in a letter dated March 17, 2026, addressed to the PDP chairman of Karu Ward in Abuja.
In the letter, he stated that his decision takes immediate effect, blaming persistent crises rocking the party for his exit.
READ MORE: Defections Won’t Break PDP in Sokoto, Says Former Senator Gada
“I write to formally notify you of my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect due to the crisis in the party,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to serve in various elective positions across the country.
His departure adds to the growing wave of defections currently reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly within the Senate.
In recent developments, several PDP lawmakers have defected to rival parties. Three senators — Amos Yohanna, Aminu Iyal Abbas, and Ikra Aliyu Bilbis — recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, increasing its dominance in the Senate to 84 members.
The defections have reduced the PDP’s Senate strength from 17 to 14 members.
Meanwhile, five other PDP senators have moved to the African Democratic Congress, which has now emerged as the main opposition party in the Senate with nine members.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially kicked off its nationwide elections, marking the start of a major leadership renewal ahead of the party’s National Convention scheduled for April 14, 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, outlined the timetable for the election process.
According to the statement, polling unit and ward congresses will hold on April 7, followed by local government area congresses on April 9 and state congresses on April 11.
ALSO READ: PDP’s Festering Crisis Chases Tambuwal to ADC
The exercise is part of ADC’s constitutional mandate to refresh its leadership structures across all levels, culminating in the national convention in April. Party members interested in contesting vacant positions have been urged to obtain and submit nomination or expression of interest forms via the official ADC website.
“This process forms part of the party’s constitutional responsibility to renew its leadership structures across all levels of the organisation, culminating in the national convention,” the statement said.
The party also called on members nationwide to participate actively in the congresses and to conduct themselves in accordance with ADC’s constitution, guidelines, and democratic principles.
The nationwide elections are expected to set the stage for a robust leadership team as ADC positions itself strategically ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A former senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Abubakar Umar Gada, has assured members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the party remains strong and united in Sokoto State despite recent defections by some political figures.
Gada gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday in Sokoto, where he urged party loyalists to remain calm, focused and committed to the ideals of the PDP.
According to him, political defections are not unusual in Nigeria’s democratic landscape and should not be seen as a threat to the stability and strength of the party in the state.
SEE MORE: PDP’s Festering Crisis Chases Tambuwal to ADC
The former lawmaker stressed that the PDP still enjoys a strong grassroots presence in Sokoto, noting that the party’s structure across the state remains intact and capable of delivering electoral victories.
He explained that the strength of the PDP lies in the loyalty and dedication of its members, leaders and supporters who have remained committed to the party through various political challenges.
Gada also pointed out that politics allows individuals the freedom to make personal decisions, but maintained that the PDP as an institution remains resilient and firmly rooted in the aspirations of the people of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
He further disclosed that the party’s national leadership has already initiated measures aimed at strengthening internal unity and consolidating party structures across the country.
According to him, consultations and reconciliation efforts are currently ongoing among key stakeholders to address emerging concerns and reinforce unity within the party.
Gada noted that such engagements are designed to ensure the PDP moves forward with renewed focus, stronger unity and a clear commitment to democratic values.
He recalled that the party has successfully navigated several political challenges in the past and has consistently emerged stronger.
The former senator therefore urged PDP members in Sokoto State to remain steadfast and avoid actions capable of creating divisions within the party.
He also called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and strengthen party structures across all levels as the party prepares for future political contests.
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