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Ogun Chief Judge Swears In Nine-Member Tribunal For LG Election Petitions

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In a pivotal move to uphold the integrity of the recently concluded local government elections, the Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has sworn in a nine-member tribunal to handle election petitions arising from the November 16th local government elections.

The ceremony took place at the Judiciary Complex in Kobape, Abeokuta, and was in line with the provisions of Section 85 (1) and (3) of the Ogun State Electoral Law.

The tribunal, composed of five men and four women, has been tasked with ensuring a fair and transparent review of the election disputes.

READ ALSO: Sanction Wike Before He Throws Nigeria Into Chaos, Dele Momodu Tells Tinubu

In her address, Justice Dipeolu urged the tribunal members to approach their duties with diligence and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth.

“You are charged with a sacred duty to adjudicate disputes arising from this electoral process,” Justice Dipeolu said emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of their decisions.

“Your decisions will not only affect the immediate parties involved but will also influence the public’s trust in the judiciary and democracy itself.”

She called on the tribunal to uphold fairness and impartiality, quoting Lord Denning’s statement that “justice is rooted in confidence,” and stressing that the public must perceive the tribunal as unbiased and just.

She said, “You must dispense justice without fear, favour, or prejudice. Justice is not only for the appellant or the respondent; it is a three-way traffic, serving the rights of the petitioners, respondents, and society at large.”

Justice Dipeolu also highlighted the critical importance of the rule of law, urging the tribunal members to base their decisions on law, evidence, and personal conscience.

“Your mandate is to decide each case based on the law, the evidence presented, and your conscience as judges. Let no external influence sway your judgments,” she stated.

Reaffirming the tribunal’s role as the custodian of democracy, she recalled the words of Justice Niki Tobi, who urged judges to maintain integrity and not bend the law to suit powerful interests.

“Judges must remain resolute, focused, and unyielding in their quest for justice,” Justice Dipeolu noted.

Concluding her address, she prayed for wisdom and divine guidance for the tribunal members, stressing the potential of their work to strengthen democracy in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

“As you take the oath today, may you be guided by fairness, justice, and the rule of law. Your legacy will be written not in the number of cases decided, but in the quality of justice dispensed.”

 

 

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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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