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SERAP Sues 36 Governors, Wike Over Trillion-Dollar Loans

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against the governors of the 36 states of Nigeria and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for allegedly failing to disclose and publish the details of loans totaling N5.9 trillion and $4.6 billion obtained by their respective states and the FCT.

The lawsuit, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/592/2024, was lodged on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja by SERAP’s legal team consisting of Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Valentina Adegoke.

In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP urged the court to compel the governors and Mr. Wike to provide an account of the loans and publish the loan agreements, as well as the locations of projects financed by the loans.

The lawsuit follows SERAP’s previous demand, outlined in a statement issued by the organization’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on March 31, 2024, which was directed to the 37 respondents.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, expressed concern over the substantial debt inherited from his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, on May 29, 2023, stating that the state is now struggling to meet financial obligations such as salary payments.

Sani disclosed that his administration inherited a total of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contract liabilities from the previous governor.

In its latest statement, SERAP called upon the court to compel the governors and Mr. Wike to involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in investigating the expenditure of all loans acquired by their respective states and the FCT.

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that “it is in the public interest to grant the reliefs sought. Nigerians have the right to see and scrutinise the loan agreements and know the details of how the domestic and external loans obtained by the governors and FCT minister are spent.

“Opacity in the spending of the loans obtained by the governors and Mr. Wike would continue to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens.”

The statement highlighted concerns that numerous states, including the FCT, allegedly utilize public funds, potentially including loans, to finance unnecessary travel, purchase luxury vehicles, and support extravagant lifestyles of politicians.

It further asserted that there are purported mismanagement issues regarding public funds, including both domestic and external loans obtained from various institutions and agencies.

SERAP stressed the necessity of transparency in loan spending, emphasizing its significance in enhancing accountability, curbing corruption, and fostering trust in democratic institutions, ultimately aiming to bolster the rule of law.

The statement also emphasized that state governors and the FCT minister cannot use the excuse that the Freedom of Information Act does not apply to their jurisdictions.

It asserted that legal obligations to disclose the requested information are imposed by both the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Although no hearing date has been set for the suit, SERAP lamented that the country’s high poverty rate, underdevelopment, and lack of access to public goods and services are attributed to years of alleged corruption and mismanagement of public funds, including loans obtained by states and the FCT.

SERAP cited the Debt Management Office, stating that the combined public domestic debt of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory amounts to N5.9 trillion, while the total public external debt stands at $4.6 billion.

However, SERAP expressed concerns that both domestic and external loans obtained by states and the FCT are susceptible to corruption and mismanagement.

As a result, the respondents are urged to prioritize transparency and accountability in the utilization of these loans to mitigate the risk of corruption and mismanagement.

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“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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