The Supreme Court of Nigeria has struck out a request by a governorship aspirant in Ebonyi, Senator Joseph Ogba, to review its final judgment of September 14, 2022, which upheld Chukwuma Ifeanyi as the governorship candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) for Ebonyi State in the 2023 elections.
The Apex Court presided over by Justice Amina Augie struck out the request following the withdrawal of a motion to that effect by Counsel to Ogba, Paul Erokoro.
At the day’s proceedings, Mister Erokoro, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), wanted the Court to review its earlier judgment which recognized Ifeanyi as the PDP governorship candidate.
However, the senior lawyer withdrew the processes filed on behalf of his client, when it became apparent that the Apex Court would not yield to the request.
Following the withdrawal, Justice Amina Augie struck out the request.
Before the withdrawal, counsel to Ifeanyi, Chris Uche, had opposed the request of the factional governorship candidate on the grounds that it constituted a gross abuse of the Supreme Court.
In a Judgement delivered on September 14, the Supreme Court affirmed Chukwuma Ifeanyi as the authentic PDP governorship candidate having emerged from a primary election conducted by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
President Muhammadu Buhari has asked members of the National Working Committee to help in keeping the All Progressives Congress (APC) together.
The President noted that oppressive behaviours have driven strong members out of the party urging all to recognise the place of due process in the party and respect extant rules in the interest of forging a united front.
President Buhari urged the NWC to seek assistance from appropriate quarters when the need arises.
He equally assured the NWC member of his full support while asking them to work collectively ahead of the elections.
Speaking extempore, he appealed to the NWC to work according to the party’s constitution, reminding them that the APC was formed through an amalgamation of various parties through a United front.
Calling for a reflection of the party’s mandate upon assumption- Security, Economy, and corruption, the President underscores that ‘We are going to be very tough, particularly on the security challenge in the North West and North Central.
He Strongly cautioned against killings in the country and within the party.
A cross-section of those attending the emergency meeting
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has resolved to vest the powers on the National Working Committee (NWC) for the next three months.
This motion is moved by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan and seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. at the meeting on Wednesday.
Present at the meeting was President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu and other party members
The President is presiding over the 11th meeting of the NEC.
Senator Lawan pledged total commitment and support to the party saying insecurity in Nigeria grew over the years and did not emerge from the present administration.
He however assured that given the enormous investment to tackle insecurity, the situation will abate before the end of the President’s tenure in office.
Also addressing the committee, the National Chairman of the party said the meeting is the first the National Working Committee will be having with the NEC and will begin the process by uniting aggrieved members as well as discussing upcoming elections.
Adamu also encouraged members to uphold exemplary behaviours, according to him, the party’s intrinsic problem is the crisis fueled by ego.
The National Chairman called for a discontinuation of the present rancour within the party because according to him there is no reason for the competition.
The suspended National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has reacted to the dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee.
Briefing journalists on Saturday in Abuja, the ex-chairman said he has formally accepted the dissolution of the party’s NWC under his leadership.
Oshiomhole, however, pledged his loyalty to the ruling party, saying that his loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari remains unshaken.
According to him, the real test of his loyalty is not when things are going smoothly but when things suddenly become rough.
“Of course, we have now been dissolved and I have accepted that dissolution in good fate. I have always assured the President of my loyalty.
“I know it is easy for people to speak of loyalty when the going is good but loyalty is brought to the test when the going gets really tough,” he said.
He also expressed his joy that the APC under his leadership was able to work hard to ensure that unity returned to the Ninth Assembly.
Oshiomhole added that the emergence of Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has helped the executive arm of government to succeed.
His remarks followed the dissolution by the APC National Executive Committee (NEC).
The party’s council took the decision at a virtual emergency meeting, based on the recommendations of President Buhari.
Meanwhile, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has been appointed as the chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Buni was sworn in by the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami.
Similarly, Senator John Akpan Udo-Edehe was appointed as the secretary of the caretaker committee.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Kola Ologbondiyan.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has not yet received any report from the Board of Trustees (BoT) concerning the outcome of the five-member committee it set up to intervene on the issues related to the minority leadership of the House of Representatives.
According to Kola Ologbondiyan the party’s national publicity secretary, the clarification became imperative in the light of public enquiries and conflicting reports on the position of the leadership of the party.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared nine aspirants for the party’s indirect governorship primary in Kogi State.
This was after the working committee deliberated on the reports of the screening and appeal committees for the primary.
Governor Yahaya Bello is among the nine aspirants cleared by Committee while Mustapha Audu, son to late Prince Abubakar Audu was one of those that were not cleared.
The NWC gave the nod to the aspirants after deliberating on the reports of the screening and appeal committees for the party’s Kogi Governorship aspirants.
This was contained in a statement signed by the APC national publicity secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, who says the aspirants were cleared after a comprehensive review of submissions by the two committees.
Two women including Hadiza Ibrahim and Aishat Ekele are also among the nine cleared aspirants for the APC primary.
The statement added that the NWC relied on the party’s guidelines and the provisions of the electoral act to clear the nine aspirants, while seven others who did not meet the requirements for participation in the exercise were not cleared.
See the full list of those cleared and those not cleared below…
The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has summoned Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Hon Lynda Ikpeazu and some other party members to a crucial meeting at its national secretariat over the House leadership.
Other members are Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Anayo Edwin, Hon. Gideon Gwadi, Hon. Toby Okechukwu and Hon. Adekoya Abdul-Majid.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a committee to investigate the roles played by some of its members during the election of presiding officers of the National Assembly.
According to a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the committee which was set up by the National Working Committee (NWC), has been given three weeks from the date of its inauguration to report back with its findings.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a fact-finding committee on the role played by some of its members at the election of the presiding officers of the National Assembly.
“The committee is given three weeks from the date of its inauguration to report to the NWC.”
The committee has former President of the Senate, Adolphus Wabara as Chairman while former National Secretary of the PDP, Prof. Wale Oladipo, will serve as Secretary.
Other members of the committee include; Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Senator Stella Omu, Hon Austin Opara, Senator Abdul Ningi, Hon (Mrs) Margaret Icheen, among others.
The statement added that the committee is to; “find out why some of its Honorable members and senators-elect then, failed to abide by the decision of the party during the National Assembly leadership election;
“Find out whether there is any involvement of the ruling Party in the decision taken by the members involved.
It explained that “the committee should identify reasons by members for taking the action so that the party can create a mutual and political atmosphere for reasonable interaction with Senators and Honourable members.
“Find out and recommend ways to checkmate such tendencies in the future and ensure that, moving forward, all members work together to defend the interest of the party at all times and circumstances.”
A joint meeting convened by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the Party’s State Chairmen, Secretaries and governorship candidates held on Sunday February 10, 2019 at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
The National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who presided over the special meeting stated that the meeting was necessary to review and deliberate on the Party’s preparation and general issues ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Oshiomhole stated the party’s national leadership identified the state executives represented at the meeting by their respective chairmen and secretaries as an important grassroots base that will work and ensure the Party’s victory in the presidential, governorship, National and State Houses of Assembly elections.
The National Chairman who hailed the huge turnout of party supporters in the presidential campaign rallies held so far, charged the state executives to work cordially with APC governors and stakeholders in their respective states to ensure the election of all APC candidates.
While Oshiomhole cautioned against complacency, he said the party’s victory in the coming elections is assured judging by the continued support of the electorate and the unprecedented achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He urged party members and leaders not to be distracted, assuring them that the APC will win the general elections in a free, fair, transparent and credible manner.
Nabena also noted that the NWC-inaugurated committee for the state will conduct the Governorship and Legislative primaries.
“The Zamfara State Governor, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari and the dissolved executives in the state should not interfere in the primary elections in the state,” he said.
The development comes barely 24 hours to the governorship primary and 48 hours to the legislative primary.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) members, on Monday, visited the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, ahead of the primaries slated to hold on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.
During the visit, the governor tasked the panel to ensure there is a level playing field for all aspirants in the contest.
The Governor, who spoke while receiving members of the panel led by its Chairman, Mr Clement Ebri, said it was important that the election when conducted is seen to be free, fair and credible to all aspirants concerned.
He said it is only in such situation that democracy, which the party upholds is entrenched.
Expressing confidence in the selection of members of the panel, Governor Ambode said he had no doubt that the panel would live up to expectation and deliver a credible process, which according to him, will go a long way to determine the future of Nigeria and the greatness of Lagos in particular.
“This is a very star-studded election team, they are distinguished Nigerians in their individual and collective rights. There can’t be any better collection of a team to any State election monitoring in this country than the distinguished personalities brought to Lagos and it only shows us the importance that the National Chairman of our great party attaches to what is happening in Lagos.
“I must tell you that what you have taken up, may look like a political assignment, but history is on your side that at this very moment in the annals of this history of this country, today marking our 58th Independence anniversary celebration, you are being called upon to discharge a selfless service that would determine the future of this country and the greatness of this particular state.
“I receive this election team as being acceptable and credible to me enough to discharge their civic responsibility to the best of their abilities and to also to say that whatever it is that is the outcome of the primaries, your presence has also shown that this will be credible and this will be acceptable by me,” he said.
The Governor recalled that he had gone through the same process with 12 other aspirants to emerge as governorship candidate of the APC in 2014, saying that it was not out of place to have other aspirants contest for the same ticket this time, however, the eventual process of choosing who flies the party’s flag must be seen to be fair to all concerned.
“So it’s very clear to me, all I seek is credible primaries, transparent primaries and level playing ground that we will all be proud of at the end of the day for the outcome.
“There were issues that we have raised that we are also trying to correct. The bottom line is this, we are family, we must not go into the elections divided because this is the very first time that our party is controlling the centre and also the State, that is what I want us to continue.
“The issues that I raise have been put in form of a letter which I would pass to their chairman and I believe the committee will look into it judiciously and also I welcome the stakeholders meeting which will allow you feel the pulse of what is going on in the State,” Governor Ambode said.
He also urged the Panel to use its prerogative to decide the best possible time for the primaries election and make a public announcement on the time, date and venues of the exercise to enable members of the party to partake in the process.
Earlier, Ebri said the panel deemed it fit to pay a courtesy visit to the Governor as the number one citizen in the State and to also intimate him on the process for the conduct of the primaries.
“As the number one citizen of Lagos, we felt obliged to come and see you particularly when you are contesting for the position of Governor for which we all believe you have done so well. We are the panel that has been constituted to conduct primaries. We are seven members and there are indications that there would be one or two additions due to the workload here.
“We have come to intimate you that this exercise is going to take place in the next few hours. I also like to apologise for the delay, it had to be postponed as a result of logistics in Lagos, Imo and some other States because of the pressure and workload from the secretariat and other developments that have taken place,” the Chairman said.
Ebri, a former governor of Cross River State, assured the Governor that he and his team were ready for the task ahead and would do everything possible to ensure that the process is seen to be free, fair and credible.
“Lagos is more like a decider and like they say, when Lagos sneezes the rest of the country catches cold. So that is why we are very careful about what we are doing and the National Chairman asked me to send his best wishes to you and ask us to come and do the right thing to the satisfaction of all members, more so that the president of this country stands for transparency and detests corruption and a situation where no one feels manipulated.
“The process we are laying out is such that we ensure and guarantee transparency and credibility, we have people of integrity in this panel, these are not rookies in politics, they are people who have been tested.
“You can see senators, former governors, former deputy governor, a former member of the House of Representatives, so this is a star-studded team and I can assure you that we have all the experience that you want and you can think about to conduct this exercise. We assure you of our sincerity and transparency and we seek your cooperation in providing a level playing field.
“I want to assure you that we have come here to do our work and to ensure that this party is given the greater control in the affairs of this country by getting the right persons to assume the mantle of office. We know that you have done so well and there is no doubt about it.
“But you have a contestant and we have assured everyone that since this party stands for democracy and we want to ensure that there is a level playing field and everyone would be given an opportunity to test out his strength,” he said.
He said the Stakeholders meeting fixed for Monday evening at the party secretariat in Acme was to enable aspirants and other concerned stakeholders voice their opinion concerning the primaries in accordance with the democratic principles of the party.
He said the meeting would afford the Panel look at the possibility of conducting the primaries at the most convenient time and where there are still grey areas, “then we would contact the national headquarters and get the necessary approval to make the adjustments”.
Ebri also sought the Governor’s assistance in ensuring the safety and security of members of the panel, a request which the Governor granted, assuring the team that adequate security would be provided to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Members of the Panel include Ahmed Mahmud Gumel as Secretary; Mr Nze Chidi Duru; Chief Clever Egbeji; Senator Clever Ikisikpo and Ambassador Jerry Ugokwe.
