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Appeal Court upholds judgement stopping INEC from recognising PDP Ibadan convention

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the judgement of the Federal High Court restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, the appellate court dismissed an appeal filed by a faction of the PDP led by a former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), challenging the jurisdiction of the lower court to entertain the suit.

The appeal formed part of nine harmonised appeals brought by the Turaki-led faction against the October 31, 2025 judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which barred INEC from validating the outcome of the party’s November 15 and 16, 2025 national convention in Ibadan.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal affirmed that the Federal High Court had jurisdiction to hear the suit, rejecting the argument that the dispute was merely an internal affair of the party.

The court held that the appellants could not “repackage a clear violation of the party’s constitution and that of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as an internal party affair.”

Justice Onyemenam further held that the PDP failed to comply with constitutional and statutory provisions required before a valid national convention could be held.

Among other findings, the court stated that no valid notice of the convention was served on INEC as required by law and that valid congresses were not conducted in more than 14 states before the convention was convened.

The appellate court stressed that compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the party’s constitution and guidelines was fundamental to democratic governance.

“Non-compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the party Constitution and Guidelines strikes at the heart of democratic governance, and compliance must be strictly enforced in the interest of democracy,” the judge held.

The court subsequently dismissed the appeal and awarded ₦2m in costs against the appellants.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had in his October 31, 2025 judgement restrained INEC from receiving, publishing, or recognising the outcome of the convention until the party complied with relevant provisions of the law.

The trial judge held that evidence before the court showed that congresses were not conducted in some states of the federation and that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21-day notice required to enable INEC monitor its meetings and congresses.

Justice Omotosho also ruled that notices and correspondence issued by the party’s National Chairman without the endorsement of the National Secretary were invalid.

The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 was filed by three aggrieved PDP members — Austin Nwachukwu, the Imo State PDP Chairman; Amah Abraham Nnanna, the Abia State PDP Chairman; and Turnah Alabh George, the PDP Secretary for the South-South.

The plaintiffs, through their counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), had asked the court to stop the planned convention where new national officers of the party were expected to be elected.

Those listed as defendants in the suit included INEC, the PDP, the party’s National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the PDP National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee, Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.

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2027: Oyo Reps Hopeful, Socrates Rallies APC Unity to Reclaim Power, Drums Support for Tinubu

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File photo of Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo

 

A House of Representatives aspirant for Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo, on Friday urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that disunity could undermine the party’s chances of returning to power.

Adeyemo, popularly known as Socrates, made the call in a statement, where he also drummed support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former Vice Chairman of Aare Latosa Local Council Development Area stressed that cohesion among party leaders and stakeholders remained critical to building a formidable opposition in the state.

He commended party chieftains, including Moses Alake-Adeyemo, for their roles in repositioning the party for future electoral success.

“The task before us requires unwavering commitment and unity of purpose. A divided house cannot stand. If we are determined to reclaim Oyo State in 2027, we must close ranks and work together,” he said.

Adeyemo also criticised the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, alleging that residents were experiencing the effects of what he described as governance failures.

“With the current realities in Oyo State, it is evident that the only credible alternative in 2027 is the APC. I commend our leaders for rebuilding the party and urge members to remain steadfast, as victory lies in our collective resolve,” he added.

The aspirant further described Tinubu’s leadership as pivotal to Nigeria’s recovery and long-term development, urging Nigerians to sustain their support for the President.

Adeyemo, who is also the Oyo State Coordinator of Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, called on party loyalists to intensify grassroots mobilisation, deepen engagement across communities, and work collectively towards ensuring victory for the APC in Oyo State in 2027.

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2027: Tinubu is my ultimate project – Oseni

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cites NELFUND, LG autonomy, rising allocations, state police, electricity reforms

A member of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has restated that the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains his “ultimate political project” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said his position was informed by what he described as “verifiable and far-reaching reforms” introduced by the  Tinubu-led administration across key sectors.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is my ultimate political project. I am committed to mobilising all available structures and support across all strata of our society to ensure his re-election in 2027,” the lawmaker said.

Oseni highlighted major policy milestones, including the signing of the Electricity Act, which decentralises the power sector and empowers states and private investors to generate and distribute electricity.

He also referenced the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the scheme provides interest-free loans to students in tertiary institutions, and described it as a critical intervention in expanding access to higher education.

According to him, the administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market have significantly boosted government revenue and improved fiscal transparency.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain added that one of the most impactful outcomes of these reforms is the increase in allocations to states and local governments, which, he said, has enhanced their capacity to execute projects and meet obligations to workers.

Oseni further pointed to the push for local government financial autonomy, following recent judicial pronouncements and policy backing by the Federal Government, noting that it would strengthen grassroots governance and service delivery.

He also cited ongoing national conversations and policy steps towards the establishment of state police as part of broader security sector reforms aimed at addressing localised security challenges.

On infrastructure, Oseni said the administration had prioritised road construction and rehabilitation across the country, as well as railway development, with increased intervention through relevant agencies to improve connectivity and support economic growth.

He noted improvements in key economic indicators, including revenue generation and efforts to stabilise the macroeconomic environment, adding that reforms in the oil and gas sector are gradually boosting investor confidence and local capacity.

Oseni, however, acknowledged that there might be challenges, explaining that “While all may not be perfect at the moment, tangible results and key performance indicators clearly show that hope is rising and indeed being renewed. The foundation being laid today will yield greater benefits in the coming years,” he said.

He stressed that continuity in President Tinubu’s leadership was essential to consolidate ongoing reforms and deliver long-term national development.

“This is not the time for disunity or distractions. We must close ranks, deepen grassroots mobilisation, and work collectively to deliver victory for our party and President Tinubu,”  Oseni submitted.

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FG raises civil servants’ allowances, okays 100% DTA, exit bonus

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review covers all cadres, boosts welfare, retirement security

The Federal Government has approved a sweeping upward review of peculiar allowances and welfare packages for civil servants, alongside the introduction of 100 per cent duty tour allowance for training and a new exit benefit scheme for retirees.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja, describing the decision as a major step towards enhancing workers’ earnings, morale and post-service security.

She said the review applies to officers on the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, with a design that ensures benefits cut across all grade levels.

According to her, the restructured allowances will improve take-home pay for both senior and junior officers, reflecting the government’s commitment to a more inclusive welfare framework.
Walson-Jack further disclosed that key allowances captured in the Public Service Rules, including duty tour allowance, estacode and book allowance, had been comprehensively reviewed.

Highlighting one of the major reforms, she announced the approval of 100 per cent duty tour allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, irrespective of whether such training involves travel.

“Even when the training is within the same location, officers are entitled to full DTA,” she said.

In a related development, the Federal Government has introduced an exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme, effective January 1, 2026.

The scheme provides 100 per cent of a retiree’s full emoluments as an exit package, separate from pension entitlement.

The Head of Service said the initiative was designed to uphold dignity in retirement and ensure that public servants exit service with adequate financial support.

She also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, aimed at providing financial protection for workers in cases of job-related injury or death.

The reforms come amid growing pressure from labour unions for improved welfare, as rising living costs continue to strain workers’ incomes.The latest move follows an earlier salary adjustment by the Federal Government, which approved a 25 to 35 per cent increase for workers across several consolidated salary structures.

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