Politics

Sokoto Poll: Supreme Court Reserves Judgement In Appeal Against Gov Aliyu

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2024

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Sai’du Umar, challenging the election of Ahmad Aliyu as governor of Sokoto State.

A five-member panel of justices, headed by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun adjourned till a date to be made known to parties after hearing the appeal.

Last year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Aliyu, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 18 governorship election.

Aliyu polled a total of 453,661 votes to defeat his closest rival and PDP candidate, who polled 404,632 votes.

Dissatisfied with the outcome, Umar approached the Sokoto Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and dismissed Umar’s petition against Governor Aliyu and his deputy, Idris Gobir. In challenging Aliyu’s electoral victory, Umar cited alleged non-qualification and electoral fraud during the March 18, 2023 poll.

In a unanimous judgement on September 30, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Haruna Mshelia, dismissed Umar’s petition, saying the petitioners failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.

Still not satisfied with the ruling, the PDP candidate filed an appeal before the appellate court in Abuja but still lost.

Last November, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed the election of Ahmad Aliyu as governor of Sokoto State.

A three-member panel of the appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Saidu Umar, challenging Aliyu’s victory in the poll.The panel unanimously held that it found no reason to disturb the verdict of the tribunal that upheld the governor’s victory.

The case came up before the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The apex court reserved judgement in the matter.

It will also determine an appeal filed by the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Sani Yahaya seeking the sack of Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu of the PDP.

The Sokoto governorship case lapses on the 25th of January while that of Taraba, will elapse on the 26th of January.

2027 General Elections

PDP Confirms Ibadan as Venue for Elective Convention

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2025

By Sarah Sam Adda

The Peoples Democratic Party has confirmed Ibadan as the venue for its forthcoming elective convention.

Adamawa State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Convention Planning Committee, Ahmadu Fintiri, announced the decision on Thursday night after a stakeholders’ meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, describing the convention as “sacrosanct.”

The meeting was attended by key party figures, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and former Minister Tanimu Turaki.

Fintiri said stakeholders deliberated extensively before reaffirming Ibadan as the host city. He declined further comments as security aides moved him away.

News

Omisore Picks APC N50m Governorship Forms

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2025

By Huldah Shado

Former Osun State Deputy Governor and ex-APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has become the first aspirant to pick the party’s N50 million Nomination and Expression of Interest forms ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

The development was confirmed on Thursday by the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru.

Omisore, who arrived at the APC national secretariat in Abuja with supporters, said his decision to run was driven by “responsibility to rebuild Osun and restore trust in leadership.”

His early entry is seen as a strategic advantage in a field expected to include at least 13 other aspirants. The APC has scheduled its governorship primary for December 13, 2025.

The sale of forms began on November 12, with completed forms and delegate lists due by December 1.

Abuja Reports

Senator Dino Melaye Sounds Alarm Over Nigeria’s State, Sparks Public Debate

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ade Iyamoye

Senator Dino Melaye, in a post on his official Facebook page, expressed grave concern over what he described as unprecedented crises facing Nigeria since 1999.

The former lawmaker listed ten critical issues, including rumors of a coup, threats of foreign intervention from the United States, widespread hunger, the devaluation of the naira, an inactive National Assembly, ministerial misconduct, questionable pardons of criminals, unpopular tax laws, unconstitutional declarations of states of emergency, and arbitrary amendments of existing laws.

“Enough is enough. In an unjust society, silence is a crime,” Melaye wrote, warning that the nation’s current trajectory is alarming.

The post generated a variety of reactions from Nigerians. Oladapo Feyisitan criticized Melaye, arguing that if the country were truly in the dire state he described, it would be reflected in the lives of public officials like him.

Feyisitan accused Melaye of enjoying the benefits of his former senatorial position despite Nigeria’s challenges.

On the other hand, Omoba Folabi Adewale Shadare acknowledged Melaye’s perspective but suggested it does not necessarily reflect the views of all Nigerians.

He contended that the nation is undergoing changes that challenge the old norms and the interests of previous political actors.

Another user, Ehinmosan Olutola, raised questions about the specific laws Melaye referenced, seeking clarification on his claims of unconstitutional actions and arbitrary amendments.

Melaye’s post has reignited discussions on governance, accountability, and the state of democracy in Nigeria, with social media users divided over his critique of the government and its handling of national affairs.