By Abaire Olanlesi

A fierce legal battle has erupted at the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressives Congress (APC), clash over the admissibility of an Appeal Court ruling.

The dispute arose on Saturday in Akure when the APC and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa sought to introduce a January 28, 2025, Appeal Court judgment dismissing a PDP pre-election appeal.

The appeal, filed by PDP candidate Agboola Ajayi, had challenged the eligibility of Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, over alleged certificate forgery.

APC’s lead counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), argued that since the Appeal Court had already dismissed the disqualification claim, including it in the tribunal’s proceedings was unconstitutional and a waste of judicial resources.

However, PDP’s counsel, Bankole Akomolafe (SAN), insisted that the tribunal must consider all issues raised, citing constitutional provisions.

While withdrawing their request for a fresh election, the PDP maintained its push for Aiyedatiwa’s disqualification.

Tribunal Chairman, Justice Benson Ogbu, ruled that a decision on the application would be included in the final judgment and adjourned proceedings to February 20.

The standoff underscores the high-stakes legal contest surrounding the Ondo governorship election, with both parties seeking judicial validation of their positions.

By Abaire Olanlesi 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Forum of Former Speakers has predicted that politicians who recently defected—mainly to the All Progressives Congress (APC)—will soon return, citing PDP’s strength and national appeal.

Following a meeting with PDP minority leaders in the House of Representatives, Forum Chairman Inuwa Garba dismissed recent defections as unconstitutional and politically misguided.

He urged party members to stay united, asserting that the PDP remains Nigeria’s best hope for governance.

The statement comes amid concerns over high-profile defections, including Senator Ned Nwoko and Rep.

Amos Magaji, ahead of the 2027 elections.

By Gabriella Ogbu

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, has advised former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to resolve his grievances with Tinubu privately rather than airing them publicly.

El-Rufai recently criticized the APC, accusing it of lacking internal democracy and betraying Tinubu.

Bwala responded, urging El-Rufai to engage directly with the president, noting that his comments seemed more like dissatisfaction than opposition.

Bwala, who has a close personal rapport with El-Rufai, emphasized that airing grievances in public was unproductive and suggested a private conversation with Tinubu as the best course of action.