politics

Oshiomhole asks Appeal Court to vacate suspension order

Published

5 years ago

March 5, 2020

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•Po DSS at APC secretariat •Party appoints Ajimobi, Bulama, Chukwuma

NATIONAL Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said last night he remains in charge of the party.

Oshiomhole stated this following an interlocutory injunction granted by a Federal Capital Territory High Court that he should step aside pending the determination of a suit filed by six members of the party.

Oshiomhole’s spokesman Simon Egbegbulem said: “We have filed for a stay of execution and appealed the ruling.

“With those processes currently before the Appeal Court, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole remains the national chairman of the party.

Also on Wednesday, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC approved the nomination of Waziri Bulama as the Party’s Acting National Secretary, ex-Governor Abiola Ajimobi as the Deputy National Chairman (South) and Mr. Paul Chukwuma (National Auditor) of the party.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said: “The decision was reached on January 14, 2020 during the meeting of the NWC at the party’s National Secretariat.”

The statement added: “Following the resignation of H.E. Mai Mala Buni as the Party’s National Secretary in May 2019 prior to his election as the Governor of Yobe State, the party subsequently gave notice for a replacement from the zone.

“ The NWC has also approved the nominations of Senator Abiola Ajimobi as the Deputy National Chairman (South) and Mr. Paul Chukwuma as the National Auditor following nominations from the respective zones.”

Following the court order, the national secretariat of the APC was taken over by policemen and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Danlami Senchi, while delivering his ruling on an application of interlocutory injunction by six members of the party, directed the APC to desist from acknowledging Oshiomhole as its chairman.

He also directed the party not to allow him access to its secretariat, pending the hearing and determination of the case.

In the application, the plaintiffs, led by Mustapha Salihu, prayed the court to stop Oshiomhole from acting as APC chairman since he had been suspended as a member of the party in his Etsako Ward 10 in Edo State.

They listed Oshiomhole as first respondent and the APC as second respondent in the application filed on their behalf by Oluwole Afolabi.

The plaintiffs stated that Oshiomhole’s rights as a member of the party had ceased by virtue of his suspension at the ward level. They argued that, since the former Edo State governor never contested the suspension, he could not continue to act as the party’s chairman.

Justice Senchi said the former governor, who on his Twitter handle describes himself as “Strategic General Chairman,” had been wrongfully kept in office.

Justice Senchi,who held that political parties must be bound by their constitutions, said he was of the view that since Oshiomhole had been suspended by his ward, he had no basis parading himself as the APC national chairman.

He thereafter adjourned hearing of the substantive suit to April 7, 2020.

The policemen arrived in two batches from the FCT Command and Wuse Divisional Police Station at about 5pm in nine Toyota Hilux vans. This was after two court officers served the Legal Department of the APC the High Court order.

They positioned themselves in strategic positions in the premises and directed all staff members to go back to their offices. Visitors were advised to leave.

Sources within the secretariat said the presence of the security agents was to prevent hoodlums capitalizing on the confusion arising from the court ruling to invade the secretariat.

Acting National Secretary of the party, Chief Victor Giadom, confirmed that the party had received the court order and will abide by the content.

“We have received the court order and as a law abiding party, we shall respect it,” Giadom told reporter in Abuja.

He added: “As a party, we are aware of the court injunction. As a law abiding party, we respect all lawful court orders. Very soon, the National Working Committee will meet and you will hear further from the party.

“I am trying to say that APC will respect all lawful court orders. We will soon do that.”

The acting national secretary defended the presence of the security agents at the secretariat, saying: “there is nothing new about it.”

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politics

Renewed Hope: Jubilation in A’Ibom as Tinubu, Akpabio Welcome Governor Eno to APC on Saturday

Published

4 days ago

June 19, 2025

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The event, to be held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, will be hosted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alongside the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Dignitaries expected at the high-profile reception include members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, the APC National Working Committee, party chieftains, and key political stakeholders from across Nigeria.

The planned reception was confirmed in a statement issued by Aniekan Umanah, chairman of the media & publicity subcommittee “The All Progressives Congress (APC) is pleased to announce that all is set for the grand reception of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D., and his team into the APC.“The historic event is scheduled to hold on Saturday, June 21, 2025, by noon at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

“His Excellency, Alhaji Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC, will formally receive Governor Umo Eno and his team into the party, following an official presentation by the Akwa Ibom State APC Chairman, Obong StephenThe event will be graced by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Leader of the APC, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will officially welcome Governor Eno into the progressive fold.

“Other dignitaries expected include members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, the APC National Working Committee, senior party chieftains, and key political stakeholders from across the country.

“The APC warmly invites traditional rulers, political leaders, women and youth groups, and all citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State to be part of this historic celebration.

Meanwhile, the state commissioner of police, Baba Azare, disclosed that adequate security is being put in place for the event.

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politics

Breaking : GOV. UMO ENO OFFICIALLY MOVES TO APC

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

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WE Are not joining the APC from the position of weakness, But Strength , Says Eno

our government has always been an inclusive government, that will never change – Eno

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politics

2027 Election : AIRLIN Expands To Jigawa, Targets 7m Voters In The Next Election, Says Lami Tanko

Published

4 weeks ago

May 26, 2025

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As part of its mission to rekindle hope in Nigeria’s democratic process and combat voter apathy, the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative in Nigeria (AIRLIN) has inaugurated its 16th office in Jigawa State, continuing its expansion across the 19 northern states of Nigeria.

The national chairman of AIRLIN, Mallam Muhammed Gamawa, who presided over the inauguration ceremony on May 24, 2025, also unveiled the local government, zonal, and state coordinators for Jigawa.

“With this new office, AIRLIN is aiming to mobilize and educate 7 million voters across northern Nigeria ahead of the next general elections,” he said.

AIRLIN, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility, is directing its efforts toward communities where voter disengagement is prevalent.

“The goal is to empower citizens especially at the grassroots level with civic education and renewed confidence in democratic governance,” Mallam Gamawa added.

Speaking during an interview, the newly appointed Jigawa State Coordinator, Mallam Musa Muhammad Hadeija, said the inauguration is both empowering and enlightening.

“This inauguration means a lot,” he said. “It has empowered me to establish a strong outreach in the communities sensitizing them, mobilizing them, and effectively putting in place the key objectives of the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and local assessment. “I’m now able to meet with my local government coordinators, and we’ve clearly seen the nitty-gritty of what needs to be done. The interaction during the Q&A session was very beneficial—I’ve learned a lot, and that will give me a better chance to serve.”

When asked how ordinary Nigerians can help uphold the rule of law, particularly those in remote communities, Mallam Hadeija said:

“That is possible through empowerment, skills development, civic education, and consistent sensitization. People need to understand their roles as citizens, and we must build strong partnerships with stakeholders at local, state, and national levels. That’s how we’ll create a solid foundation for real impact.”

Addressing the public’s disillusionment with democracy, especially when elected leaders fail to deliver, he called on citizens to remain committed and united.

“Citizens need to understand that their individual involvement in AIRLIN’s assignment is key. Changing the narrative is possible. We can make AIRLIN a game changer if we are all dedicated, united, and fully aware of the task ahead executing it with purpose and at the right time.”

With Jigawa joining the growing list of AIRLIN offices, the organization is strengthening its national presence and doubling down on its mission to foster democratic integrity and active citizen participation.

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