Court Ruling Throws NDC’s 2027 Ambition into Uncertainty

The political landscape was thrown into disarray on Friday as a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. Justice Isah Dashen, who delivered the ruling, held that the court’s December 10, 2025, judgment adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which was not joined as a party in the suit. The Peace Movement Party had claimed ownership of the logo relied upon in obtaining the judgment that led to the registration of the NDC.

Counsel to the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, told journalists after the ruling that the Peace Movement Party approached the court after discovering that the NDC’s registration was based on a logo it had earlier submitted to INEC before the suit was filed. Ekeocha explained that the implication of the ruling was that every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgment must be reversed.

Peter Obi: “My Concern Is Not About Who Becomes President”

The presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concerns about the court deregistration of the party. In a personally signed statement released on Friday, Obi alleged that the legislature and judiciary are being drawn into a pattern by the ruling party to weaken institutions in Nigeria.

“I am not concerned about who ultimately emerges president of Nigeria, but I am worried about the survival of institutions in Nigeria,” the former Anambra State Governor stated. He called for action beyond partisan lines to save democracy in Nigeria, submitting that politics must move beyond the quest for power and focus instead on building a united nation founded on justice, strong institutions, the rule of law, and equal opportunity.

Speaking at a leadership programme hosted by NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State, Obi accused the Nigerian government of plotting to keep him off the ballot in the forthcoming election. He opined that Nigerians would be surprised if they knew what was being done behind the scenes.

“The office said Obi had urged supporters, coalition partners and Nigerians backing the movement to remain calm, focused and undeterred while legal steps were being pursued,” according to a statement from his media team. “We have received the news of today’s (Friday) bizarre ruling from the court in Lokoja, regarding the legal status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)”.

Atiku Warns Against One-Party Rule

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of attempting to weaken Nigeria’s democratic system through what he described as efforts to use the courts to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress. In a statement released on Saturday by his media office in Abuja, Atiku argued that the reported move reflects a broader agenda to suppress opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections,” Atiku said.

He maintained that democracy can only thrive when citizens are allowed to make their choices freely at the ballot box, warning that any attempt to obstruct that process could destabilise the country. “Participation of citizens in a free, fair and credible poll is the soul of democracy, and any attempt to stifle such freedom of choice could be a trigger to chaos and anarchy,” he stated.

The former vice president urged President Tinubu to follow the example of former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, noting that despite intense political rivalry during their administrations, neither sought to eliminate opposition parties through deregistration. “If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” Atiku added.

ADC Faults Court Ruling, Warns Against “Growing Assault on Democracy”

The African Democratic Congress has alleged a coordinated attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the forthcoming general election, warning that Nigeria risks sliding into a one-party state if what it described as the “growing assault on democracy” is not checked. The ADC condemned the Federal High Court in Lokoja for setting aside its earlier judgment recognising the NDC, describing the ruling as part of a broader assault on Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of the general election.

NDC Heads to Appeal Court

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has rejected the Federal High Court ruling that set aside the judgment compelling INEC to register it as a political party, declaring that it will immediately challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal. The party insists that the Lokoja judgment did not deregister the party.

The House of Representatives Caucus of the NDC also rejected the court order, describing it as tantamount to a judicial coup against the country’s democracy. The opposition lawmakers said the court order confirms an alleged renewed move to stifle opposition in the country ahead of the 2027 general election.

“For us and many Nigerians, this is not an error of law. It is an assault on democracy. This is a calculated pattern of judicial harassment. Nigerians have seen this script before,” the caucus said in a statement by its leader, Afam Ogene.

The caucus argued that the 90-day statutory window to challenge the party’s registration closed long ago, adding that INEC, the only constitutionally empowered body for party registration, was not the appellant in the judgment. “A court cannot sit in judgment over its own earlier judgment, and one in which the principal party in the matter, INEC itself, is not contesting,” the caucus stated.

PRP Cautions Against Creation of State Police

Against the widespread support that has accompanied moves to establish state police in the country, the Peoples Redemption Party has cautioned against the plan. The caution comes as both chambers of the National Assembly pass the proposed Bill to establish state policing structures across the country, with many governors, state Houses of Assembly and political parties throwing their weight behind the move.

DSS Releases Wrongfully Detained Herder, Pays N3m Compensation

The Department of State Services has ordered the immediate release of Nura Idris, a herder who was wrongfully arrested over alleged links to terrorism after an internal review cleared him of any wrongdoing. The Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, approved Idris’ release following the findings of an investigative panel, which established that there was no evidence linking him to Boko Haram terrorists. Ajayi also directed that Idris be paid N3 million as immediate financial support and ordered that he be assisted to establish a business.

Receiving the compensation, Idris expressed appreciation to the DSS boss, saying the support would enable him to rebuild his life. “I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely,” the source quoted Idris as saying. His father, Yusuf Idris, who received him upon his release, also thanked the DSS Director-General for what he described as his compassion and generosity, assuring that the compensation would be put to good use.

According to a security source, the DSS routinely provides psychological and medical support to wrongly detained persons before helping them establish businesses to aid their reintegration into society. The release forms part of an internal review exercise initiated by the DSS last year to reassess prolonged inherited cases and ensure that persons wrongly detained are not kept in custody unnecessarily. “The setting free and compensations across multiple cases underscores the DSS’s growing reputation for institutional integrity and humanness,” the source said.

Tension in Benue as Miyetti Allah Chairman Killed

Tension gripped parts of Benue State on Friday after gunmen killed the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Risku Muhammad, and his friend, Yakubu Isah. The victims were reportedly attacked shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area. The incident occurred at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area, raising fears of fresh violence in communities already battling recurring attacks and communal clashes.

Osun LG Chairmen Donate 60 Patrol Vehicles to Tackle Insecurity

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, comprising chairmen elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, on Saturday presented 60 patrol vehicles to security agencies in the state. The presentation was made at the Osun State Command Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Osogbo by the association’s chairman, Samuel Idowu.

Idowu recalled the previous donation of 30 patrol vehicles to conventional security agencies in the state, saying the initiative was a demonstration of the association’s commitment to the safety, security, and well-being of the people. “Security remains the bedrock of any meaningful development anywhere in the world. Without peace and stability, no society can thrive, and no government can achieve its developmental goals hence the bold steps taken by the leadership of our councils to support the security formations in the state,” Idowu said.

He said the council areas in the state were able to pool resources to execute the initiative due to the autonomy they enjoy following the landmark Supreme Court judgment. “Autonomy enables us to act without undue delays, to design solutions that are tailored to our local realities, and to take responsibility for the security and welfare of our communities,” Idowu added.

Responding on behalf of the benefiting security agencies, Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, commended Osun ALGON for the intervention. “These operational vehicles will significantly improve mobility, response time, patrol coverage, intelligence-led operations, and inter-agency collaboration in combating crime and maintaining public order,” Gotan said. “We assure members of the public that these assets will be deployed judiciously, maintained properly, and utilized strictly for the purpose (security) for which they are intended; which is to safeguard lives and property and ensure peace across Osun State”.

NCDC Intensifies Ebola Preparedness

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says it has intensified preparedness measures against the Ebola Virus Disease, though there is no confirmed case in Nigeria. The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Olajide Idris, disclosed this on Friday during the 15th Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee Meeting in Abuja. Idris said the agency had activated surveillance systems, strengthened coordination with relevant agencies and assessed treatment and laboratory infrastructure to enhance national preparedness.

“The task force has only met once, but we did not wait for its reconstitution because we started working immediately after the outbreak was reported,” he said. Idris said NCDC was collaborating with Port Health Services, aviation authorities, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen surveillance at points of entry.

He expressed concern over the poor state of several facilities, attributing it to inadequate maintenance after their establishment. “We found that most of the facilities are in a horrible, dilapidated state. Some have been abandoned and require urgent rehabilitation,” he said. An express executive approval of N785.3 million has been made for Ebola readiness activities.

Nigeria Draws $1.5bn UAE Loan Despite IMF Concerns

The Federal Government has drawn down $1.5bn from a $5bn financing facility arranged with the United Arab Emirates’ largest lender, First Abu Dhabi Bank, despite growing concerns from global financial institutions over the increasing use of complex derivative financing by African sovereigns. The latest drawdown represents the first tranche of a $5bn Total Return Swap facility approved by the National Assembly on March 31, 2026, and is expected to support the 2026 budget, finance infrastructure projects, and refinance existing debt obligations.

Under the arrangement, Nigeria is required to pledge Federal Government securities worth about 133 per cent of any amount drawn under the facility. In its June 2026 assessment of African sovereign debt markets, the International Monetary Fund warned that derivative financing structures such as total return swaps are often opaque and difficult for investors and creditors to monitor. The IMF noted that such arrangements are “hard to track, hard to value in real time, and can obscure the true extent of a country’s financial obligations”.

NDLEA Seizes Drugs Worth N1.5trillion in 18 Months

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to eliminating the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking through evidence-based, innovative interventions. The president gave this assurance on Friday in Abuja during the grand finale of celebrations marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, stated that in the last 18 months alone, the Agency has made a total of 29,262 arrests leading to the seizure of 5,305,484.88 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs valued at over N1.5 trillion and the conviction of 5,225 offenders.

Army Reshuffles High Command, Appoints New GOCs

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a major reshuffle of senior officers across the Nigerian Army, appointing new commanders for critical operational formations, training institutions, and strategic staff positions. According to the statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE. Major General EI Okoro has been named GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE.

Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Army.

Groups Demand Tougher Action Against Terrorism

Civil society organisations have called for more decisive action against terrorism in Nigeria. The appeal was made on Saturday in Abuja by the United Against Terror Movement (UATM), which commended the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante groups for recent gains in counter-terrorism operations but stressed that the battle against violent extremism remains far from won.

Speaking at a press conference, the Convener of the movement, Okai Austin, said while security agencies had demonstrated renewed professionalism in tackling terrorism, sustained efforts were needed to ensure Nigerians can live without fear. “Terrorism remains a serious threat. Military commanders and political leaders must intensify intelligence gathering and eliminate violent extremism wherever it exists. Every attack on any Nigerian should be seen as an attack on the nation,” he said.

Naira Holds Steady Against Dollar

The naira remained relatively stable against the United States dollar on Friday across both the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market and the parallel market, as traders continued to monitor liquidity conditions and foreign exchange inflows. Data from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market showed the local currency traded at about N1,374.76 to the dollar.

Lagos to Demolish Distressed Buildings Around Collapsed Alakija Structure

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish all distressed buildings surrounding the three-storey structure that collapsed in the Alakija area of the state. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the disclosure during an inspection of the site on Friday. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who represented the governor, sympathised with families of the victims and commended emergency responders for their swift rescue efforts.