Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The Board of Trustees, BoT, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has formally assumed leadership of the party following a Supreme Court judgment affecting its leadership structure.

According to the BoT, the move was necessary to prevent a leadership vacuum.

This was disclosed in a press release issued on Thursday by Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the BoT.

It stated: “It is with the utmost sense of duty and responsibility that the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, assumes leadership of our great party today, Thursday, April 30, 2026, pursuant to the empowering provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).”

The BoT said its action was taken to avoid what it described as a potential vacuum at the national level of the party following a Supreme Court decision.

It said: “This constitutional intervention of the BoT is so as not to allow any leadership vacuum at the national level of our party following the judgment of the Supreme Court.”

According to the statement, the court invalidated the party’s November 15–16, 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, which produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).

It also said: “While the Supreme Court invalidated the Ibadan Convention, it also, in a unanimous decision of the five justices on the panel, upheld the suspension of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Hon. Umar Bature, and Kamaldeen Ajibade as National Secretary, National Organising Secretary, and National Legal Adviser, respectively, from the party.”

The BoT further argued that the ruling had far-reaching implications on party decisions, stating: “The implication of today’s judgment by the Supreme Court is that all actions taken by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Hon. Umar Bature, and Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, including the appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as acting national chairman, the composition of the national caretaker working committee, and the conduct and outcome of the March 29, 2026 convention in Abuja, are illegal, null, and ab initio void.”

It added that the collapse of both competing leadership structures placed constitutional responsibility on the BoT.

“The consequential invalidation of both the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led as well as the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led working committees directly places the statutory onus of leadership of our great party on the shoulders of the Board of Trustees (BoT) as the second highest organ of the party, pursuant to the express and unambiguous provision of Section 32 (5) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).”

Announcing its takeover, the BoT said: “Against this backdrop, the BoT hereby immediately assumes responsibility for the national working leadership of the PDP as an immediate constitutional remedial step to foster genuine reconciliation, salvage, stabilise, and return the party to good political health.”

The BoT also disclosed plans for an emergency NEC meeting: “In the light of the foregoing, an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC), pursuant to the provisions of Section 31 of the Constitution of the PDP, will be summoned to, among other things, appoint an Interim National Working Committee to take charge of the National Secretariat of our party and pilot the affairs of the party at the national level so as to meet all timelines in the Electoral Act, 2026, and ensure that the PDP fields candidates and also emerges victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.”

It directed party staff to return to work under its supervision: “Consequently, all staff of the PDP are hereby directed to resume at the National Secretariat of the party under the leadership of the BoT ahead of the appointment of the Interim National Working Committee.”

Commending party stakeholders, the BoT stated: “The BoT commends the courage, effort, and resilience of our governors, Governor Bala Mohammed and Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Assembly caucus, the National Ex-officios, the Forum of PDP State Chairmen and State chapters, the Youth and Women Wings, and other organs and bodies in the PDP for standing strong for the party at this trying time.”

It further called for unity: “The BoT therefore calls on all leaders and members of the party to jettison all personal and group interests and come together as one family in the overall interest of our party, democracy, and the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians whose hopes are anchored on the PDP.”

The BoT warned of the consequences of internal division: “The PDP has suffered enough; the painful victims of this unfortunate episode are the Nigerian people. The time has therefore come for us to make sacrifices, sheathe our swords, and embrace genuine reconciliation for lasting peace and chart a new course for our party.”

BoT takes over PDP leadership after Supreme Court verdict

 

The Gombe State Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the false information alleging that the house of Mr. Nafiu Bala was set ablaze in Gombe State.

The Command confirms that the report is false, as no such incident has been recorded anywhere in the State.

The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, mnips, fwc, psc(+), urges members of the public to disregard this misinformation and remain calm, as the Command remains committed to ensuring peace and security across Gombe State.

The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has issued a sweeping directive tightening operational conduct, curbing abuse of authority, and enforcing strict adherence to constitutional policing standards across the command.

The directive was handed down during the command’s end-of-month strategic conference held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Minna, attended by Heads of Departments, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers.

Elleman used the meeting to reinforce Inspector-General of Police directives on professionalism, discipline, human rights compliance, and zero tolerance for corruption, warning officers against incivility, abuse of office, and poor supervision of personnel.

A key highlight of the directive was the outright ban on police involvement in land dispute cases.

The Commissioner stressed that officers must desist from handling ownership disputes, describing them as strictly civil matters to be determined by competent courts.

Elleman, however, clarified that police may only intervene where clear criminal elements such as forgery, criminal trespass, or malicious damage are established.

He further warned that unlawful or prolonged detention of suspects without court authorisation will not be tolerated, reminding officers of the constitutional presumption of innocence and the need for fair and lawful investigations.

The CP also announced a restriction on the proliferation of tactical teams within the command, stating that all violent crime response operations will now be consolidated under a structured unit with defined standard procedures and mandatory training to enhance professionalism and accountability.

He further directed DPOs to strengthen supervision of personnel, adopt performance indicators, and ensure diligent investigation of cases to prevent wrongful arrests and weak prosecutions.

Niger: Police ban land cases, restrict tactical units in major internal reforms

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has reiterated his conviction that Iran will participate in the World Cup this summer, despite the federation’s absence from the congress in Vancouver.

A three-member delegation from the Iranian Football Federation arrived in Toronto on Tuesday; however, one member was denied entry into Canada, while the other two chose not to attend the congress in what appeared to be a protest.

Earlier this week, Iranian media reported that IFF president Mehdi Taj was refused entry at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, despite having received authorization to travel. Fifa sources characterized the situation as a “regrettable circumstance,” but emphasized that Iran had been invited to the congress and that the decision regarding entry was in the hands of Canadian authorities.

During the roll-call of the 210 Fifa members present, general secretary Mattias Grafström did not address Iran’s absence.

Iran’s involvement has been uncertain since the US and Israel initiated airstrikes on the Islamic Republic in February; however, Infantino affirmed that they will complete fixtures against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.

“Let me begin by confirming right away, for those who may wish to assert otherwise or write differently, that Iran will indeed be participating in the Fifa World Cup 2026,” Infantino stated. “And certainly, Iran will compete in the United States of America. The rationale is straightforward: we must unite. We need to bring people together.

“There are sufficient issues globally. There are enough individuals attempting to create divisions worldwide. If no one endeavors to unite, what will become of our world? We must take action, and this opportunity is before us.”

Iran is set to commence their World Cup journey against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Should both they and the United States secure second place in their respective groups, the teams will face each other in the last 32, having previously met during the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Additionally, Iran will compete in Seattle.

Despite Infantino’s optimism, there are lingering concerns regarding potential immigration issues for Iran this summer. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last week that while Iran’s players will be welcomed, some individuals from their federation may encounter challenges.

“The issue with Iran pertains to certain individuals they wish to bring along, some of whom have connections to the IRGC [Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps],” Rubio remarked.

Taj, a former commander in the IRGC, has been designated as a terrorist entity by Canada since 2024. The Canadian government had granted Taj a temporary resident permit (TRP) to enter Canada for congress, but it seems this permit has been revoked. “My understanding is that the permission has been rescinded,” stated Canada’s foreign affairs minister, Anita Anand.

In another part of his address, Infantino defended Fifa’s contentious ticket sales strategy amidst widespread dissatisfaction regarding pricing, noting that they have received 500 million ticket requests, with 90% already sold out, while some tickets are reserved for future sales.

“We have received 500 million requests for tickets,” Infantino stated. “In the last two World Cups, we had a total of 50 million requests. We have sold 100% of the tickets we’ve made available, which constitutes 90% of the global inventory. While there are high-priced tickets, there are also more affordable options. All the revenue generated is reinvested back into the sport.”

Infantino further revealed that Fifa’s anticipated revenues for the 2023-26 cycle, culminating with this summer’s World Cup, have risen to $14 billion (£10.3 billion), marking a 20% increase from the previous cycle.

World Cup 2026: FIFA confirms final decision on Iran’s participation

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assumed control of the party’s national leadership following a Supreme Court judgment that nullified its November 2025 national convention.

In a press release issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the PDP BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, the BoT said its decision was based on its constitutional responsibility to prevent a leadership vacuum after the apex court invalidated the 15th–16th November 2025 convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, which produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).

The Supreme Court also upheld the suspension of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Hon. Umar Bature, and Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade as National Secretary, National Organising Secretary, and National Legal Adviser, respectively.

According to the BoT, the implication of the judgment is far-reaching, rendering all actions taken by the affected officials invalid. This includes the appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman, the constitution of the National Caretaker Working Committee, and the conduct and outcome of the party’s March 29, 2026 convention in Abuja.

“The implication of today’s judgment by the Supreme Court is that all actions taken by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Hon. Umar Bature and Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade… are illegal, null and ab initio void,” the statement read.

The BoT said the invalidation of both the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led and the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led working committees places the responsibility of leading the party squarely on it, as the second highest organ of the PDP, in line with Section 32(5) of the party’s constitution.

“Against this backdrop, the BoT hereby immediately assumes responsibility of the national working leadership of the PDP as immediate constitutional remedial steps to foster genuine reconciliation, salvage, stabilize and return the party to good political health,” the statement added.

To restore order, the BoT announced plans to convene an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in accordance with Section 31 of the PDP Constitution. The meeting is expected to appoint an Interim National Working Committee to manage the affairs of the party and ensure compliance with timelines set out in the Electoral Act 2026.

The interim leadership, the BoT noted, will also be tasked with preparing the party for participation in the 2027 general elections.
In the meantime, all staff of the party have been directed to resume duties at the PDP National Secretariat under the supervision of the BoT pending the appointment of the interim leadership.

The BoT commended party stakeholders, including Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, members of the National Assembly caucus, state chairmen, and youth and women wings, for their resilience during the crisis.

It also called on party members to put aside internal differences and work towards unity.

“The PDP has suffered enough… The time has therefore come for us to make sacrifices, sheathe our swords and embrace genuine reconciliation for lasting peace,” the statement said.

PDP BoT Takes Over Leadership After Supreme Court Nullifies Convention is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has renewed its demand for the resignation of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan.

The call followed the Supreme Court judgment affirming the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party.

In a reaction, the opposition party said the circumstances surrounding its leadership dispute had raised “serious concerns about the neutrality of the electoral umpire,” insisting that the apex court’s verdict vindicated its long-held position.

The ADC urged INEC to immediately restore recognition of the Mark-led leadership across all its official platforms, describing the court ruling as “a clear validation of our leadership and a rebuke of the decision to de-recognise it.”

“The judgment is a confirmation of our position and further exposes what we consider partisanship under the current INEC leadership,” the party stated, reiterating its call for Amupitan to step down.

The party also commended the five-man panel of the Supreme Court for its unanimous decision, noting that the ruling had reinforced confidence in the judiciary and underscored the supremacy of the rule of law.

According to the ADC, the verdict has effectively laid to rest what it described as “contrived disputes and manufactured uncertainties” surrounding its leadership, stressing that the legitimacy of its structures under Mark and National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, was no longer in doubt.

While welcoming the judgment, the party cautioned that challenges to Nigeria’s democracy persist, alleging a pattern of interference aimed at weakening opposition parties.

“Democracy must be sustained through vigilance, active participation and resistance to any attempt to undermine the will of the people,” the party added.

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to offering Nigerians a credible alternative, with a focus on addressing insecurity, reducing the cost of living and creating jobs.

The Supreme Court ruling effectively nullified INEC’s earlier delisting of the party’s leadership and validated decisions taken during the period, including the April 14 national convention and subsequent state congresses, which the electoral body had refused to recognise.

In the judgment, the apex court set aside an earlier order of the Court of Appeal directing parties in the dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum, describing the directive as unnecessary and contributory to the crisis.

A legal practitioner, who spoke with THE WHISTLER on the development, said the ruling carried a “consequential order” that automatically revalidated the party’s convention and congresses, even though such reliefs were not expressly sought in court.

Despite the victory, fresh legal hurdles may persist. The Supreme Court directed parties to return to the Federal High Court for the hearing of the substantive suit challenging the party’s leadership.

In the suit, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, Bala Gombe, is contesting the legitimacy of Mark’s chairmanship and is seeking to be declared National Chairman.

However, the Mark-led leadership has argued that the court lacks jurisdiction over internal party leadership disputes, citing previous Supreme Court pronouncements.

Legal analysts say the proceedings at the lower court may ultimately prove academic in view of the apex court’s definitive ruling.

Meanwhile, with the deadline for submission of party membership registers to INEC approaching, the ADC faces mounting pressure to regularise its status to avoid complications ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ADC Renews Call For Amupitan’s Resignation After Supreme Court Verdict is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

 

Press Statement.

PDP Leadership: A Dangerous Bend

Today, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, through a five-man panel presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba, in a split decision (3–2), upheld the judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, wherein the convention held in Ibadan was nullified.

The three Justices (Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Stephen Adah, and Garba) hinged their judgments on the disrespect of a valid, subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court and therefore held that, being in contempt, the appellants cannot be accommodated in the apex court, thereby dismissing the appeal.

However, the minority judgments by Justices Haruna Tsammani and Abubakar Umar held that the two appeals emanate from matters which are internal affairs of the PDP and are therefore non-justiciable. The case at the FHC was not challenging any act or decision of any federal government agency but the leadership contest of the party, and therefore not justiciable.

Furthermore, they held that it is not the duty of the court to fish out matters to execute the case for the respondent, because the majority judgment undertook the duty of raising matters suo motu without calling on the parties to address them. This is against the position of the apex court, wherein parties must be given the opportunity to address the court on matters raised suo motu.

With this split judgment, which also upheld the Court of Appeal’s suspension of Ajibade, SAN, Anyanwu, and others, this effectively leaves the PDP as a party without a defined leadership.

To this end, we are certain that the existing organs of the party will take the necessary steps to salvage the party and confer leadership on it going forward.

This leads the vehicle of our party towards a dangerous bend, which, if not carefully navigated, may not only affect the party but also multi-party democracy in our country.

Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong

Spokesperson for the Uncompromised PDP

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UEFA, on Thursday, named four Paris Saint-Germain players, two players each from Arsenal and Bayern Munich, in the Champions League team of the week.

This follows the conclusion of this week’s Champions League semi-final first-leg fixtures played on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

Recall that PSG won 5-4 against Bayern Munich in Paris, while Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 with Arsenal on Wednesday in Spain.

However, in a post via its website, UEFA included the likes of Vitinha, João Neves, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and other players in the Champions League team.

UEFA’s Champions League team for this week:

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
David Raya (Arsenal)
Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid)
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Vitinha (PSG)
João Neves (PSG)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Luis Diaz (PSG)

UEFA names four PSG players, Arsenal duo, Bayern Munich stars in Champions League team

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to begin the airlift of its contingent for the 2026 Hajj exercise on May 7.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Taofeek Lawal, while also confirming the inauguration of an ad-hoc committee to coordinate activities for the pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The committee, chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, was formally inaugurated by the commissioner at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.

Layode stated that about 1,600 intending pilgrims from Lagos would be transported in phases, beginning with an initial batch of 345 pilgrims on the first flight.

“The exercise would continue with the second flight on Friday, May 8th; third flight on Sunday, May 10th; fourth on Tuesday, May 12th while the last flight is on Wednesday, May 13th. These arrangements were in line with the schedule released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria,” he said.

He further revealed that Flynas, the airline designated by NAHCON for the operation, has approved an increase in baggage allowance for pilgrims. Each pilgrim will now be permitted two pieces of checked luggage weighing 23kg each, raising the total allowance to 46kg, while hand luggage remains capped at 8kg.

Addressing members of the newly constituted committee, the commissioner said their selection was based on competence and commitment, adding that they are expected to ensure seamless planning and execution of all Hajj-related activities.

He urged them to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, integrity and a strong sense of duty, in line with the objectives of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

According to Layode, the committee’s mandate includes overseeing logistics coordination, welfare of pilgrims, accommodation arrangements, medical support and other responsibilities that may arise during the exercise.

He added that the appointment takes immediate effect and will remain valid throughout the duration of the 2026 Hajj operations.

In his remarks, Jebe expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and the commissioner for entrusting the committee with the responsibility.

He assured that members would justify the confidence reposed in them and pledged full commitment to delivering a successful Hajj exercise, while also appealing for continued support from the ministry.

Jebe subsequently announced the composition of various sub-committees and their chairpersons, including Musliudeen Maiyegun (Accommodation), Ajisegiri Ismail Ajibade (Welfare), Waheed Lolade Shonibare (Manifest, Visa and Media), Alhaji Shakiru Gafar (Madinah/Muna and Arafat), Prof. Kabir Paramole (Dawah/Enlightenment), Alhaji Mojeed Sanni (Transport), and Alhaji Yusuf Ara (Luggage and Weighing).

Lagos to begin airlifting 1,600 pilgrims for 2026 Hajj on May 7

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged united and free of internal factions following a decisive ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference at his residence in Guzape, Abuja, Wike said the apex court judgment has finally laid to rest all disputes over parallel leadership structures within the party.

He dismissed insinuation that the Supreme Court affirmed the suspension of the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, saying there was no such issue for determination before the court.

“Today, the Supreme Court has brought to an end the so-called factions of the PDP. There is no more faction in the party. There is only one PDP,” he said.

The minister explained that the court dismissed appeals challenging earlier judgments from lower courts, thereby upholding the legitimacy of the party’s convention and its current leadership.

According to him, attempts by aggrieved groups to overturn the outcome of the convention failed at all judicial levels.

“The Supreme Court has validated our convention and set aside all claims to any parallel structure. What this means is that the PDP has come to stay as one united party,” Wike stated.

He stressed the need for political actors to operate strictly within the framework of the law, warning against actions capable of undermining party constitutions and electoral regulations.

“The fact that you are in a position does not mean you can act outside the law. There are rules guiding party activities, and those rules must be followed,” he added.

Wike also dismissed the relevance of some defectors who exited the party during the crisis, describing them as politically insignificant, while leaving the door open for others to return.

“Those who left are not electoral assets; they are liabilities. However, those who left out of uncertainty may reconsider and return now that the situation is clear,” he said.

On ongoing coalition talks among opposition figures, the minister ruled out participation in alliances that lack clear national interest or constructive engagement.

“We do not believe in opposition for opposition’s sake. Our approach is constructive, not destructive,” he said.

He further noted that recent judicial pronouncements in political matters reinforce the need for due process, urging aggrieved parties to always seek redress through the courts.

Wike maintained that the PDP remains Nigeria’s foremost opposition platform, expressing confidence in its readiness to provide credible alternatives in the country’s democratic process.

“The PDP is stable, united and ready to play its role effectively. What has happened today is a victory for the rule of law and internal democracy,” he added.

Supreme Court Has Ended PDP Factional Crisis, Confirmed Party’s Unity — Wike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper