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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

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria has inducted 1,435 new members to meet rising demand of tax professional under the country’s evolving fiscal framework

Speaking at the institute’s 54th induction ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, CITN President and Chairman of Council, Innocent Ohagwa, said recent tax reforms have positioned taxation as one of the country’s most critical professions.

“There is, perhaps, no better time to be a tax professional than now.”

Ohagwa said Nigeria’s evolving tax system has increased practitioners’ responsibility to help businesses and individuals adapt to new regulations while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

He stressed that the institute has tightened its recertification requirements, declaring that technical competence is now mandatory while ethical conduct remains central to public confidence.

According to him, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, has further strengthened the profession by formally recognising certified tax agents and reinforcing the role of CITN as a regulatory authority.

“We must all support these reforms, not just in words, but in practice. Guide your clients and employers with great competence and integrity,” he said.

Chairman of the Membership and Professional Conduct Committee, Yemi Sanni, described the ongoing reforms as the most extensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in modern history.

He noted that reforms introduced from January 2026, including a harmonised tax administration system, are already transforming tax practice and will require active collaboration from stakeholders.

“The reforms, desirable as they are, will not implement themselves. All stakeholders, and tax professionals in particular, have a critical role to play,” Sanni said.

He added that professionals would be essential to boosting government revenue, protecting businesses, and strengthening national fiscal sustainability.

Registrar and Chief Executive of CITN, Afolake Oso, said the induction represented the formal integration of qualified professionals into a statutory body established to regulate and uphold standards in Nigeria’s taxation industry.

“The institute is statutorily empowered to regulate and control the taxation profession in all its ramifications,” she said.

Oso warned members to adhere strictly to professional guidelines, training requirements, and ethical obligations or risk disciplinary action.

The induction comes as Nigeria intensifies the implementation of tax reforms following the signing of four major tax reform bills by Bola Tinubu in June 2025, aimed at modernising outdated tax laws and improving national revenue generation.

CITN Admits 1,435 New Members Amid Nigeria’s Tax Overhaul is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite, Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has purchased the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives nomination form to run for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in Imo State.

He made this known via his Instagram handle on Thursday.

In a caption, he wrote: “Stopped by to see my patron @cityboy.movement_hq, the Okanlomo of Yorubaland, @seyitinubu, with my nomination and expression of interest form for blessings. When I say City Boy Movement, you say empowering the youth. Chukwu Bu Ike M,” he said.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that the socialite had declared his intention to run for the House of Representatives in the next general election under the platform of the APC for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency.

2027: Cubana Chief Priest picks nomination form

Mr Desmond Elliot, member representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Thursday officially declared his intention to run for a fourth term.

Speaking at the declaration of intent before a large crowd of supporters at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat, Elliott said the consensus among constituents was for him to continue in office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the declaration is themed “Experience Over Experiment”.

Elliott noted that he had received endorsements from Community Development Associations (CDAs), the Local Government Area and other grassroots stakeholders to seek another term.

He said: “I am overwhelmed by the support, from the CDAs, the Local Government Area and everywhere. It is fantastic. I am very honoured.

“I am here to officially inform you of my intention to run again for another term at the Lagos State House of Assembly to represent the good people of Surulere Constituency I,” he said.

Speaking on the theme, Elliott said he possessed experience as a legislator and scholar in legislative studies.

He added: “I have studied up to doctorate level in legislative studies. That means I am well grounded when it comes to legislative matters.

“I have also tried my best in delivering dividends of democracy to my people, and I have shown them the growth that experience brings, which experimentation cannot.

“When you start afresh, it takes years to build. Why waste time when you can consolidate on experience?”

The lawmaker said he had facilitated numerous development projects in the constituency, impacting road infrastructure, healthcare, education, youths, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

“Last year, we did not experience flooding in Surulere because I ensured consistent desilting of drainages and canals.

“Also, more than 32 roads have been rehabilitated in Surulere to complement the efforts of my leader, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.

“In the area of power, 10 years ago, there was little or no electricity in Surulere. Today, power supply has improved significantly with the provision of power stations, prepaid meters and transformers.

“In healthcare, we have conducted surgeries, including eye surgeries, and implemented various medical programmes for our people. The list is endless,” he said.

Elliott, while appreciating the support of residents, promised more impact, jobs and dividends of democracy if re-elected.

He added that returning to the assembly would position him as a ranking member, which would enhance his ability to attract more development to the constituency.

“As a ranking member, you have better opportunities to secure more benefits for your people. I thank God for my background in Nollywood,” he said.

Also speaking, a former Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Mr Tajudeen Ajide, said he had received other aspirants and urged party members and Elliott’s supporters to avoid double-dealing and remain peaceful during the electioneering period.

Meanwhile, stakeholders and supporters of Elliott, in separate interviews with NAN, expressed support for his renewed political ambition, describing him as “tested and trusted” with a record of impactful representation.

The stakeholders, drawn from the entertainment industry and community leadership, said Elliott’s performance in office and accessibility justified calls for his continued leadership.

Mr Sunny McDonald, popularly known as “Nollywood Ancestor,” described Elliott as a performer,whose achievements in Surulere had earned him widespread support.

“Once a team is winning, you don’t change it. From what he has done in Surulere, you can attest that he is a winning team.

“We are here to support him and to say the winning team should continue. Leadership is about capacity, love for the people and the ability to deliver, not just party affiliation,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Communications, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos State Chapter, Amb. Cornell Udofia, said Elliott’s experience in the assembly positioned him to deliver more dividends of democracy.

“Desmond has been tested and trusted.

Giving him another opportunity, with the experience he has garnered, will translate into greater service.

“You cannot buy experience in the market. He has impacted youths, women and the less privileged in his constituency. His records are there for all to see,” Udofia said.

He urged residents to support Elliott, citing his competence and capacity to further project Surulere.

In his remarks, a community leader, Prince Taofeek Dabiri, said Elliott was accessible,and was always responsive to constituents’ needs.

“Accessibility is key in governance. If you call him, he responds and attends to issues. He has done countless things in Surulere.

“For over 12 years in the Lagos State House of Assembly, his contributions and the laws he has supported have been impactful,” Dabiri said.

The stakeholders reiterated their call for continued support for Elliott, expressing confidence in his ability to sustain the development in Surulere.

Lagos: Desmond Elliot declares for fourth term bid

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has said the United States, US, has suffered defeat in the Iranian war.

Khamenei said the US has been disgracefully defeated despite being the world’s bully.

In a televised message in Tehran, Khamenei said on Thursday: “Today, two months after the largest military deployment and aggression by the world’s bullies in the region.

“And the United States’ disgraceful defeat in its plans, a new chapter is unfolding for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.”

This comes amid the back-and-forth over the peace deal among countries involved in the war in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran war: US suffered disgraceful defeat – Ayatollah Khamenei