Supreme Court reserves judgment in PDP and ADC leadership disputes, increasing uncertainty ahead of 2027 elections
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the leadership disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and the African Democratic Congress ADC, creating uncertainty for both parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. A five-member panel, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, did not set a date for judgment after hearing arguments on appeals challenging lower court decisions. The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has set May 10 as the deadline for parties to submit membership registers, with presidential and national assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state houses of assembly elections for February 6, 2027. Party primaries are slated for April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026. The ongoing litigations and looming INEC deadlines have disrupted the parties' ability to stabilize and organize activities, affecting aspirants. The PDP remains divided into two factions: one led by Tanimu Turaki SAN, supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, and another led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The court reserved judgment on two appeals from the Turaki-led faction seeking to validate a national convention held in Ibadan. The ADC also faces a leadership crisis with multiple factions, including one led by former Senate President David Mark, another by Nafiu Gombe, and a third aligned with 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu. The Supreme Court re
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The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau NSIB and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA have initiated discussions to enhance cooperation in supporting victims of aircraft accidents and their families. This move aims to align Nigeria's emergency response framework with international aviation standards. The discussions, held in Abuja, involved the National Family Assistance Committee, coordinated by the NSIB, and NCAA officials. Both agencies focused on improving institutional coordination, building capacity, and implementing Family Assistance programs within Nigeria's aviation sector. Funke Arowojobe, NSIB鈥檚 Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, stated that the engagement with the NCAA sought to strengthen collaboration on aviation disaster victim and family assistance. Discussions covered the objectives of the Family Assistance Programme, the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO policy on assistance to aircraft accident victims and their families, and the roles of both NSIB and NCAA. Michael Achimugu, NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the need for continuous training and retraining of personnel. Both agencies identified practical areas for collaboration, including joint capacity-building programs, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder sensitization, to establish clearer institutional procedures for supporting families affected by aviation accidents.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC has started a nationwide operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate PET bottles under 200 milliliters. This action aligns with the Federal Government's ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of such alcoholic drinks. NAFDAC stated on X that enforcement is occurring across all six geopolitical zones, following the closure of non-compliant manufacturing facilities. The agency's enforcement teams are targeting markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, and other distribution channels to seize banned products. NAFDAC has warned all stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, and retailers, to surrender any remaining stock of these products, emphasizing that continued possession or sale is illegal and will lead to seizure, sanctions, and prosecution. The public is urged to support this effort by avoiding banned alcoholic beverages and reporting offenders to NAFDAC.
Wolverhampton Wanderers canceled a training session after striker Tolu Arokodare reportedly refused to leave the pitch, demanding a transfer to Fiorentina. Wolves had rejected an offer from the Serie A club, despite having accepted one from Trabzonspor. The incident, reported by BBC Sports, led new head coach Cesar Peixoto to end Monday's training. Arokodare will not play in Wednesday's friendly against Maidenhead United. This follows a previous disciplinary issue in April involving Mateus Mane. Arokodare, who joined Wolves from Genk for 拢24 million last summer, scored three league goals as the club was relegated. The situation poses an early challenge for Peixoto, who aims to guide Wolves back to the Premier League.