Supreme Court sets April 22 for hearing in PDP leadership dispute
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Supreme Court has scheduled April 22 to hear an appeal regarding the leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party. On Tuesday, a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba granted an accelerated hearing, setting strict deadlines for filing and exchanging legal documents. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, factional national chairman Tanimu Turaki, and national secretary Taofeek Arapaja were present, while Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed was absent. The appeal, filed by the Turaki-led faction, challenges the nullification of the party鈥檚 Ibadan national convention. Chris Uche, counsel for the appellants, argued for an urgent determination due to the Independent National Electoral Commission's April 23 deadline for submitting candidates. Emmanuel Ukala, counsel for a rival PDP faction, did not oppose the accelerated hearing but requested 15 days to respond, while INEC鈥檚 counsel sought 10 days. The court ordered respondents to file briefs within five days and appellants to file replies within two days, with all processes due by April 21. These appeals stem from March 9 judgments by the Court of Appeal, which upheld Federal High Court rulings nullifying the November 2025 Ibadan convention for breaching court orders and statutory provisions, including the Electoral Act and the party鈥檚 constitution. The lower courts found the party failed to comply with requirements like proper notice to INEC and valid congresses. The Turaki-led leadership is seeking to overturn
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Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stated that he relies on his wife's prayers for continued support from President Bola Tinubu, highlighting its importance for ministers to fulfill their mandates. Speaking at the inauguration of the Water Supply Network to Bwari Satellite Town, Wike mentioned that his administration has officially commissioned 50 projects and plans to commission 10 more before January. He stressed that presidential backing is crucial for performance, drawing from his experience as a former governor and minister. Wike revealed he asks his wife to pray for the President's continued support for the FCT Administration, acknowledging the support received has enabled positive changes. He added that governance aims to improve citizens' lives, a goal he believes the Tinubu administration is working towards.
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A coroner's court in the United Kingdom has ruled that Beatrice Solomon, a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, died by suicide. Ms. Solomon, who moved to the UK in November 2023 on a skilled worker visa, was found unresponsive in her Stanfield home. Her husband, Damian Butler, discovered her upon returning home from work. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Police investigators ruled out any third-party involvement. During the inquest, Mr. Butler stated that his wife had struggled with her mental health for the past year, attributing it to issues with Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He also revealed that Ms. Solomon had made two previous attempts to take her own life. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as oxygen deprivation. Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor concluded that Ms. Solomon died by suicide, noting that she had researched and planned the act. Ms. Solomon, a caregiver, is survived by her husband, a son, and her siblings.