Politics

Election Cases: APC Accounts Seized Over N8.9bn Debts

Published

7 months ago

February 27, 2025

Editor

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on Wednesday, sought a bailout for the ruling party over N8.9bn election debts.

Ganduje revealed that the party’s accounts had been garnisheed following the huge debt resulting from the cases filed by the opposition parties to challenge the elections of President Bola Tinubu, APC governors and legislators.

The former Kano State governor disclosed this at the National Executive Committee meeting of the APC, held a day after the party held its national caucus meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In attendance were President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Goodwill Akpabio; Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari.

Others were the National Chairman of the APC, Ganduje; former Governor of Kebbi and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, members of the National Working Committee; APC state chairmen, among others.

However, some notable bigwigs did not attend the NEC meeting, including the immediate-past President Muhammadu Buhari; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the embattled former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, erstwhile Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi.

Others were former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and former Speaker and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Briefing the party leadership about the state of the APC, Ganduje said the N8.9bn expenses were for pre-election legal battles, election cases and appeals for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections.

He, however, noted that the National Legal Adviser, Prof Abdul Kareem Kana (SAN), had been working to reduce the debt burden.

He said, “Your Excellencies, the current NWC inherited debts and legal liabilities to the total tune of N8,987,874,663 from all the cases outlined above, ranging from legal engagements during the pre-election matters, election cases and appeals for legislative, governorship and presidential elections.

“The details are also contained in the document report from the office of the National Legal Adviser in your folder. The National Legal Adviser has been making frantic efforts toward reducing the debt burden through dialogue and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

“However, we still passionately appeal to the National Executive Committee to intervene accordingly. It is important to note that some of our accounts are still garnisheed.”

The APC national chairman also begged Tinubu to help secure a parcel of land from the Federal Capital Territory Administration for the construction of a new secretariat.

The former Kano governor stated that the current structure is old and not befitting the status of a ruling party.

He said, “Your Excellencies, as part of our commitment to secure and own a national secretariat complex befitting of a ruling party and one that would conveniently accommodate our national officers, the newly established The Progressives Institute as well as the three wings of the party, we have formally applied for land at the Federal Capital Territory Administration that will drive this project.

“May I, therefore, appeal for the kind intervention of Mr President for this project to materialise?

“Let me once again applaud the Leader of our party, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for initiating laudable programmes that would subsequently ensure rapid inclusivity.”

Ganduje thanked the party faithful for their steadfastness in the face of challenges and assured them that the party would continue to deliver on its electoral promises.

“Though the journey has been very challenging for us as a ruling party, given the big task we have at hand and the expectations from Nigerians, we can sufficiently submit that we have collectively risen to the occasion and challenges,” he said.

He further briefed the NEC on efforts taken so far to appease and reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

“Your Excellencies, we have also embarked on massive reconciliation of aggrieved party members, and this move is gradually yielding desired positive results for the party.

“Through dialogue, we have initiated high-level discussions amongst party leaders and other stakeholders with a view to resolving lingering differences between our members,” he stated.

The NEC passed a vote of confidence on Tinubu in appreciation of his leadership.

When the motion for Tinubu’s endorsement was raised, it was immediately seconded by Oshiomhole.

The former governor hinged his conviction on the economic reforms introduced by the President, which he said had started yielding fruits.

He said, “I congratulate you, Mr President, the Vice President and even the leaders of the National Assembly because, without a collaborative legislative environment, reforms can be deformed.

“But under their leadership, reforms are truly ‘reforming’ everywhere. I thank you once again, Mr President and all the NEC members.”

The NEC also ratified the party leadership to the North-West to put an end to the agitation of anti-Ganduje critics and others who want the chairmanship to return to the North-Central.

Reacting, Tinubu applauded the NEC and the leadership of the party for keeping faith with his Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President also expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the APC National Working Committee for contributing massively to his electoral victory.

He said, “The place we are gathering today is too small for us and I agree with you that we need a bigger location. I think the minister of national economic planning is here. We will discuss it with the minister in charge, and we will do something about it.

“The National Working Committee is doing a good job and I am happy with them. In all the various states, let us set up reconciliatory committees to liaise with these aggrieved leaders. I am appealing to them, please be calm.

“Let the NEC find a way to celebrate our progressive ideals, and I promise you, our governors and Nigerians, that we will sustain these progressive changes. Everywhere in the world, especially in Europe, we have economic shocks, and we are doing everything possible.”

Tinubu said he was keen to stabilise the APC by resolving the lingering crisis in the state chapters of the party.

Therefore, he asked the party’s NWC to create a team to address the fault lines, appealing for calm during the peace talks.

“I’m grateful to all Nigerians for the electoral successes recorded from one state to the other. Governors, you have embraced these changes, and I thank the leadership of our party. I also thank members of the National Assembly for expeditiously considering the budget.

“We can only build the party on a progressive platform to deliver good service to Nigerians.

“The National Working Committee is doing a very good job; I am pleased with them. However, there are a few conflicts in the various states.

“Let’s set up committees to look into the lingering problems in the states and appeal to these party leaders in various states to please be calm and be collaborative,” the President said.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday titled, ‘At the APC NEC meeting, President Tinubu receives a vote of confidence and pledges to work harder for Nigeria’s prosperity.’

The President’s push for reconciliation follows an emerging crisis in at least seven state chapters of the APC as politicking begins ahead of the 2027 general polls.

In Kano State, for instance, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, has vowed to resign if Abdullahi Abbas retains his position as the state APC chairman.

Similarly, in Benue State, a power tussle between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, deepened divisions within the APC.

In Lagos State, the APC is managing a leadership crisis within the state House of Assembly.

The turmoil began on January 13, 2025, when 36 out of 40 lawmakers voted to impeach Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, citing allegations of poor leadership, habitual lateness, high-handedness, and misappropriation of funds.

In his absence, Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda was appointed as the new Speaker.

The crisis has prompted interventions from high-ranking APC leaders, including the President, former APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, and former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba.

The APC is also contending with challenges in Adamawa, Delta, Rivers, Zamfara and Bayelsa.

In Osun State, the APC is stabilising after a group led by the former governor, Rauf Aregbesola, finally left the party.

At the NEC meeting, the President also expressed his determination to work harder for the country’s greater good, assuring that the Nigerian economy was on the path of recovery as the leadership cast a vote of confidence in him.

He said the commendation from the party’s highest decision-making organ was a call for more hard work. He promised not to fail the party faithful.

“I am happy with your vote of confidence, and I accept it. The vote is a challenge to do more work; we will vigorously pursue our sovereignty in food security, investment and development.

“I am happy with food prices coming down, especially as Ramadan approaches. The sun is high, and the sky is bright outside. While the rest of the world unravels, we see growth in Nigeria. We are seeing a gradual return to stability. We are seeing improvements. I thank you, governors,” the President said.

He thanked Nigerians for their continued belief and trust in the ruling party.

The Nigerian leader also pledged to continue working assiduously with other arms of government to ensure the greater good for Nigerians and commended APC governors and executives for their continued and unwavering commitment.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting Tinubu in lifting the nation from its economic and developmental woes.

“The Senate will expeditiously pass bills that would enhance our national development, improve the economy and redirect our national pathway,” he said.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, commended the President for his vision and courage in making unpopular but essential decisions.

He said the decisions were pivotal for Nigeria’s developmental efforts.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, defended the absence of some party heavyweights.

Speaking with journalists at the end of the meeting, he said, “The presence or absence of some party leaders in today’s meeting is not a problem. I have never known the caucus meeting of our party or the NEC to be attended 100 per cent by all of the members.

“I’m not sure that there’s really any political party that attains 100 per cent attendance at meetings. There is a lot of back-end negotiation of the convenience and availability of key leaders who were required to be at the meeting.

“For example, when you have a president as busy as President Bola Tinubu with his schedule, it’s not a tea party to reconcile his movements and schedule to get him to come sit at a meeting for four hours. It’s not that easy.

“So, whatever time you pick will be convenient for some and not convenient for others. That’s just the way it is. So that’s the first point I make about those who came today. Now I can’t stand here and tell you why they didn’t come. But be rest assured that every member of the caucus and NEC were invited.”

According to him, the attendance at the two-day events was comprehensive enough.

“As a matter of fact, we enlarged the list today. We had more members invited than we did previously. So, quite to the contrary, the trend is towards accommodating more leaders as members of NEC,” he stated.

Morka, however, took a swipe at ex-Governor El-Rufai, saying his recent public attack on the party was unbecoming of someone of his status.

The APC spokesman said it was one thing to be aggrieved and another to be seen dragging one’s party and its leaders in the public.

He said, “There’s a difference between party men and people who speak because they have a grievance. Grievance-driven commentaries, to me, are not to be taken that seriously.

“I was prepared to respond to El-Rufai and to suggest to him that some of his recent engagements are unnecessary for someone who occupies the position that he has acquired in this country.

“Men who are respected must also continue to justify the respect that they get. It’s not a good idea that once you are dissatisfied, especially when it comes to personal experiences, you want to visit your grievance on a system of equality. But you are just one individual. Every vote is just one person.

“He’s a highly respected citizen, but my advice and counsel to him is that he needs to think in perspective of his status. Otherwise, if he continues to engage, people have the right to reply. APC and its organs are working as effectively as possible. How else do you explain the vibrancy or the deluge of people into the party?

“Today, we have more than 18 legislators in the National Assembly, if I am not mistaken, who have already defected from the opposition parties into our party. If their parties were working more efficiently, they wouldn’t be coming to join us,” he noted.
(PUNCH)

Politics

Defamation Charges: Natasha Accuses FG Of Double Standard

Published

10 hours ago

September 23, 2025

Editor

The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Monday, launched a strong legal offensive against the Federal Government, describing the criminal defamation charges filed against her as a brazen act of political persecution and an exhibition of double standard by the Federal Government.

In a preliminary objection seeking the dismissal of the six counts filed against her by the Attorney General of the Federation, the Kogi senator contended that while the Federal Government was quick to file charges against her based on the complaint of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the same government ignored her own earlier petitions against Akpabio.

The charges, filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, were brought following petitions by Akpabio and ex-Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, over remarks she allegedly made during a public address and a television interview.

Her arraignment on June 20 drew national attention, with many opposition figures alleging that the case was politically motivated.

She was granted bail on self-recognition after pleading not guilty.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is being prosecuted by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar.

In her defence on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed preliminary objections before both the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal High Court, challenging the jurisdiction of the courts and insisting that the Attorney-General of the Federation has no locus standi to prosecute what she described as a private defamation case.

Her legal team, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria—Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN); Dr. E. West-Idahosa (SAN); J.J. Usman (SAN); and M.J. Numa (SAN)—argued that the charges were “unconstitutional, frivolous, and designed to intimidate opposition voices.”

The defence further submitted exhibits showing that her comments fell within the ambit of public discourse and media commentary, noting that prosecuting her statements as crimes was inconsistent with democratic norms.

Her lawyers maintained that: “Defamation matters are inherently civil in nature and that attempting to criminalise them constitutes intimidation, suppresses free speech, and represents a misuse of the criminal justice system.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused the authorities of selective justice, alleging that while her petitions over threats to her life by the complainants were ignored, the same institutions hastily filed charges against her.

She contends that the disparity represents a violation of her constitutional rights, “particularly Section 42, and represents discriminatory prosecution because of my opposition political affiliation.”

The charges centre on her claim that Akpabio allegedly instructed Bello to have her killed in Kogi State—a statement she reportedly made at a public gathering in Ihima on April 4, 2025, and later repeated during a television interview.

Prosecutors say the remarks were false, malicious, and capable of inciting violence, endangering lives, and breaching public order.

Her defence team has urged the courts to dismiss the charges at the preliminary stage, warning that allowing the matter to proceed would not only waste taxpayers’ resources but also undermine the credibility of the justice system.

Her strong pushback comes just hours after the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the matter to October 20, following an objection raised by her counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN).

Meanwhile, a coalition of women’s rights organisations has taken the standoff between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate to the United Nations, accusing Senate leadership of gender-based discrimination.

In a formal complaint submitted on Monday to UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, the Womanifesto Network—representing more than 350 organisations—argued that the Senate’s actions breach Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women which the country ratified in 1985.

“This is about the integrity of our democracy. If a senator can be silenced for reporting harassment, what hope do ordinary women have?” asked the group’s convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi.

The complaint urges the UN to pressure Nigeria’s government and the Senate to comply with a Federal High Court ruling by reinstating Akpoti-Uduaghan immediately, and to establish an impartial investigation into her harassment claim.

Signatories to the petition include Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), and Stand to End Rape.

The activists warned that the Senate’s refusal to comply with the court order sends a dangerous signal to women in politics.

“This case shows that sexual harassment in politics isn’t just a personal violation—it’s a threat to women’s participation in governance,” the petition states.

As of press time, the UN Special Rapporteur’s office had not yet responded.

Akpoti-Uduaghan went public on February 20 with allegations that Senate President Godswill Akpabio harassed her—claims Akpabio has strongly denied. Days later, the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee recommended a six-month suspension, citing breaches of parliamentary procedure.

The suspension stripped her of salary, security, and access to the chamber, drawing outrage from civil society groups who said the punishment was retaliatory and disproportionate.

On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled the suspension unconstitutional and ordered her reinstatement. But the Senate has blocked her return, arguing that the judgment contained no binding reinstatement order and remains “under litigation.”

Politics

Why I Visited Tinubu —Gov Fubara

Published

10 hours ago

September 23, 2025

Editor

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has revealed that he met President Bola Tinubu to officially inform him of his return after his suspension was lifted.

The governor, who was recently reinstated after six months of emergency rule in the state, was at the State House on Monday evening.

Addressing journalists shortly after the closed-door meeting, Fubara said he had a father-and-son discussion with the president on the way forward.

According to him, he sought Tinubu’s advice on certain matters to prevent another round of crisis in the state.

He said, “You are aware that the suspension was lifted midnight, 17th and I resumed on the 19th. I’m here to tell Mr President that I’m back and have also resumed my responsibility as Governor of Rivers State.

“It was a father and son discussion, telling him thank you and the areas he should guide me properly, so we don’t have a crisis again.”

Politics

Why I Refused To Challenge Emergency Rule – Fubara

Published

4 days ago

September 20, 2025

Editor

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has explained why he resisted the pressure from his supporters to challenge the emergency rule declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu, saying his decision was guided by a desire to secure peace, stability, and progress for the people.

Fubara stated this on Friday during a statewide broadcast after his return to the state following the expiration of the emergency rule.

The governor and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, Edison Ehie, arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, two days after President Bola Tinubu lifted the state of emergency imposed on the state and ordered his reinstatement.

Their aircraft with number 5N-BTX touched down at 12:15 pm and they were received to a heroic welcome.

On the ground to receive Governor Fubara were several of his supporters, including a former Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah; former Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh; former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Orji Ngofa; former Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara; and former factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo.

Others present were former Commissioner for Youths, Chisom Gbali; former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi; former President of NUPENG, Igwe Achese; former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja; as well as former council chairmen of Port Harcourt City, Ezebunwo Ichemati, among others.

President Tinubu, on Wednesday, announced an end to the emergency rule, which ended the six-month tenure of ex-naval chief, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), as Rivers State sole administrator.

Rivers State has faced one of Nigeria’s fiercest political crises, pitting Fubara against his predecessor and FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.

Once allies, their fallout over control of state structures and resources split the House of Assembly, sparking impeachment moves, protests, and violence, including the burning of the Assembly complex.

President Tinubu intervened with a peace deal, which failed to calm frayed nerves, before the declaration of emergency rule.

In a statement on the cessation of the emergency rule on Wednesday, made available by the Presidency, the President said, “The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from September 18, 2025.

“It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

Fubara was expected to resume on Thursday as many of his supporters thronged the gate of the Government House along Azikiwe Street, Port Harcourt, as early as 6am on Thursday, but the governor failed to resume.

On Thursday, at its first plenary after six months, the state House of Assembly called on the governor to immediately forward the list of commissioner-nominees to it for screening and confirmation.

The plenary was presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule at the Conference Hall of the Legislative Quarters in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

The Assembly also called on the governor to submit the Rivers State Appropriation Bill, while noting that members would review how funds were spent during the six months of emergency rule.

In a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker, Martins Wachukwu, the Assembly gave details of the resolution.

The statement read, “Returning from a six-month emergency rule induced by the political impasse in the state in the recent past, the Rivers State House of Assembly, on Thursday, at its first legislative sitting, through a motion, set the legislative agenda for the remaining part of the third season of the 10th Assembly.”

The statement indicated that the House Leader, Major Jack, on behalf of eight co-sponsors, in a motion, averred that the House considered it imperative to set the agenda to reflect current realities, while House members, in their contributions to the debate on the motion, applauded the motion and expressed support for all the prayers therein.

Addressing the state, Fubara described the emergency rule period as “enormously challenging” but said he willingly abided by the declaration to allow room for peace to be restored.

“As your governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that the sacrifice was not too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.

“This was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of the state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions and all other actions that we endured during the difficult period,” he said.

The governor commended President Tinubu for brokering a peace deal between all parties involved in the crisis, noting that the intervention helped reconcile him, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Our leader, Nyesom Wike, all members of Rivers State House of Assembly, and I as your governor have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear state,” Fubara said.

Expressing gratitude to Tinubu, the governor reaffirmed his loyalty to the president, promising never to take his intervention for granted. He also appealed to residents who remain sceptical about the peace process.

“To those who have expressed genuine fear, frustration and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood.

“However, nothing has been irretrievably lost. There remain ample opportunities for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness,” Fubara assured.

Fubara, however, charged political leaders, stakeholders, and institutions in the state to ensure that the peace achieved endures.

Fubara noted that with peace restored, his administration’s focus would now return fully to governance and service delivery.

‘Bond with Rivers continues’

Speaking shortly after he arrived at the Government House, Port Harcourt, the governor assured the people of the state that his government would continue to work in their best interest.

He expressed his gratitude to the people and residents of the state for the warm reception he received earlier at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in IKwerre local government area of the state.

However, no prominent politician loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike or any of his known supporters were present at the airport to welcome the governor.

Meanwhile, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, thousands were already jubilating when the news of the governor’s arrival at the airport became public knowledge.

The celebration changed into singing and dancing as musical bands supplied appropriate tunes to sustain the tempo as the governor’s convoy drove into the abode where he had been absent for the last six months.

Right inside the Government House, the atmosphere was also electric as workers also celebrated the governor’s return.

Fubara immediately inspected some offices and facilities in the seat of power before answering questions from the Government House press crew, where he expressed happiness with the show of love by the people and residents of the state.
(PUNCH)