Delivering his ruling in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, Daily Dates Nigeria reports that Justice Isah Dashen held that all relevant parties must be heard before any substantive decision can be made in the matter.

The court upheld the application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), ruling that the party is a necessary party to the suit.

Justice Dashen noted that counsel to the PMP successfully demonstrated the party’s legal interest, which warranted its inclusion in the proceedings.

According to the judge, the earlier judgment was constitutionally defective as it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties.

He declared that such an omission rendered the entire process null and void.

Justice Dashen further ruled that the status quo be restored to what it was before the December 2025 judgment, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

He also observed that certain material facts were suppressed in the earlier proceedings, which justified the decision to set aside the judgment.

Consequently, the court ordered that the substantive suit commence afresh, with INEC, the Peace Movement Party (PMP), and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as parties to the case.

Counsel to the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, told journalists that the Peace Movement Party approached the court after discovering that the NDC’s registration was based on a logo it had previously submitted to INEC before the commencement of the suit.

According to Ekeocha, the court agreed that the applicant’s rights had been affected and consequently vacated the earlier judgment.

“The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of December 10, 2025, and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined,” he said.

He explained that the implication of the ruling is that every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgment stands reversed.

“The recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” Ekeocha stated.

He, however, clarified that the substantive case remains before the court and has not been decided.

“The matter has not been concluded. The court merely set aside its previous judgment and directed that the party whose interests were affected be joined so that all sides can be heard before a fresh decision is reached.”

Ekeocha also dismissed suggestions that the court merely ordered parties to maintain the status quo, insisting that the ruling specifically directed a restoration of the position that existed before the December 10, 2025 judgment.

The ruling effectively returns the dispute over the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, with all relevant parties expected to participate before a new determination is made.

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In a statement signed by its Project Coordinator, Hon. Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim, the group said the successful conduct of the Ekiti State Governorship Election and the National Assembly and State Assembly by-elections held on June 20, 2026, reflected the administration’s dedication to credible elections and democratic consolidation.

The elections were conducted in the Ekiti State governorship poll, Nasarawa North Senatorial District in Nasarawa State, Ondo South Senatorial District in Ondo State, Enugu North Senatorial District in Enugu State, Rivers South East Senatorial District in Rivers State, Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, and Zuru State Constituency in Kebbi State.

According to the group, the elections demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the independence of democratic institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Arewa Revival Project also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for organizing what it described as peaceful, transparent, credible, and professionally conducted elections across the affected states and constituencies.

It noted that the conduct of the polls had further strengthened public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and reaffirmed the capacity of democratic institutions to deliver outcomes that reflect the will of the people.

The group specifically highlighted the peaceful conduct and broad acceptance of the Ekiti and Benue by-elections, describing them as a practical response to critics who had questioned the commission’s ability to conduct credible elections.

“Rather than responding to allegations with words, INEC has demonstrated through its actions that professionalism, transparency, and strict adherence to the Electoral Act remain the foundation of its operations,” the statement said.

The organization also applauded Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio for his leadership of the National Assembly, citing his role in promoting legislative oversight, institutional stability, and democratic governance.

It said Akpabio’s support for reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions had contributed significantly to Nigeria’s democratic development.

The group further commended electoral officials, security agencies, election observers, political parties, civil society organizations, and members of the media for their roles in ensuring the credibility and peaceful conduct of the elections.

While expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the polls, the Arewa Revival Project urged INEC to sustain the momentum by strengthening transparency, embracing technological innovations, expanding voter education, and ensuring future elections meet both national and international best practices.

Reaffirming its support for the Tinubu administration, the group also lauded the collaboration between the Executive and the National Assembly under the leadership of Senate President Akpabio, saying their commitment to institutional reforms and national development continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s democratic future.

The organization concluded that the successful conduct of the elections represents another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and demonstrates that credible elections are achievable when institutions are allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities with independence, integrity, accountability, and patriotism.

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Akume said faith-based and traditional institutions must take the lead in fostering understanding among citizens and preventing manipulation capable of triggering violence before, during and after the polls.

The SGF made the call in Abuja while speaking at the first triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) held at Rockview Hotel under the theme, “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion.”

He said with the nation approaching the end of the current political and electoral cycle, religious and traditional leaders have a moral responsibility to strengthen collaboration, youth education and peace-building efforts in their communities.

Akume said, “The 2027 general elections are fast approaching and NIREC, through our traditional and religious leaders, faith-based organisations and youth associations, has the moral responsibility for strengthening the network of collaboration, grassroots mobilisation, youth education, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, security and protection of lives and property in our communities.”

He stressed the need to eliminate all forms of manipulation capable of creating division within communities, noting that peaceful elections begin with responsible leadership at the grassroots.

The SGF said Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity makes tolerance and religious literacy essential for national cohesion, stressing that understanding one another’s beliefs and practices remains key to building trust and sustaining peace.

According to him, the role of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has become increasingly important in promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.

Akume warned that the country, like many parts of the world, continues to face serious challenges fuelled by stereotypes, misinformation, insecurity and identity-based divisions.

He said such challenges have often become triggers for violence and hostility, worsened by political and economic manipulation.

“The world today continues to encounter formidable challenges that are capable of generating conflicts. These challenges are fuelled by lack of understanding, existence of stereotypes, ineffective communication and the weaponisation of identity,” he said.

Akume said government’s responsibility is not to politicise religion or encourage intolerance but to strengthen citizenship, understanding and responsibility among Nigerians.

He noted that while religious studies already form part of the school curriculum, the priority should be improving the quality of teaching through better teacher preparation, effective learning materials and classroom values that encourage empathy, respect and responsible citizenship.

The SGF also raised concerns over insecurity in the education sector, warning that attacks on schools and prolonged closures in unsafe areas continue to worsen Nigeria’s education crisis.

He said government policies on safe schools and violence-free learning environments must be strengthened to protect children and ensure uninterrupted learning.

“A child cannot learn fraternity in fear; a nation cannot preach literacy while schools are under threat,” he said.

Akume further stressed the need for religious literacy to go hand in hand with media and information literacy, especially in an era of widespread misinformation and hate speech.

He referenced the recent launch of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute by Nigeria and UNESCO, saying citizens must be equipped to verify information and reject falsehood designed to divide society.

“Religious literacy must therefore be accompanied by media and information literacy; the discipline to verify before sharing, to question before reacting, and to reject falsehood, hate speech and incendiary narratives,” he said.

He called on schools, faith communities, universities, media organisations and traditional institutions to work together in raising a new generation of Nigerians who embrace faith, patriotism, humility and peaceful coexistence.

Akume said religious leaders remain the conscience of society and must use their influence to resolve conflicts, minimise hatred and promote truth.

He warned against the misuse of religion to justify falsehood, discrimination, violence and bloodshed, insisting that such acts undermine both faith and national unity.

The SGF disclosed that the Federal Government had already put machinery in place to support religious and traditional institutions in ensuring peace and security across communities ahead of the elections.

He added that his office would engage further with stakeholders after receiving recommendations from the NIREC meeting.

Akume urged participants at the meeting to prioritise literacy in all forms, describing it as central to peace-building, institutional trust, stability and national unity.

He expressed optimism that the deliberations of the council would produce practical solutions for strengthening tolerance and national cohesion as the country moves towards the 2027 elections.

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The directive is pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, which was issued by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office, which include the following: Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants to the President, Special Assistants the President, Personal Assistants to the President, All Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies, as well as all Other Political Appointees of the President.

Accordingly, all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026.

President Tinubu emphasised that the measure is necessary to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.

He urged all concerned officials to take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.

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National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun in a statement: “…the process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the Commission’s detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, available on its website. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework.

“The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene.

“The Commission’s immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines. The address given is “Okene, Kogi State”, which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of “the lead petitioner” is provided as against the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners.

“The Commission wishes to reiterate that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them. Once the petition meets the requirements of submission, as contained in our regulations, the Commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in each Polling Unit in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only.

“The petitioners and the member whose recall is sought shall be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS.

“Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines.

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In a landmark ruling on Friday, the court affirmed that the recall process is constitutionally valid and aligns with the civic rights of Kogi Central Senatorial District constituents. It also urged the petitioners to exercise their rights in a peaceful and orderly manner.

This decision follows the court’s interim injunction on Thursday, which temporarily restrained INEC from receiving, accepting, or acting on any recall petition or conducting a referendum regarding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal.

The injunction was granted after an ex-parte application was filed by Anebe Jacob Ogirima and four others, all registered voters in Kogi Central. Their counsel, Smart Nwachimere, argued that the recall petition contained fictitious signatures.

While the court has now permitted the recall process to proceed, INEC remains barred from accepting petitions with fake signatures or conducting a referendum based on such fraudulent documents.

The case has been adjourned to May 6, 2025, for further proceedings.

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The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Prof Abayomi Fashina, who was the state Returning Officer declared Uzodimma re-elected on Sunday morning at about 10 am after over eight hours of collation of local government results.

“That you Hope Uzodimma of APC having satisfied the law is hereby returned elected,” Fashina declared.

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The President has directed the immediate investigation and prosecution, if found liable, of Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, by the Inspector General of Police.

Also, the President has directed investigation by the Inspector General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, of the role of their officers in aiding and abetting the conduct/actions of Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari and if found culpable, appropriate disciplinary actions, to be meted out to them.

The post Breaking: Buhari Suspends Adamawa State REC, Hudu Ari appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Tinubu polled 8,794,726 votes to win the presidential election while Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came second with 6,984,520 votes, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) was next with 6,101,533 votes.

Zelensky, in his congratulatory message, said his war-torn country is determined to further strengthen cooperation with Nigeria.

The letter read, “Please accept my sincere congratulations on your election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Taking this opportunity, I invite you to pay an official visit to Ukraine at a time convenient for you.

“I am confident that your visit will strengthen the dialogue between our countries and contribute to further consolidation of joint efforts of the international community aimed at solving the urgent challenges of today, in particular the crisis situation caused by Russia regarding these guarantees of world food security.”

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In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, INEC said: “The attention of the Commission has been drawn to a purported declaration of winner in the Adamawa Governorship election by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) even when the process has clearly not been concluded.

“The action of the REC is a usurpation of the power of the Returning Officer. It is null, void and of no effect.”

“Consequently, the collation of results of the supplementary election is hereby suspended.”

Details to come.

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