A Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside an earlier judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
The development was shared by Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a post on X on Friday.

The latest ruling by the presiding judge, Justice Isah Dashen comes days after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered INEC to register the Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) as a political party.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the Abuja case, had directed INEC to issue the party with a certificate of registration within seven days after ruling in a suit filed by Tamunotonye Samuel Solomon Inioribo and two others.

More details are expected.

By Peter Duru, Makurdi 

The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from claims that Mr. Emmanuel Agbo is the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections, describing such assertions as false and misleading. 

In a statement signed by the party’s State Secretary, Dan Nyikwagh, and made available to journalists, the PDP said Agbo “is not and has never been” its governorship candidate, warning the public against being deceived by what it termed fraudulent claims. 

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State Chapter, under the Chairmanship of Chief Ezekiel Adaji, wishes to unequivocally and categorically state that Emmanuel Agbo is not and has never been the governorship candidate of our great party for the 2027 general elections,” the statement said. 

The PDP further maintained that any publication, video, or public statement presenting Agbo as its governorship flag bearer was “a deliberate falsehood, a calculated act of impersonation, and a clear attempt to deceive the good people of Benue State.” 

According to the party, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, remains its recognized and legitimate governorship candidate for the 2027 election. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Benue State PDP has, through a transparent and unanimous consensus process duly affirmed by party leaders, stakeholders, and members, recognized Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, as the authentic and legitimate governorship candidate of the party for the 2027 elections,” the statement added. 

The party claimed that the consensus process was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reflected the collective will of its members across the state. 

The PDP warned that it would not tolerate attempts to create confusion within its ranks, disclosing that it had commenced legal and constitutional measures against those involved involved in impersonation. 

The opposition party also called on media organizations, security agencies, and members of the public to disregard any narrative portraying Agbo as its governorship candidate. 

“The PDP remains focused, united, and ready to rescue and rebuild Benue state under the capable umbrella of Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa,” the statement added.

Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his residence in Kano State.

Obasanjo was received by Kwankwaso alongside the NDC governorship candidate in Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo.

The visit was confirmed in a statement issued by Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, who described the meeting as an occasion for cordial interactions and warm exchanges between the political leaders.

However, details of the discussions held during the closed-door meeting were not disclosed.

Kwankwaso, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence during Obasanjo’s second term in office between 2003 and 2007, has maintained a longstanding political relationship with the former president.

The meeting has further fuelled speculations about possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in light of reports suggesting efforts to strengthen opposition collaboration.

NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is widely regarded as a close ally of Obasanjo, who publicly supported him during the 2023 presidential election.