₦airaland Forum

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, has appealed to the party’s candidates, including its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other aspirants, not to abandon the party following the recent Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja.

Dickson made the appeal on Sunday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to reports that some candidates were considering leaving the party over the ruling.

The controversy followed Friday’s judgment by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which set aside the court’s December 10, 2025 judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC as a political party.

The judge held that the earlier judgment affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo used in obtaining the registration order but was not joined in the suit.

Reacting to concerns that some candidates had become unsettled by the judgment, Dickson dismissed the speculation and assured members that the party remained on course.

He said, “That is what this kind of kangaroo situation is intended to achieve. But I’m here to assure all members. That’s not the report we have. Our candidates are steadfast and they have already emerged as candidates of our party.

“They know the steps that the party is taking. And in no distant time, they will be uploaded (on INEC portal). They will go into the polls and be on the ballot. So, there is nothing to fear. There’s no fear.

“Let me say, this kind of move is intended to be a distraction. It’s intended to shake our faith. But for some of us who are used to this kind of thing, in fact, we even expect more. Because if you have to be in this kitchen for some time, you must have a way to manage the heat.

“So, I assure all our candidates and our members that the NDC is on the ballot. All our candidates will be on the ballot. The NDC has not been deregistered and won’t be deregistered. The laws of this country will speak and justice will run its course. So, I have nothing to worry about.”

On whether the party planned to report Justice Dashen to the National Judicial Council, Dickson said the NDC would instead pursue legal remedies through the appellate courts.

He said, “No, that’s not our focus. The judge has erred. We are not happy about it. But we have confidence in the Nigerian judicial system. As a person, I’ve always been a promoter and supporter of the judiciary, individual justices and judges.

“So, I’m not casting any personal aspersions on the judge. But I believe that they are doing a very critical job. And it’s our duty. All of us as leaders, to encourage and support them.

“Even when they err and make decisions that we disagree with, we have an opportunity to vent around and get other appellate courts to do what should be done. That’s what hierarchy of courts is all about. But this is a terrible hangman job.”

The NDC, which is due to file an appeal against the Lokoja judgment on Monday, insists the ruling neither deregistered the party nor stopped it from participating in the 2027 general election.

WHO IS AFRAID OF PRIMARIES?
Election is not won by social media propaganda nor by orchestrated smear campaign. Election is won by engaging electorate one wishes to serve respectfully and with empathy and compassion.

My dear FCT Residents, especially those who are registered members of our great party Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) let’s remain focused first, on the number one priority of promoting our great party and secondly on choosing candidates that will best represent us. The time of voting or making choices out of fear is gone. This time we will make our choices out of courage and belief in the mantra: POWER BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE!
To my teeming supporters across the FCT do not be deterred, continue your ground work across the 62 wards. We are ready to meet them on the primaries ground!
Let me repeat,

WHO IS AFRAID OF PRIMARIES?

#AishaForSenate
#AishaForBetterFCT

Seeing Amaechi complaining about the outcome of the ADC primaries is very unsettling.
He never stood a chance as a candidate, not when Peter Obi was there and definitely not when Peter Obi left.

You never stood a chance to be a candidate, let’s be for real.

BREAKING: Former President Goodluck Jonathan has officially picked the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, nomination form to contest for the presidency in the 2027 general election.

Seyi Makinde, a truly humble man see how he carried his hand luggage with his own hands.

Humility personified.

Seyi Makinde, a truly humble man see how he carried his hand luggage with his own hands.

Humility personified. pic.twitter.com/GdM65LjyLj

— Arc Uche Rochas (@U_Rochas) May 15, 2026

Election is not won on Twitter.... 😂😂😂

But Atiku supporters are spending their time everyday, creating biased polls that will project Atiku.

They've created over 10 polls since last week and Obi floored them in all.

Now, they have to mobilize their support groups and create another poll in the tiniest section of Northern Facebook, took the screenshot when Obi was gathering momentum and started flying it here... 😂

Charles Omole, the author of From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed that there are no fewer than five cabals allegedly influencing the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In an interview on State Affairs, a podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, the author listed the cabals as including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila’s group.

Omole said the second cabal is that of the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, while the third cabal is headed by the First Lady, Remi Tinubu.

The author described the fourth cabal as the young associates around the president, while the last cabal is the one headed by Tinubu himself.

“There are five cabals controlling President Tinubu’s administration. The first cabal is the one headed by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

“The second cabal is that of the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu. I can name the Minister of Youth and a few others that were singlehandedly chosen by Seyi Tinubu. That’s why you see the Youth Minister always following Seyi.

“And then another cabal is the First Lady. She has her own sphere of influence in terms of access to the president. Then the fourth cabal are the thugs and young guys around Tinubu,” he said.

He’s 30 years old contesting for the House of Representatives.

I saw a post earlier that said APC are fielding children. pic.twitter.com/ItSoCASib0

— High Chief Lawrence Igbins Okoro (@HighChiefOkoro) May 10, 2026

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

The new leadership hereby dissolve CITY BOY MOVEMENT and expelled Seyi Tinubu, Obi Cubana and Cubana Chief Priest.

It'll henceforth be called CETY BOY MOVEMENT.

Diaspora Members and the media should kindly take note.

Signed
Queen Bee
Factional Chairperson.

Governor Fintiri fired shots 🔥

He said “Anybody who puts pain on my people, I will fight him. From this moment I will take my decision as the governor of the state to ensure that the best succeed me. Not even at the threat of being persecuted, I am fully ready and prepared to put my life and my blood for this state to succeed.”

I don’t think Villa will forgive Fintiri will for this, post 2027 will be interesting!

Governor Fintiri fired shots 🔥

He said “Anybody who puts pain on my people, I will fight him. From this moment I will take my decision as the governor of the state to ensure that the best succeed me. Not even at the threat of being persecuted, I am fully ready and prepared to… pic.twitter.com/CXPOxPv0Vm

— Mal. Imran U. Wakili (PULLO) 👑 #iSTANDWITHELRUFAI (@IU_Wakilii) May 5, 2026

A fresh political crisis is brewing within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State as the party’s chairman, Usaini Isa Mai Riga, has rejected alleged moves to cede control of the party structure to former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, formally joined the NDC on Sunday alongside Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

His entry has triggered tension within the Kano chapter, with Mai Riga insisting that the existing leadership will not surrender control.

Speaking in an interview with Premier Radio in Kano, Mai Riga said two separate meetings aimed at integrating Kwankwaso into the party collapsed over disagreements on leadership arrangements.

“He wants us to hand over the entire party to him, despite the sacrifices we made when the party had little or no presence,” Mai Riga said.

The chairman vowed to resist any attempt to displace the current executives.

“This will not happen. We will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that the party structure is not hijacked,” he added.

Mai Riga further alleged that the NDC’s national leadership directed the suspension of the planned state congress in Kano to facilitate Kwankwaso’s takeover, despite similar congresses proceeding in other states.

“We were instructed not to hold the congress because of plans to hand over the structure. That is why I am not at the venue today. We will not allow the rights of our members to be trampled upon,” he said.

Kwankwaso arrived in Kano on Monday and is expected to meet with close allies to deliberate on electoral strategies and party congresses ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, Mai Riga noted that the former governor has yet to formally engage with the state executive committee, delegating discussions to former deputy governor, Aminu Abdussalam.

Reacting, the Spokesperson II of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Mansur Kurugu, said Kwankwaso or his followers are not in NDC to take over structures, but to grow the party for the betterment of all.

He said, “There is no any issue worth talking about here, the national leadership of the party is the one who halted the congress and it will soon take place, nobody is taking over anything from anyone.

“Of course you don’t expect somebody like Kwankwaso to join any party and you say he wont have a say in it in his state. But the Chairman should calm down, state congress will be held and everyone will get what he deserves.”

A civil society organisation, Nigeria Democratic Rights Advocacy, has raised concerns over an alleged violation of provisions of the Electoral Act prohibiting dual membership of political parties.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the group alleged that official records of the Allied Peoples Movement and the Nigeria Democratic Congress listed Barrister Reuben Egwuaba as National Legal Adviser in both parties.

According to the group, one of the listings was reportedly entered “by court order,” a development it described as a serious legal contradiction with far-reaching implications.

The statement, signed by the group’s General Secretary, Julius Aondowase, argued that the matter goes beyond a mere clerical error and raises questions about compliance with the amended Electoral Act.

“By virtue of the amended electoral provisions—particularly the modification of Section 77—belonging to more than one political party at the same time is expressly prohibited,” the statement said.

The group noted that the law prescribes penalties, including a fine of up to ₦10 million or imprisonment for up to two years, for individuals found guilty of dual party membership.

According to the statement, the office of National Legal Adviser is a key position within a party’s National Executive Committee and requires exclusive membership of the political party concerned.

“The position of National Legal Adviser is not symbolic; it is a core office within a party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which requires full and exclusive membership of that party,” the group stated.

“Therefore, occupying this role in both the APM and NDC simultaneously is not only politically improper—it constitutes prima facie evidence of dual membership and a potential criminal offence under Nigerian law.”

The organisation called for immediate clarification from the parties and the individual involved, insisting that the public deserves transparency if the records are inaccurate.



“If these records are accurate, then this is a clear violation of the law. If they are not, then the public deserves an immediate correction and explanation as to how such conflicting information came to be officially documented,” the statement added.



The group further urged relevant authorities, including electoral regulators, to investigate the matter and take appropriate action in line with the law.



“Political parties must not become safe havens for legal contradictions. The rule of law must be upheld without exception,” the statement said.

“Nigeria’s democracy must be governed by rules—not convenience.”

Peter Obi Leaving The ADC: A Mistake Northern Nigeria Cannot Afford To Make

Please fact-check me: Every party Peter Obi has been in has been relatively crisis-free until Peter joined that party. And as soon as he comes in, peace goes out of that party and strife sets in.

Once can be a mistake. Twice may be a coincidence. But after the third time, and then the fourth, it becomes a pattern.

The parties are not the problem. Peter is the issue.

Is this the type of character Arewa wants to pin its hope on? An Alakoba?

It makes no sense for Northern Nigeria to cast its lot with Peter Obi on the strength of a one-term promise that he, given his antecedents, will NEVER keep. This is especially so when Arewa has the choice of a performing President Bola Tinubu, who, by law, can only serve one more term.

Let the North weigh its options rationally, as a particularly politically astute region.

Peter Obi has made four very public promises not to leave the four political parties that gave him four platforms to rise to power and prominence. And each time, Mr Obi has broken such promises, providing one flimsy reason after another.

In fact, he is gearing up to exit his fourth political party and enter his fifth.

That being the case, what gives the North any confidence that a serial promise breaker will keep his promise to them to do just one term?

In carrying out a SWOT analysis of Northern Nigeria, Arewa will realise that out-of-school children, which are leading to a rise in insecurity, are its greatest challenge, while agriculture is its biggest strength.

As such, it is prudent to ask if a man who, as Governor, did not build a single nursery, primary, or secondary school and university, and also did not develop even one small communal garden, talks more of mechanised agriculture, is in a position to add value to Northern Nigeria.

It[b] is in the best interest of Northern Nigeria to stick with the man who made it possible for General Buhari to win the All Progressives Congress Presidential primaries in 2014 and the Presidential Election in 2015.

Remember, one good turn deserves another. One good term deserves another.
[/b]
Whether through leaked audio or public statements, President Tinubu has never jeopardised the interests of Arewa or any other part of Nigeria.

Therefore, if Nigeria's unity is important to you, the only option for 2027 is Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Reno Omokri

Ambassador Designate to Mexico. Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year, 2022. 21st Most Talked About Person in Africa, 2024.

A wave of controversy has erupted following the registration of the Senator Dickson-led National Democratic Congress (NDC), as the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) raises concerns over the legitimacy of the process.

Promoters of the ADA claim that the NDC was registered through fraudulent means that bypassed the guidelines established by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During appearances on Arise News Morning Show and Trust TV, Dr Umar Ardo, a key figure in the ADA, criticised INEC for allegedly deviating from its procedures by registering a political party that he claims did not go through the official screening process.

Ardo revealed that initially, 171 political associations expressed interest in registration, but only 14 were shortlisted by INEC.

On September 15, 2025, INEC published the list of 14 associations that advanced to the next stage, which involves verification of their offices nationwide.

Of the 14 groups, only eight proceeded to the verification stage on INEC’s portal. Ardo asserted that the ADA adhered to all requirements and actively participated in the process, but was denied registration.

He said: “It is shocking that a political association that did not submit an application, was not shortlisted among the 14, and did not make the final eight, suddenly appeared with a registration certificate.”

Ardo rejected INEC’s explanation that the NDC was registered on the basis of a court order, describing the claim as untenable. He argued that the due process of law would require proper filings and INEC’s participation in court proceedings.

“For a court to give such an order, there must have been submissions, and INEC must have been served and represented. We intend to obtain Certified True Copies of the court processes from the Federal High Court in Lokoja to understand what transpired,” he added.

In contrast, he alleged that the NDC was absent throughout the stages. He expressed disbelief that a political association that did not apply, was not shortlisted, and did not make the final cut, suddenly obtained a registration certificate.

Ardo contested INEC’s explanation that the NDC was registered pursuant to a court order, arguing that proper judicial procedures would require INEC’s participation in court proceedings.

Ardo likened the situation to awarding a contract to a bidder who did not participate in the bidding process, emphasising that such actions undermine fairness and transparency.

Stakeholders, who invested resources to meet INEC’s requirements but were excluded, have expressed frustration.

Ardo refuted rumours linking the ADA to Peter Obi, asserting the group’s independence. He confirmed that legal action has been initiated and emphasised ADA’s commitment to upholding due process in Nigeria’s political landscape.

On what basis are Obi and Kwankwaso leaving ADC?

On the basis that they should be handed the ticket? Since when is a presidential ticket of any serious party given to anybody in politics?

The part that pains me the most, the people who built this coalition from scratch, who spent sleepless nights putting the structure together, were not even demanding that the ticket be gifted to them, they are not even running for President.

They came in and met a ready made platform, yet instead of submitting themselves to a fair contest, the conversation suddenly became about who must be crowned.

RMK entered this arrangement barely four weeks ago, and within that short period, everything that took months of sacrifice, patience and negotiation to build is already being pushed to the brink.

It is well.

If your argument is that power must remain in the South in 2027, then why waste time trying to remove Bola Tinubu?

We could simply wait for him to complete his eight-year tenure so that power returns to the North in 2031.

Why elect Peter Obi and wait another eight years, especially since the North is already facing an eight-year deficit?

If Atiku is not the candidate in 2027, then Bola Tinubu should be allowed to continue.

Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman led Adolph Wabara, and Secretary, Babangida Aliyu to take over party, to set up Caretaker Committee, PDP surely is on the ballot now.

BREAKING NEWS

SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA UPHOLDS SUSPENSION OF ANYANWU, OTHERS; DECLARES MARCH CONVENTION AND ABDULRAHMAN’S APPOINTMENT NULL AND VOID.

ABUJA, NIGERIA

The Supreme Court of Nigeria, in a unanimous landmark judgment delivered today, Thursday, April 30, 2026, has upheld the suspension of Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, Umaru Bature, and Okechukwu Osuoha.

The apex court, in dismissing the appeal, reaffirmed the fundamental legal principle that the judiciary lacks the jurisdiction to interfere in the internal affairs of a political party. This ruling effectively terminates the protracted leadership dispute and restores constitutional order to the party’s administrative hierarchy. 

Following this definitive ruling, the Supreme Court held that all actions, decisions, and appointments made by the suspended officials during the period of their suspension are null, void, and of no legal consequence whatsoever. By extension of this "doctrine of nullity," the court has invalidated the following:

1.The Purported National Convention: The event held between March 29 and 30, 2026, is hereby declared an illegality and is non-existent in the eyes of the law.

2.Leadership Appointments: The appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman is nullified. All documents signed, orders given, or representations made by him in that capacity are legally baseless.

3.Administrative Decisions: All communiqués, financial authorizations, and committee appointments initiated by the Anyanwu-led faction within the suspension window are voided.

This judgment is a resounding victory for the rule of law and the sanctity of the party’s constitution. It serves as a stern warning that no individual, regardless of their former rank, is above the collective internal mechanisms of the party.

The court’s refusal to assume jurisdiction reinforces the authority of the National Working Committee (NWC) to discipline its members without external interference, provided such actions align with the party’s governing documents.

On this note, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all financial institutions, and security agencies are required to take immediate note of this judgment. No recognition should be accorded to any individual or group whose purported authority stems from the invalidated March 2026 convention or the illegal leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The party’s authentic leadership, as recognized prior to these illegalities, remains the sole authorized body to conduct official business, manage assets, and lead the party toward the upcoming electoral cycles.

All loyal party members are to remain calm and united as the Party move forward with the task of institutional restoration.