₦airaland Forum

IN THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT OF NIGERIA
IN THE ABUJA JUDICIAL DIVISION
HOLDEN AT ABUJA

CHARGE NO: FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026

BETWEEN
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA - COMPLAINANT
AND
MALLAM NASIR EL RUFAI (65 YEARS)- DEFENDANT

CHARGE

COUNT ONE
That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13th February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV Station's Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did admit during the interview that you and your cohorts unlawfully intercepted the Phone Communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.

COUNT TWO
That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13th February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV Station's Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did state during the interview that you know and relate with certain individual, who unlawfully intercepted the Phone Communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, without reporting the said individual to relevant Security agencies and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.

COUNT THREE
That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, and other still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, with others still at large did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the Phone Communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to which you admitted during an interview on 13th February, 2026, on Arise TV Station's Prime Time Programme in Abuja and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131 (2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

Dated this 16th day of February 2026.

ME ERNEST, Esq
O.M OWAN Esq
U.M BULLA Esq.
C.S. EZE PhD
E.G. ORUBOR Esq
Counsel to the Prosecution,
Dept. of State Services,
No. 1 Maitama Avenue,
Aso Drive, Abuja
09046898438

FOR SERVICE ON:
THE DEFENDANT

The proposed alliance between the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, for a joint 2027 presidential ticket has reached an advanced stage.

Findings by Sunday PUNCH revealed that both Obi and Kwankwaso have jointly set up a committee for the actualisation of the joint ticket under the African Democratic Congress.

A principal official of the ADC disclosed that the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance was originally proposed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

According to the party official, Obasanjo not only blessed Obi’s defection to the ADC, he also asked the former Anambra State governor to work with Kwankwaso to secure the presidential and vice-presidential tickets of the party.

Obasanjo openly campaigned for Obi in 2023 and mobilised support for him across the country against the All Progressives Congress candidate, now President Bola Tinubu.

The former president, in an open letter dated January 1, 2023, said, “None of the contestants is a saint, but when one compares their character, antecedents, understanding, knowledge, discipline and vitality they can bring to bear, and the great effort required to stay focused on the job—particularly looking at where the country is today—and with the experience on the job that I personally had, Peter Obi, as a mentee, has an edge.”

Kwankwaso, on the other hand, was appointed Minister of Defence by Obasanjo during his second term.

Meanwhile, the former president has not hidden his disapproval of the presidential ambition of his former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Currently, Atiku, Obi and a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, are the three presidential aspirants in the ADC, while efforts to get Kwankwaso to join the party are ongoing.

Before his defection to the ADC, Obi had promised to serve a single term if elected President, after which Kwankwaso declared that he was ready to serve as vice-presidential candidate.

Though Kwankwaso has yet to join the ADC, Sunday PUNCH gathered that the proposed alliance between him and Obi has begun and was initiated by Obasanjo.

A top ADC source told one of our correspondents that the former president had also been connecting Obi with some northern power brokers to ensure the alliance works out.

“We’re aware of the alliance, though Kwankwaso is not in our party yet. Former President Obasanjo is the one who connected the two of them (Obi and Kwankwaso), and he is committed to their alliance.

“The former president believes in Obi and has been speaking with some northern leaders on the need for them to see reason in the alliance,” said the party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Similarly, one of the leaders of Kwankwasiyya Movement confirmed Obasanjo’s involvement in the proposed alliance, saying the former president initiated the idea.

“The former President is involved. In fact, he mooted the idea, and we are happy to be on track,” the source, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said.



Obi, Kwankwaso set up alliance committee

Sunday PUNCH gathered that a committee had been put in place by both Obi and Kwankwaso to galvanise support within the ADC for the proposed joint ticket.

A credible source in Obi’s camp disclosed that the committee was set up about a month ago with a mandate to strategise on how to achieve the joint ticket.

“We’re no longer at the talking stage; we have moved ahead. A committee has been set up for the alliance and things are taking shape,” the source said.

Confirming the move, the National Legal Adviser of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and a leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Magaji Ibrahim, SAN, said the former governor was ready to work with Obi either as President or Vice President.

Ibrahim, who said he was part of the committee, maintained that the proposed alliance had reached an advanced stage.

“There is ongoing discussion between Kwankwaso and Obi, and a committee is actually in place for the actualisation of the alliance. The committee is from both sides, and I am a member.

“We are ready to work together either for the first or second position. The central point is to salvage the nation,” he added.

Speaking on Kwankwaso’s move to join the ADC, Ibrahim said the party had reached out to the former Kano governor on the matter.

He disclosed that the ADC and the Kwankwasiyya Movement leaders had been holding discussions on the defection plan.

“We are discussing with them (ADC leaders) at the moment. There is a move to meet us, but we’re yet to meet,” he added.

Asked if Kwankwaso would join the ADC if not given the presidential or vice-presidential ticket, Ibrahim said, “I don’t think we can consider anything short of the second position.”

Efforts to reach the media aide to the former president, Kehinde Akinyemi, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or text messages sent to him.

However, a source in Obasanjo’s camp, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH, confirmed to our correspondent that the former president was working to ensure that the Obi–Kwankwaso alliance pulled through.

When asked to provide further details on the alleged alliance, the source declined to comment.

ADC not aware of Obi-Kwankwaso alliance

However, the ADC said it was not aware of any alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso, even as it described such discussions as not unusual.

The spokesperson of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, while speaking with Sunday PUNCH, said the party was willing to embrace Kwankwaso, describing him as a strong political leader.

“Kwankwaso is yet to join the ADC, but we are more than willing to have him with us. Obi is also a great politician and an asset to the party. However, whatever discussions they are having are outside the party,” he said.

Atiku not threatened by Obi, Kwankwaso alliance

Commenting on the proposed alliance, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, said the former Vice President was not threatened by the move.

Ibe dismissed suggestions that the development posed any danger to Atiku’s political standing, insisting that the former Vice President remained focused on his own political path.

“There is absolutely no threat; there cannot be any threat. Kwankwaso is welcome in the ADC because the party’s hands are open to patriots who feel Nigeria is facing an existential threat and that there is a need to redeem the country. That cannot be a threat to Atiku.”

According to him, Atiku recognises the right of political actors to make their own choices and alliances without seeing them as competition.

“Everybody is at liberty to chart their political journey. Atiku is quietly on his own, doing what he has to do, and everyone is at liberty to do what they have to do.

“Atiku is not in any way threatened; he does not feel threatened and will not be threatened by the prospect of anybody. He desires a better Nigeria, and just like the party is opening its hands to welcome men and women who understand that we are at a point in history where we are facing an existential threat.

“For Atiku, the more the merrier, and that should be the focus of every discussion in the party,” Ibe said.



Obidients welcome Obi, Kwankwaso alliance

However, the Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, a group of Obi’s loyalists, Yinusa Tanko, expressed openness to the alliance move.

He described it as a potentially strong partnership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Tanko also disclosed that the alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso had been discussed for some time and could become a major political force if properly harnessed.

“There have been a lot of talks before now. A good working relationship between the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement will be a very strong combination,” he said.


Obi’s camp pushes for zoning

Meanwhile, supporters of former Anambra State governor are intensifying calls for the party’s presidential ticket to be zoned to the South.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, an ADC chieftain and supporter of Obi, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, said zoning the ticket to the South was the easiest and most reliable path to defeating President Tinubu.

According to the source, Obi enjoys widespread support across the country, noting that zoning the ticket to the South would further strengthen the coalition.

He said, “The leaders of the party are beginning to realise that if you want to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is from the South, zoning the ticket to the South will allow southern presidential aspirants within the fold of the ADC to contest, and one of them will emerge. When that happens, it will be quite easy; in fact, it is going to be the surest way to defeat Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Anything short of that will be to the disadvantage of the coalition group.

“What we are advocating is that the ticket should be zoned to the South, but we are not going to fight anybody about this. We are going to consult widely and, of course, try as much as possible to make every member or stakeholder in this movement understand why it should go to the South. We have credible people.”

But leaders of the party, including, the Chairman of the ADC Chairmen’s Forum and Kogi State Chairman, Kingsley Ogga; the Forum’s Secretary and Edo State Chairman, Kennedy Odion; and the Adamawa State Chairman, Arabi Mustapha, in separate interviews with Sunday PUNCH, warned that any aspirant pushing for zoning to the South was deliberately working to undermine the coalition in favour of Tinubu.

Ogga advised Obi’s supporters to put the party’s interest ahead of their personal interest, insisting that anyone pushing for zoning does not mean well for the party.

On his part, the Adamawa State Chairman remarked that anyone pushing for a specific zone or aspirant is thinking short-sightedly.

He stated, “My response to them is simple: their thinking is myopic. Let them think far. Nigeria has two regions, the Northand the South. So, putting a particular interest on someone, for example, a man from the South agitating for Peter Obi, or a man from the North saying Atiku Abubakar, is not what Nigeria really needs now.

“Nigeria needs someone who will stand on his feet to rescue the nation from where it is. Currently, we don’t have what we call government; we only have people in dictatorial positions of leadership.”

Atiku is a force to be reckoned with. He also feels the stars have finally aligned in his favor. And although 2019 is thought to had been his best shot, this may be one of those “moment meets the man”. However the sheer force of Obi’s numbers and cult like follower-ship brings a challenge. His appeal across the youth & this younger generation is one profound aspect of his leverage.

Obi as a flag bearer with a strong Northern candidate would defeat Pablo on Election Day before our dear mother of the Nation — Aunty Remi finishes his breakfast around 12 noon.

Hundreds of supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Katsina on Sunday officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), headed by Mustapha Inuwa, leader of the coalition in the state.

Membership cards were issued to the decampees, cut across all genders, and drawn from across the 34 Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

Their decamping was announced during the unveiling of the Katsina State chapter of the party.

Speaking during the ceremony held at the Continental Event Center, Katsina, the state’s National representative of the National Political Coalition Group, Lawal Batagarawa, decried the staggering rise of insecurity, poverty, inflation, and depreciation of the Naira value.

Batagarawa said that a lot of industries have collapsed since the inception of Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2023.

He therefore stressed the need for unity among citizens, members, and supporters of the party, expressing confidence that the party will win to fight terrorism, banditry, poverty, and illiteracy in the country.

On his part, the Chairman of the Katsina State Chapter of the ADC, Usman Musa Wamba, is optimistic that the party will do well in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

He also solicited more support from the electorate, especially the youth, for them to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

One of the decampees, who was once an APC card-carrying member and Director of Media, Buhari Campaign Organisation, and former National Coordinator of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement in Nigeria, Aliyu Saulawa, attested that the APC has failed woefully in its campaign promises made to the people, especially in the North.

He insisted that the party has not achieved even one percent of what it campaigned for in the recent elections.

“Without security, there is nothing like livelihood, and if you look at the Northwest, we are peasant farmers and merchants, and definitely if we lack security, we virtually lack everything, including the educational system that is collapsed, honestly, I cannot continue to remain in APC,” he added.

In a related development, the Katsina State Chapter of the PDP, led by the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Yakubu Lado, conducted a state expanded caucus meeting tagged: “Let’s Make Katsina State Work Again,” held at the State PDP Headquarters, Katsina.

The essence of the meeting, according to Lado, was to clear the doubts about the rumors on the death of the PDP in Katsina State.

He described the admission of the former leader of the party as a bad omen in the 2023 general elections.

“PDP structure is still alive in Katsina State. We have a message to give you to give it to your people out there.

“The existence of the former leader of the party in Katsina was responsible for our defeat in the 2023 General Elections because most people were not happy with his attitude. Everyone knows about the antecedents of PDP over the years,” Lado noted.

As coalition talks to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections gain traction, northern stakeholders are pushing for southern aspirants to commit to a single-term agreement.

A source involved in the coalition negotiations, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the issue, told The PUNCH that northern stakeholders are urging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to run.

The source added that most stakeholders believe that if all coalition leaders unite behind a southern candidate, President Tinubu can be defeated.

On March 20, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, announced the formation of a coalition aimed at removing President Tinubu in 2027

The debate about whether opposition parties should unite to challenge President Tinubu’s administration has been intensifying, with various political figures sharing different opinions.

Former Vice President Atiku has been a strong advocate for opposition unity, emphasising the importance of collaboration.

On March 8, he revealed his efforts to unite opposition groups and form a coalition to oust the APC.

Following El-Rufai’s switch from the APC to the Social Democratic Party on March 10, discussions among opposition leaders gained significant momentum.

Atiku and other opposition figures declared that the March 20 meeting marked the official launch of the coalition.

It was previously reported by Sunday PUNCH on March 23 that the negotiations among political leaders are being delayed due to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions and the zoning dispute.

The source mentioned that the stakeholders have multiple options to resolve all the concerns.

He stated, “There are numerous concerns among all stakeholders involved in the coalition negotiations, with the North-South issue being the primary concern.

“Most of us understand that if we field a competent and credible southern candidate, defeating President Tinubu would be much easier. Therefore, many stakeholders, especially those from the North, are urging Atiku to step down and allow the coalition to support a southern candidate who will serve a single term if elected.

“In fact, some of these stakeholders are insisting that any southern aspirant the coalition will support must agree to a single-term commitment.

These issues are emerging, but we are committed to addressing them as they arise and accommodating the many Nigerians who are fed up with the APC’s maladministration. Our goal is to ensure a fair process that represents the interests of the people and strengthens the unity of the coalition.”

When reached for comment, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, confirmed that the proposal for southern aspirants to sign a single-term agreement, along with other options, is under consideration by the stakeholders.

In an interview with our correspondent, Ahmeh stated that the opposition forces against President Tinubu are greater than those faced by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.

He stated, “The signing of a single-term agreement by a southerner is part of what is on the table, but this has not been concluded yet. It has not reached a conclusion.

“Peter Obi and some other southern aspirants are involved. I believe that the decision will be reached in the next few weeks.

“There are many options on the table. People are bringing different permutations, but the fact still remains that you can’t put the cart before the horse. As soon as the agreement is reached, we will communicate it to the public.

“It is very obvious that more Nigerians have realised that this government is doing us more harm than good. So, quite a lot of Nigerians are joining the coalition. There are more opposition forces against this government than there were against former President Jonathan in 2014.

“So, I urge all coalition stakeholders and other opposition leaders to sustain this commitment so that we can come together to rescue this country from the failed APC.”

When reached for comment, former Vice President Atiku cautioned against speculation that could undermine the coalition negotiations.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Atiku, through his media aide, Paul Ibe, emphasised that any agreement made will be binding for all parties involved.

He stated, “The agreement must be between the stakeholders, and we cannot speculate about it because discussions are still ongoing. We don’t need to reach conclusions while discussions are still ongoing. Once an agreement is reached, it will be binding, but until then, we must refrain from drawing conclusions about the ongoing process.

“Yes, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar is committed. What’s important for him is not to put the cart before the horse. His Excellency, like other leaders, believes that the only way to remove those who don’t mean well for our people and our country is by having a strong, united coalition.

“That coalition must be robust and strong enough to push forward. That is what they are working towards, and it is the most important goal, above all else.”

The National Chairman of the SDP, Shehu Gabam, corroborated that nationwide consultation is ongoing.

He stated, “I am not in a position to say anything now. I can’t tell you what we intend to do and how far we have gone, consultation is ongoing.

“We are doing more consultations. When we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it. But our consultations are ongoing nationwide. I am not going to disclose who is involved in the consultation and other details.”

However, the PDP National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticised the push for a southerner to sign a single-term agreement, calling it premature.

In an interview with The PUNCH, Osadolor urged coalition stakeholders to keep the opportunity open for capable Nigerians.

He stated, “For me, I think it is premature to narrow this contest to the South. If we say a southerner must run, who are the southerners capable of running and dismantling this monstrosity called the APC government? There are just three people: former President Goodluck Jonathan, Obi, and I don’t think there is anyone as formidable as the Oyo State governor.

“I am not going to speak for all the other southerners who want to run, with all due respect to them. But I think we should allow Nigerians, irrespective of where they come from, to pursue their ambitions. That is the best way we can defeat the APC.

“And if among those who come forward, we unanimously agree to support one, regardless of the geopolitical region they hail from, it will be a collective democratic decision and no one will accuse the coalition of denying them their rights.”

Reacting to the scheming by the opposition, the APC Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the coalition efforts, stating that the ruling party’s popularity among Nigerians is growing.

According to Ibrahim, the APC remains unfazed, and the party’s accomplishments will ultimately vindicate President Tinubu.

He stated, “Again, the ruling party, the APC is not bothered, because all the people involved (in the coalition) are people who have gone to the polls against the APC and lost.

“The APC, from the period it beat them to defeat, has not lost its membership but has been increasing its membership, and its tentacles of leadership are increasingly growing.

“The people will continue to realise the good dividends of democracy from the APC government, such that they will not regret voting for the party, nor will they think of giving up.

“So, the achievements of the ruling APC under President Tinubu will shame all opposition forces and their plans.”

The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Similaya Fubara of Rivers State from office is not only unconstitutional but also reckless.

It has plunged us back into a state of lawlessness, hugely undoing the progress we have made in these 26 years of democratic journey.

By disregarding the rule of law, the President has shown a dangerous willingness to trample on democracy.

The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not just reckless—it is a clear attempt to return us to a state of nature and tighten its grip on power at all costs.

It is a degrading back door imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation with all the implied negatives .

The political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure, and it is also a biased interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.

A state of emergency does not mean an elected Governor can be removed unilaterally. This decision does not align with democratic norms or good governance. Instead, it appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria.

This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. If left unchecked, it could foster a culture of impunity.

Having already been grappling with non-adherence to electoral qualifications, rules, and massive rigging, adding arbitrary removal of elected officials will push us to a state of nature and anarchy.

I appeal to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow this to stand, as it only deepens the culture of impunity and brigand already threatening our democracy.

A new Nigeria is POssible!

- PO

jidemosaic:
Lol. You're only looking to earn referral commission's. There's no proof they paid you that because anyone can get screenshots anywhere...

proeast:
In 2027, if presented with Atiku and Tinubu on the ballot, who will you vote for? What is your reason for choosing this person?

Granted that these 2 are not ideal for any society that wants to develop, but if you're left to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea, who would go for?

fineboynl:
Actually I bought a reasonable one for 15k. I also bought beef and catfish to support it.

How much did you bought chicken this Christmas?

Thormentor:
🇳🇬TODAY IN 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023

In 2011 — $1 = ₦153.03

In 2015 — $1 = ₦197.00

In 2019 — $1 = ₦307.00

In 2023 — $1 = ₦461.00

Now — $1 = ₦1442.083

#Statisense



(CBN)

helinues:
I am just curious about the discussion related to Lagos - Calabar coastal road projects which from some quarters most especially South East have been disagreeing about it, is it about the exemption of South East from the projects?

If that should be the case, how did the project pass through both Senate and HOA that the senators and House of reps members from South East have kept mute.

My own personal issue with the projects is the roads not passing through any of the South East states. the question is why?

Let's actually know what you people are disagreeing about the projects

FreeStuffsNG:
Opposition on social media. Smh

WizardOfNG:
So the project will be used by his friends alone also right? Argue with logic and facts. Not with prejudice, emotions and sentiments.

WizardOfNG:
Stop making dumb comparison to be calling others mumu when you deserve the tag the most.

Aside Atiku, a very desperate and 'entitled' serial contestant who thinks the Presidency of Nigeria is his birthright, how many Northerners do you see ranting against the project?

Unlike Atiku, most Northern leaders have enough commonsense and principles to know that Yorubas and others did not say zilch while Buhari did as he pleased for eight years to include using Nigeria's cash to build a rail link to Maradi in Niger Republic.

Atiku, Obi etal said nothing about a project that is the definition of "misplaced priority" and waste of Nigeria's cash per how it was donated free to Niger Republic with Nigeria's money, yet a project that will benefit Nigerians alone is "misplaced priority" warranting their none stop hypocritical noise.

Furthermore, hypocritical Atiku lost his voice for the entire 8 years Buhari was President. He ignored Nigeria and lived in Dubai happily virtually the entire time PMB was in charge.

Today he is your icon of democracy because he quickly raises his hand automatically to object to everything Tinubu does. Birds of a feather una be.

As for premium times, all their articles are not the product of a nebulous thing you can call premium time glibly. They are the writings and opinions of ndividuals to include bigoted, hateful and prejudiced folks like you. Nuff said.

NorthernAgender:
Ode Atiku Abubakar never criticized the project he only called for actual cost of the project.

NorthernAgender:
It's a big shame on this particular people criticizing a gigantic project like that coastal road how on hell you will be hating other people just because good things are coming on their way?

Even we northerners that supposed to be criticizing the project maintain our side and support it even the position aren't saying anything regard the project.

Igbos continue attacking the people of southwest especially the president just because the project not pass their territory and still destroyed their brother property acquired in a fraudulent way.