₦airaland Forum

seunmsg:
Is this a new suit or is it David Mark’s response to suit filed by Bala Gombe?

The David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has filed a suit praying the Federal High Court in Abuja to reverse its derecognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

In the suit before Justice Emeka Nwite, Mark also urged the court to grant an order of mandatory injunction setting aside INEC’s refusal to attend or monitor the ADC’s congresses or convention, pending the hearing and determination of the instant suit.


He equally sought an order of mandatory injunction directing INEC to forthwith restore and maintain the names of all ADC’s National Working Committee (NWC) in its records and portal, prior to the institution of the suit, and pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The suit followed INEC’s removal of the names of Mark (National Chairman) and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal and website on April 1.

The motion on notice, dated and filed on April 7 was filed by Mark’s new lawyer, Sulaiman Usman, SAN.


The motion by the former Senate President, who is the embattled national chairman of ADC, is in reaction to the March 12 Court of Appeal’s judgment in a suit instituted by Hon Nafiu Bala Gombe before Justice Nwite.

The motion, which sought three reliefs, was brought pursuant to Order 26, Rules 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019; the inherent jurisdiction of the court and under the equitable jurisdiction of the court to grant injunctive reliefs.

The reliefs sought include “an order of mandatory injunction, setting aside the decision, act, or directive of the respondent removing the names of the applicant’s National Working Committee from its official portal and the decision of refusal to attend or monitor the applicant’s congresses or convention pending the hearing and determination of the suit.


He sought an order of mandatory injunction, directing INEC to forthwith restore and maintain records of the names of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, as well as all members of the National Executive Committee.

He sought an order restraining INEC from tampering with or otherwise interfering with the said leadership records of the 1st defendant, recognising or giving effect to any contrary or competing claims, pending the final determination of this suit.”

Giving seven-ground argument why the application should be granted, the lawyer submitted that the Court of Appeal, in its ruling delivered on March 12, ordered the parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.


Usman argued that the “status quo ante bellum” referred to the last lawful, uncontested state of affairs prior to the institution of the suit.

“As of Sept. 2, 2025, when this action was instituted, the 2nd defendant (Senator David Mark) was the recognised National Chairman of the 1st defendant.

“The said leadership structure had already been constituted.


“The plaintiff had already resigned his prior office and had no subsisting role within the party,” he said.

The lawyer further stated that INEC, acting under a misapprehension of the Court of Appeal order, removed the names of the said leadership from its portal.

He said the electoral umpire then adopted a position of non-recognition and created a vacuum in the leadership structure of ADC.


Usman argued that INEC’s actions were inconsistent with the true meaning of the Court of Appeal order, capable of rendering the subject matter of the suit nugatory and prejudicial to Mark and Aregbesola.

“The law is settled that a mandatory injunction may be granted at an interlocutory stage to restore a party to the position wrongfully altered.

“This is a proper case for the exercise of the equitable jurisdiction of this honourable court,” the senior lawyer submitted.


Also, in another motion on notice dated April 2 but filed April 7 on Mark’s behalf, the lawyer sought an order granting accelerated hearing of the suit.

Usman, who prayed the court for an order abridging the time within which the parties are to file and exchange all processes in the suit, also sought an order directing that the suit be heard on day-to-day basis until its final determination.

On why the case should be given accelerated hearing, the lawyer stated that the suit had raised fundamental issues affecting the leadership structure of the ADC, a registered political party.


He said the subject matter of the suit has far-reaching implications for democratic governance and political participation.

According to him, the Court of Appeal has already directed that the matter be heard expeditiously.

He said the present uncertainty surrounding the leadership of ADC is affecting its internal administration, impeding its participation in political activities and creating avoidable institutional confusion.


Usman further stated that the continued pendency of the suit is capable of rendering the subject matter nugatory, encouraging parallel structures and conflicting claims.

The lawyer, who said that the court has the power to accelerate proceedings in deserving cases, said it is in the interest of justice to determine the matter without delay.

Justice Nwite had, on Sept. 4, 2025, declined to grant an application seeking to stop Mark-led leadership of the ADC, pending the hearing of the substantive suit.


The judge had refused the three prayers sought in the ex-parte motion filed by Mr Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of ADC, and moved by his lawyer, Michael Agber.

Rather, the judge had directed Gombe, the plaintiff in the suit, to put all the defendants on notice to show cause why the motion should not be granted.

The judge then adjourned the matter until Sept. 15, 2025, for the defendants to show cause.


However, the Mark-led ADC approached the Appeal Court to challenge the lower court’s jurisdictional power to hear the suit, and the appellate court ordered the parties to go back to the trial court and maintained status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the case.

Gombe, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, had sued ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, INEC and Chief Ralph Nwosu as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

Nwosu was the former ADC national chairman who stepped down for David Mark leadership.

AWONEYAN:
But David Mark said, INEC pronouncement won't affect any of their lined up program.

Who wants to waste efforts and money....the state congress have to comply

HacheNoire:
Simple question I asked. Is the NNPC meeting up with Dangote’s demand for crude? If they double, did they still meet up?

60% in Naira and 40% in USD, and who does that favour? Dangote? You feel Dangote won’t it to receive all in USD?

HacheNoire:
What waivers was granted to Dangote?

Has NNPC been able to meet up with the required demand for crude oil? No! So he is still importing and been affected by market fluctuations.

Moreover, if importation is so cheap, why are we not seeing the difference at the pump? Where do they sell the imported fuel that is far cheaper than Dangote?

HacheNoire:
It is called market fluctuations!

It changes drastically during instability.

Dangote Refinery has reversed its recent petrol price hike, slashing the ex-gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit by N75 to N1,200/litre, only few hours after a slight increase was announced.

The refinery had earlier raised the price to around N1,275 per litre, citing pressure from volatile global oil markets, according to sources familiar with the matter.

However, new sources confirm that Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has stated that the price of PMS remains unchanged, amid concerns over potential volatility in the downstream market.

“We are maintaining our existing price and have not implemented any new pricing for our customers,” the source said.

The source added that the refinery remains focused on ensuring the steady availability of refined petroleum products across Nigeria and the wider African market, reinforcing its role in supporting supply stability.

This swift downward review is directly linked to a sharp drop in international crude prices. Brent crude has plunged to $95.05 per barrel, a 13 percent decline, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude closed at $97.18, a nearly 14 percent drop.

Industry analysts point to Donald Trump, United States President, announcement of a conditional two-week ceasefire with Iran as the key trigger, which has eased fears of immediate supply disruptions in the global oil market.

Parachoko:
Are you sure BUA refinery construction is ongoing? I don't think work has started on the project yet

The World Bank has stated that imported petrol is about 12 per cent cheaper than fuel supplied by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The Bank noted that the price difference reflects distortions in the domestic pricing structure amid soaring global crude oil prices.

The World Bank warned that the ongoing surge in global oil prices could directly add around 3.1 percentage points to Nigeria’s headline inflation, as rising fuel costs ripple through the economy.

The bank highlighted the widening gap between locally refined petrol and imported fuel as a key factor driving inflationary pressures in the downstream sector.

This was contained in its latest Nigeria Development Update released in Abuja on Tuesday, where it noted that the current pricing structure has created a gap between locally refined fuel and import parity prices.

“Dangote refinery—the main supplier of refined petrol after the regulator ceased issuing import licences in early 2026—raised the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit to about N1,275 per litre as of March 23, 2026, compared to an estimated import-parity price of around N1,122 per litre, implying a cost differential of roughly 12 per cent,” the report said.

In the report, the World Bank warned that the ongoing surge in global oil prices could directly add around 3.1 percentage points to Nigeria’s headline inflation, as rising fuel costs takes a roll on the economy. The bank highlighted the widening gap between locally refined petrol and imported fuel as a key factor driving inflationary pressures in the downstream sector.

The World Bank said this development reflects broader pressures in the energy market following the Middle East conflict, warning that an increase in oil prices to about $80 per barrel—representing a 31.1 per cent rise relative to pre-conflict levels—could significantly worsen inflationary pressures.

“Overall, an increase in oil prices to about $80 per barrel… would directly add around 3.1 ppts to headline inflation under a full pass-through assumption,” the report stated, noting that indirect effects from higher fuel costs on transport, logistics, and food prices could push inflation even higher.

Energy-related components, such as transport, account for roughly 10.1 per cent of Nigeria’s Consumer Price Index basket, meaning price shocks in fuel quickly transmit into broader price levels.

“In addition to higher energy costs, the conflict is also likely to put upward pressure on food prices, as rising global food and fertiliser prices feed into domestic inflation,” the report added.

Speaking at the launch of the report in Abuja, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said the report was released amid improving macroeconomic conditions, but with rising global risks.

“Nigeria’s macroeconomic fundamentals continue to improve through 2025 and into early 2026… the government’s stabilisation reforms since mid-2023 continue to deliver dividends,” he said. He noted that while inflation had shown some relief in January and February, the ongoing Middle East conflict posed new risks.

“Higher global energy prices and rising shipping costs are putting pressure on domestic prices… we are already seeing this in domestic fuel prices,” Verghis said, noting that petrol prices rose sharply while diesel prices nearly doubled by the end of March.

He warned that these pressures would continue to filter through the economy.

“This can be expected to continue to feed into food and other prices, and this has already started to happen,” he said. Verghis also highlighted that while higher oil prices may boost government revenues, the benefits remain constrained.

“As a net oil exporter, Nigeria’s fiscal and external balances will benefit, although the extent of the benefit is limited,” he said, stressing that reducing inflation remains central to improving living conditions.

“Reducing high inflation is probably the single fastest way to allow people to feel the benefits of reforms… even at 15 per cent, inflation is reducing purchasing power in a significant way,” he said.

He emphasised that structural measures—reducing trade barriers, easing supply constraints, and targeted support for vulnerable households—would be critical to easing price pressures.

On growth, Verghis said, “Real progress… will require faster and sustained job- rich growth,” citing energy, infrastructure, and fiscal reforms as key priorities.

He also highlighted early childhood development as a cornerstone for long-term economic prosperity.

“If Nigeria is to achieve high-income status… the most important investment to make will be in early childhood,” he said, warning that current outcomes “should be treated as a crisis.”

World Bank Lead Economist for Nigeria, Fiseha Haile, noted that while Nigeria’s economy had strengthened and remained resilient, rising global risks, especially from the Middle East conflict, could affect inflation.

“PMS prices have already increased by over 50 per cent since the start of the conflict… and this affects prices directly and indirectly,” Haile said, adding that higher energy costs are feeding into broader price pressures across the economy.

He also pointed to improvements in the external sector, noting that “reserves have gone up significantly, the exchange rate system has been unified, and exchange rate volatility has declined,” while cautioning about risks from weaker capital inflows and tighter global financing conditions.

On fiscal performance, Haile said gross revenues have risen, but spending pressures persist, contributing to a slight widening of the fiscal deficit to about 3.1 per cent of GDP in 2025. Looking ahead, he projected that “growth [will be] at about 4.2 per cent over the medium term between 2026 and 2028,” but cautioned that inflation risks remain a major concern and could erode welfare gains.

A member of the National Assembly representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sharafadeen Ali, has paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos State.

According to Oyo Affairs, the meeting took place on Monday evening at the President’s private residence in Ikoyi.

Although details of his discussion with the President were not disclosed, PUNCH reports that Alli was being considered as a consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.

The senator and two other High Chiefs, Bolaji Adewoyin and Kola Babalola, were also reported to have been promoted by the Oyo State Government to crown-wearing Obas in Ibadanland.

His visit to Tinubu is among a series of high-profile political engagements for the President, who is in Lagos for the Easter break.

Photographs of the meeting, which circulated on social media, showed the senator and the President in a warm interaction at the Ikoyi residence.

Nigerian socialite Cubana Chiefpriest has explained why Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has refused to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Speaking in a recent interview, the nightlife entrepreneur and staunch supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alleged that the federal government has been providing financial support to Abia State to help Governor Otti succeed in his developmental projects.

While describing Otti as an amazing governor whose actions reflect the presidency’s support and guidance, Chiefpriest said Nigerians should acknowledge Tinubu’s role in empowering governors who are delivering results in their states.

According to him, Tinubu is not the problem of Nigerians, but rather governors who benefit from federal allocations but do not use them effectively.

Chiepriest added that citizens should focus on holding governors accountable rather than blaming the President for local governance issues.

He wrote, “All of us dey support Asiwaju. If na lie, make him follow Peter Obi go ADC. All the things wey Alex Otti dey do for Abia na Asiwaju dey supply am with the funds. Such an amazing Governor, representing the presidency well through his actions. Respect Asiwaju, as you dey hail Otti, no forget to hail Asiwaju wey put am on.

Alex Otti is an example that Tinubu isn’t your problem, but your governors, because the same allocation given to him is also given to all the states’ governors.

Y’all should hold your governors accountable; maybe then the country will be better for all. As far as I am concerned, Tinubu gives all the Governors’ allocations to my own state, Imo. Our Governor is working; if all the Governors do like them, we will get a better country.”

Barring any last-minute change, former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, is concluding consultations to rejoin the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a strategic calculation ahead of the 2027 general election.

The former Minister of Education and member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly reached the decision after holding separate closed-door meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state.

The Guardian reliably gathered that Shekarau met with President Tinubu in Lagos during the Easter break at the invitation of the President, at the instance of some party stakeholders, in a strategic meeting aimed at strengthening APC’s grip in Kano.

Subsequently, Shekarau also received Governor Yusuf, alongside APC Chairman, Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa, and the Commissioner for Transportation, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, at his Kano residence Sunday evening in what appeared to be a strategic move to woo another political powerhouse into the ruling party.

The Governor’s visit came two weeks after his erstwhile political godfather and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, paid a similar courtesy visit to Shekarau at his Mundubawa residence, seeking fresh alignment in the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) against the ruling APC.

Although Kwankwaso may not have succeeded in securing Shekarau’s interest to join him in the opposition, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement eventually secured the support of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, a strong ally of Shekarau and former Deputy Governor under Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who has since joined Kwankwaso in the ADC.

Gawuna, who contested Governorship election under the APC against Governor Yusuf in NNPP resigned his Federal government appointment on the board of the Federal Mortgage Bank and subsequently picked the opposition ADC membership card.

The political equation in Kano took a dramatic shift in February when Governor Yusuf parted ways with his political benefactor in order to take full control of his political structure in the APC, following the persistent crisis in the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), the platform that brought him to power.

Although Governor Yusuf’s bold step to dump the NNPP was widely criticised by many disciples of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, the governor was eventually vindicated after Kwankwaso himself also left the NNPP for the ADC last week in what observers described as a broader strategy to strengthen his dwindling Kwankwasiyya structure and retain supporters who had already moved with Yusuf.

Shekarau, a leading figure in the Kabiru Taminu Turaki-led faction of the PDP, had recently defended Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC against those who described the move as an act of betrayal of the trust reposed in him by Kwankwaso.

Malam, as he is fondly called, argued that Governor Yusuf should rather be commended for following the precedent earlier set by Kwankwaso, who is known for serial defection from one political platform to another.

Shekarau recalled how Kwankwaso defected from the PDP , the party that brought him to power in 2011 to the APC in 2013 without vacating his office as the sitting governor of Kano State.

In Shekarau’s words during a recent interview with a local radio station “When he (Kwankwaso) left the PDP for the APC, he took the governorship seat along with him. Why didn’t he surrender it to the PDP? In the same way, Abba can move the NNPP seat to the APC.”

Shekarau, a founding member of the APC, was forced to leave the ruling party after Kwankwaso joined and assumed leadership of the party structure in Kano.

The former senator representing Kano Central later reunited with Kwankwaso in 2022 after leaving the APC. However, the political alliance between the two soon collapsed over disagreements on power sharing.

When contacted on the latest wave of political realignment, spokesperson to Malam Shekarau, Associate Professor Sule Yau Sule, told our correspondent in a telephone conversation that his principal regularly receives political heavyweights for consultations, including serving and former governors.

While confirming the recent meetings between Shekarau, Governor Yusuf, and President Tinubu, Prof. Sule said a final decision on Shekarau’s next political destination would be made public after the conclusion of consultations.