POLITICS
Abia PDP Hails INEC for Declining Participation in Ibadan Convention
The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for distancing itself from the party’s controversial national convention held in Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the party’s Vice Chairman (South) and Acting Publicity Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, the chapter said INEC’s refusal to attend the event was in full compliance with existing judgments of the Federal High Court, Abuja, as well as the Electoral Act and the PDP Constitution.
According to the party, INEC’s absence rendered the entire exercise “procedurally defective and legally unsustainable.”
The Abia PDP expressed concern that the convention was held in defiance of two subsisting Federal High Court judgments, noting that organizers relied on what it described as an ineffectual ex parte order that could not override valid court decisions.
The statement further faulted the timing of the convention, pointing out that several state congresses including those of Anambra and Ebonyi were yet to be conducted, and that explicit court orders restraining the holding of any national convention were still in effect.
Describing the event as a “brazen affront to the rule of law,” the party maintained that any decisions taken in Ibadan would not withstand judicial scrutiny.
The chapter urged party members and supporters to remain calm and committed to due process, adding that matters arising from the convention were already before the Court of Appeal.
Reaffirming its confidence in the judiciary, the Abia PDP called on members to allow the legal process to run its full course.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has put to rest speculation over its governorship ticket, with the state Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, reaffirming Eric Opah as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FLO 94.9 FM, Chukwu declared that all controversies surrounding the party’s primaries have been resolved, and the results announced by the primary election committee — and subsequently ratified by the APC National Working Committee — remain valid and binding.
“The results of the primaries as announced by the primary election committee and ratified by the National Working Committee stand,” Chukwu said. He stressed that Eric Opah is the authentic governorship candidate of the APC in Abia State.
The chairman called on all party members to bury their differences and close ranks in order to build a formidable APC ahead of the 2027 polls.
In the same interview, Chukwu also confirmed that Hon. Erondu Uchenna will be the party’s candidate for the Abia South Senatorial District seat in the upcoming elections.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, has alleged that Justice Peter Lifu acted in contempt of court by issuing a judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other political parties despite a pending appeal.
According to Abdullahi, the Court of Appeal had directed that no action should be taken on the matter until the appeal is heard on October 27. He argued that proceeding with the judgment before the appellate court’s determination amounts to a disregard for the court’s directive.
“Justice Peter Lifu, the judge who gave the judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other parties, should be arrested. The Appeal Court said don’t act until the case is heard on October 27. He’s acting in contempt of court,” Abdullahi stated.
The remarks add a new dimension to the legal and political controversy surrounding the status of the affected political parties, with the matter expected to be further addressed when the appeal comes up for hearing.
KANO — Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso has been announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a leading figure in the party and former governor of Kano State.
The announcement comes amid ongoing political realignments within the NDC in Kano. The party recently unveiled Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as its governorship candidate for the state, following consultations among party stakeholders.
Political observers say the emergence of Mustapha Kwankwaso as running mate is expected to generate discussions within Kano’s political landscape, given his family ties to the influential Kwankwasiyya movement led by his father.
The NDC has continued to position itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party’s leadership expressing confidence in its chances across key states, including Kano.
Party officials are expected to provide further details on the candidature and campaign strategy in the coming days.
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