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Court Affirms Ogodo-led Delta APC Exco, Restrains Oshiomhole, INEC, Others

Published

8 years ago

July 3, 2018

Eric

A Delta State High Court sitting in the Kwale Judicial Division has restrained the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, the Independent National Electoral Commission and two others from recognising or dealing with any other faction except the Chief Cyril Ogodo-led State Working Committee of the party in the state.

The state chapter of the APC has been enmeshed in internal wranglings, which resulted in factional leadership; but the immediate past National Working Committee, led by its former National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, had sworn in the Ogodo-led leadership as the authentic and duly elected SWC of the APC in Delta State.

The presiding judge, Justice V.I Ofesi, after hearing the application in suit No. HCK/56/2018 on Monday, ruled that Ogodo-led executive remained the duly elected leadership of the party in the state, pending the determination of the case brought before the court.

The judge, while granting the applicants’ prayers, however, restrained the defendants which include the All Progressives Congress, the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomole; National Secretary, Hon. Mai Mala Buni; and the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising any other faction in the state.

Justice Ofesi, in his ruling, granted an interim injunction restraining the party or its agents from swearing in any other Ward or Local Government Areas Executive of the APC in the state, other than the Chief Cyril Ogodo-led leadership which has been sworn in and has since assumed office before the emergence of the NWC.

A copy of the ruling made available to The PUNCH on Tuesday in Asaba has Emmanuel Kem Oki (State Welfare Secretary, APC), Mr. Amabiri Azorbo Paul (Chairman, Bomadi Local Govt. Area, APC), Chief Jiminyevwe Dicbame Ubu (Chairman, Ughelli South Local Govt. Area, APC) and Elder Lewis Odigwe (APC Chairman, Ndokwa West Local Govt. Area) as co-applicants.

Ofesi, after hearing from the counsel to the applicants, Chief F. I. Obigbor, told the defendants to show cause within seven days hence, while the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction should not be granted.

According to the ruling, “I have considered all the processes filed in support of this motion, especially paragraphs 5-16 of the 18 paragraphs supporting the affidavit — Exhibits A-E, including the Counsel’s written address. I am of the view that in the interest of justice, this application be granted and it is hereby granted.

“The Order of Interim Injunction is hereby granted restraining the first – third defendants whether by themselves, their agents, servants, or howsoever called from recognising and/or swearing in any other State Executive of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Delta State, apart from that chaired by Chief Cyril Abeye Ogodo and his members into office, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction pending before this Court.

“Secondly, an order of interim injunction is made restraining the fourth (INEC) whether by itself, its agents, servants or howsoever called from recognising and/or dealing with any other State Executive of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State, apart from that chaired by Chief Cyril Abeye Ogodo and his members, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice already filed in this case before this Court.”

“An order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the defendants whether by themselves, their agents, servants or howsoever called from recognising and/or swearing in any other Ward and Local Government Areas Executives of the All Progressive Congress (APC) held on the fifth and 12th day of May 2018 under the chairmanship of Hon. Emmanuel Chinda and approved by the National Working Committee same having been sworn in and assumed duty. Defendants to show cause within seven days hence, while the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction should not be granted,” he further ruled.

The case was, however, adjoined to July 12th, 2018 by the presiding judge.

Featured

Supreme Court Verdict: ADC Chieftain Advises Tinubu to Kiss Aso Rock Goodbye

Published

19 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Eric

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has declared that it is over for the President Bola Tinubu administration following the Supreme Court ruling that restored the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the opposition party.

Eze, in a statement on Friday, criticized the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, asserting that they should be ashamed for acting as obstacles to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

He said: “The government led by President Bola Tinubu has tarnished the judiciary. Certain judges and courts are reportedly being systematically employed to undermine the leadership of political parties in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

“Even when all seemed lost, given the recent court rulings in political cases, particularly those involving opposition parties, Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment was a divine intervention.

“We express our gratitude to God Almighty for prompting the Supreme Court to overturn that disgraceful, distorted, and anti-democratic ruling issued by the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the misguided interpretation and decision of INEC regarding our party, the ADC.”

He stressed that the time has come for Tinubu and his alleged undemocratic associates in Aso Rock to return to Lagos.

“With Thursday’s ruling saving the ADC from destruction, it is time for Tinubu to begin drafting his handover notes and prepare for his return to Lagos State,” Eze stated.

Eze advised the ADC to concentrate on its primary function as a prominent opposition party in the upcoming 2027 general elections, as that the leadership dispute has been resolved.

He emphasized that stability at the upper levels of the party will result in improved organization, clearer communication, and enhanced participation in Nigeria’s political arena.

Notably, he asserted that the ruling will add to Nigeria’s expanding collection of case laws regarding political party governance, and urged the ADC to stay focused on its objective of reclaiming power from the APC due to poor governance.

“It highlights the judiciary’s role in interpreting party constitutions and ensuring adherence, which may affect how future conflicts are resolved,” Eze stated.

He praised the panel for upholding justice, remarking that any opposing decision regarding the ADC’s alleged leadership issue would have further entangled the Judiciary in the murky waters of arbitral corruption.

“Clearly, this ruling has set the stage for cohesion, unity, stability, and effective leadership within the ADC.

“With this issue now definitively settled, even though it should not have been justiciable ab initio, as it pertains to an internal matter of a political party, we urge all our members, stakeholders, and supporters to unite behind the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC to collectively reposition the party for greater national significance, viability, and visibility,” Eze said.

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2027: We’re on Track, ADC Hails S’Court Ruling

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Eric

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it would never be intimidated, distracted, or silenced in its push to realize a better Nigeria.

Spokesman of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said this in reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed David Mark’s leadership of the party.

Abdullahi said the judgment has affirmed that the Mark and Rauf Aregbesola leadership of the party is legitimate.

Abdullahi said: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) congratulates all our members and leaders across the country on today’s Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the leadership of our party under Senator David Mark as National Chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

“Today’s decision is a clear affirmation that our party, its structures, and its leadership under our National Chairman, Senator Mark, and our National Secretary, Ogbeni Aregbesola, are legitimate.

“We commend the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, whose unanimous judgment has today done great credit to the judiciary in our country and our political system.

“However, while we welcome this judgment, we do not mistake it for the end of the struggle. The events leading up to this moment have exposed a troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.

“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not be intimidated, distracted, or silenced. We remain resolute in our mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.

“We therefore urge all our members, supporters, and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant.”

Featured

Tinubu Appoints Bianca Ojukwu As Foreign Affairs Minister

Published

4 days ago

April 29, 2026

Eric

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The announcement was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).

The appointment followed the resignation of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to the statement, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s elevation marks a return to a more senior role within Nigeria’s foreign service architecture, having previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Her new appointment places her at the helm of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, where she is expected to oversee the country’s foreign policy direction, strengthen international partnerships, and advance economic diplomacy objectives.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections.

“Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

The Presidency noted that the decision forms part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy framework for greater efficiency and stronger global engagement. It added that the new minister is expected to deepen diplomatic relations, promote Nigeria’s national interest, and ensure the welfare of Nigerians abroad remains a priority.

In the same announcement, President Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.

Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. He is a seasoned diplomat with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign affairs system and has held key postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.

The Presidency said the appointments are part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture and improve the country’s global diplomatic engagement.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is a lawyer, diplomat, and former beauty queen who has had a long career in public service and international diplomacy.

She was born on 5 August 1967 in Anambra State and studied law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992 after attending the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.

Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio in Spain, as well as postgraduate diplomas in Human Rights and International Relations from the Berg Institute, Madrid, and in Dynamics of Conflict and Cooperation from the University for Peace in Costa Rica.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Diaspora Matters and later became Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain from 2012 to 2015, where she also represented the country at the UN World Tourism Organization. She earlier served as Ambassador to Ghana.

She was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu, where she supported Nigeria’s external affairs portfolio, including diplomacy, consular engagement, and international relations strategy. She has now been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.

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