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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi over the outcome of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election, where former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s candidate.Government

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik struck out the case after Amaechi’s lawyer, Jibrin Okutepa, informed the court that the former governor wanted to withdraw the suit.

The lawyer also told the court that the parties involved had reached an agreement to resolve their differences.

Amaechi had approached the court after rejecting the result of the ADC presidential primary held in May.

Atiku won the election with 1,846,370 votes, defeating Amaechi, who recorded 504,117 votes.

Former FSB International Bank Managing Director, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, finished third with 177,120 votes.

Before the final results were announced, Amaechi questioned the credibility of the primary election, alleging that some members were prevented from voting and claiming there were irregularities during the process.

The former governor later filed a suit against the party’s primary election outcome, arguing that the exercise did not follow the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, the ADC constitution, and the party’s guidelines for selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amaechi asked the court to stop Atiku from presenting himself as the ADC presidential candidate and also requested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not recognise him as the party’s candidate.

However, with the withdrawal of the case, the court brought the matter to an end.

In June, the ADC announced Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election, forming a joint ticket ahead of the polls.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has begun consideration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Bill seeking to establish State Police as part of ongoing constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

The House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, met on Monday to begin scrutiny of the proposed legislation, with indications that lawmakers may adopt the version already passed by the Senate, subject to minor adjustments.

Addressing committee members, Kalu recalled that the House had earlier passed its own Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police on 11 June before proceeding on recess. However, following the transmission of the President’s Executive Bill, the House reversed that decision on 14 July to pave the way for consideration of the new proposal.

He explained that the President, as Commander-in-Chief, was best placed to propose comprehensive legislation capable of addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

According to him, the Executive Bill has already passed first and second readings in the House, while the extensive stakeholder engagement held during the National Assembly Open Week effectively satisfied the public hearing requirement.

Kalu said: “You may recall that on the 11th of June, before the recess, the House considered and passed the Police Constitution Alteration Bill. However, following the introduction of an Executive Bill by the President, that decision was reversed by the House on the 14th of July to enable consideration of the Executive Bill coming from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“The bill has been referred to this Committee, and the Committee is not just the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairman. The Committee is you and I. Our responsibility is to carefully scrutinise this legislation and ensure that it reflects the aspirations and expectations of the Nigerian people”.

Kalu described the proposal as one of President Tinubu’s flagship constitutional reform initiatives, noting that the President had consistently advocated for a decentralised policing structure long before assuming office.

The Deputy Speaker emphasised that although the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary operate independently, they share a common responsibility to safeguard the nation.

“I must emphasise that the State Police Bill remains one of the signature constitutional reform initiatives of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As Governor of Lagos State, he was among the earliest advocates of multi-layered policing as a strategic solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. Today, as President, he is championing the same cause, demonstrating consistency between his convictions and his actions.

“As we have always argued, although we are three arms of government, we are one government. There is a national objective, and all we do is align ourselves with it, especially when that objective is in the best interest of Nigerians. Today, there is a national consensus that security must remain at the forefront of governance, and both the Executive and the Legislature are committed to achieving that objective,” he added.

He noted that lawmakers convened outside the usual parliamentary schedule because of the urgency surrounding the security situation.

He further stated that the House and Senate were working closely to speed up the constitutional amendment process and expressed confidence that the legislation would receive prompt presidential assent once passed by both chambers.

“We are here today not because it is convenient for us. Our parliamentary week ordinarily begins on Tuesday, but duty calls, and time is of the essence. We are joining hands with the Executive to ensure that this collaborative effort results in the successful passage of this priority constitutional amendment.

“Historically, the House and the Senate are working in tandem to ensure this significant constitutional amendment is achieved. I am confident that once it returns to the Executive, it will receive expeditious assent,” he said.

Explaining the committee’s task, Kalu said members will carry out a clause-by-clause review of the Executive Bill, using the Senate-approved version as the primary working document.

He noted that the Executive Bill closely mirrors previous drafts already considered by the National Assembly, with only a few notable additions.

“The purpose of today’s meeting is to consider the Executive Bill clause by clause and make appropriate recommendations to the House. We must note that the Senate has already considered and adopted the bill with certain amendments, and copies of that version have been circulated to members. This document will serve as our working draft throughout this exercise,” he stated.

“On the clause-by-clause consideration, the Executive Bill is substantially similar to what we have previously worked on, with only minor adjustments. Therefore, we do not anticipate any major departure from the work already undertaken,” he said.

Among the fresh provisions, Kalu highlighted the introduction of Section 318 on interpretation, alongside transitional and saving clauses intended to ensure a smooth implementation of the proposed State Police framework.

He also disclosed that the Senate introduced about eight minor amendments, which the House committee will examine and adopt where necessary.

“You will see the introduction of Section 318 dealing with interpretation, as well as transitional and saving provisions to facilitate the implementation and operationalisation of the State Police framework, together with other consequential amendments. The Senate also introduced about eight minor clauses with slight adjustments that are not too significant.

“So, as we proceed with this amendment process, we shall take into consideration the work already done by the Senate and adopt it where applicable”, Kalu said.

The committee’s consideration of the Executive Bill marks another key step in the constitutional amendment process, with lawmakers expressing optimism that the proposed legislation will provide Nigeria with a constitutionally backed multi-tier policing system capable of improving security and tackling crime more effectively across the federation.

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President Bola Tinubu has called on other African countries to lend their voices to unanimously condemn the ongoing Afro-phobic attacks, also known as Xenophobia, in South Africa.

Tinubu said that a united voice would send a clear message to that Southern African country that such intolerance is absolutely not acceptable under any form.

Speaking on Sunday in Freetown, Sierra Leone, during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, informed the African leaders that the Nigerian government had “already evacuated over 1490 of its citizens from harm’s way in seven batches and is prepared to engage further on this matter”.

He also declared Nigeria’s support for the newly developed ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, noting that the document reinforces the region’s “shared commitment to rebuilding trust between citizens and public institutions, ensuring that regional integration remains resilient and relevant in the face of evolving geopolitical realities”.
“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” he was quoted as saying in a statement on Sunday.

“As already stated by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present a united voice in this condemnation and table the matter before the next session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

“This would send a clear message that this type of intolerance is totally unacceptable under any guise. South Africa should be reminded that the freedom it currently enjoys is the result of the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African countries, including Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, noting that while the document represents a significant milestone in the regional integration journey, it is also a reflection of ECOWAS Member States’ collective resolve to renew the ideals of the regional body.
The Compact, he noted, will “strengthen regional solidarity, and build a more resilient, prosperous, peaceful, and people-centred Community capable of meeting the aspirations of its over 400 million citizens.”

Tinubu, in the statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, also urged the West African leaders to intensify collective action against insecurity and unconstitutional governance as reflected in the Compact.

“As the largest economy and one of the key founding members of our Regional Economic Community, Nigeria remains steadfast in its historic responsibility to continue the promotion of regional unity, peace, economic integration, and democratic governance.

“Nigeria will continue to work closely with Member States and all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Compact and the realisation of its six strategic pillars,” the President stated.

Tinubu, addressing political stability, urged ECOWAS to continue promoting constitutional government, the rule of law and compliance with the regional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“On peace, security, and democratic governance, Nigeria reaffirms that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment of insecurity and instability. Nigeria remains firmly committed to the principles enshrined in the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and other regional frameworks.

“Nigeria supports the Compact’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government,” he declared.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the setting up of the Counter Terrorism Force, and strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force, stating that it will “enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, joint security operations, and preventive diplomacy to safeguard peace and stability across our region”.

He also restated the nation’s commitment to initiatives that eliminate “trade barriers, improve cross-border infrastructure, facilitate the free movement of persons, goods, and services, and create an enabling environment for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to thrive across West Africa”.
President Tinubu underscored what he described as the central role of technology in shaping the future of nations, expressing Nigeria’s satisfaction with the Compact’s emphasis on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

He said the establishment of a Digital Single Market, regional frameworks on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity cooperation, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems will unlock new “opportunities for economic diversification, entrepreneurship, education, financial inclusion, and job creation, particularly for young people.
At the same time, he said the digital single market would accelerate inclusive growth and position West Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to “advancing gender equality, expanding opportunities for women in leadership and decision-making, investing in education and skills development, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and ensuring that young people are active participants in shaping the future of West Africa”.

Future Of ECOWAS
Earlier, President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of ECOWAS, Julius Maada Bio, explained that the meeting was organised to reflect on the future of ECOWAS and take stock of its journey so far.

President Bio said ECOWAS Vision 2050 offers a compelling destination towards a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous West Africa, founded on democratic governance and driven by the energy and creativity of its people.

He, however, noted that the pace of global transformation requires the community to examine its progress in honesty, and also challenge the wrongheaded assumptions beyond necessary and adapt methods to new realities.
He stated that West Africa must enter a new era with confidence, strategic clarity, and stronger determination to shape its own destiny.

“We should work on partnerships that expand our opportunities, while remaining firmly anchored in our own interests and barriers.

“Dependency narrows the very freedom that challenging partnership is meant to strengthen, and in this changing international environment, regional integration is a strategic necessity.
“It ensures a responsibility that demands foresight, preparation, and collective action. It is shaped by the crises we build, the capabilities that we build, and the reasons we confront before they become crises,” he noted.

The ECOWAS Chairman said climate shocks are placing increasing pressure on national budgets, while countries far beyond the region’s borders continue to disrupt supplies of food, fuel, and fertilizer within our region.”

UN Backs ECOWAS
For her part, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, declared the UN’s support for all the initiatives of ECOWAS and countries of the West African mission and the Sahel towards fighting terrorism in the region.
She stressed that the international body has an obligation to support the region in combating terrorism and all forms of crime against humanity.

“The United Nations Security Council must clearly hear the voice of Africa and stand behind the solutions that Africa offers. We have seen what it looks like in this region. There is new momentum and dialogue across political divides and across geography,” she was quoted as saying.

Also, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, reiterated the resolve of the regional body to strengthen governance and accountability across institutions and deepen policy coordination among member states.
A high point of the meeting was the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) project.