ADVERTISEMENT

A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, on Tuesday nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election which produced Dr Wole Oluyede as the party’s candidate for the 2026 governorship election.

The court also ordered the PDP to conduct a new governorship primary election in Ekiti State.

The court gave the order while delivering judgement in a suit filed by a governorship aspirant, Funsho Ayeni, against PDP and the Independent National Election Commission (INEC).

Ayeni had approached the court to challenge the validity of the governorship primary election, alleging that the party failed to present the original and authentic list of statutory and ad hoc delegates used for the exercise.

He also argued that the absence of the original delegates’ list constituted a fundamental breach of the PDP guidelines and the Electoral Act, thereby rendering the primary election invalid.

Delivering judgement, Justice Babs Kuewumi held that the conduct of the primary election did not comply with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution.

Justice Kuewumi nullified the primary election and ordered PDP, in conjunction with INEC, to conduct a fresh primary election in strict compliance with the law and relevant guidelines.

The judge ordered that all eligible aspirants be allowed to participate in the fresh primary election to ensure transparency, fairness and internal democracy within the party.

ADVERTISEMENT

There was a tense atmosphere and disquiet in Kano state on Monday, following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection was rescheduled to Monday after the January 5 date.

Governor Yusuf won the 2023 election on the platform of the NNPP but decided to join the ruling APC to improve on his development efforts in the state, his aides say.

It was also learnt that Yusuf’s decision stems from the unresolved leadership crises and multiple court cases within the NNPP that could jeopardise his mandate.

Although, there was no official speech from the State Government or formal ceremony heralding the defection, it was clear that the Governor and his administration were no longer of the NNPP platform.

Unlike before the defection, some government officials were walking around the Government House premises with caps emblazoned with the infinity insignia of the famous President Bola Tinubu’s freedom cap.

The Tinubu cap had surfaced since Sunday at a Government House function attended by the Governor and cabinet members.

The NNPP flag at the main entrance to the seat of power was removed leaving the pole naked, while new national flags were flying.

The NNPP flag at the Deputy Governor’s Office was also seen removed when The Nation correspondent visited the two premises.

Senior government officials were not in their offices, except their junior counterparts spotted holding talks in groups.

The discussants did not wear the Kwankwasiyya caps and their discussions were not without the defection.

Heavy security apparatuses, including armoured tanks and personnel, were deployed at the State Government House.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Service (DSS) and those of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen tightening security at the gate of the State House.

A grapevine source told The Nation that the Governor skipped the ceremony to prevent violence.

“We are no longer in NNPP. The most important things about the defection to APC have been done and the process is still ongoing,” a member of the cabinet told The Nation on Monday.

Credible sources told The Nation that Yusuf was billed to fly abroad with his loyal stakeholders to brief President Tinubu, having defected.

It was gathered the ceremony was skipped to avoid violence between the governor’s supporters and those of his benefactor Rabiu Kwankwaso who has kicked against the defection.

Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano, who doubles as factional leader of the NNPP, has vehemently disapproved the move, insisting that the governor should relinquish his position if he must defect.

The disagreement between Yusuf and Yusuf has divided the state.

It was however, gathered Governor Yusuf decamped with all the chairmen of local government councils and all NNPP House of Assembly members to the APC.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bello is a former Commissioner of Education and former Commissioner of Communications in Kaduna State.

The Director-General of the Governor of Kaduna State Uba Sani Campaign Council during the 2023 governorship election, Prof Muhammad Sani Bello, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Bello is a former Commissioner of Education and former Commissioner of Communications in Kaduna State.

His decision was contained in a resignation letter dated January 7, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the APC in Dogarawa Ward, Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In the letter, Bello formally informed the party leadership at the ward level of his decision to withdraw from the APC, writing, “This is to let you know of my decision to withdraw my membership of the APC with immediate effect.”

He also acknowledged his relationship with the party during his period of membership, stating, “I wish to place on record, my appreciation for the mutually beneficial relationship that we have shared during my membership of the party.”

Bello concluded the letter with a formal closing to the party leadership, adding, “Please accept the assurance of my best regards.”

The letter brings to an end Bello’s membership of the APC, following his involvement in the party’s activities, including the 2023 governorship campaign in Kaduna State.