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Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, upheld the exclusion of candidates of the Labour Party from the forthcoming Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.

In a judgement delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, the court declined to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to accept and publish the list of candidates the LP nominated to participate in the election billed for February 21.

It dismissed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2110/2025, which the LP and its candidates in the FCT lodged against INEC.

The plaintiff told the court that INEC had, in September 2025, published its final list of candidates, with the LP’s duly nominated candidates unlawfully excluded.

The LP further told the court that on September 8, 2025, it wrote a letter to the Chairman of INEC to complain about the exclusion of not just the names of its nominated candidates but also the omission of its logo from the manifest of political parties that will partake in the FCT election.

It decried that another letter to INEC on October 2, 2025, over the same issue, was ignored by the Commission.

LP pleaded that unless the court intervened, it would be unjustly excluded from fielding candidates in the impending FCT Council poll.

But Justice Lifu in his judgement on Wednesday stressed that the case of the plaintiff, under the 1999 Constitution, fell under pre-election litigation.

The court noted that none of the parties disputed the fact that whereas the suit was filed on October 7, 2025, the cause of action, which was the exclusion of LP candidates by INEC, occurred on October 22, 2025.

It held that Section 285 of paragraph 14(c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, clearly stipulates that such a pre-election matter must be filed within 14 days after the cause of action arose.

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The Senate has commended the Nigeria Police Force for the swift arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a woman and her children in Kano State.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Ahmad Malam Madori (APC, Jigawa North-East), gave the commendation in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, describing the arrests as a clear indication of a more responsive, intelligence-driven and accountable police institution.

Senator Madori reacted to the arrest of the suspects less than 24 hours after the incident, noting that the speed of the operation demonstrated improved operational capacity within the Nigeria Police Force.

“The speed with which the suspects were tracked and apprehended demonstrates growing efficiency and coordination by the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

While expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, the senator described the incident as heartbreaking and distressing, stressing that although no arrest could reverse such a tragedy, the prompt police response sends a strong message that violent crimes will be pursued and addressed within the confines of the law.

He noted that the use of intelligence-led policing, targeted operations and rapid deployment reflected progress in law enforcement strategy and internal coordination.

Senator Madori assured Nigerians that the Senate would continue to support reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability and the welfare of police officers.

“A motivated and well-equipped police force is essential for public safety. You cannot demand efficiency, speed and professionalism from the police without adequate funding,” he said.

According to him, improved funding directly impacts response time, intelligence gathering and investigative outcomes.

“Security is built on resources, tools and people. When funding is weak, investigations suffer. When funding improves, response time shortens, intelligence improves and offenders are tracked down,” he added.

The lawmaker emphasised the need for sustained investment in vehicles, communication systems, forensic tools and continuous training, as well as improved welfare for officers.

“Every naira invested in the police saves the country far more in avoided crimes, protected lives and preserved property. Security spending is not wasteful; it is protective,” he said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to pushing for realistic and adequate funding of the police, noting that a secure society depends on a properly resourced law enforcement system.

Senator Madori also commended residents of Kano who provided information that aided the investigation, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to effective policing.

He urged citizens to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by sharing credible intelligence and working within the law to promote safety and security nationwide.

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Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba Honours Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji with Honorary Doctorate Degree

The Senate of the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, (PAAUA) Kogi State, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, has approved to honor the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GROSVENOR GROUP OF COMPANY, the founder of Prince Olatunji Olusoji Foundation, (PROOF) and the Asiwaju of Ayere Kingdom, Prince Olatunji Olusoji with a Honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) at its 7th Combined Convocation Ceremonies and 25th Anniversary Celebration.

According to the letter of nomination addressed to the philanthropist of repute and cited by our correspondent in Lokoja, confirmed that the conferment ceremony will take place on the 24 January, 2026, at 10:00 am in the University Auditorium in Anyigba, Kogi State.

The letter further confirmed that Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji was honored with the recognization based on his philanthropy and contributions to the university and humanity. The university has invited Olusoji to accept the award and forward his acceptance letter by January 15, 2026, which he has graciously done.