The appellate court gave the order on Tuesday in a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed.

In its ruling, the court strongly criticised Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court for proceeding with the case despite an earlier directive from the Court of Appeal ordering a halt to proceedings.

The panel described the action as a violation of the judicial hierarchy and the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution,” the court held.

The appellate court further described the development as a serious act of judicial misconduct, citing previous Supreme Court decisions on similar matters.

According to the panel, lower courts are bound by the orders of superior courts and must comply with such directives.

The court subsequently granted the application seeking a stay of execution and ordered that enforcement of the judgment be suspended pending the determination of the appeal.

During the proceedings, counsel to INEC, Haliru Mohammed, informed the court that the commission was surprised by the delivery of the judgment, stating that it became aware of the ruling through media reports.

He explained that INEC had been aware of the Court of Appeal’s earlier order restraining the lower court from delivering its judgment and therefore did not oppose the application for a stay of execution.

Counsel to the ADC, Shuaibu Aruwa (SAN), told the court that notification of the judgment was allegedly communicated to the party through WhatsApp, a development he described as unusual.

He urged the appellate court to take steps to protect the integrity of the judiciary and prevent actions capable of undermining public confidence in the judicial system.

Other affected political parties also warned that allowing the judgment to stand could create legal and electoral complications, especially with by-elections scheduled to take place in several states.

The Federal High Court had earlier directed INEC to deregister the ADC, the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), ruling that the parties failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.

However, following the Court of Appeal’s intervention, the five political parties will remain registered and eligible to operate pending the final determination of their appeals.

In a pastoral statement issued on May 29, 2026, the bishops reaffirmed that church buildings are first and foremost houses of prayer and should not be turned into arenas for political contestation.

According to the church leaders, while politicians and public office holders are welcome to attend worship services as guests, they will not be permitted to make political speeches or campaign addresses during church gatherings.

The bishops also prohibited the use of consecrated church property for political meetings, campaigns, or partisan mobilisation, stressing that the Church must remain focused on its spiritual mandate.

The Bishops further reminded members of the clergy to remain non-partisan in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that although individual Christians have the right to participate in politics, such involvement should never be carried out under the banner of the Church.

The statement urged political leaders to respect the sanctity of worship spaces and refrain from actions that could undermine the peaceful atmosphere of church gatherings.

The bishops also appealed to political actors to avoid encouraging violence or engaging in activities capable of threatening national peace and unity as the country approaches the elections.

In addition, they called on the Zambia Police Service to carry out its duties fairly and impartially before, during and after the electoral process.

Emphasising the need for peace, unity and righteous leadership, the bishops encouraged citizens to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the election period.

Quoting 1 Corinthians 16:14, they said, “Let all that you do be done in love.”

The church leaders maintained that the mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and not to serve the interests of any political party or candidate.

The pastoral letter was signed by the House of Bishops of the Zambia Anglican Council, including the
Most Rev. Dr. Albert Chama of the Diocese of Lusaka,
the Rt. Rev. John Kafwanka of the Diocese of Northern Zambia,
the Rt. Rev. Dennis Milanzi of the Diocese of Eastern Zambia,
the Rt. Rev. Japhet Ponda of the Diocese of Luapula, and
the Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chikoya of the Diocese of Central Zambia.

In a statement issued on Thursday to mark Democracy Day, the former Vice President called on Nigerians to resist what he described as growing democratic backsliding and the politics of intimidation.

Atiku said citizens must summon the courage of those who fought for democracy, insisting that June 12 should remain a reminder that freedom was earned through sacrifice and must be protected.

He alleged that over the past three years, there had been deliberate efforts to weaken and destabilise opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections through internal party crises, defections, and intimidation.

According to him, key democratic institutions that should serve Nigerians impartially have been turned into tools of political control, used to harass and pressure opposition voices.

“Atiku said institutions that ought to serve the Nigerian people impartially had increasingly been transformed into instruments of partisan warfare,” the statement noted.

He also criticised the Electoral Act 2026, claiming it contains provisions that favour the ruling party while shrinking civic space and limiting freedoms of speech, association, and the press.

The former Vice President, who reflected on his role in the June 12 struggle, said he resisted military rule, faced personal losses, survived an assassination attempt, and went into exile for the sake of democracy.

He recalled that he stepped aside in the 1993 presidential election to allow the late MKO Abiola to emerge as the SDP candidate, describing June 12 as the foundation of Nigeria’s current democratic order.

Atiku warned that Nigeria now faces what he described as a new form of authoritarianism, not through military rule, but through weakened institutions and captured democratic structures.

“The warning signs are everywhere: a shrinking civic space, a compromised electoral environment, intimidation of opposition figures, and the weaponisation of poverty,” he said.

He cautioned that democracy is not permanently secured but must be continually defended, stressing that Nigerians cannot celebrate June 12 while ignoring threats to democratic governance.

Atiku called for collective resistance to what he described as authoritarian tendencies and urged citizens, civil society groups, labour unions, and political actors to defend the country’s democratic institutions.

He further warned that Nigeria risks undermining the gains of democracy if current trends continue unchecked ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The struggle continues. And just as we marched before, we must be prepared to march again,” he said.

Ndukuba made the call on Thursday while addressing participants of the Abuja Ecclesiastical Province All Clergy Conference holding in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The conference, which commenced on June 10, is expected to end on June 13 with the theme ‘Building Bridges Not Walls: A call to fostering unity among clegy ‘.

Speaking virtually during the opening ceremony, the Primate urged the clergy to mobilise church members for greater involvement in the democratic process while maintaining the political neutrality expected of ministers of the gospel.

He said church members belong to different political parties and should be encouraged to participate in politics, including seeking elective offices, in order to contribute positively to national development.

The Primate, however, cautioned clerics against using the pulpit to advance the interests of any political party or candidate, stressing that clergy are spiritual fathers to all irrespective of political affiliation.

“Do not use the church to campaign for any candidate or political party. Support all and be there for all,” he said.

Beyond politics, Ndukuba charged the clergy to remain grateful to God regardless of the challenges confronting them, urging them to remain united in worship and prayer, maintain strong friendships and relationships among themselves, tolerate one another and work together for the growth of the church.

The Primate further encouraged the participants to cultivate a lifelong learning culture, stressing the need for continuous personal and ministerial development.

Representing the Primate physically at the conference venue, the Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Timothy Yahaya Akamisoko, commended the clergy for attending the conference despite the prevailing socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Akamisoko urged the participants to remain steadfast in prayer for the Church and the nation, noting that God’s intervention remains crucial in addressing the country’s challenges.

The annual conference brought together Anglican clergy from across the Abuja Ecclesiastical Province for spiritual renewal, fellowship and discussions on issues affecting the Church and society.

Also speaking, the chairman of the conference, Bishop Markus Dogo, Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Kafanchan, noted that the gathering calls for intentional tearing down of walls of suspicion, unhealthy competition, pride and division that often hinders common witnesses.

He called on all the clergy to always walk in humility.

By Musa Luka Musa

Announcing the development on his verified X account on Thursday, Sanwo-Olu described the duo as a capable team prepared to sustain the progress recorded by his administration and drive further development across the state.

According to the governor, the selection of Hamzat and Sonayon-James reflects the APC’s commitment to continuity, competence, and inclusive leadership.

“The true test of sustainable governance is the ability to pass the baton to proven hands, guided by minds that see the future clearly,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He added that the ticket embodies the strength, diversity, and future aspirations of Lagos State.

The governor praised Hamzat for his role in the administration, describing him as a dedicated public servant and dependable partner in governance.

“Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has proven himself to be a dedicated public servant, a dependable partner in governance, and a steadfast advocate for progress,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also commended Sonayon-James, highlighting her experience in sustainability, grassroots development, and youth empowerment.

“Joining him as his running mate is Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, a respected leader, sustainability professional, and grassroots champion whose commitment to community development and youth empowerment reflects the aspirations of many Lagosians,” he said.

The governor expressed confidence that the pair possesses the experience, competence, and vision required to consolidate on the achievements of the current administration and move the state forward.

As political activities intensify ahead of the election, Sanwo-Olu called on party members, stakeholders, and residents to support the APC ticket.

“I invite party faithful, stakeholders, and all Lagosians to support this team as we continue our shared mission of building a Greater Lagos,” he said.

Hamzat emerged as the APC governorship candidate during the party’s primary election held on May 21 at the APC Secretariat in Ogba, Lagos. He secured 657,917 votes out of 657,974 accredited votes cast, while his challenger, Lanre Jim-Kamal, received one vote.

In a statement released on Monday, Lawal said his decision to leave the party was informed by what he described as widespread irregularities during the primaries. According to him, the outcomes of the elections were predetermined and influenced to benefit Atiku and his supporters.

He alleged that the party’s internal processes were compromised, claiming that in some instances, election results were altered and winners replaced with candidates preferred by a particular group within the party.

Lawal expressed disappointment over what he described as the state of affairs within the ADC, saying he could not remain in a political environment that, in his view, tolerates unfair practices.

He stated that remaining in the party would amount to endorsing a structure capable of deploying similar tactics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former SGF also said his personal convictions and political principles no longer aligned with the direction of the party. He noted that he joined the ADC with the intention of contributing to national development but had become concerned about what he sees as a decline in internal democracy within the party.

Lawal said he would take time to reassess his political future and consult with like-minded individuals on the next steps. He added that he intends to focus on personal activities, including farming in his home community, while keeping an eye on political developments ahead of the next general elections.

The statement partly reads, “I am exiting the ADC because its just concluded primaries were at all levels massively rigged in favour Kachalla Abubakar Atiku. I sense a conspiracy of silence of which i want no part of Most members of the party are behaving as if this is the normal thing to do. Results were just written or rewritten to favour him and his coven. Even where they allowed some semblance of election to hold, the winners were simply replaced with members of his syndicate. In the real sense it was a disgraceful charade.

“I am doing so because I do not intend to be part of Kachalla Atiku’s rigging machine in the 2027 general elections and I cannot avoid doing so if I remain in the party. The man and his cabal are just irredentist Fulani and religious hegemonists. For me, working for Kachalla Atiku means giving Tinubu an automatic ticket to a second term which gives me nightmares. I believe Tinubu might, comparatively speaking, end up a better Nigerian president than Kachalla Atiku could ever be (as bad as Tinubu currently is and possibly could ever be).

Reports had earlier suggested that Owoseni might not participate in the exercise over concerns surrounding the credibility of the process.

Sources within the party disclosed that the retired police officer decided to pull out due to alleged plans by certain interests to infiltrate the party structure and destabilise the primaries through violence.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Owoseni said he was stepping aside from the Accord Party after observing what he described as troubling developments within the party.

“I speak with a heavy but resolute heart,” he stated while addressing members and supporters of the party.

Owoseni also expressed sympathy to families affected by the recent attack in Ogbomoso, describing the security situation in the state as disturbing.

“I commiserate deeply with the families of those who were gruesomely murdered during the attack,” he said.

According to him, the current security challenges facing the country should ordinarily dominate public discourse rather than political activities.

However, he noted that he owed his supporters an explanation regarding his decision to withdraw from the race.

“Within the past twelve hours, ongoing developments in the party point to orchestrated plans to ensure that our gubernatorial aspiration via the platform of the Accord Party is not achieved,” he stated.

Owoseni accused unnamed political forces of infiltrating and manipulating the Accord Party structure in Oyo State in a bid to sustain political control.

“The first is the total infiltration and manipulation of the Party structure, especially at the State level, by elements within the State who will go to any lengths to ensure that perpetuity in government is sustained,” he said.

He further alleged that thuggery and violence were being introduced into the process to frustrate the conduct of the primaries.

“Secondly, thuggery and violence are emerging as instruments to destabilise the Party to ensure that the entire process is stalemated,” he added.

The former police commissioner assured supporters that his decision does not signal the end of his political ambition, insisting that the pursuit of better governance for the people remains his priority.

Owoseni thanked his supporters for standing by him since the beginning of the political journey and appealed for their understanding over his withdrawal from the party’s governorship contest.

The Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba has urged the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan not to join the 2027 race, warning that a return to partisan politics could diminish the statesmanlike reputation and good name he currently enjoys across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

He made this statement in Abuja while delivering his address to the first session of the thirteenth Synod of the Diocese of Abuja. He said Jonathan had already secured a place in history as a symbol of democratic maturity and peaceful leadership, particularly following his widely commended concession of defeat in the 2015 presidential election.

“We don’t want you to spoil that good name and please, keep off for now, let them just play it. Be the senior citizen that you should be. We thank God for your life, not only for Nigeria but for the West Africa region, ECOWAS and Africa. You are a symbol that should stand, you are a hope for our generation; that it is possible for us to be civil, to lead with integrity and possible for us to pass on a worthy legacy to those coming after us”.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Jonathan called for national reflection, spiritual renewal and responsible leadership amid the country’s worsening social and security challenges.

According to him, many Nigerians have become desensitised to bloodshed and destruction, unlike in the past when tragic incidents provoked national outrage and collective grief.
He said, “As someone who has spent many years in public life and politics, I must confess that moments like this provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of our society.

“When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities.

“What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation.

“Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so. It is a reminder that society desperately needs moral direction, spiritual guidance, and a restoration of values.”

The former President emphasised that the Church remains crucial in shaping society and upholding moral standards, urging religious leaders to continue speaking the truth and defending righteousness.

He also warned about the growing influence of negative values through technology and modern information systems, saying many harmful behaviours are now glorified in society.

“That is why the role of the Church remains indispensable. The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness, and shaping lives through faith and godly example.

“The influence of modern technology and information systems, though beneficial in many ways, has also contributed to the spread of negative values where wrong is sometimes celebrated more than good. This is not the future we should desire for our children and generations yet unborn,” he added.

“Permit me to also say that leadership matters greatly in moments like this. Society progresses when men and women of integrity, courage, and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth. We must continue to pray for our leaders, encourage one another, and work collectively for peace, justice, and national renewal,” Jonathan said.

The Church, through the Most Rev’d Dr. Emmanuel Egbunu, Bishop of Lokoja Diocese prayed for the former president using him as a point of contact to other leaders of the nation.

Makinde made the announcement on Thursday during a joint mega-rally of the People’s Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

“The time to reset Nigeria is now. Therefore, today, I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, announce my candidacy for the position of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The governor said Nigeria’s current situation has continued to deteriorate, leaving many citizens in survival mode, while accusing those in government of failing in their responsibilities to the people.

“This is why, for the past several months, one question has been at the top of my mind: where do we go from here? Is this how we should continue as a nation?” he asked.

Makinde also stated that opposition forces in the country represent ordinary Nigerians who are struggling under the current economic realities, adding that claims that the opposition cannot unite have been proven wrong.

According to him, the alliance between the PDP and APM would allow both platforms to field candidates across all levels in the 2027 general elections.

“So today in Ibadan, the first grand alliance is formed — the alliance of the PDP and the Allied Peoples Movement,” he said.

He added that the partnership would enable candidates to contest from the presidency down to state assembly positions under a coordinated arrangement.

Makinde was earlier reported to have led a faction within the PDP in Oyo State to sign a memorandum of understanding with the APM as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.

The agreement was signed by Makinde and the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, formalising the strategic alliance ahead of the polls.

punch

Obi made the statement during an interview scheduled to air on News Central TV on Thursday, stressing that he had no intention of remaining in office beyond a single term.

“I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I would not stay a day, with a gun to my head, longer than four years,” he said in a clip from the interview circulating online.

The former Anambra State governor also criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly issues relating to borrowing, inflation and the rising cost of living.

According to Obi, Nigeria is currently facing one of its most difficult economic periods in recent history.

Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the Labour Party, finishing behind Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party.

Since the election, Obi has remained one of the leading opposition voices, frequently speaking against the current administration’s economic reforms and policies.