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Over 1,000 lawyers sign disqualification petition against Amupitan

“Having previously served as Lead Counsel to the APC, Prof. Amupitan cannot credibly discharge the duties of an INEC Chairman, who must remain impartial in elections involving the APC and other parties,” the association stated.

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A coalition of more than 1,000 lawyers under the umbrella of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has called on the Senate to reject the nomination of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The lawyers, in a letter dated October 10, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), alleged that Prof. Amupitan is unfit for the position due to his previous role as Lead Counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 Presidential Election Petition at the Supreme Court.

ALDRAP argued that such political affiliation and professional engagement present a “clear case of bias, conflict of interest, and violation of statutory codes of conduct.

The association’s administrative Secretary, Jesse Williams Amuga, who signed the letter, maintained that the Senate should not proceed with any confirmation hearing for Prof. Amupitan but should instead respond to the President’s letter of nomination by stating that the nominee “does not meet the constitutional and ethical qualifications for the office.

“The Senate must act in line with precedent, as seen in 2021 when it rejected the nomination of Lauretta Onochie over her affiliation with the APC. Prof. Amupitan’s case falls squarely within that standard of disqualification,” the letter stated.

Citing Section 5 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, 1991, ALDRAP maintained that Prof. Amupitan’s appointment would place him in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.

The group further referenced Section 19 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act, 2003, which prohibits the use of prior official or professional positions to gain undue advantage.

“Having previously served as Lead Counsel to the APC, Prof. Amupitan cannot credibly discharge the duties of an INEC Chairman, who must remain impartial in elections involving the APC and other parties,” the association stated.

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Politics

Like Atiku ‘s son, Iyabo Obasanjo joins APC ahead of 2027 election

A source close to the former senator said that her reported decision to join the APC reflects her independence, noting that she is capable of making political choices regardless of public opinion or family influence.

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Iyabo Obasanjo

Iyabo Obasanjo, the first daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has completed her e-registration as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.

The former senator registered on Tuesday at Ibogun, Ward 11, Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

A former Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, Hon. Biodun Ajayi, described as one of the close allies of the Obasanjo family, confirmed that the registration was duly completed.

Ajayi, who currently serves as a Commissioner with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), stated:“I can confirm to you that Iyabo Obasanjo on Tuesday completed her online registration as a member of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, at Ibogun Ward 11 Ifo Local Government.”

The Director of Publicity of the APC in Ogun State, Mr. Femi Nuberu, commented that the party’s focus remains on the smooth conduct of the exercise rather than the status of any individual registrant.

“The APC registration process is free, open and accessible to every Nigerian citizen aged 18 years and above, in line with the party’s constitution.

Our primary concern is the successful and inclusive conduct of this exercise, not the individual status of any particular person,” he said.

He explained that all registration activities are domiciled at the ward level and handled by designated officials, adding that the party is encouraged by the influx of new members across Ogun State.

Nuberu attributed the development to what he described as the positive reception of the APC-led administration at both the federal and state levels under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun, respectively.

However, a source close to the former senator said that her reported decision to join the APC reflects her independence, noting that she is capable of making political choices regardless of public opinion or family influence.

Iyabo Obasanjo had earlier acknowledged awareness of the billboards bearing her image, stating that they were erected by her supporters.

She also maintained that while she is “not keen on contesting any political office in 2027,” her political future remains in the hands of God and her supporters.

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2027 Election: Yusuf eyes governorship ticket under APC

Yusuf was received into the APC by top party leaders, including former APC National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; the Deputy President of the Senate and Senator representing Kano South, Barau Jibrin; the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata; alongside other senior party officials.

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•Abba Yusuf

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, today officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying:

” My decision to return to the APC was driven by the need to work more closely with the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to accelerate development in Kano State.”

Yusuf was elected governor in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

He later resigned from the party along with several members of the Kano State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, paving the way for his return to the APC.

Yusuf was received into the APC by top party leaders, including former APC National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; the Deputy President of the Senate and Senator representing Kano South, Barau Jibrin; the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata; alongside other senior party officials.

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Atiku’s Son Officially Receives APC Membership Card in Adamawa

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Mallam Abba Abubakar, a son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has formally received his membership card of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his registration at the ward level in Adamawa State.

The Adamawa State chapter of the APC has confirmed Abba Abubakar’s successful integration into the party, marking his official defection from previous political affiliations.

This development comes after reports of his formal defection to the ruling party, with reports indicating that the membership registration process was completed at his ward.

Abba Abubakar, also referred to as Abba Atiku in some reports, has publicly expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu, declaring that no party or individual is positioned to defeat him in the 2027 presidential election.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described his son’s decision as a personal choice, emphasizing democratic freedoms. In statements attributed to him, Atiku noted that in a democracy, individuals including family members are entitled to make independent political decisions without coercion.

The move has sparked discussions across Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly given Atiku’s own recent association with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the presence of another son, Adamu, serving as Commissioner for Works and Energy Development in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Adamawa State government.

Details later….

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