Politics
Another Defection Boosts APC to Two-Thirds Majority in Nigerian Senate
The Nigerian Senate’s opposition has taken another hit following the defection of Senator Kaila Sumaila Dahuwa from Bauchi North, who officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This move increases the APC’s Senate strength to 73 members, granting the party a critical two-thirds majority in the 109-member chamber.
The defection marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially with just 14 months remaining before the 2026 general elections.
In a notice read out by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Kaila attributed his decision to the “prolonged internal division, crisis, and loss of strategic direction and leadership” within the PDP, signaling deep-rooted challenges within the opposition party.
Senator Kaila’s defection comes on the heels of a similar move last week by Senator Kelvin Chukwu of the Labour Party, who also abandoned the opposition to join the APC. These consecutive defections have dealt a blow to the opposition’s ability to challenge the ruling party effectively in the Senate.
With the APC now holding an absolute two-thirds majority, it gains increased legislative influence, including the power to pass constitutional amendments without needing support from other parties. This shift could significantly impact the legislative agenda and political balance as the country gears up for the next general elections.
The opposition is now left with a diminished presence: the PDP holds 27 seats, the Labour Party (LP) has 4 senators, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) controls 2 seats—including Senator Aliyu Wadada, who has yet to formally declare his defection to the APC—while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) holds 2 seats and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) retains 1.
Political analysts warn that this trend of defections could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics and weaken the opposition’s ability to serve as a strong check on the ruling party’s power in the lead-up to 2026. Meanwhile, the APC continues to consolidate its hold on the Senate, positioning itself for a smoother path in advancing its legislative priorities.
Politics
Jonathan challenges suit seeking his disqualification from 2027 race
The senior lawyer said that it was unfortunate that such a suit is filed by a lawyer who should know more that this same matter had been decided by the Federal High Court up to Court of Appeal.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday challenged a suit filed by a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, seeking to restrain him from contesting 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan, through his lawyer, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, told Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja shortly after the matter was called for hearing.
Uche informed the court that a letter of conditional appearance, a notice of preliminary objection, a counter affidavit and a written address had been filed on May 5 ,praying the court to dismiss the case.
He said that they got information about the case through the media and hence, the need to file their processes urgently going by the importance of the matter which boiled down on the eligibility of the forner president to contest in the next election.
The senior lawyer said that it was unfortunate that such a suit is filed by a lawyer who should know more that this same matter had been decided by the Federal High Court up to Court of Appeal.
Earlier, counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, informed the court that the matter was for mention but he was just being served with Jonathan’s processes.
He said that he would need more time to respond
Politics
JUST IN: Federal High Court adjourns ADC leadership suit indefinitely
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter sine die after the plaintiff informed the court that he had applied to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for the transfer of the case to another judge.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday adjourned indefinitely a suit filed by an African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Nafiu Bala Gombe, challenging the party’s leadership under former Senate President David Mark.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter sine die after the plaintiff informed the court that he had applied to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for the transfer of the case to another judge.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, has triggered fresh leadership tensions within the ADC following the emergence of Mark and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, in the party’s leadership structure.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the plaintiff, Luka Musa Haruna, told the court that the Supreme Court had on April 30 dismissed an interlocutory appeal earlier filed by Mark against the proceedings.
He added that the apex court also set aside the Court of Appeal’s order staying proceedings in the substantive suit.
“The interlocutory appeal of the second defendant has travelled to the Supreme Court. My Lord, we are glad to inform this honourable court that on the 30th day of April 2026, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment on the interlocutory appeal dismissing the said appeal for lacking in merit,” he said.
Haruna, however, disclosed that the plaintiff had written a letter dated May 4, 2026, to the Chief Judge seeking reassignment of the case to another judge, urging the court to await an administrative decision on the request.
“At this juncture, we must humbly pray to your Lordship, to wait for the administrative decision of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court,” he said.
The request was opposed by defence lawyers, who accused the plaintiff of attempting to frustrate the accelerated hearing earlier ordered by the Court of Appeal and upheld by the Supreme Court
In a dramatic political shake-up, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has been removed as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).
The decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting of approximately 20 Progressive Governors held in Abuja on Thursday. The governors, who include those of Ogun, Bayelsa, Enugu States and 17 others, convened shortly after the submission of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential nomination form.
Sources at the meeting described the move as a strategic realignment within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) structure. Governor Uzodinma’s removal marks the end of his tenure as PGF Chairman, a position he had held for several years.
A new chairman is expected to be announced soon as the forum seeks to consolidate its position and strengthen coordination among progressive governors ahead of key national political developments.
This development comes at a critical time for the APC, with intra-party dynamics and preparations for future elections taking center stage.
More details are awaited as the Progressive Governors Forum is yet to issue an official statement on the outcome of the extraordinary meeting.
Unctad says GDP is not enough to tell if people are better off
Dangote says waiting for President Ruto to begin work on $17bn Kenyan refinery
Okoroma win Bayelsa Gov’s Cup, pocket N30m cash prize
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Entertainment3 days agoDavido to be inducted into Black Music Walk of Fame
-
Politics3 days agoJUST IN: Federal High Court adjourns ADC leadership suit indefinitely
-
News3 days agoKogi Road Crash: 16 People Feared Dead in Ghastly Accident
-
Politics3 days agoJonathan challenges suit seeking his disqualification from 2027 race
-
Business3 days agoFor stable electricity, should Nigeria invite China to manage Power Sector for 20 years ?
-
Business3 days agoThe companies making billions from the Iran war – BBC
-
News3 days agoInstagram drops end-to-end encryption for private messages
-
News5 hours agoFG introduces compulsory drug tests for secondary school students