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BREAKING: There Will Never Be a Live Broadcast of Election Petition Proceedings – Tinubu, Shettima Boast
The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, and the Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, have urged the Presidential Election Petition Court to dismiss the application by Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party for a live broadcast of proceedings, while arguing that the relief sought by the applicants are not such that the court could grant it.
Both Tinubu and Shettima said “With much respect to the petitioners, the motion is an abuse of the processes of this honourable court,” .
Besides describing the application as frivolous, they said the court is not a soapbox, stadium or theatre where the public should be entertained.
Through their team of lawyers, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, they both wondered why a petitioner would file an application to distract the court and waste its precious time, while stating, in the counter affidavit, that the application relates to policy formulation of the court, which is outside the PEPC’s jurisdiction as constituted.
Olanipekun stated that: “The application also touches on the powers and jurisdiction invested in the President of the Court of Appeal by the Constitution, over which this honourable court as presently constituted cannot entertain.
“The application touches on the administrative functions, which are exclusively reserved for the President of the Court of Appeal.
“The application is aimed at dissipating the precious judicial time of this honourable court.
“The said application does not have any bearing with the petition filed by the petitioners before this honourable court.
“It is in the interest of justice for this honourable court to dismiss the said application filed by the petitioners,” they said.
In an attached written address, the respondents faulted the applicants’ reference to the fact that virtual proceedings were allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They argued that Atiku and his party failed to draw the court’s attention to the fact that practice directions were made by the respective courts for the exercise.
“Another angle to this very curious application is the invitation it extends to the court to make an order that it cannot supervise.
“The position of the law remains, and we do submit that the court, like nature, does not make an order in vain, or an order which is incapable of enforcement,” the respondents stated.
More so, they stated that “At the very best, this application is academic, very otiose, very unnecessary, very time-wasting, most unusual and most unexpected, particularly, from a set of petitioners, who should be praying for the expeditious trial of their petition.
“Petitioners have brought their application under Section 36(3) of the Constitution which provides that the proceedings of a court/tribunal shall be held in public.
“The word ‘public’ as applied under Section 36(3) of the Constitution has been defined in a plethora of judicial authorities to mean a place where members of the public have unhindered access, and the court itself, sitting behind open doors, not in the camera.
“Even in situations where a class action is presented, the particular people constituting the class being represented by the plaintiffs or petitioners are always defined in the originating process.
“Here, in this application, the public at whose behest this application has been presented is not defined, not known, not discernable.
“Beyond all these, it is our submission that the court of law must and should always remain what it is, what it should be and what it is expected to be: a serene, disciplined, hallowed, tranquil, honourable and decorous institution and place.
“It is not a rostrum or a soapbox. It is not also a stadium or theatre. It is not an arena for ‘public’ entertainment.
“With much respect to the petitioners, the motion is an abuse of the processes of this honourable court.”
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Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026, in picture
Remembering the fallen heroes and the living soldiers

Location: Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Thursday, 15 January, 2026
News
FG releases Senator Akpoti- Uduagan”s travel document after withdrawal of defamation charges
Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
• Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduagan feeling happy in the court room.
Following the Senate president ‘s Goodwill Akpabio ‘s New Year forgiveness, the Federal Government on Thursday officially withdrawn the criminal charges of defamation levelled against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The government, through the Attorney General’s office, discontinued the case
The AGF had filed a notice of discontinuance on 12 December 2025.
Justice Chizoba Orji , during Thursday’s proceedings, struck out the suit and discharged the defendant.
The trial judge also made further orders releasing the Senator’s travel papers as well the title deeds of her sureties.
This ends a protracted legal battle that began in July 2025, sparked by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusations against Akpabio during Senate plenary sessions.
The withdrawal caps months of litigation that caused a rift in the 10th Senate and fueled debates on political accountability versus personal vendettas.
Reacting, senator Akpoti- Uduagan said that the development vindicated her position and reaffirmed her confidence in the rule of law.
“Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
She expressed gratitude to her legal team, constituents, and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the legal process.
News
Delta Governor Oborevwori gifts 65 SUVs to traditional rulers
In response, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, described the gesture as a timely and symbolic intervention that strengthens grassroots governance and peace-building across the state.
•Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has presented 65 brand new Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, to traditional rulers across the state.
During the presentation of the 60 brand new Prados and five Land Cruisers to the beneficiaries, Oborevwori described traditional fathers as “tools of service” for guardians of peace and stability.
Governor Oborevwori said that the decision to provide rugged SUVs was deliberate, given the rural and difficult terrains in which many traditional rulers operate.
He emphasised that traditional rulers are not merely custodians of customs, norms and traditions but vital intermediaries between government and the people at the grassroots.
Oborevwori explained that the state’s traditional rulers have made governance easier and more effective for him.
In response, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, described the gesture as a timely and symbolic intervention that strengthens grassroots governance and peace-building across the state.
He assured the governor of the traditional institution’s unwavering support for his administration.
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