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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

Police Disrupt BAT/OGD Rally in Ogun

The incident is the latest twist in the deepening political rift between Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun, both prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

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Police on Wednesday disrupted a planned political gathering of supporters of former governor Gbenga Daniel at his GRA residence Ijebu-Ode Local Government area of Ogun State.

The incident is the latest twist in the deepening political rift between Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun, both prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

“Police stormed the Obanta Club area and blockaded OGD’s residence to deny access to the venue of the BAT/OGD Community Assessment and Review Tour scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026,” said an aide to the former governor, who currently represents Ogun East Senatorial District in the 10th Senate.

It was learned that security agents blocked all access routes to Daniel’s residence, effectively preventing members of the group from holding their meeting.

The BAT/OGD; Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement, is a grassroots political platform mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, alongside Daniel’s anticipated return to the Senate.

The programme, convened under the Gateway Front Foundation; an initiative of Senator Daniel, has traditionally served as a platform for empowering constituents across the senatorial district.It was gathered that no fewer than 10,000 beneficiaries were expected to benefit from the outreach.

However, the heavy presence of security operatives reportedly forced organisers and participants to abandon the event.

Eyewitnesses said many supporters were left stranded and visibly distraught, as they could not gain entry to the venue due to the blockade.

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Supreme Court postpone ruling on ADC’s leadership disputes

A five-member panel, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba announced on Wednesday that the date of judgment would be communicated to lawyers who represented parties.

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The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in the appeal filed by factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in relation to the leadership dispute in the party.

A five-member panel, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba announced on Wednesday that the date of judgment would be communicated to lawyers who represented parties.

A reserved judgment (or judgment reserved) is a legal term meaning a court has postponed its final ruling to a future date, rather than delivering it immediately after a hearing.

The judge or bench takes time to carefully consider complex evidence, arguments, and legal precedents, often issuing a written decision later.

Justice Garba made the announcement after lawyers to parties adopted their various briefs and prayed the court to grant their reliefs.

Mark’s appeal, marked: SC/CV/180/2026 is against the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his appeal against the September 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja refusing to grant some injunctive reliefs contained in an ex-parte application filed by a chieftain of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe.

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Adelabu to resign as power minister

Adelabu is resigning for his governorship aspiration in the 2027 election.

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The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu will be resigning his position as minister of power in the coming days.

This was disclosed this morning by Mr Tunji Bolaji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the minister.

According to Bolaji, Adelabu is resigning for his governorship aspiration in the 2027 election.

He said that the timing of the minister’s anticipated resignation reflected his commitment to addressing key sectoral challenges and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms prior to exiting office.

According to him, Adelabu, on Tuesday, met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where he presented a comprehensive report on his stewardship of the power sector over the past two and a half years.”

President Tinubu commended the minister for his dedication and the progress recorded, particularly in laying a strong policy foundation for the transformation of the power sector.

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