By Adedapo Adesanya

The Supreme Court on Thursday invalidated the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, indicating a major setback for a faction of the opposition party led by former Minister of Special Duties, Mr Tanimu Turaki.

In a split decision delivered by a five-member panel of the apex court, three justices held that the appeal filed by the Turaki-led faction lacked merit and affirmed the concurrent findings of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal against the conduct of the convention.

Justice Stephen Adah, who delivered the lead judgment in appeal number SC/CV/164/2026, held that the appellants violated a subsisting order of the Federal High Court restraining them from proceeding with the planned convention.

The Supreme Court consequently dismissed both the appeal and cross-appeals and ordered the parties to bear their respective costs.

The court held that disobedience of the court order was not disputed.

The apex court further agreed with the findings of the lower courts that the PDP faction abused court processes by allegedly obtaining a counter-order from a court of coordinate jurisdiction in Ibadan after an earlier restraining order had been issued by the Federal High Court.

Justice Adah stated that the lower courts were right in relying on Sections 221, 222 and 229 of the 1999 Constitution to hold that political parties must comply strictly with constitutional provisions, electoral regulations and valid court orders in the conduct of conventions and internal party affairs.

The appeal challenged the March 9 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the earlier decision of the Federal High Court nullifying the convention and restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising its outcome.

The apex court had reserved judgment in the matter after hearing arguments on April 22.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

All the police personnel involved in the fatal shooting of Mr Mene Ogidi in the Effurun area of Delta State have been dismissed by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

A statement issued on Wednesday by the police spokesman, Mr Anthony Okon Placid, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), said findings established unequivocally that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms.

The police described his actions as unlawful, unprofessional, and a clear betrayal of the oath to protect life and uphold the law.

It was gathered that the assassination of Mr Ogidi, captured in a video online, happened on Sunday when the deceased was with a package believed to contain a pistol.

After a public outrage, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Tunji Disu, directed all officers connected to the incident to be immediately withdrawn from the Delta State Command and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they were subjected to expedited disciplinary proceedings.

The Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), alongside other internal disciplinary processes, after the conclusion of its review, recommended the immediate dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers found culpable.

This has been approved by the police chief and forwarded to the Police Service Commission (PSC) for ratification in line with due process.

It was disclosed that upon completion of the administrative procedures, the affected officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution for their roles in the extrajudicial shooting.

Mr Disu reiterated, in the strongest terms, that the Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extra-judicial actions and abuse of power. No uniform confers the right to take life outside the provisions of the law. Any officer who violates this fundamental principle will face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.

He extended his deepest and most solemn condolences to the family of the deceased, acknowledging the pain and loss suffered and assured the family that this tragic incident would not be treated lightly. The Force is fully committed to ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served, in a manner that reinforces public confidence and institutional accountability.

Members of the public were urged to remain calm and law-abiding, as the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to discipline, professionalism, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all citizens while ensuring accountability at all levels.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Friday, May 1, 2026, has been declared a public holiday by the federal government to celebrate this year’s International Workers’ Day.

The public holiday was declared by the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on Thursday.

The Minister congratulated Nigerian workers on this year’s celebration, lauding them for their hard work and dedication to national development.

He noted that their efforts are essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity, urging them to embrace patriotism, productivity, and dedication to their duties. According to him, these qualities are crucial for sustainable development, assuring that the federal government is committed to supporting the welfare and security of all workers and creating a favourable environment for economic growth.

While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Minister urged all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding, encouraging everyone to use this occasion to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in building the nation.