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Donald Duke, Chinda, Omo-Agege — Candidates whose nomination may be affected by s’court’s ruling on Electoral Act

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On Thursday, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court upheld an appeal filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
and restored sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026.

 

The supreme court, in its lead judgement delivered by Adamu
Jauro, held that the provisions voided by the Appeal Court in July are not
inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution.

 

The apex court consequently set aside the appellant court’s
verdict and restored the Federal High Court’s ruling, which had dismissed the
suit filed by the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) challenging the provisions.

 

The Supreme Court also awarded N2 million in costs against
the ZLP.

 

The ruling has far-reaching implications for political
parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly regarding
party membership registers and candidate nominations.

 

WHAT THE SECTIONS SAY

Section 77(5) of the Electoral Act provides that only
members whose names are contained in a political party’s membership register,
submitted to INEC at least 21 days before a primary, congress, or convention,
can participate in the exercise.

 

Section 77(6) states that a party cannot use any membership
register other than the one submitted to the electoral commission for its
primaries, congresses, and conventions.

 

Under section 77(7), a party that fails to submit its
membership register within the stipulated period cannot field a candidate for
the election.

 

Meanwhile, section 84(2) stipulates that political parties
shall nominate candidates for elective positions through direct primaries or
consensus.

 

In the suit challenging the constitutionality of the
affected sections at the federal high court in Abuja, ZLP argued that the
provisions amounted to interference in the internal affairs of parties and
conflicted with sections 221 and 222 of the constitution, which recognise the
right of political parties to determine their candidates.

 

 

In a judgement delivered in May, Mohammed Umar, the trial
judge, dismissed the suit. The ZLP subsequently went to the court of appeal in
Abuja.

 

On July 16, a three-member panel of the appellate court
upheld the appeal in part and declared sections 77(5), (6), (7) and 84(2) of
the Electoral Act unconstitutional.

 

The court held that the constitution already provides the
conditions for qualification and disqualification of political parties and
candidates, and that the national assembly could not impose additional
restrictions that conflict with constitutional powers granted to political
parties.

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Dissatisfied with the ruling, INEC approached the supreme
court.

 

 

In the appeal marked SC/CR/495/2026, the electoral
commission asked the apex court to set aside the court of appeal’s decision and
restore the federal high court judgement.

 

Consequently, the supreme court set aside the decision of
the court of appeal and restored the trial court’s judgement.

 

 

IMPLICATION OF THE RULING ON CANDIDATE NOMINATION

 

Although the judgement does not name or disqualify any
individual candidate in the 2027 elections, the legality of a party’s
nomination process may now be assessed in light of the restored provisions.

 

 

For some candidates who have already emerged, the
implications are more fact-specific. Their nominations would have to be
assessed based on whether their parties complied with the applicable
membership-register requirements and whether the nomination process complied
with section 84(2).

 

Politicians whose candidature may be affected by the supreme
court ruling include Donald Duke, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
standard-bearer for the 2027 presidential election and former Cross River
governor; Kingsley Chinda, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship
candidate in Rivers; Isa Pantami, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship
candidate in Gombe; Ovie Omo-Agege, Delta central senatorial candidate of the
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC); and Victor Ochei, his Delta north counterpart.

DONALD DUKE

Duke joined the PRP shortly before its May 25 presidential
primary and was handed the ticket. Subsequently, Yakubu Kingsley, a PRP
aspirant, filed a suit at the federal high court challenging the former
governor’s candidacy.

 

Kingsley alleged that Duke was not a PRP member when the
party submitted its membership register to INEC on May 4 — 21 days before the
primary election was conducted. Judgement has been reserved for November 2.

 

KINGSLEY CHINDA

On May 21, Chinda, an ally of Nyesom Wike, minister of the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), emerged as the APC gubernatorial candidate for
Rivers state for the 2027 elections.

 

The lawmaker, who represents the Obio/Akpor federal
constituency of Rivers, stirred controversy after appearing before the APC
screening panel days before the party’s governorship primary, without formally
announcing his defection from the PDP to the ruling party.

 

His resignation as minority leader of the house of
representatives was made public in June, with Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the
green chamber, saying the letter was dated April 23, 2026.

 

It was unclear at the time whether Chinda had also resigned
from the PDP and his name was included in the APC membership register submitted
to INEC.

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ISA PANTAMI

 

Pantami withdrew from the APC governorship primary on May
19, left the party and joined the PDP, where he emerged as the Gombe
governorship candidate through a voice-affirmation process.

 

Hamisu Mailantarki and Usman Garry, governorship aspirants,
rejected the former minister’s candidacy on the grounds that he was not among
the four candidates who purchased nomination forms and did not participate in
the screening.

 

Last week, the federal high court in Gombe nullified
Pantami’s nomination and ordered a fresh primary. The PDP has now scheduled
September 29 for a fresh primary, but it is uncertain if the former minister
will contest, as speculation swirls that his name was not included in the PDP
membership register presented to the electoral umpire.

 

OVIE OMO-AGEGE

Omo-Agege contested the APC’s Delta central senatorial
primary in May but lost to Ede Dafinone. Following his defeat, the former
deputy senate president resigned from the APC on May 22, 2026, and joined the
NDC.

 

Within days, the NDC granted him a waiver to contest the
Delta central senatorial ticket, which he secured through a consensus
arrangement.

 

His case raises questions about the legality of his
nomination in light of the restored sections 77 and 84.

 

VICTOR OCHEI

 

Like Omo-Agege, Ochei, former Delta state house of assembly
speaker, left the APC after its nomination process was concluded and joined the
NDC in May 2026.

 

On May 28, the NDC approved a waiver for him to contest the
Delta north senatorial primary, and he secured the ticket.

 

There are several other candidates across different parties
whose candidature may be affected due to the supreme court’s judgement.

 

However, it is important to note that, in law, prior
membership in another political party does not, by itself, disqualify a person
from subsequently seeking nomination with another party.

 

In May, the house of representatives amended section 77 of
the Electoral Act, which deals with political party membership, to criminalise
dual membership of political parties.

 

Under the proposed law, individuals found guilty of
belonging to more than one political party simultaneously will face a fine of
N10 million and a maximum prison term of two years.

 

But the senate did not concur with the amendment, so it was
not transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

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According to Yusuf Manjo, a lawyer and policy specialist,
the proper legal questions are whether the candidate met the applicable
requirements for party membership, participated in the relevant nomination
process, emerged through a valid primary, and satisfied the statutory
requirements for nomination.

 

Manjo said the issue of party waiver also requires careful
distinction.

 

“A political party may, where its constitution or applicable
guidelines permit, waive certain internal party requirements. However, a
political party cannot simply waive a mandatory requirement imposed directly by
an Act of the National Assembly,” Manjo said.

 

“Consequently, whenever the expression ‘waiver’ is used, the
first question should be: What requirement was waived, and where does that
requirement originate?

 

“If it is merely an internal party requirement, the party’s
constitution and guidelines may determine whether waiver is permissible.
However, if it is a mandatory statutory requirement under the Electoral Act, a
party cannot override the law by calling it a waiver.”

 

CAN INEC REMOVE A CANDIDATE NOMINATED IN BREACH OF THE ACT?

The lawyer said while INEC has administrative
responsibilities in relation to elections, disputes over the legality of a
particular nomination may be subject to judicial proceedings under the
Electoral Act.

 

“A general declaration that a statutory provision is valid
is therefore not the same thing as a judicial declaration that a named
candidate violated that provision,” Manjo said.

 

Another key issue is the distinction between an initial
party primary and a subsequent replacement or fresh primary.

 

Section 31 of the Electoral Act allows a party to substitute
a candidate who willingly withdraws not later than 90 days to the election.

 

Manju said where an initial candidate withdraws or is
otherwise lawfully replaced, the legal circumstances surrounding the subsequent
nomination must be examined.

 

“The relevant questions may include whether the withdrawal
was valid, whether a fresh primary was required, whether one was properly
conducted, which membership register applied, whether the aspirants were
qualified to participate, and whether the substitution complied with the
Electoral Act and applicable party rules,” Manju said.

 

Manju said the legality of a particular substitution cannot
be determined solely by referring to the supreme court’s general judgement on
sections 77 and 84.

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”Lagos Traffic is not a Problem, it’s Lifestyle” – Obafemi Hamzat

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Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Obafemi Hamzat, has described the state’s notorious traffic congestion as more than a mere transportation challenge, saying it has become an integral part of everyday life for residents.

Hamzat made the comments while speaking at PODFEST Naija, where he reflected on how traffic and other aspects of Lagos living have shaped the city’s identity and its booming creative industry. 

He spoke on Friday, with a video of his remarks circulating on Saturday via News Central.

“Not long ago, the story of Lagos was often told by other people; it was told in headlines about traffic, crowds and chaos. Some of those stories are not entirely wrong,” he said.

“Anyone who has crossed Third Mainland Bridge at 6 p.m. knows that Lagos traffic is not a problem; it’s just a lifestyle.”

The deputy governor linked the city’s traffic culture to the growth of its entertainment and creative sectors, noting that many residents consume podcasts, music and other content during long commutes.

“I suspect that many of us in this room produce things that are consumed episode by episode between Ojota and Obalende. In a way, traffic has been the patron of your industry,” he told the audience.

He urged creatives to embrace this unique aspect of Lagos life rather than view it solely as a drawback.“So, you must celebrate traffic, that’s why we’re Lagos,” Hamzat concluded. 

  

 

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Makinde Paralysed LG System in Oyo – APC Guber Candidate, Alli

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of paralysing the local government system in the state.

In a statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of his campaign organisation, Bisi Oladele, Alli claimed the governor lacks confidence in the local government system, which is why it is not functioning effectively under his administration.

Makinde is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general elections, while Alli currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

Alli listed the alleged paralysis of the local government system as one of the key failings of Makinde’s seven-year tenure.

“Nigerians are not naive to surrender the presidency to a man notorious for paralyzing local governments, which are effective channels of grassroots development,” he said.

“APM’s Makinde is averse to the third tier of government in Nigeria, and this is evident in his seven-year anti-local government administration in Oyo State.” 

  

 

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Soludo’s Family Hate, Don’t Mean Well For Peter Obi – NDC

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The Director of New Media and Strategic Communications of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Theo Abu Agada, has alleged that the family of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo hates the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Agada said Obi must realise early that the Soludo family does not mean well for him.He was reacting to a denial by Soludo’s wife, Nonye, that Obi was the godfather of one of her sons.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, had claimed in a viral video that he was the godfather of one of Soludo’s sons at baptism.

In a statement issued by her media assistant, Dan Ezeigwe, Mrs Soludo clarified that the claim was false and that she was setting the record straight because of the video’s circulation.

Reacting on X, Agada wrote: “This family hates Obi so much, and the earlier he realises that they don’t mean well for him, the better.” 

  

 

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Minimum Wage in UK About N4m – Fayose Counters Okpebholo’s Comparison of Fuel Price

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Businessman and political commentator Isaac Fayose has criticised Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo over his comparison of fuel prices in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

In a viral video, Okpebholo said he recently visited London and checked the price of fuel in the UK, noting that it was about N3,000 per litre after conversion to naira. 

He argued that the comparison showed President Bola Tinubu’s administration was stabilising Nigeria’s economy.

“I was in London last week, and I told my friend, let’s go and buy fuel just to know the cost of fuel in England compared to Nigeria. After conversion, it was over N3,000 per litre of fuel. We are doing very well here. The president is stabilising the economy,” the governor said.

Reacting in a video, Fayose argued that the governor failed to consider the difference in income levels between workers in the two countries. 

He noted that while Nigeria’s minimum wage is N70,000, workers in the UK earn considerably more.

According to Fayose, a Nigerian worker on the minimum wage can afford only about 49 litres of fuel in a month. 

He put the UK minimum wage at between £13 and £15 per hour, which he said could amount to about £2,000 monthly, equivalent to roughly N4 million.

Fayose further noted that UK workers also enjoy free healthcare, good roads and stable electricity, adding: 

“These are the kind of people that you allowed to forcefully take over the affairs of your life.” 

  

 

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Gunmen Attack Plateau Mining Site, Kill Five, Injure Two

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Suspected gunmen have attacked a mining site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing about five miners and injuring two others.

The attack, which occurred on Saturday, has heightened concerns over the safety of residents and workers in parts of the state.

The victims were reportedly engaged in mining activities when the gunmen struck.The incident came barely days after another mining-related tragedy in Plateau State, in which four suspected illegal miners died following the collapse of a sand excavation pit in Tangur community, Bokkos Local Government Area.

The spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack, stating: “Five persons were killed while two others sustained injuries.”

He described the development as sad and painful, noting that the community was once again mourning the loss of lives to violence.

Tengwong condemned the attack and called on security agencies to urgently strengthen measures to protect communities and prevent further incidents. 

  

 

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PDP Sets September 29 for Fresh Gombe Governorship Primary

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled a fresh governorship primary election in Gombe State for September 29, 2026, following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified the earlier process which produced former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, as its candidate.

The Federal High Court in Gombe, on September 24, ordered the party to reconduct the primary, declaring Pantami’s emergence invalid.

In a statement issued by PDP’s Gombe State Publicity Secretary, Abdulkadir Ahmed Dukku, members were directed to assemble at their respective ward areas to participate in the exercise.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gombe State Chapter, wishes to inform all its card-carrying members that a repeat Governorship Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, 29th September 2026,” the statement read.

The party urged delegates, supporters, and members to cooperate with the arrangements and maintain peace during the exercise, which will determine its candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

Pantami had initially emerged as the PDP candidate through a voice affirmation at the May 26 primary, but his selection was challenged by fellow aspirants, including Usman Garry, who argued that the process was not valid. 

The court has now directed the PDP to conduct the fresh primary in line with its guidelines and electoral laws.

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https://www.nigerianeye.com/2026/09/sokoto-adc-chieftains-defect-to-apc.html

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Ogogo’s Daughters Endorse Yayi in Ogun Governorship Race

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The daughters of late Nollywood veteran, Taiwo Hassan “Ogogo”, have publicly declared support for the governorship bid of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, the All Progressives Congress candidate in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 election.

Lima and Kira Ogogo made the endorsement during a community clean-up exercise in Abeokuta, organized by the Gen Z for Yayi support group. 

Participants wore branded T-shirts and promoted the event on social media with the caption: “EGBA YAYI, Outside with purpose, One community at a time. ABEOKUTA Today”.

In a video shared online, Lima Ogogo explained that the initiative was about encouraging young people to contribute to their communities rather than only criticizing government.

“As Gen Z’s, we’re used to complaining about what our government is doing for us. But the question should be, what are we doing for the place we call home?” she said, adding that the clean-up was also a show of solidarity with Yayi.

Her sister, Kira, echoed the sentiment, introducing herself as Shakirat Olawunmi Taiwo Omokulodo and describing the effort as their way of supporting the incoming governor.

The sisters’ endorsement comes weeks after the death of their father, who passed away on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66. Yayi had previously revealed plans to appoint Ogogo as Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture if elected, citing his cultural expertise and influence in Yoruba cinema.

Following his death, supporters have urged Yayi to consider appointing one of Ogogo’s daughters to the role he had intended for their father. 

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Army Deploys 87 Newly Trained Soldiers to Strengthen Security

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The Nigerian Army has deployed 87 newly trained soldiers to bolster security operations across theatres of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, following their graduation from intensive training at the 1 Division Training School, Dalet Barracks, Kaduna.

The soldiers, part of the 90 Regular Intake, completed Exercise Shining Star X/26, which included live-fire drills, battle inoculation, land navigation, watermanship, tactical motorcycle operations, and Improvised Explosive Device awareness.

At the graduation ceremony held Friday, Brigadier General TM Opurum, representing Major General Abubakar Sadique Muhammad Wase, emphasized that the training, approved by Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu was designed to enhance operational readiness, resilience, and professionalism.

He urged the soldiers to apply their skills responsibly, maintain discipline, and adhere to the Army’s code of conduct.

Lieutenant Colonel Pharouk Mohammed, Divisional Training Officer, described the graduates as having met the required standards in character and learning, ready to discharge their constitutional duties.

The event featured tactical demonstrations, including rifle stripping and counter-ambush displays, before certificates were presented to the soldiers.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Private Kapnim Bitrus expressed gratitude to commanders and instructors for their guidance during the eight-week training.

This deployment underscores the Army’s commitment to addressing prevailing security challenges and strengthening its formations across the country.

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