The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the seat of Abubakar Gummi, member of the House of Representatives representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, vacant following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who delivered the judgment, ruled that lawmakers cannot transfer the people’s mandate to another political party. He subsequently ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the court also restrained the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, from further recognising Gummi as a sitting member representing the constituency. Justice Egwuatu granted all the reliefs sought by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, and condemned the increasing wave of defections among elected officials. He cautioned politicians against treating defection as routine, emphasizing that they must uphold the will and trust of the electorate. “Before I take my fingers off the keyboard, let me just add that politicians should respect the wishes of the electorates that elected them into office. "A situation where the electorates have made their choices between different political parties and their candidates based on the manifestos and marketability of such a political party, it is legally and morally wrong for such a politician to abandon the party under which platform he or she was elected into office and move to a rival party without relinquishing the mandate of his or her former party. “If a person must decamp, don’t decamp with the mandate of the electorates. "Don’t transfer the votes garnered on the platform of one party to another party. “A politician has no such right to transfer votes of a political party to another political party. “The law must punish such moves by taking away the benefits bestowed upon the decampee politician by the electorate. “And that is what Section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution has done. “Political prostitution must not be rewarded." Justice Egwuatu consequently held that Gummi, having defected from the PDP to the APC “before the expiration of the period the house was elected, automatically loses his seat as a member of the House of Representatives.” The court also barred him from receiving any further salaries or allowances from October 30, 2024, and ordered him to refund all such monies collected during the period. “An order is made directing that the evidence of the refund of all monies collected as salaries, allowances or howsoever called be filed in the registry of this court within 30 days of the judgment of this court,” the judge added. The court further awarded a fine of N500,000 in favour of the plaintiffs against the defendants.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has halted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s planned 2025 National Convention until the party fully complies with its constitution, statutory procedures, and the provisions of the Electoral Act. In his ruling on a suit filed by three aggrieved party members, Justice Omotosho also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing or accepting any report from a PDP national convention conducted without due process or adherence to INEC’s guidelines and regulations. The court held that INEC cannot give legal effect to any convention that fails to meet the requirements of the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and relevant regulations governing political parties. The plaintiffs had approached the court to stop the PDP’s planned National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers were to be elected, citing violations of the party’s internal laws and procedures. Listed as defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature, the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has instituted legal action against the Bayelsa State House of Assembly at the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged plot to impeach him. In the suit, marked **FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025**, Ewhrudjakpo claimed that members of the Assembly were being pressured to remove him from office because of his refusal to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — the platform on which he and Governor Douye Diri were elected. While Governor Diri recently resigned from the PDP, Ewhrudjakpo has maintained his membership of the party. Represented by his counsel, Reuben Egwuaba, the deputy governor also alleged that some local government chairpersons, including Alice Tange of Sagbama LGA, were facing threats of removal for similarly refusing to decamp to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ewhrudjakpo is seeking several interim injunctions, including an order restraining the state Assembly from commencing or conducting any impeachment proceedings against him for remaining in the PDP. He argued that such action would violate Sections 188(5)-(9), (11) and 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He also asked the court to restrain the Assembly from recognising or dealing with any APC member as the deputy governor of Bayelsa State. Additionally, he is seeking an order preventing the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and the Bayelsa State Attorney-General from withdrawing his security protection pending the determination of the motion on notice. After hearing Egwuaba’s ex parte application on October 27 — as contained in a certified true copy dated October 29 — Justice Emeka Nwite directed all defendants to appear before the court to show cause why the interim orders should not be granted. The listed defendants include the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, its Speaker, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, the Bayelsa State Attorney-General, the State Chief Judge, and the Clerk of the Assembly. Justice Nwite held that the interest of justice would be best served by allowing the defendants to appear and state their positions before a ruling on the interim injunction. The case was adjourned to **November 13, 2025**, for the defendants to show cause, after which the court will proceed to hear the substantive motion on notice.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has disclosed that he is under intense pressure to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking at an event held in the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Jos, Governor Mutfwang stated that despite the mounting pressure, his political direction would be guided solely by divine will and the mandate of the people. “It is true that they have been putting pressure on me. But I told them that only two people can authorise me to change my party — one is the God of heaven, and the other is you, the people. Have you asked me to go anywhere?” he asked rhetorically. His remarks come amid a wave of defections by PDP governors. Recently, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, left the PDP to formally join the APC, while Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, also exited the party but has yet to disclose his next political destination. Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of turning Nigeria into “a police state where fear reigns supreme,” cautioning that the nation was rapidly drifting toward dictatorship under the pretext of maintaining law and order.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has refuted reports suggesting he is involved in purported plans to bring former President Goodluck Jonathan back into the presidential race. Wike stated that Jonathan has never discussed any such ambition with him. Speaking during a media parley broadcast on TVC on Friday, the minister dismissed allegations that the former president had sought his counsel or backing for a potential political return. “Jonathan has never told me. He has never called me one day to say, ‘look, I’m being pressured to run.’ “If he calls me and asks me, I’ll be able to tell him my mind, what I feel,” the minister said. He cautioned against relying on unverified media reports, adding, “So I will not because, you people put something on the page of some newspaper, just like you said they flew me out of the country. Then, I now assume it’s correct.” According to a recent report by The PUNCH, Jonathan is facing increasing pressure from certain stakeholders to drop the idea of contesting for the presidency in 2027 and to instead throw his weight behind the re-election of the current administration. The speculation of a return has stirred debate within the PDP, prompting mixed reactions across the geopolitical zones. Wike also distanced himself from claims that former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, had emerged as chairman of the PDP. He said he had no knowledge of such development. “I don’t know about Tanimu Turaki becoming chairman. Maybe he’s becoming chairman for another faction. It’s not the PDP I know,” he stated. The former Rivers State governor, who has been vocal about internal divisions within the PDP, accused some party leaders, particularly governors, of sidelining key stakeholders in decision-making. He said the attitude of the current leadership could jeopardise the party’s future. “Have I not said before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? Have I not told you before now, the way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party?” Wike queried. The minister argued that despite no longer being a governor, his contributions to the PDP should earn him a place in major consultations. “Are you telling me that because I’m not a governor, you go and hold PDP meetings, call them stakeholders, and then exclude me—and you want to survive? Certainly not,” he said. Wike, who served as Rivers State governor between 2015 and 2023 before his appointment as FCT Minister, has remained an influential figure in the PDP, often clashing with the party’s leadership over internal crises and power-sharing arrangements.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that the screening of all aspirants for various national offices ahead of its 2025 Elective National Convention will take place on Tuesday, October 28. This was disclosed in Abuja by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC).According to Fintiri, the screening is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. at the NCOC Secretariat Conference Hall, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja. The screening for the appeal committee is set for Thursday, October 30. Governor Fintiri announced that Monday, October 27, is the final deadline for aspirants to submit their completed expressions of interest and nomination forms to the NCOC Secretariat. He urged all aspirants, stakeholders, and party members to take note of the schedule and act accordingly. The party’s national convention is set to hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly facing strong pressure to abandon any speculated plans to contest the 2027 presidential election and instead support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. According to credible sources, the campaign to sway Jonathan is being led by prominent Niger Delta figures, notably former militant leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo. Some Niger Delta stakeholders and Jonathan’s kinsmen are said to have urged him to drop any intention of returning to power and align with Tinubu’s second-term ambition. Sources disclosed that Tompolo recently visited Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on October 16 to personally appeal to him on the issue. He was reportedly accompanied by the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Chief Kestin Pondi, the APC Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election, Mr. Joshua Maciver, and others. Insider accounts indicate that the meeting was largely political, focused on convincing Jonathan to step away from any 2027 bid. Tompolo was said to have expressed that the general mood in the Niger Delta is not currently supportive of Jonathan’s rumoured ambition. As the leader of the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, a grassroots campaign group promoting Tinubu’s re-election, Tompolo reportedly told Jonathan that the region overwhelmingly favours Tinubu’s continuity in office. He cautioned that the former president might not enjoy strong “home support” if he decides to run. One source explained: “Tompolo met His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in Otuoke on Friday, October 16, in what appeared to be a joyful reunion after many years. Despite reports suggesting the visit focused on peace and security in the Niger Delta, it was strictly political. Tompolo urged the former president to drop his rumored 2027 presidential ambition, warning him not to be carried away by suggestions that he could displace President Tinubu, especially since public sentiment in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria currently leans towards Tinubu’s re-election.” Another insider revealed that Jonathan appeared to acknowledge the merit of Tompolo’s advice and assured that he would consider it carefully before making any public declaration. Briefing journalists after the closed-door session, Jonathan said the visit centred on “reviewing the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta,” but did not confirm or deny any discussion about his 2027 political intentions. VANGUARD NEWSPAPER

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, is said to be holding back on his anticipated defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as internal negotiations among key party figures—such as former Governor Timipre Sylva and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri—continue over who controls the party structure in the state. The situation has intensified political anxiety in Bayelsa, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accusing Diri of betraying the mandate through which he was elected, even as the APC quietly prepares for a grand reception in Yenagoa. Meanwhile, barely a week after Diri resigned from the PDP, senior APC stakeholders have indicated that his switch to the ruling party could be officially announced as early as next week. Though a specific date is yet to be set, APC leaders confirmed that talks with the governor are “well advanced,” downplaying fears that resistance from influential figures like Sylva and Lokpobiri could derail the process. “It is for him to decide. The APC is a large family and does not segregate. What I mean is that it is open to Nigerians of age, who believe in the vision of the APC, its manifesto and the leadership of the party and of the country. “If anybody wants to identify with the APC, he knows the step to take,” Duru said. Addressing claims that Sylva and Lokpobiri were uneasy about Diri’s possible entry, Duru said both men remained loyal party stalwarts who had contributed immensely to strengthening the APC in Bayelsa. “These are two leaders of the party in Bayelsa and we are pleased with them. They have contributed immeasurably to building the party in the state and they are faithful party men,” he added. He explained that internal reconciliation and consensus-building were natural in politics, noting that any disagreements would eventually give way to the party’s collective interest. APC vice chairman for the South-East, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, went further to confirm that Diri’s defection plan was already concluded but delayed by internal challenges involving his deputy governor and former President Goodluck Jonathan’s political camp. “Yes, I know that Diri is coming to APC but the challenges he is facing with his deputy governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, and of course Jonathan has not made him to make any open statement about his defection,” Arodiogbu said. “It would have happened about three months ago, but his deputy said he’s not moving with him. He looked at the former governor and also has some reluctance. But it’s conclusive that he’s coming over to us,” he added. Arodiogbu disclosed that the leadership of the APC was only waiting to agree on a date to receive Diri in Yenagoa, hinting that the event “could happen possibly next week.” Diri’s exit from the PDP has thrown Bayelsa’s political landscape into uncertainty. Prior to his resignation, widespread speculation suggested the governor was preparing to defect to the APC, mirroring similar moves made by his counterparts in Akwa Ibom and Delta states. His recent joint appearances with former President Goodluck Jonathan at two events in Yenagoa — the commissioning of the Best Western Plus Hotel and the birthday celebration of former Senator Emmanuel Paulker — further intensified speculation of a developing political alignment between them. Despite this, the governor’s media team has remained silent on his next move. Director General, New Media, Dr. Kolawole Oredipe, dismissed any political connection between Diri’s resignation and Jonathan, stating that “the governor only waited to receive the former President as a mark of respect.” Sources within the Bayelsa APC told The PUNCH that talks with Sylva and Lokpobiri are still in progress to secure a seamless transition for Diri. There are also strong indications that the current APC state executive may be dissolved and replaced by a caretaker committee to position Diri as the party’s new leader in Bayelsa. The PUNCH

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to allocate ₦350 million in the 2026 budget to revive dormant industries and support SMEs nationwide. The motion, sponsored by Hon. Akarachi Amadi, cited poor infrastructure, high interest rates, and unreliable power supply as reasons for the collapse of many industries, leading to rising unemployment, now over 40% according to NBS data. Amadi warned that the decline of local manufacturing has increased imports, worsened inflation, and fueled insecurity as jobless youths turn to crime. He named several inactive industries across the country and stressed that reviving them would boost the economy and create jobs. The House called on the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment to include the proposed funding in the 2026 budget.

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dispelled rumours suggesting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is poised to secure the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH during his recent visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja, Obi said he was not concerned about Atiku’s political manoeuvres, describing him as a “dear elder brother and respected leader.” The speculation emerged amid reports that some of Atiku’s loyalists within the Peoples Democratic Party have been defecting to the ADC coalition, a development that sparked unease among Obi’s supporters and raised fears of a possible takeover. Tensions heightened further following Atiku’s recent BBC Hausa interview, where he stated that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated in the ADC primaries — a remark that stirred renewed debate over his 2027 presidential ambitions. Adding his voice to the conversation, former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, warned in a post on his X handle that it would be “difficult for any aspirant to defeat Atiku if he makes it to any party primaries.” But Obi, brushing off the fears, maintained that the emerging coalition was about national rescue, not rivalry. “Let me tell you. Atiku is a very dear elder brother and leader that I have a lot of respect for. I’m a member of the Labour Party and I belong to the coalition forming the ADC for the presidential election in 2027. “I can tell you, other parties and people are going to be part of it. All of us are going to come together as a people. That’s my belief. “For us to do the right thing for the country, all well-meaning people will have to come together to rescue the country,” he said. The former Anambra State governor also hinted at his readiness to contest, whether under the ADC platform or otherwise, stressing that competence and sincerity of purpose should define Nigeria’s next leadership. “I’m contesting and I’m sure I will be. People will have to look at who is competent, whether he has the capacity and everything. And I think I’m qualified. “I have the capacity to do the job. I’m saying it over and over again that in four years, I can change the trajectory of Nigeria to a positive one,” Obi declared. The former LP candidate further urged Nigerians to shift focus from partisan politics to issues that directly impact citizens’ welfare. “We’ve talked too much politics in this country. I was in some villages in Anambra State, and could see poverty everywhere. We’re talking about party chairmen, primaries, and things like that. I want the new Nigeria to be talking about what will benefit the people,” he added.