FG unveils federal-state-private sector model to drive livestock investment

The Federal Government has unveiled a new partnership model involving the Federal Government, state governments and private investors to accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s livestock industry and unlock its economic potential.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed the initiative during a ministerial engagement with key stakeholders in the livestock sector in Abuja.
According to a statement by the
Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations Unit, Henrietta Okokon, at the weekend, participants at the meeting included veterinary professionals, breeders, processors, livestock dealers, investors, civil society organisations and international development partners.
Maiha said the partnership would provide a coordinated framework for tackling longstanding challenges in the livestock industry while creating opportunities for investment, employment and value addition.
He explained that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, established in July 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was created to provide strategic direction for the implementation of the livestock transformation agenda under the Renewed Hope Administration.
According to the minister, the livestock sector extends beyond cattle and poultry to include sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, horses, camels, rabbits, grass-cutters, snails and honeybees, as well as supporting value chains covering feed, water, veterinary services, transportation, logistics and processing.
Maiha said the Federal Government would focus on policies, technical standards, animal health, food safety, traceability, data management, investment facilitation and regulatory coordination.
State governments, he added, would be responsible for providing land, local infrastructure, community engagement, security coordination and mobilisation of producers, while the private sector would drive investment and commercial activities across the value chains.
The minister disclosed that states with dedicated livestock ministries or agencies had increased from three to 20, describing the development as a sign of growing commitment to the sector.
As part of the new strategy, the ministry plans to establish Federal-State-Private Sector Livestock Development Centres across participating states.
Maiha said the centres would be commercially oriented platforms designed to attract private capital into livestock enterprises selected by states according to their ecological conditions, feed and water availability, market demand and investment prospects.
He stressed that the centres would not be conventional government farms or merely infrastructure projects.
Rather, they would integrate producers, investors and service providers around viable businesses such as breeding, feed production, dairy development, meat processing, abattoirs, cold-chain systems, logistics, leather production, biogas and organic fertiliser. Authority

PDP congratulates Adeleke, urges political actors to prioritise state’s interest

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Abudlrahman Mohammed has congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the 2026 governorship election, describing the outcome as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state.

In a congratulatory message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the party said Adeleke’s victory was “well-deserved” and significant to the political development of Osun State.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) warmly congratulates the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his well-deserved victory,” the statement said.

The party acknowledged the significance of the election outcome, saying it demonstrated the confidence of Osun voters in Adeleke’s leadership.

The PDP, however, noted that Adeleke had chosen to pursue his political career under the platform of the Accord Party, while stressing that it remained proud of its contributions to the democratic development of Osun State.

“While Governor Adeleke has chosen to pursue his political journey under the platform of the Accord Party, the PDP remains proud of its contributions to the democratic development of Osun State,” the party said.

The opposition party wished Adeleke success in his continued administration of the state and expressed hope that his victory would usher in what it described as a new chapter of progress, unity and prosperity for the people.

“May this victory mark the beginning of an even greater chapter of progress, unity, and prosperity for the people of Osun State,” it added.

The PDP also called on political actors across the state to put the interests of the people ahead of partisan considerations following the conclusion of the election.

It urged stakeholders to prioritise peace, stability and development in Osun State and Nigeria, regardless of their political affiliations.

“We wish Governor Adeleke success as he continues to serve the people of Osun State and urge all political actors to place the interests, peace, and progress of the state and the nation above partisan considerations,” the statement said.

The PDP’s message comes after Adeleke secured victory in the Osun governorship election, following a contest that attracted intense political mobilisation and involvement by major political parties and national political figures.

The party concluded its message by reiterating its congratulations to the governor and wishing him success in his second term in office.

Meanwhile, the faction led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) has described the election result as a foreshadow of 2027 elections.

In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the faction said Adeleke’s victory, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), sent a clear message about the political choices Nigerians were likely to make in 2027.

The faction said the outcome came at the cost of what it described as the “strong will, vigilance and resistance” of Osun voters against alleged attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure victory in the state.

“The result of the Osun Governorship elections, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), showing a convincing win by Governor Ademola Adeleke, is a clear message from Nigerians in Osun State about what the 2027 elections will be,” the party said.

According to the faction, the APC’s alleged determination to win Osun State “by fair or foul means” was evident in what it described as the alleged intimidation, assault and arrest of opposition politicians during the electoral process.

The faction also referenced comments attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, which it described as a “kill them” directive, as well as what it called the “performative invitation” of the senator by the police before his subsequent release to participate in the election.

The faction alleged that the ruling party deployed its “entire rigging machinery” to Osun State, claiming that APC actors had boasted of replicating what the party described as the “Edo experience.”

However, the opposition group said Osun voters resisted the alleged machinations and ensured that the outcome reflected their choice at the ballot.

“We must warn that the failure of national institutions to maintain unambiguous neutrality is dangerous and anti-democratic,” the PDP stated.

The faction particularly criticised the conduct of security agencies, especially the police, and alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had intervened in the election by freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government.

It also questioned what it described as an “intentional delay” of more than two hours in uploading results from 470 polling units by INEC.

It argued that such developments were not only condemnable but could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

“Election results must be reflective of the wishes of the people freely expressed through the ballot and not the enforcement of the whims and caprices of a privileged minority of oppressors,” the party said.

The opposition group commended Osun voters for what it described as their resilience, vigilance and determination to protect the integrity of their votes.

It, however, urged Nigerians not to become complacent ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that political actors who allegedly sought to manipulate the Osun election could attempt to refine their strategies in future elections. Authority.

Uche Secondus congratulates Gov Adeleke on his re-election

 

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party ()PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election on Saturday as Governor of Osun State.

In a personally signed message on Sunday, Prince Secondus described the election as welldeserved.

According to him, Adeleke’s re-election was a testimony to his perfance in the last four years which he said won the former Senator the love and support of Osun people.

Said Secondus: “​I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your well-deserved victory and re-election as the Executive Governor of Osun State.

​“This triumph is not merely a victory for your party, but a resounding testament to the unyielding faith, love, and trust the good people of Osun State place in your leadership. Your resilience, unwavering dedication, and deep bond with the populace have shown that the voice of the people will always prevail,” he said.

​Expressing confidence on Adeleke’s capacity to sustain good performane, Secondus said: “As you step into this monumental second term, I am confident that your vision for sustainable growth, human capacity development, and economic revival will usher in a bright new era for Osun State.

“Your trademark vibrancy and commitment to grassroots development are precisely what is needed to steer the state toward enduring prosperity.

​“May Almighty God grant you the wisdom, strength, and good health to execute your vision, unite the state, and deliver the dividends of democracy to every corner of Osun,” the statement added.

Osun: Adeleke endorsing Tinubu’s mission to destroy Nigeria – Sowore

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, over his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, liking it to endorsing a mission to destroy Nigeria beyond 2027.

Sowore described Adeleke’s endorsement as support for what he called a failed Tinubu administration, alleging that the governor’s decision was driven by personal and political interests.

The AAC presidential candidate made his position known in a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, following Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu after being declared winner of the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.

Sowore alleged that the endorsement was aimed at allowing the Tinubu administration to continue what he described as its “mission to destroy Nigeria beyond 2027.”

He said, “Governor Adeleke has endorsed the failed Tinubu presidency to continue its mission of destroying Nigeria beyond 2027.”

The AAC candidate further accused the Adeleke and Tinubu political families of protecting their respective interests and political fortunes.

According to him, “At the end of the day, the Adelekes and the Tinubus are looking out for their own personal and political interests, watching each other’s backs, protecting their political fortunes, and safeguarding their loot.”

Sowore also expressed sympathy for victims of violence recorded before and during the Osun governorship election, claiming that nearly 50 people lost their lives in the process.

He alleged that the violence occurred in the course of political struggles involving what he described as “corrupt political families.”

“I feel sorry for the nearly 50 people whose lives were wasted in election violence before and during the polls so that these corrupt political families could prove how much they love and protect one another,” he said.

Adeleke had endorsed Tinubu for a second term shortly after his declaration as winner of the Osun governorship election, signalling his support for the President ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

The endorsement has, however, attracted criticism from opposition figures, including Sowore, who is expected to challenge the ruling political establishment in the 2027 election. Authority.

INEC declares Ademola Adeleke winner of Osun governorship election

 

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced Ademola Adeleke as winner of the Osun State governorship election.

The declaration was made by the returning officer, Joshua Ogunwole, who confirmed Adeleke as the candidate returned elected in the poll.

 

The announcement brings the governorship contest under the #OsunDecides2026 process to an official close, following INEC’s pronouncement on the outcome.

 

No further vote figures, party-by-party breakdown or additional details were provided in the available information.

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Osun: When the people stand, Democracy wins -Peter Obi congratulates Gov Adeleke on re-election

 

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 presidential election, Peter Obi, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, describing the victory as a significant democratic achievement and a demonstration of the power of the people.

 

Obi, in a statement titled “Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins,” stated that the people of Osun State had “spoken with courage and clarity,” reaffirming that the power to choose their leaders belongs to the people. He noted that Adeleke’s renewed mandate reflected his commitment to the people, compassion for their needs, and the strength of his work and achievements in office.

 

The NDC presidential candidate particularly commended the youths of Osun State for what he described as the courageous and peaceful defence of their democratic mandate. According to him, their vigilance and determination demonstrated that when citizens stand firmly to protect their votes, “the forces of good can overcome the forces of darkness.”

 

Obi emphasised that the lesson from Osun was that democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, aware of their civic responsibilities, and determined to ensure that their votes are counted. He stressed that every genuine vote must be respected and every lawful mandate upheld.

 

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Obi urged Nigerians to stay informed, participate actively, vote, and, most importantly, protect their votes. He pointed out that Nigerians are the ones experiencing hunger, deprivation, insecurity, and hardship and, therefore, hold the power—through their votes—to bring about the change necessary to address these challenges.

 

He also called on political actors to prioritise the interests of the people over partisan considerations and to embrace peace, unity, and the rule of law. Elections, he said, should not be battles of violence but contests of ideas, competence, character, and service.

 

Obi expressed hope that the Osun experience would bolster Nigerians’ confidence in the democratic process and inspire citizens nationwide to remain vigilant and committed to building a just, secure, prosperous, and truly people-centred nation.

NEMA DG hails Gov Idris’ proactive response to emergencies, transformative development

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Umar Abubakar, has described the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, as a highly proactive leader, commending his swift response to emergencies and commitment to transformative development across the state.

 

This was contained in a statement Signed by Yahaya Sarki,

Special Adviser (SA) Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor.

The NEMA Director-General made the remarks when a team of media aides to the Kebbi State Governor paid her an advocacy and courtesy visit. She said the remarkable developments recorded in Kebbi State under Governor Idris were evident and not based on hearsay, stressing that she had personally witnessed some of the achievements.

 

“Under the leadership of Governor Idris Kauran Gwandu, a lot has happened in terms of infrastructure, and this is not hearsay; I have also witnessed it,” she said.

 

She recalled an incident during one of her visits to Kebbi State when a security challenge occurred and Governor Idris immediately took action, describing him as “extremely proactive” in responding to emerging challenges.

 

Hajiya Umar also commended the governor’s efforts in the education sector, particularly the employment of 2,000 teachers, provision of buses to tertiary institutions, and the achievements of Kebbi students who developed a local flood early-warning system and subsequently won several awards.

 

According to her, the state government’s commitment to infrastructure and public safety was also evident in the provision of solar street lighting, which she said had significantly improved the environment and enhanced movement at night.

 

She added that the governor’s responsiveness had strengthened collaboration between the state government and NEMA. Recalling her suggestion for the establishment of a NEMA presence in Kebbi State, she said Governor Idris acted promptly.

 

“Before I left Kebbi, the governor had taken action. This is the type of response that we get,” she stated.

 

The NEMA Director-General further commended Kebbi State for its disaster preparedness and response, particularly in relation to flooding caused by the Rima and Niger rivers.

 

She said the state government had consistently responded promptly to seasonal climate predictions and annual flood outlooks, while the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had remained proactive in coordinating early-warning systems and establishing local emergency management committees.

 

She also praised the governor’s agricultural initiatives and support for farmers, noting that Kebbi State had a comparative advantage in rice production. She said she had personally witnessed the large turnout of farmers and the equipment provided by the state government to support agricultural activities.

 

The NEMA DG stressed that good governance must involve the people, describing Governor Idris as a listening leader who is always available to respond to issues concerning insecurity, education, disaster management and other challenges.

 

“We have a good leadership that is promoting togetherness, and we can achieve the sky; the sky is not even our limit,” she said, while calling for greater inclusion of women in development activities.

 

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, said the visit was part of an advocacy engagement by the Kebbi State Government’s media team with individuals and institutions that had demonstrated friendship and partnership with the administration.

 

He said the team visited the NEMA Director-General because of her prominent role and strong relationship with Kebbi State, as well as her continued collaboration with the state government in areas related to her official responsibilities.

 

The Commissioner said Governor Idris had recorded significant achievements in infrastructure, health, education and security, noting that the administration had addressed longstanding deficits in road networks, healthcare facilities and schools.

 

According to him, the governor had also improved the welfare of medical personnel, employed 2,000 teachers, constructed and rehabilitated schools, provided instructional materials, and invested substantially in security through the provision of vehicles and motorcycles to security agencies.

 

He urged the NEMA Director-General to continue supporting and projecting the development efforts of the Kebbi State Government.

 

The Commissioner was accompanied by the Governor’s media aides: Alhaji Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity; Alhaji Aliyu Bandado Argungu, Special Adviser on New Media; Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar Jombali, Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation; Alhaji Abubakar Idris Zuru, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication; and Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

Information Minister commends Kebbi for media stakeholders engagement

 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, has commended the Kebbi State Government for initiating direct engagement with stakeholders in the media industry and in governance to effectively publicize the achievements of Governor Nasir Idris.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Kebbi State Governor’s Media Team led by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, the Minister described the approach as the first of its kind by a subnational government to be presented to his ministry.

 

As the nation’s designated image maker, Alhaji Idris said regular engagement with media organizations and critical stakeholders will build a harmonious relationship and bridge the communication gap between government and the governed.

He recommended the strategy to other state governments, noting that similar engagement with federal government establishments, patriotic political stakeholders, and consultations with respected leaders and elders will enhance results-oriented governance and accelerate socio-economic development.

 

The Minister cited the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway project, which includes the construction of 63 dams to boost agricultural production along the corridor, as an example of federal commitment to infrastructure and agriculture.

 

He rated Governor Nasir Idris as one of the best performing governors, highlighting remarkable progress in infrastructure, education, agriculture, health, and economic empowerment programs.

On the security challenges, the Minister said although the menace has become almost a nationwide tragedy, the federal government was aware of the remarkable efforts Governor Nasir Idris has been doing in collaboration with the security agencies in tackling the unfortunate situation in the state.

 

“Governor Comrade Nasir Idris has been faithful to the federal government and undoubtedly loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the Minister said.

Earlier, the Commissioner, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, said the visit was aimed at showcasing the administration’s achievements and strengthening cordial relations between the Kebbi State Government and key stakeholders in national development.

Atiku to Tinubu: Stop the grammar and show Nigerians the money

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the Tinubu Presidency’s response to the United States Government’s assessment of Nigeria’s fiscal transparency as an embarrassing attempt to bury a serious indictment beneath bureaucratic grammar.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the Presidency has failed to address the substance of the assessment, choosing instead to dismiss it as an “external benchmark” that does not capture the administration’s reforms.
The United States found that Nigeria failed to meet minimum fiscal transparency requirements and made “no significant progress” in addressing deficiencies concerning budget information, revenue and expenditure reporting, audit independence and public access to procurement information.
Atiku said:
“What exactly is the Tinubu Presidency saying? Nigeria failed the minimum fiscal transparency test, and its response is essentially: yes, we failed, but the test does not tell the whole story.
“That is not a defence. It is an admission wrapped in grammar.
“If, after all the reforms this administration advertises, Nigeria still cannot satisfy minimum fiscal transparency requirements, the problem is not the assessment. The problem is the government.
“The contradiction is even more disturbing when the government’s appetite for taxation is considered. The CBN’s July 2026 Business Expectations Survey showed that 70.8 per cent of respondents identified high and multiple taxation as their biggest business constraint.
“Yet, the same administration understands the importance of tax relief when dealing with major oil operators, offering performance-based incentives to attract investment.
“So Tinubu understands that excessive taxation can discourage investment when large corporations are involved, but somehow forgets the same economic principle when Nigerian manufacturers, SMEs, traders and entrepreneurs are being suffocated by multiple taxes and levies.
“You cannot demand first-class compliance from taxpayers while offering third-class accountability in return.”
Atiku also challenged Tinubu over his promise to “soon publish” how resources arising from fuel subsidy removal are being utilised.
“Soon? More than three years after Nigerians were asked to endure extraordinary hardship in the name of subsidy removal?
“Open the books now. Publish a full account of the subsidy savings and show Nigerians, project by project, where the money went.
“Publish the financial details of the rehabilitation of government-owned refineries: how much was spent, who received the contracts, what was delivered and why Nigerians are again being promised that the refineries will ‘come back to work.’
“The answer to an accusation of opacity is transparency, not another press statement.
“If the U.S. assessment is wrong, disprove it with the records. If it is incomplete, complete the picture with the accounts.
“Nigerians have paid enough. They have sacrificed enough. President Tinubu should stop explaining and start accounting.
“Open the books. Show Nigerians the money.
“The Tinubu government has failed a fundamental test of accountability, and Nigerians are living with the consequences of that failure every day in worsening hardship.
“The country is bleeding, and the evidence is no longer hidden. It is reflected in local economic data, in the daily struggles of Nigerian families and businesses, and in the assessments of international economic observers.
“Nigeria cannot afford another four years of failure disguised as reform. Tinubu’s failure must not be repeated.
“Enough is enough.”

Tinubu’s certificate: Atiku drags President to Court, personally deposes to affidavit

 

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, on Friday personally appeared at the Registry of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he deposed to an affidavit in support of a suit challenging the qualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The action, instituted by Atiku and the ADC against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), invokes, among other provisions, Sections 137(1)(j), 139(1)(a)(i) and 285(14)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
At the heart of the action is Section 137(1)(j) of the Constitution, which provides that a person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President if he has presented a forged certificate to INEC.
The suit specifically asks the court to determine whether Tinubu and the APC should be disqualified from the 2027 presidential election over the plaintiffs’ allegation that Tinubu presented a forged NYSC certificate to INEC in connection with the 2023 and 2027 presidential elections.
Speaking after personally taking the oath, Atiku said his presence at the court registry was deliberate.
“I came here personally because the issues before the court go to the heart of our Constitution and the integrity of the office of President. I cannot ask Nigerians to respect the Constitution while treating a matter of this magnitude casually. I have therefore put my name, my signature and my oath behind the facts we are presenting to the court.
“Now it is President Tinubu’s turn to answer them.”
In his affidavit, Atiku alleges that Tinubu submitted to INEC an NYSC discharge certificate bearing the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, which, according to the plaintiffs, is different from the President’s name, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The affidavit further alleges that the same NYSC certificate was submitted in connection with the 2027 presidential election and contends that the document is not a certificate obtained by Tinubu. These are allegations that the plaintiffs have now placed formally before the Federal High Court for judicial determination.
Significantly, Atiku has also placed INEC on notice to produce Tinubu’s Form CF001 submitted in connection with the 2023 and 2027 presidential elections. The affidavit states that Atiku had applied for certified true copies of the relevant form before filing the suit but had received no response at the time the processes were prepared.
Atiku said:
“This is precisely why we have gone to court. We are not asking Nigerians to decide this matter on social media, and we are not asking INEC to become a court. We are asking the institution holding the records to produce them and the judiciary to examine the evidence and pronounce on it.
“If the certificate belongs to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, let that be established before the court. If ‘Tinubu Bola Adekunle’ and ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ are one and the same person for the purpose of that certificate, let the evidence establish it. These are questions that deserve answers, not political insults or presidential silence.”
The case goes beyond the certificate itself.
Atiku and the ADC are also challenging provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026 which, according to their written address, effectively restrict who may challenge the qualification of a candidate at pre-election stage and the removal of  qualification as a ground  for questioning an election as envisaged by section 139(a)(i) of the Constitution which empowers the National Assembly to make laws that allows the questioning of whether a person elected into the office of President is qualified.
Their argument is that legislation cannot be used to shut the door against enforcement of an express constitutional provision. They contend that where an Act of the National Assembly conflicts with the Constitution, the Constitution must prevail.
“This case therefore raises a fundamental question for our democracy,” Atiku said.
“Can an Act of the National Assembly be used as a shield against an express provision of the Constitution? Can we write into ordinary legislation an escape route from a constitutional standard applicable to everyone seeking the Presidency? Our position is that the Constitution remains supreme.”
The originating summons asks the Federal High Court to determine whether the statutory restrictions complained of can prevent the plaintiffs from invoking Section 137(1)(j), and ultimately whether Tinubu and the APC should be disqualified from participating in the 2027 presidential election if the plaintiffs’ case is established.
Among the substantive reliefs sought is an order disqualifying Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election on the grounds pleaded by the plaintiffs.
Atiku added:
“Nobody should misunderstand what is at stake. Nigerian graduates cannot complete NYSC documentation with one identity and simply ask employers to ignore discrepancies. Young Nigerians seeking ordinary jobs are subjected to rigorous scrutiny of their certificates. The standard cannot suddenly disappear because the applicant is seeking the highest office in the land.
“The Presidency is not an immunity certificate against constitutional scrutiny.”
Atiku said the judicial action also places a responsibility on INEC to demonstrate its neutrality by making the relevant records available to the court.
His affidavit expressly states that INEC, as a neutral public institution, is duty-bound to uphold the Constitution regardless of whose political interest may be affected.
“INEC is holding the documents. The court has the jurisdiction to examine the issues. President Tinubu has the opportunity to defend himself. That is the constitutional process, and nobody should be afraid of it.
“The 2027 election must begin with clarity about the qualification of those seeking the Presidency. Nigerians should not be asked to vote first and investigate later.”
Atiku stressed that his personal appearance to depose to the affidavit underscored his willingness to submit himself to the same constitutional standards he demands of others.
“I have sworn to my case before the law. I am prepared to be held accountable for what I have placed before the court. President Tinubu should equally be prepared to answer the case against him before the law.
Counsel to the Plaintiffs, Edwin Inegedu, SAN, and Joseph Onu Silas, Esq., expressed confidence in the case. Speaking for the legal team, Silas Onu said they had carefully reviewed the law and placed their arguments before the Court, adding that they were prepared to confront the Defendants’ case once served. “We are confident that justice will prevail. This case presents an important opportunity to further develop Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence,” he said.
“This is not about privilege, personalities or presidential power. It is about one Constitution and one standard for every Nigerian.
“Nobody is above the Constitution — not Atiku Abubakar, not Bola Tinubu, and certainly not the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”