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Tinubu’s Victory: Legal Battle To Begin As Tribunal Fixes Monday, May 8th For Petitions Hearing

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The Presidential Election Petitions Court has fixed Monday for the hearing of the petitions challenging the declaration of the All Progressives Congress standard bearer, Bola Tinubu as the president-elect.

With this development, the expected legal battle by candidates disputing the outcome of the 2023 presidential poll will commence from May 8.

The National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, Ahmad El-Marzuq, confirmed the date on Tuesday.

He said the APC legal team had been briefed and was ready to defend the party’s mandate.

“We have been briefed about the hearing coming up next week. But who told you the election petitions at the tribunal must necessarily be concluded before May 29?

“Are you saying if they were not concluded before President Buhari leaves office, the government should be left in a vacuum and the president-elect should not be sworn in? It is not a must,’’ he stated in response to a question about the time it would take for the petitions to be decided.

Also, a top official of the election petitions tribunal affirmed that the hearing proceedings would start on Monday.

Hearings slated for Monday

Speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information, he said, ‘’The Presidential election tribunal has fixed Monday, May 8th as for the hearing of the petitions challenging the victory of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.’’

A member of Tinubu’s legal team, Tayo Oyetibo SAN, also said the hearing had been scheduled to commence next week.

Oyetibo, who spoke to our correspondent on Tuesday, said,” Yes the hearing is on Monday, but it’s for a pre-hearing session. The hearing is to clarify if there are any applications before the main hearing will start. The timetable will be set for the hearing of the substantive matters.”

Findings also showed that the court stopped receiving replies from the petitioners on April 23.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, had on March 1 declared Tinubu the president-elect on the grounds that his party scored the majority of votes cast in the polls.

The former Lagos state governor had polled 8.8 million to defeat Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party who scored 6.9mn, Peter Obi of the Labour Party who amassed 6.1mn and 15 others.

Dissatisfied with the result, Atiku and Obi filed separate petitions seeking orders to annul the election or declare them the winners of the polls.

The PDP presidential candidate, who anchored his seven prayers on five grounds, asked the Presidential Election Tribunal to declare him the president-elect.

Alternatively, Atiku urged the court to cancel the election and order a fresh election due to alleged irregularities that marred the February 25 polls in thousands of polling units.

His team of senior lawyers led by Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, filed the petition at the Presidential Election Petition Court.

In their 66-page petition, Atiku and his party argued that as of March 1 when Tinubu was declared the winner of the election, the entire results and accreditation data from polling units had not been transmitted and uploaded by INEC.

Obi, who came third in the election, alleged that the election was characterized by various irregularities including the non-qualification of Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima to contest the election.

He also alleged that Tinubu failed to win the majority of the lawful votes cast in the election, and just as he could not secure one-quarter of the lawful votes cast in the FCT.

He equally alleged that the election was conducted in substantial non-compliance with the provision of the law.

Also, a faction of the Action Alliance is seeking the tribunal’s order to nullify Tinubu’s victory as the president-elect.

The Action Alliance and its presidential flag bearer hinged their petition on INEC’s failure to upload the name of its candidate, Solomon-David Okanigbuan – to its portal for the February election.

In its petition filed on 16 March, the AA and Okanigbuan as co-petitioners said despite subsisting court orders recognize Okanigbuan as the authentic presidential standard-bearer, the electoral umpire instead uploaded the name of Hamza Al-Mustapha.

INEC had recognized Al-Mustapha, a former chief security officer to the late dictator, Sani Abacha, as AA’s presidential candidate for the election.

It contended that the victory of the ex-Lagos senator will not stand owing to the “flawed process” of nominating his vice presidential pick, Shettima.

In its petition marked CA/PEPC/04/2023, the Alliance People’s Movement in a petition contended that the president-elect was not qualified to run for office.

Listed as 1st to 5th respondents in the petition are INEC, APC, Tinubu, Shettima, and Kabir Masari.

The APM whose presidential candidate, Chichi Ojei, polled 25,961 votes, argued that Tinubu was not properly sponsored by the APC by fielding Shettima as vice presidential candidate for the election.

Tinubu while submitting his presidential nomination form to INEC in June 2022, chose Ibrahim Masari, a politician from the Katsina State, as a “placeholder” for the substantive vice presidential candidate who would later be Shettima.

Tinubu’s action was described by analysts as a strategy to beat INEC’s deadline of June 17 2022, for presidential candidates to submit names of their vice presidential picks.

But the APC in its replies asked the PEPC to dismiss the petitions filed by the opposition parties.

It described the petition filed by the former vice president against his election victory as “a gross abuse of court processes.”

Tinubu, in a preliminary objection marked: CA/PEPC/05/2023, filed by his team of lawyers led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, prayed the court to dismiss the entire petition.

He said in 2011, he lost the PDP presidential primary election to President Goodluck Jonathan and in 2015, he lost the APC primary election to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Tinubu said in 2019, Atiku again lost the presidential election to Buhari; and now in 2023, he had, again, lost the presidential election to him.

According to the president-elect, it was not a surprise or not by accident that the electorate rejected the 1st petitioner at the polls of the presidential election held on Feb. 25.

He said he was ready to lead evidence to prove to the court that a host of states controlled by PDP and their governors protested against Atiku’s emergence as the party’s candidate and vowed never to support his candidature.

Responding to Obi’s petition, Tinubu, in a preliminary objection he filed alongside his Vice-President-elect, maintained that the LP standard bearer lacked the locus to challenge his election victory.

He argued that Obi was not validly nominated to contest the presidential election in line with the mandatory provisions of sections 77(2) and (3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

He insisted that Obi’s name was not found in the register of members of the LP, noting that he defected to the party from the PDP, less than 30 days before the primary election that produced him as a presidential candidate, was conducted.

He further accused Obi of jumping from one political party to the other, insisting that the LP lacked the requisite structure to win the presidential contest.

Adducing reasons why he won the presidential election, Tinubu said it was his consistency and track record of excellence in public service that endeared him to millions of the electorates across the federation.

The president-elect similarly faulted the claim by the AA that its presidential candidate was excluded from the election, arguing that its known candidate, Mr Al-Mustapha, participated in the election.

In a preliminary objection to the APM’s petition, the APC argued that “the petitioner (APM) alone in the absence of its sponsored candidate cannot benefit and did not have any special interest in the election or return of the 3rd respondent (Tinubu) as the winner of the election.’’

The APC queried the legal capacity of the party to challenge the mode it adopted in nominating its candidate.

The APC further argued that since the APM was not a member of the party, it did not know “how it becomes the petitioner’s business how it nominates its candidates.”

The APC added that Okanigbuan (listed as the 2nd petitioner) “is not the 1st petitioner’s AA’s validly nominated and sponsored candidate to contest the presidential elections held on Feb. 25.”

Ozekhome confident

Ahead of the commencement of sitting by the PEPC a member of the PDP legal team, Mike Ozekhome has expressed confidence in the ability of the panel to dispense justice without fear or favour.

The constitutional lawyer told our correspondent that justice is the singular most potent force that would determine the outcome of the petition filed by the party and former Vice President, noting that the justices would be guided by a sense of responsibility to their fatherland and not the powers of the state.

He said, “We are hopeful that justice shall be served without the tribunal listening to the blaring sirens of power, or being swayed by officialdom or government jack-bootism.”

According to him, the party has sufficient evidence to back up its claim that the declaration of Tinubu was flawed, noting that the evidence will guide the learned Justices in giving their ruling on the disputed elections.

In his response, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, expressed optimism that the hearing is a window of opportunity for the court to affirm the victory of the president-elect.

He stated, “I think I heard the CJN talking about the speedy dispensation of the issue. They are, of course, aware of all these things. It must be in their reckoning that time is of the essence.

“If it cannot be disposed of within the period, there is no need for it. I want to believe they are going to see to it. After all, justice delayed is justice denied. I am sure they will do the needful.”

The Chief Spokesman for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Yunusa Tanko, disclosed that the tribunal understands the need to execute the cases in line with the Electoral Act.

He said, “I think they should (be able to conclude it). The Electoral Act was very clear in stating that all cases must have finished before the handing over. So let’s see what they are going to do.

“We are still optimistic though. They know the danger of not concluding the issue on time based on the Electoral Act. So they have got to explain to us. The rule has been given already.”

 

Credit: The Punch

BIG STORY

Tony Elumelu Urges Bold Action On Infrastructure, Energy, And Youth Investment At African Caucus Meeting In Bangui

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Tony Elumelu, Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, UBA, and Transcorp, and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has called for urgent and strategic investment in infrastructure, energy, and youth empowerment to unlock Africa’s full potential.

Delivering the keynote address at the African Caucus Meeting of the World Bank and IMF in Bangui, Central African Republic, Elumelu emphasised that Africa’s development must be driven by Africans, anchored on partnerships built on mutual respect, and powered by the continent’s greatest assets — its people, resources, and entrepreneurial spirit.

 

 

Theme:

‘Resilient Infrastructure, Human Capital, and Green Assets’

Keynote Address delivered by

Tony O. Elumelu, CFR

Group Chair, Heirs Holdings | UBA | Transcorp | Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation

At the African Caucus Meeting In Bangui Central African Republic

July 31, 2025

Introduction

 Your Excellencies, Ministers, Central Bank Governors, esteemed representatives of the IMF & World Bank, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

 It is truly an honour to be here with you today. This gathering could not be timelier, as we work together to amplify Africa’s voice and shape a development path that reflects our unique needs and aspirations.

 We live in a highly volatile, complex world. It is a world where the rules-based order has been challenged, where we need to reaffirm our commitment to the idea of a global community.

 But as an African, I must be frank. This global community has not always served Africa interests, ensured that Africa’s voice is heard or delivered for Africa.

 And Africa’s voice not only needs to be heard, but has to be heard.

 Africa has solutions to so many of the world’s problems. Our young people are the answer to the world’s demographic crisis, our minerals power the extraordinary technological changes we are experiencing, our fields can feed the world.

 But these African solutions, this African opportunity, must be on African terms, benefit African people, catalyse true value creation on the African continent. And it must be based on true partnerships, partnerships of equality and mutual respect.

 We must also be realistic. African governments must do better. If we are to deliver that opportunity to our next generation – and if we are to be truly heard in the community of nations, Africa needs to step up.

 This year’s theme – ‘Resilient Infrastructure, Human Capital, and Green Assets’ – reflects what must be our shared priorities if Africa is to thrive.

 It captures the essence of what we must prioritise if Africa is to truly rise.

Africa’s Infrastructure Gap

 Let me begin with infrastructure. Across our continent, we face a deep and persistent infrastructure gap. From roads to ports, power to internet connectivity – we lag behind. We cannot achieve prosperity without the foundations of modern development. Without addressing these gaps, we cannot unlock the growth and prosperity our people deserve.

 To bridge this divide, we must do three things:

 Strengthen our fiscal capacity.

 Drive efficiency and

 Unlock innovative financing – especially by inviting and enabling private sector to co-lead infrastructure development.

Powering Africa’s Future

 Energy access remains the biggest enabler — or barrier — to our progress.

 Up to 70% of our people lack electricity. My home country, Nigeria, generates less than 7,000 MW for over 200 million people.

 If we are to industrialize, create jobs, and participate meaningfully in the global AI revolution, we must invest aggressively in energy — from renewables to cleaner gas-based solutions.

 Imagine what Nigeria’s economy could become with 100,000 megawatts of reliable, affordable energy. That is the scale of transformation we need. And the story is not different across Africa.

The Role of the Private Sector

 Through our investments in Transcorp and Heirs Energies, we are working to solve this challenge – generating power, exporting it through the West African Power Pool, and using gas from our oil operations to power our plants. This is Africapitalism in action: private capital solving public challenges.

 Africapitalism is the belief that the African private sector must take the lead in driving economic development. It is about long-term investments in key sectors that create both economic returns and social impact.

 But success requires collaboration.

 To succeed, we need strong partnerships. Governments must create the right environment. Private sector must bring capital and innovation. And our development partners must support Africa’s realities – including recognising gas as a viable transition fuel on our path to clean energy.

Youth: Africa’s Greatest Resource

 No resource is more valuable than our people – especially our youth. Africa is the youngest continent on earth, with over 60% of our population under 35. This presents both our greatest asset or our greatest risk.

 If empowered, our youth can transform Africa. If neglected, they can become a source of instability.

 At the Tony Elumelu Foundation:

 We have empowered over 24,000 young entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries.

 Each with a non-refundable seed capital of USD5,000.00.

 Trained 1.5m youth.

 Catalysed 1.2m jobs.

 These entrepreneurs are creating jobs, building businesses, and changing lives.

Call to Action

 Let me leave you with three massages:

 Africa’s development is our responsibility. No one else will do it for us. Africa’s future is in our hands. No one will build this continent for us. We must lead.

 Power is everything. No industrial revolution can happen without electricity. We must prioritise energy. Without power, there can be no progress.

 We must invest in our youth. They are not just our future – they are our present.

 Together, by working across public and private sectors, and in partnership with institutions like the IMF and World Bank, we can build an Africa that is resilient, inclusive, and full of opportunity.

 I commend the growing focus of global institutions on Africa. I sit on the IMF Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth, and I’m pleased with our emphasis on job creation as a path to lasting growth. I also applaud Ajay Banga’s ‘Mission 300’ initiative at the World Bank – an ambitious goal to connect 300 million Africans to power.

 Africa is ready. Let’s seize this moment – and build the prosperous, empowered continent our people deserve.

 Thank you.

TOE

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BIG STORY

Obasa Urges Protection For Muslim Women As Pillars Of Societal Reform

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Considering the influence of Western civilisation on Islamic culture and practices, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has advocated for more support and protection for Muslim women because of their critical roles in shaping society.

Speaking at the 16th Hijrah Lecture of the House of Assembly held Wednesday at the Assembly Pavillion with theme: “The Muslim Women and Societal Reformation: Balancing Between Islamic Culture and Western Civilization,” Obasa said that in balancing the complexities of the rich Islamic culture, traditions, and practices with the influences of Western civilization, “It is essential to recognise that both can co-exist harmoniously without losing our Islamic identity and values. It is the compromise of these values that has led to disruptions in many homes where children are growing up with perverted values.” He added that “Without good mothers, humanity is doomed.”

Conversely, Speaker Obasa declared that women in Islam are highly revered for their invaluable and influential roles in society, which go beyond mere child-bearing and raising, nurturing, and moulding children to live worthy and successful lives.

“Figures like Ilhan Omar, a U.S. Congresswoman, and Malala Yousafzai, a global advocate for education, exemplify how Muslim women blend their Islamic identity with contributions to global society. They challenge the notion that faith and modernity are mutually exclusive while demonstrating that one can uphold Islamic values while championing universal human rights,” he said.

Drawing a parallel between socio-economic pressures and cultural disconnection that have pushed some women to engage in social vices like prostitution, drug-peddling, and abuse, Obasa said that women are not solely responsible for the current moral challenges being experienced but they have a profound and irreplaceable role in reversing them.

According to the Speaker, “The history of Islam has a noble place for women where they played remarkable roles in the success of the Islamic state,” he said, adding, “The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in one of his hadiths said that paradise lies beneath the feet of the mother.”

He further quoted the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as saying, “If the society is good, we should look at the women, it is good because the women are good. But if society is bad, then we should also look at the women.”

In safeguarding and strengthening women’s and children’s rights, the Speaker referenced several laws enacted by the House of Assembly against domestic and sexual violence including the establishment of sexual violence response desks in all local government areas, the domestication of the Child Rights Act, and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law (PADVL) 2007, which made Lagos the first state in Nigeria to pass a domestic violence–specific law that provides for protection orders (restraining orders) for victims of domestic violence.

“These laws aren’t mere paperwork — they are shields for our wives, daughters, and children,” Obasa stated, adding, “We must enforce them and ensure that women are empowered to carry out their roles in family and society.”

Like Speaker Obasa, the guest lecturer, Prof. (Mrs.) Jameelah Yaqub, a Professor of Economics at the Lagos State University, decried the increasing cases of prostitution and drug addiction among young women, saying that society is paying a premium for the pervasive decadence. She also spoke extensively on the role of women in nation-building through proper parenting and moral upbringing because “When you train a woman, you train a nation.”

Also, she went on, “Women are reformation agents, and they should start from home. In the past, muslim women were responsible and concerned about taking care of their families. With civilisation, however, things changed, and taking care of the family is no longer pivotal.” Prof. Yaqub implored muslim women to see the home as their primary responsibility, know what is happening to their children, and take time off to take care of the family.

The second lecturer, Prof Abdulrahman Alaro, mni, urged muslim women not to get carried away or prioritise earthly gains for their eternal reward but to focus on legacy and values.

In his welcome address, the chairman of the occasion, Hon Nureni Akinsanya, noted, “In this era of globalization, Muslim women face numerous challenges as they navigate the complexities of modern society.

“They are, however, expected to uphold the values of their faith while contributing to the development of their various communities. This lecture aims to explore the role of Muslim women in societal reformation, highlighting the importance of balancing Islamic culture with the influences of Western civilization.

“Our goal is to empower Muslim women to become agents of positive change in their communities, leveraging their unique strengths and abilities to promote a more just and compassionate society,” he stated.

The event was graced by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; some members of the Governing Advisory Council (GAC); members of the State Assembly; Lagos State White Cap Chiefs, representing Ọba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu as well as leading Islamic and traditional leaders.

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BIG STORY

2Baba Ties Knot With Natasha Osawaru In Private Ceremony [PHOTOS]

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2Baba, the renowned Nigerian singer, has married his partner Natasha Osawaru in a traditional ceremony.

The intimate event took place on July 25 in Abuja with only close family in attendance.

Though full details remain limited, images from the ceremony show the couple adorned in stylish traditional outfits.

2Baba wore a white short-sleeved traditional shirt with detailed grey embroidery, paired with a clean white wrapper tied at the waist.

He accessorised with several coral bead strands around his neck and wrists, a coral-beaded staff for a royal touch, and finished the look with sunglasses and white shoes that fused traditional and modern elements.

Natasha appeared in a red off-shoulder dress, complemented by an ornate coral bead okuku headpiece representing Edo royalty, carefully arranged on her head.

She also wore layers of coral beads from her neck down to her shoulders, arms, and wrists, creating a vibrant and culturally rich display.

Fans have taken to social media to send their congratulations, celebrating this personal milestone in the singer’s life.

Their relationship came into the public eye after 2Baba announced his separation from his estranged wife Annie Macaulay Idibia in January.

He stated then that his relationship with the Edo lawmaker had no connection to the breakup.

The ‘African Queen’ star proposed to Osawaru in February.

Family endorsement came in April when Natasha visited Rose, 2Baba’s mother, who had earlier urged her to “remove the beads” from the singer, saying he wasn’t in his “right senses”.

See photos below;

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