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Tension as Tinubu and 25 state governors await judgement of the tribunals
There is anxiety as President Bola Tinubu and 25 state governors await the verdicts of the tribunals handling the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly election petitions.
The panels are expected to deliver their judgments this month.
Out of the 28 states where the governorship elections were held, the results of the polls announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission are being contested in no fewer than 25 states.
Most of the tribunals which were sitting in Lagos, Sokoto, Delta, Kano, and 21 other states as well as Abuja had reserved their judgments after the parties concluded their hearings and adopted their written addresses in line with the Practice Direction for the election petitions issued by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen.
However, political parties and their candidates who are apprehensive about the outcome of their petitions resorted to prayers and others issued cautionary words and admonitions to the justices to do what is right.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, had in November 2022 sworn in 307 justices to handle the 2023 election petitions while an additional 39 justices were inaugurated on May 25, 2023, totalling 346, and they were expected to deliver judgments before September 16.
By law, the 346 justices sitting on the panels were mandated to hand down their judgments 180 days after the filing of the petitions by the aggrieved candidates.
Section 285 (6) of the 1999 constitution provides that “an election tribunal shall deliver judgment in writing within 180 days from the date of filing of the petition.”
The presidential election petition tribunal had reserved judgment after the petitioners- the Peoples Democratic Party and its standard bearer, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi and the Labour Party closed their cases in June after calling 40 out of the 150 witnesses earlier listed in their petitions challenging the victory of the All Progressives Congress and the President.
While Tinubu’s lawyer prayed for a successful outcome, Atiku’s legal team admonished the tribunal to “shun executive intimidation and dispense judgment on the matter.’’
A member of the President’s legal team, Yusuf Ali, SAN, said he was hopeful of victory.
He said, “We pray for success at the end of the day. Cases are conducted in the court and not in the media, either social or mass media. The court listens to facts and applies the law.”
The Director of Publicity for the APC, Bala Ibrahim, denied that the ruling party was under any form of pressure and expressed confidence that justice would be served.
He said, “Which pressure? The ruling party has already delivered, unlike the Labour Party which is still groaning in labour. The pressure is on them. Obviously, anyone that is in labour is likely to be under pressure.’’
But a member of Atiku’s legal team, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, urged the tribunal to dispense justice on the matter.
He said Nigerians and the international community were watching them.
Ozekhome said, “Not for judgment date yet. I expect justice to be done. I expect the tribunal to shun blaring sirens of power or executive intimidation to do justice. I expect the tribunal to know that Nigerians, the international community, and indeed the whole world are watching.”
Weighing in, the PDP expressed confidence in the ability of the tribunal justices to dispense justice.
On the party’s expectations from the tribunal, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, simply said “Success,” without making further comments.
But a loyalist of Atiku and Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, argued that given the weight of evidence before the tribunal, the party and the former vice president had every reason to hope that justice would prevail.
Similarly, the National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party, Kehinde Edun, submitted that the party was hopeful about the outcome of the judgment.
‘APC not under pressure’
“We are confident and hopeful about the outcome. The party has done everything it ought to do. That’s why we are optimistic. We believe strongly in the judiciary. It is the only way our country can remain strong. When you lose hope, then it is over. It means you are now calling for anarchy. LP has come too far to lose hope at this stage. We have to continue to hope and believe they do the right thing,” the lawyer noted.
It was learnt that petitioners and respondents would this week adopt their final written addresses in a petition filed by the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, against the election of Governor Dapo Abiodun of the PDP. Abiodun got 276,298 votes while his PDP counterpart garnered 262,383 votes.
When contacted, the Ogun State PDP Secretary, Dr Sunday Solarin, said the party expected the tribunal to be fair.
He said, “The PDP is expecting justice to be done to the petition brought to the tribunal. We have done all that is expected of us to do; we have confronted the tribunal with adequate evidence, and we have argued properly.’’
Similarly, the state APC Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, said the party expected justice from the tribunal.
When asked if the party and its candidate were nursing any fear, Oladunjoye maintained, “I still stand on my first word which is justice. That is all I have to say.”
In Gombe, tension over the tribunal judgment was lowered a bit last week after the Chairman of the Gombe State Election Tribunal, Justice Morenike Obadina, postponed the ruling.
The tribunal had Justice S. Muktar of the Kebbi State Judiciary and Justice Vincent Onyeka of the Imo State Judiciary as panel members.
The governorship candidates of the PDP, Jibrin Barde, and his African Democratic Congress counterpart, Nafiu Bala, had petitioned the tribunal following the electoral victory of Muhammadu Yahaya of the APC.
The tribunal relocated to Bauchi over fear of interference.
The state APC Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, was positive that the verdict would favour his party.
“We are hopeful, particularly for the House of Assembly. For the governorship, it has never been in doubt,” he said.
Reminded about the ADC’s allegations that the deputy governor forged his certificates, Kyari said, “Let him continue to be in court; it was the same document that the deputy governor presented in the first tenure and it was the same one he presented now. If he was not disqualified in the first tenure, why will he be disqualified now?’’
Bala in his response said, “We don’t have anything to say unless and until the judges decide our case. We have full confidence in winning because we have proved our case beyond reasonable doubt. We followed the Electoral Act and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He added, “I went to court because I am challenging the illegality and disqualification of the deputy governor. He submitted confusing documents before the Independent National Electoral Commission. I want to appeal to the judges to decide in good faith, and in good direction. I want justice for the people of Gombe State and Nigeria at large because injustice has been done and Nigeria will be great; Next time, nobody will submit forged documents or illegal documents before INEC.”
The Ebonyi State governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja had equally reserved judgment on the petitions seeking to nullify the outcome of the governorship poll held in the state on March 18.
The petitions were filed by the PDP and its candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Odii, as well as the All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate, Prof. Benard Odoh.
The petitioners were praying the court to void the declaration of Governor Francis Nwifuru of the APC as the winner of the governorship contest.
The Justice A. Ogunmoye-led three-member panel adjourned last Friday for judgment after the parties, through their teams of lawyers, adopted their final briefs of argument.
While adopting their process, Odii’s legal team led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN, maintained that Nwifuru did not secure the majority of lawful votes that were cast during the election.
The petitioners told the tribunal that Nwifuru’s election victory was characterised by corrupt practices, alleging that there was substantial non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Besides, they argued that Nwifuru did not validly resign from the PDP before he was nominated as the governorship candidate of the APC.
According to the petitioners, Nwifuru, being a PDP member before the governorship poll, was not eligible under section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution, to have been sponsored by the APC to contest as its standard bearer.
Sokoto tribunal
The Sokoto State elections petition tribunal was also expected to deliver its judgment on the petition challenging the declaration of Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto as the governor of the state.
The tribunal had reserved judgment in the petition filed against Aliyu and his deputy, Idris Gobir, by Sa’idu Umar of the PDP.
After hearing and adopting their respective final written addresses on August 26, the three-member panel of justices led by Haruna Mshelia reserved its judgment, adding that a date would be communicated to the parties in September.
Apart from the allegation of gross irregularities in the election, the petitioner also argued there were discrepancies in Aliyu’s secondary school and university certificates.
He prayed the tribunal to take cognisance of the register of Town Primary School, Sabon Birni from 1986-1987 and a letter from Town Model Primary School, Sabon Birni.
The spokesman for the PDP, Hassan Sanyinawal, insisted that his party, apart from having a good case, also presented sufficient witnesses to prove its case.
“We are actually winning the case no doubt, apart from the fact that we have a good case, our set of lawyers were also able to do justice to our case before the tribunal. The issue of forgery against the governor and his deputy were duly proved beyond reasonable doubt so we have no fear whatsoever that we will win the case,” he stated.
But a member of the ruling APC in the state who spoke on condition of anonymity said the people’s mandate given to the party openly could not be taken away through the back door.
“The PDP are only disturbing themselves; all their arguments in court cannot hold any water. They cannot get the people’s mandate through the back door, our party despite the opposition then was voted for overwhelmingly with almost 50,000 votes difference.
“All they think is that they can win through the court, it is not possible, they have no case” he added.
APC, NNPP pray
The situation is not different in Kano where party faithful have been fretting as they await the verdict of the court in the APC petition challenging the victory of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party.
The tribunal had on August 21 reserved judgment in the petition.
The three-member panel led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay said that the tribunal would communicate the date for the judgment after all the parties had adopted their final written addresses.
There was tension in the state a few weeks ago when supporters of the two parties protested over an alleged plan to influence the tribunal.
Both parties have started praying for favourable results at the tribunal.
In Delta State, the governorship tribunal had yet to announce the date for judgment in the petitions brought by the APC candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of the PDP.
The three-man tribunal panel headed by Justice C. Ahuchaogu recently adjourned for judgment after the parties adopted their written addresses.
Omo-Agege was challenging the declaration of the second respondent, Oborevwori, as the winner of the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Justice Ahuchaogu at the last sitting said the date for the judgment would be communicated to the parties and their counsels.
The Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr Valentine Onojeghuo, said by the grace of God, the party would win.
He said, “Our expectation is very high and there is no doubt about that because we have been able to prove through our lawyers that we won lawful votes cast.’’
In Akwa Ibom, the tribunal had yet to conclude proceedings as it had scheduled September 11 for sitting.
The governorship candidates of the Young Progressive Congress, Senator Bassey Akpan, and his counterparts in the APC and ANPP were challenging the outcome of the election that returned Pastor Umo Eno as the state governor.
The Tribunal Secretary, Ibrahim Usman, told one of our correspondents that the day for the judgment would be communicated after the adoption of the final written addresses.
He said, “Just keep in touch when it is getting after 11th September; from 15-16, we will keep you informed.”
Similarly, the Kaduna State election tribunal inaugurated on June 1 had yet to end its sitting.
It was gathered that the Justice Victor Oviawe-led panel will on Monday entertain the final written submissions by the counsels to the petitioners and respondents.
The PDP governorship candidate, Mohammed Ashiru, had challenged the declaration of Senator Uba Sani of the APC as the winner of the governorship poll in the state.
Our correspondent learnt that the judgment day would be announced after the final submissions by both counsels to the parties.
In Enugu State, the tribunal has concluded the hearing and reserved judgment in the petition contesting the outcome of the governorship election in the state.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance and its candidate, Chief Frank Nweke (Jr), and other opponents- APC’s Chief Uche Nnaji and the Labour Party’s Chijioke Edeoga were challenging the declaration of Governor Peter Mbah of the PDP as the winner of the election.
The tribunal had earlier struck out the petitions of the APC and APGA candidates.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party is full of hope that their candidate will emerge victorious from the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
The state Chairman of the party, Mr Casmir Agbo who spoke to one of our correspondents, said “You know the matter that is in court you cannot predict but we are hopeful of victory because our case is watertight. Governor Peter Mbah initially is not qualified to be the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, contesting the election because he has a forged certificate which has been proven by the issuing authority.
“The law is very clear once the issuing authority says it did not issue it, that is the end of it; that is the Supreme Court decision. We are just waiting for the court to stamp it and the rightful winner of the election, Chief Chijioke Edeoga will take over.”
Agbo however, believes that because the LP has a good manifesto, once Edeoga takes over the glory of Enugu will be restored.
Mbah could not be reached for comments as his spokesman, Mr Dan Nwome, said he needed to speak with the governor’s lawyers before making any comment on the allegations against his principal.
Ahead of the conclusion of proceedings by the tribunal in Rivers State, the APC, and LP have been insisting that the judgment would favour their respective candidates.
The parties had been directed to adopt their addresses on September 6.
The LP governorship candidate, Beatrice Itubo, described the poll as a daylight robbery.
Also, the APC Publicity Secretary of the APC, Darlington Nwauju, said the entire process was flawed.
Itubo and Nwauku said they would pursue their petitions up to the Supreme Court if the ruling did not go their way.
Nwauju stated, “What we are expecting is judgment. We are expecting sound judgment because we are not asking to be favoured. Far from it. But we expect sound judgment that will help deepen the roots of democracy in the country, given the fact that our lawyers succeeded in laying bare all the evidence.
“And some of that evidence has been widely canvassed by even the European Union report.”
In Benue State, the opponents of Governor Hyacinth Alia were waiting with bated breath for the tribunal to give them justice.
The three-man panel sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, reserved judgment on August 14 in the petition brought before it by the PDP governorship candidate.
Since the chairman of the panel, Justice Ibrahim Karage informed lawyers to the two parties that they would be informed about the date for judgment, the issue has become a subject of discussion across the state.
The Publicity Secretary of APC in the state, Daniel Ihomun, who expressed confidence in the tribunal, noted that there was no way the opposition PDP could steal the mandate the people of the state voluntarily gave to his party.
He said, “As a party, we are not perturbed because we won the election free and fair and we know that justice cannot be taken through the back door. The court will dispense justice based on the fact before it.’’
Also, the state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Bemgba Iortyom, expressed optimism that the party would get justice from the tribunal.
Iortyom stated, “It will be prejudiced for us to pre-empt what the court will say. By and large, we have implicit faith in the judiciary and we believe that with the basis of the fact of the matter, justice will benefit not just our party but the generality of the people of the state.’’
The National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State will deliver judgment on three petitions on the general elections on Monday.
The tribunal had heard 12 petitions comprising nine National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly cases in Kwara State and three cases filed in the elections in Ekiti State.
Two of the cases bordered on the House of Representatives election in Kwara State while seven petitions were filed in respect of the election into the Kwara State House of Assembly.
The tribunal was also handling three petitions from Ekiti State on the senatorial and House of Assembly elections.
The tribunal secretary, Aisha Fika, explained that the judgment notice would be pasted on the board.
In Lafia, Nasarawa State, the tribunal has fixed September 14 for the adoption of the final written addresses by the counsels to the petitioner and the three defendants.
The PDP governorship candidate, Dr David Ombugadu was contesting the declaration of Abdullahi Sule of the APC as the winner of the election.
During the proceeding last Wednesday, the counsel to the third defendant, APC, Mathew Burkaa (SAN), who did not call any witnesses, applied to close his defence, and it was granted by the tribunal.
On his part, the lead counsel to the petitioner, Samuel Okutepa (SAN), told the tribunal that the defendant had nothing to prove which was why he could not present any witnesses, adding that ‘’the defendant’s action had rendered the petition defenceless.’’
After listening to the counsels, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, adjourned the sitting to September 14 for the adoption of the final written addresses.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been honoured with the prestigious Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence at the ongoing Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos.
The award, which also recognised Vice President Kashim Shettima, celebrates outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed gratitude to the organisers of AFRIFF for the recognition, reaffirming Delta State Government’s unwavering commitment to the growth of the creative sector.
Onyeme said: “On behalf of the Governor and the people of Delta State, I want to thank the organisers of the Africa International Film Festival for this honour. We do not take it for granted; we truly appreciate.
“Delta is one of the states most renowned for its contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Many of the talented people in this sector hail from Delta State, and we will continue to do everything necessary to sustain our support for the film industry in Nigeria and across Africa.”
The Deputy Governor further highlighted the state’s initiatives to boost the creative economy, noting that Delta has remained peaceful and conducive for investments in entertainment, film production and other businesses.
Speaking further, he said; “rhe last administration built a massive entertainment complex housing film studios, cinemas, and children’s recreational facilities.
“The current administration is planning to go even further by establishing a full-fledged film village, a mini-Hollywood, where actors, musicians, and other professionals can live and work.
“Delta State has always been at the forefront of entertainment development, and we will continue to improve the welfare of creative professionals and provide the resources they need to thrive.”
In his remarks, Pastor Shingle Wigwe, father of the late Herbert Wigwe, commended AFRIFF for instituting the award in his son’s honour, describing the festival as a vital platform for Africa’s creative advancement.
“Seeing this event today brings me great joy. When I retired from the Nigerian Television Authority, there were no film festivals in Nigeria. What I see here is a true marketplace of ideas and creativity, a hub for Africa.
“This festival is a force that will contribute greatly to Nigeria’s economy and enhance our global recognition. It is truly gratifying to witness such progress in our creative landscape”, he said.
The clash between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio continues to intensify, as new court charges have emerged that could have significant repercussions for the supporters of the Kogi State Senator.
In a recent development, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Minister of Justice has publicly defended the legitimacy of the defamation charges that were filed against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The AGF emphasized that these charges were instituted in strict accordance with the provisions outlined in the Penal Code Law of Nigeria as well as the country’s Constitution. This assertion suggests that the legal proceedings are being pursued with a clear adherence to established legal frameworks, potentially setting the stage for a high-profile court battle that may draw further public interest and scrutiny.
As the situation unfolds, the implications for both political figures and their respective supporters will likely become more pronounced in the coming weeks.
The AGF’s office stated this in its response to the senator’s preliminary objection to the three-count criminal charge pending before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, presided over by Justice Chizoba Oji.
The charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, stemmed from petitions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, following her public claims that the duo had conspired to assassinate her.
AGF Insists Charges Are Lawful
In its counter-affidavit, the AGF’s office maintained that the decision to prosecute the senator was taken after a comprehensive investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, which reviewed all petitions from both the complainants and the defendant.
“The three counts were preferred against the defendant pursuant to the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in the bona fide exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation as guaranteed under the Constitution,” the prosecution stated.Legal consultation services
It further argued that the senator’s actions contravened provisions of the law, stressing that the case was filed “in the public interest, the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.”
According to the AGF’s office, the charges were neither politically motivated nor an abuse of prosecutorial power.
“The criminal charge against the defendant arose from the comprehensive and conclusive investigation of the case, including all petitions and parties involved, by the Nigeria Police Force.”
“The charge against the defendant is consistent with extant laws and does not constitute an abuse of the legal or prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation,” the document read.
Defendant Challenges AGF’s Powers
At the last sitting on September 23, defence counsel Ehighioge West-Idahosa (SAN) had filed a preliminary objection challenging the validity of the charges.
He argued that the AGF’s office had overreached its constitutional powers, describing the prosecution as an abuse of process.
According to him, the objection was not contesting the facts of the case but rather the legality and jurisdictional competence of the AGF to initiate such charges.
The objection, filed on September 18, was yet to receive a response from the prosecution at the time of the previous hearing.
Prosecution Seeks Adjournment for Proper Service
When the matter came up on Monday, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe informed the court that although the case was slated for hearing, the prosecution’s counter-affidavit had not been properly served on the defence.
He explained that the document was delivered to an incorrect address and requested a short adjournment to rectify the error.
“It would not be fair for the prosecution to proceed when the defence has indicated its intention to respond to our counter,” Kaswe told the court.
Responding, West-Idahosa confirmed that the defence team had not been served and would only respond after receiving the document. He also requested a longer adjournment, citing plans by the defence team to attend the International Bar Association (IBA) Conference in Canada.
After listening to both sides, Justice Oji granted the request and adjourned the matter to December 1, 2025, for hearing of the preliminary objection.
Background of the Case
The case, marked FCT/HC/CR/297/25, accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of making harmful and defamatory statements against Akpabio and Bello, including allegations that they plotted to assassinate her and that the Senate President was linked to the death of Miss Iniobong Umoren.
The senator was arraigned on June 19 and pleaded not guilty to all three counts.
The court is expected to rule on her preliminary objection before proceeding to trial.
A significant diplomatic issue is emerging as twelve northern governors, along with prominent traditional rulers and senior judges in Nigeria, are under scrutiny by the United States Congress.
Lawmakers are considering a bill that could impose extensive sanctions on these officials, citing allegations of involvement in what some U.S. representatives characterize as a “Christian genocide” and systematic persecution occurring under Nigeria’s sharia and blasphemy laws.
This follows the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump and his instruction to the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to act without delay.
On Friday, Trump, in a post on Truth, lamented that thousands of Christians were being killed in Nigeria and asked Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into the matter and report back to him.
The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, sponsored by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, designates Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious persecution.
The bill proposes direct sanctions against public officials and religious authorities accused of promoting or tolerating violence against Christians and other religious minorities.
In December 2020, the US Department of State designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for the first time ever due to what it termed systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, violent Boko Haram attacks, and frequent ethno-religious conflicts exacerbated by the judiciary system.
Under the bill, introduced on September 9, 2025, the US Secretary of State will, within 90 days of its passage, submit a report to Congress listing Nigerian officials, including governors, judges, and monarchs who have “promoted, enacted, or maintained blasphemy laws” or “tolerated violence by non-state actors invoking religious justification.”
The sanctions, to be implemented under Executive Order 13818, the US government’s Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability framework, could result in visa bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions for those found culpable.
One of the highlights of the bill is the implementation of Sharia law in northern Nigeria, which it termed the blasphemy law, and believed to be against the Christian population.
Sharia, derived from Islamic jurisprudence, has long existed as a system of personal, moral, and communal regulation among Muslim communities in northern Nigeria.
The major turning point came between 1999 and 2000, shortly after Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, when several northern states, beginning with Zamfara under Governor Ahmad Sani Yerima, expanded Sharia’s jurisdiction to include criminal law and public morality.
Within two years, about 12 northern states had adopted similar Sharia-based penal codes and established parallel Sharia courts alongside existing secular courts.
The affected states include Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kebbi, Yobe, Kaduna, Niger, and Gombe.
However, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Adamawa, though with significant Muslim populations, still operate under the conventional secular legal system, with Sharia limited only to personal status matters such as marriage, inheritance, and family issues for Muslims, rather than criminal or public law.
Recently, the Sharia Council announced moves to establish its presence in parts of the South, beginning with Oyo and Ogun states.
The development sparked tension as both Christian and Muslim groups clashed over the perceived introduction of Sharia in the two states.
The tension, however, eased after the council clarified that it was not setting up a court of law but rather arbitration panels to mediate Muslim-related disputes and offer non-binding advice.
Cruz, while defending the bill, said Nigeria’s leadership had “institutionalised sharia law and enabled jihadist violence.”
“Religious persecution and violence against Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria is endemic.
“Since 2009, over 52,000 Christians have been murdered, 20,000 churches and faith institutions destroyed, and dozens of villages wiped out. The federal and state governments have failed to act, and in many cases, they are complicit.”
The bill underscores that since the adoption of sharia law in Zamfara State in 2000, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, nearly all 19 northern states had adopted blasphemy provisions in their legal codes.
States such as Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Katsina have drawn global outrage for death sentences imposed over alleged blasphemy, while even southern states like Oyo and Ogun, both with Sharia panels, may now come under investigation.
New reports have emerged regarding individuals and groups allegedly inciting President Donald Trump of the United States to enforce a military invasion in Nigeria.
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has directed the Defense Department to prepare for potential military action in Nigeria if the government continues to allow the killing of Christians.
This situation has generated a wide range of reactions within Nigerian communities, and some individuals have been accused of inciting the U.S. government against the Nigerian government.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has revealed what it described as betrayal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This statement is coming on the heels of the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
US President Donald Trump recently reinstated Nigeria on the religious freedom watchlist, alleging targeted attacks against Christians. MURIC says the move stemmed from petitions submitted by some Christian leaders to US authorities, a development it strongly condemned, Vanguard reported.
In a statement issued by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC expressed disappointment with CAN, saying the association failed to defend the country and the President.
“Despite vehement denial of Christian genocide by the Nigerian government, former US President Donald Trump redesigned Nigeria as a country of particular concern,” Akintola said. According to him, Christian leaders had lobbied US lawmakers with what he called “frivolous claims” that only Christians were victims of insecurity in Nigeria.
“Instead of debunking this false and misleading narrative, CAN simply amplified it. CAN’s action is a stab in the back in view of President Tinubu’s preference of Christians in appointments, favours and privileges over and above his Muslim brethren,” he added.
MURIC insisted that the CPC label does not reflect Nigeria’s realities, describing the designation as based on exaggerated claims.
“This redesignation is blurred, misplaced and distorted. It is a complete misrepresentation of the true picture on ground in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The group argued that both Muslims and Christians have suffered attacks from terrorists and criminal gangs, warning against what it called “fifth columnists” fueling sectarian narratives, Daily Trust reported.
MURIC stressed that President Tinubu has given Christians significant representation in government appointments, citing his own public figures.
“The president himself confirmed that 62% of all appointments went to the Christians. The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was even more generous to them than Father Christmas,” the group stated.
It further argued that CAN’s support for petitions to foreign governments amounted to disloyalty. “President Tinubu does not deserve this. It is the Mother of all Betrayals, and we denounce those behind the report in the strongest terms,” Akintola said.
While acknowledging US foreign policy priorities, MURIC said Nigerians must avoid giving foreign nations grounds to interfere in internal affairs.
“We are nonplussed by the actions of these Christian leaders, most especially that of CAN, which is expected to know better,” it noted.
The group called on religious leaders to prioritise national unity and avoid narratives it believes could damage the country’s global standing.
Meanwhile, social media platforms have witnessed significant discourse surrounding the notable silence of prominent Nigerian politicians, such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
As these political figures begin to prepare for their campaigns for the upcoming 2027 elections, their lack of commentary regarding the U.S. government’s statement on potential military intervention in Nigeria has drawn attention.
Users on various social media sites have expressed concern over this reticence, prompting questions about whether these leaders are prioritizing their political aspirations over urgent national matters.
FULL LIST: 15 States Likely To Be Targeted If US Carries Out Strike In Nigeria; Reason Emerges
Former US President Barack Obama has launched a spirited defence of Democratic values while sharply criticising what he described as the “lawlessness and recklessness” of Donald Trump’s administration, as he campaigned for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey.
At a packed rally at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Obama urged voters to turn out for Abigail Spanberger, calling the upcoming election “a chance to restore decency and sanity” in American politics.
“Let’s face it, our country and our policy are in a pretty dark place right now,” Obama said to cheers. “Every day, this White House offers people a fresh batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean-spiritedness and just plain craziness.”
The two-term president, still a unifying figure among Democrats, accused the Trump administration of pursuing “shambolic” economic and security policies. He condemned Trump’s tariff measures and the deployment of National Guard troops to US cities, while faulting Republicans in Congress for failing to check Trump “even when they know he’s out of line.”
“I was surprised,” Obama said, “at how quickly business leaders, law firms, and universities bent the knee to appease Trump, even when they knew he was out of line.”
Later in the day, at another rally in Newark, New Jersey, Obama delivered similar remarks in support of Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Employing his trademark wit, Obama quipped: “It’s like every day is Halloween, except it’s all tricks and no treats.”
He also took a sarcastic jab at Trump’s reported White House renovations during a government shutdown, saying, “In fairness, he has been focused on some critical issues, like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and building a $300 million ballroom.”
According to recent polls, Spanberger, 46, a former CIA officer and six-year congresswoman, holds a comfortable lead over Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, 61. In New Jersey, Sherrill maintains a single-digit advantage over Jack Ciatterelli, 63, a former state assemblyman making his third consecutive bid for governor.
Despite the Democratic edge, Republicans remain optimistic about narrowing margins. Ciatterelli lost the 2021 gubernatorial race by just three points, while Trump trailed Joe Biden by only six points in New Jersey in last year’s presidential election.
With early voting underway, Obama’s appearances underscore the Democrats’ effort to energise their base and frame next week’s elections as a referendum on Trump-era politics.
Arise News
The Federal Government has reiterated its strong commitment to safeguarding religious freedom and fostering a spirit of tolerance among its citizens.
This affirmation comes in the wake of a recent statement issued by the United States of America regarding the situation of religious freedoms in Nigeria.
In a comprehensive press release dated Saturday and signed by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government emphasized its unwavering resolve to combat the scourge of violent extremism that has affected various regions of the country. Mr. Ebienfa emphasized that this commitment is not only about enforcing laws but also about fostering an environment where diverse religious practices can coexist peacefully alongside one another.
Additionally, the statement expressed deep condolences for all individuals who have fallen victim to acts of violent extremism. The Federal Government underscored its ongoing support for the armed forces, reinforcing its commitment to collaborate closely with them in their endeavors to restore peace and security throughout Nigeria. The government remains dedicated to ensuring that all citizens can live without fear of violence or persecution based on their religious beliefs.
Mr. Ebienfa noted that like the United States, Nigeria values its diversity, which he described as the nation’s greatest strength.
The Foreign Affairs spokesperson also emphasised the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United States, expressing confidence that both nations will continue to work together in promoting peace, democracy, and global stability.
The statement reads, “The Federal Government has noted the recent statement by the United States of America on religious freedom in Nigeria. We remain committed in our resolve to tackle the violent extremism that is fuelled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions.
“We mourn all the victims of violent extremism and salute our armed forces as they continue to fight against vicious but cowardly foes. The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.
“Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength. Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order.
“The US has been – and we trust will always remain – a close ally, because the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will maintain our laser focus and steadfast commitment to all partners who believe in genuine peace, stability, freedom and democracy,” the statement concluded.
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