Politics
A’Court Voids Rep’s Sack Over Defection To APC
The ruling overturned an earlier decision by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who on October 30, 2025, declared Gummi’s seat vacant after he defected from the PDP to the APC.
The suit was filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, who argued that Hon. Gummi had abandoned the party under whose platform he was elected and should therefore lose his seat.
However, the appellate court disagreed with the lower court’s position, affirming that legislators can seek alternative political platforms if their party’s internal crisis obstructs their ability to perform legislative duties.
The court subsequently allowed Hon. Gummi’s appeal (CA/ABJ/CV/1606/2025) and awarded ?1 million in costs against the PDP and Jibomagayaki in favour of the lawmaker.
Reacting to the judgment, Hon. Gummi maintained that the persistent leadership crisis within the PDP made it difficult for him to effectively serve his constituents.
“The persistent crisis within the PDP created an environment that hindered me from adequately representing my constituents or ensuring equitable distribution of democratic dividends within the bounds of the law,” he said.
Ahead Convention: Ex-Presidential Aide Joins APC Nat’l Secretary Race
A former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has thrown his hat into the ring for the position of National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s National Convention later this month.
Speaking with The Tide source in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, Chief Obono-Obla stated that he was the right person for the job, given his pedigree and experience in law, governance, and anti-corruption efforts.
“I am not just a candidate, but a custodian of integrity, experience, and vision,” he said.
With 35 years of practicing law across Nigeria’s legal system, Chief Obono-Obla believes his legal foundation will ensure APC’s operations remain within the bounds of the law, protecting the party from avoidable crises and litigation.
As a former Special Assistant to the President and to the Attorney General, Chief Obono-Obla learned the delicate balance between politics and policy, which he believes will serve the party well.
He also worked to strengthen justice delivery nationwide as Acting Secretary of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee.
Chief Obono-Obla stated that as Nigeria’s anti-corruption czar, he was prepared to champion transparency and accountability, values that could anchor the party’s future.
He emphasized that his wealth of experience would be a value addition to the party.
As a writer, author, and commentator on national and international issues, Chief Obono-Obla stated that he would apply all the skills acquired in almost all areas of life to articulate APC’s vision with clarity and communicate effectively with members.
Chief Obono-Obla, a traditional ruler, believes his role adds another dimension, grounding him in Nigeria’s cultural realities and giving him grassroots legitimacy.
“I understand the pulse of our communities, the importance of inclusivity, and the need to bridge modern governance with traditional institutions,” he said.
As a founding member of the APC, Chief Obono-Obla was Secretary of the defunct CPC Merger Committee and Co-Secretary of the Joint Inter-Party Merger Committee that negotiated the formation of the APC in 2013, an experience he believes uniquely positions him to safeguard the party’s legacy and strengthen the Secretariat.