By Jimoh Babatunde
Lagos is set to become the meeting point for Africa’s hospitality industry as hotel managers, tourism stakeholders and industry experts gather for the eighth edition of the Hotel Managers Conference Africa (HMCA), with a focus on raising service standards and strengthening the continent’s tourism competitiveness.
The conference, scheduled for July 11 and 12 at Lagos Continental Hotel, will bring together hospitality professionals from Nigeria and 13 African countries under the theme, “Raising the Bar: Sales, Service and Standards for a Competitive Africa.”
Organisers said the summit would address critical issues affecting the hospitality sector, including workforce development, technology adoption, policy support and strategies for improving guest experience across African destinations.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting with members of the Association of Nigeria Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of Tojum Hospitality and Convener of HMCA, Olugbenga Sunday, said the conference had become a major platform for advancing tourism and hospitality development in Africa.
He said the initiative, which began in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, had expanded to other Nigerian cities before establishing itself as a continental gathering for hospitality professionals.
Sunday explained that HMCA was established to close the gap between indigenous hotel brands and international hospitality chains by promoting knowledge sharing, mentorship and exposure to global industry standards.
He said the conference had contributed to improved service delivery, with more local hotels adopting international best practices and competing favourably in the market.
“Over the years, the conference has drawn leading hospitality professionals and we are gradually bridging that gap,” he said.
According to him, capacity building remains at the heart of HMCA because the strength of the hospitality sector depends on the skills and professionalism of its workforce.
The summit will feature keynote presentations, industry discussions, mentoring sessions, masterclasses, exhibitions and networking opportunities designed to create solutions for the growth of Africa’s hospitality sector.
The convener also highlighted the impact of technology on tourism and hotel operations, noting that digital solutions were improving booking systems, payment processes and overall guest experiences.
While acknowledging the growth potential of the sector, Sunday said challenges such as high operating costs, poor infrastructure, multiple taxation, insecurity and unreliable power supply continue to affect hospitality businesses.
He called for stronger government policies and a more supportive business environment to enable tourism and hospitality operators contribute more to economic development.
He also stressed the need for improved welfare for hospitality workers, saying better compensation, healthcare support, insurance and career development opportunities were essential for retaining skilled professionals in the industry.
The conference will also feature the graduation of about 90 students from the Hotel Managers School and an awards ceremony to recognise excellence in the hospitality industry.
With participation expected from across Africa, HMCA organisers said the Lagos gathering would further strengthen collaboration, innovation and partnerships aimed at positioning Africa as a more competitive tourism destination.
Year: 2026
-
Lagos Summit to Drive Africa’s Hospitality Growth, Tourism Competitiveness
Olugbenga addressing ANJET members -
President Tinubu changing the face of Abuja’s neglected communities with massive legacy projects-TMSG
.
*President Tinubu changing the face of Abuja’s neg
By Danladi Ahmed
The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the recently commissioned 194-kilometre water supply network in the nation’s capital, Abuja, as one of President Bola Tinubu’s major legacy projects for which he will be remembered long after leaving office as an inclusive development catalyst.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, the group said it was instructive that the project linking Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Orozo and other adjoining satellite towns was started and completed in less than one year.
The group further described the water supply network as one of the massive projects executed by the Tinubu administration in the least developed parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
TMSG said: “It is worth noting that works on the 194 kilometres water supply network to satellite towns began in August last year after a directive by President Bola Tinubu to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that water infrastructure from the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project be connected to those communities on the outskirts of Abuja metropolis.
“Like many Nigerians, we were pleasantly surprised that less than a year after the project, which is meant to provide clean, potable water to residents of those satellite communities, was ready for commissioning.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it was a project that Minister Wike began from scratch with funds paid to the contractors as early as possible because the federal government took it as a priority infrastructural project.
“Although it may not be on the scale of a legacy project like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the fact that it involves the supply of water to satellite towns of Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu and Orozo, as well as adjoining communities, makes it a major legacy project for the teeming population.
“This is because the benefitting communities have never been linked to the FCT water supply network, which was why President Tinubu made a promise to extend water supply to satellite towns in August last year.
“So we want to place it on record that the massive water project with 194 kilometres of pipelines running through four satellite towns and adjoining communities was completed in a record time of 10 months.”
“For us, it is a fulfilment of a promise by the administration to make life better for people in multiple communities who have, for several years, been deprived of the right to potable water.”
TMSG also noted and commended the six-lane dual carriageway linking the Abuja airport to Kuje township.
“The dual carriageway into Kuje, a densely populated satellite town in the vicinity of the Airport in Abuja, had remained uncompleted since the contract for the project was awarded in 2022.
“But within a few years in office, a six-lane highway with a good drainage system is in place linking the satellite town to one of FCT’s major highways.
“We dare say this is a result of the political will of the President Tinubu administration to open up satellite towns and make them livable as well as the commitment of Minister Wike to deliver on good governance.
“Like the President said at the commissioning of the projects, true democracy must be felt at the grassroots, and we believe that there is no better way to do this than through projects that add quantum value to people’s lives.
‘And lest we forget, there is another major dual carriageway linking Kuje to Gwagwalada, another densely populated part of the FCT, which is nearing completion and slated for commissioning in a few weeks.
“So it is safe to say that the President Tinubu administration is indeed fast changing the face of infrastructure in the FCT, as well as expanding development to hitherto neglected parts of the nation’s capital,” the statement added.
End
-
Alleged defamation: Court grants Sowore N200m bail
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday admitted Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), to a N200 million bail with two sureties.
Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling on Sowore’s application for stay of execution of the order for his bail revocation, directed that one of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community.
Justice Umar held that the surety must have a landed property in Abuja.
The judge, who held that the sureties must also be verified by the prosecution, ordered Sowore to also deposit his international passport with deputy chief registrar of the court.
The judge then handed over the defendant to his lawyers and adjourned the matter until July 6 for Sowore to open his defence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Umar had, on June 22, ordered the remand of Sowore, also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, in Kuje Correctional Centre.
The judge, in a short ruling, ordered Sowore to be kept in the correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of his motion for stay of the order for revocation of his bail and bench warrant filed by his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN.
The judge equally dismissed Sowore’s ealier application seeking the judge’s recusal from the case on the ground of alleged bias.
The judge then adjourned the matter until June 24 for hearing of the application for stay.
After Sowore’s application was moved and argued on June 24, Justice Umar fixed today for a ruling.
The judge ordered the defendant to remain in custody pending the ruling.
The judge had, on June 16, revoked a bail granted to Sowore following his failure to appear in court for his trial.
Justice Umar, in a ruling on an oral application made by the lawyer to DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore for allegedly making false claims against the person of President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as “a criminal” in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.
-
Pre-election cases: Federal High Court CJ issues new practice directions
The Federal High Court (FHC) has issued (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026, for a fair, impartial and expeditious determination of pre-election cases across the country.
The new practice direction was issued by the Chief Judge (CJ), Justice John Tsoho.
This is in exercise of the powers conferred on him by virtue of Sections 254, 285 (9), (10) and (14) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 29 (5) and 88 (2) of the Electoral Act, 2026 and all other powers enabling him to that regard.
The FHC’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine-Oby Christopher, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
She said the practice directions is also aimed at ensuring that in all election matters, the parties focus on matters which are genuinely in issue.
She said it would minimise the time spent in dealing with interlocutory matters; ensure that the possibility of amicable settlement is explored before the parties go into hearing and minimise undue adjournments and delays in the conduct of matters.
The director said this was in line with the constitution, the Electoral Act, 2026, and other applicable laws.
“The Federal High Court of Nigeria hereby notifies members of the Bar, political parties, litigants and the general public that the Honourable the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, OFR, has issued the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026.
“It is instructive that the current Practice Directions has repealed the 2022 version,” the statement said.
According to a copy of the (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026 attached to the statement, the provisions of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 shall apply to any issue not provided for in this Practice Directions.
“The court, in every pre-election matter before it, shall pay particular attention to the provisions of Sections 29 (5) (6) (7), 83 (5) & (6), 88 (1 4) of the Electoral Act, 2026 and Section 285 (14) (C) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
“A party challenging the conduct or outcome of a primary election shall join as respondents in the suit, all the relevant parties to enable the court to effectively determine the dispute,” it said.
It said In cognizance of pre-election cases being time sensitive in nature, the registry of court in all the judicial divisions shall be open on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays, between the hours of 10am and 2pm exclusively for the filing of pre-election matters.
“Every pre-election matter shall be commenced by an Originating Summons as specified in Forms 3, 4 and 5 of Appendix 6 to the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, with such variations as circumstances may require.
“PROVIDED however, that where a party alleges fraud, forgery or highly contentious facts in a pre-election matter, the parties shall in addition to or in lieu of affidavits, set out the particulars of such alleged facts; which shall be examined by way of calling of witnesses viva voce or receiving of documents in evidence.
“The parties and the court shall be entitled to summon any person to attend, to produce documents before it, or to be examined or cross examined before it in like manner at the hearing of the suit,” it said
To ensure speedy dispensation of justice, it said an electronic mail and other electronic means may be employed by the court in order to inform counsel of urgent court and case events.
Besides, the practice directions allows a judge handling a pre-election matter to leverage technology in the conduct of proceedings, including virtual hearings.
“Upon the close of exchange of processes between the parties, the court shall within seven (7) days set down the matter for hearing.
“The court shall continue to accord priority to all pre-election matters until judgement is delivered.
“Where a matter comes up for hearing under this Practice Directions and either of the parties is absent, the court shall either suo motu or upon oral application by the counsel for the party present, order that the address of the party absent be deemed adopted if it is satisfied that the parties had notice of proceedings.
“The court and the parties shall prevent unnecessary delays and accordingly, not more than two (2) adjournments shall be granted to any party to an action covered by the provisions of this Practice Directions,” it said, among other guidelines.
-
Alleged bias: Court threatens to dimiss suit against FHC chief judge, Justice Lifu
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday threatened to dismiss a suit filed against Chief Judge (CJ) of Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu for lack of diligent prosecution.
Justice Salim Ibrahim, in a ruling, held that the case may be dismissed if there was no representation for the plaintiff, Mr Nkemakolam Ukandu, a chietain of African Democratic Congress (ADC), in the next adjourned date.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ukandu, the National Welfare Secretary of ADC, had sued the National Judicial Council (NJC), the FHC CJ and Justice Lifu as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively, over alleged bias and disobedience to court order.
Ukandu, in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1165/2026, sought an order compelling the NJC to investigate allegations of corruption, abuse of judicial powers and bias levelled against Tsoho and Lifu.
When the case was called on Tuesday, only counsel for the 2nd and 3rd defendants (Tsoho and Lifu) were in Court.
No lawyer appeared for the plaintiff (Ukandu) and there was no representation for NJC either.
J.U.K. Igwe, SAN, who appeared for Tsoho and Lifu informed the court that the case was adjourned for mention.
He recalled that on June 22 when the matter came up, neither the plaintiff nor his lawyer was in court.
The lawyer, who said it seemed the plaintiff was not ready to prosecute the case, urged the court to strike out the suit.
Justice Ibrahim, however, said it was necessary to give the plaintiff another opportunity in the interest of fair hearing.
Igwe then told the court that efforts to serve the plaintiff with their preliminary objection and other processes had been unsuccessful.
He said the bailiff told them that the address of the plaintiff counsel at No. 4, Oyo Street, Garki at Area 2 in Abuja, could not be located as there was no building on the plot.
The lawyer, therefore, said a motion ex-parte for substituted service had been filed.
He said the motion was dated and filed on June 25.
He said the application sought an order allowing their notice of preliminary objection, memorandum of conditional appearance, joint statement of defence, and others, to be served on the plaintiff by substituted means by pasting the processes at the entrance gate of No. 4 Oyo Street, Garki, Area 2, Abuja.
He alternatively sought that the court documents be sent to the plaintiff electronically through WhatsApp Messenger or WhatsApp number provided by the plaintiff in his writ of summons.
After moving the motion, the judge granted it partly by directing the applicants to paste the processes on the gate of the above-address.
Justice Ibrahim further ordered the 2nd and 3rd defendants (Tsoho and Lifu) to ensure that the order of the court is served on the plaintiff and the 1st respondent (NJC) in the suit.
The judge, who ordered that hearing notices be issued and served on Ukandu and the NJC, adjourned the matter until July 6 for hearing.
NAN observes that the suit stemmed from the ADC leadership crisis involving an aggrieved member, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, whose case is currently before Justice Lifu.
Gombe’s suit seeks an order stopping Sen. David Mark-led leadership of ADC from parading themselves as leaders of the party.
Ukandu, who is seeking to be joined in the suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, brought by Gombe, accused the CJ and Justice Lifu of manifest bias, and willingness to do the biddings of persons against the interest of the party.
Ukandu, in the suit he personally filed at the FHC, faulted the CJ for reassigning the suit to Lifu after it was taken away from Justice Emeka Nwite.
He said the reassignment was in disregard to the orders of the Supreme Court as well as Justice Nwite.
-
Customs intensifies campaign as Green Tax takes off July 1
A group picture of customs senior officers and stakeholders during sensitisation programme Friday, June 26, 2026, with the theme, “Implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and Related Fiscal Adjustments.” Customs intensifies campaign as Green Tax takes off July 1
Reporter
Lagos, June 29, 2026(NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its nationwide sensitisation campaign on the implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and related fiscal adjustments ahead of the policy’s commencement on July 1, 2026.
Customs saaid that the initiative was aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, reducing carbon emissions and encouraging the importation of cleaner vehicles into the country in line with global environmental standards.
According to the statement, the sensitisation programme was held at the Apapa Customs Area Command on Friday, June 26, 2026, with the theme, “Implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and Related Fiscal Adjustments.”
The event brought together Customs officers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers and other key stakeholders to familiarise them with the new policy ahead of its implementation.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Mohammed Babadende, said the exercise was organised in ensuring that stakeholders fully understand the policy and its implementation framework before it takes effect.
“This sensitisation is designed to ensure that every stakeholder clearly understands the policy before implementation. Our objective is to eliminate uncertainty, promote voluntary compliance and guarantee uniform application of the Green Tax Surcharge across all commands,” Babadende said.
He noted that effective stakeholder engagement would help ensure a seamless rollout of the policy while improving compliance across the country’s ports and border stations.
Delivering a technical presentation, the Comptroller in charge of Tariff, System Audit and Coordination, Murtala Muazu, explained that the Green Tax Surcharge differs from conventional fiscal measures and would therefore require a separate assessment process.
Muazu disclosed that the Service has introduced a simplified implementation mechanism through the Harmonised System (HS) Code declaration platform to facilitate accurate assessment and ease compliance by importers and clearing agents.
He further revealed that the Federal Government has simultaneously reviewed existing import charges on vehicles to cushion the effect of the new environmental levy.
According to him, import levies on vehicles have been reduced from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, while duties on used vehicles have been cut from 15 per cent to five per cent.
The Customs Service said the reductions were intended to offset the impact of the Green Tax Surcharge while supporting legitimate trade and ensuring businesses were not unduly burdened by the new policy.
The Area Controllers who attended the sensitisation programme urged importers, licensed customs agents and members of the public to support the initiative.
The controllers mentioned that the reduction in import levies would lower the cost of doing business, facilitate legitimate trade and ultimately contribute to reducing transportation costs across the country.
Stakeholders at the event welcomed the initiative but called for sustained public awareness campaigns to ensure broader understanding, minimise confusion and encourage voluntary compliance as the rollout date approaches.
The Green Tax Surcharge is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to promote environmentally friendly transportation and align Nigeria’s import policies with global climate and sustainability objectives.
-
Insecurity: Ex-agitator calls for calm ahead of 2027 polls
Former Niger Delta ex-agitator, Endurance Amagbein, has called for calm as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Amagbein, who made the call in a statement on Monday in Abuja, urged Nigerians not to give up on their beloved country, but to join the fight against the enemies of the state.
He expressed concerns over the security challenges currently plaguing the country.
Amagbein, the self-styled General, explained that Nigeria could only win the fight when citizens stand with the Federal Government, rather than fanning the embers of discord.
He said he shared the pains and plight of Nigerians, especially those kidnapped or whose relatives had been killed in the spate of insecurity.
He, however, expressed optimism that all hope is not lost, as the security agencies were making collective efforts to win the war against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of violent crimes.
While blaming the insecurity on political interests, he alleged that “some opposition politicians are fueling the insecurity to use as campaign against the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.”
The ex-freedom fighter, fondly called Adaka Boro the Second, lamented that these same authors of insecurity were those who benefitted from President Tinubu’s administration, but later turned against the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda because of their selfish interests.
According to Amagbein, despite the fact that the opposition is hammering on the insecurity, several terrorists and insurgent groups have been eliminated by the Federal Government.
“No one is talking about the gains made by the security agencies because bad news spreads faster than good news,” he said.
He, therefore, called on his teaming supporters to continue to queue behind the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
The ex-agitator, who urged Nigerians to give Tinubu more time to fix Nigeria, assured the president of his unalloyed support.
-
Donald Duke challenges court’s jurisdiction in suit seeking to void his presidential candidacy
Former Gov. Donald Duke of Cross River has challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to hear a suit seeking an order nullifying his emergence as People’s Redemption Party (PRP)’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Duke, in a preliminary objection, prayed Justice Mohammad Umar to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Umar had, on June 22, fixed today for hearing of the suit filed by an aggrieved aspirant, Dr Yakubu Kingsley, against Duke’s emergence as PRP’s presidential candidate in the May 25 primary election.
When the case was called on Monday, only Kingsley’s lawyer, Felix Ipogah, was in court.
Ipogah informed the court that the matter was scheduled for hearing of their motion ex-parte for substituted service of court processes on Duke, who is the 2nd defendant in the suit.
“However, we are applying to withdraw same as event has overtaken that,” he said.
The lawyer told the court that Duke, who they had planned to serve by substituted means, had filed a preliminary objection and a counter affidavit.
Ipogah then applied that the ex-parte motion, dated June 23 but filed June 24, be struck out and the judge granted the prayer.
The lawyer therefore sought an adjournment to enable them respond to Duke’s processes.
Justice Umar, who adjourned the matter until July 7 for hearing, ordered that hearing notices be issued and served on all the defendants, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The judge also ordered that all the parties must filed their processes before the next adjourned date.
NAN reports that Kingsley, the claimant, had sued PRP, the former governor and INEC as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.
Kingsley, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1234/2026 and filed by D.A. Sulyman, sought three questions for determination in the originating summons filed on June 10.
The plaintiff wants the court to determine whether Duke was dully returned as the presidential candidate of PRP in the May 25 primary election, in which its results was declared on the May 26, having not been a registered member of the party as at May 4, when the PRP’s membership register was submitted to INEC.
“Whether over voting in states like Bauchi, where the registered members of the 1st defendant in its membership database is 593 and the total votes cast was 760, in Gombe State the registered member was 348 and the votes cast was 1,431 and in Kwara State, the registered members is 55 while the vote cast was 82 votes, will not call for the nullification of the said primary election.”
He, therefore, sought a declaration that the ex-govenor, not been a registered member of PRP, cannot participate in the party’s primary election held on May 25 where he was declared the winner on May 26.
He sought a declaration that Duke ought not to have been cleared for the presidential primary election contest, having not complied with the guidelines of the party to physically present for the screening at its national secretariat.
Kingsley, therefore, prayed the court for an order setting aside the results of the presidential election conducted in Bauchi, Gombe and Kwara respectively on the ground of over voting.
He sought an order declaring him as the presidential candidate of PRP for 2027 general elections, having complied with all the party’s guidelines and been a registered member of the party.
He also sought an order directing the commission not to recognise Duke as PRP’s presidential flagbearer or to delete his name from its database as the presidential candidate of the party.
The plaintiff further sought an order directing the electoral umpire to recognise him as PRP’s presidential candidate.
In the affidavit in support of the suit deposed to by Kingsley himself, the aggrieved aspirant said he is a registered member of PRP with membership card number: 2A8D8B20B2.
The plaintiff, who described himself as a “politician,” said he is of Auchi III Ward, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, but presently in Abuja, FCT,.
He averred on oath that Duke was not a dully member of PRP as at May 4 when the membership register of the party was submitted to INEC.
He said he validly purchased the party’s Expression of Interest Form and Nomination Form for the office of president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and paid a total sum of N20 million to the party.
But Duke and PRP, in the preliminary objection jointly filed June 23 by their lawyer, Noah Abdul, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.
Giving seven grounds why their application should be granted, Abdul argued that Kingsley’s suit “as constituted is purportedly a pre-election matter within the meaning of Section 285(14) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The lawyer submitted thay by Section 285(9) of the constitution, every pre-election matter ought to have been filed not later than 14 days from the date of the occurrence of the event, decision or action complained of.
According to him, the cause of action in this suit arose on 26 May, 2026, being the day the result of presidential primary election of the 1st defendant was declared.
He, however, said that the instant suit was filed on June 11, 17 days after the accrual of the cause of action.
“The instant suit was filed outside the mandatory 14-days period stipulated by Section 285(9) of the constitution, and therefore statute-barred.
“The 14-days period under Section 285(9) is jurisdictional and cannot be extended or enlarged by the court or waived by parties,” he said.
Abdul argued that issues relating to membership of a political party, as is the instant case, is a matter strictly within the domestic affairs of a political party.
He said the court has no jurisdiction to determine who the members of a political party are.
“It is not a justiciable question,” he said.
-
Court adjourns new suit seeking deregistration of NDC for hearing
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourn another suit seeking an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), until July 7 for hearing.
Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the case after counsel to the plaintiff, B.J. Akomolafe, sought an adjournment to enable him respond to the processes served on him by the NDC’s lawyer, Moses Achile.
When the matter was called on Monday, Akomolafe and Achile, who represented the plaintiff and 2nd defendant, were in court.
However, INEC, the 1st defendant, was not represented in court.
Akomolafe told the court that NDC, the 2nd defendant, served him with processes earlier in the morning and he would need time to reply.
Justice Umar adjourned the matter untik July 7 for hearing.
The judge ordered that a hearing notice be issued and served on the electoral umpire.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Ahidjo Karlahi, the Protem Director of Organisation of All Democratic Alliance (ADA) had sued INEC and NDC as 1st and 2nd defendants.
In the originating summons filed on June 2 marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1115/2026, the ADA leader said NDC as a political party had not fulfilled the mandatory constitutional and statutory conditions prescribed under Sections 221-225A of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Karlahi argued that the NDC was not listed among the prequalified associations for formal application in the 2025 political parties’ registration exercise.
According to him, NDC bypassed every mandatory step in the registration process, and as such, it should not be registered as a political party in the country.
He said, “The NDC was not listed among the prequalified associations for formal application in the 2025 political parties’ registration exercise.
“The NDC was not listed among those associations that paid the mandatory N2,000,000.00 administrative fee and received access codes to the INEC’s Application Portal for the 2025 registration exercise. VoterRegistration Software
“The NDC did not access INEC’s dedicated Political Party Registration Portal during the 2025 registration exercise which is the only way to fill the Form EC15A.
“The NDC did not hence fill INEC’s mandatory form EC15A, which is the only valid means of formally applying for registration as a political party.
“The NDC was not listed among the pre-qualified political associations published by INEC as having applied. These are not mere allegations – they are matters of public record.”
The ADA chieftain urged the court to declare the continuing validity of the NDC’s registration as unconstitutional, illegal, unlawful, ultra vires, null and void.
His words: “My suit respectfully prays the court to in essence: declare that the constitution does not permit an entity that never satisfied constitutional conditions for registration to be registered and to continue enjoying the status of a political party.
“Declare the continuing administrative recognition of the NDC by INEC as unconstitutional and unlawful. PoliticalCampaign Management
“Set aside the continuing recognition of NDC’s Certificate of Registration issued by INEC. Order INEC to halt its continuing recognition of NDC from its official register of political parties.
“Forbid INEC from continuing to deal with NDC as a political party; restrain the NDC from continuing to parade itself or continuing to participate in any electoral activity as a registered political party.
“This suit is instituted solely by me as a citizen to advance constitutionalism, the rule of law and electoral integrity in our democracy. It is not directed against any individual or group of persons.”
Karlahi explained that the suit carries no ulterior political or personal motives, adding that it is not instituted on behalf of any association or group, including the ADA.
“I believe that electoral integrity is the bedrock of constitutional democracy. If the process for registering political parties is compromised, the entire democratic edifice is at risk. This suit is my contribution to safeguarding that process.
“I call on all Nigerians – regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion – to understand, support and be patient as this matter proceeds through the judicial process.
“The courts remain the last refuge of the common man and the ultimate guardian of our Constitution. I have faith in the judiciary and trust that justice will be done according to law.
“I urge the media, civil society and the general public to follow this case with the seriousness it deserves, not as a partisan squabble, but as a test of whether our constitutional order will be respected or eroded,” he said.
NAN recalls that a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi, on Friday set aside its earlier judgement directing INEC to register NDC as a political party.
Justice Isah Dashen, in his decision, held that all relevant parties must be heard before any substantive decision can be made in the matter.
The judge upheld the application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), ruling that the party was a necessary party to the suit.
According to the judge, the earlier judgement was constitutionally defective as it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties.
NDC had, however, vowed to appeal the judgment.