The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo in a dispute over the party’s candidates emerging from the Benue State APC primaries for the 2027 general election.

The order was made on Thursday by Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026, filed by Engr. Sesugh Akaagba and other aggrieved APC candidates from Benue State against the APC and INEC.
The plaintiffs had, through an ex parte motion filed on July 5, 2026, sought six interim reliefs, including an order restraining the APC from substituting its validly nominated candidates in Benue State through its June 29, 2026 correspondence, or any subsequent communication, to INEC, pending determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an order compelling the APC to immediately transmit to INEC the names of candidates validly nominated during the primaries monitored by the electoral commission.

When the matter first came up on July 8, 2026, the court declined to grant the interim application immediately, directing both APC and INEC to appear and respond before any decision was taken. The matter was adjourned to July 16.

At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel representing the APC and INEC were present in court, while the plaintiffs were represented by Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, alongside his legal team.

In his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that since issues had been joined by the parties particularly with INEC now before the court, the defendants were required by law to preserve the subject matter of the litigation pending determination of the substantive suit.
When counsel to the plaintiffs urged the court to caution APC and INEC against taking any further action that could affect the disputed list of candidates, the judge responded that it was “not a matter of advice but of law,” stressing that the defendants were bound to maintain the status quo.

The court consequently restrained APC and INEC from taking any action capable of altering the disputed list of candidates pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The defendants did not object to the restraining order.
At the commencement of proceedings, the court noted that all parties had voluntarily submitted to its jurisdiction by duly filing and exchanging their respective processes.
It held that there was no procedural or jurisdictional impediment to the expeditious determination of the substantive action, and directed that the matter be heard without further delay.
In furtherance of the objective of preserving the res and safeguarding the efficacy of the judicial process, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit, restraining any act or omission capable of prejudicing the rights of the parties or rendering the proceedings nugatory.
The court further directed that INEC be served forthwith with the originating and all consequential processes.
The effect of the subsisting order is that INEC is restrained from tampering with the existing list of candidates pending final determination of the suit, and from receiving, recognising, or acting upon any purported substituted list of National Assembly candidates from Benue State submitted by the APC.
The matter was adjourned to July 21, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.

The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.

The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.

By Aga Samuel Imoter—Jalingo

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has called on leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to put aside grievances arising from the party’s recent congresses and primary elections, urging them to embrace reconciliation and work collectively towards strengthening the party.

The governor made the appeal on Tuesday night during a reconciliation dinner for APC stakeholders held at the Banquet Hall of the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo.

Addressing party faithful, Kefas acknowledged that the period surrounding his defection to the APC, the conduct of the congresses and the recently concluded primaries generated intense political competition, leaving some members feeling aggrieved and excluded.

He, however, insisted that the processes were never designed to humiliate or sideline any aspirant, stressing that the party’s future depends on unity rather than division.”The time has come to move beyond our differences. We must forgive one another, unite as one political family and focus on the greater task of building a stronger APC and a more prosperous Taraba State,” the governor said.

Kefas cautioned those who emerged victorious in the primaries against engaging in politics of exclusion or reprisals, warning that such actions could undermine the party’s electoral prospects. He urged elected candidates and party leaders to adopt an inclusive leadership style by accommodating all stakeholders, regardless of the positions they took during the internal contests.

According to him, the APC must remain united, with no room for factionalism, bitterness, suspicion or political vendettas, noting that the party’s greatest strength lies in its collective resolve and shared vision for the development of Taraba State.

The governor further assured party members that his administration would continue to welcome constructive criticism and sincere advice, maintaining that inclusive governance remains critical to sustaining both effective leadership and party cohesion. “Electoral success cannot be achieved by individuals acting alone but through a united, disciplined and committed political structure working towards common goals,” he added.

Kefas also appealed to aspirants who were unsuccessful in the primaries to accept the outcome in the interest of the party, reconcile with fellow members and mobilise support for all APC candidates ahead of future elections.

Earlier, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Prof. Josiah Sabo Kente, said the reconciliation dinner was organised to appreciate party stakeholders for their loyalty, sacrifices and peaceful conduct throughout the congresses and primary election process.

Kente described the gathering as a strategic initiative aimed at rebuilding trust, strengthening internal cohesion and positioning the APC for greater political success in Taraba State.

The event drew prominent APC leaders, elected and appointed officials, party executives, former and serving political office holders, aspirants and stakeholders from across the state, who collectively reaffirmed their commitment to unity and the continued growth of the party.

Political observers say the reconciliation initiative reflects the APC leadership’s determination to close ranks after its internal electoral process and consolidate support ahead of future political engagements in Taraba State.