Members, stakeholders and supporters of the Accord Party in Kano State have welcomed the recent intervention of the Court of Appeal in Abuja over the attempted deregistration of political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the decision as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of Accord Party members and supporters of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim held on Saturday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat Conference Hall in Kano, according to the statement signed by the party’s Women Leader, Ambassador Aisha Ibrahim Ya’u, and North West Coordinator, Bashir Muhammad Goje Alade.

According to the communiqué, representatives from all 44 local government areas of Kano State attended the meeting to deliberate on recent judicial developments surrounding the Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the Accord Party.

The gathering commended the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja for granting a stay of execution of the Federal High Court judgment, stating that the appellate court’s action demonstrated a commitment to justice, due process and constitutional governance, according to the communiqué.

The party members expressed confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, describing it as a critical institution for safeguarding democracy and protecting citizens’ rights, the statement said. They noted that the Court of Appeal’s intervention had strengthened public trust in the judicial process and reaffirmed the importance of respecting established legal procedures.

The meeting also reassured party members and supporters that the Accord Party remains a legally recognised political party pending the final determination of the matter before the courts, according to the communiqué. Participants stressed that all structures, organs and activities of the party remain valid and operational across the country.

In addition, attendees emphasised the importance of political pluralism in sustaining democratic governance, arguing that citizens should continue to enjoy a wide range of political choices, the statement noted. The meeting pledged support for all lawful efforts aimed at preserving multiparty democracy and promoting inclusive political participation.

The stakeholders commended Accord Party members across Kano State and other parts of the country for remaining calm and committed despite the uncertainty generated by the legal dispute, according to the communiqué. They praised supporters for demonstrating maturity and dedication to democratic ideals during the period.

The meeting further reaffirmed its support for Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, describing him as a leader committed to national unity, prosperity and democratic development, the statement said. Participants urged party supporters to remain peaceful and focused on advancing the programmes and objectives of the party.

The stakeholders also called on political actors, institutions and other interested parties to respect ongoing judicial proceedings and avoid comments or actions that could interfere with the legal process, according to the communiqué.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants passed a unanimous vote of confidence in the leadership of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, citing his efforts to strengthen the Accord Party’s structures and presence across wards, local government areas and communities in Kano State and throughout Nigeria, the statement added.

The communiqué was jointly signed by Ambassador Aisha Ibrahim Ya’u, Women Leader, and Bashir Muhammad Goje Alade, North West Coordinator of the Accord Party support group.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has written to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, requesting the revocation of the contract for the Kano–Gwarzo–Dayi Road project due to the contractor’s poor performance.

The project involves upgrading the approximately 100-kilometre single-lane Kano–Gwarzo–Dayi road into a dual carriageway to improve transportation and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce from rural communities to markets across neighbouring states.

In a leaked letter, sighted by our correspondent which was personally signed by Senator Barau, the lawmaker expressed serious concern over the performance of CGC Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the project, which was received at the Ministry of Works headquarters on June 8, 2026, noted that despite the allocations of billions to the company.

Senator Barau stressed that the continued delay in completing the project has negatively affected residents, commuters, and economic activities along the corridor, and called for urgent and immediate action by the Ministry of Works.

According to the letter:
“Given the strategic importance of the Kano–Dayi Road to the socio-economic development of Kano, Katsina and Kebbi States, it is deeply concerning that the contractor has failed to make satisfactory progress despite the allocation of N19 billion and N37 billion to the project under the 2025 and 2026 Appropriation Acts, respectively.

“This persistent lack of progress has resulted in undue hardship for residents, commuters, and other road users.

“In view of the persistent delays and the contractor’s apparent inability to meet expected project milestones, I urge the Ministry to undertake an immediate assessment of its performance and revoke the contract in the interest of the public.”

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Kwara State Government has instituted a criminal defamation suit at the Kwara State High Court against former senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki.

The former senate president is charged with making defamatory statements against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The charge was filed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ayoola Idowu Akande, and Assistant Chief State Counsel, B.L. Abdulsalam, on behalf of the people of Kwara State.

According to the charge sheet, Mr Saraki was accused of publishing and sharing a statement on social media platforms including facebook, X and in newspapers on or about April 17, 2026, alleging that Mr AbdulRazaq did not possess secondary school education qualifications.

The government alleged that the statement was false and was intentionally published using insulting, derogatory and abusive language aimed at provoking the governor and the state government.

The prosecution further stated that the publication was capable of causing a breakdown of public peace, contrary to Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara 2006.

At the court sitting on Wednesday, Prosecution counsel, R.O. Balogun, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment and urged the court to issue a bench warrant against Mr Saraki for failing to appear in court.

Mr Balogun said that the defendant had been duly served and that his counsel’s presence in court indicated his awareness of the proceedings.

“The defendant’s counsel is in court appearing for him and he should be here. We are the prosecution and should be allowed to proceed. There is no valid reason given for his absence.

“We therefore pray the court to issue a bench warrant against him in line with Section 138,” he submitted.

However, Counsel to the defendant, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), challenged the jurisdiction of the court, arguing that the matter fell within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court rather than the State High Court.

He also questioned the service of the charge on his client, insisting that Mr Saraki had not been properly served.

Following a two-hour recess to consider the submissions of both parties on the preliminary objection and request for adjournment, the trial judge, Justice M.O. Folorunso, ruled that the defendant was entitled to seek an adjournment.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 3, for hearing of the preliminary objection and possible arraignment of the defendant.