Supreme Court to Rule on PDP and ADC Fate as Tinubu Appoints Odumegwu-Ojukwu Foreign Minister

Key facts

• Supreme Court to deliver judgments today on PDP and ADC cases.
• Federal High Court barred INEC from recognizing Mark-led ADC congresses.
• President Tinubu appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Foreign Affairs Minister.
• IGP ordered disciplinary action against police over fatal shooting in Effurun.
• Petrol prices near N1,400 per litre amid Middle East tensions.
• Naira appreciated to N1,379.46 per US dollar at official market.
• SDP fixed May 9 for national convention in Bauchi, defying INEC.
• Vice President Shettima urged APC unity ahead of 2027 elections.

Supreme Court Verdict Looms Over Opposition Parties

Nigeria’s Supreme Court will deliver judgments today that will determine the legal standing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The rulings come amid a flurry of legal and political maneuvers as parties jostle for position. An Abuja Federal High Court on Wednesday barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the recent congresses conducted by the Mark-led National Executive Committee of the ADC. The decision has thrown the party into turmoil, with its national chairman, David Mark, vowing that the ADC will contest all elections in 2027 despite the setback.

Tinubu Reshuffles Cabinet, Appoints Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Foreign Minister

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, replacing Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who resigned to participate in the 2027 elections. Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, steps into the role at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions. The appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy apparatus as the country navigates complex global issues, including the Middle East crisis and its impact on oil prices.

Police Chief Orders Action Over Delta Shooting, Banditry Foiled in Katsina

Inspector-General of Police Rilwan Olutunji Disu has ordered immediate disciplinary action against officers involved in the fatal shooting of civilian Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State. The IGP announced the decision during a press briefing at Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, signaling a crackdown on police misconduct. In a separate incident, the Katsina State Police Command foiled a banditry attack on communities in Dandume Local Government Area late Tuesday. Heavily armed bandits invaded Unguwar Bido and Unguwar Kanawa villages around 10:00 p.m., but police arrested one suspect and rescued two injured residents.

Petrol Prices Surge Past N1,400 as Middle East Crisis Deepens

The pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) is approaching N1,400 per litre across many parts of Nigeria, driven by the failure of the United States and Iran to agree on a ceasefire that would allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The lingering Middle East crisis, compounded by the United Arab Emirates’ exit from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on Tuesday, has pushed fuel costs higher. The price surge adds to inflationary pressures on Nigerian households and businesses, with the naira trading at N1,379.46 per US dollar at the official market on Wednesday, gaining N1.24.

SDP Defies INEC with May 9 Convention Date

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has fixed May 9 for its national convention in Bauchi State, defying the Independent National Electoral Commission amid a festering leadership dispute. Embattled National Chairman Prof Sadiq Gombe announced the date and plans for nationwide congresses at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday. The move deepens the rift within the SDP, which faces internal challenges as it seeks to position itself for the 2027 elections.

Adeleke Alleges APC Plot to Disrupt Osun Election, Shettima Urges Unity

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused elements within the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to disrupt the August 15, 2026 governorship election out of fear of defeat. In a statement by his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke alleged that APC figures in the state are bent on subverting the will of the people. Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged APC leaders and aspirants to embrace unity and restraint ahead of primaries and the 2027 general elections. In a statement titled “2027: Don’t Pull Down the Roof,” Shettima warned that internal divisions could weaken the party’s chances of success.

The bottom line

• Supreme Court rulings today will shape the legal standing of PDP and ADC for 2027 elections.
• Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu appointed Foreign Minister after Tuggar resigned to run for office.
• IGP ordered disciplinary action against police over fatal shooting in Effurun.
• Petrol prices near N1,400 per litre due to Middle East tensions and UAE exit from OPEC.
• SDP defies INEC with May 9 convention, deepening internal leadership dispute.
• Adeleke accuses APC of plotting to disrupt Osun election; Shettima calls for APC unity.