Some aspirants loyal to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who failed to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) tickets in the recently concluded National Assembly primaries, have approached the court to challenge the outcome of the exercise.

The aggrieved aspirants are challenging the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the results of the primaries and the list of candidates submitted by the party to the electoral body.

Report quoted sources within the party as saying the aspirants decided to seek judicial redress after expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome of the primaries.

The aspirants have reportedly engaged the services of the law firm of Remi Olatubora, SAN, to challenge the outcome of the exercise, the report also mentioned.

Those involved include Gbenga Elegbeleye (Ondo North Senatorial District), Dr Taiwo Fasoranti (Ondo Central Senatorial District), Leke Akingboye (Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency), Rasaq Obe (Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency), Kayode Ijalana (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency), Oyerinmade Matthew (Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency), and Olumuyiwa Daramola (Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency).

The legal action has reportedly generated concerns among some party stakeholders, who fear it could affect the APC’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has asked the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to step aside pending an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, who reportedly died at his residence.

The demand was made on Wednesday in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.

The party said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death had raised public concerns that required an independent investigation, insisting that only a transparent process would establish the facts and restore public confidence.

The party also demanded a full autopsy and the public release of the investigation findings, arguing that the investigation should be conducted outside the influence of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Federal Government.

“Every Nigerian life matters. But when a citizen dies in the home of a serving cabinet minister, the matter immediately transcends private tragedy and becomes a question of public accountability. The only acceptable response in a constitutional democracy is a thorough, transparent and independent investigation that commands public confidence,” ADC said.

The opposition party questioned the circumstances surrounding Habila’s presence at the minister’s residence, saying issues relating to her assignment, the events leading to her death and the outcome of ongoing investigations should be clarified through an independent inquiry.

ADC further alleged that the President Bola Tinubu administration had repeatedly shielded senior government officials whenever allegations emerged against them, claiming that public confidence in accountability had continued to decline.

The party also called on Umahi to step aside pending the outcome of the investigation, maintaining that such a move would allow an impartial inquiry into the matter.

“The least that should be expected is that the Minister, Senator David Umahi, should immediately step aside from office pending the conclusion of an independent investigation,” the statement added.

The party expressed condolences to Habila’s family, insisting that a transparent investigation is necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.

The Nigerian Senate has approved a donation of N50 million to the families of five individuals who lost their lives in the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in the Oriire local government area of Oyo State.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation during plenary on Wednesday, describing their deaths as a painful sacrifice in the nation’s fight against insecurity.

Akpabio lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted victims after nearly two months in captivity.

According to him, N10 million would be given to each of the families of the two teachers murdered by the abductors and the three soldiers who died during the rescue operation.

Akpabio stated that the gesture was aimed at providing some support to the bereaved families and recognising the sacrifices made by the deceased in the course of the tragic incident.