Ikenna Enekweizu, the National Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has asserted that the recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja, which set aside a previous order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC, will not withstand legal scrutiny.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Enekweizu highlighted several key points regarding the party’s legal standing during his interview with ARISE Television:

• Deemed Registration: He explained that the court’s initial substantive judgment deemed the NDC to be registered, as the party had met all necessary requirements, yet INEC refused registration without justification.

• Shifting Justifications: Enekweizu argued that INEC originally denied registration based on an alleged logo resemblance to the All Progressives Congress (APC), not the Peace Movement Party (PMP). He noted that INEC only introduced the PMP as a reason after the NDC had already initiated legal action.

• Non-Existence of PMP: He maintained that the PMP is not a registered political party, nor was it among the 171 political associations that applied to INEC for registration.

• Legal Inconsistency: Enekweizu contended that INEC admitted during the hearing that the logo did not resemble the APC’s and that the PMP was not a registered entity or an applicant, which he believes invalidates the commission’s justification for withholding registration.

Cape Verde has achieved historic success in their World Cup debut, advancing to the Round of 32 after an unbeaten group stage performance. Despite finishing second in Group H with five points, they secured their progression following a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia and a 1-0 victory by Spain over Uruguay. The team, which also drew with Spain and Uruguay, is now set to face Argentina in the knockout stage.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In other Group H action, Spain clinched the top spot by defeating Uruguay 1-0 in a physical match decided by a goalkeeping error, ultimately eliminating Uruguay from the tournament.

Additional developments from the 2026 World Cup include:

• Belgium: Secured their place in the knockout rounds by topping Group G after a 5-1 victory over New Zealand, featuring two goals from Leandro Trossard.

• Egypt and Iran: Drew 1-1 in a Seattle match that featured a Pride-themed display.

• France: Topped Group I with a 4-1 win over Norway, highlighted by a first-half hat-trick from Ousmane Dembélé.

• Senegal: Earned a 5-0 victory against 10-man Iraq, keeping their hopes alive for progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.

Chioma Ifemeludike, the former African Action Congress (AAC) senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, has officially withdrawn from the 2027 election race. Ifemeludike, who also serves as the AAC Deputy National Chairperson for the South-East, communicated her decision to the party’s Acting National Chairperson via a formal letter.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Following her selection through a consensus arrangement during the party’s primary election in May, her withdrawal includes several key points:

• Formal Resignation: Ifemeludike has requested that the party’s National Working Committee remove her name from all official records, processes, and activities associated with the Anambra Central senatorial ticket.

• Commitment to Principles: She stated that her decision is rooted in a commitment to accountability, justice, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

• Influencing Factors: Her choice was significantly impacted by recent events involving Doris Ogala Umezurike and the case of Baby Testimony and his physically challenged mother.

• Shift in Focus: Ifemeludike expressed that the handling of that case raised concerns about justice and public treatment, prompting her to abandon her political candidacy to focus on advocacy for the vulnerable.