By Rukevwe Odeh

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed objections raised by the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against an application filed by party chieftain Nafiu Bala Gombe in the ongoing leadership dispute.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Peter Odo Lifu ruled that the objections submitted by the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, lacked merit. The court held that Gombe should be allowed to amend his originating summons, describing such amendments as a normal legal procedure aimed at ensuring justice is properly served.

The judge explained that the request for amendment became necessary following a change in the plaintiff’s legal representation and noted that the defendants had failed to demonstrate how the amendment would prejudice their case.

Justice Lifu further stated that Mark, Aregbesola and the other defendants remain free to respond by filing amended counter-affidavits if they consider it necessary.

After reviewing the arguments presented by both sides, the court concluded that granting the amendment would not place the defendants at any legal disadvantage or deny them a fair hearing. Consequently, the objections were dismissed, and the plaintiff’s application was approved.

The court also ordered Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola to each pay ₦500,000 in costs to Nafiu Bala Gombe.

The dispute stems from a suit filed by Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, who is challenging the emergence of the party’s current national leadership. Through his counsel, he argued that amending the originating summons would allow all relevant issues to be properly placed before the court for determination.

By  Favour Bibaikefie

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has surpassed the United States in supplying jet fuel to Europe, following a significant rise in exports during June, according to new market data.

Figures released by S&P Global Commodity Insights indicate that the Lagos-based refinery exported about 466,000 metric tonnes of aviation fuel to Europe in June, nearly double the 232,000 metric tonnes shipped in May. The latest export volume represents the highest level of Nigerian jet fuel deliveries to Europe since the country became a net exporter of the product in 2024.

The June shipments are estimated at roughly 582.5 million litres of jet fuel. Using a domestic reference price of ₦1,300 per litre, the cargo is valued at approximately ₦757 billion.

The increase in Nigerian exports comes as Europe’s aviation fuel market has shifted from supply shortages to oversupply. Earlier price spikes driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have eased following higher refinery output and increased shipments from several exporters, including the Dangote refinery.

Meanwhile, jet fuel exports from the United States to Europe have continued to decline. Data showed American shipments dropped from 818,000 metric tonnes in April to 560,000 metric tonnes in May before falling further to 399,000 metric tonnes in June, allowing Nigeria to overtake the U.S. as Europe’s larger supplier for the month.

Industry traders attribute the current market surplus to increased refinery production, noting that many operators postponed maintenance work to maximize output while prices remained high. They also pointed to substantial exports from both the United States and the Dangote refinery, alongside the gradual return of cargo movements through the Suez route from the United Arab Emirates, as factors contributing to the growing supply.

Market analysts expect Europe to continue receiving additional jet fuel supplies in the coming months as exporters from the Middle East and Asia take advantage of favourable trading opportunities into the European market, potentially keeping prices under pressure.

By Rukevwe Odeh

President Bola Tinubu has called for closer collaboration between the Federal Government and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), stressing that meaningful partnerships are essential to achieving sustainable development and strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.

The President made the appeal during the 2026 National Civil Society Organisations Summit and Southern CSO Summit held in Lagos. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Addressing participants, Tinubu described civil society groups as key contributors to national progress, noting that their responsibilities extend beyond holding government accountable. He encouraged them to actively participate in advancing policies and programmes that promote transparency, inclusive growth, poverty reduction and human capital development.

According to the President, the theme of the summit, “Nigeria First and Sustainable Development,” reflects the need for all stakeholders to place national interest above every other consideration. He urged CSOs to remain committed to constructive engagement that supports peace, unity and economic progress.

Tinubu also cautioned organisations against allowing external influences to undermine Nigeria’s development priorities, urging them to ensure that their activities and partnerships align with the country’s long-term aspirations.

He maintained that civil society groups should be seen as partners in nation-building rather than critics alone, adding that effective cooperation between government and non-state actors would help improve service delivery, strengthen public trust and accelerate national development.

The summit brought together civil society leaders, community-based organisations, government officials and development partners to discuss strategies for promoting sustainable development, accountability and citizen participation across Nigeria.