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Nigerians want Appeal Court President, Monica Dongban-Mensem, sacked over controversial election petition rulings

Nigerians are asking for the head of the Appeal Court President over perceived ridiculous rulings in the election petitions from the 2023 general election in Plateau State.
It could be recalled that the Court of Appeal presided over by its President, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, had, in its judgment on Friday, November 24, 2023, nullified the elections of all candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state resulting in heavy protest.
The appeal court sitting in Abuja had sacked the State Governor, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, and declared Nentawe Yilwatda, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governor.
The appellate court also sacked four PDP members of the House of Representatives and two senators, including Senator Napoleon Bali and Hon. Simon Mwadkon, as well as the 16 PDP lawmakers in the State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the PDP, on same grounds.
The victims included Timothy Datong (Riyom); Rimyat Nanbol (Langtang); Moses Sule (Mikang); Salome Waklek (Pankshin); Bala Fwangje (Mangu South); Maren Ishaku (Bokkos); Dagogot (Quaanpan North); Nannim Langyi (Langtang North); Nimchak Rims (Langtang South); Danjuma Azi (Jos North-West); Gwottson Fom (Jos South); Abubakar Sani Idris (Mangu North); Happiness Akawu (Pengana); Ibrahim Abalak (Rukuba/Irigwe); Philip Jwe (Barkin Ladi); and Cornelius Deyok (Qua’apan South).
The court ruled that the PDP could not sponsor candidates in the last election because the party violated section 177 of the 1999 constitution and declared all the second runners-up in the March 18 elections as winners.
In her ruling, the lead Justice, Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, therefore, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificates of Return issued to the PDP candidates and reissue same to the first runners-up.
In a sharp turn of events, however, on Friday, January 12, 2024, the Supreme Court reversed the sack of Plateau State Governor.
The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel of Justices, said the Court of Appeal overreached itself by going into the issue of party congresses, which is an internal affair of the PDP.
Justice Emmanuel Agim who delivered the judgment held that the appeal by the governor had merit.
The Supreme Court also expressed worry that a lot of people have suffered as a result of the Court of Appeal’s decision.
“This is a thorough misuse of the order of the High Court. I wonder why this case came to court.
“The legal profession should wake up. The appeal is allowed and judgment of the Court of Appeal is set aside.
“Judgment of the Tribunal is hereby restored,” the apex court held.
The PDP has, meanwhile, sent petitions to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) over the alleged injustice against its members in Plateau State.
The party said it would explore all legal options to reclaim its mandate.
Reacting in an essay entitled “Monica Dongban-Mensem: In God’s Name, Go!“, and dated Tuesday, January 16, 2024, a former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu refused to spare words to berate the Court of Appeal president, Justice Dongban-Mensem.

Ex-Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu
Writing, Prof. Odinkalu after noting that Plateau State is the state of origin of Dongban-Mensem, recounted how two days before her 63rd birthday, on 11 June 2020, she became the seventh President of the Court of Appeal and how the then governor of the State, Simon Bako Lalong, appointed Monica’s daughter, Buetnaan Mandy Dongban Bassi, a judge of the High Court of Plateau State.
Odinkalu recalled that Dongban-Mensem, her mother, sat on the National Judicial Council (NJC) that approved her appointment and two years later, in September 2023, the same NJC sent Buetnaan’s husband and Monica’s son-in-law, Paul, to the Court of Appeal.
After further noting that Lalong, flipped to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 election, and lost his senatorial bid to represent the people of Plateau Central in the Senate and challenged his loss before the election petition tribunal where, for parliamentary elections, all disputes end at the Court of Appeal in panels of three Justices designated by the court president, Dongban-Mensem, Odinkalu said:
“This was a judicial hatchet job. Any claim that the President of the Court of Appeal was not herself a member of the Panel is laughable.
“Such is the state of the judiciary in Nigeria at this time that the three-person panel whom Monica Dongban-Mensem sent to Plateau State could not have wrought that amount of destruction without her active consent, if not instruction.
“It is simply inconceivable that a Justice of Appeal, like Okon Abang – sworn in only in October 2023 – could have gone to the home state of the President of the Court to confidently wreak so much political damage without her explicit instruction.”
He said further: “The ruin caused and supervised by this President of the Court of Appeal is incalculable.
“The legislators whose mandates she has stolen are entitled to feel done over. The people of the Plateau whose will she has ruined are entitled to feel cheated.
“She and her cohort of carefully selected judicial mobsters have brought the judiciary into irreparable disrepute. Even now, those three Justices on the Plateau Court of Appeal panel should still be brought to account.
“While we await that, the only thing left to say to Mrs. Dongbam-Mensem is: in God’s name, please go!”
Meanwhile, in a press release entitled “President of Court of Appeal should quit over massive injustice to Plateau voters,” a civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) lambasted the Court of Appeal Justices led by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.
HURIWA said the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria which validated the election of the governor of Plateau State Barrister Caleb Muftwang has shown that the Court of Appeal willfully staged a judicial coup ‘d tat against the voters in Plateau State by unconstitutionally planting APC legislators to replace PDP legislators at both the National Assembly for Plateau State and substantial number of validly elected PDP state legislators in Plateau State House if Assembly.
HURIWA stated also that the well-grounded judicial verdict reinstating the New Nigerian People’s Party’s elected governor of Kano State back to his position by invalidating the illegality committed by the court of Appeal and the Tribunal of first instance, saved Nigeria from witnessing some of the most callous and most brutal civil insurrection.
It called out the head of the Court of Appeal under whose leadership “such groundswell of unconstitutional acts were committed willfully by Justices of the court of Appeal she appointed”.
The group asked Dongban-Mensem to “accept responsibility for these colossal illegality in Plateau state particularly and quit the stage for a fresh President of the Court of Appeal to be inaugurated”.
It also called on Simon Lalong and all the Plateau APC members illegally railroaded into the National Assembly and Plateau State House of Assembly by the Appeal court in a crooked manner to resign immediately or be recalled by Plateau State electorate immediately so as to right the injustice since those victimised can’t go for redress at the nation’s apex court anymore.

Head of Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Emmanuel Onwubiko
The group, in a statement by the National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, citing the historical evidence by Professor Odinkalu petitioned the National Judicial Council to force the President of the Court of Appeal Monica Dongban-Mensem to resign honourably or be sacked.
Failure to do that, the Rights group said it will not waste time to mobilise the civil rights movements in Nigeria to take steps to compel the national hierarchy of the judiciary to do the needful to reform the decadent appeal court of Nigeria which, it said, “has been exposed by the supreme Court for misreading the extant statutes governing elections in the Country”.
Comrade Onwubiko also questioned the competence of that branch of the judicial for now until actions are adopted to cleanse the judicial system in Nigeria.

(DDM) – A disturbing case of alleged brutality by revenue enforcement agents in Anambra State has sparked outrage across the state and beyond.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the deceased, identified as Mr. Okechukwu Theophilus Akaneme, a former chairman of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, reportedly suffered fatal injuries after being beaten by state revenue agents on October 11 last year.
Eyewitness accounts claim the assault stemmed from a dispute over unpaid waste management fees.
Family sources stated that Mr. Akaneme, who was reportedly in good health before the incident, sustained a severe spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.
Despite being rushed to the hospital and admitted into the intensive care unit, the businessman never fully recovered.
Medical expenses reportedly soared to ₦80 million, of which the Anambra State Government allegedly paid only ₦40 million, leaving the bereaved family with an outstanding debt of ₦40 million.
Critics say this tragic incident underscores what they describe as a culture of “revenue enforcement rascality” under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
Business leaders argue that the practice of aggressive tax enforcement is driving fear among traders and investors in Anambra.
The video that went viral, obtained by DDM, named Mr. Joseph Okoye of Aswama as the alleged leader of the team that attacked Akaneme.
Police officers who reportedly accompanied the enforcement team have also been accused of complicity in the incident.
Sources close to the case say the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State has yet to make arrests, raising concerns about possible compromise or incompetence.
The victim’s family has called on the state government to take responsibility, prosecute those involved, and provide adequate compensation beyond partial hospital payments.
Human rights advocates have also joined the call for justice, warning that the impunity surrounding such incidents erodes public confidence in government institutions.
Critics argue that the value placed on human life under the current administration appears alarmingly low, citing similar complaints of excessive force by state task forces in the past.
Governor Soludo, a professor of economics and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, is facing mounting pressure to respond to allegations that his administration tolerates reckless enforcement practices.
Analysts say the incident could damage Anambra’s image as a safe and viable destination for investors.
Security and respect for human rights, they argue, are prerequisites for attracting major investments and fostering economic growth.
Political observers believe the government’s response to this case will be a major test of its commitment to justice, transparency, and the rule of law.
As public outrage grows, civil society groups, including the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), are reportedly considering mass campaigns to demand accountability.
The late Mr. Akaneme has since been buried, but his family remains burdened by financial debt and grief.
Calls for justice continue to echo across Anambra, with residents asking how much value Governor Soludo places on the life of an ordinary citizen.
The police, the government, and all agencies involved are yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing these allegations.
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(DDM) – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stressed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be fully united before serious talks on its 2027 presidential candidate can begin.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the call came during the PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit held in Ikeja, Lagos, where top party stakeholders convened to deliberate on internal reforms and a credible zoning formula ahead of the party’s national convention.
Makinde told reporters after the closed-door session that rebuilding trust, strengthening internal cohesion, and reconnecting with Nigerians must be the primary agenda before candidate selection.
He warned that rushing into zoning or candidate discussions without first addressing structural cracks within the party would doom the PDP to another electoral disaster.
The governor noted that critics who claim PDP is politically dead will be proven wrong as the party regains its organisational strength.
He insisted that the outcome of the Lagos meeting had already demonstrated the party’s willingness to put aside internal disputes for the sake of unity and national credibility.
Makinde emphasised that the summit was not statutory but necessary to engage stakeholders across all southern states in meaningful dialogue.
He added that democracy thrives on consultation, inclusivity, and respect for diverse voices within a party structure.
He said democracy should not be reduced to mere power grabs but should reflect credible engagement that represents the will of the people.
The Lagos summit was attended by prominent PDP leaders, including Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and representatives of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.
Also present were former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Bode George, Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and several former governors including Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Udom Emmanuel, and Sam Egwu.
Makinde revealed that at least 12 of the 17 southern states were fully represented by zoning committee members, National Assembly representatives, and party elders.
The gathering also discussed the strategic role of the southern region in shaping the PDP’s chances in 2027, particularly given the intense political calculations expected around power rotation.
PDP’s history of zoning has been controversial, often sparking internal divisions over whether the presidency should rotate between the North and South.
In 2022, the party faced criticism after nominating Atiku Abubakar from the North despite calls for a southern candidate, a decision many analysts say fractured its support base in the 2023 elections.
This historical backdrop has heightened expectations ahead of the 2027 convention, with southern leaders pressing for early consultations to avoid past mistakes.
Makinde acknowledged that winning recent by-elections, particularly in Oyo State, had boosted PDP’s morale and disproved claims that the party was politically irrelevant.
He said the success reflected the resilience of PDP supporters and the commitment of its leaders to reclaim national dominance through hard work and strategic alliances.
The governor stressed that Nigerians are yearning for an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the PDP must present itself as a credible force.
He explained that Thursday’s meeting was part of a broader strategy to ensure the party’s zoning formula reflects fairness, justice, and national balance.
He also confirmed that more consultations will take place across southern states and eventually at the national level before the convention.
Political observers note that Thursday’s summit reflects growing pressure on the PDP to consolidate its base ahead of a highly competitive election season.
Analysts argue that the party’s ability to reconcile its factions and adopt an inclusive approach could determine its viability in 2027.
Makinde expressed confidence that the deliberations in Lagos would pave the way for further engagements capable of repositioning the party for victory.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient and optimistic as the PDP undertakes internal reforms to rebuild confidence in its leadership.
The meeting was called under the auspices of the PDP Zoning Committee, chaired by Governor Douye Diri, and was described as a success by attendees.
Stakeholders are expected to reconvene in the coming weeks for broader consultations and final recommendations before the party’s National Executive Council meeting.
Makinde closed by reiterating that zoning, candidate selection, and electoral strategy would only succeed if the PDP first restores unity, discipline, and credibility within its ranks.

(DDM) – The Nigerian Electoral Reform Coalition (NERCO) has undertaken an advocacy visit to the National Assembly (NASS) as part of its campaign for immediate electoral reforms.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the visit, held on Tuesday, marked the 20th day of the 30-day deadline NERCO had given lawmakers to initiate credible electoral reform.
According to NERCO representatives, the group had earlier delivered a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on May 9, 2025, demanding urgent legislative action to overhaul the nation’s electoral system.
The coalition expressed disappointment over the lack of response from either chamber of the National Assembly.
NERCO stated that its advocacy involves Nigerians across faith-based, religious, and civic organizations who are committed to achieving a transparent and credible electoral process ahead of future elections.
The coalition emphasized that its demands are simple but critical to Nigeria’s democratic growth.
First, NERCO called for a credible process of appointing leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The group argued that only reputable and impartial individuals should oversee the commission, to avoid bias in election administration.
Second, NERCO demanded the full digitalization of the voting and result collation system.
The group stressed that accreditation, voting, and result display must be instantaneous and transparent, eliminating manual collation that has historically enabled electoral fraud.
NERCO insisted that these reforms are not “rocket science” and have been successfully implemented in other countries, adding that Nigeria must be ready to lead if necessary.
The coalition warned that failure to meet the 30-day deadline would prompt further actions, which it described as more intense than the current advocacy visit.
The group reaffirmed that its movement is self-funded and not driven by political sponsorship, describing it as a reflection of Nigerians’ collective frustration with flawed electoral processes.
COPDEM, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy, also reacted to the visit, calling NERCO’s push “a timely reminder of Nigeria’s democratic responsibilities.”
COPDEM stated that the National Assembly must see electoral reform as an urgent priority, not a political bargaining tool, and called for immediate dialogue between legislators and civil society groups.
NERCO concluded by reiterating its demand that electoral reforms be passed within 2025, warning that delays would be unacceptable to Nigerians.

(DDM) – Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Union Station in Washington, DC, on Wednesday sparked a heated confrontation with demonstrators opposing the Trump administration’s security policies.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Vance had arrived to host a lunch with National Guard members deployed by President Donald Trump. The troops were stationed across the capital following heightened security concerns. However, his remarks were frequently drowned out by chants from angry protesters.
Witnesses reported that Vance entered a Shake Shack restaurant at Union Station to a mix of applause and loud boos. Some patrons chanted “USA, USA, USA” in support of the vice president, while others responded with cries of “shame” and “we want the military out of our streets.”
The vice president, joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, greeted troops and thanked them for their service. But tensions escalated when protesters, blocked from the second floor where the officials were gathered, intensified their chants and disrupted a press gaggle with Vance.
Speaking to reporters, Vance dismissed the protesters as “crazy” and “communists,” accusing them of misrepresenting the city’s views on public safety. Miller went further, labelling demonstrators as “elderly white hippies” and claiming, without evidence, that they were “not part of the city.”
Vance defended the administration’s stance, recounting a previous visit to the station where he claimed his family encountered “violent vagrants” that left his children frightened. “People want safer streets, and we’re here to ensure that,” he said.
The Trump administration has faced sharp criticism for ordering the deployment of the National Guard and FBI to patrol Washington, DC, and for attempts to assume control of the city’s police department. A Washington Post-Schar School poll shows that roughly eight in ten DC residents oppose these measures, reflecting deep tensions between federal authorities and local voters.
Despite the backlash, Vance insisted he was “highly skeptical that a majority of DC residents don’t want their city to have better public safety and more reasonable safety standards.”
The visit underscored a stark political divide. While some cheered the administration’s commitment to law and order, others saw the presence of troops as a provocative overreach into a city that overwhelmingly voted against Trump.
Outside the Shake Shack, protesters continued to chant as Vance departed, leaving the debate over federal control of DC policing far from resolved.

(DDM) – The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has condemned the Nigerian government following the embarrassing sight of an empty national pavilion at the International Investment Fair in Japan.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the fair, which commenced on August 18, 2025, drew global investors, trade experts, and economic leaders to explore opportunities across various countries.
However, Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy was shockingly unrepresented at its own stand, despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a large delegation of officials reportedly attending the event.
A viral video from the fair showed vibrant stands from Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, each managed by representatives showcasing their nations’ economic potential.
In stark contrast, Nigeria’s booth stood deserted, with no official present to welcome prospective investors or provide promotional materials.
COPDEM, in a strongly worded statement, described the situation as “an international disgrace and a symbol of Nigeria’s collapsing governance culture.”
The group stated that the incident highlighted a disturbing trend where public funds are spent on lavish foreign trips, yet critical tasks like economic representation are neglected.
“The President cannot lead a horde of officials to a global investment fair only for Nigeria’s stand to be empty,” COPDEM declared.
“This is more than incompetence; it is a clear sign that the welfare of the country is secondary to political pageantry.”
The International Investment Fair, hosted annually in Tokyo, Japan, provides a platform for countries to present business opportunities, forge trade partnerships, and attract foreign direct investment.
Analysts say Nigeria’s absence at its own pavilion represents a costly missed opportunity, especially as the nation battles economic instability and declining investor confidence.
COPDEM further called for an immediate probe into the delegation’s activities in Japan and demanded a public explanation from the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry.
The group warned that such blunders could further damage Nigeria’s international image and reinforce perceptions of mismanagement at the highest levels.
Meanwhile, social media users flooded platforms with critical comments, describing the incident as “a national embarrassment” and questioning how much was spent on the trip.
The fair continues until August 22, 2025, but critics say the damage to Nigeria’s reputation has already been done.
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