Category: Politics

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria (NPA) — The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has arrived in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of the party’s ongoing engagements across the country.

Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano State, said he received a warm welcome from Kwankwasiyya and Obidient supporters upon his arrival in the state capital.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kwankwaso said his engagements included a high-level meeting with representatives of Northern communities residing in Rivers State.

The meeting was attended by the NDC governorship candidate in the state, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, and other party leaders from various Local Government Areas.

Kwankwaso also held a separate meeting with Hausa traditional leaders in Rivers State, led by Alhaji Ussaini Isa Madaki, leader of the Hausa community.

He described the visit as part of efforts to deepen the NDC’s engagement with communities and stakeholders across the country.

“I arrived in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, today to a warm reception of pomp and pageantry from our ardent Kwankwasiyya and Obidient supporters,” Kwankwaso said.

“As part of our engagements, I hosted a high-level meeting with Northern communities residing in Rivers State, alongside Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the NDC Governorship Candidate, and NDC leaders from various Local Government Areas across the state.

“I also held a separate meeting with the Hausa traditional leaders in Rivers State, led by Alhaji Ussaini Isa Madaki, Leader of the Hausa Community.”

Kwankwaso said he looked forward to a “fruitful and productive” stay in Port Harcourt, describing the city as the Garden City.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has visited traders affected by the recent fire incident at Eda Plaza in Jabi, Abuja, where more than 45 traders reportedly lost their shops and goods worth millions of naira.

Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, said he met with some of the affected traders and pledged financial support to assist them as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their businesses and livelihoods.

In a statement following the visit, Obi expressed sympathy with the traders, many of whom he said were still clearing debris and attempting to salvage whatever remained of their goods after the inferno.

“Yesterday, I visited Eda Plaza in Jabi, Abuja, where more than 45 traders lost their shops to the recent inferno that gutted part of the complex,” Obi said.

“I met with some of the affected traders, many of whom were still clearing the debris and trying to salvage whatever could be recovered from the ruins. I expressed my deepest sympathy to them and pledged my support, however modest, as they begin the difficult journey of rebuilding their livelihoods.”

The NDC presidential candidate said the losses suffered by the traders went beyond the destruction of shops and merchandise, noting that many of the businesses represented years of hard work, savings, sacrifice and hope.

“For many of these traders, their shops represent years of hard work, savings, sacrifice and hope. What was lost is therefore far more than physical structures and merchandise; livelihoods have been disrupted, dreams have been set back, and families have been placed under additional hardship,” he said.

Obi reiterated his long-standing position that governments must demonstrate concern for citizens, particularly during periods of hardship and vulnerability.

“My consistent position has been that government must always care for its people, particularly in moments of difficulty and vulnerability,” he said.

“In times like this, leadership must be measured not only by what government builds, but also by how it stands with citizens when they lose what they have painstakingly built.”

He prayed for the affected traders to recover from the incident and rebuild their businesses.

“I pray that God Almighty grants the affected traders the strength, resources and opportunity to recover from this painful loss, and that their businesses and livelihoods will be restored,” Obi said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to ensure that the appeal filed by its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is listed and heard, threatening to boycott the 2027 general elections if the demand is not met.

The group said the proposed boycott could affect elections across the South-East and other areas it describes as “Biafraland.”

IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, announced the ultimatum in a statement on September 1, amid concerns over the delay in the hearing of Kanu’s appeal.

The group accused the Federal Government of moving swiftly to prosecute and secure Kanu’s conviction while allegedly showing little urgency in responding to the appeal.

IPOB said Kanu’s family had raised concerns over the delay and that the detained IPOB leader had written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the President of the Court of Appeal, requesting the immediate listing and hearing of his pending cases.

“IPOB is giving the Federal Government 14 days to list and hear Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal. If they refuse, we will consider boycotting the coming elections across Biafraland and beyond,” the group said.

“A government that cannot face its Court of Appeal has no right to demand our votes.”

IPOB questioned the legal basis of Kanu’s conviction and continued detention, asking the Federal Government to explain the law under which he was convicted and the specific offences supporting his continued imprisonment.

The group also criticised previous judicial decisions relating to Kanu’s case, including the handling of his earlier discharge and acquittal by the Court of Appeal.

According to IPOB, the delay in the appeal raises serious concerns about due process and public confidence in the judicial system.

The group argued that its proposed withdrawal from future elections would represent a political statement by people who have lost confidence in the electoral system.

IPOB said it would review its position on participation in the 2027 general elections if its demand for the listing and hearing of Kanu’s appeal was not met within the 14-day deadline.

The development could add a new political dimension to preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly in the South-East, where voter participation could become a major issue.

The Federal Government had yet to issue an official response to IPOB’s latest ultimatum as of the time of filing this report.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has charged the newly sworn-in chairmen and vice chairmen of the state’s 13 Local Government Areas to see their positions as a sacrifice and a call to service rather than mere privileges.

The governor gave the charge on Tuesday after swearing in the newly elected council officials at the Christian Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki.

Nwifuru said their assumption of office represented a renewed commitment to taking development, good governance and the dividends of democracy closer to the people at the grassroots.

“Today, I had the honour of swearing in the newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of our 13 Local Government Areas at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki,” the governor said.

“Their assumption of office marks a renewed commitment to taking development, good governance and the dividends of democracy closer to our people at the grassroots.”

He urged the council chairmen to serve with integrity, humility, discipline and commitment, stressing that they had taken an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect the interests of the people of Ebonyi State.

“I charged the new Council Chairmen to see their positions not merely as privileges, but as a sacrifice and a call to serve,” he said.

Nwifuru said he expected the new council leaders to faithfully implement the programmes and policies of the state government while working with relevant stakeholders to advance development across their respective local government areas.

He also urged the vice chairmen to work closely with their chairmen and avoid rivalry, stressing that unity and teamwork were essential to delivering on the mandate entrusted to them.

However, the governor also issued a strong political warning to the newly inaugurated chairmen ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nwifuru threatened to remove any council chairman who fails to deliver his or her local government area to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

“Any chairman who fails to win his council will be removed from office and replaced with a councillor,” the governor said.

“I want this information to be on the headlines of newspapers because, as politicians, we would not speak in secret.”

The governor said the chairmen were expected to ensure the APC maintained its political strength across the state and warned them against allowing opposition parties to gain ground in their respective areas.

“The chairmen know we would win in the state and if they choose to sleep and allow others to take their areas, they would be removed,” he said.

He further charged the council leaders to work towards delivering what he described as a 100 per cent victory for the APC in Ebonyi State during the 2027 elections.

Addressing the vice chairmen, Nwifuru urged them to remain loyal and cooperative with their chairmen, warning against rivalry and allowing gossip or outside influence to damage their working relationships.

He encouraged them to remain available to their chairmen and take an active interest in the daily activities of their respective councils.

The governor also cited his deputy, whom he said previously served as a local government chairman, as an example of how effective performance in public office could lead to greater responsibilities.

The re-elected Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Chief Timothy Nwachi, who spoke on behalf of the newly inaugurated officials, thanked the governor and party stakeholders for the opportunity to serve.

“We pledge to justify the confidence reposed in us and especially ensure that APC records a landslide in 2027,” Nwachi said.

Among the newly inaugurated council chairmen are Engr. Osborne Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who was sworn in as Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area.

Also inaugurated was Mr Chidi Nwode, a younger brother to the wife of Governor Nwifuru, who emerged as Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area.

The governor said the journey towards deeper grassroots development in Ebonyi State had continued, urging the new council leaders to justify the confidence reposed in them by the people.

“Together, we will build an even greater Ebonyi State,” he said.

AWKA, Nigeria (NPA) — Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has presented Certificates of Recognition to two newly recognised traditional rulers in the state, charging them to provide inclusive leadership and serve as fathers to all members of their communities.

The governor presented the certificates to Igwe John Nzekwesili Nweke of Nsugbe and Igwe Ethelbert Muoka of Adazi-Nnukwu at the Light House in Awka.

Soludo, who recently won re-election, said traditional leadership comes with significant responsibilities and challenges, urging the new monarchs to carry everyone along, irrespective of political or personal differences.

“Today at the Light House, Awka, I presented Certificates of Recognition to two new Traditional Rulers: Igwe John Nzekwesili Nweke of Nsugbe and Igwe Ethelbert Muoka of Adazi-Nnukwu. Congratulations to both of you,” Soludo said.

“Leadership comes with challenges, but I charge you to be fathers to all — supporters and critics alike.”

The governor said his administration was working on a new Community Administration Law aimed at bringing greater structure to community leadership, resolving disputes and rival factions, and placing communities on a path towards order and prosperity.

“That is why we are working on a New Community Administration Law to bring structure, end rival factions, and put our communities on a path of order and prosperity,” he said.

Soludo also appealed to experienced traditional rulers in the state to provide guidance and support to the newly recognised monarchs.

“To our veteran Igwes: please guide the new ones. Together, we will build the Anambra of our dreams — from the bottom up,” the governor added.

Meanwhile, Soludo has extended New Month greetings to residents of Anambra State as September begins, assuring them that his administration remains committed to the continued development of the state.

“September is here. The work continues. The Solution continues. Anambra continues to rise,” he said.

“This month, may your hands be blessed, your businesses grow, and peace reign in every home across our dear state.

“Let’s pray and work together to build the Anambra of our dreams.”

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has hosted his running mate and the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside other candidates of the party at the Obidient Headquarters in Abuja.

Obi disclosed the visit in a statement on Tuesday, saying their discussions focused on strategies to expand and deepen the reach of the NDC and take its message of national redemption to rural communities and other parts of the country.

The former Anambra State Governor said the meeting was attended by the party’s governorship, senatorial and other candidates from different states across Nigeria.

In the statement titled, “Senator Kwankwaso Visits the Obidient Headquarters,” Obi said he was pleased to host Kwankwaso, whom he described as his “dear elder brother,” and other candidates of the party.

“Our discussions focused primarily on strategies to expand and deepen the reach of our party and take our message of national redemption to rural communities and the hinterlands,” Obi said.

He said he reassured the party’s candidates of his continued support in their respective states and constituencies, while reaffirming his commitment to working with them and undertaking the necessary groundwork to secure victory for the NDC.

Obi also described his political partnership with Kwankwaso as a joint effort aimed at rescuing Nigeria from what he described as “calamitous and ineffective leadership.”

“My partnership with His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is a partnership to rescue Nigeria from the calamitous and ineffective leadership that has brought our country to its present condition,” he said.

According to Obi, the NDC’s commitment includes lifting vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty, reducing the number of out-of-school children, supporting small and medium-sized businesses, improving national security and promoting unity across the country.

He added that the party also intends to pursue policies aimed at moving Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy towards greater production.

“A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK,” Obi said.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has sworn in the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 13 local government areas of the state elected during the recent local government elections.

Among those inaugurated was Engr. Osborne Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and the Scientist Eze Paul Ituma of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki and was attended by government officials, political leaders and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the inauguration, the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Ekene Oketa, described the event as the beginning of a new phase of grassroots development in Ebonyi State.

In a statement, Oketa said the swearing-in of the newly elected council officials, including those beginning their second term, represented another step in the implementation of the Nwifuru administration’s People’s Charter of Needs-driven governance.

“Today, with joy and great expectation, Ebonyi State welcomes its newly sworn-in Local Government Chairmen, including those beginning their second term,” he said.

“It is another deliberate step in the journey of the People’s Charter of Needs-driven administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.”

Oketa said the appointment of capable and committed leaders to oversee the third tier of government would strengthen grassroots governance and create a stronger pathway for development to reach communities across the state.

He said effective local government leadership was critical to translating the governor’s vision into tangible development across the state’s 13 local government areas.

According to him, the local councils would play an important role in advancing infrastructure development, local economic growth, youth empowerment, community development and improved access to government services.

“The remarkable strides of the Nwifuru administration provide the foundation. The new chairmen now have the responsibility to build on it, deepen development at the grassroots and ensure that no community is left behind,” Oketa said.

He added that the inauguration represented a renewed commitment to service, development and the people of Ebonyi State.

“Today is a renewed commitment to service, development and the people of Ebonyi. The work begins. Ebonyi moves forward,” he said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over reports that he asked a United States court to withhold records relating to his past, describing the development as “profoundly embarrassing.”

Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday and titled, “A President and the Endless Question of His Past.”

He said leadership requires the courage and humility to confront one’s history, provide explanations where legitimate questions arise and accept responsibility for past actions.

“Leadership, in my humble view, demands the courage and humility to confront one’s history — to acknowledge mistakes, provide candid explanations where questions arise, and, where necessary, apologise and seek forgiveness,” Obi said.

“True authority is strengthened, not diminished, when a leader accepts responsibility rather than seeks to shield uncomfortable aspects of the past from legitimate scrutiny.”

He noted that questions surrounding a leader’s educational credentials should be addressed openly and transparently.

“This becomes particularly important when questions concern educational credentials. Issues surrounding foundational schooling — primary and secondary — should not remain unresolved or be addressed primarily through legal proceedings,” he said.

“Nigerians deserve clear, credible and verifiable explanations, especially when such had been submitted in the past.”

Obi said his loyalty to Nigeria remained unwavering, adding that he had never sought citizenship of another country.

“As a citizen of no other country, who has never sought foreign citizenship even when doing so became fashionable, my loyalty to Nigeria and my faith in her destiny remain unshaken,” he said.

Obi said he prayed for Nigeria on Sunday and expressed concern about what he described as the direction of the country.

“Yesterday, August 30, being Sunday, I fervently prayed for our nation and for those entrusted with the solemn responsibility of leadership. I found myself deeply saddened by the direction in which our country is heading,” he said.

“It is profoundly embarrassing that we have reached a point where a sitting President is asking a foreign court to withhold records concerning his past, particularly records relating to matters of legitimate public interest.”

Obi said his major concern was the example the development could set for Nigerians, particularly young people.

“My deepest concern is the example this sets for more than 200 million Nigerians, particularly the over 30 million young people in schools,” he said.

“The nation’s highest office should exemplify integrity, accountability, transparency and ethical leadership.”

He added that while nobody has a perfect past, leaders must be willing to confront their history with honesty and humility.

“An imperfect past is part of the human condition. What matters is the willingness to confront it with humility, honesty and deep apology, to make amends where necessary and, when circumstances so demand, to place the interests of the nation above personal ambition,” he said.

Obi further urged Nigeria’s political leaders to recognise that individual political ambitions are temporary while the nation and its institutions must endure.

“When will our political class fully appreciate that individual ambitions are temporary, while the nation endures?” he asked.

“The Presidency is an office held for a season; the moral standards established by those who occupy it can influence generations.”

He maintained that Nigeria’s national interest must take precedence over individual ambitions.

“Nigeria is greater than any one person, and the integrity of the Republic must always come before the interests of the individual,” Obi said.

He concluded the statement with his popular political slogan: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”

Meanwhile, Newpost Africa had earlier reported that President Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday for a three-week working vacation in Europe, with London, United Kingdom, listed as his first destination.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had yet to respond to Obi’s latest criticism of the President.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has marked its anniversary, declaring that it remains a truly national and legacy political party while expressing confidence that it will overcome its current challenges and regain political prominence.

In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, described the PDP as a party with a deep-rooted history in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The party said it remains determined to rebuild and reclaim its position as one of Nigeria’s leading political forces following its defeat by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 presidential election.

“Like the phoenix, our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, will certainly triumph over this temporary challenge and retake its glorious place as primus inter pares,” the statement said.

“The rebirth process is on. The result is en route.”

The statement was signed by Turaki in his capacity as the National Chairman of the PDP Interim National Working Committee.

The PDP ruled Nigeria for 16 consecutive years, from 1999 to 2015, producing three presidents under the country’s Fourth Republic.

The party first came to power in 1999 with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who governed for eight years. He was succeeded by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, whose administration was cut short following his death in 2010.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan subsequently completed Yar’Adua’s tenure before winning the 2011 presidential election.

However, the PDP lost power in 2015 when the opposition APC defeated Jonathan, with its presidential candidate, the late Muhammadu Buhari, emerging as Nigeria’s president.

The PDP’s decline was widely linked to internal divisions, prolonged factional disputes, allegations of corruption and growing public dissatisfaction, while the emergence of the APC united several opposition political forces against the then-ruling party.

Despite years of political challenges and internal crises since leaving office, the PDP said it remains confident that its ongoing rebuilding process will restore the party to national political relevance.

The party’s leadership expressed optimism that its reorganisation efforts would strengthen its structures across the country as Nigeria’s political parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections.