Category: Politics
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Eid-el-Maulud: Tinubu urges Muslims to embrace virtues of Prophet Muhammad
ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Muslims across Nigeria on this year’s Eid-el-Maulud celebration, urging them to embrace and reflect the teachings and virtues of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the occasion should go beyond commemorating the birth of the Prophet to serve as a period of introspection, prayer and reflection on his exemplary life.
The President urged Muslim faithful to draw lessons from what he described as the Prophet’s exceptional virtues, including devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness.
“The Muslim faithful should make deliberate effort to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. There are great lessons of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness that we can all learn from the life of the Prophet,” he said.
Tinubu also called on religious leaders to use the occasion to pray for Nigeria and encourage their followers to translate the lessons of Prophet Muhammad’s life into their commitment to the country.
Beyond prayers and reflection, the President urged Muslims celebrating the Maulud festival to extend a hand of fellowship to the needy and vulnerable as part of the spirit of the season.
He also called for prayers against insecurity and other challenges affecting parts of the country, urging Nigerians to continue to work towards peace, unity and a better society.
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JUST IN: Tinubu orders security agencies to rescue victims of Niger mass abduction
ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and intelligence agencies to launch an immediate coordinated operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.
The President also expressed outrage over the abduction and killing of innocent citizens in the North-Central state, describing the perpetrators as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity.”
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 25, 2026, Tinubu directed the security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue those still in captivity.
“I have directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and all relevant security and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation immediately for the victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.
“I am outraged by the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in the state.
“Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free,” the President said.
Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and assured affected families that the Federal Government would continue working to secure the safe return of those abducted.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in this barbaric assault and pray that Almighty God grant them eternal rest, and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear this painful loss.
“You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers and fathers are brought back safely to you,” he said.
The President also directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all the abducted victims are accounted for.
He vowed that the latest attack would not weaken the country’s resolve in confronting criminal elements responsible for attacks and abductions.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” Tinubu declared.
The President further assured the people of Niger State that the Federal Government would provide necessary support to the state government in the areas of recovery, relief and security reinforcement.
“My prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time. The Federal Government stands firmly with the State Government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief, and security reinforcement,” he added.
Background
The latest directive comes amid continuing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, where criminal groups have carried out kidnappings and attacks targeting communities, travellers and other vulnerable groups.
Newpost Africa had earlier reported the successful rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State following a coordinated operation by Nigerian security agencies. The victims were rescued on July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.
The Oyo operation demonstrated the potential impact of coordinated intelligence and security operations in securing the release of kidnapping victims.
What Tinubu’s Directive Means
The latest order places the rescue of the Niger State victims at the centre of the Federal Government’s immediate security response, with multiple security and intelligence agencies expected to work together in locating the abductees and dismantling the criminal network responsible.
The President’s directive for regular briefings also signals a heightened level of presidential oversight of the operation as security agencies work to account for all those abducted.
The renewed focus on rescue operations comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with kidnapping, terrorism and banditry in several parts of the country.
For the families of the victims, however, the immediate priority remains the safe return of their loved ones.
The President said the government would “not rest” until those abducted were accounted for.
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Nwifuru says he will win 2027 re-election easily
ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, has expressed confidence in securing re-election in the 2027 general elections, saying his administration’s achievements and acceptability among residents would give him an advantage.
Nwifuru made the statement after casting his vote in Saturday’s local government election at his hometown of Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, who is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi, acknowledged that other political parties would field candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I am the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi, but you should expect other political parties to field candidates for various positions in the elections,” he said.
Nwifuru, however, said political opponents should be reasonable, competitive and capable of identifying the lapses of the incumbent administration.
“One should, however, expect to meet opponents who are reasonable, competitive and ready to expose your lapses,” he said.
“An opponent is supposed to teach you what you don’t know because he will not hide your lapses.”
The governor attributed his confidence in winning a second term to his acceptability among the people and what he described as the numerous developmental strides of his administration.
He also attributed the peaceful and orderly conduct of the local government election to the level playing field provided for participating political parties and candidates.
“The APC allowed the people to choose who will lead them at the grassroots, and that is why the support is massive,” Nwifuru said.
“I believe in the candidates of our party and their abilities to deliver the goods to the people who voted them.”
He said the participation of candidates from other political parties also contributed to the smooth conduct of the election.
“I believe other parties presented their own candidates, and that is why we are having a seamless process,” he said.
On his own political future, Nwifuru said he would prefer to be endorsed by the people based on the performance of his administration.
“My desire is for the people to endorse me because that is the right thing. My administration has been working for the people and will continue doing so,” he said.
Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that the ruling APC fielded candidates across all 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ebonyi State.
Among the notable APC candidates were Osbourne Umahi, who contested the chairmanship of Ohaozara LGA; Prince Ifechukwu Ogbufia, the incumbent chairman seeking re-election in Onicha LGA; and Engr. Timothy Nwachi, who contested for a second term in Afikpo LGA.
The APC’s participation across all 13 LGAs was seen as part of efforts to consolidate its grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In Ebonyi State, elected local government chairmen and councillors are expected to serve a three-year tenure across the state’s 13 LGAs and 171 wards.
The tenure applies to both chairmen and councillors elected under the state’s local government electoral framework, after which fresh elections are expected to be conducted.
The local government election forms part of the state-level electoral process through which grassroots leadership is selected in Ebonyi State.
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LG Election: Nwifuru vows to uphold Ebonyi’s peace, unity, and growth
ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace, unity and development across the state.
Nwifuru made the pledge on Saturday following the conclusion of the local government elections held across the 13 Local Government Areas of the South-East state.
The election, which was described by observers as generally peaceful, produced candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as winners in several local government areas, including Osbourne Umahi, the 28-year-old son of former Ebonyi Governor and current Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi.
In a statement, Nwifuru said he joined other Ebonyi residents to exercise his civic responsibility by voting at his polling unit, Edupfu Okemini 002, Enyanwuigwe Ward, Izzi Local Government Area.
He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election and the turnout of voters across the state.
“I am pleased with the orderly conduct of the election and the large turnout of our people across the State. Reports from across the 13 Local Government Areas indicate that Ebonyians have come out in their numbers to participate in the process,” he said.
The governor commended residents for what he described as their peaceful participation in the election.
“I remain grateful to the people of Ebonyi State for their continued support and confidence in our administration,” he said.
“As we move forward, my commitment remains to the peace, unity and development of Ebonyi State.”
The local government election was conducted across the state’s 13 LGAs, with the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) responsible for organising and supervising the exercise.
The ruling APC fielded candidates across all 13 LGAs, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) boycotted the election.
Among the notable APC candidates were Osbourne Umahi, who contested the chairmanship of Ohaozara LGA; Prince Ifechukwu Ogbufia, the incumbent chairman seeking re-election in Onicha LGA; and Engr. Timothy Nwachi, who contested for a second term in Afikpo LGA.
The APC’s participation across all 13 LGAs is seen as part of efforts to consolidate its grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In Ebonyi State, elected local government chairmen and councillors are expected to serve a three-year tenure across the 13 LGAs and 171 wards.
The tenure applies to both chairmen and councillors elected under the state’s local government electoral framework, after which fresh elections are expected to be conducted.
The local government election is part of the state-level electoral process through which grassroots leadership is selected in Ebonyi State.
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#OSUNDECIDES2026: Makinde congratulates Adeleke on Osun re-election
IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has congratulated his Osun State counterpart, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in Saturday’s governorship election.
In a statement on Sunday, August 16, 2026, Makinde described Adeleke’s journey to re-election as a “long and arduous journey”, saying the outcome reflected the will of the people of Osun State.
“Hearty congratulations to my brother, His Excellency Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State. It has indeed been a long and arduous journey, but we are delighted that the will of the good people of Osun State prevailed in the end,” Makinde said.
The congratulatory message came after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke winner of the closely contested election following the final collation of results at the state collation centre in Osogbo on Sunday.
As earlier reported by Newpost Africa, Adeleke won 19 of the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs), while his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured 11 LGAs.
The State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, declared Adeleke winner after the results from all 30 LGAs were collated and party agents signed the results.
According to the INEC figures, Adeleke polled 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.
The margin between the two leading candidates stood at 66,252 votes.
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.
Makinde’s congratulatory message adds to a series of reactions from political leaders following Adeleke’s return to office, with the election outcome marking the conclusion of a closely fought contest for the Osun governorship.
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BREAKING: Tinubu congratulates Adeleke on Osun re-election, calls for unity
ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the re-elected Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, following his victory in Saturday’s governorship election.
Tinubu made the call during a telephone conversation with Adeleke on Sunday, according to a statement personally signed by the President.
The President said Adeleke’s re-election reaffirmed the confidence the people of Osun State had in his leadership.
“I called Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier today to congratulate him on his election victory in Osun State. His victory once again confirmed the confidence the people of Osun State have in him,” Tinubu said.
He wished Adeleke success as he prepares to lead the state for another four years, urging him to unite the people of Osun State irrespective of their political affiliations and choices during the election.
“Now that he has won, Governor Adeleke must unite the people of Osun State and rally them for growth, stability, and social and economic progress, regardless of the political choices they made at the election,” he said.
Tinubu also commended the other contestants for what he described as their courage and discipline, saying their participation contributed to the development of Nigeria’s democratic culture.
“The outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our land,” the President said.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for conducting what he described as a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner.
Tinubu said the outcome demonstrated the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic process and expressed hope that the country’s democracy would continue to thrive and be strengthened.
“May our democracy continue to thrive and be strengthened,” he said.
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BREAKING: INEC declared Adeleke winner of the Osun Governorship election, defeating APC’s Oyebamiji
OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — The incumbent Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, has been declared winner of the August 15 governorship election after securing the highest number of votes across the state’s 30 local government areas.
Adeleke won 19 of the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs), while his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won 11 LGAs.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke the winner after the final collation of results at the state collation centre in Osogbo on Sunday.
The State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, declared Adeleke winner after the results from all 30 LGAs were collated and party agents signed the results.
According to INEC figures, Adeleke polled 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.
The margin between the two leading candidates was 66,252 votes.
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, came a distant third with 17,180 votes.
Other candidates recorded significantly lower figures in the election.
INEC said a total of 1,010,684 voters were accredited, while 1,005,800 votes were cast. The commission recorded 985,079 valid votes and 20,721 rejected votes.
Adeleke’s victory was built on strong performances across several parts of the state, including his traditional strongholds.
He recorded his largest local government victory in Ede North, where he polled 35,427 votes against Oyebamiji’s 10,283. He also won Osogbo with 36,480 votes to the APC candidate’s 30,474.
In Ede South, Adeleke secured 26,188 votes, while Oyebamiji polled 6,219.
Other LGAs won by Adeleke included Ife North, Ilesa West, Ifedayo, Ife Central, Orolu, Oriade, Odo Otin, Ife East, Ifelodun, Iwo, Ila, Ayedaade, Ayedire, Egbedore, Ejigbo and Boluwaduro.
Oyebamiji, however, maintained strong support in several areas and won Ilesa East, Boripe, Irepodun, Obokun, Atakumosa West, Atakumosa East, Irewole, Isokan, Olaoluwa, Ife South and Olorunda.
His strongest performance came in Irewole, where he secured 29,972 votes against Adeleke’s 10,934. He also won Olorunda with 24,671 votes to Adeleke’s 23,514.
The election was contested by 15 political parties, although the race ultimately became a closely fought contest between Adeleke’s Accord Party and the APC’s Oyebamiji.
The Centre for Democracy and Development described the election as largely peaceful, although it identified some operational challenges during the exercise.
With the declaration, Adeleke secures another term as governor of Osun State, having successfully defended his position against the APC challenge.
The result also gives the Accord Party control of the governorship after Adeleke’s decision to contest the 2026 election on the party’s platform.
In his declaration, Prof. Ogunwole said: “That Ademola Nurudeen-Jackson Adeleke, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner of the August 15 Governorship Election and returned elected.”
The outcome makes Adeleke the winner of the closely watched off-cycle election, while the APC’s Oyebamiji emerges as the runner-up and ADC’s Salaam takes third place.
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Ebonyi Assembly passes new law on scrap dealers and house rents: Key points to know
ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a Bill to regulate the sale of metal and electrical scraps, house rents and the collection of agency fees by professional and non-professional agents in the state.
The legislation, which also covers other related matters, was passed during a special plenary on Tuesday at the Legislative Complex, Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki, presided over by the Speaker, Chief Moses Ije Odunwa.
Leading the debate, the Leader of the House, Chief Kingsley Ikoro, described the legislation as timely, citing the increasing activities of scrap dealers and the challenges residents face in securing accommodation due to excessive charges by house agents.
Ikoro expressed concern over the persistent vandalisation of electricity transformers, particularly in rural communities, attributing a significant part of the problem to the activities of scrap dealers.
He said effective oversight and enforcement would be critical to achieving the objectives of the legislation.
On house rents and agency fees, Ikoro decried the high cost of accommodation in the state, noting that excessive charges by middlemen and house agents had compounded the difficulties faced by residents.
He stressed that the passage of the law alone would not be sufficient, urging relevant committees and enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance with its provisions.
Also contributing to the debate, the member representing Ezza South State Constituency, Hon. Friday Ogbuewu, described the activities of scrap dealers as a dent on the image of Ebonyi State.
Ogbuewu noted that several transformers in rural communities had been vandalised, undermining government efforts to provide electricity infrastructure.
He warned that leaving the activities of scrap dealers unregulated could cause further damage to the state and expressed confidence that the new law would provide a framework for regulating scrap dealers and house agents.
Similarly, the member representing Onicha East State Constituency, Hon. Celestine Ifeanyi Ogba, described scrap dealers involved in the destruction of public infrastructure as both material and economic vandals.
Ogba expressed concern over the vulnerability of project sites without adequate security and warned that continued vandalism could extend to other government facilities.
He called for the active involvement of security agencies in enforcing the law.
On house rents and agency fees, Ogba supported the speedy passage of the Bill and suggested the establishment of an official online platform through which members of the public could access information on available accommodation.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Nwoke Victor of Abakaliki North, Hon. Aloysius Nwodo of Ebonyi North-West and Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali of Afikpo East, also supported the legislation and urged the House to expedite its passage.
The House subsequently dissolved into a Committee of the Whole to consider the Bill clause by clause. The motion was moved by Ikoro and seconded by the member representing Ezza North-West State Constituency, Hon. Chikaodiri Nomeh.
Presenting some of the key provisions, Speaker Odunwa said no person would be permitted to buy, sell, possess for sale, transport or dispose of metal or electrical scraps except as a licensed dealer with a written permit from the relevant agency or in accordance with regulations made under the law.
He said anyone who contravened the provision would commit an offence and, upon conviction, be liable to imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to N500,000.
On house rents and agency fees, Odunwa said excessive charges were prohibited under the law.
He explained that every house agent operating in the state must be registered with the state government, possess clear identification and maintain a functional office within the state.
The Speaker further stated that professional and non-professional agents involved in land transactions, whether movable or immovable, would not be permitted to charge or collect more than two per cent of the gross value of the transaction.
He added that anyone who charged more than two per cent of the gross value of a land sale or accommodation transaction covered by the law would commit an offence and, upon conviction, face two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine equivalent to twice the amount collected.
Following the Committee of the Whole, the House reconvened in plenary for the Speaker to report progress on the consideration of the Bill.
Odunwa announced that the legislation would be cited as Law No. 003 of 2026 and would come into effect on August 11, 2026.
He directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Edene Uche Blessing, to formally notify the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, of the passage of the law.
Meanwhile, the House screened and confirmed the Coordinator and members of the Management Committee of the Amasiri Development Centre in Afikpo Local Government Area.
Those confirmed include Mr Anya Baron Ogbonna as Coordinator, with Mr Nwachi Vincent, Mrs Ihunannya Habiba Dauda, Mr Eze Chinwoudo Onyechukwu, Mr Mna Uro, Mr Okochi Chukwu Enya, Mr Eberechukwu Otu, Mr Enya Chukwu Enya and Mr Eze Ogbonna as members.
The House also considered and adopted the report of the Auditor-General on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Government of Ebonyi State for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.
The plenary was subsequently adjourned to another legislative day following a motion moved by Ikoro and seconded by the Deputy Leader of the House, Chief Joseph Ununu.
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JUST IN: Senator Oluremi Tinubu to commission 108-unit Buhari Estate in Abeokuta
ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is scheduled to commission the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate in Abeokuta, following the completion of the 108-unit residential project by the Ogun State Government.
The estate, located along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway, had remained largely undeveloped for years and was subsequently threatened by a legal dispute between the state government and the contractor over unpaid obligations.
The Ogun State Government, under Governor Dapo Abiodun, intervened to resolve the dispute out of court and secure the state’s interest in the property, preventing its possible forfeiture.
According to the state government, the administration subsequently adopted a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the completion of the estate, with the government providing the land and infrastructure while private developers undertook the construction and sale of the houses.
The completed residential community comprises 108 four-bedroom fully detached and semi-detached duplexes, alongside modern infrastructure and amenities.
These include internal roads, street lighting, water supply, 24-hour power, recreational facilities, landscaping and security.
The estate is scheduled to be formally commissioned on Tuesday by Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Governor Abiodun described the completion of the project as another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects, protecting public assets and leveraging private-sector investment to deliver quality housing and infrastructure across the state.
The governor said the development also reflected the administration’s determination to ensure that abandoned or stalled public projects are revived and put to productive use for the benefit of residents.
The state government said the project would contribute to expanding access to quality housing while demonstrating the potential of public-private partnerships in delivering infrastructure and residential developments.
