Category: Politics

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria (NPA) — Siminalayi Fubara has announced his withdrawal from the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the decision was taken “out of conviction and sacrifice” for peace, stability and unity in Rivers State.

In a personally signed statement issued on Wednesday, the Rivers governor said he arrived at the decision after extensive consultations with family members, political associates and supporters.

“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primaries,” Fubara stated.

The governor stressed that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness, fear or surrender, insisting that the move was made in the broader interest of the state.

“I do so not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity,” he added.

Fubara’s withdrawal comes days after signs emerged that his path to securing the APC ticket may face serious political obstacles following his appearance before the party’s screening committee, where observers claimed he received a cold reception from some party stakeholders.

Political analysts believe the development is closely linked to the prolonged political crisis between Fubara and his former political ally and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The bitter power struggle between both camps plunged Rivers State into months of political instability, eventually resulting in the declaration of a state of emergency that effectively sidelined the governor from the affairs of government for more than six months.

The crisis, however, began to ease following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who brokered reconciliation talks between Fubara and Wike in a move aimed at restoring political stability in the oil-rich state.

Despite stepping down from the race, Fubara pledged loyalty to the APC and promised to support whoever eventually emerges as the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and the peace and stability of our state must always come first,” the governor said.

His withdrawal is expected to significantly reshape the political landscape in Rivers State, where the contest for control of the APC structure and the governorship ticket has remained one of the most closely watched political battles ahead of the next general elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued official guidelines and a timetable for its June 2026 by‑elections, detailing activities, eligibility criteria, and general provisions for aspirants seeking to contest under the party’s banner.

In a national circular dated May 20, 2026, the NDC listed six constituencies where the by‑elections will be conducted: Enugu North Senatorial District (Enugu State), Nasarawa North Senatorial District (Nasarawa State), Ondo South Senatorial District (Ondo State), Rivers South‑East Senatorial District (Rivers State), Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency (Kano State), and Zuru State Constituency (Kebbi State).

The circular, signed by Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, National Chairman, and Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu Esq, National Secretary, stated that the timetable aligns with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) schedule released on May 7, 2026, and complies with the Electoral Act 2022.

According to the timetable, the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms will run from May 20 to May 23, followed by screening and interviews between May 21 and May 23. Aspirants are expected to submit completed forms by May 24, while appeals from screening and interviews will be heard the same day.

The party emphasized that primaries for all positions — State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senatorial seats — will be conducted at the Local Government Headquarters of the respective constituencies. INEC officials will monitor the primaries, and results will be transmitted to the NDC National Secretariat immediately after the exercise.

To qualify, aspirants must meet specific conditions, including being financially up‑to‑date members of the party, providing evidence of contribution to party growth, and demonstrating capacity to win elections. They must also have no criminal record or pending investigation, meet all constitutional requirements, and avoid arriving at screening venues with thugs or intimidating entourages, which will lead to immediate disqualification.

The circular further outlines general provisions requiring all aspirants to attend screening with valid credentials and sign an undertaking to abide by the party’s code of conduct. The use of abusive language, physical force, or campaign of calumny during primaries is strictly prohibited.

The NDC leadership reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and internal democracy, stating that any matter not covered by the guidelines will be determined by the National Executive Committee.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential aspirant under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday, May 19th, in Abuja, successfully underwent the party’s presidential screening exercise.

The rigorous session, which lasted over two and a half hours, involved a detailed review of his academic qualifications, degree certificates, NYSC credentials, and age declarations.

During the process, Obi also fielded questions on his vision for a new Nigeria and the leadership model he believes the country urgently requires. Following the screening, he was formally cleared and presented with the presidential nomination form he had earlier purchased.

Commending the panel, Obi praised the screening committee led by former governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu, for its “thorough and professional approach.”

He also lauded the NDC leadership for upholding democratic principles in the conduct of the exercise.

Obi, who is campaigning under the slogan “A New Nigeria is Possible,” is positioning himself as a major contender in the 2027 presidential election. He recently defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing ideological differences.

Party insiders suggest he is widely expected to name Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate ahead of the polls.

The clearance marks a significant milestone in Obi’s bid to secure the NDC ticket, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested election season.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, has congratulated Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Ede Dafinone and Joel-Onowapo Thomas over their victories in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress senatorial primaries in Delta State.

Okowa emerged the winner for the Delta North Senatorial District, Dafinone secured victory in Delta Central, while Joel-Onowapo Thomas won the Delta South contest.

In a statement issued on the outcome of the primaries, Keyamo described their victories as “fully deserved,” while commending the conduct of the exercise across the state.

According to the Minister, the primaries witnessed a large turnout of what he described as “organic voters and members” of the APC at ward levels in an exercise he said was largely free and fair.

“As a foundation member and leader of the APC in Delta and one of the first senatorial aspirants of the party in the state in 2013, I can state unequivocally that this is the best primary organised by the party in the state since its inception,” he said.

Keyamo called for reconciliation within the party, urging defeated aspirants and their supporters to work together ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Now is a time for healing and reconciliation. I urge all those who have lost gallantly to embrace the victors for the unity of the party and ultimately for the victory of all our candidates at the general elections next year,” he stated.

He also advised the victorious candidates to be magnanimous in victory by accommodating their opponents and supporters within the party structure.

“There is always strength in unity,” the Minister added.

Keyamo further commended Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as inclusive leadership in the state, while expressing confidence in the governor’s political future ahead of 2027.

The Minister also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting internal democracy within the APC and allowing what he described as a free and fair process nationwide.

“Those who ignored local and grassroots leaders and neither lobbied nor consulted them, but sought to get tickets from Abuja to impose themselves on the people, have now been brought down from their high horses,” Keyamo said.

However, the outcome of the Delta APC senatorial primaries has continued to generate controversy, with former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, also claiming victory in the Delta Central contest.

Similarly, Ned Nwoko, who contested against Okowa in Delta North, rejected the outcome and declared himself the winner, urging his supporters to await the final decision of the party leadership in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Dafinone, during an appearance on Arise TV Morning Show on Tuesday, insisted that he won the Delta Central primary by a wide margin.

He also attributed Omo-Agege’s poor performance to what he described as the former deputy senate president’s political distancing from the ADC members in the senatorial district.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed grave concern over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai, warning that his deteriorating health condition and alleged denial of medical access amount to a violation of his constitutional rights.

The party said, according to reports from El‑Rufai’s family, he has been denied access to his doctors, restricted from receiving food deliveries, and subjected to disregard of a court order granting him medical care. The ADC described these developments as a “dangerous assault on his dignity, health, and rights.”

“What is happening to Mallam El‑Rufai confirms beyond all doubt that this detention is no longer about justice; it is about politics. It also confirms our fears that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deploying the instruments of state power to keep one of the leading opposition figures out of circulation. This is political persecution dressed up as prosecution,” said Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s spokesperson.

The party contrasted El‑Rufai’s situation with other high‑profile corruption cases, noting that former governors Yahaya Bello and Ifeanyi Okowa, accused of alleged multi‑billion naira fraud, remain free and politically active. “The contrast becomes stark and shameful,” Abdullahi said, accusing the government of selective justice.

El‑Rufai was first detained in February 2026 after voluntarily submitting himself for investigation. He was arraigned weeks later and granted bail in April, but the ADC claims the government has “contrived to keep him in detention perpetually.”

The party declared: “Mallam Nasir El‑Rufai is President Bola Tinubu’s political prisoner. This alone brings the President’s democratic credentials into disrepute.” It accused the administration of weaponising security and anti‑corruption agencies against opponents, warning that Nigeria is not under a dictatorship and that compliance with the rule of law cannot be subject to presidential discretion.

The ADC placed responsibility for El‑Rufai’s wellbeing on the ICPC, EFCC, and security agencies, cautioning that any deterioration in his health would be blamed on them. The party also announced that it has activated mechanisms at local, national, continental, and international levels to secure his release.

“By every practical definition, Mallam Nasir El‑Rufai has become a political prisoner in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has congratulated the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, over his success in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress primary election in Kano State.

Abubakar represents Bichi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

In a statement issued by Francis Nwaze, Senator Umahi described the victory as a reflection of public confidence and support for the lawmaker’s leadership.

According to the Minister, the outcome of the primary election presents another opportunity for Abubakar to continue collaborating with the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in advancing policies and projects aimed at national development and economic growth.

Umahi also described the large turnout witnessed during the APC primary as a strong indication of the support enjoyed by President Tinubu and other political leaders in Kano State.

“The massive turnout witnessed during his recent outing is clear evidence of the support and confidence the people of Kano State have continued to show for Mr. President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The Minister also acknowledged the political influence of Abba Kabir Yusuf, Jibrin Barau and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Umahi reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda remains central to national transformation and sustainable development across the country.

“Again, I warmly congratulate my dear brother and friend, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, on this well deserved success,” the Minister stated.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Spokesperson to the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Bature, has dismissed the emerging political alliance between Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, insisting that the partnership would fail politically in Kano State and elsewhere.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show monitored by our correspondent, Bature narrated the circumstances surrounding the movement of Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC) without Kwankwaso, his political benefactor and godfather, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to him, Kwankwaso was initially expected to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to finalise plans to join the APC, but instead travelled to China. “He manoeuvred his way by recusing himself from moving to the APC,” Bature said.

He argued that Governor Yusuf could not afford to remain politically stagnant, insisting that the governor needed a viable platform to pursue his political ambitions and continue his developmental agenda in Kano State.

Bature claimed that the New Nigeria Peoples Party no longer has a sustainable political future as an opposition party, necessitating the move to the APC.

Speaking on the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance ahead of the 2027 elections, Bature insisted the partnership lacks political acceptance in Kano and in other northern states.

“It is strange for us to see Obi in Kano,” he said.

According to him, APC supporters in Kano believe there are contradictions in Kwankwaso’s alliance with Obi, recalling previous remarks allegedly made by the former Kano governor against the former Anambra governor.

“Kano cannot accept this partnership. This partnership, I believe, is just temporary. I don’t think it can work,” he stated.

Bature further alleged that Kwankwaso had lost a significant portion of his political support base in Kano. “Kwankwaso is alone because he has lost his support base in Kano, now moving to Obi so he can secure the support of the non-indigenes,” he said.

He also claimed that the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance would struggle to secure substantial votes in Kano and Jigawa States ahead of the election.

In another development, former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has described leading presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, as unelectable ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Amaechi made the remarks during a television interview on Tuesday amid growing expectations that Atiku could emerge as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 polls.

According to Amaechi, Atiku has consistently struggled to convert presidential primary victories into electoral success at the general elections.

“At all times Atiku has passed the primaries; he has never won the election,” Amaechi said, describing the former vice president as unelectable.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Lagos State governorship candidate Funso Doherty has formally announced his intention to contest the 2027 Lagos governorship election under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). On Monday, Doherty confirmed he had picked up the NDC’s expression of interest form, declaring that the party offers “a stronger path toward inclusive governance and political reform.”

He reiterated his mission to advance his promise to place Lagos on “right principles, right path, right process.”

Doherty disclosed that he held a “very productive and inspiring meeting” with the NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, as part of wider consultations within the party.

He also met with Mr Peter Obi, a chieftain of the NDC, describing their discussions as “frank, constructive and aligned around a shared purpose” to fix a system that has failed too many.

In his criticism of the current Lagos administration, Doherty said: “We talk about roads, power, water, housing, education, health, transportation and the cost of living because they affect our quality of life. But Lagos doesn’t change just because our complaints are loud; it changes because we’re involved.”

He urged Lagosians to recognise the power of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing: “Your PVC isn’t just a card, it’s your seat at the table. It’s the way to ensure the future of Lagos isn’t decided without you. Phase 3 of the Voter Registration started May 4, 2026, and it’s still ongoing. Don’t just watch the future happen. Participate. Decide. Create it.”

Doherty emphasised that the road to a new Nigeria will be birthed through united voices and well‑governed states, adding, “For too long, the system has worked only for a few. But Lagos should work for all of us. Not just the connected. Not just the lucky. Not just the powerful. ALL of us. I’m Funso Doherty. And I’m ready to work with you to create a Lagos that works for everyone.”

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Tuesday, met with the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, over plans to present President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure achievements before the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The meeting focused on fixing a date for the Minister of Works to formally brief the party leadership on the administration’s road and bridge projects being executed nationwide under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to a statement issued by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), the engagement also reviewed national issues and ongoing infrastructure development across the country.

During the meeting, Senator Umahi commended the APC National Chairman for introducing an engagement process that allows ministers to appear before the NWC through live telecasts to account for the progress and achievements of the administration.

He also praised the APC leadership for what he described as the peaceful conduct of the party’s primaries and the inclusive approach adopted by the National Working Committee in ensuring aspirants were given the freedom to contest.

Responding, Prof. Yilwatda applauded the Minister for the transformation taking place in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector and assured him that the NWC would soon invite him for a formal presentation of the administration’s achievements.

The APC chairman noted that Nigerians were already witnessing the scale of infrastructure projects being executed under the Tinubu administration through television reports, public feedback and visible developments across the country.

Senator Umahi also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to addressing national challenges while sustaining critical infrastructure development nationwide.

Meanwhile, shortly after the meeting, the Minister proceeded to assess the situation at Eko Bridge, where urgent structural repair works are ongoing following the closure of the outbound carriageway between Apongbon and Ijora Olopa since May 12, 2026.

The Federal Government has scheduled the commencement of full rehabilitation works for May 19, 2026, as traffic diversion measures and safety inspections continue in the affected area.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, as an important national document capable of guiding Nigeria’s future, strengthening unity, and promoting regional stability.

Speaking at the public presentation of Gowon’s memoir, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, on Tuesday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, the President — represented by Kashim Shettima — urged Nigerians to widely circulate the book, describing it as a civic inheritance for future generations.

Tinubu stressed the importance of preserving Nigeria’s historical memory, warning that nations that forget their past risk instability and division. “A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflection. A society without memory becomes an orphan in time,” he said.

The President noted that reflections from leaders who witnessed defining moments in Nigeria’s history remain essential for strengthening democratic stability and national cohesion.

Tinubu particularly praised Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation policy, especially the declaration of “No victor, no vanquished,” describing it as a defining principle that helped preserve Nigeria’s unity after the conflict.

He added that the memoir comes at a critical period when Nigeria and the wider West African region continue to face insecurity, economic hardship and social fragmentation, making Gowon’s message of reconciliation and statesmanship more relevant.

However, Gowon’s legacy remains deeply debated because of his role during the Nigerian Civil War. Critics argue that his determination to preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity prolonged the conflict and contributed to the humanitarian catastrophe that followed. They point to the blockade of Biafra and sustained military offensives, which triggered widespread famine and mass civilian deaths, particularly among the Igbo population.

Estimates suggest that between one and three million people died during the war, many from starvation and disease rather than direct combat.

Supporters of Gowon, however, maintain that his leadership prevented Nigeria from disintegrating into multiple unstable states and helped preserve national unity at a critical moment in the country’s history. They also credit his post-war reconciliation efforts, reintegration policies and rebuilding initiatives for helping to stabilise the country after the war.

As a result, Gowon’s legacy continues to stand at the intersection of national unity, wartime tragedy and post-conflict reconciliation.