Category: Politics

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The re-election bid of Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has received a significant boost following his collective endorsement by Presidents General from communities across the state. The community leaders paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government House, Enugu, on Thursday, where they pledged their support ahead of the next electoral cycle.

According to the Governor, in a statement he personally issued on Friday, the endorsement reflects strong support for his administration’s development agenda, which he said continues to resonate across all parts of Enugu State.

Mbah described the visit as a “strong reminder” of the shared vision for progress and inclusive governance being pursued by his administration.

“Yesterday, I received President Generals from communities across Enugu State on a solidarity and endorsement visit, a strong reminder that our shared vision for progress continues to resonate across every part of the state,” he said.

The Governor noted that from the onset of his administration, he made a commitment to ensure that no community is left behind in the drive for holistic development and improved living standards.

“We will continue to pursue development that reaches every ward, every town, and every community, ensuring that the benefits of growth are felt by all Ndi Enugu,” he added.

Mbah expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in his leadership, reaffirming his commitment to sustained collaboration with stakeholders in advancing the state’s development priorities.

He reiterated his resolve to keep driving Enugu State forward through inclusive governance and people-centered policies.

OWERRI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has urged political aspirants in the state to respect the existing zoning arrangement in the interest of peace, equity, and party cohesion ahead of the forthcoming primary elections.

The Governor made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting convened with all aspirants, party leaders, and critical stakeholders, where strategies were harmonised to ensure the smooth conduct of the primaries.

Uzodimma warned against a “do or die” approach to the contest, stressing that the primaries must remain peaceful, transparent and guided by the collective interest of the party.

He noted that while ambition is legitimate in politics, only one candidate will eventually emerge for each position, adding that it was important for all aspirants to rally behind whoever secures victory.

The Governor, in a statement issued on Friday, reiterated that zoning remains a key democratic principle designed to promote fairness, inclusiveness and balanced representation across constituencies.

He maintained that adherence to the arrangement would strengthen internal democracy and ensure that all groups within the party feel a sense of belonging.

“Consequently, I advised aspirants whose ambitions run contrary to the established zoning framework to respect the arrangement in the collective interest of peace, equity, and party cohesion,” the statement read.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s participation and remarks at the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, describing his intervention as “erudite, pungent, thought-provoking and incisive,” and adding that Africa was “held spellbound” by his address.

Keyamo, in a statement on Friday, was reacting to President Tinubu’s remarks delivered during the Presidential Panel at the forum, where the Nigerian leader reaffirmed the need for African countries to prioritise intra-continental cooperation and economic integration.

Speaking at the forum, President Tinubu emphasised that Africa must “put Africa first” by strengthening collaboration among African nations and building stronger economic linkages across the continent.

He argued that Africa’s development would not be achieved by looking outward first, but by deepening internal trade, investment and industrial cooperation.

“Our continent cannot build scale by looking outward first. We must invest in one another, trade more with one another, build the corridors that connect our markets, ensure our innovative youthful population get the support they need, and give African businesses the confidence to expand across African borders,” the President said.

Tinubu further stated that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms were not only aimed at addressing past economic challenges but also positioning the country to play a leading role in Africa’s future economy.

He highlighted opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), digital trade expansion, shared infrastructure development, logistics networks, commodities exchanges and deeper private sector collaboration as pathways to continental prosperity.

The President also called for reforms in the global financial and risk architecture to ensure a fairer deal for Africa that reflects the continent’s unique economic realities.

He expressed appreciation to Rwandan President Paul Kagame for his hospitality and leadership, noting Rwanda’s example in governance discipline and development execution.

President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with Rwanda and other African countries to build a continent that produces more, trades more, connects better and competes more effectively on the global stage.

“Africa’s future will not be handed to us. We must build it, own it, and defend it together,” he concluded.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to uphold unity, fairness and sportsmanship as the party begins its nationwide primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday from the State House, Tinubu described the commencement of the party primaries as a historic moment for the ruling party as it prepares for its fourth electoral cycle since formation.

The President said the APC was founded on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, sacrifice and collective commitment, urging members to sustain those ideals during the primary process.

“We founded the All Progressives Congress on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice,” Tinubu stated.

According to him, the primaries, beginning with the House of Representatives contests and ending with the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, are not merely exercises to select candidates but a reflection of the party’s unity and resilience.

He noted that party leaders at different levels had already initiated consultations to produce consensus candidates in line with the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.

Tinubu described consensus arrangements as a commendable option capable of reducing internal rancour and strengthening party cohesion.

“I encourage fellow party members to make the most of this window to ensure a seamless process and a more unified party,” he said.

The President, however, stressed that where consensus fails, aspirants and delegates must approach the primaries peacefully and in the spirit of brotherhood.

He urged contestants, voters and party leaders to avoid actions capable of undermining party unity or destabilising the democratic process.

“We cannot afford rancorous conduct or the debasement of our democracy and party unity,” he warned.

Tinubu advised winners not to gloat after victory, while encouraging unsuccessful aspirants to embrace sportsmanship and continue contributing to the growth of the party.

According to him, true political maturity lies in preserving unity rather than engaging in destructive rivalries after contests.

The President also called on party leaders and victorious aspirants to reconcile with aggrieved members through dialogue and inclusion.

“We should not play the politics of old; the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us. Politics should never be a zero-sum game,” he said.

Tinubu further appealed to governors and party officials across the country to ensure fairness and provide a level playing field for all aspirants participating in the primaries.

He emphasised the need for greater inclusion of women and youths in the party’s political structure, urging delegates and party leaders to give them special consideration during the primaries.

“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. We cannot afford to relegate the two significant demographics of our population,” he stated.

The President also directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to remain professional and neutral throughout the exercise.

“Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” he added.

Tinubu wished all aspirants success in the exercise and expressed optimism that the APC would emerge stronger and more united ahead of the general elections.

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has called on aspirants and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to embrace consensus as the preferred mode of candidate emergence ahead of the party’s primaries scheduled to begin on Friday, 15 May 2026.

Speaking during a critical stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Maiduguri on Thursday, Zulum stressed that consensus remains the most viable option for strengthening party unity. “Consensus is the best and most viable option for the party in our state. However, if we are unable to arrive at a consensus, we will go for direct primaries,” he said.

The APC primaries will commence with the House of Representatives primaries on May 15 and climax with the presidential primaries on May 23. Zulum assured stakeholders that no candidate would be imposed on any constituency, reiterating his commitment to democratic principles. He encouraged aspirants to maintain party loyalty and reflect on future opportunities, noting that those who may not secure tickets in 2027 could still benefit from appointments and other opportunities at federal and state levels.

To facilitate consultations, the governor announced the formation of zonal consultative committees: Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur for the Southern Zone, APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori for the Central Zone, and Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno for the Northern Zone.

Governor Zulum also formally presented Engr. Mustapha Gubio as the APC consensus governorship candidate, fulfilling a promise made during an earlier stakeholders’ meeting on April 25. Party leaders, including Dalori and State Chairman Hon. Bello Ayuba, echoed the governor’s call, emphasizing that consensus would strengthen cohesion and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting was attended by prominent figures such as former Governor Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan, Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, alongside serving and former members of the House of Representatives, APC executives, commissioners-designate, advisers, and local government chairmen.

Governor Zulum concluded by appreciating stakeholders for their support, urging continued consultations to ensure consensus candidates emerge across constituencies. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the APC’s unity and strengthening democratic processes in Borno State.

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday in Ibadan declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), following a new political alliance between his political bloc and the party.

Makinde, who currently serves as governor of Oyo State, made the declaration at a Unity Rally held in Ibadan to formalise the partnership between his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APM.

The governor, according to organisers, was joined by supporters and political allies at Mapo Hall where the declaration was made public.

Makinde used the occasion to call for broader opposition unity, warning against what he described as an emerging attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party political system under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He argued that the current political environment no longer guarantees equal participation for opposition parties, alleging increasing interference in the democratic process.

According to him, Nigerians must move beyond passive political engagement and take active ownership of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We must rise above being political spectators and bystanders. With collective participation of the electorate, Nigeria can achieve a historic reset in 2027,” he said.

The governor also confirmed that his preferred candidate for the Oyo State governorship race in 2027, Mr Abimbola Adekanmbi, would contest under the APM platform as part of the new arrangement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prior to the public declaration, leaders of Makinde’s PDP bloc met with the national leadership of the APM, led by its chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, at the PDP South-West secretariat in Ibadan.

At the meeting, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the political alliance.

Makinde, who was elected governor of Oyo State on the platform of the PDP in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, said the alliance marks a new political direction aimed at strengthening opposition cohesion ahead of the next general elections.

The agreement effectively means that candidates aligned with Makinde’s political structure for the 2027 elections will contest under the APM platform.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally submitted his presidential nomination forms under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the party’s presidential primary election scheduled for May 23, 2026.

Atiku submitted the forms at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja, describing the move as a significant step toward what he called the restoration of prosperity and hope in Nigeria.

The presidential aspirant said his ambition represents more than a political contest, but a national movement aimed at rescuing the country from economic hardship and uncertainty.

“The march to restore prosperity and better days to the nation took a firm and decisive step forward today at the National Secretariat of our great party, the African Democratic Congress,” Atiku stated.

According to him, his aspiration is rooted in hope, renewal and the collective determination to rebuild the country.

“This aspiration is more than a political journey; it is a national movement rooted in hope, renewal, and the collective resolve to save Nigeria from despair,” he said.

The former vice president also called on Nigerians across ethnic, religious and regional lines to support his bid for the presidency.

“Together, we will restore the promise of our nation and bring good times back again,” he added.

Newspost Africa had earlier reported that Atiku purchased the ADC presidential expression of interest and nomination forms last week for N90 million.

Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has also obtained the party’s presidential nomination forms ahead of the primary contest.

The ADC is expected to conduct its presidential primary election on May 23, according to the party’s revised timetable released earlier this month.

The development signals growing political activity within the opposition party as aspirants intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

SOKOTO, Nigeria (NPA) — Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, has announced the approval of major infrastructure and public service projects aimed at improving transportation, environmental management and government operations across the state.

The approvals were granted during the latest meeting of the State Executive Council held at the Government House in Sokoto.

According to the governor, the projects form part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure, enhancing service delivery and promoting sustainable development in the state.

Among the projects approved by the council is the rehabilitation of 36 roads damaged by newly developed potholes in different parts of the state.

The council also approved the renovation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp, upgrade works at the Protocol Terminal of Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, and the rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre in Kasarawa.

In addition, the government approved the procurement of buses and environmental equipment to improve public transportation services and support government operations.

The governor said the council equally endorsed strategic interventions aimed at supporting infrastructure financing and ensuring effective implementation of the 2026 budget.

“These decisions reflect our administration’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, prudent management of resources, and improving the welfare of the people of Sokoto State,” Aliyu stated.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to implement projects and policies capable of positively impacting the lives of citizens across all sectors of the state economy.

The governor added that the projects are expected to contribute to sustainable economic growth and overall development of Sokoto State.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government’s planned fresh $1.25 billion World Bank loan request, accusing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of plunging the country deeper into unsustainable debt without improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern over what it described as the continuous borrowing spree of the current administration despite worsening economic hardship across the country.

The opposition party said the latest loan move came barely weeks after the National Assembly approved another round of external borrowing worth several billions of dollars.

According to the ADC, Nigerians are increasingly burdened by rising inflation, high food prices, unemployment and business closures despite the growing debt profile of the country.

“At this point, Nigerians must ask a simple question: if this government keeps borrowing trillions of naira every few months, why are Nigerians getting poorer and why is life getting harder for the majority?” the statement said.

The party noted that Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to about N159.28 trillion, while many citizens continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, weak purchasing power and deteriorating economic conditions.

The ADC alleged that the Tinubu administration was operating what it termed a “Ponzi economy,” where new loans are constantly acquired to service existing debts and cover fiscal shortfalls.

“This is why the ADC says the Tinubu administration is running a Ponzi economy, where new loans are constantly being taken to service old debts and cover fiscal failures, while ordinary Nigerians are left to carry the burden,” Abdullahi stated.

The party also referenced projections that Nigeria could spend about $11.6 billion, estimated at over N15 trillion, on debt servicing in 2026 alone.

According to the ADC, resources that should ordinarily be invested in roads, healthcare, education, electricity, agriculture and job creation are increasingly being channelled toward servicing debts.

The opposition party further criticised the pace of borrowing since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, alleging that multiple external loan facilities had been pursued under different economic programmes without a corresponding impact on citizens’ welfare.

“Each time they want to borrow money, this government invents a new acronym. From ARMOR to RESET, HOPE or SPIN, these are merely different labels for the same pretext to continue borrowing without measurable impact on the lives of Nigerians,” the statement added.

The ADC argued that despite major economic reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, naira devaluation and electricity tariff increases, Nigerians have continued to face severe economic hardship rather than the promised recovery.

It maintained that a responsible government should utilise borrowing to drive industrialisation, strengthen power supply, improve transportation, expand exports and create jobs capable of stimulating economic growth.

According to the party, Nigerians are yet to see visible improvements that justify the scale of debts accumulated by the current administration.

The ADC also accused the National Assembly of failing in its oversight responsibility by approving major borrowing requests without sufficient scrutiny or resistance.

“The National Assembly, which should serve as checks on executive excesses, has been reduced to a mere rubber stamp,” the party alleged.

It warned that continued borrowing could mortgage the future of younger generations and worsen the burden of inflation, unemployment and declining living standards already facing citizens.

The party said Nigeria requires leadership focused on production, security, industrialisation, agriculture, stable electricity supply, support for local businesses and sustainable job creation.