Category: Politics

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the allocation of portfolios to nine newly sworn-in commissioners and created a new Ministry of Planning and Economic Development as part of efforts to strengthen governance and accelerate economic growth in the state.

The appointments followed the screening and confirmation of the commissioners by the Borno State House of Assembly.

According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, the creation of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development is aimed at enhancing policy coordination, supporting post-conflict recovery efforts, and driving sustainable economic development.

The newly assigned commissioners and their portfolios are:

• Satumari Abdulaziz Samaila – Commissioner for Inter-Governmental Affairs and Special Duties.
• Babagana Malarima – Commissioner for Religious Affairs.
• Maina Yaumi – Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development.
• Engr. Tijjani Alkali Goni – Commissioner for Water Resources.
• Arch. Isa Garba Haladu – Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement.
• Engr. Mohammed Habib – Commissioner for Environment.
• Engr. Dr. Bawu Musami – Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources.
• Ibrahim Hala Hassan – Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Tourism.
• Engr. Adam Bukar Bababe – Commissioner for Works and Housing.

The state government directed all the commissioners to assume duties in their respective ministries with immediate effect.

Governor Zulum urged the newly appointed commissioners to recommit themselves to public service and work diligently towards the implementation of the administration’s policies and programmes.

He noted that the appointments come at a critical stage as the administration enters the final phase of its tenure.

The governor also charged the commissioners to work closely with permanent secretaries, directors, and other civil servants to ensure effective service delivery and improve governance outcomes across the state.

According to him, stronger collaboration within the public service will help the government deliver greater dividends of democracy to the people of Borno State.

The latest appointments form part of ongoing efforts by the Zulum administration to strengthen institutional capacity, consolidate post-insurgency recovery initiatives, and drive economic transformation across the state.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has expressed gratitude to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and residents of the state following the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nwifuru described the endorsement rally held in Abakaliki on Monday as historic, saying it reflected the confidence of the people in the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

The governor said he was deeply humbled by what he described as an overwhelming demonstration of support, solidarity, and confidence by party faithful and residents of the state.

According to him, the Ebonyi APC unanimously endorsed President Tinubu for re-election in 2027, while also backing his administration for a second term in office.

“The endorsement reflects the collective faith of our people in the Renewed Hope Agenda and our shared vision for a greater Ebonyi State,” Nwifuru said.

He noted that the rally attracted a large turnout of party supporters, stakeholders, traditional rulers, and political leaders from within and outside the state.

The governor also highlighted the inauguration of the Ebonyi State chapter of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors by the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as one of the major highlights of the event.

Another significant moment, according to Nwifuru, was the conferment of the traditional title of “Chimereze I of Ebonyi State,” meaning “The King Who Leads the People,” on the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

The title was bestowed by the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers, Ezeogo Charles Nwefuru Mkpuma, in recognition of Yilwatda’s leadership and contributions to national unity.

Nwifuru expressed appreciation to prominent political leaders and dignitaries who attended the rally, including APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, representatives of the Enugu State Government, former Ebonyi State Governor Chief Martin Elechi, Minister of Works David Umahi, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, members of the APC National Working Committee, lawmakers, and party stakeholders.

The governor also acknowledged the support of his wife, Chief Mrs. Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, describing her as a dependable partner whose encouragement and counsel continue to strengthen his administration.

He similarly praised Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila for her loyalty, dedication, and contributions to the implementation of the administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda.

Nwifuru thanked residents who travelled from across the state and beyond to participate in the rally, assuring them that his administration would continue to prioritise development, good governance, and improved welfare for the people.

He pledged to consolidate on the achievements recorded so far and deepen efforts aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, economic growth, and social progress across the state.

The endorsement rally is widely seen as an early political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections and a significant show of support for both President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru within the APC in Ebonyi State.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria and Sweden have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries exploring new areas of cooperation in digital innovation, information technology, the creative economy, and cultural diplomacy.

The renewed commitment emerged during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to review the state of their bilateral relations and identify new pathways for deeper collaboration across sectors of mutual interest.

The discussions highlighted the longstanding diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Sweden, which both sides described as being built on decades of mutual respect, shared values, and cooperation in development, trade, governance, education, innovation, and sustainable growth.

A major focus of the talks was the expansion of cooperation in emerging sectors, particularly digital innovation, information technology, film production, gaming technology, digital content creation, and the broader creative economy.

Both countries acknowledged the significant opportunities presented by Nigeria’s growing creative industry and Sweden’s global reputation as a leader in innovation, technology, and digital entrepreneurship.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy as a strategic tool for strengthening international relations, promoting mutual understanding, and unlocking new economic opportunities.

She noted that Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and thriving creative sector remain important assets capable of fostering stronger people-to-people ties and generating economic benefits for both countries.

The Foreign Affairs Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening relations with Sweden and expressed optimism that ongoing engagements in innovation, trade, and cultural diplomacy would translate into tangible investments and partnerships.

According to her, such collaborations have the potential to accelerate economic diversification, stimulate innovation, and create employment opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population.

On her part, Ambassador Westerholm underscored Sweden’s interest in expanding engagement with Nigeria in the areas of culture, music, film, gaming, innovation, and digital content development.

She noted that stronger cooperation in these sectors would complement existing bilateral engagements while creating fresh opportunities for youth empowerment, skills development, and economic growth.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing trade and investment relations between both countries, with discussions centred on measures aimed at strengthening commercial partnerships and encouraging greater private sector participation.

Both sides examined initiatives designed to promote economic diplomacy and facilitate increased business-to-business engagement between Nigerian and Swedish enterprises.

The diplomats further highlighted the growing role of cultural exchanges, tourism promotion, artistic collaborations, and public diplomacy in strengthening relations between the two countries.

They agreed that expanding people-to-people interactions would further deepen friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation between Nigerians and Swedes.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by both governments to broaden the scope of bilateral relations beyond traditional diplomacy and trade, with increasing attention being placed on innovation-driven sectors capable of generating long-term economic and social benefits.

Analysts say the growing focus on technology, creative industries, and digital entrepreneurship aligns with global trends and could open new opportunities for investment, skills transfer, and economic collaboration between Africa’s largest economy and one of Europe’s leading innovation hubs.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned a new state-of-the-art Court of Appeal, Abuja Division Complex, describing the facility as a major investment in Nigeria’s justice sector and a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law.

The President, who was represented at the ceremony by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the project aligns with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide modern infrastructure that supports effective governance and judicial independence.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as part of ongoing project commissioning activities across the nation’s capital.

Speaking at the event, President Tinubu said the new facility represents more than a physical structure, noting that it serves as a symbol of the government’s determination to provide a conducive environment for the administration of justice.

He emphasised the critical role of the judiciary in sustaining democracy and maintaining public confidence in governance.

According to the President, providing modern and comfortable working conditions for judicial officers is essential to preserving the independence, integrity, and efficiency of the nation’s justice system.

The commissioning ceremony also featured the handover of residential quarters for Court of Appeal judges in Abuja.

In addition, the Federal Government flagged off the construction of new residential accommodation for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The initiative, government officials said, is aimed at improving the welfare of judicial officers and strengthening the institutional capacity of key justice sector agencies.

Wike noted that the Tinubu administration remains committed to addressing infrastructure deficits across critical sectors, including transportation, housing, education, healthcare, and the judiciary.

The minister said the completion of the Court of Appeal complex reflects the administration’s determination to deliver projects that directly impact governance and public service delivery.

The commissioning comes amid a series of infrastructure projects recently completed within the Federal Capital Territory.

Last week, the administration commissioned the newly completed six-lane dual carriageway linking the Airport Expressway to Kuje, a project considered vital to improving connectivity and easing transportation challenges in the area.

According to Wike, the road project was originally awarded in February 2022 but had been abandoned before the current administration assumed office.

He stated that the successful completion of the road has restored confidence among residents and businesses in Kuje and surrounding communities.

The minister described the project as part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to accelerate development across the FCT and improve the quality of life for residents.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has called for the reversal of the deregistration of five political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that Nigeria must not sacrifice its sacred institutions on the altar of politics.

In a statement personally issued on Monday following the Abuja court judgment, Obi drew parallels with the removal of former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, noting that the greatest damage lies not in immediate consequences but in the message it sends about the sanctity and independence of institutions.

“Strong economies are built on trust,” Obi said. “Investors can manage security risks, policy risks, and even market risks. What they fear most is uncertainty in the rule of law and a judiciary vulnerable to political pressure.”

The former Anambra State Governor lamented that many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems meant to protect them, with businesses increasingly opting for foreign jurisdictions to govern contracts. He described the Federal High Court’s judgment ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action People’s Alliance (APP), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) as a ruling that undermines public trust in the judiciary.

Obi pledged to restore the dignity, independence, and integrity of the judiciary, ensuring justice is impartial, accessible, and respected. “The common man must have a voice. The business community must be protected from legal uncertainty and intimidation,” he said.

The A New Nigeria is Possible advocate urged judges, lawyers, and legal luminaries to rise in defense of the rule of law: “This is your moment. Rise, defend the rule of law, take back your country.”

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has strongly condemned the court-ordered deregistration of five political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the move as a “bad omen” for Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement on Monday, the lawyer and politician argued that there is no constitutional, legal, or moral basis for truncating alternative democratic platforms through judicial decree. He noted that the ruling comes just days after Nigeria marked June 12 Democracy Day with national celebrations, calling the timing “plainly undemocratic.”

Although the SDP was not affected, Adebayo insisted that silence in the face of injustice is unacceptable. He expressed solidarity with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action People’s Alliance (APP), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), urging all lovers of democracy to stand firmly with them.

“The broader Nigeria’s social, political, economic, religious, cultural, and ideological diversities, the more imperative it is to offer diverse political platforms for citizens to pursue their aspirations,” he said.

Adebayo pledged to support the affected parties in pursuing justice through legitimate means and vowed to include constitutional reforms in his presidential agenda. He proposed stripping INEC of powers to register parties, limiting its role to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. Under his plan, political associations would nominate candidates and pay statutory deposits, forfeited if they fail to secure at least 10% of votes.

“We do not need more constraints or overheating the political temperature when we should be focusing squarely on nation-building,” he declared.

Reaffirming his presidential ambition, Adebayo said: “I am running for President because I believe in the People of Nigeria. We have the talent, the resources, and the determination to make this country great. Nigerians deserve real change: security that allows them to live freely, and a government that gives back to the people, rather than lining politicians’ pockets.”

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused powerful interests within the ruling establishment of attempting to use the judiciary to undermine opposition politics, following a Federal High Court judgment reportedly seeking the deregistration of the party and four other political parties.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the ADC described the development as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy and warned that any attempt to eliminate opposition parties through judicial means could trigger a major political crisis.

The statement, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed concern over a judgment reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties.

According to the party, the ruling contradicts constitutional provisions, established judicial procedures, and the position earlier taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the statutory body responsible for the registration and regulation of political parties.

The ADC noted that INEC had, in a counter-affidavit filed before the court in May, maintained that the party had not breached any constitutional or legal requirements that would justify its deregistration.

The commission reportedly informed the court that the ADC had complied with all registration obligations and had not failed any constitutional threshold relating to electoral performance.

“INEC made it clear that the deregistration of a political party cannot be based on political pressure, sentiment, or the wishes of interested parties, but must be founded strictly on constitutionally recognised grounds,” the statement said.

The opposition party further alleged that the court proceeded with the matter despite a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal issued on May 22, 2026, directing a stay of proceedings.

According to the ADC, the reported decision to continue hearing the case despite the appellate court’s directive raises serious questions about adherence to judicial hierarchy and due process.

The party argued that the matter extends beyond a legal dispute and has become a significant test of Nigeria’s democratic credentials.

It also alleged that individuals linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency had played active roles in advancing the case.

The ADC specifically questioned the involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who it claimed joined the matter despite being originally listed as a defendant.

The party described the development as part of a broader effort to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to the ADC, the timing of the ruling is particularly significant because it comes after the party has completed its primaries and is preparing to field candidates for elective offices, including the presidential election.

“It is difficult to ignore the political implications of a ruling delivered at a time when the ADC has fulfilled all electoral requirements and is positioning itself as a major opposition platform ahead of the next election cycle,” the statement added.

The party warned that any attempt to prevent legitimate political parties from participating in the electoral process would amount to an assault on democratic choice and political pluralism.

The ADC further argued that the issue at stake is not merely the registration status of political parties, but whether Nigerians will be allowed meaningful political alternatives in the 2027 elections.

“It is about whether democracy will remain a contest decided by voters at the ballot box or by powerful interests operating through institutions that ought to remain impartial,” the party said.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutional democracy, the ADC vowed to challenge the ruling through all available legal channels.

The party also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as judicial misconduct and disregard for due process by the presiding judge.

While urging its members, supporters, candidates, and coalition partners to remain calm, the ADC insisted that it would resist any attempt to suppress opposition voices through judicial or political means.

The party maintained that it remains committed to participating in the 2027 general election and expressed confidence that it would remain on the ballot despite the ongoing legal dispute.

The controversy adds a new dimension to the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, with growing scrutiny over the role of institutions in safeguarding democratic competition and political inclusiveness in Nigeria.

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), the campaign organisation for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, has alleged that elements within the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) are plotting to disrupt the governor’s official campaign flag-off scheduled for June 16, 2026.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council claimed it had received intelligence suggesting that some APC actors were planning to sponsor protests aimed at disrupting the event.

According to the council, the alleged plan involves recruiting individuals to pose as students, civil society activists, or advocates for the release of recently abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State.

The campaign organisation described the alleged move as an attempt to exploit a national tragedy for political purposes.

“If true, such a scheme represents a disturbing effort to use the pain of innocent schoolchildren, their families, and the concerns of Nigerians as a tool for partisan political advantage,” the statement said.

The council noted that Governor Adeleke had consistently expressed sympathy for victims of insecurity across the country and had publicly identified with the plight of abducted schoolchildren and their families.

It argued, however, that the governor’s campaign flag-off is a constitutionally recognised electoral activity that was scheduled long before the recent abduction incident and should not be linked to events outside Osun State.

“The official campaign launch forms part of a legally prescribed electoral process and cannot reasonably be blamed for a tragic development that occurred outside the state and beyond the control of the Osun State Government,” the council stated.

TICC further accused the APC of attempting to manipulate public emotions and generate controversy in a bid to undermine a lawful democratic exercise.

The campaign organisation called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to remain vigilant and prevent any attempt to disrupt the event.

It urged authorities to investigate any efforts to sponsor unrest, impersonate advocacy groups, or use public grievances as a political tool.

The council also appealed to students, youth groups, civil society organisations, and members of the public not to allow themselves to be used for political purposes.

According to TICC, Governor Adeleke remains focused on governance, development, and improving the welfare of the people of Osun State.

The council expressed confidence that the governor’s popularity and support across communities, professional groups, artisans, women, students, and grassroots organisations would not be diminished by what it described as politically motivated distractions.

It further called for peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of the governorship election, stressing that political contests should be driven by performance, vision, and democratic engagement rather than attempts to exploit public tragedies.

As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State chapter of the APC had not issued an official response to the allegations.