Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Mr Peter Obi, presidential aspirant under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has explained that his decision to join the new party alongside Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was driven by one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary citizen.

In a statement titled “The condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria, informed my decision to leave ADC for NDC,” Obi stressed that the move was not born of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. “It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading,” he said.

Obi emphasized that politics must never be about individuals or personal gain, but about the people. He pointed to millions of Nigerians who can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, and whose children are losing hope.

He reiterated that he left the ADC for the same reason he left the Labour Party: “the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process.”

Obi expressed gratitude to the ADC leadership: “I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.”

He appealed to the Nigerian government to discourage unresolved litigations and crises within political parties. “Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer,” he said.

Obi, the 2023 Labour Party candidate, warned that Nigeria is passing through one of its most difficult periods, citing rising poverty, insecurity, and collapsing businesses. “Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion,” he appealed.

He insisted that joining the NDC was not an abandonment of values but a continuation of the mission to build a Nigeria where leadership is about service, resources are managed responsibly, institutions function independently, and every citizen can live with dignity, security, and hope.

Campaigning under the banner “A new Nigeria is still Possible,” Obi pledged to work with Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. “The task before us is bigger than any individual or political party. It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation,” he said.

Obi thanked Nigerians, especially youths and women, for their resilience and peaceful spirit despite enormous challenges. “Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right,” he charged.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared renewed internal resilience and unity despite its ongoing leadership crisis, as its National Executive Committee (NEC) convened its 103rd meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026.

The meeting, convened with a two-thirds majority of NEC members in line with the party’s constitution, comes amid heightened legal and political tensions following a Supreme Court judgment on April 30, 2026, which nullified the 2025 PDP National Convention and effectively stripped the party of its National Working Committee (NWC).

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and Protem Chairman of the NEC, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, said the BoT assumed interim administrative leadership of the party to prevent a vacuum, citing constitutional provisions of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

He explained that the intervention became necessary after the apex court invalidated the convention that produced the Kabiru Turaki-led NWC, while also upholding suspensions of key figures linked to the disputed March 29–30 convention in Abuja, thereby rendering the exercise and its outcomes void.

Wabara thanked party leaders and members for their confidence in the BoT, describing the PDP as a resilient political institution capable of surviving what he called “seemingly impossible situations.” He also commended the suspended NWC leadership led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN, alongside party staff, for their loyalty and dedication during the crisis period.

The BoT chairman further acknowledged governors, members of the National Assembly caucus, state chairmen, national ex-officio members, and other stakeholders for what he described as collective resistance against attempts to weaken or destabilise the party.

He alleged that the crisis within the PDP was being fuelled by coordinated political efforts aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing the ruling Bola Tinubu–led All Progressives Congress (APC) of worsening national hardship and eroding public trust in governance.

According to him, there were deliberate attempts to destabilise the party through litigation, alleged manipulation of institutions, and disputed party activities, but insisted that such efforts would fail, stressing that the PDP “will never die.”

Wabara said Nigerians were increasingly looking to the PDP as an alternative platform capable of restoring national stability and addressing economic hardship, adding that public sentiment ahead of 2027 reflected growing expectations for the party’s return to power.

He maintained that despite internal challenges and external pressure, the PDP remains united in its mission to reposition itself as a leading force in Nigeria’s political landscape.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Political heavyweight and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has reiterated that his move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) reflects his determination to provide Nigerians with a credible platform where they can thrive and realize their full potential.

The former Kano State Governor, alongside former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi, formally decamped from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after weeks of speculation over their political future. Kwankwaso described the decision as a bold and decisive step.

The event, which took place at the residence of Senator Seriake Dickson in Abuja, was framed by Kwankwaso as a deep commitment to democratic values. “We are determined to provide our people with a credible platform where they can thrive and realize their full potential,” he said.

In a statement today, Kwankwaso called on his supporters, Obi’s supporters, and well‑meaning Nigerians to join the NDC and stand with them in the renewed fight for good governance and true democracy.

The departure of Obi and Kwankwaso from the ADC has heightened tension in the polity, with analysts predicting that the 2027 presidential election could evolve into a three‑horse race between incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi.

Political observers, however, note that the Obi‑Kwankwaso realignment may have temporarily weakened the opposition’s momentum, potentially giving the ruling party a slight advantage. Still, they caution that Nigeria’s political environment is fluid, driven less by ideology and more by available opportunities, leaving room for surprises in the days ahead.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a further extension of the timelines for the sale and submission of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for aspirants seeking to contest in the 2027 general elections.

The party also adjusted the dates for the screening of aspirants as part of its revised electoral timetable.

In a statement issued by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party said the sale of nomination forms has now been extended to midnight on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

According to the statement, the deadline for the submission of completed forms has also been shifted to midnight on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

The APC further announced that screening of aspirants would now take place between Friday, May 8 and Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

The party said the final list of screened aspirants is scheduled for publication on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

The APC did not state reasons for the extension but urged aspirants and stakeholders to take note of the revised timetable and comply accordingly.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also extended the deadline for the sale of nomination forms to its aspirants.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended the deadline for the purchase of its expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 elections from May 4 to May 7, 2026.

The extension was announced in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed.

According to the statement, the extension covers a three-day period to allow more aspirants complete the purchase process.

The party, however, maintained May 9, 2026, as the deadline for the submission of completed nomination forms.

Mohammed urged all interested aspirants to take note of the revised schedule and comply with the updated timetable accordingly.

GOMBE, Nigeria (NPA) — Supporters of former Communications Minister Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami have rejected what they described as an alleged attempt to impose candidates through a “backdoor consensus” arrangement in Gombe State, insisting that all elective positions must be contested through transparent democratic processes.

In a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of members of the Pantamiyya Movement, Professor Suleiman Mohammed said any legitimate consensus arrangement under Nigerian electoral law must involve aspirants who have duly obtained and completed their expression of interest and nomination forms.

The group argued that the reported political arrangement in the state does not conform with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and existing party guidelines.

Citing Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, the movement stated that political parties are recognised to adopt only two methods for nominating candidates — consensus or direct primaries.

According to the statement, a valid consensus process can only stand where all cleared aspirants voluntarily agree in writing to step down for a consensus candidate.

The group maintained that where even a single aspirant refuses to endorse such an arrangement, the party is legally required to conduct direct primaries.

It added that direct primaries provide registered party members the opportunity to vote directly for candidates of their choice.

While urging supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, the movement said it could not remain silent over what it described as disregard for democratic principles, party regulations, and legal provisions.

The statement also claimed that the alleged arrangement runs contrary to the position of the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as directives issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The movement called on its supporters to prepare for possible direct primaries, noting that efforts were ongoing to address concerns surrounding the APC membership database in the state.

It further disclosed that its legal team was reviewing the situation and taking necessary steps over what it described as “observations and challenges” surrounding the process.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader and founder of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has defended the legality of the party’s registration, while accusing political associate Dr. Umar Ardo of sponsoring what he described as a misleading campaign against the party.

In a statement on Sunday, Dickson said he was surprised by Ardo’s repeated criticism of the NDC despite what he described as years of friendship and political alliance between them.

According to Dickson, the process leading to the registration of the NDC began in 2017, long before Ardo initiated efforts to register the Alliance for Democratic Action (ADA).

He explained that the registration process was stalled after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), under the leadership of Mahmood Yakubu, suspended the registration of new political parties.

Dickson said the application was revived after INEC lifted the embargo on political party registration last year, adding that the NDC was subsequently listed among 171 political associations seeking recognition.

According to him, the party later received a letter from INEC declining its application on the grounds that its proposed logo — a two-finger sign — resembled the broom symbol of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said the decision was challenged in court after INEC allegedly refused to allow the party to modify the logo despite an offer to do so.

Dickson stated that the court eventually ruled in favour of the NDC, declaring that its constitutional right to freedom of association had been violated and directing INEC to register the party.

He added that INEC complied with the judgement by issuing the party a certificate of registration and did not file any appeal within the legally stipulated period. “The judgment has been enforced by INEC and there is nothing to appeal anymore,” Dickson said.

He disclosed that following the issuance of the certificate, the NDC gave the required 21-day notice to INEC ahead of its first National Executive Committee meeting, which the electoral commission reportedly monitored.

The former Bayelsa governor also said Ardo was fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the registration process, claiming the two had previously discussed the challenges associated with registering political parties.

According to him, he advised Ardo to seek judicial intervention over the non-registration of the ADA after explaining how the NDC pursued a similar legal route. Dickson further stated that another political party, the National Democratic Party (NDP), was also registered through a court order after facing initial exclusion by INEC.

He questioned why Ardo had singled out the NDC for criticism while remaining silent on the registration of other parties through similar judicial processes.

Dickson said the NDC was already gaining momentum nationwide, with growing membership registration both within Nigeria and in the diaspora. He added that party officials were actively mobilising support across the country while engaging politicians from different political backgrounds.

Reaffirming his personal relationship with Ardo, Dickson said he would have supported the ADA had it been successfully registered ahead of the NDC.

“I would have felt safe in calling Dr. Ardo’s party my own party and worked to build it,” he said, describing Ardo as someone he had always regarded as a political ally.

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on Saturday flagged off the construction of the Nsukka–Lejja–Aku–Ukehe road.

Highlighting the social benefits and importance of the project, Mbah described it as “a corridor that has long mattered to our people and our economy.” He noted that for the many communities along the route, the project will ease movement, reduce travel time, improve business access, and enable farmers in the axis to transport goods more efficiently, thereby boosting both individual and community economies.

The governor emphasized that his administration is focused on building infrastructure that solves real problems and improves daily life across every part of the state.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Mbah, deliberately delivering on his Tomorrow is Here mantra, conducted an unscheduled inspection of the ongoing 44.1‑kilometre Enugu–Ugwogo Nike–Opi–Nsukka dual carriageway also project being executed by the state government.

Speaking to reporters after the tour, Governor Mbah expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on what he described as a critical socio‑economic infrastructure project for the state. “We have paid close attention to the quality because this will serve as a major highway once completed. We are equally focused on the timeline, as we have given the contractor a strict deadline,” he said.

Since assuming office, Governor Mbah has pursued ambitious development projects, earning recognition for initiatives such as the Enugu Air project, smart schools, innovation and technology hubs, and other infrastructure designed to drive sustainable growth across both urban and rural areas.

On the revenue front, Enugu State has continued to record significant progress, driven by fiscal reforms and sustained economic diversification initiatives that have strengthened the state’s internally generated revenue. The government has set an IGR target of ₦870 billion (about $650 million) for 2026, representing a substantial part of the state’s ₦1.62 trillion budget. Authorities are also pursuing an ambitious long-term economic strategy aimed at expanding the state’s economy from $4.4 billion in 2023 to $30 billion by 2031 through investments in infrastructure, technology and innovation hubs, as well as agricultural modernization, positioning Enugu as one of Nigeria’s emerging economic centres.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Peter Obi has announced his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ending weeks of speculation over his political future, in a strongly worded statement that reflected deep frustration with Nigeria’s political environment.

In a Sunday message titled with a personal reflection following his church service, Obi described his decision as one taken after “deep reflection,” citing what he called increasing emotional strain, internal party tensions, and a hostile political climate.

He said many Nigerians, including himself, were operating under “silent pains, private struggles, and emotional burdens,” while navigating what he described as a system increasingly defined by intimidation, insecurity, and discouragement.

Obi also expressed concern over what he termed growing intolerance within political spaces, where humility and restraint are often misinterpreted as weakness.

“I have never looked down on anyone except to uplift them,” he said, stressing that his political philosophy has always been rooted in service, sacrifice, and compassion.

Clarifying his departure, Obi insisted his decision was not driven by personal conflict with party leaders, naming Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom he said he continues to respect.

He, however, pointed to what he described as recurring political interference, internal crises, and legal disputes within party structures as part of a wider pattern undermining opposition politics in the country.

According to him, similar challenges previously experienced in other political arrangements were beginning to re-emerge in the ADC, creating suspicion, division, and distractions from governance-focused engagement.

Obi further lamented what he called persistent attacks on his character despite efforts to contribute to national development, adding that even voluntary exits from political spaces were often met with hostility and misrepresentation.

He said his political motivation remains centered on national welfare rather than ambition for office, stressing that he is “not desperate to be President or Vice President,” but focused on seeing a Nigeria where citizens can live with dignity, security, and access to basic needs.

Despite his exit from the party, Obi reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s potential, insisting that “a new Nigeria is possible,” anchored on justice, competence, and equal opportunity.