Category: Politics

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.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2027 general election.

The party said the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, and representatives of the country’s geopolitical zones.

In a statement signed by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a strategic partnership designed to provide experienced leadership capable of addressing Nigeria’s political, economic, and security challenges.

According to the statement, Amaechi’s emergence followed his strong performance at the party’s presidential primary, where he finished as runner-up and secured significant support from delegates across the federation.

The ADC said the pairing of Atiku and Amaechi represents the coming together of two experienced political leaders with extensive records in public service and governance.

“The proposed partnership between Atiku Abubakar and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi represents more than a political alliance. It is the coming together of two tested statesmen with the experience, national reach, and leadership capacity required to reposition Nigeria for a new era of prosperity, security, and inclusive development,” the statement said.

The party highlighted Amaechi’s extensive political career, which spans the legislative and executive arms of government.

Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, becoming one of the longest-serving legislative leaders in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He later served two terms as Governor of Rivers State, where he oversaw major investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public sector reforms.

At the federal level, he served as Minister of Transportation and spearheaded several rail and transportation modernisation projects.

The ADC noted that Amaechi’s political influence across the South-South and wider Southern Nigeria, coupled with his reputation as a reform-oriented administrator, makes him a strong complement to Atiku’s candidacy.

According to the party, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket reflects a national outlook capable of bridging regional, political, and generational divides.

The opposition party said the combined experience of both candidates in governance, economic management, public administration, and nation-building offers Nigerians a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 election.

“At a time when millions of Nigerians are demanding competent leadership, economic revival, job creation, security, and national unity, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket sends a clear message that the ADC is prepared to govern, unite the nation, and deliver results,” the statement added.

The party expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen its growing coalition and inspire confidence among Nigerians seeking an alternative political direction.

ADC also called on party members, coalition partners, civil society organisations, youth groups, women leaders, and other stakeholders to support its campaign as preparations begin for the 2027 presidential contest.