Category: Politics

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The political storm in Delta State deepened today as Senator Ovie Omo‑Agege, Deputy President of the 9th Senate, issued a blistering response to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s demand that he retract a Facebook video, apologise to the Delta State House of Assembly, and embrace what the Governor termed “issue‑based politics.”

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, Senator Omo‑Agege dismissed the Governor’s demands as unconstitutional and politically motivated. “Our response is straightforward: Read the Constitution. Not selectively. Not conveniently. All of it,” the statement declared.

Government House Fingerprints

The Senator’s office argued that the removal of Hon. Collins Egbetamah from the Delta State House of Assembly was not an independent legislative decision but a directive executed from Government House in Asaba. The Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Ossai Ovie Success, had publicly defended the removal, inadvertently confirming suspicions that the House acted under political instruction. “With that statement, the administration has placed its fingerprints permanently on this unconstitutional act,” Omo‑Agege’s team asserted.

Sustained Persecution

The statement also detailed what it described as a long campaign of persecution against Hon. Egbetamah. For two years, he was allegedly denied salary, allowances, and constituency project funds because he refused to defect from the APC. His loyalty, according to Omo‑Agege, was punished daily until the House finally declared his seat vacant without notice or hearing. “These are not separate acts. They are chapters in the same story of sustained political persecution,” the Senator’s office said.

Constitutional Argument

Central to Omo‑Agege’s rebuttal was the constitutional guarantee of fair hearing. While Governor Oborevwori insisted that Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution made Egbetamah’s removal automatic, Omo‑Agege countered that Section 36 requires due process before any adverse action. “The Supreme Court has held this consistently: even where a constitutional provision mandates a consequence, the affected person must first be heard,” the statement noted.

The Senator’s office questioned why the House acted in a single sitting, with a voice vote and no prior notice, if the law was truly settled. “Settled law does not require haste. Political instruction does,” it argued.

Accuracy of the Video

Governor Oborevwori had described Omo‑Agege’s video as inaccurate, but the Senator’s office challenged him to identify a single falsehood. The video claimed Egbetamah was denied fair hearing, that the removal was rushed and politically motivated, and that the people of Udu were left without representation. “Every statement is accurate. If the Governor believes otherwise, he is invited to identify the specific inaccuracy. We are waiting,” the response said.

Infrastructure vs. Rights

The Governor’s statement had highlighted his administration’s infrastructure achievements, including roads, bridges, hospitals, and welfare programmes. Omo‑Agege acknowledged these claims but dismissed them as irrelevant to the constitutional violation at hand. “A government can launch a thousand infrastructure projects, yet still violate a citizen’s constitutional rights. Responding to a constitutional concern with a list of projects isn’t governance—it’s deflection,” the statement declared.

The Senator’s office also pointed out that Delta State had received over three trillion naira in federal allocations during Oborevwori’s tenure, questioning whether the projects matched the scale of resources. “The roads, bridges, and dialysis machines funded by three trillion naira aren’t acts of generosity; they’re just the bare minimum we should expect,” it said, promising a full accounting in future.

Political Cost Dismissed

Governor Oborevwori suggested that Omo‑Agege’s stance could cost him politically in the 2027 elections. The Senator’s office dismissed this as irrelevant. “He does not calculate the political cost of speaking up for people whose constitutional rights have been violated. He posted that video because it was right,” the statement said.

Final Position

On the Governor’s three demands—withdraw the video, apologise to the House, and embrace issue‑based politics—Omo‑Agege’s office was unequivocal. “Senator Omo‑Agege will not withdraw the video. He respects the House of Assembly as an institution, which is precisely why he holds it to the constitutional standard it abandoned on June 30, 2026,” the statement said.

The Senator insisted that the removal of Hon. Egbetamah disenfranchised the people of Udu, who lost their representative not through conviction, recall, or resignation, but through a politically directed legislative act. “Udu is not a conquered territory. Its mandate is sacred. And Senator Ovie Omo‑Agege will not be bullied into abandoning its people,” the statement concluded.

Court Resolution

The matter, Omo‑Agege’s office emphasised, will ultimately be resolved in court. “The Constitution belongs to every Nigerian. It belongs to the people of Udu. And it will be upheld,” it said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has called for transparency, fairness and strict adherence to the rule of law in the ongoing trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

El-Rufai is currently facing multiple charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), including allegations of corruption, abuse of office, fraud and money laundering linked to his tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023. He has remained in custody for 142 days as legal proceedings continue.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and titled, “A Wife’s Tears, A Nation’s Conscience: Let Justice Have a Heart,” Obi said he was moved after watching a viral video of El-Rufai’s wife, Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, while on a visit to the United States.

“I woke this morning in America and was deeply moved by an emotional viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, prompting deep reflection on our nation’s future,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor stressed that every citizen, regardless of the allegations against them, is entitled to a fair and transparent judicial process.

“Regardless of the allegations against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other citizen, justice must be transparent and fair, with reasonable bail conditions that should not be seen as punitive before trial. In a democracy governed by the rule of law, institutions exist to protect every citizen’s rights, regardless of their background,” he said.

Obi warned against actions that could undermine public confidence in the justice system.

“We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity. Those tasked with enforcing our laws must act professionally and strictly follow due process,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to work towards building a country where the rule of law is respected, and every citizen is guaranteed dignity, fairness and equal justice before the law.

The ICPC has maintained that its actions in the case are being carried out in accordance with the law.

The allegations against El-Rufai remain before the court, and he has not been convicted of any offence.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for locating the 3rd Nigerian Army Depot in the state, describing the decision as a vote of confidence in Ebonyi’s peaceful environment and strategic importance.

In a statement personally signed on Wednesday, the governor made the remarks after receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Abakaliki.

Nwifuru said the visit provided an opportunity to thank the Nigerian Army for its commitment, sacrifice and professionalism in safeguarding lives and maintaining peace across the state.

“I conveyed our gratitude to the Nigerian Army for finding Ebonyi State worthy of hosting the 3rd Nigerian Army Depot—an important national institution that reflects growing confidence in our state’s peaceful environment and strategic relevance,” he said.

The governor pledged his administration’s continued support for the military and other security agencies in sustaining peace and security across the state.

“As an administration, we remain committed to strengthening our collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to sustain the peace, security and stability that have made Ebonyi one of the safest and most hospitable states in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that his administration would continue to work with security agencies to ensure that residents and investors enjoy a peaceful environment.

The establishment of the new Army depot is expected to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational and training capacity while boosting security presence in the South-East.

Although Ebonyi has remained relatively peaceful compared with some neighbouring states in recent years, the state government has continued to work with security agencies to address isolated communal conflicts, including those in Effium and parts of Amasiri, as part of broader efforts to sustain peace and stability.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — GoNigeria, a non-partisan civic initiative, has launched a nationwide campaign urging millions of newly eligible young Nigerians to register to vote ahead of the July 24, 2026, deadline for voter registration.

In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation said its “Collect Your Power” campaign is aimed at encouraging Nigerians who have recently turned 18 to participate in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to GoNigeria, millions of Nigerians have become eligible to vote since the last general election, making first-time voters one of the largest voting blocs ahead of the 2027 polls.

The organisation said it is conducting voter education campaigns across several states through campus tours, community engagement and digital outreach to educate young people on the registration process and the importance of peaceful democratic participation.

It said the initiative is also working with educators, youth leaders and community organisations to improve access to voter registration information.

Beyond voter registration, GoNigeria said its advocacy focuses on civic education, electoral reform, stronger institutions, judicial reform and national security.

The organisation urged eligible Nigerians to complete their voter registration before Friday, July 24, ensure their biometric data are captured and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) when available.

“Every vote matters, and securing your power starts with registering to vote,” the statement said.

GoNigeria is an initiative of the Anap Foundation and is supported by prominent Nigerians, including Atedo Peterside, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, Aisha Yesufu, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Nduka Obaigbena, Ndidi Nwuneli and Dike Chukwumerije, among others.

Meanwhile, the Convener of GoNigeria, Mr Atedo Peterside, has called for comprehensive reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Peterside said credible democracy could not exist without credible institutions.

He stressed the need for electoral and judicial reforms, improved security and stronger protection of freedom of expression.

Peterside also urged Nigerians aged 18 and above to register to vote, collect their PVCs and participate actively in the 2027 general elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims by former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, that Northern Nigeria would not support the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, in the 2027 presidential election.

Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement issued on Wednesday in response to comments made by Sheriff during an interview on Channels Television on Monday.

According to Kwankwaso, Sheriff was mistaken to suggest that Obi could not attract significant support across Northern Nigeria.

“I watched with disappointment the recent interview granted by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. After a prolonged absence from public discourse, one would have expected that time away might have sharpened his judgment. Regrettably, that does not appear to be the case,” he said.

Kwankwaso noted that Obi secured about 2.8 million votes in Northern Nigeria during his first presidential contest, describing the performance as evidence that the former Anambra State governor already enjoys considerable support in the region.

He argued that the NDC ticket had become even more competitive with the addition of a strong northern running mate who previously polled about 1.45 million votes in the region.

The former Kano State governor also rejected Sheriff’s claim that Kano voters would not support Obi.

“The good people of Kano are neither bigoted nor xenophobic. They have consistently demonstrated strong trust in the Kwankwasiyya movement and will support any credible ticket presented under its banner,” he said.

Kwankwaso urged Sheriff to focus on addressing the security and humanitarian challenges facing Borno State rather than making what he described as divisive political remarks.

“I respectfully advise Senator Sheriff that, in future national television appearances, he would do better to speak to the serious insecurity and humanitarian challenges facing his home state, rather than making divisive and poorly considered remarks,” he said.

He added that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket offered Nigerians what he described as “the best opportunity” to reposition the country through competent leadership, national unity and economic progress.

Sheriff’s comments have continued to generate reactions across political circles and on social media. The former Borno governor has, over the years, repeatedly denied allegations linking him to the emergence or sponsorship of the Boko Haram insurgency.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign or abandon any re-election bid, citing what he described as the administration’s failure to rescue abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State more than 50 days after they were kidnapped.

In a statement issued on Monday, Obi said he was shocked to learn from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that President Tinubu had not contacted him over the mass abduction of the schoolchildren and their teachers.

According to the former Anambra State governor, the development reflects what he described as a collapse of governance, leadership failure and a lack of compassion for victims of insecurity.

“Today, under President Tinubu, there have been more than 13 school kidnappings, yet the President has found it difficult to call the affected state’s chief executive after more than 50 days. This is outrageous,” Obi said.

He said the government and people of Oyo State had every reason to feel abandoned, noting that the prolonged captivity of the children without their rescue represents a national tragedy rather than a state issue.

Obi disclosed that he had previously spoken publicly about the abduction, appealed directly to the kidnappers to release the children and contacted Governor Makinde twice to express solidarity.

He added that on July 3, he travelled to Ibadan alongside Prof. Pat Utomi to meet the governor and discuss the security situation after more than seven weeks had elapsed without the children’s rescue.

During the meeting, Obi said he shared his experience in tackling insecurity as governor of Anambra State and recalled that former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan regularly contacted state governors whenever serious security incidents occurred.

“I discovered, to my utmost shock, that Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

Obi also referenced the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, recalling that although the incident generated widespread public criticism, security agencies provided regular updates and the then President Goodluck Jonathan eventually contacted the Borno State governor.

He noted that Tinubu was among those who criticised Jonathan’s handling of the Chibok crisis and called for his resignation over what was then perceived as a delayed response.

“That call for immediate resignation should actually be the case in this matter,” Obi said.

According to him, no issue should take precedence over the rescue of kidnapped children, their teachers and other Nigerians being held captive across the country.

He argued that the continued wave of kidnappings demonstrates a lack of capacity, compassion and sensitivity on the part of the current administration.

“Amid such an apparent display of incompetence, the President should either resign or, at the very least, abstain from seeking re-election for the sake of our dear country. This call is patriotic, not political,” Obi said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression, while urging journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy and responsibility in an era increasingly threatened by misinformation and disinformation.

Speaking at the maiden State House Press Corps Presidential Dinner in Abuja on Thursday, the President described a free press as one of the pillars of democracy but stressed that media freedom must be exercised responsibly.

Tinubu thanked journalists covering the Presidency for their dedication to keeping Nigerians informed and assured them that his administration would continue to provide the access, resources and constitutional freedoms required to perform their duties.

“I am an apostle of a free press. I have defended and advocated for the rights of the media throughout my public life and will continue to do so,” he said.

The President, however, warned against the growing spread of fake news, deepfakes, voice and facial cloning, misinformation and disinformation, urging media practitioners to verify information before publication.

“The media must choose fact over falsehood, substance over sensation, and credibility over clickbait,” he said, adding that freedom of expression should never be confused with the freedom to defame or deliberately mislead the public.

Tinubu acknowledged the often adversarial relationship between government and the media but described both institutions as indispensable partners in sustaining democracy.

“Government must act. The media must watch. Government must explain. The media must question. That arrangement guarantees a certain level of tension—not because we dislike one another, but because democracy demands it,” he said.

Reflecting on his decades in public life, the President said he has become one of Nigeria’s most scrutinised politicians and recalled how speculation and allegations frequently dominated media coverage during election campaigns.

He said the experience reinforced his belief that democracy requires not only a free press but also a responsible one capable of separating facts from speculation.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the constitutional guarantees of press freedom under Sections 22 and 39 of the Constitution and to the principles of transparency embodied in the Freedom of Information Act.

On governance, the President said his administration’s economic reforms are beginning to yield positive results, citing stronger public revenues, improved foreign reserves, renewed investor confidence, increased investments in the oil and gas sector and continued growth in the stock market.

He added that ongoing tax reforms, infrastructure investments and improvements in the business environment are laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.

Tinubu also highlighted progress in tackling insecurity, saying military operations have intensified across several theatres, intelligence gathering has improved and cooperation among security agencies has strengthened.

According to him, thousands of terrorists and other criminal elements have been neutralised, numerous hostages rescued and several communities reclaimed from armed groups.

The President called for stronger collaboration between government and the media, urging journalists to replace sensationalism with professionalism and continue contributing to national development through responsible reporting.

“Together, let us continue building a nation where truth matters, accountability thrives, democracy flourishes, and every Nigerian has reason to believe in the promise of our country,” he said.