Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Promoter of the proposed African Democratic Alliance (ADA), Dr Umar Ardo, has defended the party’s registration effort and faulted Wednesday’s Federal High Court ruling dismissing its case against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show monitored by our correspondent on Thursday, Ardo said the court decision was based on a preliminary objection filed by two individuals who joined the suit.

“Yesterday, the Federal High Court dismissed our case on the basis of a preliminary injunction by those two guys who joined us. We will look at it and test it with the veracity of the law,” he said.

Ardo, a political strategist and convener of the League of Northern Democrats, insisted that the ADA project was not solely targeted at the 2027 general elections but aimed at providing a long-term political alternative for Nigerians.

“We are not registering ADA just because of the 2027 election. Elections will always come and go. We believe ADA is the right alternative,” he stated.

The former presidential aspirant also addressed criticisms surrounding his opposition to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a political party recently registered by INEC and associated with former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson.

Ardo argued that his position against the NDC should not be interpreted as opposition to coalition efforts or other opposition parties.

“It is not factually true that because you oppose NDC, you are opposing all opposition political parties,” he said.

He alleged that the NDC did not properly follow the registration process before securing approval from INEC, describing the development as misleading.

“I opposed the NDC to correct what I consider a national fraud. NDC misled the court into registering it,” Ardo alleged.

The ADA promoter further claimed that he had engaged political figures close to former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and personally spoke with former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, urging them not to align with the NDC.

However, Ardo did not provide specific details regarding the concerns he claimed to have raised about the party.

His remarks come amid growing disagreements among opposition figures and coalition groups ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly over the emergence of new political platforms and alliance-building efforts.

The National Publicity Secretary of the proposed ADA had earlier criticised Ardo’s perceived hostility toward other opposition parties, accusing him of undermining broader coalition efforts.

Meanwhile, Senator Seriake Dickson, founder and national leader of the NDC, had previously accused Ardo of sponsoring what he described as a misleading campaign against the party.

Dickson, while defending the legitimacy of the NDC registration process, said documents in the party’s possession showed that its registration efforts began in 2017 before the process was temporarily halted.

“When party registration resumed last year, we revisited and updated our earlier application,” Dickson said.

He added that the party had documentary evidence, including records of its logo search and earlier correspondence linked to the registration exercise.

According to the former governor, political projects of national significance often attract distractions and opposition.

“These are all parts of the terrain that we are used to. I therefore urge Nigerians to discountenance and ignore such propaganda about the NDC or any of its leaders and remain focused on the bigger picture,” he said.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The first batch of 343 pilgrims from Lagos State has departed for the holy city of Makkah, continuing their spiritual journey for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. The pilgrims, filled with devotion and gratitude, left Madinah after four days of intense prayers and worship at the Prophet’s Mosque, marking a significant phase of their sacred exercise.

According to a statement from the Lagos State Government, the second and third batches of Lagos pilgrims, who arrived in Madinah on Sunday, have embarked on Ziyyarah — visits to some of the most revered historical sites in Islamic tradition. These visits, it noted, offered deep reflection on the sacrifices of early Muslims and provided spiritual enlightenment as the pilgrims prepared for the major Hajj rites in Makkah.

Among the notable sites visited were Masjid Quba, the first mosque built in Madinah; Mount Uhud, the site of the historic Battle of Uhud; Masjid Qiblatain, where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was divinely directed to change the Qiblah from Jerusalem to Makkah; Jannatul Baqi, the resting place of many companions of the Prophet; and Sab’ah Masajid (The Seven Mosques), known for their connection to the Battle of the Trench.

The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board expressed satisfaction with the smooth coordination of the pilgrimage so far, noting that all arrangements for accommodation, transportation, and welfare have been effectively managed. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every pilgrim experiences a spiritually fulfilling and well‑organized Hajj.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the outcomes of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting held at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, describing the development as a sign that both countries are moving from dialogue to implementation.

Tinubu stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the President, the growing economic ties between Nigeria and France now carry “real economic weight” and should translate into jobs, industries, infrastructure and shared prosperity.

He noted that trade between both countries reached $4.7 billion in 2025, with Nigeria remaining the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa.

The meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier, as well as leading Nigerian and French business executives.

Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for convening what he described as a productive session involving major private sector players from both countries.

The President also acknowledged the participation of prominent business leaders, including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Wale Tinubu, Kola Karim, Kashim Bukar, Patrick Pouyanné of TotalEnergies, Rodolphe Saadé of CMA CGM, as well as representatives of Danone and Accor.

According to him, their participation reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and long-term competitiveness.

Tinubu particularly welcomed the signing of an agreement between Accor and Shoreline Group for Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, describing it as a major boost for the country’s hospitality, tourism and investment sectors.

“This is the partnership Nigeria is ready for. We are ready for investment that builds, capital that produces, and enterprise that creates jobs. Nigeria and France are no longer simply exchanging goodwill. We are opening a new chapter of serious economic execution,” the President said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the business environment, supporting credible investors and deepening reforms aimed at making Nigeria a more stable, productive and competitive economy.

“The message from the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi is that Nigeria is ready, France is engaged, and the private sector in both countries is moving forward.

“The next chapter of Africa-Europe relations will be written in factories, hotels, ports, energy projects, technology platforms, farms, jobs and new value chains,” he added.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has officially declared his intention to contest for the Agege Federal Constituency seat in the forthcoming elections.

Obasa made the announcement on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Agege, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.

The sixth-term lawmaker said his decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders who urged him to represent Agege at the federal level. “I answered the call of our leaders and stakeholders who believe I can serve Agege better,” he told party members.

He urged members of the APC to remain united and committed as the party prepares for its primaries, stressing that internal cohesion was vital for victory.

Obasa also threw his support behind former Agege council chairman, Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi, who is contesting for the Agege Constituency I seat, describing him as a loyal and diligent public servant. “Egunjobi has served our people diligently and deserves the support of all loyal party members,” he said.

The Speaker further endorsed Mr. Azeez Ninolowo, an aspirant for Agege Constituency II, noting that the area needed experienced and dedicated representatives who understood the challenges facing residents. “We must present candidates with capacity, loyalty, and commitment to the progress of Agege,” Obasa added.

His declaration adds momentum to the growing list of APC aspirants in Agege, as supporters intensify mobilisation ahead of the party’s screening and primary exercises.

Residents of Agege and Orile-Agege are closely monitoring developments as party leaders conclude internal consultations, while members across Lagos await the outcome of the screening by state and national leadership.

Political observers say Obasa’s move shifts attention from earlier speculation linking him to the Lagos governorship race, positioning him instead for a strategic role at the federal level.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced the commencement of the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for aspirants seeking to contest various elective positions on the party’s platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by the National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and the Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enwekweu.

According to the statement, the sale of Expression of Interest Forms will begin on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and end on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The party said screening exercises and appeals arising from the screening process would hold between Thursday, May 21, and Saturday, May 23, 2026.

It added that the sale of Nomination Forms would commence immediately after the screening exercise and close on Monday, May 25, 2026, while appeals from the screening exercise would be entertained between Tuesday, May 26, and Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

The NDC further stated that primary elections for various elective offices would hold from Thursday, May 28, 2026, while the Presidential Primary Election is scheduled for Saturday, May 29, 2026, in Abuja.

Under the approved fees released by the party, presidential aspirants are expected to pay ₦20 million for Expression of Interest Forms and ₦40 million for Nomination Forms, bringing the total cost of presidential forms to ₦60 million.

The party also fixed ₦1 million for Expression of Interest Forms and ₦1.5 million for Nomination Forms for State House of Assembly aspirants.

House of Representatives aspirants are to pay ₦2 million and ₦3 million respectively, while Senate aspirants will pay ₦3 million for Expression of Interest Forms and ₦5 million for Nomination Forms.

Governorship aspirants are expected to pay ₦10 million for Expression of Interest Forms and ₦20 million for Nomination Forms.

The party, however, granted concessions to female aspirants and persons living with disabilities (PWDs), stating that female aspirants would pay 50 per cent of the approved fees, while PWDs would pay 25 per cent.

The NDC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and internal democracy as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

AWKA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Igboukwu community at the Light House, where they presented two brand new OMAA Utility Vehicles to support the state’s security operations and efforts to combat criminality.

The gesture, described as a strong expression of community partnership, was welcomed as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots involvement in security management across the state.

Governor Soludo said the donation goes beyond material support, describing it as a symbol of shared responsibility in the fight against insecurity.

“This is not just about vehicles. It is about ownership. It is about a community rising to say that the security of Anambra is our collective duty,” he said.

He commended the Igboukwu delegation, led by the President-General and traditional leadership of the community, for what he described as a clear demonstration of civic responsibility and unity of purpose.

“To Ndi Igboukwu, I say Daalụ nụ. You have shown that when government and the people move as one, no criminal can hide and no evil can thrive,” Soludo added.

According to the governor, the vehicles will be immediately deployed to enhance mobility for security operatives and improve rapid response capabilities in affected areas. He said the support will strengthen ongoing operations aimed at reducing crime and improving public safety.

Soludo noted that the initiative aligns with the People’s Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model being promoted by his administration, which emphasises collaboration between government and local communities in governance and development.

“This is the PPCP spirit at work — government providing leadership, and communities providing partnership. With this unity, we will build the livable and prosperous homeland we promised,” he said.

The governor, who recently began his second term in office, reiterated that security remains a top priority of his administration. He added that sustained collaboration with communities is central to achieving lasting peace and stability in the state.

He expressed optimism that increased community participation in security efforts would further strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response across Anambra.

The Igboukwu community delegation said the donation was part of its commitment to support government efforts in tackling insecurity and ensuring safer communities.

They pledged continued cooperation with the state government and security agencies to maintain peace and stability.

Governor Soludo reaffirmed that with sustained collaboration between government and citizens, his vision of a secure, livable, and prosperous Anambra State remains firmly on course.

LAFIA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it registered 106,074 new voters in Nasarawa State during the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Nasarawa State, Muhammad Abubakar-Sadiq, disclosed this on Monday in Lafia while briefing journalists on the commencement of the third phase of the CVR exercise.

According to him, the third phase of the registration exercise began on May 11 and is expected to end on July 10, 2026.

Abubakar-Sadiq explained that the commission recorded 37,323 new registrations during the first phase of the exercise conducted between August and December 2025.

He, however, said the figure rose significantly to 106,074 during the second phase conducted from January to April 2026.

The REC attributed the increase in voter turnout to heightened public awareness and the decentralisation of registration centres from the headquarters of the 13 local government areas and Lafia to the 147 electoral wards across the state.

He said eligible participants in the CVR exercise include Nigerians who recently attained the age of 18, new registrants, persons seeking transfer of voter registration, replacement of lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and correction of personal information.

According to him, participation was particularly high in Karu, Obi, Lafia and Nasarawa local government areas.

“Karu recorded 16,492, while Obi, Lafia and Nasarawa LGAs recorded 14,030, 13,354 and 14,493 respectively for new registration,” he said.

Abubakar-Sadiq added that female registrants outnumbered their male counterparts during the exercise.

“Female registration stood at 59,538, while male registration was 46,536,” he added.

The REC commended residents of the state for turning out in large numbers and encouraged those yet to register to visit the nearest registration centre.

He also warned against multiple registrations, stating that duplicate entries would be detected and removed through the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).

Abubakar-Sadiq further disclosed that INEC would soon display data from the previous phase for public scrutiny, claims and objections before final publication.

He noted that the commission encountered challenges including poor network connectivity, last-minute rush by registrants and geographical barriers during the previous exercise.

According to him, INEC has taken steps to address the identified challenges, including the procurement of routers for electoral officers across the state to improve network connectivity and ensure smoother operations.

The REC appreciated the media, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders for their support during the exercise and called for sustained collaboration.

He also reminded the public that voter registration remains free of charge and warned that no INEC staff or agent is authorised to demand payment for any aspect of the process. (NAN).