Category: Politics

KADUNA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — Northern political stakeholders, academics, youth groups and civil society organisations on Saturday converged at Arewa House in Kaduna for a town hall meeting organised by the PBAT Door-To-Door Movement to assess the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and discuss the 2027 political outlook.

The event, themed “Critical Appraisal of Government and Reforms Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 2027 Question,” featured discussions on economic reforms, governance, infrastructure development, fiscal policies and national stability.

In his opening remarks, National Coordinator of the movement, Sunday Adekanbi, said the forum was convened to encourage what he described as honest conversations around the administration’s policies and to address misconceptions surrounding ongoing reforms.

According to him, the engagement also provided an avenue to interrogate the “2027 question,” insisting that continuity of the current reform agenda remained necessary for sustainable national development.

Adekanbi said the Tinubu administration had demonstrated leadership through what he described as a “silent yet systematic revolution” across critical sectors of the economy.

“He touched every critical aspect of this country through reforms aimed at economic recovery, institutional strengthening, infrastructure development and youth inclusion,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said Nigeria was gradually moving from reforms to recovery following the economic measures introduced by the administration.

Dare acknowledged that the reforms had triggered temporary hardship but maintained that the policies were necessary to reposition the country for long-term prosperity and competitiveness.

He said the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms and revenue restructuring were difficult but inevitable decisions needed to avert fiscal collapse.

“Leadership is not about comfort; leadership is about responsibility. The President took decisions others were afraid to take because the country could no longer continue on the old path,” he said.

The presidential aide added that the administration was investing heavily in infrastructure, human capital development and economic modernisation to prepare Nigeria for the demands of the 21st century.

He cited interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as part of efforts to expand access to education and empower young Nigerians.

Also speaking, Prof. Solomon Gushibet, Head of the Centre for Financial Economics at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, said the Tinubu administration inherited an economy burdened by structural distortions, fiscal leakages and declining investor confidence.

Gushibet said reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification represented a transition from economic dependency to productivity-driven development.

According to him, no nation achieves transformation without sacrifice, adding that the administration had shown political courage by implementing reforms previous governments avoided for decades.

He noted that signs of economic stabilisation were gradually emerging through improved revenue generation, reduced fiscal leakages, increased investor engagement and relative stability in the foreign exchange market.

The professor, however, acknowledged challenges including insecurity, rising cost of living, debt pressures and implementation gaps in some policy areas.

He urged the Federal Government to strengthen social intervention programmes and improve communication around the reforms to address public concerns and ease economic hardship.

Gushibet maintained that continuity remained essential for the reforms to achieve long-term impact, warning that abandoning ongoing policies midway could reverse progress already achieved and undermine investor confidence.

On his part, Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said increased federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy had enabled the administration of Governor Uba Sani to expand social intervention programmes and improve service delivery across key sectors.

Maiyaki said one of the major outcomes of the policy was the introduction of 100 Compressed Natural Gas buses providing free transportation for civil servants, students and residents, which he said had saved the state more than N2.8 billion within 10 months.

He added that the Kaduna State Government had prioritised education through a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees, infrastructural upgrades and accreditation of academic programmes in state-owned institutions.

According to him, Kaduna State University and Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic had recorded significant improvements, with several courses receiving full accreditation following sustained government investment.

Maiyaki also highlighted progress in security and healthcare, stating that previously volatile areas including Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun, Kajuru and Kachia were witnessing improved peace and economic activities.

He further disclosed that the state had upgraded 255 primary healthcare facilities, recruited thousands of health workers and improved welfare packages to strengthen healthcare delivery across Kaduna State.

Stakeholders at the forum generally called for sustained national dialogue, policy consistency and inclusive governance to consolidate the gains of ongoing reforms and strengthen democratic stability ahead of the 2027 elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has endorsed the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ‘s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, describing the move as a step toward national healing, fairness and unity.

Kwankwaso spoke on Saturday while addressing delegates at the party’s national convention in Abuja.

“It is with unity and solidarity that I support zoning the NDC presidential ticket to the South. This allows the region to complete its turn in national leadership,” he said.

The former governor assured party members that the NDC would uphold the principles of fairness, federal character and equity in appointments and resource distribution if elected into office.

He urged the party to champion leadership free from ethnic and religious bias, stressing that the country needed a new direction capable of restoring public confidence.

“The NDC must set a new leadership standard capable of restoring Nigeria’s dignity,” he said.

Kwankwaso also called on Nigerians, particularly youths and students, to participate actively in the electoral process by registering to vote.

“The NDC is a noble cause; please register now,” he added.

According to him, the party has continued to attract what he described as “quality members” since its formation, while also drawing increasing attention from Nigerians and international observers.

“What began as a bold movement is becoming a formidable platform for national renewal,” he said.

Kwankwaso warned that Nigeria was facing a defining political moment, blaming the country’s challenges on years of poor leadership.

“The world is changing politically, yet Nigeria remains unprepared because of leadership failures,” he stated.

He decried rising insecurity, worsening economic hardship and declining living standards across the country, noting that many Nigerians had been displaced while investments continued to leave the country.

The former governor also reflected on historical political alliances that shaped Nigeria’s development, citing the 1954 alliance between the Northern Elements Progressive Union and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, led by Aminu Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe.

He further referenced the Second Republic alliance between former President Shehu Shagari and former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, saying such partnerships demonstrated that unity and collaboration often produced solutions during difficult national periods.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has scaled through the screening exercise conducted by the All Progressives Congress Screening Committee as part of his bid to contest the Imo West Senatorial District seat in the 2027 elections.

Uzodimma said the decision to seek the senatorial position followed renewed calls from constituents in Imo West for him to represent them at the National Assembly.

“My dear people of Imo West Senatorial District have once again called upon me to serve, and I have accepted this noble call with utmost humility, sincerity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to the collective advancement of our people,” he said.

The governor stated that, in line with the party’s guidelines, he presented himself before the leadership of the APC and the screening committee handling the National Assembly primary election process.

“During the engagement, I reaffirmed that the Senatorial seat I seek to occupy belongs first and foremost to our great party, while I remain only a loyal and dedicated candidate entrusted with the responsibility of projecting and advancing the ideals, vision and aspirations of the APC to the very best of my ability,” he added.

Uzodimma commended the ruling party for what he described as its commitment to purposeful leadership, people-oriented governance and the delivery of democratic dividends across the country.

According to him, his aspiration to represent Imo West in the Senate is driven by the desire to consolidate the gains of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through quality representation, effective legislation and sustainable development.

He added that his focus would be on advancing the interests of the people of Imo West Senatorial District while supporting policies aimed at strengthening national growth and stability.

BAUCHI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally elected Prof. Adewole Adebayo as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, following a consensus decision at the party’s National Convention and Presidential Primaries held in Bauchi on Saturday.

Announcing the result, Edoho James‑Nsima, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, declared Adebayo the sole candidate, affirmed by delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He stressed that the exercise complied with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

In his acceptance speech, Adebayo pledged to deliver people‑oriented and inclusive governance, promising to eradicate poverty, improve security, revive industries, create jobs, and expand access to free quality education and healthcare. “Nigeria is not a private company. Nigeria belongs to Nigerians,” he declared, vowing to restore hope and defend democracy.

Adebayo also called on opposition parties to unite against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that a common front was necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic culture. He lauded Governor Bala Mohammed for providing an enabling environment that ensured the smooth conduct of the convention.

Meanwhile, the SDP elected Prof. Sadiq Abubakar‑Gombe as substantive national chairman, alongside a new slate of executives. Abubakar‑Gombe, who had been acting chairman since 2025, now formally leads the party. Other officials include Ugochukwu Uba (Deputy National Chairman‑South), Olu Agunloye (National Secretary), Mariam Batubo (National Treasurer), Joseph Abu (National Organising Secretary), and Araba Aiyenigba (National Publicity Secretary).

Additional positions were filled by Aderemi Abimbola (Legal Adviser), Bello Hussaini (Financial Secretary), Sa’adatu Abdullahi (Woman Leader), and Daniel Ibe (Youth Leader).

The convention also endorsed the suspension and expulsion of Shehu Gabam, who had previously laid claim to the chairmanship, deepening the party’s internal leadership dispute. Gabam was expelled in October 2025 over alleged financial misconduct, and delegates reaffirmed his removal.

In a statement after his victory, Adebayo said: “I joined this race because Nigeria must be rescued from hunger, homelessness, joblessness, insecurity, and leadership failure. This movement is not about one man. It is about restoring hope, defending democracy, and giving the Nigerian people a government that truly works in their interest.”

He concluded with a rallying message: “Together, we will move Nigeria from poverty and division to productivity, unity, and progress. The future is possible, and together, we will build a New Nigeria that works for everyone.”

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Democratic Congress (NDC) today held its Inaugural National Convention in Abuja, drawing delegates and supporters from across Nigeria in what party leaders described as a historic moment for opposition politics. Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the NDC, Henry Seriake Dickson, delivered a keynote address that blended gratitude, defiance, and a call to action.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi — “First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, and then you win” — Dickson told delegates that the NDC, barely three months old, had already achieved unprecedented acceptance among Nigerians.

He thanked citizens for their trust, noting that the party was founded on ideals of service, unity, inclusion, and the protection of democratic values. “No political party in the history of our country has enjoyed this level of acceptance within such a short period of time as the NDC has received,” he declared.

Dickson traced the party’s journey back to 2017, when efforts to register the NDC stalled. Renewed applications in 2025 faced bureaucratic hurdles until a Federal High Court judgment in December upheld the party’s constitutional right to freedom of association. INEC complied, issuing the certificate of registration in February 2026. He commended both the judiciary and INEC for obeying the ruling, while urging them to safeguard Nigeria’s multi‑party democracy by protecting opposition parties such as the PDP, ADC, Labour Party, SDP, and NNPP.

The convention also marked a significant political development: the entry of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into the NDC after weeks of consultations. Dickson hailed their decision as a “unique convergence of political experience, administrative competence, national reach, and a shared hope for the future of Nigeria.”

Reflecting on his own political journey, Dickson emphasised his steadfast commitment to opposition politics despite pressures to defect. “Any political system without a credible opposition is a dictatorship, and Nigeria must never become a dictatorship—civilian or otherwise,” he warned. He described his career as defined by service, courage, consensus‑building, and sacrifice, insisting that resisting inducements to join the ruling party was necessary to entrench democracy.

Delegates braved insecurity and economic hardship to attend the convention, which Dickson said proved Nigerians were ready for a new direction. He urged members to continue mobilisation and sensitisation, stressing that differences with the ruling party must be settled at polling units, not through violence. “Nigeria must never be reduced to a one‑party state. Through the NDC, Nigerians will continue to resist state capture, resist authoritarianism, and defend multi‑party democracy,” he affirmed.

The convention is expected to affirm and elect the party’s protem leadership, paving the way for the selection of flag bearers for various offices, including the presidency.

ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Deputy President of the Senate and Obarisi of Urhoboland, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has appeared before the Senate Screening Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of his bid to return to the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The screening exercise was held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, formerly known as Sheraton Hotel.

In a statement personally signed by him, Omo-Agege commended the screening process, describing it as thorough, transparent and well-organised in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), and the APC guidelines.

He expressed appreciation to members of the screening committee for what he described as their professionalism and dedication, and thanked APC leaders and supporters for their prayers and continued support.

“I am confident in my record of service and remain committed to advancing the Renewed Hope agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in partnership with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State,” he said.

The former Deputy Senate President said he was optimistic about the outcome of the screening exercise and pledged to intensify efforts toward securing victory for the APC in Delta Central and across Delta State in the 2027 elections.

“Our mission is clear: to give the people of Delta Central representation that is accessible, responsive, and dedicated to real development,” he stated.

During his previous tenure in the Senate, Omo-Agege was credited with facilitating several federal projects and educational institutions in Delta State, including the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun.

He also played significant roles in securing autonomy for the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) and the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale.

The former lawmaker was also credited with attracting educational ,infrastructure projects to St. George’s Grammar School, Obinomba, in Ukwuani Local Government Area, including an e-library, classroom blocks, hostels and a reconstructed refectory amongst others.

ABUJA, Nigeria — National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing screening exercise for aspirants contesting under the party’s platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Yilwatda said the exercise, which includes serving governors seeking re-election and governors aspiring for Senate seats, remains critical to the party’s preparations for its forthcoming primary elections nationwide.

According to him, the screening process has so far been conducted in an atmosphere of unity, transparency and commitment to democratic values.

“The exercise was conducted in an atmosphere of unity, transparency, and commitment to the democratic values of our great party, the All Progressives Congress. We successfully screened more aspirants today and will continue with the process as scheduled,” he said.

The APC chairman stated that the ruling party remained committed to strengthening internal democracy, ensuring credibility in its processes and building confidence among Nigerians.

Yilwatda made the remarks while commenting on the successful conclusion of the second day of the screening exercise for serving governors seeking re-election and aspirants contesting for Senate seats.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to due process, party unity and credible leadership ahead of the elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has been honoured with the Accolade Yellow Ball Award as the Best Performing Governor of the Year in Infrastructure and Economic Development.

The governor disclosed this in a statement following the award presentation ceremony held in Abuja.

“Yesterday in Abuja, I was honoured with the Accolade Yellow Ball Award as the Best Performing Governor of the Year in Infrastructure and Economic Development,” Alia stated.

According to the governor, he was unable to remain at the event due to other official engagements, while the award was formally received on his behalf by former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam.

Alia expressed appreciation to Suswam for representing him at the ceremony and thanked the organisers for the recognition.

He dedicated the award to the people of Benue State, whose support, he said, continued to inspire his administration’s commitment to development and good governance. “I dedicate this honour to the great people of Benue State, whose support continues to inspire our commitment to building a new Benue for ourselves and generations to come,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that he had successfully appeared before the screening committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s governorship primaries for the 2027 election in Benue State.

Alia’s success at the screening exercise formed part of his bid for a second term in office under the APC platform.