Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has called on members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to serve as effective links between the government and citizens in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Yilwatda made the call while attending and officially launching the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National Mobilisation Retreat.

According to the ruling party’s chairman, the ambassadors have a critical role to play in promoting government policies, strengthening public confidence, and encouraging greater citizen participation in national development.

He urged them to move beyond advocacy and focus on meaningful engagement with communities across the country.

“As ambassadors, your responsibility goes beyond advocacy; it is about engaging citizens, sharing accurate information, inspiring confidence, and mobilising support for the transformational policies and programmes being implemented across our nation,” he said.

Yilwatda noted that the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda depends on effective communication between the government and the people, as well as sustained public participation in the nation’s development efforts.

He stressed that Nigeria’s aspiration to build a one-trillion-dollar economy would require collective commitment, shared responsibility, and active involvement from citizens across all sectors.

“Nigeria’s journey towards a $1 trillion economy requires collective effort, commitment, and active participation from every citizen,” he said.

The APC chairman encouraged the ambassadors to remain focused, people-centred, and committed to promoting the values of service, unity, patriotism, and national development.

He said their activities should contribute to strengthening trust in governance and improving public understanding of government programmes and reforms.

According to him, sustained engagement between government and citizens remains essential for achieving inclusive growth and national prosperity.

Yilwatda expressed confidence that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors initiative would help deepen grassroots mobilisation and support the implementation of policies designed to improve the welfare of Nigerians.

“Together, we can deepen public engagement, strengthen trust in governance, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda for a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria,” he added.

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors programme is designed to mobilise public support for the Tinubu administration’s policies and development initiatives across the country.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has approved the appointments of Agada Abuh Theophilus as Director of New Media and Strategic Communications and Brian Dennis as Deputy Director of New Media and Strategic Communications.

The appointments form part of the party’s efforts to strengthen its communications architecture and deepen engagement with Nigerians across traditional and digital platforms.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, the NDC described both appointees as experienced communications professionals with strong backgrounds in strategic messaging, political communications, public relations, and media engagement.

According to the statement, Theophilus brings extensive experience spanning political campaigns, corporate brand management, institutional public relations, and new media strategy.

He is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and holds a Master of Arts degree in Development Communications, with a specialisation in strategic communication for social and institutional development.

The party also noted that he is currently pursuing a doctoral degree, with research interests focused on election administration and management.

His appointment is expected to strengthen the party’s strategic communication efforts and expand its digital outreach.

The NDC also announced the appointment of Brian Dennis as Deputy Director of New Media and Strategic Communications.

Dennis is a communications analyst with seven years of experience in strategic and political communications.

He holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution and has worked in various capacities involving public engagement, political communication, and media analysis.

The party expressed confidence that both appointments would enhance its ability to communicate its policies, programmes, and political vision to Nigerians.

“The party is excited to welcome both appointees and looks forward to the energy, expertise, and fresh perspectives they bring to its communications efforts,” the statement said.

The NDC added that the appointments reflect its commitment to building a robust communication structure capable of engaging citizens effectively and strengthening the party’s presence across multiple media platforms.

According to the party, the new communications team will play a critical role in amplifying its message, expanding public engagement, and supporting its broader political objectives ahead of future electoral contests.

The NDC expressed optimism that the leadership of Theophilus and Dennis would further strengthen the party’s voice and deepen its connection with Nigerians nationwide.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government’s growing debt profile, arguing that increased revenue generation should have reduced the country’s dependence on borrowing.

Obi made the remarks in a statement personally signed on Wednesday and titled, “Exponential Increase in Revenue with Excessive Borrowing: Yet More Hardship for Nigerians!”

The former Anambra State governor was reacting to recent claims by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that government revenue increased from N16.8 trillion in 2022 to N35 trillion in 2025, representing a rise of more than 100 per cent.

According to Obi, the significant increase in revenue should ordinarily have translated into reduced borrowing and improved living conditions for Nigerians.

Instead, he argued, the country’s debt burden has continued to rise at an alarming rate.

“Shockingly, while Nigerians expected a reduction in borrowing with the exponential increase in revenue, the opposite is the case,” Obi said.

He alleged that the Tinubu administration has relied heavily on borrowing over the past three years, claiming that Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to about N200 trillion.

According to him, the increase represents an additional debt burden of more than N100 trillion within the period under review.

Obi further argued that, beyond increased revenue, Nigeria has also benefited from favourable global and regional economic developments that boosted government earnings beyond budget projections.

He, however, expressed concern that the additional revenue and borrowing have not translated into measurable improvements in the welfare of citizens.

“Alarmingly, even with the astronomical increase in both revenue and debt, almost all key socio-economic and governance indicators are worse than in 2023,” he stated.

The opposition figure claimed that multidimensional poverty has increased significantly in recent years, while unemployment and other economic challenges have continued to worsen.

He also pointed to a decline in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, arguing that the country’s economic performance has not reflected the scale of resources reportedly available to the government.

According to Obi, many Nigerians are struggling with worsening living conditions despite official reports of higher revenues and increased government spending.

“Just more and more hardship for Nigerians,” he said.

The former presidential candidate questioned how the additional revenues and borrowings had been utilised and called for greater transparency in the management of public finances.

“The question Nigerians and even the international community are asking is: ‘Where did all the money go?’” Obi stated.

He urged the Federal Government to provide a comprehensive explanation of the country’s financial position and account for revenues generated since 2023.

Obi also called for what he described as prudent, transparent, and accountable management of public resources, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know how government funds have been spent.

The NDC presidential candidate maintained that addressing the country’s economic challenges would require greater fiscal discipline and policies focused on productivity, accountability, and sustainable development.

He reiterated his campaign message that a more productive and prosperous Nigeria remains achievable through responsible governance and effective economic management.

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has condemned what he described as coordinated attacks allegedly carried out by political thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in several parts of the state.

The governor alleged that the attacks occurred in Ile-Ife, Ede, Osogbo and other communities on Tuesday, resulting in injuries and heightened political tensions ahead of the state’s governorship election.

In a statement personally signed and issued on Tuesday, Adeleke called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to urgently intervene.

He also urged key figures in the APC, including former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and governorship aspirant Bola Oyebamiji, to prevail on their supporters and prevent further escalation of tensions in the state.

According to the governor, failure to address the situation could threaten the peace and stability of Osun State.

Adeleke said he personally visited some of the affected locations and hospitals following reports of the attacks.

“After receiving reports of the attacks, I personally visited affected areas and met victims receiving treatment at the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, and the Cottage Hospital, Ede. I also paid a solidarity visit to the Osogbo Accord Chairman who survived a gunshot attack last week,” he said.

The governor expressed sympathy to the victims and their families, assuring them that his administration would provide the necessary support.

He disclosed that security agencies had been directed to conduct thorough investigations into the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, regardless of their political affiliation or social status.

Adeleke stressed that political disagreements should not degenerate into violence, intimidation, or attacks on citizens exercising their democratic rights.

“Political differences must never degenerate into violence, intimidation, or attacks on citizens exercising their constitutional rights. Democracy thrives on dialogue, tolerance and respect for the rule of law,” he stated.

The governor also appealed to residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and avoid actions that could further inflame tensions.

He disclosed that additional security measures were being deployed to vulnerable locations across the state as part of efforts to maintain law and order.

Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property and preserving the peace for which Osun State is known.

He concluded by praying for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incidents and called for collective efforts to sustain peace and stability across the state.

As of the time of filing this report, the APC had not issued an official response to the allegations.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has pledged to deliver one million mixed-income public housing units across Nigeria if elected president, while accusing rival political parties of adopting policies first proposed by his party.

Sowore made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday titled “Why Settle for Less?”, in which he contrasted the AAC’s policy proposals with those of other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The human rights activist argued that the AAC has consistently advanced more ambitious socioeconomic programmes than its political competitors.

According to him, his administration would construct one million mixed-income public homes nationwide as part of efforts to address the country’s housing deficit and improve living conditions for Nigerians.

“The Sowore administration will build one million mixed-income public homes across Nigeria. Why should Nigerians settle for less?” he said.

Sowore also alleged that other political parties have replicated several policy ideas initially championed by the AAC.

He cited the party’s proposal for a ₦500,000 living wage, claiming that competing political groups later responded with lower wage proposals.

“When we proposed a ₦500,000 living wage, they rushed out with ₦100,000. When we proposed one million public homes for all Nigerians, they responded with 100,000 homes,” he stated.

The AAC presidential candidate maintained that there was a clear distinction between what he described as transformative policies and programmes designed merely to manage existing economic challenges.

“One vision is designed to manage poverty. The other is designed to end it. One offers scarcity. The other offers abundance,” Sowore said.

He urged Nigerians to support what he described as a movement committed to economic liberation, social justice, and expanded opportunities for citizens.

Sowore concluded the statement by calling on voters to back his presidential bid in the 2027 elections, saying his administration would focus on policies aimed at improving welfare and expanding economic opportunities for Nigerians.

The proposals form part of the AAC’s emerging campaign platform as political parties begin positioning ahead of the next presidential election cycle.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has expressed satisfaction over the progress of two legislative proposals he sponsored, following their advancement through various stages of consideration in the Senate.

In a statement on Tuesday titled “Today’s Senate Plenary at a Glance,” Barau disclosed that one of the bills, the Nigeria Communications Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, successfully passed its first reading during Tuesday’s plenary session.

According to him, the bill was among four legislative proposals introduced and considered at the first reading stage.

The second proposal, titled ‘A Bill to Establish a Comprehensive Legal, Regulatory and Supervisory Framework for Virtual Assets and Digital Asset Service Providers in Nigeria’, scaled second reading after receiving broad support from lawmakers.

The Deputy Senate President said the bill seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the regulation of virtual assets, cryptocurrencies, and digital asset service providers operating within the country.

As the presiding officer during plenary, Barau said the lead debate on the bill was presented on his behalf by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammad Tahir Monguno.

He noted that Nigeria ranks among the world’s leading users of virtual assets and digital financial products, but lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern the rapidly expanding sector.

According to him, the proposed legislation is designed to address existing regulatory gaps, promote compliance, protect investors, and strengthen the integrity of the nation’s financial system.

“The world over, virtual assets, from cryptocurrency to blockchain-based tokens, have become an integral part of modern economic life. Yet there exists a gap in terms of a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework in this important sector,” he said.

Barau added that senators unanimously supported the proposal before it was approved for second reading and referred for further legislative action.

The Senate also advanced two other bills during the session.

They include a bill seeking to repeal the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria Act and replace it with the Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria, as well as a bill proposing the establishment of the Chartered Institute of Safety Engineers of Nigeria.

Both bills passed second reading and were subsequently referred to the relevant committees for further scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the Senate debated and adopted a motion on the urgent need to revive Nigeria’s textile industry.

The motion, sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung and co-sponsored by Barau and several other lawmakers, highlighted the economic consequences of the decline of the once-thriving sector.

Speaking during the debate, Barau said the collapse of the textile industry had resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs and livelihoods across the country.

He argued that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported textile products has continued to create employment opportunities abroad while limiting job creation for Nigerians.

“We have lost thousands of jobs and livelihoods due to the collapse of our textile industry. By importing 99 per cent of our textile needs, we create jobs for other countries while denying our people similar opportunities,” he said.

The Deputy Senate President stressed the need for deliberate policies to reverse the trend, strengthen local production, stimulate economic growth, and improve the welfare of citizens.

Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to urge the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards reviving the textile industry as part of broader efforts to create jobs, boost industrialisation, and address youth unemployment and restiveness.

The Senate adjourned plenary and is expected to reconvene on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across the country, warning that escalating violence and criminal activities are threatening lives, livelihoods, and national stability.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the former Kano State Governor said Nigeria was witnessing a disturbing resurgence of insecurity, with banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes, and armed robbery becoming increasingly widespread in several parts of the country.

According to him, states including Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, and Oyo have continued to experience varying degrees of insecurity, leaving many citizens living in fear.

“Nigeria is bleeding profusely. From Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kwara to Oyo and several other parts of the country, our citizens can no longer sleep with both eyes closed,” Kwankwaso said.

He described as alarming the growing boldness of criminal groups, alleging that some now use social media platforms to openly taunt security agencies and spread fear among the public.

The former Minister of Defence said the trend was unacceptable and inconsistent with the status of Nigeria as a sovereign nation.

Drawing from his experience in public service, Kwankwaso said insecurity can be effectively tackled through decisive leadership, strategic planning, and community participation.

“As someone who has served this country at various levels, including as Governor of Kano State and Minister of Defence, where we confronted and significantly reduced security challenges through decisive leadership and community engagement, I remain convinced that insecurity is not insurmountable,” he stated.

He argued that the country possesses the resources required to combat insecurity but lacks the political will and sincerity needed to address the challenge comprehensively.

Kwankwaso criticised the current security strategy, saying the persistent deterioration in the security situation despite significant budgetary allocations to the sector suggests the need for a new approach.

According to him, continued attacks across the country have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of thousands of people, and growing economic hardship caused by fear and instability.

He called for an urgent and comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, including improved welfare for security personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering, and stronger community policing initiatives.

The NDC vice presidential candidate also stressed the need to address the underlying causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, poor governance, and lack of opportunities for young people.

He urged the government to increase investment in quality education, skills acquisition, job creation, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity supply, and agricultural development as part of a long-term strategy for national security and economic stability.

Kwankwaso maintained that strengthening local food production and improving socioeconomic conditions would help reduce vulnerabilities that often fuel insecurity and social unrest.