Category: Politics

  • Yusuf Buhari clears APC screening for Katsina House of Reps seat

    Yusuf Buhari clears APC screening for Katsina House of Reps seat

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Yusuf Buhari, son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has successfully completed the screening process of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s primaries for the House of Representatives elections.

    Yusuf Buhari is seeking to represent Daura, Sandamu and Mai’Adua Federal Constituency of Katsina State in the House of Representatives.

    Confirming his clearance after the exercise in Abuja, Buhari disclosed in a post on his X handle that he had successfully undergone the party’s screening process.

    “Today, I successfully went through a rigorous screening process as part of the journey towards contesting for the position of Member, House of Representatives, representing Daura, Sandamu and Mai’Adua Federal Constituency,” he wrote.

    The first-time aspirant expressed gratitude to his family, friends and supporters for their encouragement and prayers.

    He also stated that he looked forward to continuing his political journey with humility, dedication and commitment to serving the people of the constituency.

    “I am grateful to Almighty Allah, my family, friends and supporters for their encouragement and prayers,” he added.

    Newpost Africa (NPA) had earlier reported that the APC announced screening exercises for all aspirants contesting under the party’s platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    However, the party waived the screening requirement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that he had previously undergone the process before his election and did not require a repeat screening.

    According to a statement issued by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the screening exercise for Senate aspirants is scheduled to hold from May 9 to May 10, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, formerly known as Sheraton Hotel, beginning at 10:00 a.m. daily.

    The screening for House of Representatives aspirants is also slated for May 9 to May 10, 2026, at Treasures Suites and Conferences in Abuja, with proceedings expected to commence at 10:00 a.m. each day.

    The party further disclosed that the screening exercise for incumbent governors seeking re-election or Senate seats would hold from May 8 to May 9, 2026, at the Plateau State Governors Lodge.

    APC advised all aspirants to attend the exercise punctually and come with all required credentials and supporting documents.

  • Kwankwaso rallies support at NDC National Convention, urges Nigerians to join party’s cause

    Kwankwaso rallies support at NDC National Convention, urges Nigerians to join party’s cause

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, PhD, FNSE, delivered a stirring address at the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) National Convention in Abuja, today, calling for unity, renewal, and a new leadership vision for Nigeria.

    Kwankwaso described the convention as “a historic occasion of our great party” and warned that Nigeria stands at “a critical crossroads” amid global geopolitical shifts. He lamented the decline in quality of life, insecurity, collapsing infrastructure, and harsh economic policies, declaring: “We are witnessing a sharp decline in the quality of life. Insecurity has created widows and orphans across the land. Investments are fleeing, critical infrastructure is neglected, the education system is collapsing.”

    Tracing Nigeria’s history of alliances that shaped independence and democratic transitions, Kwankwaso endorsed the party’s decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South, describing it as “a true opportunity for national healing.”

    He pledged that the NDC would prioritize leadership free of ethnic and religious bias, restore Nigeria’s dignity, and ensure citizens at home and abroad are treated with respect.

    Closing his speech, Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to mobilize, register with INEC, and join the NDC’s cause: “We can only achieve that by continuing to mobilise to register with INEC to vote, and the NDC to belong to this noble cause. Please register, today.”

  • Atiku, Amaechi splash whopping ₦180m on ADC Presidential Nomination forms

    Atiku, Amaechi splash whopping ₦180m on ADC Presidential Nomination forms

    ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have obtained the presidential nomination forms of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primaries.

    In a statement titled “A New Chapter in Nigeria’s Democratic Journey,” the ADC confirmed that Atiku had officially received his payment receipt to contest for the party’s presidential ticket.

    According to the party, the development represents another major step in what it described as a growing movement for national renewal, democratic inclusion and people-driven leadership.

    “This development marks another significant moment in the growing movement for national renewal, democratic inclusion, and people-driven leadership within the ADC,” the statement said.

    The party added that it remained committed to providing Nigerians with what it described as a credible alternative focused on unity, competence, economic recovery, security and national progress.

    ADC disclosed that the formal presentation of nomination forms to Atiku is expected to take place on Monday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    “The movement is growing. Hope is rising. Expect more,” the statement added.

    Similarly, Amaechi also obtained the ADC presidential nomination form at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

    The form was picked up on his behalf by former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Oyegun, alongside former Minister of Environment Mohammed Abdullahi, Senator Nura Abatemi, Hon. Asita, and media entrepreneur Ike Bishop Okoronkwo, among other political stakeholders.

    The latest developments come amid ongoing political realignments within the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso recently joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a move that has reshaped the opposition political landscape.

  • PDP disowns fake Jonathan 2027 campaign posters

    PDP disowns fake Jonathan 2027 campaign posters

    ABUJA, Nigeria — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced former President Goodluck Jonathan from campaign posters currently circulating on social media, describing them as fake and misleading.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said the posters falsely portrayed Jonathan either as a standalone presidential candidate or paired with other notable Nigerians as running mates under the platforms of different political parties.

    The party maintained that Jonathan remains a registered member of the PDP under the leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

    According to the statement, the former president personally completed his membership registration in his ward during the party’s recently concluded digital membership registration exercise.

    The PDP said Jonathan also confirmed his membership status during a meeting with members of the Interim National Working Committee on Thursday.

    The party explained that the clarification became necessary because the Electoral Act prohibits and penalises double political party registration.

    “We state categorically that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is a registered member of the Peoples Democratic Party,” the statement said.

    The PDP further alleged that some individuals were attempting to create confusion by circulating fake campaign materials and allegedly plotting to register Jonathan and other prominent politicians in multiple political parties without their consent.

    “We are aware that mischief makers may not only design and circulate fake campaign posters, but may also, in concert with highly placed collaborators, attempt to input the details of President Jonathan and other prominent members of our party and the opposition movement into the databases of different political parties,” the party stated.

    The PDP called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the public to disregard any such activities, describing them as fraudulent and politically motivated.

  • ADC warns of judicial manipulation in Bala case by agents of government

    ADC warns of judicial manipulation in Bala case by agents of government

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused agents of the Federal Government of attempting to manipulate the judiciary in the leadership case involving Nafiu Bala Gombe. The party alleged that Bala’s request to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment of the matter confirms a plot led by a federal minister to influence proceedings.

    In a statement issued by ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned the move as an attempt to turn the judiciary into “a shopping mall where you pick and choose judges suitable for your political schemes.”

    Abdullahi stressed that no litigant has the right to dictate which judge hears their case, warning that Bala’s bid for indefinite adjournment runs contrary to clear directives from the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court for a speedy trial.

    In another statement on May 7, 2026, the ADC warned government agents to “hands off ADC judicial matters,” alleging covert pressure on Hon. Justice Nwite to recuse himself from the case.

    The party said it uncovered a disturbing plot to frustrate justice by forcing Justice Nwite aside so the matter could be reassigned to judges perceived as pliable. According to the ADC Legal Team, despite the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment not yet being released, the case was hastily fixed before Justice Nwite for May 8, 2026, in what the party described as a calculated scheme to compel his withdrawal.

    The ADC insisted that judicial recusal is not a tool for political convenience, warning that attempts to procure “friendly courts” pose a grave danger to constitutional democracy. The party called on the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the international community to urgently intervene, stressing that the independence of the judiciary must be protected from political interference and intimidation.

  • PGF passes vote of confidence in Uzodimma, reaffirms unity ahead of 2027 polls

    PGF passes vote of confidence in Uzodimma, reaffirms unity ahead of 2027 polls

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) — The Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) has passed a vote of confidence in its Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, while reaffirming the unity of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The decision was reached on Friday after a closed-door meeting of APC governors in Abuja, where they deliberated on party affairs, forthcoming primaries and strategies aimed at strengthening the ruling party ahead of the next election cycle.

    The forum also dismissed speculations of a leadership crisis within its ranks, insisting that Uzodimma remained the authentic chairman of the body.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the PGF had earlier denied reports claiming that Uzodimma had been removed as chairman of the forum.

    Director-General of the forum, Folorunso Aluko, had described the reports as “false and misleading.”

    Speaking after the meeting, Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, said reports suggesting the emergence of a new leadership within the forum were untrue.

    “You can see our chairman here and his deputy, Governor Uba Sani. There is no division.

    “I want to take this opportunity to move a vote of confidence in our chairman and his deputy,” Idris said.

    Also speaking, Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, described the reports as unfortunate, while insisting that the forum remained united.

    “What I can say here is that all of us woke up to those very unfortunate stories that were carried by virtually all media houses in Nigeria.

    “However, the fact of the matter is that the APC Progressive Governors’ Forum remains very united. We are stronger now than at any other time.

    “Of course, we are all supporting our President, Bola Tinubu, in what he is doing.

    “We also want to assure everyone that the APC is united, the governors are united, and the forum is united. There is absolutely no problem,” he said.

    Earlier, Uzodimma said the governors discussed preparations for the forthcoming APC primaries and measures aimed at strengthening internal party cohesion.

    “We also assessed the performance of the party, especially regarding the various committees that have been constituted and will soon be announced by the party headquarters to oversee and conduct the primaries at the sub-national levels.

    “We resolved to further strengthen the unity of the party and reaffirmed our collective support for President Bola Tinubu.

    “You will recall that only on Thursday, we submitted the President’s expression of interest and nomination forms for him to contest the 2027 presidential election for a second term in office.

    “The governors of the APC remain united and fully committed to supporting the President to ensure his success in the forthcoming elections.

    “We have also resolved to work harder in delivering good governance, looking after the welfare of our people, improving performance and providing the necessary social and economic support that Nigerians deserve,” he said.

    According to NAN, about 18 governors attended the meeting.

  • Abia Governor Otti receives free Labour Party nomination form for 2027

    Abia Governor Otti receives free Labour Party nomination form for 2027

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has officially received a free governorship nomination form from the Labour Party to contest in the 2027 elections. The form was presented to him by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, during a ceremony at the Abia State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, on Friday.

    In a statement, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the party leadership: “Today, I was greatly honoured to receive a free form from the National Working Committee of the Labour Party, presented by our National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman at the Abia State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.”

    He extended appreciation to the National Chairman, the National Secretary Hon. Obioma Iheanacho, and all members of the NWC for the gesture, assuring them of his unwavering commitment to the party.

    Governor Otti pledged never to disappoint the Labour Party, commending Senator Usman for her role in steering the party out of its past internal crisis. He noted that with all legal impediments resolved, the Labour Party is now positioned to move forward into the next general elections without subsisting litigation.

    Addressing the people of Abia State, Otti dedicated the recognition to them, stating that their support continues to inspire his drive for quality governance.

    “Our journey continues with renewed energy and firm resolve,” he concluded.

  • APC releases screening schedule for national assembly, governorship aspirants

    APC releases screening schedule for national assembly, governorship aspirants

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the screening schedule for aspirants seeking the party’s tickets for Senate and House of Representatives seats ahead of its primary elections.

    According to a statement signed by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the screening exercise for Senate aspirants will hold from May 9 to May 10, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, formerly known as Sheraton Hotel, beginning at 10:00 a.m. daily.

    The screening for House of Representatives aspirants is also scheduled for May 9 to May 10, 2026, at Treasures Suites and Conferences, with proceedings expected to commence at 10:00 a.m. each day.

    The party advised all aspirants to attend the exercise punctually and come with all required credentials and supporting documents.

    The APC also announced the constitution of a screening committee for sitting governors seeking re-election or aspiring for Senate seats.

    According to the statement, the committee is chaired by the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, while the APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, will serve as secretary.

    Other members of the committee include officials of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

    The screening exercise for incumbent governors seeking re-election or Senate seats is scheduled to hold from May 8 to May 9, 2026, at the Plateau State Governors Lodge.

    Proceedings are expected to begin at 4:00 p.m. on the first day and 10:00 a.m. on the second day.

    The party further disclosed that screening for other governorship aspirants will take place from May 9 to May 10, 2026, at the NWC Hall of the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, starting at 10:00 a.m. daily.

  • Aisha Yesufu unveils legislative agenda for FCT Senate Bid

    Aisha Yesufu unveils legislative agenda for FCT Senate Bid

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has outlined a proposed legislative agenda ahead of her planned bid for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat in the 2027 general elections.

    Yesufu, who recently announced her intention to seek the senatorial ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said residents of Abuja have long suffered inadequate legislative representation due to the absence of a state assembly in the FCT.

    According to her, the situation has created the need for what she described as “#AbujaBillsForAbujaPeople.”

    She said that if elected, she would prioritise legislation focused on security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, land rights and government accountability.

    Among the proposed bills listed by the activist are the Abuja Residents Security Bill, Abuja Residents Empowerment Bill, Abuja Infrastructure Bill, Free Maternal Health Bill, Indigenous Rights and Land Protection Bill, FCTA Accountability Bill and the Abuja Education Bill.

    On the prevailing insecurity across the federation, Yesufu said no resident should live in fear within the nation’s capital, adding that her proposed security bill would support community policing initiatives, installation of solar streetlights in high-risk areas and establishment of emergency response teams. “You should not be afraid to come home at night,” she said.

    On economic empowerment, she proposed policies aimed at supporting youth- and women-led businesses through government contract quotas, rent control measures, elimination of double taxation and access to microloans funded through portions of Abuja tax revenues.

    She also pledged to push for infrastructure reforms across the six area councils of the FCT, including improved roads, clean water supply, upgraded healthcare centres and renovated schools.

    According to her, communities in Abaji, Kwali, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and underserved parts of AMAC would receive greater attention under the proposed Abuja Infrastructure Bill.

    Yesufu further promised to sponsor a Free Maternal Health Bill aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare services for pregnant women, including mobile clinics for rural communities and maternal waiting homes near health facilities. “No woman should die giving life,” she stated.

    On land rights, the activist said her proposed Indigenous Rights and Land Protection Bill would seek to guarantee compensation for ancestral lands, establish a land rights tribunal and prevent demolitions without proper notice and compensation.

    She also pledged to pursue transparency reforms through an FCTA Accountability Bill, which she said would compel authorities to publicly disclose budgets, contracts and demolition orders while mandating public consultations before budget approvals.

    According to Yesufu, the proposed legislation would help curb corruption and ensure residents have greater oversight of government spending.

    The activist also pledged to champion education reforms through an Abuja Education Bill focused on renovating public schools, improving teacher welfare and expanding access to scholarships and digital training centres. “Education is not a privilege for the rich. It is the foundation of every child’s future,” she said.

    Yesufu has yet to formally secure the NDC ticket for the election, but her declaration has already drawn attention within political circles ahead of the 2027 polls.

  • Former U.S. Mayor Mike Arnold questions Jonathan’s 2027 readiness, urges leadership capable of confronting violent extremism

    Former U.S. Mayor Mike Arnold questions Jonathan’s 2027 readiness, urges leadership capable of confronting violent extremism

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — A United States-based conservative activist and founder of Africa Arise International, Mike Arnold, has questioned whether former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan possesses the resolve needed to confront Nigeria’s worsening security crisis should he contest the 2027 presidential election.

    Arnold, a former mayor of Blanco City in Texas, made the remarks in a statement titled “A Question for President Goodluck Jonathan.”

    In the statement released Friday, Arnold described Jonathan as “a good man,” saying the former president is remembered as “gentle, thoughtful and prayerful,” qualities he said are rare in African politics.

    “I have sat with him. I have looked him in the eye. He is gentle, thoughtful, prayerful — a rare combination at the top of African politics,” Arnold stated.

    However, he argued that Nigeria’s current security and humanitarian challenges require leadership prepared to confront violent extremism and insecurity more aggressively.

    “Nigerians can no longer afford a leader who lays down the fight in the name of peace. The blood is already on the ground. The peace has already been broken,” he said.

    Arnold alleged that since 2015, insecurity has claimed the lives of more than 185,000 Nigerians, cutting across both Christians and Muslims. He asserted that 125,000 Christians and 60,000 peaceful Muslims were slaughtered by the same machinery of violence. In addition, over 19,000 churches were destroyed, while between 10 to 12 million Nigerians were displaced from their ancestral lands. He further described the crisis as marked by mass slavery, mass starvation, and mass forgetting. Against this backdrop, Arnold warned that the scale of the nation’s challenges is so severe that the leadership of a single “good person,” so to speak, would not be sufficient to contain the prevailing insanity.

    NPA could not independently verify the casualty figures cited in the statement.

    The American activist further argued that Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat in the 2015 presidential election, widely praised at the time as a statesmanlike move, continues to raise questions about whether he was willing to fully confront the forces behind Nigeria’s insecurity.

    Jonathan famously conceded defeat to former President Muhammadu Buhari after the 2015 election, stating at the time that his political ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

    Arnold said while the concession elevated Jonathan’s global image as a statesman, he believes the political struggle at the time went beyond personal ambition. “The fight was not about his political ambition. It was about life. It was about liberty,” he stated.

    He also claimed that during Jonathan’s administration, Nigeria experienced relative stability and stronger resistance against insurgent groups compared to subsequent years.

    According to Arnold, the worsening security situation since 2015 has heightened concerns about the country’s future ahead of the 2027 elections. He said reports suggesting Jonathan may contest the presidency again had prompted renewed debate over the type of leadership Nigeria requires.

    “Mr President — now more than perhaps any time in Nigerian history, your people need a fighter,” Arnold said.

    He challenged Jonathan to explain what lessons he learned from the 2015 election and what he would do differently if given another opportunity to lead the country.

    As of the time of filing this report, former President Goodluck Jonathan had not publicly responded to the statement. Addressing a group of supporters in Abuja yesterday — mostly young people urging him to contest — Jonathan cautioned that running for the Nigerian presidency “is not like playing a computer game.” He added that he is still consulting widely before making any decision.