Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure, has cautioned the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) against allowing former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and his supporters to dominate the party’s structures, alleging that such alliances often lead to internal crises and leadership struggles.

Abure specifically commended NDC leader Senator Seriake Dickson for reportedly rejecting demands to allocate elective positions exclusively to Obi’s supporters, describing the move as a wise decision that could help preserve the party’s stability and independence.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Labour Party chairman claimed that the experience of his party during the 2023 general election should serve as a lesson to other political organisations seeking alliances with Obi and his political associates.

According to Abure, the Labour Party provided Obi and his supporters with a platform and support during the 2023 election cycle, but later faced internal disputes over the control and leadership of the party.

He alleged that some members of Obi’s camp sought to dismantle existing party structures from the ward level to the national leadership after benefiting from the platform.

“Obi and his followers are ingrates who will never remember the sacrifices you made for them,” Abure said, warning that conceding all elective positions to Obi’s supporters could pose political risks for any party.

The Labour Party chairman also accused Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other elected officials of distancing themselves from the party after securing electoral victories under its platform.

He further claimed that internal disagreements within the Labour Party contributed to challenges surrounding the party’s leadership, which he alleged were later exploited by political opponents and other interested groups.

Abure maintained that Dickson’s decision to retain a balance of interests within the NDC was a prudent step that would protect the party from future internal conflicts and ensure that its leadership remains in control of its affairs.

He concluded by urging the NDC leadership to remain vigilant and avoid allowing any political group to dominate all levels of the party’s structure.

The statements reflect Abure’s position and allegations regarding the relationship between the Labour Party and supporters of Peter Obi.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy is anchored on enterprise, investment, and coordinated reforms across all levels of government.

He identified Lagos State as the clearest example of how effective subnational leadership can accelerate national economic transformation and drive sustainable growth.

Speaking on Monday while declaring open the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Shettima said Nigeria’s economic future depends on creating an enabling environment where capital, innovation, and productive enterprise can flourish.

Addressing an audience comprising policymakers, global investors, entrepreneurs, development institutions, and business leaders, the Vice President described Lagos as Nigeria’s foremost economic gateway and one of Africa’s most influential hubs for commerce and investment.

According to him, the state’s remarkable economic progress demonstrates the critical role of visionary leadership, strategic planning, and investor-friendly policies in driving economic expansion.

Shettima noted that the Federal Government remains committed to implementing reforms aimed at improving the business environment, attracting investment, boosting productivity, and unlocking the country’s vast economic potential.

He stressed that achieving the $1 trillion economy target would require stronger collaboration between the federal and subnational governments, as well as sustained private-sector participation.

The Vice President further assured investors of the government’s determination to build a stable, competitive, and inclusive economy capable of creating jobs, expanding opportunities, and delivering prosperity for Nigerians.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced plans to formally inaugurate its National Campaign Council for the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election as the party intensifies preparations for the poll.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the inauguration will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Kashim Shettima Hall of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

The event is scheduled to commence at noon.

The party said the National Campaign Council will be chaired by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, while President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, will serve as Co-Chairman.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has been appointed Secretary of the Council.

According to the APC, the council comprises serving and former governors, principal officers of the National Assembly and other senior party leaders charged with coordinating and driving the party’s campaign activities ahead of the Ekiti governorship election.

The party said several subcommittees have also been constituted to ensure effective planning and implementation of campaign activities across the state.

The committees will oversee key areas including election planning and management, finance and resource mobilisation, grassroots engagement, logistics, media and publicity, protocol, security, women’s mobilisation, youth mobilisation and secretariat operations.

The APC described the inauguration as a significant step in its preparations for the governorship election and part of broader efforts to mobilise support across Ekiti State.

According to the party, the campaign council will provide strategic direction and coordination aimed at securing victory at the polls.

The Ekiti governorship election is expected to attract significant national attention as political parties intensify campaigns and mobilisation efforts ahead of the contest.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the ethnic profiling of Fulani people over the activities of criminal elements, warning that stereotyping entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few individuals threatens national unity and social cohesion.

In a statement titled “Media Framing of Crime Along Ethnic Lines: Divisive,” released on Monday, Obi said Nigerians must resist the temptation to associate criminality with any ethnic group, insisting that crimes should be attributed to individuals rather than entire communities.

The former Anambra State governor said he understands the consequences of ethnic stereotyping, having personally experienced prejudice and generalisation because of his Igbo heritage.

“As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins,” Obi said. “This is not an isolated Igbo experience. Most Nigerians have, at some point, been reduced to their ethnicity rather than recognised for their true character.”

Obi said the same injustice is now being experienced by many ordinary Fulani people who are often unfairly associated with criminal activities allegedly perpetrated by bandits and other armed groups.

“I understand the pain of the ordinary Fulani man today, often unfairly judged by the actions of criminals he does not support, has never met, and who are not representative of his people,” he stated.

Drawing parallels with the civil rights movement in the United States, Obi referenced the message of the late civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated judging individuals by their character rather than their identity.

The NDC presidential candidate stressed that criminality transcends ethnic, religious and regional boundaries. “Every Nigerian ethnic group is known for its unique traditions, occupations, skills and strengths. Crime, however, has no ethnicity,” he said.

“A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are bad actors, not representatives of any people. They must be identified, arrested and punished according to the law.”

Obi warned that attributing crimes to entire ethnic groups fuels division, hatred and mistrust among Nigerians.

“We must decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals. It is unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s cultural diversity and avoid narratives that deepen ethnic tensions or serve political interests.

According to him, Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and citizens must focus on shared values of justice, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

“Let us proudly celebrate our diverse cultures, talents and contributions, rather than falling prey to stereotypes and prejudices that politicians and divisive interests exploit for their gain,” Obi said.

The former governor reiterated his vision of a nation where citizens are judged by their conduct rather than their tribe, religion or place of origin.

“A New Nigeria must emerge — one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion or birthplace. We can cherish our cultural roots while standing united by justice, mutual respect and hope for a better future,” he added.

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigerian singer Adebayo Adeleke, popularly known as B-Red, has called on residents of Osun State to support the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

B-Red, the son of the Osun State governor and cousin of Afrobeats star Davido, made the appeal in a post on his verified X account on Sunday.

The singer said he had witnessed firsthand the efforts of his father in delivering development projects and improving governance across the state.

“August 15 is near. As a proud son, I’ve watched my dad work tirelessly for the people of Osun State, and the results speak for themselves,” B-Red wrote.

“I humbly ask the good people of Osun to support his re-election so we can keep the progress going. God bless Osun State.”

Governor Adeleke is seeking a second term in office and has consistently highlighted his administration’s achievements in infrastructure development, public service reforms and economic management as key reasons for voters to renew his mandate.

According to the Imole Campaign Council, the administration has recorded significant growth in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which reportedly increased from N24.47 billion in 2022 to N58 billion in 2025. The council attributed the increase to measures aimed at blocking revenue leakages, strengthening transparency and promoting prudent financial management.

In a statement issued by the council’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the administration was credited with implementing policies designed to improve accountability and maximise government resources and stop corruption.

As the election approaches, Governor Adeleke has continued to receive endorsements from various political, labour and community groups across the state.

Among those backing his re-election bid are the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Osun State Chapter, as well as organised labour groups, according to campaign officials.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that the governor described himself as the “goalkeeper” protecting the interests of Osun State and expressed confidence in securing another term based on what he described as his administration’s record of service.

Adeleke said his government remains committed to delivering on its Five-Point Agenda and sustaining development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents across the state.

The August 15 governorship election is expected to be one of the most closely watched political contests in Nigeria’s South-West region.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the Nigerian military and security agencies for the successful rescue of 360 abductees from a Boko Haram stronghold in Borno State.

The rescued victims were freed during a major operation carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, from a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave in the Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State.

The Nigerian Army described the mission as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations conducted in the North-East in recent years.

Reacting to the development in a statement on Monday, Atiku expressed delight over the successful operation, noting that it had brought relief to the victims and their families.

“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” he said.

“Even as this brings to an end the ordeal of the abductees and the anguish of their loved ones since they were abducted in March, we are still faced with threats from terrorism and banditry attacks.”

The former vice president praised the military and other security agencies involved in the operation, acknowledging their professionalism and commitment.

“I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees,” he stated.

Atiku expressed confidence in the ability of the armed forces to overcome the country’s security challenges if provided with adequate support and effective leadership.

“I am confident that if provided with the necessary tools and much-needed political leadership, the military will bring to an end the nearly two decades of insurgency,” he said.

While celebrating the successful rescue, the ADC presidential candidate urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the freedom of other Nigerians still being held captive by terrorists and bandits.

He specifically referenced the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa in Borno State, calling for urgent action to secure their release.

“Even as we savour this rescue, I urge the government and the military to intensify efforts to rescue nearly 100 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa, Borno State, and all other Nigerians still in the custody of terrorists and bandits,” he said.

Atiku also called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture, with greater emphasis on intelligence gathering, technology and preventive measures.

“More importantly, I call for a rejig of our security architecture that places emphasis on intelligence, technology and pre-emptive actions that nip terrorist and banditry attacks in the bud before they are carried out,” he added.

The rescue operation has been widely hailed as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and restore security in Nigeria’s North-East region.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening internal democracy, enforcing party supremacy and building what it described as a strong and enduring political institution ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resolutions were adopted at the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and released in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director.

The latest decisions come amid efforts by the party to consolidate its structures and address concerns arising from internal disagreements following its primary election process.

According to the party, all governments elected on the NDC platform would be required to consult party structures on key programmes, policies and appointments, except those involving personal staff.

“The NDC is committed to building the party as a strong and enduring institution, with emphasis on party supremacy,” the statement said.

“The party remains supreme, and members are expected to align their personal interests and agendas with those of the party.”

The party also directed that all affiliated groups and non-governmental organisations associated with it must operate under the supervision and control of established party structures and should not function independently.

As part of efforts to strengthen discipline and accountability, the NDC announced plans to introduce a comprehensive Code of Conduct for party officials and candidates.

To facilitate the process, a committee headed by the party’s National Legal Adviser has been constituted to develop the framework and implementation guidelines.

The NEC also approved the establishment of a National Reconciliation Committee tasked with engaging and reconciling aggrieved members across the country.

According to the party, the initiative is intended to foster unity and strengthen cohesion ahead of future political activities.

The NDC stressed that it was being developed as a sustainable institution rather than a personality-driven movement or a temporary political platform.

“The NDC is being built as an institution, not a personality cult, political movement, or Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be used and discarded,” the statement added.

The party urged members to remain committed to its growth and long-term sustainability while placing loyalty to the party and national interest above individual ambitions.

On financial accountability, the NEC resolved to enforce strict transparency in the management of party resources at all levels.

The party said all officers would be held accountable for funds under their control, while candidates seeking elective offices would be required to fully disclose campaign funding sources and contributions.

According to the resolution, all campaign funds must be channelled through designated party accounts at the local government, state, zonal and national levels, including presidential and governorship campaign accounts where applicable.

The NDC said the measures are designed to strengthen institutional governance, improve transparency and position the party for sustainable growth in the years ahead.