Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has defended his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he did not abandon the ruling party but was instead sidelined by it.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Omo-Agege described himself as a loyal party man who gave his full commitment to every political platform he belonged to.

“I never left the APC. The APC left me and my 240,000 supporters,” he said.

The former Delta governorship candidate maintained that he was a staunch supporter of President Bola Tinubu while in the APC, adding that his loyalty to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), his new political platform, was equally unwavering.

Addressing reports surrounding the NDC Delta Central Senatorial District primary, Omo-Agege expressed confidence that he would emerge as the party’s candidate once the National Executive Committee (NEC) formally releases the results.

“If you believe that I lost a primary in NDC, then I have a plot of land to sell to you in the middle of the Atlantic,” he said.

“You can take it to the bank that I won that primary. It has been conducted, and I won 100 per cent.”

He explained that, as a member of the party’s NEC, he was aware of the outcome but would wait for the official announcement before making further comments.

On his chances in the forthcoming election, Omo-Agege said the ruling party in Delta State viewed him as a formidable opponent.

“They are scared of me. They know what I can do. I have done it before, and I will do it again,” he said.

The former deputy senate president also criticised the administration of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, accusing it of failing to address key challenges facing residents.

According to him, the state government has not implemented policies capable of improving the welfare of the people and has focused largely on infrastructure projects without delivering broader development.

“The fact that you are called a governor is not enough. We must see policies that ameliorate the plight of the people,” he said.

Omo-Agege promised that the NDC would tackle insecurity, poor road infrastructure, inadequate healthcare facilities and other developmental challenges if elected into office.

He also argued that NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi would be better positioned to implement economic reforms than the current administration.

According to him, many of the policies being pursued by the Tinubu administration, including fuel subsidy removal, had also been advocated by Obi.

“The people trust Peter Obi to make these policies work better than what is presently being done,” he said.

Asked if the INEC appeal of the judgment that nullified its timetable as against the electoral act, he said the judgment of the court was a declaratory judgment.

“I am a member of the NDC. All that section 77 of the Electoral Act talks about is that your name must be in the register of a political party,” he said.

“Ovie Omo‑Agege left the APC after Senator Ede Dafinone was declared winner of the Delta Central Senatorial District APC primary election, a result that the former Deputy Senate President insisted he had actually won in his own statement.”

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly rebuked comments made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, regarding the Party’s affirmation of former President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

In a press statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP described Keyamo’s remarks as hypocritical, noting that he once built his public profile by criticising governments and defending democratic freedoms, yet now seeks to deny others the same space. The Party accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of desperation and anxiety over the growing national clamour for Jonathan’s return, stressing that Nigerians remember the stability, economic growth, and investor confidence enjoyed under his administration.

The PDP further charged Keyamo to focus on the challenges confronting the aviation sector and the APC-led government instead of meddling in the Party’s internal affairs. It highlighted worsening economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and corruption scandals under the APC as issues deserving his attention, rather than unsolicited advice to Jonathan.

The statement dismissed Keyamo’s credibility, pointing to his failure in implementing policies and accusing him of attempting to lecture others while ignoring the government’s shortcomings.

Reaffirming Jonathan’s candidacy, the PDP assured Nigerians that no amount of intimidation or blackmail from the APC would prevent citizens from freely expressing their political preferences.

The Party emphasised that democracy guarantees the right to choose leaders without interference, and insisted that Jonathan’s return is being widely supported as a pathway to stability, national healing, and reduced political tension.

The PDP concluded by branding the APC government as “clueless” since 2015, urging Keyamo to look inward before pointing fingers at others.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja following the Eid-el-Kabir holiday in Lagos, where he undertook a series of political, governmental and national engagements.

The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 5:17 p.m. on Tuesday and was received by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other senior government officials.

During the holiday, Tinubu hosted several dignitaries and political leaders for the traditional Sallah homage, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and members of the Senate leadership.

He also received members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders from Oyo and Lagos states.

As part of his engagements, the President attended the International Fleet Review at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos on Monday to mark the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

During the event, he commissioned three naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara — and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening maritime security and supporting the Navy’s operational capabilities.

Tinubu also held talks with the President of the Republic, Romuald Wadagni, in a meeting aimed at deepening bilateral relations, regional cooperation and economic partnership between the neighbouring countries.

Before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, the President participated in the APC primaries held in Lagos, where candidates for various elective positions, including the presidency, were elected ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the Presidency, Tinubu was overwhelmingly endorsed by party members nationwide as the APC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has expressed confidence in securing a second term in office, describing himself as the “divinely affirmed goalkeeper” protecting the mandate of the people of Osun State.

In a statement personally signed and titled, “God Has Anointed Me As The Divine Goalkeeper,” Adeleke said he remained committed to safeguarding the progress recorded by his administration and preventing any attempt to reverse the gains achieved since assuming office.

“Today, by the grace of God and the support of the good people of Osun, I have been divinely affirmed as the goalkeeper to man the goalpost of Osun State Government against any potential intruder,” the governor said.

Adeleke said his confidence stems from what he described as the administration’s performance in critical sectors, including infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, education, healthcare and grassroots development.

“I remain confident because our administration has genuinely served the people. From infrastructure to workers’ welfare, education, healthcare and grassroots development, our record speaks for itself,” he said.

The governor noted that preparations were underway for the August 15 governorship election, pledging to embark on a statewide campaign to present his administration’s achievements and unveil an updated Five-Point Agenda.

According to him, the campaign would take him to towns and villages across the state to engage directly with residents and seek renewed support.

“I am ready to visit every town and village to present our achievements and unveil an updated Five-Point Agenda for a greater Osun,” he said.

Adeleke also challenged opposition parties to focus on issue-based campaigns and allow voters to make informed decisions based on governance records and policy proposals.

“I call on the opposition to stop running away from issue-based campaigns and allow Osun people decide based on facts, performance and truth,” he stated.

The governor expressed optimism about the outcome of the election, insisting that his administration enjoys the support of both the people and divine providence.

“With God on our side and the people behind us, victory is assured. Imole continuity is imminent,” he added.

The statement comes days after Adeleke received an endorsement from the Obalufe of Ile-Ife, regarded as the traditional Prime Minister of Ife and one of the most influential traditional authorities in the ancient kingdom. The Obalufe’s area of influence covers the original Ife communities and historically extends to towns including Gbongan, Ikire, Apomu and Ikoyi.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed as false reports circulating on social media alleging that he is mobilising support for a nationwide protest over the country’s security challenges.

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, described the claim as misinformation and urged members of the public to disregard it.

In a statement personally signed on Monday, June 1, 2026, he said neither he nor the NDC was planning any protest capable of disrupting public peace or undermining national stability.

“Our attention has been drawn to a message currently circulating on social media falsely claiming that we are planning a protest over the rising insecurity in the country,” he said.

Kwankwaso stressed that he does not support any action that could lead to a breakdown of law and order or result in the destruction of lives and property.

“We do not support any action that could lead to the breakdown of public order or the destruction of lives and property. As responsible leaders, we remain committed to peaceful and constructive approaches in addressing national challenges,” he stated.

The former governor reaffirmed his commitment to democratic processes, noting that elections remain the legitimate avenue for expressing grievances and effecting political change.

“As committed democrats, we firmly believe that the ballot box remains the most legitimate and effective way to express grievances and seek change. Our party, the NDC, is confident of securing a resounding victory in the upcoming elections through peaceful democratic means,” he added.

Kwankwaso subsequently advised Nigerians to ignore the message and those responsible for circulating it.

“The general public is therefore advised to disregard the false message and ignore those peddling such disinformation,” the statement said.

The viral message had alleged that Kwankwaso was mobilising support for a nationwide protest over insecurity and claimed the proposed action would be modelled after the #EndSARS movement.

The message further alleged that the former governor had contacted some social media youth leaders as part of preparations for the purported protest.

However, Kwankwaso described the claims as entirely false and reiterated his commitment to lawful and peaceful engagement on national issues.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The President disclosed this in a statement personally signed on Monday following the visit of a high-level Federal Government delegation to the affected Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers invaded schools in the area and abducted 46 people, including 39 pupils and seven teachers.

Tinubu said the Federal Government was taking additional measures to strengthen security in the area and prevent future attacks.

According to him, he has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to improve surveillance and security across vulnerable communities.

“I have also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers,” the President said.

He added that the request by residents for the establishment of a military base in the area was receiving urgent consideration.

Tinubu expressed sympathy with the affected families, assuring them that the government would deploy every lawful means to secure the victims’ release.

“I share the pain and anxiety of the affected families. No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” he said.

The President said rescue operations would be intelligence-driven, carefully coordinated and sustained until the victims were safely reunited with their families.

“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” he added.

Tinubu also extended his condolences to the family of Mrs Mary Oyedokun, a teacher who died in connection with the attack. “I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten, and her family will not be abandoned,” he said.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting schools, communities and citizens across the country.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has backed Nigerian workers in rejecting a proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage, insisting that workers deserve a living wage of at least ₦500,000 monthly.

Sowore stated this in a statement issued on Monday and titled, “I Stand Firmly with Nigerian Workers in the Demand for a Living Wage of ₦500,000 Monthly.”

He argued that the current economic realities under President Bola Tinubu’s administration have made it impossible for workers to live decently on ₦100,000 per month.

“In this harsh Tinubu economy, everyone who earns a salary knows that no human being can live decently on ₦100,000 a month, yet those in positions of authority have remained silent,” he said.

According to Sowore, meaningful social progress can only occur when citizens become conscious of their circumstances and reject poverty, exploitation and inequality.

“The suffering is obvious, the injustice is clear, but too many have chosen complacency over courage,” he added.

The AAC chieftain’s position follows reports that federal workers rejected a proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage and issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address insecurity, kidnappings, killings and worsening economic hardship across the country.

Earlier, the AAC proposed a minimum living wage of ₦500,000 per month for Nigerian workers, arguing that the country’s workforce deserves compensation that reflects prevailing economic realities.

The party said the proposed wage should be complemented with sector-specific allowances for workers in critical areas such as healthcare, education, security and emergency services.

“Police officers, soldiers, teachers, doctors, nurses and all public servants who keep society running must be rewarded with dignity, fair compensation and improved welfare. A nation cannot progress while its workers remain trapped in poverty,” the party said.

The AAC maintained that a ₦500,000 monthly wage would enable workers to meet basic needs, including food, housing, transportation, healthcare and education, while improving productivity and supporting national development.

Under the proposal, workers in essential and high-risk sectors would receive additional monthly allowances ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, depending on the nature of their responsibilities.

The party said security personnel, including police officers and soldiers, would qualify for the highest allowances due to the risks associated with protecting lives and property.