Category: Politics

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on Sunday, marked the third anniversary of his administration with a thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel, Centenary City, Abakaliki.

The governor said the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness throughout the administration’s three years of service to the people of Ebonyi State.

Speaking during the service, Nwifuru expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to lead the state and paid tribute to the founding fathers of Ebonyi, past governors, political leaders and residents for their support and commitment to the state’s development.

“I remain profoundly grateful to God for the privilege to serve our dear state. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the founding fathers of Ebonyi State, past governors, leaders at all levels and the resilient people of our state for their unwavering support, prayers and commitment to our shared vision of progress and development,” he said.

The governor, who recently secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for a second term, acknowledged that mistakes may have been made by his administration, members of the National Assembly and the Ebonyi State House of Assembly while serving the people.

He appealed to residents of the state for forgiveness and renewed support ahead of future elections.

“Please forgive us. Forgive me, the National Assembly members and the House of Assembly members. Forgive our shortcomings and vote for us again,” he said.

Nwifuru assured Ebonyians that his administration would continue to deliver greater dividends of democracy through impactful governance, improved service delivery and purposeful leadership.

According to him, the confidence reposed in the government by the people serves as motivation to work harder in addressing their needs and aspirations.

The governor also urged aspirants seeking elective positions on the platform of the APC to prioritise service, unity and the collective interest of the people.

“I assure Ebonyians that they will be proud of us,” he said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the full composition of its National Campaign Council for the forthcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election, bringing together senior party leaders, governors, ministers, and legislators to drive the campaign.

In a statement signed by Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, Ph.D., BL, the National Secretary, the council is chaired by Senator Uba Sani, with Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, as Co‑Chairman. The Secretary is Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele.

The council includes prominent figures such as Hope Uzodinma, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, Babagana Zulum, Adams Oshiomhole, Kayode Fayemi, Yahaya Bello, Abdulaziz Yari, David Umahi, Bala Mohammed, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Niyi Adebayo, Femi Gbajabiamila, Isiaka Oyetola, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Mohammed Buba Marwa, T.Y. Buratai, Patricia Etteh, Teslim Folarin, Tokunbo Abiru, Dele Alake, Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare, Zach Adedeji, Muiz Banire, Gbenga Elegbeleye, Stella Okotete, Oyebamiji Bola, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, and many others.

The campaign structure features several committees tasked with planning, logistics, finance, grassroots mobilisation, media, security, and inclusion.

Among them:

• Election Planning & Management Committee led by Hope Uzodinma, Babagana Zulum, and Monday Okpebholo.
• Finance & Resource Mobilisation Committee, chaired by Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, with Sheriff Oborevwori and Dauda Lawal.
• Contact & Grassroots Engagement Committee led by Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Umo Eno.
• Media & Publicity Committee, chaired by Mala Buni, with Sunday Dare as Secretary.
• Security Committee involving Abgu Kefas, Umar Namadi, Ben Ayade, T.Y. Buratai, and Aminu Pai.
• Women’s Mobilisation Committee, chaired by Titilayo Laoye‑Ponle, with Joke Orelope‑Adefulire, Biodun Olujimi, and Lilian Ekwunife.
• Youth Mobilisation Committee led by Mohammed Umar Bago, with Dennis Idahosa and Francis Nwifuru.
• Secretariat Committee coordinated by Ademoa Abass, with Jibrin K. Barde and Arise Ferdinand.

The APC emphasised that the council’s formation underscores its commitment to a united, strategic, and inclusive campaign, ensuring effective voter outreach and issue‑based engagement across Ekiti State.

“This council represents the strength and diversity of our party. Every member has a role to play in ensuring victory through teamwork and grassroots connection,” the statement read.

The campaign will focus on consolidating governance achievements, expanding development initiatives, and engaging communities across Ekiti.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged the public to disregard results circulating on social media claiming to be the outcome of its nationwide primaries held on May 28 and 29, 2026.

The party said the official results of the primaries remain with its National Executive Council (NEC), which is solely responsible for announcing the outcome of the exercise.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the NDC warned against relying on unofficial figures and reports being shared online.

According to the statement, a NEC meeting has been convened on the directive of the party’s National Leader and National Chairman, Senator Seriake Dickson.

The party said members of the NEC are expected to arrive in Abuja for a pre-NEC meeting on Tuesday, June 2, while the substantive NEC meeting will hold on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

The NDC said the public and stakeholders would be formally informed of the results after the party concludes its internal processes and submits the names of its candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The clarification follows widespread circulation of purported results from the party’s primaries on various social media platforms.

Meanwhile, the party on Saturday unveiled former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Obi, who was the sole aspirant in the presidential primary, emerged as the NDC flag bearer at the party’s special convention in Abuja. He was presented with the party’s flag by the NDC leadership, led by Senator Dickson. Following his emergence, the former Anambra State governor announced Senator Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

His emergence is expected to set the stage for a keenly contested presidential race in 2027, with incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and other contenders expected to join the contest.

UMUAHIA, Nigeria (NPA) — Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has commended the successful conduct of the Labour Party primary elections in the state, describing the exercise as peaceful, transparent and rancour-free.

Otti, who emerged as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election, expressed gratitude to party leaders, members and electoral officials for ensuring a credible process.

In a statement personally signed by him on Sunday, the governor said he was humbled to have secured 368,230 votes in the governorship primary.

He thanked the Labour Party Election Primary Committee, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by the Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Sylvia Agu, as well as party stakeholders for their roles in the exercise.

The governor also congratulated candidates who emerged in the primaries for the National Assembly and Abia State House of Assembly seats.

According to him, the successful conclusion of the primaries marks the beginning of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

“Being chosen as candidates means we must now contend, campaign and convince the people. Election is about service and responsibility, and at the end of the day only the best will win,” he said.

Otti urged party candidates and supporters to reach out to residents across the state and beyond party lines to strengthen the Labour Party and advance development in Abia and Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the governor expressed sadness over the death of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu.

He described the late police chief as a good man whose passing would be deeply felt, and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Otti reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Abia with integrity, stressing that unity, discipline and dedication would help consolidate the achievements of his administration.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s opposition Labour Party has adopted its National Youth Leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The party announced Ahanotu’s emergence following what it described as a consensus primary election, in which he secured 2,944,420 votes.

The Labour Party also unveiled governorship candidates in 30 states, alongside successful candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.

Announcing the results at a press conference in Abuja, the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Dr Ayodele Olorunfemi, said the candidates emerged in accordance with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

Olorunfemi urged the candidates to provide leadership focused on the welfare of Nigerians and distinguish themselves from what he described as the shortcomings of the current political leadership.

“A Labour Party leadership must encourage free and compulsory education at all levels and ensure social justice for the people,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Ahanotu expressed concern over the country’s security and economic challenges, pledging that the Labour Party would offer practical solutions to address the nation’s economic difficulties.

He also promised to work towards reconciling the various factions within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Labour Party presidential candidate specifically appealed to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, to work with what he described as the party’s legacy members to strengthen and reposition the party.

In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, the party also released the names of several governorship candidates who emerged from its primaries.

They include Titus Tamango Belamo (Benue), Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi (Nasarawa), Mohammad Abdullahi Raji (Kano), Rabe Sanni Katsina (Katsina), Hon. Abdulrrahim Chindo Imam (Sokoto), Hon. Yahuza Ahmed (Zamfara), Ceekay Igara (Abia), Dr Barry Avotu Johnson I (Delta), Emmanuel Friday (Cross River), Prince Nuka Nwigbo (Rivers), Mohammed Sabitu Aliyu (Bauchi), Hon. Ajibade Samson Adekunle (Kwara) and Hon. Auwal Aliyu Tafoki (Kaduna).

The party said the complete list of successful candidates was being compiled and would be transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with electoral guidelines.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, despite what it described as attempts to frustrate its Special National Convention in Abuja.

The party announced the decision in a statement issued on Saturday by its Interim National Working Committee through the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

According to the PDP, the convention was scheduled to hold at the A Class Event Centre in Abuja after the party had notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and completed all venue arrangements.

The party alleged that the management of the event centre later cancelled the booking after receiving threats from officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The PDP specifically accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of threatening the venue operators with the revocation of their Certificate of Occupancy and demolition of the facility if the event was allowed to proceed.

The party further alleged that more than 20 truckloads of police personnel were deployed around the venue on Friday night, blocking access roads and disrupting movement in the area.

Following the development, PDP leaders convened an emergency meeting involving members of the Board of Trustees, the Interim National Working Committee, National Executive Committee members, state chairmen, governorship and National Assembly candidates, as well as other stakeholders.

The party said it decided against confronting security personnel at the venue after appeals from senior party leaders, who urged members to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

According to the statement, stakeholders agreed to proceed with the primary objective of the convention, which was the affirmation of Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The PDP said Jonathan was unanimously endorsed following the adoption of a motion by delegates, while formal presentation and flag-off ceremonies would be scheduled at a later date.

The party condemned what it described as the use of state power to suppress opposition activities and warned that such actions could undermine democratic governance if left unchecked.

It also alleged that the ruling party viewed the PDP as a major political threat, insisting that other political parties facing internal challenges had been allowed to conduct their conventions without interference.

The opposition party called on President Bola Tinubu to take steps to reduce political tensions in the country and ensure a level playing field for all political actors.

In its conclusion, the PDP declared itself united and prepared for the 2027 elections, directing its Interim National Working Committee to intensify preparations for the polls and increase public awareness on what it described as growing threats to opposition politics in Nigeria.

The Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory Administration had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Ministry of Works has announced a special television broadcast showcasing major infrastructure projects completed in the North-West, South-West and South-East regions under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu between May 2025 and May 2026.

The announcement was contained in a public notice issued on Friday by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works on Media.

According to the statement, the documentary highlights the vision, progress, impact and strategic significance of key infrastructure projects completed and ready for commissioning across the three geopolitical zones.

The ministry said the broadcast forms part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that supports economic growth, national integration and improved living standards.

Members of the public were encouraged to tune in to the programme to gain insight into the projects and their expected contributions to national development.

The documentary is scheduled to air on major national television stations on Saturday.

Broadcast Schedule:

• Channels Television – 8:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

• NTA Network – 10:30 a.m.

• TVC News – 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• Arise News – 7:00 p.m.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned four major Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure projects across Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri, marking a significant expansion of Nigeria’s clean transport network.

Delivered under the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), the projects form part of the federal government’s accelerated response to subsidy reforms and its strategy to expand domestic gas utilisation, reduce transport costs, and promote cleaner fuels.

At Ojota, Lagos, Tinubu inaugurated the Portland Gas CNG Mother Station, with a daily dispensing capacity of 96,000 standard cubic metres, alongside a 54-metric-tonne storage facility and a CNG Daughter Station in Kubwa, Abuja. He also commissioned the IBILE Oil and Gas Corporation (IOGC) refuelling station, the flagship of Lagos State’s clean transport rollout, anchoring a network of 15 stations across the metropolis.

In Abuja’s Jahi District, the President unveiled the High-Capacity CNG Daughter Booster Station, developed by Rolling Energy Limited in partnership with MDGIF. The facility, described as the most advanced in West Africa, features high-speed dispensers, a 1,000 standard cubic metre-per-hour compressor, and a 3,200 cubic metre cascade storage system.

At the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Tinubu commissioned the FEMADEC CNG Daughter Station and Conversion Centre, the flagship of the 20 Universities CNG Ecosystem Initiative under the SPROUT Programme, designed to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on students and staff.

The FUTO facility includes a Vehicle Conversion Workshop, Training Centre, and CNG-powered buses and tricycles for campus transport. It also supports the Presidential CNG Initiative for Electric Vehicles (PiCNG-EV).

To ease public access to CNG conversion, the government partnered with CrediCorp, Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, and the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) to offer structured consumer credit under the Credit Access for Light and Mobility (CALM) Fund, with financing rates as low as 9% and repayment spread over six months.

Speaking at the virtual commissioning, Tinubu said the projects mark a turning point for clean transport in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a gas nation. Our energy future will not be borrowed. It will be built from what we have,” he said. “Lagos moves the country, and when Lagos can fuel itself with our own gas, at our own prices, the whole country benefits.”

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the rollout as a decisive step in operationalising Nigeria’s Decade of Gas agenda, noting that the country sits on over 210 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves.

“Properly harnessed, this resource can fuel our industries, power our homes, move our vehicles, and lift millions of our people out of poverty,” Ekpo said.

Executive Director of MDGIF, Oluwole Adama, said the projects demonstrate what is possible when government, regulators, investors, and technical partners unite around a shared purpose.

“They show that real progress happens when vision is translated into action,” he said.

Tinubu thanked the National Assembly, the NMDPRA, and joint venture partners for their roles in delivering the projects, describing them as proof of Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable energy and economic transformation.

ASABA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has announced his victory in the Delta Central Senatorial primary election of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), held across the eight local government areas of the senatorial district.

Omo-Agege disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday and titled, “Victory for Democracy – The People Have Decided, and It Is Loud and Clear.”

According to him, the primary election was successfully conducted across Delta Central and produced a result in his favour, without providing poll result figures. “Thanks, Delta Central, for reposing so much confidence in me. For your love, your support, your commitment, your passion and dedication, I say thank you,” he said.

The former Deputy Senate President urged his supporters to remain focused on the next phase of the political process, which he described as the general election campaign.

He expressed confidence that his supporters would work together to secure victory in the 2027 election. “We are OK,” he stated.

Omo-Agege’s declaration comes days after he formally joined the NDC following his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued on May 28, he said his decision followed weeks of consultations with constituents, political associates and stakeholders across Delta State.

He said the discussions convinced him that Deltans were seeking leadership that prioritises accountability, inclusion and service delivery.

Omo-Agege also credited discussions with prominent NDC leaders, including Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas, Governor Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for influencing his decision to join the opposition party.

The former lawmaker said his senatorial ambition was driven by what he described as growing calls from constituents for his return to the National Assembly.

He criticised the state of infrastructure and public services in Delta State, citing poor roads, underfunded healthcare facilities, overcrowded schools and unemployment despite the state’s oil wealth.

Omo-Agege pledged to champion transparency, accountability, job creation, agricultural development and improved access to healthcare and education if elected.

He also called for greater unity among Delta North, Delta South and Delta Central senatorial districts, arguing that a united Delta State would have a stronger voice at the national level.

The former Deputy Senate President urged eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Your PVC is stronger than money, intimidation or propaganda. Protect it, use it and use it wisely in 2027,” he said.

ABUJA (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is “moving forward again” after three years of sweeping economic reforms, saying the sacrifices made by citizens since 2023 have begun to yield visible progress.

In a nationwide address marking the third anniversary of his administration, Tinubu reflected on the tough decisions taken to end fuel subsidies, unify exchange rates, and restore fiscal stability, describing them as “difficult but necessary choices” that prevented a deeper national crisis.

“Had we refused to act, our nation would have drifted toward fiscal breakdown, worsening poverty, and severe economic uncertainty. Together, we chose reform over ruin and decisiveness over hesitation,” he said.

The President acknowledged the hardship Nigerians faced due to rising living costs but assured that the reforms were laying the foundation for sustainable growth.

“Your sacrifice has not been in vain. Nigeria has stabilised and is moving forward again,” he said.

Tinubu highlighted major gains in public finance and investor confidence, noting that the stock market had surged from ₦30 trillion in 2023 to ₦160 trillion in 2026, with companies reporting record profits. He listed ongoing infrastructure projects covering 2,700 kilometres of highways, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, and Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, alongside rail modernisation and rural access roads.

In the oil and gas sector, he said reforms had attracted billions in new investment, with the $5 billion NLNG Train 7 project nearing completion. Local refining capacity and domestic gas utilisation, he added, were improving energy security and reducing dependence on imports.

Tinubu said his administration was clearing legacy debts in the power sector, expanding transmission infrastructure, and investing in renewables to “power Nigeria into a new era of industrial growth.”

“No modern economy can grow in darkness. When power improves, businesses expand, industries grow, jobs are created, and families prosper,” he stated.

He reported that agricultural programmes had supported millions of farmers through improved seedlings, fertilisers, and mechanisation. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund had disbursed ₦282 billion to over 1.5 million students, while the Renewed Hope Housing Programme was delivering 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the FCT, creating 300,000 jobs. Tinubu also cited progress in healthcare revitalisation and the expansion of health insurance coverage for vulnerable Nigerians.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to youth development, saying Nigeria’s young population was “the engine of the nation’s future.”

“You are not a problem to be managed. You are the engine of Nigeria’s future,” he said, pledging continued investment in digital skills, innovation, and enterprise support.

He noted renewed confidence in the telecommunications sector, with operators expanding networks and digital access nationwide.

Tinubu said security agencies had intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, improving safety in many communities. He promised continued investment in intelligence, logistics, and technology to reclaim the authority of the state.

“This government will not relent until every Nigerian can live, work, travel, and dream in safety,” he vowed.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain united and hopeful, stressing that national renewal required discipline, sacrifice, and shared purpose.

“We must choose hope over despair, unity over division, and nation-building over narrow interests,” he said. “Nigeria belongs to all of us—no region, faith, or group should feel marginalised or forgotten.”

He concluded with optimism about the country’s future, saying Nigeria was “passing through a test” but would emerge stronger and more prosperous.

“Let us continue this journey together. Let us build a Nigeria that is secure, prosperous, inclusive, and respected worldwide,” Tinubu said.