Category: Politics

ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (NPA) — Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the third anniversary of his administration, commending his leadership and commitment to national reforms.

Abiodun, in a statement he personally issued, said the government and people of Ogun State joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the President on what he described as a significant milestone.

The governor praised Tinubu’s leadership over the past three years, saying the President had demonstrated courage, vision and determination in steering the country through critical reforms aimed at building a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth, national development and shared prosperity.

“His unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to inspire confidence in a brighter future for Nigeria,” Abiodun said.

The governor also commended Tinubu for what he described as his exemplary leadership, resilience and patriotism, while expressing appreciation for the President’s support for Ogun State and the country.

Abiodun, who is in the final phase of his second term as governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ogun East Senatorial District, said Tinubu’s leadership style remained a source of inspiration.

“We pray that Almighty God grants him continued wisdom, strength, sound health and divine guidance as he continues to lead our dear country to greater heights.

“Congratulations, Mr President,” the statement added.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) – The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming winners have emerged from its primary elections, describing the information as false and misleading.

The party clarified that its primaries are scheduled to be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, making it impossible for any authentic results or winners to have emerged.

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC urged Nigerians to disregard the purported results and rely only on information released through official party channels.

“With our primaries yet to take place, it is impossible and illogical for any primary results or winners to have emerged when the primaries are yet to take place.

“We strongly urge the public and all well-meaning Nigerians to completely disregard the fake NDC primary results and false rumours currently circulating. Any result that does not emanate from official party sources should be disregarded,” the statement read.

The party reiterated its commitment to conducting a transparent and credible primary process and appealed to supporters and registered members to remain vigilant against misinformation.

Meanwhile, the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, has welcomed former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, into the party.

Dickson disclosed that both politicians have been granted waivers to participate in the party’s senatorial primaries in their respective districts.

“I am also pleased to announce that the NDC has not only received them warmly but has equally granted them waivers to contest in the senatorial primaries in their respective districts tomorrow. I wish them both the very best of luck,” he said.

According to him, the development followed weeks of consultations aimed at strengthening the party’s presence in the South-South region and across the country.

He called on party members to extend maximum support and cooperation to the new entrants as the party continues to expand its political base.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Omo-Agege formally joined the NDC days after resigning from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his intention to contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the opposition party.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Omo-Agege said his decision followed weeks of consultations with constituents and political associates.

“Across all these engagements, one truth stood out: Deltans want leadership that listens first, acts with integrity, and delivers results that can be seen and felt in daily life,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to NDC leaders, including Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas, Governor Peter Obi, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for their roles in discussions that culminated in his defection.

According to him, their commitment to building a credible and people-centred political alternative convinced him that the NDC offers the best platform for Delta State and Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has questioned the feasibility of implementing a ₦500,000 minimum wage for workers in the country, warning that such a policy could plunge Nigeria back into an era of borrowing to pay salaries.

In a post on his verified Facebook page titled, “Is a ₦500,000 Minimum Wage Realistic?”, Omokri argued that Nigeria’s public sector wage structure makes the proposal financially unsustainable.

According to him, Nigeria currently has about two million civil servants, a figure that rises to three million when military, police, and paramilitary personnel are included. He added that with pensioners factored in, the number climbs to about four million beneficiaries.

Omokri stated that implementing a ₦500,000 minimum wage would cost the country at least ₦2 trillion monthly, describing the estimate as conservative since many workers and pensioners earn above the minimum wage threshold.

“So, the actual monthly wage bill will be closer to ₦4 trillion, if not more,” he said.

He questioned where Nigeria would generate the estimated ₦36 trillion annually required to sustain such a wage structure in the public sector.

“Please bear in mind that the total revenue collected by the Federal Government of Nigeria is projected to be less than ₦30 trillion per annum. Again, please fact-check me,” he added.

The former presidential aide warned that if the government commits all its earnings to salaries, little or nothing would be left for infrastructure, healthcare, education, defence, and other critical sectors.

“What about roads, hospitals, schools, social services, and defence? If we are spending all our income paying salaries and even borrowing because our annual revenue will not cover our wage bill, then we will not have any funds left for capital expenditure,” he said.

Omokri further noted that President Bola Tinubu had ended the practice of borrowing to pay salaries, cautioning against policies that could reverse those efforts.

He argued that a ₦500,000 minimum wage would leave the government with only two options — borrowing or downsizing the workforce.

“So, may I appeal to presidential candidates to be a bit more realistic and circumspect about the promises they make to the electorate? You may mean well, but please think things through so you can be true to yourself,” he said.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that the African Action Congress (AAC) renewed calls for a living wage of at least ₦500,000 monthly for Nigerian workers.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the opposition party insisted that Nigerian workers deserve wages that go beyond survival and should also enjoy proper allowances, especially in critical sectors 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 AAC stated.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Deputy Senate President Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has formally joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC), days after resigning from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his intention to contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections under the opposition party.

In a statement personally signed by him on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Omo-Agege described his decision as the outcome of “weeks of reflection, wide consultations, and honest conversations” with his constituents and political allies.

“Across all these engagements, one truth stood out: Deltans want leadership that listens first, acts with integrity, and delivers results that can be seen and felt in daily life,” he said.

Omo-Agege expressed gratitude to the leadership of the NDC, including Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas, Governor Peter Obi, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for engaging him in discussions that led to his defection. He said their commitment to building a credible, people-first alternative convinced him that the NDC was the right platform for Delta State and Nigeria.

“The NDC represents the kind of leadership our people deserve — inclusion, accountability, grassroots participation, and true federalism,” he stated. “It is a platform where public office is treated as a duty to the people, not a privilege for a few.”

The former Deputy Senate President emphasized that his return to the Senate was not driven by personal ambition but by the renewed call from his constituents for effective representation.

“This is not about me. It is about the mandate you entrusted to me in 2019 and the renewed call from our people for my return to the Senate,” he said. “That call is loud, consistent, alive, and urgent. I cannot ignore it, and I will not betray the trust you have placed in me.”

Omo-Agege lamented the state of infrastructure and public services in Delta, citing collapsed roads, underfunded health centers, overcrowded schools, and high unemployment despite the state’s vast oil wealth and federal allocations.

“Too much of Delta’s wealth sits in CBN accounts while our people suffer from bad roads, collapsed hospitals, and abandoned communities. This is not governance. It is a failure of leadership and a betrayal of public trust,” he said.

He pledged to champion transparency and accountability, insisting that the NDC was built for such a moment.

“Change requires a platform committed to discipline, transparency, and service. The NDC stands for accountability, justice, inclusion, and true federalism. It is the only platform strong enough to challenge the cycle of failure and return power to the people,” he declared.

Omo-Agege vowed to replicate his grassroots mobilization strategy that once made the APC competitive in Delta State, promising to strengthen the NDC from the ward level upward, register new members, and prepare credible candidates for the 2027 elections.

“We did it before for the APC when many said it was impossible. We mobilized at the grassroots, organized our people, and changed the political equation. I bring that same resolve and experience to the NDC,” he said.

He outlined his legislative priorities, including fair allocation of federal projects, job creation, support for small and medium enterprises, agricultural productivity, and improved access to healthcare and education.

“I will not go to Abuja to warm the bench. I am going to fight for Delta Central,” he said. “Every kobo released to Delta State must be accounted for and applied to projects that improve the lives of our people.”

Omo-Agege also called for unity among the three senatorial districts — Delta North, Delta South, and Delta Central — stressing that a divided Delta weakens the state’s influence at the national level.

“A divided Delta is a weakened Delta. When we speak with one voice, Abuja listens,” he said.

Beyond his senatorial ambition, Omo-Agege said the NDC would field credible candidates for the governorship and other elective positions, adding that Nigeria itself needed a “reset” through leadership that restores hope, protects citizens, and respects the rule of law.

“This is more than an election cycle. It is a defining moment for Delta State and Nigeria — a choice between continuing with a system that rewards mediocrity or choosing a new direction built on accountability and service,” he said.

He urged youths, women, elders, and traditional rulers to mobilize ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasizing the power of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) as the ultimate tool for change.

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

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Action Congress (AAC) has renewed calls for a living wage of at least ₦500,000 per month for Nigerian workers, insisting that the country’s workforce deserves more than mere survival wages.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the opposition party said the proposed wage should be backed by proper allowances for critical sectors 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 AAC said.

The party’s position aligns with growing public advocacy for a ₦500,000 minimum wage, which campaigners argue would cover basic needs — food, housing, transportation, healthcare, and education — while boosting productivity and national development.

According to the proposal, workers in high‑risk and essential sectors should receive additional monthly allowances ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, depending on their responsibilities. Police officers and soldiers would earn the highest allowances due to the risks associated with public safety and national security.

Supporters of the plan say the measure would strengthen the economy, reduce poverty, and recognise the sacrifices of those who sustain essential services.

The AAC’s stance adds momentum to ongoing national debates over wage reform, as labour unions continue to press for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s pay structure amid rising inflation and living costs.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election following the party’s presidential primary election.

The party announced Atiku’s victory in a statement issued on Wednesday, declaring him the ADC flag bearer for the 2027 presidential contest.

According to the party, Atiku polled 1,855,787 votes to defeat former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who secured 509,397 votes, while businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen garnered 180,903 votes.

The ADC disclosed that a total of 2,546,457 votes were cast during the exercise out of the party’s 3,113,599 registered members nationwide.

The party adopted a direct primary system conducted across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, allowing members to participate directly in the selection process.

In its declaration, the ADC congratulated Atiku on his victory and described him as the party’s presidential ticket holder ahead of the 2027 election.

Atiku’s emergence now sets the stage for what is expected to be another major political contest with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who recently secured the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, the outcome of the ADC primary has already generated controversy within the party, with Amaechi rejecting the results and alleging widespread irregularities during the exercise.

“Following reports of widespread voter disenfranchisement in most parts of the country during the African Democratic Congress Presidential Primaries yesterday, I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced,” Amaechi said in a statement.

The former Rivers State governor maintained that he would only accept the outcome of a process that was free, fair, and transparent.

“I will not accept results from a process that does not reflect the values that the ADC had pledged to uphold,” he stated.

Amaechi further accused the party leadership of undermining the democratic ideals it claimed to represent in its bid to challenge the ruling party.

Similarly, Hayatu-Deen distanced himself from the outcome of the election and disclosed that he would not attend the official announcement of the results.

“I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today,” Hayatu-Deen stated.

“I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself observed, and will therefore be taking advice on my next steps,” he added.

The controversy surrounding the exercise comes amid recent political realignments within the opposition camp ahead of the 2027 elections.

Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had earlier exited the ADC, reportedly citing concerns over the party’s internal processes and disagreements surrounding the conduct of the presidential primaries.

ASABA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following recent political developments within the party in Delta State.

Omo-Agege’s resignation is believed to be connected to the outcome of the Delta Central Senatorial District primary election in which incumbent senator, Ede Dafinone, emerged victorious.

In a resignation letter dated May 22, 2026, and addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Orogun Ward 2 in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, the former deputy senate president announced his immediate exit from the ruling party.

“I hereby resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress, effective immediately,” the letter stated.

According to Omo-Agege, the decision followed consultations with his political associates and supporters after reviewing recent developments within the APC in Delta State.

“After reviewing recent developments in the party in Delta State and consulting with my associates and supporters, it is clear my political objectives and those of my constituents are better served outside the APC,” he wrote.

“I will not remain a sitting duck in a party where I cannot advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State and Nigeria,” he added.

The former senator, who also holds the traditional title of Obarisi of Urhoboland, expressed appreciation to the APC for the opportunity to serve as Deputy President of the 9th Senate.

He also requested that his name be removed from all party membership records, registers, and communication platforms.

“I wish the APC well and request that my name be removed from all membership records, registers, and communication lists,” the letter read.

Omo-Agege stated that his focus remained on delivering development and effective representation for the people of Delta Central, Delta State, and Nigeria, adding that he would continue pursuing those objectives outside the APC.

A handwritten endorsement on the document indicated that the resignation letter was officially received by Stephen Emmanuel, Chairman of APC Orogun Ward 2.

The development is expected to send shockwaves through the APC structure in Delta State, where Omo-Agege remains one of the party’s most influential political figures.

Political observers say his exit could significantly affect the party’s strength and electoral calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in the Delta Central Senatorial District and other parts of the state.

As of the time of filing this report, Omo-Agege had not publicly disclosed the political platform he intends to join ahead of the 2027 elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has paid a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his emergence as the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election ahead of his second-term bid.

The meeting comes shortly after Tinubu was also declared the winner of the APC presidential primaries, in what the Ebonyi State Government described as a demonstration of unity, strategic cooperation, and shared political vision within the ruling party.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Leo Ekene Oketa, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, the visit underscored Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to sustaining a productive relationship with the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope administration.

The statement noted that the governor’s engagement with the Presidency reflects his broader strategy of positioning Ebonyi State for increased federal presence, accelerated infrastructure development, and expanded economic opportunities.

“In contemporary governance, development naturally follows collaboration, strategic engagement, and political stability. Governor Nwifuru understands this reality and continues to position Ebonyi State for greater federal presence and opportunities,” the statement read.

The state government further stated that the presence of Ebonyi federal lawmakers during the visit reflected growing unity and coordination within the state’s political leadership.

According to the statement, while some states continue to grapple with internal political disputes and divisions, Ebonyi’s leadership has remained focused on collective progress and people-oriented governance.

The government also described Nwifuru as an emerging bridge-builder and consensus leader within the APC, noting that his ability to maintain cordial relations with the Presidency while sustaining political stability in Ebonyi has continued to attract national attention.

The statement added that Ebonyi State was already witnessing increased federal attention and infrastructural expansion as a result of constructive engagement with the centre.

It noted that the governor’s latest visit to President Tinubu represented another strategic step toward securing stronger partnerships, greater federal opportunities, and sustainable development for the people of Ebonyi State.

According to the government, Ebonyi is gradually assuming a more prominent position in Nigeria’s national development landscape under Nwifuru’s leadership, which it described as pragmatic, stable, and people-focused.

ADO‑EKITI (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for stronger collaboration with media professionals to combat fake news, misinformation, and hate speech ahead of the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State Governorship Election.

The appeal was made during the INEC Forum for Media Executives, Producers, Reporters, and on‑Air Personalities held in Ado‑Ekiti as part of preparations for the off‑cycle poll.

In his address, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, described the media as a strategic partner in safeguarding democracy. He emphasised that the success of any election depends on accurate, balanced, and professional reportage, noting that INEC has intensified preparations through voter education, deployment planning, training of personnel, and coordination with security agencies, political parties, civil society groups, and transport unions to ensure a peaceful and transparent process.

Omoseyindemi warned against the spread of fake news, manipulated videos, and misleading headlines, stressing that such content could undermine public trust and threaten electoral peace. He urged journalists to verify election‑related information with INEC, amplify official voter education messages, and avoid sensational or inflammatory reporting.

Speaking at the forum, Mallam Mohammed Kudu, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), described the Ekiti election as a major political test ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said voting will take place across 16 local government areas, 177 wards, and 2,445 polling units, with 13 political parties participating.

Kudu highlighted concerns over voter apathy, vote buying, political violence, and declining public confidence, urging media houses to intensify voter education in English, Yoruba, and local dialects—especially on the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). He reminded journalists of the Electoral Act 2026 provisions on balanced coverage, election‑day broadcast restrictions, and penalties for electoral offences.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and professionalism, calling on the media to play its part in ensuring credible elections in Ekiti State.