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Category: Politics

  • Nnamdi Kanu reiterates referendum demand, rules out negotiations on Biafra

    Nnamdi Kanu reiterates referendum demand, rules out negotiations on Biafra

    DULUTH, United States (NPA) — The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has reiterated his demand for a referendum on Biafra, declaring that he will not negotiate his demand for self-determination.

    Kanu said his position remained unchanged despite his detention and imprisonment, insisting that a referendum was the only subject he was willing to discuss.

    “I will discuss referendum and nothing else,” he said.

    He made the declaration in an address delivered to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) at its 2026 annual convention, held from October 9 to 11 in Duluth, Georgia, United States. The address dated September 30, 2026, obtained by Newpost Africa, was delivered through IPOB’s world headquarters in Langenfeld, Germany.

    In the address, titled “Maka Odi Nma Ndi Igbo — For the Good and Benefit of the Igbo People,” personally signed by him, Kanu rejected proposals for discussions on political appointments, restructuring or further conferences, arguing that the central issue was the right of Biafrans to decide their political future through a free vote.

    He described his objective as achieving a peaceful Biafran homeland, stressing that his demand was rooted in self-determination rather than revenge or disorder.

    “I will not negotiate the existence of my people. I will not bargain our homeland into a committee,” he said.

    Kanu Praises AVID’s Support

    The IPOB leader commended AVID, its president, Dr Sylvester Onyia, and other supporters for standing by him during his detention and legal proceedings.

    He specifically praised Onyia for attending court sittings and travelling to Abuja in support of his release, describing the efforts as acts of sacrifice and commitment.

    Kanu also acknowledged the contributions of Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, urging the groups to sustain their support for his release and that of other Biafrans he described as unjustly detained.

    He further praised AVID for writing to British officials, including the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, as well as the United Kingdom High Commission in Nigeria, over his detention and legal case.

    Kanu criticised the legal proceedings against him, alleging that his conviction was based on repealed laws and the reversal of an earlier acquittal.

    Rejects Compromise on Biafra

    Reaffirming his position on Biafran self-determination, Kanu said he would not accept any political arrangement that excluded a referendum.

    “Referendum. That is the conversation. That is the settlement. That is the peace,” he declared.

    He also referred to his previous arrests in Nigeria and his arrest in Kenya, describing the latter as a kidnapping and rendition.

    Kanu said his time in solitary confinement had not weakened his resolve, adding that his ultimate objective remained what he called the total freedom of Biafra.

    Addressing members of AVID, he urged them to continue advocating for self-determination through what he described as lawful and honourable means.

    He also called on supporters to remain committed to the cause rather than leave the struggle to future generations.

    “I am not available for any bargain that leaves Biafra unnamed. I am available for a referendum. I am available for the work of a free people,” he said.

    Kanu offered prayers for the memory of those who had died in the struggle.

  • Peter Obi pays tribute to Late General Obiakor, calls for better welfare for military personnel

    Peter Obi pays tribute to Late General Obiakor, calls for better welfare for military personnel

    AWKA, Nigeria (NPA) — Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has paid tribute to retired Lieutenant General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, describing him as an exemplary officer and diplomat whose life was defined by service to Nigeria.

    In a statement issued on Friday titled “Honouring Our Heroes Beyond Tributes,” Obi said he joined other Nigerians in Awka to celebrate the life and legacy of the late military officer.

    Obiakor served in the Nigerian Army and later worked as a diplomat and military adviser at the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

    Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said serving and retired members of the Armed Forces deserved the highest honour and respect, both in life and after death.

    He urged political leaders to personally identify with and honour those who had dedicated their lives to defending the country.

    The NDC presidential candidate said the recent loss of military personnel in an aircraft crash and a subsequent helicopter incident highlighted the sacrifices made daily by members of the Armed Forces.

    He called for improved welfare for retired personnel, including timely pension payments, accessible healthcare and decent living conditions.

    For serving personnel, Obi stressed the need for adequate equipment, proper training and effective medical care.

    “Those who defend our nation deserve a nation that protects their dignity and well-being,” he said.

    Obi prayed for the peaceful repose of Obiakor’s soul, comfort for his family and protection for serving military personnel.

  • 2027: Keyamo accuses Atiku of agitated depression, calls for mental health support

    2027: Keyamo accuses Atiku of agitated depression, calls for mental health support

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of suffering from what he described as “agitated depression,” claiming the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate needs urgent mental health support.

    Keyamo made the remarks in a statement on Friday, attributing Atiku’s recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu to alleged bitterness over the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.

    The minister claimed Tinubu’s emergence as president had been difficult for Atiku to accept, arguing that their long-standing political rivalry and competing presidential ambitions had contributed to the former vice-president’s alleged frustration.

    Keyamo recalled that Tinubu was governor of Lagos State while Atiku served as vice-president, noting that both politicians pursued presidential ambitions after leaving office in 2007.

    He said Tinubu eventually secured the presidency on his first attempt, while Atiku had sought the position for decades.

    The minister also cited Ecclesiastes 9:11 in the Bible, arguing that political power was not determined solely by ambition or personal ability.

    Keyamo urged Atiku’s associates to offer him support rather than encourage what he described as his recent political outbursts. He also claimed that the former vice-president’s recent public statements could undermine his political support.

    However, Keyamo’s comments about Atiku’s mental health were allegations made by the minister. He provided no medical evidence to substantiate the claim that the former vice-president has a mental health condition.

  • Atiku says 2027 election is rescue mission, urges Nigerians to back ADC

    Atiku says 2027 election is rescue mission, urges Nigerians to back ADC

    ABUJA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has described the 2027 general election as a rescue mission for Nigerians, urging voters to support the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a bid to improve living conditions and make life more affordable.

    Atiku, the ADC’s presidential candidate, spoke on Friday in Abuja during the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC).

    He urged council members to take the party’s message to communities nationwide and mobilise voters around its promises of economic recovery and improved welfare.

    “As members of this esteemed Campaign Council, we must make this choice clear to Nigerians: the election is about their welfare and the future of their families,” he said.

    Atiku urged eligible voters to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing the ballot as a crucial instrument for determining whether living conditions would improve.

    He also stressed the importance of electoral transparency, warning that policy promises and security plans would mean little if votes were manipulated or stolen.

    According to him, accredited party agents, civil society organisations and election observers should be allowed to independently verify results to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

    “Transparency is not a crime,” Atiku said, adding that election technology should be open to scrutiny and independent audits.

    He called for strict penalties for vote suppression, result manipulation and other forms of electoral fraud, arguing that such measures were necessary to protect voters’ choices.

    The former vice-president also condemned reported attempts to prevent opposition candidates from campaigning in Benue State, insisting that no community should be inaccessible to opposition parties.

    He pledged that ADC candidates would campaign across the country, from coastal communities to northern regions, and resist what he described as unlawful restrictions on their political activities.

    Atiku Outlines Economic Priorities

    On petroleum policy, Atiku advocated support for petroleum products refined locally and sold in the domestic market. He also called for budgetary allocations, spending limits and independent audits to ensure accountability.

    He said the country’s economic challenges extended beyond fuel prices, highlighting the need to make food more affordable, improve electricity supply, create jobs, support businesses and strengthen security on roads and farms.

    Atiku also called for the removal of barriers preventing young Nigerians from fully utilising their talents and competing globally.

    “A speech about growth means nothing to a family that cannot afford dinner,” he said.

    Describing the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council as an important moment for the party, Atiku urged members to approach their responsibilities with urgency, discipline and commitment as preparations for the 2027 general election continue.

    -NAN

  • Mary Idele named APC Women Presidential Campaign Council DG for 2027

    Mary Idele named APC Women Presidential Campaign Council DG for 2027

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Dr Mary Alile Idele, the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been appointed Director-General of the party’s Women Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections.

    The appointment was announced by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu during the pre-inauguration of the Women Mobilisation Directorate in Abuja.

    Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Idele said her new role would involve coordinating and providing strategic direction for the APC’s women-focused campaign structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    She said she would also lead efforts to mobilise women voters and party members at the grassroots, strengthen women’s participation in the campaign and communicate the administration’s policies and programmes to women across the country.

    According to Idele, the campaign council would engage women’s groups, market associations, professional bodies, community organisations and other grassroots networks as part of the APC’s campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

    She said the council would also work to counter misinformation, promote issue-based campaign messages and highlight policies of the Tinubu administration that it considers beneficial to women, families and communities.

    Idele said the new assignment would build on existing APC women mobilisation structures and strengthen grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.

    She added that the campaign council would work with APC women leaders and other stakeholders nationwide to strengthen party structures, mobilise support for the party’s candidates and encourage women to participate actively in the electoral process.

    The appointment comes as the APC intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the party’s women leadership positioning its nationwide network as a key part of its grassroots mobilisation strategy.

  • INEC voter register rises above 103m as PVC collection begins Friday

    INEC voter register rises above 103m as PVC collection begins Friday

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says Nigeria’s National Register of Voters has risen to more than 103 million ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed this on Monday at a strategic workshop for media executives organised by INEC in collaboration with Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Abuja.

    The workshop, held at BON Hotel Octagon, Jahi District, with the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Partnership Among Editors, Civil Society and Electoral Institutions,” focused on strengthening collaboration between the electoral management body, the media and civil society ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Amupitan said the Commission’s three-phase Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise had attracted more than 10.6 million new applicants, while the public display of the Preliminary Register for claims and objections had been completed.

    He added that INEC had also completed the final Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) cleanup of the voter register.

    The INEC chairman announced that nationwide collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would commence on Friday, October 9, 2026, and urged eligible citizens to participate in the process.

    He said the development was significant as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, adding that INEC was working to make the electoral process transparent, technology-driven and credible.

    Amupitan said the Commission remained committed to improving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to ensure that every valid vote counts and is seen to count.

    He identified public trust as a key determinant of electoral credibility, stressing that operational efficiency by INEC alone could not guarantee democratic stability.

    “The ultimate arbiter of electoral integrity is public trust,” Amupitan said.

    He called for stronger partnerships among INEC, editors, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, saying the Commission was prepared to listen to editorial concerns, address operational challenges and provide timely information to prevent misinformation from filling communication gaps.

    Amupitan urged newsrooms to establish digital fact-verification desks and pledged that INEC would provide editors with direct access to verify field incidents, logistical developments and security reports in real time.

    He also proposed a sustained editorial feedback mechanism between INEC and the Nigerian Guild of Editors to review operational progress and address emerging challenges throughout the 2027 election cycle.

    Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Eze Anaba, said the workshop was timely given the country’s proximity to another general election.

    Anaba said elections were not merely about casting ballots but also about ensuring that citizens had confidence that their votes would count and that institutions conducting elections would act fairly and professionally.

    He urged editors to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and public interest in electoral reporting, while calling for stronger access to credible and timely information from INEC.

  • AU Commission Chairperson congratulates Abiy Ahmed on re-election

    AU Commission Chairperson congratulates Abiy Ahmed on re-election

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has congratulated Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on his re-election for another five-year term.

    Youssouf described Ethiopia as an important member of the continental family, noting that the country hosts the AU headquarters and serves as the diplomatic capital of Africa.

    The AU Commission Chairperson said he looked forward to continued cooperation with Abiy Ahmed and his government in advancing Africa’s integration, peace, security and development agenda.

    Abiy’s swearing-in comes amid almost two weeks of internal conflict in Ethiopia, raising concerns over a possible escalation and wider regional instability.

    Addressing the situation, the prime minister called for an end to the violence and urged those involved in armed conflict to embrace peace and participate in national reconciliation and nation-building.

    “All those people fighting in the bushes: I kindly ask you to choose the path of peace. I ask you to take part in the nation-building, national reconciliation process,” Abiy said.

    He also called on opposition groups to pursue their political objectives peacefully and avoid actions that could further destabilise the country.

    On national security, Abiy said Ethiopia would strengthen its military capabilities, declaring that the country would seek air superiority in the region and maintain a modern and combat-ready defence force.

    The latest fighting reportedly erupted between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and federal forces on September 23, prompting concerns over a possible return to the civil war that ravaged the country between 2020 and 2022.

  • BREAKING: Peter Obi appeals for peace as Umuoba-Anam, Aguleri crisis resurfaces

    BREAKING: Peter Obi appeals for peace as Umuoba-Anam, Aguleri crisis resurfaces

    AWKA (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has appealed to the warring parties involved in the recent resurgence of hostilities between the Umuoba-Anam and Aguleri communities in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State to embrace peace.

    Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, made the appeal in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, titled, “Umuoba-Anam/Aguleri Crisis: Passionate Appeal for Peace.”

    He said he was deeply pained by reports of renewed hostilities between the two communities.

    “I am deeply pained by the reports of hostilities between the good people of Umuoba-Anam and Aguleri in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State,” he said.

    Obi said conflicts of such nature only brought destruction at a time when many Nigerians were already struggling to survive.

    “Hostilities of the kind we are witnessing between the two communities achieve nothing but destruction. At a time when people are already finding it increasingly difficult to survive, adding the devastation of conflict is like adding fuel to the fire,” he said.

    He appealed to both communities to immediately cease hostilities and embrace peace.

    “No grievance, however serious, is worth the loss of lives, the destruction of homes and livelihoods, or the pain inflicted on families,” Obi said.

    He urged the parties to choose dialogue and reconciliation over violence and revenge.

    “Let us choose dialogue over violence, reconciliation over revenge, and peace over destruction. There is always a better way to resolve our differences,” he said.

    Obi prayed for wisdom for the community leaders and peace between Umuoba-Anam and Aguleri.

    “May God grant wisdom to our leaders and peace to Umuoba-Anam and Aguleri,” he said.

  • American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent defends Mike Arnold, authenticates Sokoto Declaration, warns Orabueze

    American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent defends Mike Arnold, authenticates Sokoto Declaration, warns Orabueze

    ABUJA , Nigeria (NPA) — The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has defended US-based activist Mike Arnold against what it described as malicious social media attacks by Ngozi Orabueze and her associates.

    In a statement issued on Oct. 3, 2026, and signed by AVID President Dr Sylvester Onyia and Secretary Dr Godson Obiagwu, the group also affirmed what it described as the authenticity of the “Sokoto Declaration”, a five-page document jointly issued by Arnold and the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    Recall that Newpost Africa reported on June 1, 2026, that Kanu and Arnold had jointly issued the Sokoto Declaration, dated May 30, 2026, calling for sweeping political reforms, self-determination, decentralisation of governance and what they described as a national awakening against insecurity, displacement and alleged state oppression in Nigeria.

    The declaration was released in Kanu’s name and authenticated by his counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.

    The document presents a broad critique of Nigeria’s political structure, security architecture and historical evolution, while proposing a new constitutional framework built around self-determination, regional autonomy and popular sovereignty.

    Kanu and Arnold described themselves as individuals from different backgrounds who had arrived at a shared conviction about what they considered the need to address longstanding structural and political challenges confronting Nigeria.

    The declaration paints a grim picture of the country’s security and humanitarian situation, alleging that millions of people across different regions have suffered violence, displacement, poverty and political marginalisation over several decades.

    The authors cited the Nigerian Civil War, insurgency in the North-East and attacks on communities in various parts of the country as evidence of what they described as a prolonged national crisis.

    According to the declaration, the violence and instability experienced across Nigeria are not inevitable but are the result of political choices that can be reversed through collective action by citizens.

    “We hold these truths,” the declaration stated, arguing that every individual, regardless of ethnicity, religion or region, possesses the right to life, liberty and self-determination.

    The authors maintained that displaced persons across the country should be allowed to return safely to their ancestral homes and receive justice and restitution.

    The declaration also stressed that the grievances of different ethnic and regional groups should not be viewed in isolation, insisting that no community holds a monopoly on suffering.

    “We do not seek liberty for one people alone, but for all who suffer under injustice,” the document stated, adding that any future political arrangement should be based on freedom, equity, justice, fairness and the rule of law.

    One of the central themes of the declaration is self-determination.

    The authors argued that the right of people to determine their political future is protected under Nigerian and international law.

    The document cited provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and claimed that Kanu’s continued detention and prosecution, alongside restrictions on calls for self-determination, amounted to violations of rights guaranteed under domestic and international legal frameworks.

    Kanu and Arnold also criticised what they described as excessive centralisation of political and security powers in Nigeria.

    According to them, a highly centralised state has contributed to insecurity, weakened local communities and reduced the ability of regions to protect their people.

    The declaration further argued that natural resources should primarily benefit local communities and condemned what it described as the exploitation of resources in areas affected by violence and displacement.

    In its latest statement, AVID said the Sokoto Declaration had been formally verified and released through Ejimakor, adding that it was aware of the processes surrounding the document before its release.

    AVID described the declaration as a strategic and lawful framework aimed at advancing human rights, self-determination and the protection of oppressed populations.

    The group also described Arnold as a friend of Biafrans and an advocate for Nigerian Christians, saying his efforts to expose what it described as targeted violence and support oppressed people had earned its respect.

    AVID said attacks against Arnold amounted to attacks on what it described as a strategic alliance with international supporters of the Biafran cause.

    The organisation called on Orabueze and her associates to stop what it described as harassment, defamation and targeted attacks against Arnold.

    It specifically demanded an end to social media attacks against Arnold, as well as what it described as a campaign of vilification against Kanu’s legal team and family.

    AVID further accused Orabueze of presenting herself as “Deputy Prime Minister” of what it described as a non-existent Biafra Government-in-Exile and urged her to stop using the title.

    The group also called on her to stop promoting what it described as a “Biafran Referendum” allegedly conducted in Finland, arguing that the exercise lacked international recognition, legal standing and democratic legitimacy.

    AVID said the pursuit of self-determination and human rights should be based on truth, sacrifice and strategic alliances rather than what it described as “internet delusions, fraudulent declarations, or the harassment of genuine international allies”.

    The group warned that any future harassment or defamation directed at Arnold, Ejimakor or people within Kanu’s circle would be met with what it described as “all lawful actions necessary” to defend its allies and protect the integrity of its cause.

    AVID advised Orabueze and her associates to “govern themselves accordingly”.

  • City Boy Movement inaugurates Ogun chapter, rallies youth support for Tinubu

    City Boy Movement inaugurates Ogun chapter, rallies youth support for Tinubu

    ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (NPA) — The City Boy Movement (CBM) has formally inaugurated its Ogun State chapter and commissioned its state secretariat in Abeokuta, with supporters gathering at the Ake Palace Pavilion in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The event attracted young people and supporters from across the state, with banners, flags, face caps, posters and billboards bearing the President’s image and messages in support of his administration.

    According to a post on the event by Sunday Dare, a Presidential spokesperson, the gathering reflected the movement’s grassroots mobilisation and organisational expansion in Ogun State.

    The inauguration included the unveiling of the Ogun State executive and commissioning of the movement’s state secretariat, activities the organisation said were part of efforts to strengthen its structures and expand its grassroots presence in the state.

    Barrister Seyi Tinubu, identified as the Grand Patron of the movement, was not physically present at the event. His name and role featured prominently in messages associated with the gathering.

    Kamorudeen Olawale Yusuf, Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties and a prominent figure in the movement’s Ogun activities, was recognised for his role in mobilising young people and grassroots structures for the event.

    The gathering also attracted political figures from Ogun State, including the Deputy Governor and Sen. Olamilekan Yayi, who addressed participants on policies, programmes and projects of the Tinubu administration and their implications for the state.

    The City Boy Movement has described itself as a youth-driven structure supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda and mobilising young Nigerians for political participation and grassroots engagement.

    The Abeokuta event marks a further expansion of the movement’s organisational activities in Ogun State as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections.