Category: Politics

KANO, Nigeria (NPA) — Chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced what he described as tremendous successes in the emergence of candidates for various elective positions through consensus arrangements in Kano State.

Kwankwaso disclosed this while addressing party developments ahead of the NDC primaries, following his absence at the dinner meeting held for governorship and National Assembly aspirants in Abuja.

The former governor had missed the event due to ongoing party engagements in Kano linked to the consensus process and preparations ahead of the primaries.

“Over the past few days, we have been in Kano working diligently to present candidates for various positions under the NDC through consensus,” Kwankwaso said.

“I am pleased to report that the process has been smooth, peaceful, and highly successful, with candidates emerging for most seats,” he added.

The NDC leader urged aspirants who were unsuccessful in securing tickets through the consensus arrangements to remain patient and committed to the broader goals of the party.

He described the process as part of a collective political journey aimed at strengthening the party and positioning it for electoral success.

“It has been a truly fulfilling exercise during this blessed period,” Kwankwaso stated.

His remarks align with the position earlier expressed by the National Leader of the NDC, Henry Seriake Dickson, during the Abuja dinner meeting with party aspirants.

Dickson had encouraged aspirants across the country to embrace consensus arrangements wherever possible in order to minimise internal disputes and promote unity within the party ahead of the elections.

According to the former Bayelsa governor, the NDC remains committed to building strong democratic institutions and internal mechanisms capable of sustaining long-term political development.

He had also reminded aspirants that only one candidate could eventually emerge for each elective position but assured party members that the NDC would continue to recognise and accommodate individuals who contributed to the growth and expansion of the party.

Dickson further stated that the NDC was being developed as a long-term ideological political movement rather than a platform driven by temporary political interests or opportunistic alliances.

ADO-EKITI, Nigeria (NPA) — Yiaga Africa in partnership with Centre for Media and Society, ElectHER, Int. Press Centre, TAF AFRICA, and the Kukah Centre have launched a new pre-election assessment report by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), which has projected that the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election is likely to be peaceful, but warned that voter apathy, vote buying, political tensions, misinformation, and internal party crises could still threaten the credibility of the process.

The report, titled Ekiti State Off-Cycle Governorship Election Pre-Assessment Report, examined the political environment, electoral preparations, media landscape, participation of women, youths and persons with disabilities, as well as security risks ahead of the June 20, 2026, governorship poll in the state.

According to the report, the overall security situation in Ekiti remains relatively calm, with most pre-election activities conducted without serious violence or major disruptions. However, the report noted that worsening economic conditions and public dissatisfaction could encourage vote trading and reduce voter turnout.

The assessment also stated that many residents perceive the election as lacking competitiveness due to what it described as the “residual advantage of incumbency” enjoyed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

The report said internal crises, leadership disputes, and limited resources among opposition parties have weakened electoral competition in the state.

“The general perception in the state is that the election will not be competitive due to the residual advantage of incumbency and elite consensus among major actors in favour of the sitting governor,” the report stated.

The document identified the APC as the dominant political force in Ekiti State, noting that Governor Oyebanji’s re-election campaign is anchored on his “Shared Prosperity Agenda,” which focuses on continuity, economic growth, infrastructure development, and human capital investment.

The report further disclosed that the APC campaign structure is being coordinated by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, with support from former governors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani was also named as chairman of the APC National Campaign Committee for the election.

Despite the APC’s dominance, the report noted signs of internal disagreements within the ruling party, especially over allegations surrounding consensus arrangements and the governorship ambitions of Engineer Kayode Olubunmi Ojo.

On the opposition front, the report said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr Oluwole Oluyede, remained entangled in internal party disputes and leadership divisions linked to rival factions within the party.

According to the assessment, Oluyede’s candidacy was initially rejected before a Court of Appeal judgment restored his nomination in March 2026. The report added that the lingering crisis within the PDP could hinder effective campaigns and voter mobilisation.

The report also revealed that some opposition figures were exploring the formation of a coalition aimed at challenging the APC in the election. The coalition reportedly seeks to address claims of marginalisation by the Ekiti South Senatorial District, which has never produced a governor since 1999.

However, the report observed that coalition talks had progressed slowly and lacked a unifying political figure capable of galvanising opposition forces across the state.

The EU-backed assessment further identified several security flashpoints ahead of the election, particularly in Ado-Ekiti, Ikole, Moba, and Ilejemeje Local Government Areas.

It warned that urban violence, kidnapping, cross-border criminal activities, vote buying, political thuggery, misinformation, and excessive use of force by security personnel could trigger tension during campaigns, voting, and result collation.

According to the report, the Nigeria Police Force has already developed Operational Order 08/2026, which proposes the deployment of 9,780 conventional police officers, 25 units of mobile policemen, 200 patrol vehicles, 12 Armoured Personnel Carriers, and three helicopters for election security.

The report said the Ekiti State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Michael Falade, was expected to coordinate security operations alongside other agencies, including the DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, NDLEA, Immigration Service, and Correctional Service.

The report also raised concerns over the growing spread of fake news and political disinformation through WhatsApp groups and local radio platforms.

It noted that 78 per cent of respondents surveyed identified WhatsApp as the primary source of election-related misinformation in the state.

On media coverage, the report accused federal and state-owned media outlets of favouring the ruling APC while opposition parties struggled with limited visibility due to financial and institutional constraints.

The assessment also highlighted risks facing journalists, including harassment, arrests, intimidation, confiscation of equipment, and legal threats under the Cybercrimes Act and Electoral Act provisions.

In terms of voter demographics, the report disclosed that Ekiti State had 987,647 registered voters during the 2023 general election, with women slightly outnumbering men on the voter register.

It further noted that women, youths, and persons with disabilities remain underrepresented in party leadership and elective positions despite increasing political participation.

The report observed that no political party fielded a female governorship candidate for the 2026 election, while structural barriers, high nomination fees, and entrenched patronage systems continue to limit inclusion.

The EU-SDGN report concluded by urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media to intensify efforts toward ensuring a transparent, peaceful, inclusive, and credible election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Action Congress (AAC) has officially elected Omoyele Sowore as its Presidential Candidate for the 2027 General Election, declaring the move a victory for ordinary Nigerians determined to reclaim their country.

In a statement dated May 26, 2026, the party said the election was not a gathering of political elites or godfathers but a demonstration of people organizing themselves — workers, students, women, youth, activists, and organisers united by a shared vision of justice and accountability.

The AAC described the development as proof that the revolutionary spirit of Nigerians is alive, asserting that while the old political order continues to “loot, suppress, divide, and impoverish the people,” a new movement is rising from the ground up.

“This is a movement built on resistance, justice, accountability, and people power,” the statement read. “The ruling class has failed Nigeria; now the people are reclaiming it.”

The party commended Nigerians at home and abroad who have mobilised, donated, and amplified the cause online and offline, saying the victory belongs to them. It urged supporters to intensify efforts as the next phase of the struggle begins, promising to expand its message into every ward, campus, community, and workplace across the country.

“The struggle continues. The people arise. Another Nigeria is possible,” the AAC declared, reaffirming its commitment to grassroots mobilisation and transformative leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Henry Seriake Dickson, has described the party as the fastest-growing political platform in Nigeria, saying the NDC has rapidly emerged as a cohesive opposition force within a few months of its formation.

Dickson made the remarks during a dinner meeting held for governorship and National Assembly aspirants of the party in Abuja.

The event was attended by former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, while former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was said to be absent due to party engagements in Kano ahead of the primaries.

Speaking at the gathering, Dickson thanked aspirants and party stakeholders for believing in the ideals and vision of the NDC despite initial doubts surrounding the party’s chances at inception.

“When the party was founded, many people did not give us any chance, but by the grace of God, within a few months, the NDC has emerged as the fastest-growing political party and the most cohesive opposition platform in the country,” he said.

The former Bayelsa governor also commended party officials and members for their sacrifices and dedication toward building the party since its establishment.

He particularly praised the Screening Committee chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor and ex-Minister, Sam Egwu, for what he described as professionalism and commitment during the screening of aspirants.

Dickson said the party remained committed to building strong democratic institutions and transparent internal processes capable of sustaining long-term political development in the country.

According to him, the inauguration of the party’s Selection Committee was part of efforts to strengthen consultation, credibility, and strategic planning within the nomination process.

He disclosed that the committee, chaired by the National Chairman alongside other party leaders, would review reports from the Screening Committee and consult widely with stakeholders before making recommendations on candidates.

The NDC leader said the committee would consider competence, local political realities, and the overall interests of the party in its decisions. He encouraged aspirants to embrace consensus arrangements wherever possible to reduce internal conflicts and strengthen unity within the party ahead of the elections.

However, he assured members that democratic primaries would be conducted in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines where consensus could not be achieved.

He reminded aspirants that only one candidate would eventually emerge for each position but assured them that the party would continue to recognise and accommodate members who had contributed to the growth of the NDC. According to him, the NDC was being developed as a long-term ideological political movement rather than a platform for temporary political interests and opportunistic alliances.

Dickson further disclosed that the party was compiling a comprehensive database of aspirants and supporters who had contributed to its development.

He said such individuals would continue to play active roles in the affairs of the party, including participation in the presidential campaign structure and strategic committees expected to be constituted soon.

The former governor also revealed plans by the party to introduce electronic systems for future primary elections to improve transparency, efficiency, and credibility in the nomination process. He explained that the current largely manual process being used for the primaries was due to the limited time ahead of the elections.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of fueling internal crises in opposition political parties across the country.

Adebayo made the allegation while speaking during an appearance on the ARISE News Morning Show on Tuesday, monitored by our correspondent.

According to him, several opposition parties, including the SDP, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Labour Party, are currently battling internal disputes allegedly caused by political interference from the ruling government.

Speaking on a factional figure he identified as Attahiru Musa, who he said was parading himself as a presidential candidate of the SDP, Adebayo dismissed the claim and insisted the party did not recognise him.

“We don’t know him, and we are not worried about that. The SDP is a party that is well known,” Adebayo said, adding that becoming a presidential candidate of a political party requires due process and legitimacy.

The former SDP presidential candidate alleged that President Tinubu was afraid of genuine political competition and was working to weaken opposition platforms ahead of future elections. “President Tinubu is afraid,” he said.

Adebayo also criticised recent party primary elections in the country, including those conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as fraudulent. “You can see the Option A4 fraud. The Option A4 we knew was where people queue behind candidates openly. What we have now is people counting wrongly and fraudulently,” he alleged.

According to him, the ruling party was allegedly sponsoring pseudo-candidates in opposition parties in order to weaken internal structures and eliminate political competition.

Speaking on the leadership crisis within the SDP, Adebayo referred to former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, saying he was elected in June 2022 but later faced disciplinary action over alleged criminal matters.

He alleged that the government used security agencies to forcefully reintroduce Gabam into the party secretariat despite ongoing disputes within the party. “The government used the police to bring him into the party secretariat,” Adebayo claimed.

He insisted that neither the Federal Government nor the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had the constitutional power to impose leadership on political parties.

“INEC does not tell you who the leadership of the party is,” he said.

Adebayo stated that he was less concerned about the leadership tussle itself and more focused on presenting policies and programmes that the SDP could offer Nigerians.

The former presidential candidate further accused Tinubu of interfering excessively in the affairs of political parties, describing the president as acting like a “part-time Chief Justice of Nigeria.”

“Tinubu cannot be the candidate-general of the federation,” he said.

He also accused the government of hypocrisy, noting that Nigerian law prohibits individuals from belonging to multiple political parties while alleging that the ruling establishment was interfering in opposition platforms.

According to him, all political actors must respect democratic principles and abide by the rules guiding Nigeria’s political system.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) deepened on Tuesday as Don Norman, National Publicity Secretary of the Dumebi Kachikwu-led National Executive Committee (NEC), dismissed claims that the party was divided into factions.

Norman, who also serves as the Abia State Chairman of the ADC, made the remarks while featuring on ARISE News Morning Show, where he insisted that there was only one legally recognised leadership structure within the party.

According to him, contrary to widespread reports, there was no “Dumebi Kachikwu faction” or “David Mark faction” in the ADC.

“We are the highest decision-making body of the ADC,” Norman said during the interview.

He alleged that the group associated with former Senate President, David Mark, was attempting to mislead Nigerians regarding the true state of affairs within the party.

Norman claimed that a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja had rendered the David Mark-led National Working Committee illegal and restrained it from acting on behalf of the ADC.

According to him, the NEC aligned with Kachikwu moved to reclaim what he described as the legitimate structure of the party after challenging the legality of congresses and conventions organised by the David Mark-led group.

“If there was nothing to execute, why did they go to court to execute the judgment?” he asked.

Norman argued that respect for court orders and the rule of law remained fundamental principles of democracy, insisting that the Kachikwu-led NEC was the authentic leadership organ of the ADC.

“We are not the Dumebi Kachikwu-led faction. We are the NEC of ADC,” he said.

He further stated that congresses organised by his group were approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while noting that Kachikwu had been a member of the ADC since 2021.

Norman described Kachikwu as the only legitimate presidential candidate of the party and maintained that the David Mark-led group lacked the legal authority to conduct national congresses or conventions.

“The judgment bars David Mark from conducting a national convention,” he alleged.

He also accused some state chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly sponsoring litigation against the ADC leadership.

According to him, the coalition agreement involving some opposition figures was never formally approved or presented to state chairmen of the party.

“A lot of things have happened which the ADC working committee are hiding. The coalition agreement was never sealed nor sighted by any state ADC chairman,” he claimed.

Norman further alleged that the congresses organised by the David Mark-led group had already been nullified by the court.

He, however, acknowledged that INEC officials were absent at the convention conducted by his faction on Sunday, though he said the commission had been formally notified before the exercise.

Meanwhile, former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, also reacted to the crisis, dismissing claims that the party was factionalised.

Nwosu alleged that external political forces were behind attempts to destabilise the ADC following the growing popularity of the party ahead of future elections.

“What is happening in the party is the handiwork of the powers of the moment trying to rub mud on what we have built,” he said.

The former chairman rejected Norman’s claims that state chairmen were excluded from decisions taken by the party leadership, insisting that they participated in the process that dissolved the former national leadership structure.

According to him, disagreements began when some state chairmen allegedly insisted on retaining their positions during congresses, contrary to the party’s internal rules.

Nwosu also accused the ruling APC of interfering in the internal affairs of the ADC and attempting to weaken opposition politics in the country.

“There is no faction in ADC. We are progressing, and we are doing it very well. The ADC is being run by citizens dedicated to seeing change,” he stated.

He further defended David Mark’s leadership role in the party, describing the former Senate President as disciplined and focused on repositioning the ADC for national relevance.

“David Mark is now focused on delivering results to Nigeria. He is using his military discipline to run the party,” Nwosu added.

The former chairman also stated that the understanding behind the opposition coalition arrangement was that all parties and stakeholders involved would work collectively toward winning future elections and share responsibilities in government if successful.

Nwosu further alleged that Nafiu Bala‑Gombe was intercepted by individuals linked to political interests intent on infiltrating and destabilising the ADC, and that Bala‑Gombe now works for them.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, on Monday inspected several ongoing infrastructure projects across Abuja, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to delivering transformative developments in the capital.

Among the projects visited was the Renewed Hope City Access Road in Karsana District, which Wike described as “critical infrastructure designed to unlock access to thousands of affordable housing units in the FCT.” He confirmed that the project is 98% completed and nearing handover.

The Minister also inspected the 17km Old Keffi Road, stretching from Kado Village and Life Camp junction through to the Dei‑Dei axis. Cleared for commissioning, the road will directly link communities such as Saburi, Gwagwa, Idu, and Karmo to the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), significantly reducing travel time and easing congestion.

Wike commended the progress on FCT Highway 105 from Airport Road to Kuje and Phase 1 of the Kuje to Gwagwalada Road, both of which have been completed. He noted that these projects have transformed the visual and economic landscape of the Kuje area, improving connectivity and accessibility.

Another highlight of the inspection was the Abuja City Gate remodelling project, initiated by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Wike confirmed that the project is on track for a formal handover by early June, promising a modern and welcoming new look for the nation’s capital.

The Minister emphasised that these projects reflect the administration’s broader vision of infrastructure renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at boosting housing, transportation, and the overall livability of Abuja.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Democratic Congress has announced plans to host an Aspirants’ Dinner for selected stakeholders and screened aspirants of the party ahead of the 2025 elections.

According to the party, the inaugural dinner is scheduled to be held on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the A Class Event Centre, Kashim Ibrahim Way, Maitama/Wuse 2, Abuja.

The event, billed for 6:00 p.m., will be hosted by the National Leader of the party, Henry Seriake Dickson.

In a statement signed by the National Secretary of the party, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC said the dinner was organised to provide an opportunity for the party leadership to engage with aspirants and key stakeholders committed to the growth of the party nationwide.

The statement noted that the leadership of the party appreciated members and supporters who had continued to work tirelessly to expand the party’s presence across Nigeria and in the diaspora.

“It is part of our vision of making the NDC one true united and closely knit family, where everyone is important,” the statement said.

The party added that attendance at the dinner would be strictly by invitation.

UMUAHIA, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of Abia State as he marked the third anniversary of his government with a thanksgiving service and the flag-off of major projects in the state.

Otti disclosed this on Sunday after a series of events held in Umuahia as part of activities commemorating his third year in office.

The governor said the thanksgiving service, held at the event centre near Okpara Square, provided an opportunity for reflection on the administration’s journey and to appreciate God for what he described as enduring faithfulness and progress recorded so far.

According to him, the achievements recorded by his administration would not have been possible without the trust, encouragement, and support of the people of Abia State.

“I want to sincerely thank Ndị Abia and everyone who has partnered with us on this journey. Your trust, encouragement, and steadfast support remain the cornerstone of our progress, and without you, the Abia success story would not be unfolding as it is today,” Otti said.

The governor also appreciated religious leaders, particularly Brother Emma Okorie, President of Living Word Ministries International, and other clerics whom he credited for their prayers and support since the beginning of his political journey in 2014.

He stated that their prayers and encouragement had continued to strengthen both him and the state government over the years.

Otti said he reminded worshippers at the thanksgiving service that his decision to serve God together with his household remained the foundation of the successes recorded by his administration.

As part of the anniversary activities, the governor proceeded to Umuagu Ibeku, where he flagged off the construction of an Ecumenical Centre expected to accommodate about 1,000 worshippers.

He explained that the project was tied to a personal vow he made years ago and disclosed that the land for the centre was acquired in 2009.

According to Otti, the proposed Ecumenical Centre is a private project and would not be funded with government resources. “The project is entirely private, and no government funds will be used to execute it,” the governor stated.

The governor later moved to Laguru in Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area, where he simultaneously flagged off the rehabilitation of the ₦1.3 billion Ubakala Water Scheme and the Ariaria Water Scheme in Aba.

He said the projects were aimed at improving access to clean and safe water for residents in the benefiting communities.

Otti noted that the rehabilitation of the water schemes formed part of his administration’s broader commitment to improving public infrastructure and basic social services across the state.

The governor expressed optimism that with continued support from the people and divine guidance, Abia State would continue to witness greater transformation and development in the coming years.