Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that Nigeria’s democracy and the integrity of the 2027 general elections are under serious threat.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and presidential hopeful said the country’s democratic system is facing what he described as an existential danger, while expressing concern over developments surrounding an ongoing legal dispute involving the party.

“However, I do not want to believe that the judiciary, long regarded as the last hope of the common man, would align with the ruling APC in any effort that could undermine or destroy our democratic foundations,” he said.

Atiku’s remarks followed a letter dated April 28, 2026, written by S. E. Aruwa, SAN & Co. to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, urging the Supreme Court to expedite judgment in Suit No: SC/CV/180/2026 between Senator David Mark and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe and four others.

In the letter, signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Shaibu Enejo Aruwa, counsel to the ADC, the legal team warned that delays in delivering judgment could jeopardise the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.

The lawyers stated that the appeal, heard on April 22, 2026, had its judgment reserved, but stressed the urgency of a timely ruling, citing actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which allegedly de-recognised the leadership of the ADC following a lower court decision.

According to the letter, the development has left the party without recognised leadership despite its status as a registered political party, raising concerns over its ability to meet statutory requirements for the 2027 polls.

The counsel warned that failure to deliver judgment within days could result in the ADC being excluded from the elections, potentially disenfranchising millions of Nigerians and denying them their constitutional right to political participation.

They further argued that while acknowledging the workload of the Supreme Court, justice delayed in the matter would amount to justice denied, as the political future of the party and expectations of its members hang in the balance.

The legal team appealed for urgent judicial intervention to avert what it described as irreversible harm to the party’s constitutional rights.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned what it described as the unlawful arrest and “imprisonment” of citizen Yusuf Umar Garkuwa for allegedly criticizing Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman.

In a statement issued today, Amnesty said Garkuwa had been receiving threats to his life for criticizing the governor and the speaker, alleging that he was arrested yesterday.

The rights body further claimed that he has been transferred to Kaduna Prison as part of a plan to subject him to a sham trial and deprive him of personal liberty. “Punishing people for dissenting opinions is a direct attack on freedom of expression,” Amnesty said.

Amnesty stressed that criticizing the state and its institutions is not a crime. “Harsh and unlawful treatment of critics through the bizarre manipulation of the police and judiciary undermines rule of law. It is perfectly within the rights of Yusuf Garkuwa — and all people in Kaduna State — to criticize government officials and policies.”

The organization advised that instead of targeting critics, the Kaduna State Government should focus on urgently needed social services for the people and intensify efforts to end rampant banditry and kidnapping that continue to make life difficult in parts of the state.

As of the time of filing this report, the government has yet to respond to the allegations raised by Amnesty International.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Peter Obi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has held a consultative meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan as part of his ongoing political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi said the visit formed part of his wider consultations with political leaders across the country, including stakeholders from the South-East, focusing on Nigeria’s future and the need for national renewal.

According to him, discussions with the former president centred on addressing key challenges confronting the country, including economic hardship, insecurity, and social divisions.

“Our discussions were frank, thoughtful, and anchored on the urgent need to reposition Nigeria on the path of unity, security, stability, productivity, and inclusive governance,” Obi said.

He stressed that the current state of the nation requires leaders to prioritise competence, character, and capacity over personal ambition, noting that governance should be focused on creating opportunities rather than distributing limited resources.

Obi also emphasised the need to shift Nigeria from a consumption-driven to a production-driven economy, leveraging its human and natural resources for sustainable development.

He described the 2027 elections as a critical opportunity to reset the country’s trajectory, urging stakeholders to focus on issues affecting citizens, including access to quality education, support for entrepreneurs, and improved security.

The former Anambra State governor expressed optimism that through dialogue, unity of purpose, and commitment to national interest, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and achieve lasting progress.

DUTSE, Nigeria (NPA) — The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, today received the new State Commissioner of Police, CP Haruna Alaba Yahaya, at the Government House in Dutse.

Speaking during the visit, the governor reaffirmed Jigawa’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, noting that maintaining peace requires constant effort and honest dialogue. He highlighted drug abuse among young people as a major challenge linked to rising crime, stressing that enforcement alone is insufficient.

“We must involve communities, work with religious and traditional leaders, and raise awareness about what is truly at stake,” Namadi said. He pledged continued collaboration with agencies such as the NDLEA to strengthen sensitization efforts, while emphasizing that violence should never be an option.

The governor assured the Commissioner of Police that the state government will stand firmly with the police and other security agencies, providing the right environment for them to succeed. “We have come this far by working together, and we will keep building step by step, with patience and consistency,” he added.

In addition to receiving the new commissioner, Governor Namadi signed two significant laws: the Polling Unit Development Fund Law and the conversion of Khadija University, Majia, into the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences Law.

Explaining the Polling Unit Development Fund, Namadi said the initiative empowers grassroots communities to identify and act on their own needs without bureaucratic delays. “People at the grassroots understand their needs better than anyone else. This law gives them the space and support to take small but meaningful actions where they live,” he said.

On the university conversion, the governor emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for young people, particularly in medical education. “Turning Khadija University into a specialized institution is part of where we are heading. With time, it will grow into something people across the state can genuinely take pride in,” he noted.

Namadi acknowledged the State Executive Council and the House of Assembly for their seriousness and effort in driving the legislative process. He concluded by stressing that while challenges remain, progress is possible when people remain committed and play their part.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, detailing key dates for its internal processes.

The updated schedule, signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, outlines timelines for the sale of forms, screening of aspirants, appeals, and primary elections.

According to a statement by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the timetable is in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Under the schedule, the party issued its notice of election to state chapters on April 20, 2026, while the sale of nomination forms runs from April 25 to May 2, 2026. The submission of completed forms is fixed for May 4, 2026.

Screening of aspirants across all categories—State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, and Presidential—will hold from May 6 to May 8, 2026, with the publication of screening results scheduled for May 9, 2026.

Appeals arising from the screening process will be heard between May 12 and May 13, 2026.

Primary elections will be conducted in phases: House of Representatives on May 15, 2026; Senate on May 18, 2026; State House of Assembly on May 20, 2026; Governorship on May 23, 2026; and Presidential on May 28, 2026.

The party also fixed dates for election appeals as follows: House of Representatives on May 18, 2026; Senate on May 20, 2026; State House of Assembly on May 21, 2026; Governorship on May 23, 2026; and Presidential on May 25, 2026.

The APC further detailed the cost of nomination forms, with the presidential form pegged at ₦100 million, governorship at ₦50 million, Senate at ₦10 million, and House of Representatives at ₦6 million.

It added that female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities will pay only for the Expression of Interest forms and 50 percent of the nomination fees.

The party directed that all payments be made through designated accounts with Union Bank, UBA, and Zenith Bank, noting that the revised timetable is aimed at ensuring a smooth and transparent nomination process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to prioritise foreign investment, strengthen strategic partnerships and enhance the country’s global image in line with shifting diplomatic realities.

The President gave the charge at the opening of an induction programme for the envoys at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria in Abuja, stating that their appointments reflect confidence in their ability to advance Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu said the international system is undergoing rapid transformation driven by geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty, technological disruption, climate challenges and emerging security threats.

In a statement issued by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the President stressed that the evolving global landscape has made the role of diplomats more critical than ever.

“The international system is evolving rapidly. We must be prepared to meet these challenges by focusing on how best to protect and promote Nigeria’s national interest,” he said.

Tinubu urged the envoys to adopt a modern, results-oriented approach to diplomacy, combining traditional engagement with digital tools, public diplomacy and strategic communication.

He emphasised the need to project Nigeria’s image credibly while highlighting the achievements of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and called for proactive efforts in attracting foreign direct investment, promoting trade and facilitating technology transfer.

The President also underscored the importance of protecting the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora, describing it as a core responsibility of diplomatic missions.

In a notable policy adjustment, Tinubu announced a reordering of Nigeria’s foreign policy framework, the 4D Doctrine, shifting its priorities from Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora to Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy.

He said the realignment places Nigerians at the centre of foreign policy and is aimed at ensuring that international engagements deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

“This re-ordering has put the Nigerian people at the centre of our foreign policy agenda and is aimed at harnessing outcomes for their maximum benefit,” he added.

Tinubu further called for professionalism, integrity and accountability in diplomatic service, urging the envoys to be prudent in resource management and focused on measurable outcomes that contribute to national development.

He also encouraged participants to fully utilise the induction programme to enhance their effectiveness, while commending the National Assembly for the swift confirmation of the nominees.

“You have a special responsibility in helping to reposition Nigeria in global affairs. The world is watching,” the President said.

BAUCHI, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has formally declared his intention to contest the Bauchi State governorship in the 2027 general elections, pledging to serve as a “humble servant committed to the progress and prosperity” of the people.

Tuggar said his vision is anchored on strengthening agriculture as a driver of economic growth and food security, while ensuring prompt and consistent payment of salaries and gratuities to uphold the dignity and welfare of civil servants. He stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of Bauchi’s economy and must be modernized to create jobs and reduce poverty.

Outlining his priorities, Tuggar pledged to advance youth and women empowerment through sustainable opportunities that foster inclusion, productivity, and self‑reliance. He emphasized that empowering these groups would not only reduce unemployment but also stimulate innovation and community development.

His agenda also emphasizes comprehensive infrastructural development to support economic activities and improve living standards across the state. Roads, power supply, and water projects, he said, would be expanded to connect rural and urban communities more effectively.

Tuggar further committed to delivering accessible, high‑quality education and healthcare, alongside promoting innovation and ICT as tools for modernization and global competitiveness. He noted that Bauchi must embrace technology to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

“Above all, my mission is centered on improving the overall well‑being of every citizen of Bauchi State through responsive, people‑oriented governance. We must build a state where every individual feels included, supported, and empowered to contribute to our collective progress,” he said.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has expressed gratitude following his endorsement by Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu as his preferred successor in the 2027 governorship race.

The endorsement at the State House Marina, which was published in a video by Newpost Africa on Facebook and X, took place at a cordial gathering of party faithful. It is seen as a major boost to Hamzat, who has been consulting political stakeholders across the state ahead of the elections.

In a statement, Hamzat said: “Today, I am honoured by the endorsement of my Governor, my brother and my friend, HE Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu. His trust in me means a great deal, and I do not take this vote of confidence lightly.”

Hamzat noted that he and Sanwo‑Olu have worked side by side in service to Lagos, and pledged to continue building on the administration’s achievements. He emphasized his commitment to serving Lagosians with integrity, focus, and a clear sense of purpose.

With several aspirants emerging from different political zones as the current administration nears its twilight, Hamzat assured supporters that his ambition is rooted in continuity and progress. “We remain committed to the development of Lagos and to ensuring that every Lagosian benefits from the work we have started together,” he said.