Category: Politics

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Abuja‑based businessman, Mr. Olanrewaju Jim‑Kamal, on Saturday declared his intention to contest the Lagos State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking before loyalists and leaders of the Dynamic Group political movement, Jim‑Kamal said his ambition was driven by the need for indigenes, particularly the Aworis, to reclaim leadership in the state. “The Aworis, the core owners of Lagos State, have been marginalised. Now we are out to take what belongs to us, and we shall get it by the grace of God,” he said.

Jim‑Kamal, who was born in Isheri Oke (now Ikosi‑Isheri), recalled his early political career, including his bid for Ikeja Local Government chairmanship in 1988 and his governorship aspiration in 1999. He dismissed reports of an APC consensus candidacy for Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, insisting that party leadership had agreed on direct primaries. He announced plans to obtain his nomination form from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

Unveiling his five‑point agenda, Jim‑Kamal pledged:

• Automated free education at all levels
• Automated free healthcare services
• Massive road infrastructure development
• Human capital development
• Improved security

He emphasized family welfare, youth employment, and agricultural investment, noting that partners had pledged $50 billion for road infrastructure and investors were ready to commence rice cultivation in Badagry.

Jim‑Kamal urged supporters to mobilize across wards and LGAs ahead of the primaries, cautioning against violence. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, assuring that Tinubu’s re‑election in 2027 was certain.

APC Ward A Chairman, Alhaji Alani Olonade, offered prayers for Jim‑Kamal, while Dynamic Group founding member, Mr. Aruna Yusuf, endorsed him as a candidate with the exposure and capacity to realize the vision of Lagos’ founding fathers.

ADO-EKITI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has arrived in Ado-Ekiti ahead of the official flag-off of the governorship campaign of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State.

Sani, who serves as Chairman of the APC Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council, said he arrived for the assignment with a clear sense of responsibility and was warmly received by the Ekiti State Governor and the party’s governorship candidate, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

He disclosed that he held a strategic meeting with Oyebanji and key stakeholders to assess the party’s level of preparedness, refine campaign strategies, and strengthen coordination across the state ahead of the rally.

The Kaduna governor also conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the campaign rally venue, noting what he described as strong organisation, enthusiasm, and readiness among party supporters. He commended the level of development recorded in Ekiti State under Oyebanji’s administration, describing it as a solid foundation for continuity.

“His purposeful governance and connection with the people present a compelling case for continuity,” Sani said, adding that he remains committed to mobilising grassroots support and ensuring a successful campaign.

He further stated that the campaign aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the party would secure victory through unity and dedication.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has released the official list of candidates for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election, with 12 political parties participating.

The APC is fielding incumbent Governor Oyebanji alongside his running mate, Monisade Afuye, while the Labour Party has Olajuyin Ikusayede Gbegbe Oyebanji paired with Okumade Ayokunle Odumayo. The New Nigeria Peoples Party is represented by Abegunde Ayobami Blessing.

Other parties in the race include the African Action Congress, Action Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Action People’s Party, Allied People’s Movement, People’s Redemption Party, Young Progressives Party and the Zenith Labour Party.

Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party were not included in the initial final list released by INEC due to internal party disputes and ongoing litigation.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned remarks made by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State during a summit of opposition political parties in Ibadan on Saturday, April 25, 2026. In a press statement issued from its National Secretariat in Abuja on Sunday, April 26, 2026, the ruling party accused Makinde of invoking the violent history of “Operation Wetie” to incite Nigerians against the government, describing his comments as reckless and a threat to national security.

The statement signed by Felix Morka, CON, APC National Publicity Secretary, said it was disturbing that a sitting governor, who bears constitutional responsibility as Chief Security Officer of his state, would reference one of Nigeria’s darkest episodes of political violence to justify his claims of a drift toward one‑party rule. “By his statement to violence, Makinde has shown himself to be unworthy of the high office of Governor that he occupies,” the party declared.

According to the statement, Makinde’s rhetoric risks fueling anarchy, murderous rage, and widespread lawlessness capable of undermining national stability. The APC called on security and intelligence agencies to take the development seriously and act to safeguard lives, property, and Nigeria’s democratic order. It reminded Makinde that constitutional immunity does not shield him from accountability for threats against national security.

The party also dismissed opposition claims of one‑party domination, arguing that such narratives are a cover for their internal failures. It accused opposition leaders of incompetence, disregard for due process, and desperate presidential ambitions.

The statement singled out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) as examples of opposition disarray. It alleged that the PDP was weakened by Atiku Abubakar’s violation of its zoning formula in 2023, while the LP was destabilized by Peter Obi’s constant party migrations. The ADC, it said, was “stillborn,” crippled by reckless leadership struggles.

The APC maintained that Nigerians are discerning enough to reject opposition parties that cannot manage their internal affairs. It described their merger efforts as empty rhetoric and gangster tactics aimed at forcing electoral victory.

Reaffirming its commitment to democracy, the APC noted that nearly two dozen parties remain registered and active, underscoring the robustness of Nigeria’s democratic space. It concluded by pledging continued dedication under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthening institutions, upholding the rule of law, and delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda for peace, unity, and prosperity.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced vacancies for ad-hoc staff positions in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election. The recruitment drive, conducted through the INEC Portal for the Engagement of Election Staff (INECPRES), is open to eligible applicants residing in Ekiti State.

According to INEC, the positions available include Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), Presiding Officers (POs), Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), Registration Area Technical Support Staff (RATECHSS), and RAC Managers.

Eligibility Criteria:

• SPOs: Federal Public/Civil Service and MDA staff on Grade Level 10–14.
• POs/APOs: INEC staff (GL 07–14), serving NYSC members, former corps members (not later than 4 years post-service), permanent staff of MDAs with OND or GL 07–10, and students of federal tertiary institutions.
• RAC Managers: Heads of schools or designated staff of institutions hosting RACs or Super RACs.
• RATECHSS: Suitable INEC ICT staff at state and LGA levels not engaged in other duties.

INEC emphasized that applicants must not be members of political parties or express support for any candidate.

Application Timeline

The online portal will open on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 8:00 AM and close on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 12 Midnight. Applications can be submitted via Android devices or web browsers.

Help Desk Contacts

Applicants can reach INEC help desks across Ekiti State for assistance:

• Ado-Ekiti: 09074678918
• Ijero: 07036153700
• Oye: 08113547196
• Ikole: 08030779585
• Abdulwahab: 08036472801
• Omuo: 08028753188
• Mike: 08064736071

INEC described the recruitment as a critical step toward ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in the Ekiti State gubernatorial election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, according to the timetable released by the commission.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Omoyele Sowore, 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has explained why he declined to attend the Opposition Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, which ended with the adoption of the Ibadan Declaration.

Sowore said his refusal was based on the conviction that “Nigerians deserve a genuine alternative, not recycled failure.” He argued that those who presided over years of stagnation, corruption, and systemic decay cannot suddenly reinvent themselves as champions of progress. “Not all Nigerians are suffering from amnesia,” he added.

The AAC leader insisted that his revolutionary party will not be part of what he described as a charade designed to recycle failed political actors under the guise of opposition. Instead, he pledged that AAC remains committed to presenting a formidable, people-driven alternative rooted in integrity, accountability, and genuine transformation.

Sowore clarified that AAC will mobilize Nigerians nationwide to rally behind a credible vision that rejects both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and what he called their “opportunistic counterparts” in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and others.

“Nigeria does not need a rearrangement of the same broken pieces, it needs a complete break from the past,” he concluded.

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Opposition Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, ended with the adoption of the Ibadan Declaration, a communiqué issued after extensive deliberations by leaders of Nigeria’s opposition political parties.

Signed by the chairmen of participating parties, the communiqué outlined resolutions aimed at countering what they described as the “stranglehold of the oppressive and anti-democratic All Progressives Congress (APC)” and emphasized the need for urgent collective action to rescue Nigeria and its over 200 million citizens.

Delivering the welcome address at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, Governor Seyi Makinde underscored the dangers of weakening opposition in Nigeria’s democracy.

“Across Nigeria today, we are witnessing a level of political concentration that should concern all of us,” he said, warning that democracy is not destroyed overnight but weakened step by step until citizens begin to feel it no longer works for them.

He stressed that democracy is defined not by the success of one party but by the existence of real alternatives and the confidence that citizens’ choices matter. “Because democracy without opposition is not democracy, it is a slow drift toward a one-party state. And Nigeria must not make that drift,” Makinde declared.

The governor reminded participants of Ibadan’s historic role in shaping Nigeria’s political future, noting that the summit was not a gang-up against one man or about individual ambitions, but about the collective ambition of Nigerians to preserve democracy. “No matter how strong any party becomes, the presence of credible opposition is not a threat to democracy, it is what sustains democracy,” he added.

Key Resolutions of the Ibadan Declaration

1. Opposition parties will resist all attempts by the APC to impose a one-party state and will fight to preserve multi-party democracy.
2. Despite alleged manoeuvres by the ruling party to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole candidate in 2027, opposition parties pledged to field candidates in the presidential and other elections.
3. Parties agreed to work toward presenting a single presidential candidate in 2027, supported by all opposition groups, to “rescue the nation and her long-suffering masses.”
4. The communiqué demanded the removal of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, citing bias and loss of public confidence, warning that his continued stay could trigger widespread crisis.
5. The National Assembly was urged to review the Electoral Act 2026 to safeguard the sanctity and integrity of elections.
6. Leading politicians detained or harassed over bailable offences should be released immediately to exercise their fundamental rights.
7. The recent INEC guidelines were described as obstacles deliberately engineered against opposition parties. The summit demanded an extension of the deadline for primaries until the end of July 2026.
8. Nigerians were commended for their resilience and readiness to work with opposition parties to free the nation from “state capture.”
9. The summit expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the historic event.

SOKOTO, Nigeria (NPA) —The Senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare, Development and Disease Control, Ibrahim Lamido, has resigned his membership of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In a letter dated April 22, 2026, addressed to the Ward Chairman of the APC in Isa South, Isa Local Government, Sokoto State, and titled “Letter of Resignation from the All Progressive Congress (APC)”, the senator formally tendered his resignation from the party with immediate effect.

Lamido noted that the decision was not taken lightly. However, he explained that the ongoing internal party crisis, suspicion, and unfair leadership style within the Sokoto State chapter of the APC had made it increasingly difficult for him to continue his membership in good conscience.

He also cited persistent divisions, lack of cohesion, and unresolved disputes, which he said have significantly hindered the progress and unity that the party once stood for, as part of his decision.

“I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served and contributed to the party during my time as a member. I wish the party well in its efforts to overcome its present challenges and move forward in unity,” he added.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Mr. Peter Obi has expressed concern over what he described as troubling developments in Nigeria’s academic institutions, following the sudden cancellation of his scheduled keynote lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

Obi said the invitation had been extended to him several months ago, with adequate preparations made, but he was informed at the last minute that the event would no longer hold. He noted that universities are regarded as “ivory towers” because they are meant to serve as centres of pure, isolated intellectual thought, warning that it is worrisome when they are pressured to operate outside this norm.

“Today, I was scheduled to be at Obafemi Awolowo University at 9 a.m. to deliver a keynote lecture, before proceeding to Ibadan for the opposition parties’ political summit at noon. Regrettably, I received the news that the event would no longer be held in the University as planned,” Obi stated.

He added that this was not an isolated incident, pointing out that similar cancellations had occurred more than ten times, including at his alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He recalled that the inaugural memorial lecture in honour of late Vice Chancellor Prof. Frank Ndili was cancelled by the university authorities on the scheduled date.

“These are not merely personal inconveniences; they raise deeper questions about the kind of environment we are nurturing in our country. Universities are meant to be centres of learning, open dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas. When platforms for constructive engagement are repeatedly constrained, it reflects a worrying shift away from these ideals,” Obi said.

He contrasted the situation with his international engagements, noting that in the past 24 months he had delivered lectures at globally respected institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, and Imperial College. “Those environments continue to demonstrate openness to dialogue, critical thinking, and shared learning — values that should equally define our own institutions,” he added.

Obi, who is aspiring to Nigeria’s presidency under the mantra “A New Nigeria is Possible”, stressed that the country must ask itself what kind of nation it is building if spaces for intellectual engagement are shrinking. “Nigeria must work towards becoming a place where ideas thrive, where knowledge is shared without fear, and where our institutions uphold the principles they were established to protect,” he concluded.