Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed grave concern over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai, warning that his deteriorating health condition and alleged denial of medical access amount to a violation of his constitutional rights.

The party said, according to reports from El‑Rufai’s family, he has been denied access to his doctors, restricted from receiving food deliveries, and subjected to disregard of a court order granting him medical care. The ADC described these developments as a “dangerous assault on his dignity, health, and rights.”

“What is happening to Mallam El‑Rufai confirms beyond all doubt that this detention is no longer about justice; it is about politics. It also confirms our fears that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deploying the instruments of state power to keep one of the leading opposition figures out of circulation. This is political persecution dressed up as prosecution,” said Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s spokesperson.

The party contrasted El‑Rufai’s situation with other high‑profile corruption cases, noting that former governors Yahaya Bello and Ifeanyi Okowa, accused of alleged multi‑billion naira fraud, remain free and politically active. “The contrast becomes stark and shameful,” Abdullahi said, accusing the government of selective justice.

El‑Rufai was first detained in February 2026 after voluntarily submitting himself for investigation. He was arraigned weeks later and granted bail in April, but the ADC claims the government has “contrived to keep him in detention perpetually.”

The party declared: “Mallam Nasir El‑Rufai is President Bola Tinubu’s political prisoner. This alone brings the President’s democratic credentials into disrepute.” It accused the administration of weaponising security and anti‑corruption agencies against opponents, warning that Nigeria is not under a dictatorship and that compliance with the rule of law cannot be subject to presidential discretion.

The ADC placed responsibility for El‑Rufai’s wellbeing on the ICPC, EFCC, and security agencies, cautioning that any deterioration in his health would be blamed on them. The party also announced that it has activated mechanisms at local, national, continental, and international levels to secure his release.

“By every practical definition, Mallam Nasir El‑Rufai has become a political prisoner in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has congratulated the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, over his success in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress primary election in Kano State.

Abubakar represents Bichi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

In a statement issued by Francis Nwaze, Senator Umahi described the victory as a reflection of public confidence and support for the lawmaker’s leadership.

According to the Minister, the outcome of the primary election presents another opportunity for Abubakar to continue collaborating with the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in advancing policies and projects aimed at national development and economic growth.

Umahi also described the large turnout witnessed during the APC primary as a strong indication of the support enjoyed by President Tinubu and other political leaders in Kano State.

“The massive turnout witnessed during his recent outing is clear evidence of the support and confidence the people of Kano State have continued to show for Mr. President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The Minister also acknowledged the political influence of Abba Kabir Yusuf, Jibrin Barau and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Umahi reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda remains central to national transformation and sustainable development across the country.

“Again, I warmly congratulate my dear brother and friend, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, on this well deserved success,” the Minister stated.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Spokesperson to the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Bature, has dismissed the emerging political alliance between Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, insisting that the partnership would fail politically in Kano State and elsewhere.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show monitored by our correspondent, Bature narrated the circumstances surrounding the movement of Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC) without Kwankwaso, his political benefactor and godfather, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to him, Kwankwaso was initially expected to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to finalise plans to join the APC, but instead travelled to China. “He manoeuvred his way by recusing himself from moving to the APC,” Bature said.

He argued that Governor Yusuf could not afford to remain politically stagnant, insisting that the governor needed a viable platform to pursue his political ambitions and continue his developmental agenda in Kano State.

Bature claimed that the New Nigeria Peoples Party no longer has a sustainable political future as an opposition party, necessitating the move to the APC.

Speaking on the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance ahead of the 2027 elections, Bature insisted the partnership lacks political acceptance in Kano and in other northern states.

“It is strange for us to see Obi in Kano,” he said.

According to him, APC supporters in Kano believe there are contradictions in Kwankwaso’s alliance with Obi, recalling previous remarks allegedly made by the former Kano governor against the former Anambra governor.

“Kano cannot accept this partnership. This partnership, I believe, is just temporary. I don’t think it can work,” he stated.

Bature further alleged that Kwankwaso had lost a significant portion of his political support base in Kano. “Kwankwaso is alone because he has lost his support base in Kano, now moving to Obi so he can secure the support of the non-indigenes,” he said.

He also claimed that the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance would struggle to secure substantial votes in Kano and Jigawa States ahead of the election.

In another development, former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has described leading presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, as unelectable ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Amaechi made the remarks during a television interview on Tuesday amid growing expectations that Atiku could emerge as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 polls.

According to Amaechi, Atiku has consistently struggled to convert presidential primary victories into electoral success at the general elections.

“At all times Atiku has passed the primaries; he has never won the election,” Amaechi said, describing the former vice president as unelectable.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Lagos State governorship candidate Funso Doherty has formally announced his intention to contest the 2027 Lagos governorship election under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). On Monday, Doherty confirmed he had picked up the NDC’s expression of interest form, declaring that the party offers “a stronger path toward inclusive governance and political reform.”

He reiterated his mission to advance his promise to place Lagos on “right principles, right path, right process.”

Doherty disclosed that he held a “very productive and inspiring meeting” with the NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, as part of wider consultations within the party.

He also met with Mr Peter Obi, a chieftain of the NDC, describing their discussions as “frank, constructive and aligned around a shared purpose” to fix a system that has failed too many.

In his criticism of the current Lagos administration, Doherty said: “We talk about roads, power, water, housing, education, health, transportation and the cost of living because they affect our quality of life. But Lagos doesn’t change just because our complaints are loud; it changes because we’re involved.”

He urged Lagosians to recognise the power of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing: “Your PVC isn’t just a card, it’s your seat at the table. It’s the way to ensure the future of Lagos isn’t decided without you. Phase 3 of the Voter Registration started May 4, 2026, and it’s still ongoing. Don’t just watch the future happen. Participate. Decide. Create it.”

Doherty emphasised that the road to a new Nigeria will be birthed through united voices and well‑governed states, adding, “For too long, the system has worked only for a few. But Lagos should work for all of us. Not just the connected. Not just the lucky. Not just the powerful. ALL of us. I’m Funso Doherty. And I’m ready to work with you to create a Lagos that works for everyone.”

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Tuesday, met with the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, over plans to present President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure achievements before the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The meeting focused on fixing a date for the Minister of Works to formally brief the party leadership on the administration’s road and bridge projects being executed nationwide under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to a statement issued by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), the engagement also reviewed national issues and ongoing infrastructure development across the country.

During the meeting, Senator Umahi commended the APC National Chairman for introducing an engagement process that allows ministers to appear before the NWC through live telecasts to account for the progress and achievements of the administration.

He also praised the APC leadership for what he described as the peaceful conduct of the party’s primaries and the inclusive approach adopted by the National Working Committee in ensuring aspirants were given the freedom to contest.

Responding, Prof. Yilwatda applauded the Minister for the transformation taking place in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector and assured him that the NWC would soon invite him for a formal presentation of the administration’s achievements.

The APC chairman noted that Nigerians were already witnessing the scale of infrastructure projects being executed under the Tinubu administration through television reports, public feedback and visible developments across the country.

Senator Umahi also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to addressing national challenges while sustaining critical infrastructure development nationwide.

Meanwhile, shortly after the meeting, the Minister proceeded to assess the situation at Eko Bridge, where urgent structural repair works are ongoing following the closure of the outbound carriageway between Apongbon and Ijora Olopa since May 12, 2026.

The Federal Government has scheduled the commencement of full rehabilitation works for May 19, 2026, as traffic diversion measures and safety inspections continue in the affected area.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, as an important national document capable of guiding Nigeria’s future, strengthening unity, and promoting regional stability.

Speaking at the public presentation of Gowon’s memoir, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, on Tuesday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, the President — represented by Kashim Shettima — urged Nigerians to widely circulate the book, describing it as a civic inheritance for future generations.

Tinubu stressed the importance of preserving Nigeria’s historical memory, warning that nations that forget their past risk instability and division. “A nation that misplaces its memory soon begins to quarrel with its own reflection. A society without memory becomes an orphan in time,” he said.

The President noted that reflections from leaders who witnessed defining moments in Nigeria’s history remain essential for strengthening democratic stability and national cohesion.

Tinubu particularly praised Gowon’s post-civil war reconciliation policy, especially the declaration of “No victor, no vanquished,” describing it as a defining principle that helped preserve Nigeria’s unity after the conflict.

He added that the memoir comes at a critical period when Nigeria and the wider West African region continue to face insecurity, economic hardship and social fragmentation, making Gowon’s message of reconciliation and statesmanship more relevant.

However, Gowon’s legacy remains deeply debated because of his role during the Nigerian Civil War. Critics argue that his determination to preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity prolonged the conflict and contributed to the humanitarian catastrophe that followed. They point to the blockade of Biafra and sustained military offensives, which triggered widespread famine and mass civilian deaths, particularly among the Igbo population.

Estimates suggest that between one and three million people died during the war, many from starvation and disease rather than direct combat.

Supporters of Gowon, however, maintain that his leadership prevented Nigeria from disintegrating into multiple unstable states and helped preserve national unity at a critical moment in the country’s history. They also credit his post-war reconciliation efforts, reintegration policies and rebuilding initiatives for helping to stabilise the country after the war.

As a result, Gowon’s legacy continues to stand at the intersection of national unity, wartime tragedy and post-conflict reconciliation.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Obidient Movement, a political group aligned with the aspirations of Mr Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to urgently obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) through the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The group stressed that this is the final opportunity for eligible citizens to register before the deadline of Friday, July 10, 2026, in preparation for the 2027 General Elections.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, the movement emphasised that no responsible Nigerian should remain passive at this defining moment in the nation’s democratic journey. “Active participation in the electoral process is not just a constitutional right, but a sacred duty we owe ourselves and future generations,” the group declared. It added that PVCs are the key to unlocking Nigeria’s untapped potential and ending corruption, insecurity, unemployment, and poverty.

The movement urged civil society organisations, the media, religious bodies, private organisations, government institutions, traders, community leaders, and families to mobilise citizens for voter registration. It warned that democracy thrives only when citizens actively participate in electing their leaders, while voter apathy encourages poor governance.

INEC has provided avenues for Nigerians to replace lost PVCs, transfer polling units, or correct data through its CVR online portal at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org, or by visiting the nearest INEC office nationwide between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The Commission also announced that the register of voters will be displayed from July 23 to July 29, 2026, allowing the public to scrutinise records and report anomalies.

The Obidient Movement concluded by urging Nigerians not to delay. “We must register to vote, we must vote, and we shall defend our mandate. Remember, a registered voter with a PVC today is a powerful voice for change tomorrow,” the statement read.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Social Democratic Party National Chairman, Sadiq Gombe, on Monday insisted that the National Executive Committee (NEC) decision expelling former chairman, Shehu Gabam, remains valid and binding.

Gombe stated this after a closed-door meeting between party leaders and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja. The meeting, convened by INEC, formed part of efforts to resolve the lingering leadership crisis within the SDP ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

According to Gombe, the party attended the engagement out of respect for INEC and in response to its invitation for an alternative dispute resolution process. He disclosed that 11 members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), alongside other stakeholders, participated in the meeting.

Gombe said the NEC had earlier ratified the current NWC leadership and approved the suspension and eventual expulsion of Gabam.

He added that the NEC meeting was duly communicated to INEC and monitored by its officials, while certified true copies of the proceedings were also submitted to the electoral body.

“We are here because of the respect we have for INEC and to honour its invitation for alternative dispute resolution, but we made it categorically clear that the SDP has the constitutional authority to manage its internal affairs,” he said.

Gombe explained that the disciplinary action against Gabam followed allegations bordering on corruption, mismanagement, and breach of the party’s constitution as well as the Electoral Act.

Citing Article 19(C) of the party’s constitution, he argued that any disciplined member has five working days to appeal through internal party mechanisms.

According to him, Gabam neither exhausted the internal appeal process nor approached a competent court within the stipulated period.

“From the day the NEC ratified his expulsion, he ceased to be a member of the party. He did not exhaust the internal mechanisms provided by the constitution,” Gombe stated.

He also dismissed claims that party leadership recognition could be determined through the INEC portal, insisting that political parties retain constitutional powers over their internal administration and leadership affairs.

Gombe further clarified that the matter before the Supreme Court originated from a suit filed by an SDP governorship aspirant in Ekiti State and had no connection with the party’s national leadership structure.

He maintained that no court order could override resolutions passed by the NEC on internal party administration.

“The NEC is the administrative organ responsible for the day-to-day running of the party, and its decisions remain binding,” he said.

Gombe also expressed surprise over claims that some correspondences relating to suspensions and expulsions were not received by INEC.

“We have duly acknowledged copies of all correspondence submitted to INEC, and these documents were again presented during the meeting,” he added.

The SDP chairman said the party had already conducted its national convention and presidential primary ahead of the 2027 elections in compliance with the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to credible democratic processes and urged INEC to remain impartial as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.

The crisis within the SDP escalated after allegations of financial mismanagement and constitutional breaches were levelled against Gabam, leading to his suspension and eventual expulsion by a faction of the NEC.

However, supporters of the former chairman have continued to challenge the process, insisting that due process was not followed.

The leadership dispute has also triggered legal battles and conflicting claims over the party’s authentic leadership recognition by INEC.