Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State have unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

The motion for endorsement was moved by Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan and seconded by Alhaji Chiroma Mashio, Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, during the party’s stakeholders’ meeting in Damaturu on Thursday.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, speaking at the event, highlighted the benefits Yobe has derived from federal government projects and programmes under Tinubu’s leadership. “Our alignment with the national party and government since 2015 has attracted advantages that facilitated our reconstruction and recovery programme for the good of the state and its people. I therefore call on the good people of Yobe to once again support the APC and endorse President Tinubu for another term,” he said.

Buni commended stakeholders for demonstrating political maturity and maintaining peace despite differing opinions. He described Yobe as the “home of politics without bitterness,” echoing the philosophy of late political leader Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim.

The governor also expressed gratitude to the people of Yobe for their resilience and support in recovery efforts, and paid tribute to security operatives for their sacrifices in restoring peace to the state. “Some of you paid the supreme price for Yobe State to remain peaceful. Your sacrifice is never in vain,” he said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday swore in Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Nigeria’s new Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following his clearance by the Senate. Darma, from Katsina State, replaces Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned from the cabinet.

At the brief ceremony held at the State House, President Tinubu congratulated Darma, describing him as a “fitting peg in the right position” and commending his rich professional background. “You have rendered valuable services in all the assignments you have embarked upon. We need competent hands like yours at this challenging time of national development,” Tinubu said. He further urged the new minister to be ready to serve in any capacity as required.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Darma brings extensive experience as a scholar, administrator, and development expert. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Atlantic International University, USA. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, followed by a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin.

A member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Management, Darma previously served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund between 2008 and 2012. He also held key roles in Katsina State, including Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, and Commissioner for Rural and Social Development. In addition, he has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, and is widely published in governance and development.

Before his appointment, Darma was President of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Human Development Centre in Katsina. His swearing-in marks a new phase for Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector, with expectations that his expertise will help drive reforms and strengthen national infrastructure.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Taiwo Oyedele has officially assumed office as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, following a handover from his predecessor, Wale Edun, on April 23, 2026.

In his inaugural remarks, Oyedele expressed appreciation to Edun for his service and contributions, noting that Nigeria is at a critical juncture. He emphasized the need to consolidate recent economic stabilization efforts, deepen ongoing reforms, and ensure that these translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

Oyedele outlined five strategic priorities for his tenure: boosting productivity and growth through policy coherence and investor confidence; strengthening fiscal discipline and sustainability with transparent resource management; optimizing revenue and ensuring fair taxation by broadening the tax base while protecting vulnerable groups; enhancing government coordination across institutions; and deepening public-private partnerships to drive data-driven policy design and implementation.

He stressed that success will depend not only on sound policy design but also on disciplined execution, accountability, and measurable results. “We must move from reform to result, accelerate growth, and build a more stable, inclusive, and prosperous economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Edun’s resignation continues to generate debate within political circles. Allegations of conflict of interest and policy disagreements have been cited as possible reasons for his departure. Some observers suggest deeper irreconcilable differences may have emerged between Edun and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both longstanding politicians from Lagos State.

Oyedele’s appointment is seen as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s economic management, with expectations that his leadership will help steer the country through pressing fiscal challenges and position the economy for sustainable growth.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Kwankwasiyya Movement has called for an expedited hearing at the Supreme Court of Nigeria over the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that prolonged uncertainty could undermine the party’s participation in upcoming electoral processes.

In a statement, the political group aligned with former Kano State governor and a prominent leader in ADC, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, addressed members, supporters, and Nigerians on the ongoing legal dispute challenging the legitimacy of the David Mark-led leadership of the party.

The crisis, which has led to the party’s deregistration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal, has also triggered accusations from opposition figures that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is behind the turmoil—an allegation the APC has denied, describing the situation as self-inflicted.

Signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, the Kwankwasiyya Movement said it remains confident in the integrity and independence of the Supreme Court but stressed the urgency of a timely resolution.

According to the group, the protracted legal battle has placed the party in a race against time, noting that electoral processes are governed by strict constitutional and administrative timelines.

“The absence of a clear and final determination inevitably constrains the ability of the party to fully organize, mobilize, and participate effectively within the democratic space,” the statement said.

The group urged the apex court to consider not only the legal merits of the case but also its time-sensitive implications for democratic participation and national stability.

It noted that the court has historically demonstrated that justice must be both fair and timely, particularly in matters affecting Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

“We are confident that the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in exercising its constitutional mandate, will act in a manner that preserves both the integrity of the judiciary and the vitality of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy,” the statement added.

The movement also appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm, united, and committed to lawful democratic engagement while awaiting the court’s decision.

“The Kwankwasiyya Movement remains assured that justice will prevail—timely, fairly, and in the best interest of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the schedule of activities and timetable for its 2026 ward, local government area (LGA), and state congresses in Zamfara State.

According to a statement signed by the National Organizing Secretary, His Excellency Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, OFR, the timetable aligns with the party’s earlier nationwide congresses and outlines key dates for screenings, congresses, and appeals.

Schedule of Activities

1. Screening of Aspirants for Ward Executive Positions — Tuesday, April 28, 2026
2. Appeals from Ward Screening / Screening of Aspirants for LGA Executive Positions — Wednesday, April 29, 2026
3. Ward Congresses / Appeals from LGA Screening — Thursday, April 30, 2026
4. Appeals from Ward Congresses / LGA Congresses / Screening of Aspirants for State Executive Positions — Friday, May 1, 2026
5. Appeals from LGA Congresses / Appeals from State Screening / State Congress — Saturday, May 2, 2026
6. Appeals from State Congress — Sunday, May 3, 2026

The APC National Secretariat, located at Buhari House, 40 Blantyre Street, Wuse II, Abuja, emphasized that the congresses are part of the party’s ongoing efforts to strengthen internal democracy and ensure credible leadership structures across all levels.

The party leadership urged members and stakeholders in Zamfara State to adhere strictly to the timetable and participate actively in the process, noting that transparency and fairness remain central to the conduct of the congresses.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Legislators’ Forum has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for Senate approval of a $516 million external loan for the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway project, describing it as reckless borrowing that endangers Nigeria’s future.

In a statement signed by Hon. Uko Ndukwe Nkole, Chairman of the ADC National Legislators’ Forum, and co-signed by six other lawmakers representing different geopolitical zones, the Forum accused the administration of making borrowing its default economic policy without presenting a transparent or sustainable repayment strategy.

While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure development, the lawmakers questioned the timing and motives behind the loan request, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election cycle. They warned that the move could be a ploy to create avenues for political patronage rather than genuine development.

“Nigeria is already weighed down by a crushing debt burden, with debt servicing swallowing a staggering proportion of national revenue. Yet, rather than confronting this reality with discipline and reform, the Tinubu administration continues to plunge the country deeper into what can only be described as a looming debt catastrophe,” the statement read.

The Forum urged the National Assembly not to act as a “rubber stamp” for the executive, insisting that the Senate must demand full disclosure of the project’s financial details, procurement processes, cost-benefit analysis, and a credible repayment plan before granting approval.

They further called on the government to redirect its focus toward policies that strengthen productivity, industrial growth, job creation, and plugging revenue leakages, stressing that borrowing should not substitute for leadership and accountability.

“Governance is not a free ride without consequences. Those who make decisions today that endanger the economic future of millions of Nigerians must understand that a day of reckoning will inevitably come,” the Forum warned.

The ADC lawmakers concluded that Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, urging the Tinubu administration to choose responsibility and sustainable growth over debt dependency and economic vulnerability.

Nigeria’s total public debt has surpassed $100 billion (₦146.69 trillion as of end-2025) and is projected to rise to ₦155.1 trillion in 2026 following new loan approvals, with debt servicing costs expected to reach ₦15.52 trillion this year — a level experts warn is unsustainable.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala A. Mohammed, on Thursday received Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, alongside a chieftain of the ADC, at the Government House in Bauchi.

Governor Mohammed said their discussions focused on critical national issues, including economic recovery and the welfare of citizens. He commended Obi for the visit, noting that such engagements foster mutual understanding and help drive practical, people-centered solutions.

He added that they reviewed the evolving political landscape and emphasized the urgent need to strengthen democratic institutions. With political tensions rising ahead of the 2027 elections, Mohammed said both leaders jointly urged stakeholders to rise above partisanship and prioritize national interest in decision-making.

Obi, in a statement, described the meeting as part of his ongoing consultations and collaboration efforts with notable leaders. He called the engagement with Governor Mohammed “very insightful,” stressing that his mission remains focused on building “a united, secure, productive, and progressive Nigeria that cares for all, especially the less privileged.”

The meeting also reflects a growing trend of cross-party dialogue among political leaders, aimed at fostering cooperation beyond partisan lines. Observers note that such engagements could play a vital role in shaping consensus-driven approaches to governance and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic culture.

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving N68 billion in operational support for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP).

The project, initiated in 2021 as a presidential intervention, was designed to address the prolonged blackout in the state following the destruction of power infrastructure by insurgents, which left Borno without electricity for nearly two years.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum described the Federal Government’s intervention as timely, noting that it would help mitigate security challenges while boosting economic activities and livelihoods across the state.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to profoundly appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for approving N2 billion monthly operational expenditure from March 2026 to December 2028, amounting to N68 billion, to bridge the funding gap in the operations of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant,” the governor said.

He noted that the intervention, implemented through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has been instrumental in restoring electricity supply to the state.

According to the governor, the 50-megawatt power plant, commissioned in December 2023, has stimulated socio-economic growth, created jobs, and supported small and medium-scale enterprises across Borno.

Zulum added that improved access to electricity has also strengthened security by enhancing economic opportunities and reducing vulnerabilities linked to insurgency and criminal activities.

He expressed confidence that the latest presidential approval would ensure sustainable power supply to Maiduguri and surrounding communities, further reinforcing the state’s resilience.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the Federal Government to promote sustainable energy development and lasting peace in the state.