Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The President disclosed this in a statement personally signed on Monday following the visit of a high-level Federal Government delegation to the affected Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers invaded schools in the area and abducted 46 people, including 39 pupils and seven teachers.

Tinubu said the Federal Government was taking additional measures to strengthen security in the area and prevent future attacks.

According to him, he has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to improve surveillance and security across vulnerable communities.

“I have also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers,” the President said.

He added that the request by residents for the establishment of a military base in the area was receiving urgent consideration.

Tinubu expressed sympathy with the affected families, assuring them that the government would deploy every lawful means to secure the victims’ release.

“I share the pain and anxiety of the affected families. No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” he said.

The President said rescue operations would be intelligence-driven, carefully coordinated and sustained until the victims were safely reunited with their families.

“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” he added.

Tinubu also extended his condolences to the family of Mrs Mary Oyedokun, a teacher who died in connection with the attack. “I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten, and her family will not be abandoned,” he said.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting schools, communities and citizens across the country.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has backed Nigerian workers in rejecting a proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage, insisting that workers deserve a living wage of at least ₦500,000 monthly.

Sowore stated this in a statement issued on Monday and titled, “I Stand Firmly with Nigerian Workers in the Demand for a Living Wage of ₦500,000 Monthly.”

He argued that the current economic realities under President Bola Tinubu’s administration have made it impossible for workers to live decently on ₦100,000 per month.

“In this harsh Tinubu economy, everyone who earns a salary knows that no human being can live decently on ₦100,000 a month, yet those in positions of authority have remained silent,” he said.

According to Sowore, meaningful social progress can only occur when citizens become conscious of their circumstances and reject poverty, exploitation and inequality.

“The suffering is obvious, the injustice is clear, but too many have chosen complacency over courage,” he added.

The AAC chieftain’s position follows reports that federal workers rejected a proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage and issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address insecurity, kidnappings, killings and worsening economic hardship across the country.

Earlier, the AAC proposed a minimum living wage of ₦500,000 per month for Nigerian workers, arguing that the country’s workforce deserves compensation that reflects prevailing economic realities.

The party said the proposed wage should be complemented with sector-specific allowances for workers in critical areas such as healthcare, education, security and emergency services.

“Police officers, soldiers, teachers, doctors, nurses and all public servants who keep society running must be rewarded with dignity, fair compensation and improved welfare. A nation cannot progress while its workers remain trapped in poverty,” the party said.

The AAC maintained that a ₦500,000 monthly wage would enable workers to meet basic needs, including food, housing, transportation, healthcare and education, while improving productivity and supporting national development.

Under the proposal, workers in essential and high-risk sectors would receive additional monthly allowances ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, depending on the nature of their responsibilities.

The party said security personnel, including police officers and soldiers, would qualify for the highest allowances due to the risks associated with protecting lives and property.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on Sunday, marked the third anniversary of his administration with a thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel, Centenary City, Abakaliki.

The governor said the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness throughout the administration’s three years of service to the people of Ebonyi State.

Speaking during the service, Nwifuru expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to lead the state and paid tribute to the founding fathers of Ebonyi, past governors, political leaders and residents for their support and commitment to the state’s development.

“I remain profoundly grateful to God for the privilege to serve our dear state. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the founding fathers of Ebonyi State, past governors, leaders at all levels and the resilient people of our state for their unwavering support, prayers and commitment to our shared vision of progress and development,” he said.

The governor, who recently secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for a second term, acknowledged that mistakes may have been made by his administration, members of the National Assembly and the Ebonyi State House of Assembly while serving the people.

He appealed to residents of the state for forgiveness and renewed support ahead of future elections.

“Please forgive us. Forgive me, the National Assembly members and the House of Assembly members. Forgive our shortcomings and vote for us again,” he said.

Nwifuru assured Ebonyians that his administration would continue to deliver greater dividends of democracy through impactful governance, improved service delivery and purposeful leadership.

According to him, the confidence reposed in the government by the people serves as motivation to work harder in addressing their needs and aspirations.

The governor also urged aspirants seeking elective positions on the platform of the APC to prioritise service, unity and the collective interest of the people.

“I assure Ebonyians that they will be proud of us,” he said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the full composition of its National Campaign Council for the forthcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election, bringing together senior party leaders, governors, ministers, and legislators to drive the campaign.

In a statement signed by Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, Ph.D., BL, the National Secretary, the council is chaired by Senator Uba Sani, with Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, as Co‑Chairman. The Secretary is Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele.

The council includes prominent figures such as Hope Uzodinma, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, Babagana Zulum, Adams Oshiomhole, Kayode Fayemi, Yahaya Bello, Abdulaziz Yari, David Umahi, Bala Mohammed, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Niyi Adebayo, Femi Gbajabiamila, Isiaka Oyetola, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Mohammed Buba Marwa, T.Y. Buratai, Patricia Etteh, Teslim Folarin, Tokunbo Abiru, Dele Alake, Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare, Zach Adedeji, Muiz Banire, Gbenga Elegbeleye, Stella Okotete, Oyebamiji Bola, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, and many others.

The campaign structure features several committees tasked with planning, logistics, finance, grassroots mobilisation, media, security, and inclusion.

Among them:

• Election Planning & Management Committee led by Hope Uzodinma, Babagana Zulum, and Monday Okpebholo.
• Finance & Resource Mobilisation Committee, chaired by Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, with Sheriff Oborevwori and Dauda Lawal.
• Contact & Grassroots Engagement Committee led by Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Umo Eno.
• Media & Publicity Committee, chaired by Mala Buni, with Sunday Dare as Secretary.
• Security Committee involving Abgu Kefas, Umar Namadi, Ben Ayade, T.Y. Buratai, and Aminu Pai.
• Women’s Mobilisation Committee, chaired by Titilayo Laoye‑Ponle, with Joke Orelope‑Adefulire, Biodun Olujimi, and Lilian Ekwunife.
• Youth Mobilisation Committee led by Mohammed Umar Bago, with Dennis Idahosa and Francis Nwifuru.
• Secretariat Committee coordinated by Ademoa Abass, with Jibrin K. Barde and Arise Ferdinand.

The APC emphasised that the council’s formation underscores its commitment to a united, strategic, and inclusive campaign, ensuring effective voter outreach and issue‑based engagement across Ekiti State.

“This council represents the strength and diversity of our party. Every member has a role to play in ensuring victory through teamwork and grassroots connection,” the statement read.

The campaign will focus on consolidating governance achievements, expanding development initiatives, and engaging communities across Ekiti.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged the public to disregard results circulating on social media claiming to be the outcome of its nationwide primaries held on May 28 and 29, 2026.

The party said the official results of the primaries remain with its National Executive Council (NEC), which is solely responsible for announcing the outcome of the exercise.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the NDC warned against relying on unofficial figures and reports being shared online.

According to the statement, a NEC meeting has been convened on the directive of the party’s National Leader and National Chairman, Senator Seriake Dickson.

The party said members of the NEC are expected to arrive in Abuja for a pre-NEC meeting on Tuesday, June 2, while the substantive NEC meeting will hold on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

The NDC said the public and stakeholders would be formally informed of the results after the party concludes its internal processes and submits the names of its candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The clarification follows widespread circulation of purported results from the party’s primaries on various social media platforms.

Meanwhile, the party on Saturday unveiled former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Obi, who was the sole aspirant in the presidential primary, emerged as the NDC flag bearer at the party’s special convention in Abuja. He was presented with the party’s flag by the NDC leadership, led by Senator Dickson. Following his emergence, the former Anambra State governor announced Senator Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

His emergence is expected to set the stage for a keenly contested presidential race in 2027, with incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and other contenders expected to join the contest.

UMUAHIA, Nigeria (NPA) — Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has commended the successful conduct of the Labour Party primary elections in the state, describing the exercise as peaceful, transparent and rancour-free.

Otti, who emerged as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election, expressed gratitude to party leaders, members and electoral officials for ensuring a credible process.

In a statement personally signed by him on Sunday, the governor said he was humbled to have secured 368,230 votes in the governorship primary.

He thanked the Labour Party Election Primary Committee, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by the Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Sylvia Agu, as well as party stakeholders for their roles in the exercise.

The governor also congratulated candidates who emerged in the primaries for the National Assembly and Abia State House of Assembly seats.

According to him, the successful conclusion of the primaries marks the beginning of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

“Being chosen as candidates means we must now contend, campaign and convince the people. Election is about service and responsibility, and at the end of the day only the best will win,” he said.

Otti urged party candidates and supporters to reach out to residents across the state and beyond party lines to strengthen the Labour Party and advance development in Abia and Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the governor expressed sadness over the death of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu.

He described the late police chief as a good man whose passing would be deeply felt, and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Otti reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Abia with integrity, stressing that unity, discipline and dedication would help consolidate the achievements of his administration.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s opposition Labour Party has adopted its National Youth Leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The party announced Ahanotu’s emergence following what it described as a consensus primary election, in which he secured 2,944,420 votes.

The Labour Party also unveiled governorship candidates in 30 states, alongside successful candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.

Announcing the results at a press conference in Abuja, the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Dr Ayodele Olorunfemi, said the candidates emerged in accordance with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

Olorunfemi urged the candidates to provide leadership focused on the welfare of Nigerians and distinguish themselves from what he described as the shortcomings of the current political leadership.

“A Labour Party leadership must encourage free and compulsory education at all levels and ensure social justice for the people,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Ahanotu expressed concern over the country’s security and economic challenges, pledging that the Labour Party would offer practical solutions to address the nation’s economic difficulties.

He also promised to work towards reconciling the various factions within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Labour Party presidential candidate specifically appealed to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, to work with what he described as the party’s legacy members to strengthen and reposition the party.

In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, the party also released the names of several governorship candidates who emerged from its primaries.

They include Titus Tamango Belamo (Benue), Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi (Nasarawa), Mohammad Abdullahi Raji (Kano), Rabe Sanni Katsina (Katsina), Hon. Abdulrrahim Chindo Imam (Sokoto), Hon. Yahuza Ahmed (Zamfara), Ceekay Igara (Abia), Dr Barry Avotu Johnson I (Delta), Emmanuel Friday (Cross River), Prince Nuka Nwigbo (Rivers), Mohammed Sabitu Aliyu (Bauchi), Hon. Ajibade Samson Adekunle (Kwara) and Hon. Auwal Aliyu Tafoki (Kaduna).

The party said the complete list of successful candidates was being compiled and would be transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with electoral guidelines.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, despite what it described as attempts to frustrate its Special National Convention in Abuja.

The party announced the decision in a statement issued on Saturday by its Interim National Working Committee through the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

According to the PDP, the convention was scheduled to hold at the A Class Event Centre in Abuja after the party had notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and completed all venue arrangements.

The party alleged that the management of the event centre later cancelled the booking after receiving threats from officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The PDP specifically accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of threatening the venue operators with the revocation of their Certificate of Occupancy and demolition of the facility if the event was allowed to proceed.

The party further alleged that more than 20 truckloads of police personnel were deployed around the venue on Friday night, blocking access roads and disrupting movement in the area.

Following the development, PDP leaders convened an emergency meeting involving members of the Board of Trustees, the Interim National Working Committee, National Executive Committee members, state chairmen, governorship and National Assembly candidates, as well as other stakeholders.

The party said it decided against confronting security personnel at the venue after appeals from senior party leaders, who urged members to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

According to the statement, stakeholders agreed to proceed with the primary objective of the convention, which was the affirmation of Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The PDP said Jonathan was unanimously endorsed following the adoption of a motion by delegates, while formal presentation and flag-off ceremonies would be scheduled at a later date.

The party condemned what it described as the use of state power to suppress opposition activities and warned that such actions could undermine democratic governance if left unchecked.

It also alleged that the ruling party viewed the PDP as a major political threat, insisting that other political parties facing internal challenges had been allowed to conduct their conventions without interference.

The opposition party called on President Bola Tinubu to take steps to reduce political tensions in the country and ensure a level playing field for all political actors.

In its conclusion, the PDP declared itself united and prepared for the 2027 elections, directing its Interim National Working Committee to intensify preparations for the polls and increase public awareness on what it described as growing threats to opposition politics in Nigeria.

The Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory Administration had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Ministry of Works has announced a special television broadcast showcasing major infrastructure projects completed in the North-West, South-West and South-East regions under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu between May 2025 and May 2026.

The announcement was contained in a public notice issued on Friday by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works on Media.

According to the statement, the documentary highlights the vision, progress, impact and strategic significance of key infrastructure projects completed and ready for commissioning across the three geopolitical zones.

The ministry said the broadcast forms part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that supports economic growth, national integration and improved living standards.

Members of the public were encouraged to tune in to the programme to gain insight into the projects and their expected contributions to national development.

The documentary is scheduled to air on major national television stations on Saturday.

Broadcast Schedule:

• Channels Television – 8:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

• NTA Network – 10:30 a.m.

• TVC News – 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• Arise News – 7:00 p.m.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned four major Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure projects across Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri, marking a significant expansion of Nigeria’s clean transport network.

Delivered under the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), the projects form part of the federal government’s accelerated response to subsidy reforms and its strategy to expand domestic gas utilisation, reduce transport costs, and promote cleaner fuels.

At Ojota, Lagos, Tinubu inaugurated the Portland Gas CNG Mother Station, with a daily dispensing capacity of 96,000 standard cubic metres, alongside a 54-metric-tonne storage facility and a CNG Daughter Station in Kubwa, Abuja. He also commissioned the IBILE Oil and Gas Corporation (IOGC) refuelling station, the flagship of Lagos State’s clean transport rollout, anchoring a network of 15 stations across the metropolis.

In Abuja’s Jahi District, the President unveiled the High-Capacity CNG Daughter Booster Station, developed by Rolling Energy Limited in partnership with MDGIF. The facility, described as the most advanced in West Africa, features high-speed dispensers, a 1,000 standard cubic metre-per-hour compressor, and a 3,200 cubic metre cascade storage system.

At the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Tinubu commissioned the FEMADEC CNG Daughter Station and Conversion Centre, the flagship of the 20 Universities CNG Ecosystem Initiative under the SPROUT Programme, designed to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on students and staff.

The FUTO facility includes a Vehicle Conversion Workshop, Training Centre, and CNG-powered buses and tricycles for campus transport. It also supports the Presidential CNG Initiative for Electric Vehicles (PiCNG-EV).

To ease public access to CNG conversion, the government partnered with CrediCorp, Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, and the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) to offer structured consumer credit under the Credit Access for Light and Mobility (CALM) Fund, with financing rates as low as 9% and repayment spread over six months.

Speaking at the virtual commissioning, Tinubu said the projects mark a turning point for clean transport in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a gas nation. Our energy future will not be borrowed. It will be built from what we have,” he said. “Lagos moves the country, and when Lagos can fuel itself with our own gas, at our own prices, the whole country benefits.”

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the rollout as a decisive step in operationalising Nigeria’s Decade of Gas agenda, noting that the country sits on over 210 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves.

“Properly harnessed, this resource can fuel our industries, power our homes, move our vehicles, and lift millions of our people out of poverty,” Ekpo said.

Executive Director of MDGIF, Oluwole Adama, said the projects demonstrate what is possible when government, regulators, investors, and technical partners unite around a shared purpose.

“They show that real progress happens when vision is translated into action,” he said.

Tinubu thanked the National Assembly, the NMDPRA, and joint venture partners for their roles in delivering the projects, describing them as proof of Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable energy and economic transformation.