Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential aspirant Peter Obi has called for a major rethink of foreign state visits by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, insisting that international diplomacy must deliver measurable economic benefits to Nigerians rather than ceremonial optics.

Obi, who is the Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), was reacting to President Tinubu’s recent visit to the United Kingdom and this month’s three-nation (France, Kenya, and Rwanda) visits, stating that state visits by world leaders should not be treated as tourism exercises or “fashion parades.”

According to him, every foreign trip undertaken by a government must result in concrete gains for citizens, including investments, technology transfer, trade agreements, industrial partnerships, factory expansion and job creation.

The former Anambra State Governor referenced the recent visit of United States President Donald Trump to China, noting that the American delegation reportedly included top government officials alongside some of the biggest names in global business and technology.

Obi said the visit reportedly yielded multi-billion-dollar trade agreements, including about 200 Boeing aircraft orders.

According to him, members of the delegation reportedly included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Apple CEO Tim Cook, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and several other top executives from major global corporations.

Obi said serious nations approach diplomacy by aligning foreign policy with economic expansion, industrial growth, innovation and national productivity.

“I hope lessons can be learned from these recent visits when compared with the President of Nigeria’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom. A large entourage of politicians, aides and government officials travelled, yet Nigerians are still asking a simple question: what exactly did Nigeria bring home?” he said.

The former governor questioned the economic outcomes of the trip, asking what factories, investments, technology partnerships or industrial agreements were secured for Nigeria.

“Which factories are coming to Nigeria? What power, technology, manufacturing, agricultural or industrial agreements were secured? How many direct jobs will this visit create for Nigerian youths? What investments were attracted? What measurable economic outcomes can the ordinary Nigerian point to?” Obi asked.

He further listed members of the Nigerian delegation, which he claimed reportedly included President Tinubu, the First Lady, 12 governors, nine ministers, seven members of the National Assembly, over 20 senior State House staff, more than 30 security personnel, domestic staff and political associates.

“It is not enough to ride horses, wear matching uniforms, attend royal banquets and release glossy photographs. Symbolism without substance cannot feed hungry citizens,” he stated.

Obi warned that Nigeria is currently battling worsening insecurity, rising food inflation, unemployment, declining industrial productivity, a weakened naira and deepening poverty.

According to him, at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling daily to survive harsh economic conditions, every kobo spent on foreign trips must produce tangible national value in the form of investments, factories, exports, infrastructure development and economic opportunities.

“Nigeria needs leadership that is focused less on optics and more on productivity; less on ceremony and more on measurable economic results,” Obi added.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior leader of the Islamic State (ISIS), in a joint counterterrorism operation conducted by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.

In a statement issued from Aso Villa on May 16, 2026, President Tinubu described the mission as a “significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.” He said the operation, executed overnight, dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State, marking one of the most decisive strikes against extremist networks in the region.

The killing of the terrorist kingpin was earlier announced by United States President Donald Trump, who said the operation was “meticulously planned” and successfully executed by American troops alongside the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Trump stated that the elimination of al-Minuki would significantly weaken ISIS’s global operational structure and reduce the group’s influence in Africa and beyond.

Early assessments confirmed that al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, was a Nigerian-born extremist from Mainok, Borno State. Security reports identified him as one of the most influential ISIS commanders operating within Africa, particularly in the Lake Chad region. He reportedly served as a top leader within the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and oversaw operations linked to ISIS’s General Directorate of Provinces, coordinating funding, logistics, and operational guidance for affiliated terror cells.

The United States government had designated him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in June 2023 over allegations of coordinating kidnappings, armed attacks, and extortion activities across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Security analysts described his death as one of the most significant counterterrorism successes recorded in Africa in recent years, noting that the development could weaken ISWAP’s operational capacity across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

President Tinubu commended the professionalism and courage of personnel from both nations, emphasising that the success reflects the strength of Nigeria’s partnership with the United States in advancing shared security objectives. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining peace across Nigeria’s northern and border regions, pledging continued collaboration with global partners to eradicate terrorism.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has charged the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to uphold strict independence and resist political influence to function with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Shettima gave the directive on Friday while receiving a delegation from the Bureau led by its Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Usman Bello, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He congratulated Bello and his team on their assumption of office but cautioned them against being drawn into controversies. “Remain steadfast. Be as apolitical as humanly possible and do your job as much as you can,” he said.

The Vice President also commended the Bureau’s ongoing digitisation process, urging it to sustain efforts to create a system that allows public officers to declare assets and liabilities electronically from any location. He noted that such reforms would eliminate delays and inefficiencies associated with paper forms, while aligning Nigeria’s practices with global standards.

Acknowledging the changing world, Shettima stressed that the Bureau must adapt to modern realities and continue building credibility through innovation and independence.

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The re-election bid of Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has received a significant boost following his collective endorsement by Presidents General from communities across the state. The community leaders paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government House, Enugu, on Thursday, where they pledged their support ahead of the next electoral cycle.

According to the Governor, in a statement he personally issued on Friday, the endorsement reflects strong support for his administration’s development agenda, which he said continues to resonate across all parts of Enugu State.

Mbah described the visit as a “strong reminder” of the shared vision for progress and inclusive governance being pursued by his administration.

“Yesterday, I received President Generals from communities across Enugu State on a solidarity and endorsement visit, a strong reminder that our shared vision for progress continues to resonate across every part of the state,” he said.

The Governor noted that from the onset of his administration, he made a commitment to ensure that no community is left behind in the drive for holistic development and improved living standards.

“We will continue to pursue development that reaches every ward, every town, and every community, ensuring that the benefits of growth are felt by all Ndi Enugu,” he added.

Mbah expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in his leadership, reaffirming his commitment to sustained collaboration with stakeholders in advancing the state’s development priorities.

He reiterated his resolve to keep driving Enugu State forward through inclusive governance and people-centered policies.

OWERRI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has urged political aspirants in the state to respect the existing zoning arrangement in the interest of peace, equity, and party cohesion ahead of the forthcoming primary elections.

The Governor made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting convened with all aspirants, party leaders, and critical stakeholders, where strategies were harmonised to ensure the smooth conduct of the primaries.

Uzodimma warned against a “do or die” approach to the contest, stressing that the primaries must remain peaceful, transparent and guided by the collective interest of the party.

He noted that while ambition is legitimate in politics, only one candidate will eventually emerge for each position, adding that it was important for all aspirants to rally behind whoever secures victory.

The Governor, in a statement issued on Friday, reiterated that zoning remains a key democratic principle designed to promote fairness, inclusiveness and balanced representation across constituencies.

He maintained that adherence to the arrangement would strengthen internal democracy and ensure that all groups within the party feel a sense of belonging.

“Consequently, I advised aspirants whose ambitions run contrary to the established zoning framework to respect the arrangement in the collective interest of peace, equity, and party cohesion,” the statement read.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s participation and remarks at the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, describing his intervention as “erudite, pungent, thought-provoking and incisive,” and adding that Africa was “held spellbound” by his address.

Keyamo, in a statement on Friday, was reacting to President Tinubu’s remarks delivered during the Presidential Panel at the forum, where the Nigerian leader reaffirmed the need for African countries to prioritise intra-continental cooperation and economic integration.

Speaking at the forum, President Tinubu emphasised that Africa must “put Africa first” by strengthening collaboration among African nations and building stronger economic linkages across the continent.

He argued that Africa’s development would not be achieved by looking outward first, but by deepening internal trade, investment and industrial cooperation.

“Our continent cannot build scale by looking outward first. We must invest in one another, trade more with one another, build the corridors that connect our markets, ensure our innovative youthful population get the support they need, and give African businesses the confidence to expand across African borders,” the President said.

Tinubu further stated that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms were not only aimed at addressing past economic challenges but also positioning the country to play a leading role in Africa’s future economy.

He highlighted opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), digital trade expansion, shared infrastructure development, logistics networks, commodities exchanges and deeper private sector collaboration as pathways to continental prosperity.

The President also called for reforms in the global financial and risk architecture to ensure a fairer deal for Africa that reflects the continent’s unique economic realities.

He expressed appreciation to Rwandan President Paul Kagame for his hospitality and leadership, noting Rwanda’s example in governance discipline and development execution.

President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with Rwanda and other African countries to build a continent that produces more, trades more, connects better and competes more effectively on the global stage.

“Africa’s future will not be handed to us. We must build it, own it, and defend it together,” he concluded.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to uphold unity, fairness and sportsmanship as the party begins its nationwide primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday from the State House, Tinubu described the commencement of the party primaries as a historic moment for the ruling party as it prepares for its fourth electoral cycle since formation.

The President said the APC was founded on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, sacrifice and collective commitment, urging members to sustain those ideals during the primary process.

“We founded the All Progressives Congress on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice,” Tinubu stated.

According to him, the primaries, beginning with the House of Representatives contests and ending with the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, are not merely exercises to select candidates but a reflection of the party’s unity and resilience.

He noted that party leaders at different levels had already initiated consultations to produce consensus candidates in line with the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.

Tinubu described consensus arrangements as a commendable option capable of reducing internal rancour and strengthening party cohesion.

“I encourage fellow party members to make the most of this window to ensure a seamless process and a more unified party,” he said.

The President, however, stressed that where consensus fails, aspirants and delegates must approach the primaries peacefully and in the spirit of brotherhood.

He urged contestants, voters and party leaders to avoid actions capable of undermining party unity or destabilising the democratic process.

“We cannot afford rancorous conduct or the debasement of our democracy and party unity,” he warned.

Tinubu advised winners not to gloat after victory, while encouraging unsuccessful aspirants to embrace sportsmanship and continue contributing to the growth of the party.

According to him, true political maturity lies in preserving unity rather than engaging in destructive rivalries after contests.

The President also called on party leaders and victorious aspirants to reconcile with aggrieved members through dialogue and inclusion.

“We should not play the politics of old; the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us. Politics should never be a zero-sum game,” he said.

Tinubu further appealed to governors and party officials across the country to ensure fairness and provide a level playing field for all aspirants participating in the primaries.

He emphasised the need for greater inclusion of women and youths in the party’s political structure, urging delegates and party leaders to give them special consideration during the primaries.

“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. We cannot afford to relegate the two significant demographics of our population,” he stated.

The President also directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to remain professional and neutral throughout the exercise.

“Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” he added.

Tinubu wished all aspirants success in the exercise and expressed optimism that the APC would emerge stronger and more united ahead of the general elections.