Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria — 17 April 2026 (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to democracy, emphasizing respect for the judiciary and adherence to lawful court orders. He pledged not to be swayed by “noise, disorder, or defiance,” stressing that Nigeria’s unity and shared vision remain central to national progress.

Speaking at a forum in Abuja on Thursday before the leadership and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors — a group aligned with his government’s policies and 2027 re-election bid — Tinubu underscored that national greatness can only be achieved through collective effort. He called for “one country, one common vision, one shared future of progress and prosperity for all Nigerians,” echoing his administration’s mantra of Renewed Hope.

The remarks followed criticism from former Osun State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Rauf Aregbesola, who at the ADC’s 8th National Convention in Abuja dismissed the APC’s Renewed Hope agenda as a “scam,” insisting that the ADC remains the true hope for Nigeria’s masses.

Responding firmly, Tinubu declared: “They cannot scare me off. I have been through this road before and, if I must walk it again and again for our country, I will. There is no better place than Nigeria, and no one will build it for us except ourselves.”

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, the president urged APC members to strengthen coordination from the ward level, act as one family, and remain focused on delivering the party’s promises to Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the ADC has accused the APC of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, alleging that the ruling party was behind its leadership deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its difficulties in securing a venue in Abuja for its recent convention. The APC has repeatedly denied these claims, insisting that the opposition’s leadership crisis is self-inflicted.

ABUJA, Nigeria — 15 April 2026 (NPA) — Former Governor of Osun State and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that the ADC remains the only hope for Nigeria’s masses.

Speaking at the party’s 8th National Convention in Abuja during the presentation of the Secretariat Report, Aregbesola, who previously served as Minister of Interior, described the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as “a scam.” He told delegates that the ADC is on a rescue mission to free the country from what he termed the “strangulating grasp” of the APC.

“The ruling party never had a vision; its Renewed Hope agenda was a scam,” he said, accusing the APC of foisting an electoral law that effectively decriminalises forgery and false claims in electoral documents. “We proclaim our existence because our country is worth all necessary sacrifices,” he added.

Aregbesola criticised the government’s handling of the economy, noting that the exchange rate has doubled since 2023, rising from about ₦700 to the dollar to around ₦1,400. He argued that such devaluation is devastating for an import-dependent economy.

He also highlighted the impact of inflation, pointing out that fuel prices have risen from between ₦185 and ₦238 per litre before the current administration to about ₦1,400 per litre today. He said the soaring cost of transportation has made commuting unrealistic for many workers.

On power supply, Aregbesola recalled that the government had promised not to seek re-election if it failed to provide constant electricity. “Today, power supply is far worse, with some parts of the country receiving an average of two hours daily and others in darkness for weeks and months,” he said.

He concluded that an honest president should step down after failing to deliver on such promises, but instead, Nigerians are witnessing “the most desperate attempt by a candidate in Nigerian electoral history to retain power at all costs, even if it means bringing down the entire democratic system.”

ENUGU, Nigeria — 15 April 2026 (NPA) — The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has reaffirmed that infrastructure remains the cornerstone of economic transformation, stressing that his administration is deliberately laying a solid foundation for long-term prosperity.

In a statement, Governor Mbah explained that his government’s road projects are not merely about construction but about reshaping the state’s economic landscape. He highlighted the development of Greenfield corridors, which involve opening new routes to connect Enugu with neighbouring states, positioning the state as a strategic hub for commerce and investment.

He cited the Owo–Ubahu–Amankanu–Neke–Ikem project as an example, noting that it links several local governments and communities, ensuring that development is spread across the state rather than concentrated in urban centres. “These roads are creating a gateway to the North Central region, with direct access towards Abuja, improving the movement of people, goods, and services across regions. The dual carriageway, spanning 80 kilometres in total, is designed to reduce travel time, improve safety, and support long-term economic growth,” he said.

Governor Mbah emphasised that his administration’s vision goes beyond physical infrastructure. “We are not just building roads; we are building pathways to prosperity,” he remarked, underscoring the broader ambition of creating a more connected, accessible, and economically resilient Enugu State.

He added that the bigger picture is clear: a state that is better integrated into national and regional networks, offering opportunities for residents and travellers alike. By prioritising infrastructure, the administration aims to stimulate trade, attract investment, and enhance the quality of life for citizens.

This renewed focus on infrastructure reflects the government’s determination to transform Enugu into a model of sustainable development in southeastern Nigeria, ensuring that growth is inclusive and far-reaching.

ABUJA, Nigeria — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — The Supreme Court of Nigeria has granted an accelerated hearing in the appeal filed by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, the Court directed all respondents to file their processes within five days and fixed April 22, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive appeal.

The respondents had initially requested 20 days to respond, later agreeing to 10, but the Court shortened the timeline to five days, citing the urgency of the matter.

The Turaki-led PDP faction is asking the apex court to overturn a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld a Federal High Court decision halting the party’s national convention in Ibadan in November 2025. The appellants argue that the lower court lacked jurisdiction over the case.

The Supreme Court’s decision sets the stage for a critical hearing that could determine the future of the PDP’s internal leadership and convention processes.