Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Democratic Congress (NDC) today held its Inaugural National Convention in Abuja, drawing delegates and supporters from across Nigeria in what party leaders described as a historic moment for opposition politics. Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the NDC, Henry Seriake Dickson, delivered a keynote address that blended gratitude, defiance, and a call to action.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi — “First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, and then you win” — Dickson told delegates that the NDC, barely three months old, had already achieved unprecedented acceptance among Nigerians.

He thanked citizens for their trust, noting that the party was founded on ideals of service, unity, inclusion, and the protection of democratic values. “No political party in the history of our country has enjoyed this level of acceptance within such a short period of time as the NDC has received,” he declared.

Dickson traced the party’s journey back to 2017, when efforts to register the NDC stalled. Renewed applications in 2025 faced bureaucratic hurdles until a Federal High Court judgment in December upheld the party’s constitutional right to freedom of association. INEC complied, issuing the certificate of registration in February 2026. He commended both the judiciary and INEC for obeying the ruling, while urging them to safeguard Nigeria’s multi‑party democracy by protecting opposition parties such as the PDP, ADC, Labour Party, SDP, and NNPP.

The convention also marked a significant political development: the entry of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into the NDC after weeks of consultations. Dickson hailed their decision as a “unique convergence of political experience, administrative competence, national reach, and a shared hope for the future of Nigeria.”

Reflecting on his own political journey, Dickson emphasised his steadfast commitment to opposition politics despite pressures to defect. “Any political system without a credible opposition is a dictatorship, and Nigeria must never become a dictatorship—civilian or otherwise,” he warned. He described his career as defined by service, courage, consensus‑building, and sacrifice, insisting that resisting inducements to join the ruling party was necessary to entrench democracy.

Delegates braved insecurity and economic hardship to attend the convention, which Dickson said proved Nigerians were ready for a new direction. He urged members to continue mobilisation and sensitisation, stressing that differences with the ruling party must be settled at polling units, not through violence. “Nigeria must never be reduced to a one‑party state. Through the NDC, Nigerians will continue to resist state capture, resist authoritarianism, and defend multi‑party democracy,” he affirmed.

The convention is expected to affirm and elect the party’s protem leadership, paving the way for the selection of flag bearers for various offices, including the presidency.

ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Deputy President of the Senate and Obarisi of Urhoboland, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has appeared before the Senate Screening Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of his bid to return to the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The screening exercise was held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, formerly known as Sheraton Hotel.

In a statement personally signed by him, Omo-Agege commended the screening process, describing it as thorough, transparent and well-organised in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), and the APC guidelines.

He expressed appreciation to members of the screening committee for what he described as their professionalism and dedication, and thanked APC leaders and supporters for their prayers and continued support.

“I am confident in my record of service and remain committed to advancing the Renewed Hope agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in partnership with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State,” he said.

The former Deputy Senate President said he was optimistic about the outcome of the screening exercise and pledged to intensify efforts toward securing victory for the APC in Delta Central and across Delta State in the 2027 elections.

“Our mission is clear: to give the people of Delta Central representation that is accessible, responsive, and dedicated to real development,” he stated.

During his previous tenure in the Senate, Omo-Agege was credited with facilitating several federal projects and educational institutions in Delta State, including the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun.

He also played significant roles in securing autonomy for the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) and the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale.

The former lawmaker was also credited with attracting educational ,infrastructure projects to St. George’s Grammar School, Obinomba, in Ukwuani Local Government Area, including an e-library, classroom blocks, hostels and a reconstructed refectory amongst others.

ABUJA, Nigeria — National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing screening exercise for aspirants contesting under the party’s platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Yilwatda said the exercise, which includes serving governors seeking re-election and governors aspiring for Senate seats, remains critical to the party’s preparations for its forthcoming primary elections nationwide.

According to him, the screening process has so far been conducted in an atmosphere of unity, transparency and commitment to democratic values.

“The exercise was conducted in an atmosphere of unity, transparency, and commitment to the democratic values of our great party, the All Progressives Congress. We successfully screened more aspirants today and will continue with the process as scheduled,” he said.

The APC chairman stated that the ruling party remained committed to strengthening internal democracy, ensuring credibility in its processes and building confidence among Nigerians.

Yilwatda made the remarks while commenting on the successful conclusion of the second day of the screening exercise for serving governors seeking re-election and aspirants contesting for Senate seats.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to due process, party unity and credible leadership ahead of the elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has been honoured with the Accolade Yellow Ball Award as the Best Performing Governor of the Year in Infrastructure and Economic Development.

The governor disclosed this in a statement following the award presentation ceremony held in Abuja.

“Yesterday in Abuja, I was honoured with the Accolade Yellow Ball Award as the Best Performing Governor of the Year in Infrastructure and Economic Development,” Alia stated.

According to the governor, he was unable to remain at the event due to other official engagements, while the award was formally received on his behalf by former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam.

Alia expressed appreciation to Suswam for representing him at the ceremony and thanked the organisers for the recognition.

He dedicated the award to the people of Benue State, whose support, he said, continued to inspire his administration’s commitment to development and good governance. “I dedicate this honour to the great people of Benue State, whose support continues to inspire our commitment to building a new Benue for ourselves and generations to come,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that he had successfully appeared before the screening committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s governorship primaries for the 2027 election in Benue State.

Alia’s success at the screening exercise formed part of his bid for a second term in office under the APC platform.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Yusuf Buhari, son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has successfully completed the screening process of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s primaries for the House of Representatives elections.

Yusuf Buhari is seeking to represent Daura, Sandamu and Mai’Adua Federal Constituency of Katsina State in the House of Representatives.

Confirming his clearance after the exercise in Abuja, Buhari disclosed in a post on his X handle that he had successfully undergone the party’s screening process.

“Today, I successfully went through a rigorous screening process as part of the journey towards contesting for the position of Member, House of Representatives, representing Daura, Sandamu and Mai’Adua Federal Constituency,” he wrote.

The first-time aspirant expressed gratitude to his family, friends and supporters for their encouragement and prayers.

He also stated that he looked forward to continuing his political journey with humility, dedication and commitment to serving the people of the constituency.

“I am grateful to Almighty Allah, my family, friends and supporters for their encouragement and prayers,” he added.

Newpost Africa (NPA) had earlier reported that the APC announced screening exercises for all aspirants contesting under the party’s platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, the party waived the screening requirement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that he had previously undergone the process before his election and did not require a repeat screening.

According to a statement issued by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the screening exercise for Senate aspirants is scheduled to hold from May 9 to May 10, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, formerly known as Sheraton Hotel, beginning at 10:00 a.m. daily.

The screening for House of Representatives aspirants is also slated for May 9 to May 10, 2026, at Treasures Suites and Conferences in Abuja, with proceedings expected to commence at 10:00 a.m. each day.

The party further disclosed that the screening exercise for incumbent governors seeking re-election or Senate seats would hold from May 8 to May 9, 2026, at the Plateau State Governors Lodge.

APC advised all aspirants to attend the exercise punctually and come with all required credentials and supporting documents.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, PhD, FNSE, delivered a stirring address at the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) National Convention in Abuja, today, calling for unity, renewal, and a new leadership vision for Nigeria.

Kwankwaso described the convention as “a historic occasion of our great party” and warned that Nigeria stands at “a critical crossroads” amid global geopolitical shifts. He lamented the decline in quality of life, insecurity, collapsing infrastructure, and harsh economic policies, declaring: “We are witnessing a sharp decline in the quality of life. Insecurity has created widows and orphans across the land. Investments are fleeing, critical infrastructure is neglected, the education system is collapsing.”

Tracing Nigeria’s history of alliances that shaped independence and democratic transitions, Kwankwaso endorsed the party’s decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South, describing it as “a true opportunity for national healing.”

He pledged that the NDC would prioritize leadership free of ethnic and religious bias, restore Nigeria’s dignity, and ensure citizens at home and abroad are treated with respect.

Closing his speech, Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to mobilize, register with INEC, and join the NDC’s cause: “We can only achieve that by continuing to mobilise to register with INEC to vote, and the NDC to belong to this noble cause. Please register, today.”

ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have obtained the presidential nomination forms of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primaries.

In a statement titled “A New Chapter in Nigeria’s Democratic Journey,” the ADC confirmed that Atiku had officially received his payment receipt to contest for the party’s presidential ticket.

According to the party, the development represents another major step in what it described as a growing movement for national renewal, democratic inclusion and people-driven leadership.

“This development marks another significant moment in the growing movement for national renewal, democratic inclusion, and people-driven leadership within the ADC,” the statement said.

The party added that it remained committed to providing Nigerians with what it described as a credible alternative focused on unity, competence, economic recovery, security and national progress.

ADC disclosed that the formal presentation of nomination forms to Atiku is expected to take place on Monday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

“The movement is growing. Hope is rising. Expect more,” the statement added.

Similarly, Amaechi also obtained the ADC presidential nomination form at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

The form was picked up on his behalf by former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Oyegun, alongside former Minister of Environment Mohammed Abdullahi, Senator Nura Abatemi, Hon. Asita, and media entrepreneur Ike Bishop Okoronkwo, among other political stakeholders.

The latest developments come amid ongoing political realignments within the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso recently joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a move that has reshaped the opposition political landscape.

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced former President Goodluck Jonathan from campaign posters currently circulating on social media, describing them as fake and misleading.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said the posters falsely portrayed Jonathan either as a standalone presidential candidate or paired with other notable Nigerians as running mates under the platforms of different political parties.

The party maintained that Jonathan remains a registered member of the PDP under the leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

According to the statement, the former president personally completed his membership registration in his ward during the party’s recently concluded digital membership registration exercise.

The PDP said Jonathan also confirmed his membership status during a meeting with members of the Interim National Working Committee on Thursday.

The party explained that the clarification became necessary because the Electoral Act prohibits and penalises double political party registration.

“We state categorically that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is a registered member of the Peoples Democratic Party,” the statement said.

The PDP further alleged that some individuals were attempting to create confusion by circulating fake campaign materials and allegedly plotting to register Jonathan and other prominent politicians in multiple political parties without their consent.

“We are aware that mischief makers may not only design and circulate fake campaign posters, but may also, in concert with highly placed collaborators, attempt to input the details of President Jonathan and other prominent members of our party and the opposition movement into the databases of different political parties,” the party stated.

The PDP called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the public to disregard any such activities, describing them as fraudulent and politically motivated.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused agents of the Federal Government of attempting to manipulate the judiciary in the leadership case involving Nafiu Bala Gombe. The party alleged that Bala’s request to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment of the matter confirms a plot led by a federal minister to influence proceedings.

In a statement issued by ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned the move as an attempt to turn the judiciary into “a shopping mall where you pick and choose judges suitable for your political schemes.”

Abdullahi stressed that no litigant has the right to dictate which judge hears their case, warning that Bala’s bid for indefinite adjournment runs contrary to clear directives from the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court for a speedy trial.

In another statement on May 7, 2026, the ADC warned government agents to “hands off ADC judicial matters,” alleging covert pressure on Hon. Justice Nwite to recuse himself from the case.

The party said it uncovered a disturbing plot to frustrate justice by forcing Justice Nwite aside so the matter could be reassigned to judges perceived as pliable. According to the ADC Legal Team, despite the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment not yet being released, the case was hastily fixed before Justice Nwite for May 8, 2026, in what the party described as a calculated scheme to compel his withdrawal.

The ADC insisted that judicial recusal is not a tool for political convenience, warning that attempts to procure “friendly courts” pose a grave danger to constitutional democracy. The party called on the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the international community to urgently intervene, stressing that the independence of the judiciary must be protected from political interference and intimidation.