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  • PGF passes vote of confidence in Uzodimma, reaffirms unity ahead of 2027 polls

    PGF passes vote of confidence in Uzodimma, reaffirms unity ahead of 2027 polls

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) — The Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) has passed a vote of confidence in its Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, while reaffirming the unity of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The decision was reached on Friday after a closed-door meeting of APC governors in Abuja, where they deliberated on party affairs, forthcoming primaries and strategies aimed at strengthening the ruling party ahead of the next election cycle.

    The forum also dismissed speculations of a leadership crisis within its ranks, insisting that Uzodimma remained the authentic chairman of the body.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the PGF had earlier denied reports claiming that Uzodimma had been removed as chairman of the forum.

    Director-General of the forum, Folorunso Aluko, had described the reports as “false and misleading.”

    Speaking after the meeting, Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, said reports suggesting the emergence of a new leadership within the forum were untrue.

    “You can see our chairman here and his deputy, Governor Uba Sani. There is no division.

    “I want to take this opportunity to move a vote of confidence in our chairman and his deputy,” Idris said.

    Also speaking, Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, described the reports as unfortunate, while insisting that the forum remained united.

    “What I can say here is that all of us woke up to those very unfortunate stories that were carried by virtually all media houses in Nigeria.

    “However, the fact of the matter is that the APC Progressive Governors’ Forum remains very united. We are stronger now than at any other time.

    “Of course, we are all supporting our President, Bola Tinubu, in what he is doing.

    “We also want to assure everyone that the APC is united, the governors are united, and the forum is united. There is absolutely no problem,” he said.

    Earlier, Uzodimma said the governors discussed preparations for the forthcoming APC primaries and measures aimed at strengthening internal party cohesion.

    “We also assessed the performance of the party, especially regarding the various committees that have been constituted and will soon be announced by the party headquarters to oversee and conduct the primaries at the sub-national levels.

    “We resolved to further strengthen the unity of the party and reaffirmed our collective support for President Bola Tinubu.

    “You will recall that only on Thursday, we submitted the President’s expression of interest and nomination forms for him to contest the 2027 presidential election for a second term in office.

    “The governors of the APC remain united and fully committed to supporting the President to ensure his success in the forthcoming elections.

    “We have also resolved to work harder in delivering good governance, looking after the welfare of our people, improving performance and providing the necessary social and economic support that Nigerians deserve,” he said.

    According to NAN, about 18 governors attended the meeting.

  • Abia Governor Otti receives free Labour Party nomination form for 2027

    Abia Governor Otti receives free Labour Party nomination form for 2027

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has officially received a free governorship nomination form from the Labour Party to contest in the 2027 elections. The form was presented to him by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, during a ceremony at the Abia State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, on Friday.

    In a statement, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the party leadership: “Today, I was greatly honoured to receive a free form from the National Working Committee of the Labour Party, presented by our National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman at the Abia State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.”

    He extended appreciation to the National Chairman, the National Secretary Hon. Obioma Iheanacho, and all members of the NWC for the gesture, assuring them of his unwavering commitment to the party.

    Governor Otti pledged never to disappoint the Labour Party, commending Senator Usman for her role in steering the party out of its past internal crisis. He noted that with all legal impediments resolved, the Labour Party is now positioned to move forward into the next general elections without subsisting litigation.

    Addressing the people of Abia State, Otti dedicated the recognition to them, stating that their support continues to inspire his drive for quality governance.

    “Our journey continues with renewed energy and firm resolve,” he concluded.

  • APC releases screening schedule for national assembly, governorship aspirants

    APC releases screening schedule for national assembly, governorship aspirants

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the screening schedule for aspirants seeking the party’s tickets for Senate and House of Representatives seats ahead of its primary elections.

    According to a statement signed by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the screening exercise for Senate aspirants will 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 scheduled for May 9 to May 10, 2026, at Treasures Suites and Conferences, with proceedings expected to commence at 10:00 a.m. each day.

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

    The APC also announced the constitution of a screening committee for sitting governors seeking re-election or aspiring for Senate seats.

    According to the statement, the committee is chaired by the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, while the APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, will serve as secretary.

    Other members of the committee include officials of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

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

    Proceedings are expected to begin at 4:00 p.m. on the first day and 10:00 a.m. on the second day.

    The party further disclosed that screening for other governorship aspirants will take place from May 9 to May 10, 2026, at the NWC Hall of the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, starting at 10:00 a.m. daily.

  • Aisha Yesufu unveils legislative agenda for FCT Senate Bid

    Aisha Yesufu unveils legislative agenda for FCT Senate Bid

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has outlined a proposed legislative agenda ahead of her planned bid for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat in the 2027 general elections.

    Yesufu, who recently announced her intention to seek the senatorial ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said residents of Abuja have long suffered inadequate legislative representation due to the absence of a state assembly in the FCT.

    According to her, the situation has created the need for what she described as “#AbujaBillsForAbujaPeople.”

    She said that if elected, she would prioritise legislation focused on security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, land rights and government accountability.

    Among the proposed bills listed by the activist are the Abuja Residents Security Bill, Abuja Residents Empowerment Bill, Abuja Infrastructure Bill, Free Maternal Health Bill, Indigenous Rights and Land Protection Bill, FCTA Accountability Bill and the Abuja Education Bill.

    On the prevailing insecurity across the federation, Yesufu said no resident should live in fear within the nation’s capital, adding that her proposed security bill would support community policing initiatives, installation of solar streetlights in high-risk areas and establishment of emergency response teams. “You should not be afraid to come home at night,” she said.

    On economic empowerment, she proposed policies aimed at supporting youth- and women-led businesses through government contract quotas, rent control measures, elimination of double taxation and access to microloans funded through portions of Abuja tax revenues.

    She also pledged to push for infrastructure reforms across the six area councils of the FCT, including improved roads, clean water supply, upgraded healthcare centres and renovated schools.

    According to her, communities in Abaji, Kwali, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and underserved parts of AMAC would receive greater attention under the proposed Abuja Infrastructure Bill.

    Yesufu further promised to sponsor a Free Maternal Health Bill aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare services for pregnant women, including mobile clinics for rural communities and maternal waiting homes near health facilities. “No woman should die giving life,” she stated.

    On land rights, the activist said her proposed Indigenous Rights and Land Protection Bill would seek to guarantee compensation for ancestral lands, establish a land rights tribunal and prevent demolitions without proper notice and compensation.

    She also pledged to pursue transparency reforms through an FCTA Accountability Bill, which she said would compel authorities to publicly disclose budgets, contracts and demolition orders while mandating public consultations before budget approvals.

    According to Yesufu, the proposed legislation would help curb corruption and ensure residents have greater oversight of government spending.

    The activist also pledged to champion education reforms through an Abuja Education Bill focused on renovating public schools, improving teacher welfare and expanding access to scholarships and digital training centres. “Education is not a privilege for the rich. It is the foundation of every child’s future,” she said.

    Yesufu has yet to formally secure the NDC ticket for the election, but her declaration has already drawn attention within political circles ahead of the 2027 polls.

  • Former U.S. Mayor Mike Arnold questions Jonathan’s 2027 readiness, urges leadership capable of confronting violent extremism

    Former U.S. Mayor Mike Arnold questions Jonathan’s 2027 readiness, urges leadership capable of confronting violent extremism

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — A United States-based conservative activist and founder of Africa Arise International, Mike Arnold, has questioned whether former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan possesses the resolve needed to confront Nigeria’s worsening security crisis should he contest the 2027 presidential election.

    Arnold, a former mayor of Blanco City in Texas, made the remarks in a statement titled “A Question for President Goodluck Jonathan.”

    In the statement released Friday, Arnold described Jonathan as “a good man,” saying the former president is remembered as “gentle, thoughtful and prayerful,” qualities he said are rare in African politics.

    “I have sat with him. I have looked him in the eye. He is gentle, thoughtful, prayerful — a rare combination at the top of African politics,” Arnold stated.

    However, he argued that Nigeria’s current security and humanitarian challenges require leadership prepared to confront violent extremism and insecurity more aggressively.

    “Nigerians can no longer afford a leader who lays down the fight in the name of peace. The blood is already on the ground. The peace has already been broken,” he said.

    Arnold alleged that since 2015, insecurity has claimed the lives of more than 185,000 Nigerians, cutting across both Christians and Muslims. He asserted that 125,000 Christians and 60,000 peaceful Muslims were slaughtered by the same machinery of violence. In addition, over 19,000 churches were destroyed, while between 10 to 12 million Nigerians were displaced from their ancestral lands. He further described the crisis as marked by mass slavery, mass starvation, and mass forgetting. Against this backdrop, Arnold warned that the scale of the nation’s challenges is so severe that the leadership of a single “good person,” so to speak, would not be sufficient to contain the prevailing insanity.

    NPA could not independently verify the casualty figures cited in the statement.

    The American activist further argued that Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat in the 2015 presidential election, widely praised at the time as a statesmanlike move, continues to raise questions about whether he was willing to fully confront the forces behind Nigeria’s insecurity.

    Jonathan famously conceded defeat to former President Muhammadu Buhari after the 2015 election, stating at the time that his political ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

    Arnold said while the concession elevated Jonathan’s global image as a statesman, he believes the political struggle at the time went beyond personal ambition. “The fight was not about his political ambition. It was about life. It was about liberty,” he stated.

    He also claimed that during Jonathan’s administration, Nigeria experienced relative stability and stronger resistance against insurgent groups compared to subsequent years.

    According to Arnold, the worsening security situation since 2015 has heightened concerns about the country’s future ahead of the 2027 elections. He said reports suggesting Jonathan may contest the presidency again had prompted renewed debate over the type of leadership Nigeria requires.

    “Mr President — now more than perhaps any time in Nigerian history, your people need a fighter,” Arnold said.

    He challenged Jonathan to explain what lessons he learned from the 2015 election and what he would do differently if given another opportunity to lead the country.

    As of the time of filing this report, former President Goodluck Jonathan had not publicly responded to the statement. Addressing a group of supporters in Abuja yesterday — mostly young people urging him to contest — Jonathan cautioned that running for the Nigerian presidency “is not like playing a computer game.” He added that he is still consulting widely before making any decision.

  • Kemi Badenoch hails Conservative comeback as Labour suffers major losses in local elections

    Kemi Badenoch hails Conservative comeback as Labour suffers major losses in local elections

    LONDON, United Kingdom (NPA) — The Leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has said the Conservatives are returning to mainstream political leadership in Britain following early results from the 2026 UK local elections, which show the Labour Party losing at least 254 council seats across England.

    Badenoch said voters across several key areas were signalling renewed confidence in the Conservatives.

    “From Westminster to Wandsworth, Harlow to Bexley, Fareham to Broxbourne, people can see the Conservative Party is renewed. There is much more to do, but we have the plan and team to get Britain working again,” she said.

    Earlier, Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the scale of Labour’s losses, describing the outcome as “tough results for Labour” and conceding that the party had lost “brilliant representatives who stood up for their communities.”

    The opposition Labour Party, led by Starmer, suffered its worst performance in several key regions, with at least 254 council seats lost across England, according to early confirmed results.

    The defeats were particularly pronounced in northern and working-class strongholds, including parts of Greater Manchester and Hartlepool, long considered core Labour territory.

    The election also saw significant gains by Reform UK, while the Green Party and Liberal Democrats recorded modest advances, further weakening Britain’s traditional two-party dominance.

    Political analysts say voter dissatisfaction over the economy, public services, and the perceived slow pace of reforms contributed to Labour’s losses.

    Starmer admitted public frustration, saying, “People are still frustrated. Their lives aren’t changing fast enough. We haven’t offered enough hope or optimism for the future,” reflecting growing pressure on the party’s leadership following the results.

  • Labour’s local election huge losses signal deeper political shifts in the UK

    Labour’s local election huge losses signal deeper political shifts in the UK

    LONDON, United Kingdom (NPA) — Prime Minister Keir Starmer has openly acknowledged the scale of Labour’s losses in the 2026 local elections, describing the outcome as “tough results for Labour” and conceding that the party has lost “brilliant representatives who stood up for their communities.” His remarks underscore the gravity of the setback and the mounting challenges facing Labour’s leadership.

    Labour lost at least 254 council seats across England, according to early confirmed results, with Reform UK making significant inroads into traditional Labour strongholds. The Greens and Liberal Democrats also registered gains, signaling a broader erosion of Britain’s two-party dominance. Particularly striking were Labour’s defeats in northern and working-class councils, including parts of Greater Manchester and Hartlepool, areas long considered central to the party’s base.

    Analysts point to voter dissatisfaction with the economy, public services, and the perceived slow pace of reforms as key drivers of the electoral backlash. Starmer himself admitted that “people are still frustrated. Their lives aren’t changing fast enough. We haven’t offered enough hope or optimism for the future.” His candid assessment reflects both the scale of discontent and the urgency of recalibrating Labour’s message.

    Despite the losses, Starmer, in a statement on Friday, insisted that his determination remains intact. “I was elected to change this country. These results do not weaken my determination — they strengthen it,” he declared, framing the setback as a catalyst for renewed resolve rather than retreat.

    The outcome highlights two critical dynamics: the rise of smaller parties reshaping local governance, and the vulnerability of Labour in constituencies once considered secure. Reform UK’s gains, in particular, suggest a shifting political map that could complicate Labour’s national strategy ahead of future contests.

    For Labour, the challenge now lies in restoring confidence among disillusioned voters, articulating a clearer vision of economic and social renewal, and countering the momentum of insurgent parties. The 2026 local elections may thus prove less a temporary setback than a warning sign of deeper structural changes in British politics.

  • Obidient Movement rejects ‘parallel structure,’ reaffirms loyalty to Peter Obi

    Obidient Movement rejects ‘parallel structure,’ reaffirms loyalty to Peter Obi

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Obidient Movement has rejected what it described as unauthorised parallel structures within the political movement supporting the aspirations of Peter Obi, following the announcement by a group led by Barry Avotu Johnson claiming to have dissolved the movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The group also reportedly announced its dissociation from Obi.

    In a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, the movement said it was aware of the activities and public announcements by individuals and groups allegedly operating under names and structures designed to create confusion around the identity, leadership and direction of the movement.

    The statement maintained that the Obidient Movement recognises no parallel structure, faction or alternative leadership outside its established and recognised leadership framework aligned with Obi.

    It advised the public, media organisations, supporters across Nigeria and in the diaspora, as well as other stakeholders, that any group operating under derivative or deceptively similar identities does not represent the Obidient Movement, its values or its leadership.

    “The Obidient Movement remains a people-driven movement founded on integrity, accountability, justice and the collective aspiration for a New Nigeria.

    “Attempts to create confusion, misrepresent the movement’s identity, or exploit its growing influence for ulterior interests will not distract us from our mission and ongoing engagement with Nigerians across all levels,” the statement said.

    The movement further urged its supporters and members of the public to remain focused and united, while relying only on communications issued through officially recognised leadership and communication channels.

    The development follows an announcement on Thursday by a group led by Avotu Johnson, which claimed to be the original founders and leaders of the Obidient Movement.

    The group announced what it described as the dissolution of the movement ahead of the 2027 elections and declared that it had not adopted any presidential candidate for the polls.

    Avotu Johnson said the decision was taken in the interest of “order and justice,” alleging that the original vision and founding ideals of the movement had been distorted by individuals who later assumed control of its structure after the 2023 general elections.

  • Dickson cautions Edo Assembly members joining NDC against ‘transactional politics’

    Dickson cautions Edo Assembly members joining NDC against ‘transactional politics’

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, on Thursday warned politicians against “transactional politics” as serving lawmakers from Edo State formally joined the party in Abuja.

    The event, attended by lawmakers, political stakeholders and delegates from several states, featured the formal reception of the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Charity Aiguobarueghian, and Natasha Osawaru-Idibia into the emerging political movement.

    Speaking at the gathering, Dickson said the NDC was not established as a platform for short-term political interests, but as a movement rooted in ideology, discipline and long-term nation-building.

    “You are not joiners of this party. You are co-founders and co-builders.

    “This is not a platform for transactional politics. It is a platform for ideological commitment and nation-building,” he said.

    Dickson urged the new members to see themselves as part of a long-term political project, stressing that strong grassroots structures remain critical to the survival and success of any political movement.

    According to him, popularity without organisation cannot sustain electoral victories.

    “A political party is like a horse. No matter how skilled the rider is, if the horse is weak or untrained, it cannot win a race,” he said.

    He added that political parties are “living institutions” that must be constantly nurtured to remain relevant and viable.

    A highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of party membership cards to Aiguobarueghian and Osawaru-Idibia.

    Speaking after his reception, Aiguobarueghian said his decision to join the NDC followed what he described as a period of ideological reflection amid uncertainty within his former political platform.

    “At some point, I began to ask myself whether what we believed in was still possible. I was mocked and it almost felt like there was no clear direction,” he said.

    He maintained that his decision was not driven by personal ambition, but by a desire to serve within a more stable political structure.

    “I am happy to be received in a house where my values do not have to be diluted, where I can serve without suppressing my intellectual capacity,” he added.

    Osawaru-Idibia described the NDC as a movement capable of repositioning Nigeria’s political landscape.

    “Politics has not been easy, but we thank God for standing steadfast.

    “I have a leader whose values are his compass. He keeps reminding me of the youth and where this country is supposed to go,” she said.

    She also reaffirmed her commitment to the party despite prevailing political challenges.

    “We may fall, we will stand. As God is with us, so it will be. The NDC will take over to lead Nigeria to greener pastures,” she added.

    A former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Yoriyo, described the development as part of a broader political realignment within Nigeria’s opposition space.

    “This is a turning point for Nigeria. We are witnessing the beginning of a political movement that seeks to redefine how leadership is built and sustained,” he said.

    Yoriyo added that the movement aims to create opportunities for citizens irrespective of background while promoting generational renewal in leadership.

  • Shettima submits Tinubu’s APC Nomination Forms for 2027 re-election bid

    Shettima submits Tinubu’s APC Nomination Forms for 2027 re-election bid

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday formally submitted the nomination and expression of interest forms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to national officers of the All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling the President’s intention to seek the party’s ticket for the 2027 presidential election.

    Speaking during the submission ceremony at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Shettima called on party members, governors, National Assembly lawmakers, and other stakeholders to rally behind Tinubu’s second-term bid.

    The Vice President said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda had demonstrated the capacity to reposition Nigeria and address longstanding economic and social challenges confronting the country.

    “We are here, first, as Nigerians, and secondly as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to submit this very priceless nomination form of our dear President and leader, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he seeks to lead us for another four-year term,” Shettima said.

    He maintained that President Tinubu had shown leadership and commitment towards pulling Nigeria out of economic difficulties and laying the foundation for long-term national development.

    The event attracted party faithful, APC officials, elected representatives, and political supporters who gathered in solidarity with the President ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

    Tinubu’s formal entry into the race is expected to intensify political activities across party lines as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.