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Category: Politics

  • South East former governors unite, back Tinubu’s re-election

    South East former governors unite, back Tinubu’s re-election

    ENUGU, Nigeria, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — A new political force has taken shape in Nigeria’s Southeast as former governors of the region officially launched the South East Former Governors Forum in Enugu.

    The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, announced the forum’s creation, describing it as a platform to support serving governors and advise on key zonal and national issues, regardless of party affiliation.

    “We now have the birth of a forum of former South East governors,” Umahi declared, noting that while some members were absent due to engagements, future meetings would see nearly all past governors in attendance.

    The forum commended current governors for their developmental strides and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for spearheading what they called a “nationwide infrastructure revolution.” They highlighted appointments of Southeast leaders to key national positions and ongoing projects transforming the region.

    “We boldly say that all the governors of South East are supporting Mr President’s reelection and we will continue to give them support,” Umahi affirmed.

    The maiden meeting concluded with a courtesy visit to Enugu State Governor Dr Peter Mbah. Attendees included HE Dr Sullivan Chime, HE Chief Martin Elechi, HE Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, HE Dr Chris Ngige, and HE Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

  • Nigerian Government partners Airbus, moves to procure emergency helicopters

    Nigerian Government partners Airbus, moves to procure emergency helicopters

    ABUJA, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — The Federal Government has commenced negotiations with European aerospace giant Airbus to procure emergency care helicopters for Nigeria’s proposed National Medical Emergency Management System (NEMSAS).

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this during a working visit to France, following approval by President Bola Tinubu.

    In a statement issued Monday by the NEMSAS office, Pate explained that discussions with Airbus executives focused on developing an integrated national ground-to-air health emergency management system designed to strengthen rapid response and emergency care delivery nationwide.

    He noted that the initiative is expected to significantly improve medical evacuation services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, while enhancing coordination between ground and air emergency response systems across Nigeria.

    On the sidelines of the meeting, the minister inspected an Airbus emergency care helicopter at a French government-supported air ambulance facility in Lyon. He emphasized that the proposed system would integrate ambulance services, emergency communication, and aeromedical evacuation into a unified national framework aimed at reducing preventable deaths.

    Prof. Pate stressed that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening emergency preparedness and response as part of broader health sector reforms under the current administration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria has long struggled with challenges in emergency medical response, including inadequate ambulance services, poor coordination, and delayed referrals between health facilities. These gaps have contributed to avoidable deaths from road traffic accidents, maternal emergencies, and other critical health conditions requiring timely intervention.

    Stakeholders have repeatedly called for the establishment of a coordinated national emergency medical system, including air ambulance services, to bridge access gaps, especially in rural and underserved communities. The partnership with Airbus marks a concrete step toward addressing these long-standing challenges and building a modern emergency response infrastructure for Nigeria.

  • ADC warns INEC’s decision could jeopardise 2027 participation

    ADC warns INEC’s decision could jeopardise 2027 participation

    ABUJA, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to stop receiving its correspondence pending a Federal High Court ruling could jeopardise its participation in the 2027 elections.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said INEC sits at the centre of the emerging crisis.

    Abdullahi explained that while the commission’s action might appear procedural, it directly conflicts with timelines in the Electoral Act 2026, which provides defined compliance windows, including the mandatory 21-day notice period and subsequent submission requirements for political parties.

    “This has revealed the deliberate administrative landmines being deployed by INEC to prevent the party from fielding candidates in the upcoming elections,” Abdullahi said. He added that documentary evidence, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the commission’s sworn affidavit, establish a clear record of events.

    He noted that INEC monitored the ADC’s July 29, 2025 NEC meeting, documented proceedings, updated records, and recognised the new leadership, including Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. “These are not claims. They are facts contained in INEC’s own records,” he stressed.

    Abdullahi argued that leadership transition had already been completed and recognised, and such internal party matters fall outside judicial interference. “Yet, despite this clear documentary trail, INEC has now taken the position that it will no longer receive any correspondence from the ADC. This is where the contradiction becomes dangerous,” he said.

    He further noted that INEC had fixed May 10 as the submission deadline, but its refusal to accept ADC correspondence within that period could block compliance with statutory requirements. “This places the ADC in an impossible position and creates a clear pathway to artificial non-compliance, which can justify excluding the party from fielding candidates,” Abdullahi warned.

    He added that INEC claimed its April 1 decision was taken to avoid rendering proceedings before the Federal High Court nugatory. “The reality is the opposite. By intervening in a matter already before the court, the commission has undermined the very process it claims to protect,” he said.

    The spokesman urged INEC to reverse its position, resume accepting lawful correspondence, and uphold its constitutional duty to ensure fairness and a level playing field.

  • Peter Obi condoles with former INEC Chairman Jega over wife’s passing

    Peter Obi condoles with former INEC Chairman Jega over wife’s passing

    ABUJA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — Peter Obi, a chieftain of Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has commiserated with former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, following the passing of his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega.

    In a statement today, Obi wrote: “I express my deepest condolences to Professor Attahiru Jega and the entire Jega family on the profound loss of his beloved wife, Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega.”

    The presidential hopeful prayed that Almighty Allah grant her Al-Jannatul Firdaus, overlook her shortcomings, and envelop her soul in His mercy.

    He also prayed that Allah provides Professor Jega, their children, and the entire family with the fortitude and strength to bear this sad and irreplaceable loss. 

    The deceased has since been buried according to Islamic rites on April 5, 2026.

  • Ondo Governor unveils tourism vision at Araromi Seaside Carnival, banks on Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway

    Ondo Governor unveils tourism vision at Araromi Seaside Carnival, banks on Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway

    ONDO, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unlocking the state’s tourism and investment potential, describing the Araromi Seaside Carnival in Ilaje as a bold step toward that vision.

    Speaking at the event, Aiyedatiwa outlined plans to transform the Araromi coastline into a world-class beach resort and hub for leisure, relaxation, and economic growth. He noted that Ondo boasts over 72 kilometres of pristine coastline, among the longest in Africa, which his government is determined to reposition for the benefit of citizens and investors.

    “We are targeting between five and ten credible investors to partner with us in developing this corridor. Encouragingly, private participation has already begun, signaling growing confidence in what Araromi represents,” the governor said.

    He emphasized that the initiative is not just aspirational but backed by concrete steps. Land measurements and designs have been completed, and construction of a state-owned beach resort will commence this year, with operations expected to begin by next year.

    Aiyedatiwa reflected on the historical and economic importance of coastal environments, stating: “The ocean is more than water; it is life, history, and opportunity. From trade routes of the past to modern tourism, coastal environments continue to shape economies and experiences. Araromi will not be an exception.”

    The governor assured prospective investors and visitors of safety, pledging that Ilaje and surrounding areas will remain secure. He highlighted ongoing infrastructure development, including improved road networks and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which will ensure seamless access to the destination.

    “Ondo State is open for business. The future of coastal tourism in Nigeria is here, and it begins with Araromi,” Aiyedatiwa declared.

  • Tinubu’s Senior Adviser responds to Obi’s camp over ADC leadership crisis

    Tinubu’s Senior Adviser responds to Obi’s camp over ADC leadership crisis

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a statement titled “My response to Peter Obi’s media people,” questioning why what he described as “incompetent politicians” are attacking the President over INEC’s delisting of ADC leadership from its portal.

    Onanuga stressed that President Tinubu has no involvement in Obi’s departure from the Labour Party or the challenges he now faces in the ADC.

    He argued that Obi used the Labour Party to contest the presidency in 2023 but abandoned it afterward, failing to demonstrate leadership in resolving its internal crisis. Instead, he leaned on the IPOB-linked Obidient movement, which Onanuga described as “more active online than on the ground.” He added: “You would think the man would transform the movement into a political party. But no, he didn’t. He is incapable of building an organic party of his own.”

    Onanuga further claimed that Obi, aware he needed a political structure to pursue his presidential ambitions, moved to the ADC, which he alleged was “an SPV bought by Atiku Abubakar from Ralph Nwosu.” According to him, no due diligence was carried out, leading to the crisis now confronting the party.

    The statement reads in part: “What is the connection of Tinubu with the ADC crisis? Absolutely none. Whatever problem they have is self-inflicted. Obi and his co-travellers need to get their acts together, clear the mess in their new party and then compete for the presidential ticket. As of now, Obi, without being made a candidate, is inconsequential for 2027. The fact that he came third in 2023 does not mean he will have the same showing in 2027, if he ever becomes a candidate of any party. 2023 is not like 2027. President Tinubu is an incumbent with many achievements to flaunt, most of which Obi has been blind to acknowledge.”

    Onanuga concluded by insisting that all accusations against President Tinubu were baseless, describing them as “sheer baloney” and an unfair attempt to undermine his democratic credentials.

  • ADC youth wing issues 3-day ultimatum to INEC to restore Senator David Mark, others to portal

    ADC youth wing issues 3-day ultimatum to INEC to restore Senator David Mark, others to portal

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The youth wing of Nigeria’s opposition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a three-day ultimatum to restore democracy or face nationwide civic action, following the delisting of the Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola-led ADC leadership from its portal last on April 1, 2026, citing a Court ruling. 

    At a press conference in Abuja, Balarabe Rufai, ADC National Youth Leader, declared Nigeria is under democratic siege. He said what should have been 27 years of uninterrupted civil rule is now being undermined by institutions meant to protect it.

    “This is not a warning, this is a crisis,” Rufai said, quoting Mallam Aminu Kano’s warning that democratic humanism can only be built on the ruins of a corrupt system.

    The ADC recalled that on July 29, 2025, it held a lawful NEC meeting under INEC supervision, dissolving the previous National Working Committee and producing new leadership led by Senator David Mark. INEC verified and uploaded this leadership on September 9, 2025, with no dispute or objection.

    Months later, individuals who had resigned resurfaced to challenge the process. While the matter remains in court, the Court of Appeal ordered a return to the last uncontested position — the David Mark-led leadership. The ADC accused INEC of ignoring facts, misinterpreting court orders, and acting beyond its constitutional authority.

    The youth wing urged the National Assembly to investigate and, if necessary, remove the INEC Chairman, stressing that democracy must be defended with action. It also called on the Judiciary to clarify its orders and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s legal system.

    The group emphasized that the military must remain neutral, warning against force in civic matters. To Nigeria’s youth, it declared: “This is about our future, our voice, our democracy. Together, let’s defend it or lose everything it represents.”

    The ADC insisted that the July 29, 2025 leadership under Senator David Mark remains the only legitimate leadership and demanded INEC restore it immediately and apologize to Nigerians.

  • Prof. Pat Utomi warns INEC against politicisation, calls out NBA silence

    Prof. Pat Utomi warns INEC against politicisation, calls out NBA silence

    ABUJA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — Professor Pat Utomi, Nigerian scholar, political economist, and public intellectual, has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against becoming a tool in the hands of politicians bent on undermining national institutions.

    In a series of posts on his X account today, Utomi criticized those who remain silent in the face of injustice, including religious leaders, senior lawyers, and traditional rulers. He warned: “Those who see truth and cloak themselves in silence will someday dance naked in the marketplace. Speak now and redeem yourselves, or forever live with the shame.”

    Utomi particularly called out the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for its silence regarding recent administrative actions taken by INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan. He argued that if the NBA fails to act, Nigeria risks a “free fall” in institutional and moral safeguards. “History will hold all lawyers and Amupitan accountable in a way that will embarrass the children of their children,” he wrote.

    He further condemned Amupitan’s alleged embrace of Stalin’s infamous dictum that “those who vote decide nothing, those who count the vote decide everything,” describing it as a betrayal of democratic principles. “We thought Amupitan was an intellectual and lawyer. Instead, INEC seems bent on proving Stalin right,” Utomi added.

    In a strongly worded appeal, Utomi urged that the “stone of love of money” which drives some lawyers and judges to compromise electoral justice be rolled away, alongside the “stone of desperation for power” that leads politicians to abuse institutions without regard for long-term damage.

    Utomi’s intervention highlights growing concerns over electoral integrity and the role of Nigeria’s legal and political elite in safeguarding democracy.

  • Easter celebration: Uzodimma declares prosperity agenda for Imo State

    Easter celebration: Uzodimma declares prosperity agenda for Imo State

    IMO, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a collective prosperity that guarantees citizens’ dignity, opportunity, and inclusive growth.

    Speaking on Easter Sunday after Holy Mass at his home parish, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Parish, Ozuh, Omuma, in Oru East LGA, Uzodimma urged Imo people to embrace the virtues of love, peace, and unity, which he described as the essence of Christ’s passion and resurrection. He stressed that these values create the right environment for economic reforms, infrastructure development, and a secure society.

    “Global economic uncertainties have created hardship; however, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is confronting these challenges head-on, recording visible progress in growth and stability,” Uzodimma said.

    Now in his second and final term, the governor emphasized that his administration remains focused on addressing critical areas, driving development across sectors, and ensuring that the gospel of shared prosperity reaches every household in the state. He appealed for continued public support to sustain the transformation journey.

    Uzodimma highlighted that his government’s policies are designed to promote opportunity, stability, and inclusive growth, while reinforcing the state’s resilience against economic shocks. He noted that Easter’s message of renewal aligns with Imo’s vision of progress and prosperity.

    By linking spiritual values with governance, Uzodimma positioned his Easter message as both a moral call and a political declaration, underscoring his resolve to leave a legacy of prosperity and unity in Imo State.

  • Botswana’s President Boko embarks on working visit to France and Spain

    Botswana’s President Boko embarks on working visit to France and Spain

    GABORONE, BOTSWANA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana will undertake a Working Visit to France and Spain from April 6 to 11, 2026.

    In France, President Boko will participate in the One Health Summit on April 7, coinciding with World Health Day. Hosted by the French Government under the G7 Presidency, the Summit will bring together Heads of State, international organisations, scientists, private sector leaders, youth, and civil society to deliberate on human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health, and explore coordinated approaches to shared global health threats.

    According to a government statement, President Boko will join a High-Level Panel under the theme “Governance, Science and Finance.” His intervention will highlight Botswana’s One Health policy framework and its role in promoting health security, economic resilience, and sustainable development. He will also hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and engage business leaders on trade and investment opportunities in Botswana.

    The visit will continue in Spain on April 9, where President Boko will advance Botswana’s economic diplomacy agenda, supporting national revitalisation and diversification efforts. He will also hold bilateral talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.

    President Boko will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations Dr. Phenyo Butale, Minister of Health Dr. Stephen Modise, Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, and senior government officials.

    The delegation is expected to return to Gaborone on April 11, 2026.