Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the rising wave of xenophobic attacks against African immigrants in South Africa.

Obi, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed deep concern over the development, describing the attacks as unacceptable and a threat to the shared identity of Africans.

“I have been observing with deep concern the alarming rise of xenophobic attacks in South Africa. I strongly condemn these acts. My thoughts are with all those affected—especially our Nigerian brothers and sisters, whose lives, businesses, and dignity are once again under threat. No African should feel unsafe on African soil, or anywhere else,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor also commended Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and her ministry for what he described as a swift response to the situation.

Obi recalled a previous visit to affected Nigerians during a similar crisis, noting that the experience underscored both the hardship faced by victims and the resilience of African communities in the diaspora.

“It was a painful experience that revealed both the suffering and resilience of our people. It also highlighted a fundamental truth: beyond borders, we share a common identity and destiny as Africans. Such experiences should have inspired lasting solutions, not recurring tragedy,” he said.

He urged South African authorities to take decisive steps to address the situation, including protecting lives and property, prosecuting perpetrators, and restoring public confidence.

“Leadership must rise to the occasion, making it clear that violence and intolerance have no place in our societies,” Obi added.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has criticised Peter Obi over his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the former presidential candidate of avoiding political challenges.

Obi and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, formally exited the ADC on Sunday following weeks of speculation surrounding internal disputes and legal complications within the party, which reportedly culminated in its deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Obi’s exit from the ADC has also triggered a wave of defections from the party, with several supporters and political figures aligning with the NDC, a development that has further strengthened the party’s position as Nigeria’s major opposition platform.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Melaye questioned Obi’s ability to lead Nigeria if he could not withstand internal party crises.

“If he cannot face party tribulations and crisis, how does he intend to handle Nigeria?” Melaye said.

The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kogi State alleged that Obi prefers politically convenient environments, claiming that “hot kitchens are not for him.”

Melaye further alleged that Obi had consistently avoided competitive party primaries throughout his political career. According to him, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) handed Obi its governorship ticket, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar gave him a vice-presidential slot under the PDP. He also claimed the Labour Party offered Obi its presidential ticket without a primary contest.

“He cannot be part of primary election, reason why he left PDP, reason why he left ADC for another free ticket in NDC,” Melaye alleged, adding that the NDC was “an agency of APC.”

Responding to criticisms over his defection, Obi said his decision to join the NDC was driven by the urgent need to build “a new Nigeria founded on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for citizens.”

“The condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria informed my decision to leave ADC for NDC,” Obi said, stressing that the move was not motivated by anger, personal ambition, or political convenience.

“It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading,” he added.

Obi maintained that politics should be centred on the welfare of the people rather than personal interests, pointing to worsening economic hardship, collapsing businesses, and growing hopelessness among Nigerian youths.

He also stated that he left the ADC for reasons similar to those behind his earlier exit from the Labour Party, citing what he described as “severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed” to frustrate his effective participation in the electoral process.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has signed the nomination form of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, describing the document as a “victory form” and a symbol of continuity for the administration’s development agenda.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, signed by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works on Media, and dated May 5, 2026, Umahi said the endorsement reflects a collective commitment to stability, continuity, and the consolidation of reforms and achievements recorded under the Tinubu administration.

The minister said the president’s leadership had initiated critical infrastructure reforms, particularly in the area of road construction and rehabilitation, which he described as essential to Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.

According to him, several ongoing projects across the country demonstrate the administration’s determination to deliver tangible results to Nigerians, adding that the progress already recorded provides a solid foundation for sustained national transformation.

Umahi further expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to complete ongoing initiatives and deepen development across key sectors of the economy if re-elected.

He also called for continued public support for the administration, stressing that consistent leadership remains critical to the attainment of long-term national objectives.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential aspirant Peter Obi on Tuesday held talks with United States Consul General Rick Swart in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. In a statement, Obi said the meeting centered on strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and the U.S., with emphasis on credible elections and fostering a political environment where opposition parties can thrive and contribute to national development.

The former Anambra Governor noted that discussions also covered trade and business opportunities between both countries. He was accompanied by Dr Adefolaseye Adebomi Adebayo. Summing up the engagement as “very productive,” Obi expressed optimism that Nigeria’s elections will become more transparent and credible ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting comes days after Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC in Abuja, a move that has reshaped the opposition landscape in Africa’s largest democracy. Analysts say the defections, coupled with a wave of exits from the ADC, have fuelled speculation that the 2027 presidential race could evolve into a three-horse contest involving incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central and former National Chairman of APGA, has defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). His resignation letter was read on the Senate floor by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, citing “lingering division and unending litigations in the ADC” as reasons for his move.

Umeh said he remains committed to Nigeria’s development, now through the NDC.

The defection follows the entry of his ally Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into the NDC on Sunday in Abuja. Since then, ADC has witnessed a wave of departures, including 17 members of the House of Representatives who crossed over to the NDC during plenary today. In addition, Leke Abejide left ADC for the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing the turbulence and the pool of uncertainties encircling the party.

The 17 members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives who defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) include Yusuf Datti from Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam in Kano; Uchenna Okonkwo from Idemili North/Idemili South in Anambra; Sani Adamu Wakili from Minjibir/Ungogo in Kano; Thaddeus Attah from Eti-Osa in Lagos; George Ozodinobi from Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia in Anambra; and Lilian Orogbu from Awka North/Awka South in Anambra.

Others are Oluwaseyi Sowunmi from Ojo in Lagos; Peter Aniekwe from Anambra East/Anambra West; Mukhtar Zakari from Tarauni in Kano; George Oluwande from Amuwo Odofin in Lagos; Murphy Omroruyi from Egor/Ikpoba Okha in Edo; Munachim Umezuruike from Port Harcourt I in Rivers; Emeka Idu from Onitsha North/Onitsha South in Anambra; Jesse Onuakalusi from Oshodi-Isolo in Lagos; Ifeanyi Uzokwe from Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo in Anambra; Afam Ogene from Ogbaru in Anambra; and Abdulhakeem Ado from Wudil/Garko in Kano.

Analysts note that ADC had emerged as the strongest opposition bloc after internal crises crippled the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leaving them directionless in the eye of the law.

The latest defections now signal a major realignment, with the NDC gaining momentum as a rising opposition force, positioning itself as a formidable player in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

MAKURDI, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has declared an end to the acrimony and disagreements among political leaders in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections following a peace and reconciliation meeting of stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Governor stated this after convening a high-level APC Peace and Reconciliation Meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

According to Alia, the meeting brought together leaders of the ruling party across the state to rebuild trust, strengthen unity, and refocus attention on governance and the welfare of the people.

“Yesterday, we chose unity over division, and dialogue over disagreement,” the Governor said.

He added that the stakeholders meeting was aimed at healing political divisions within the party and promoting collective commitment toward the progress of the state.

“A high-level APC Peace and Reconciliation meeting brought together leaders across Benue to heal wounds, rebuild trust, and refocus on what truly matters — our people. Benue first. Always,” Alia stated.

The Governor said he was encouraged by what he described as the spirit of togetherness displayed during the discussions.

“There was honesty. There was reflection. And, most importantly, there was a shared resolve to rebuild trust and strengthen our party for the good of our people,” he said.

Alia stressed that Benue’s future depends on unity, cooperation, and sustained commitment to delivering meaningful results for residents of the state.

“Benue is bigger than any individual ambition,” the Governor added.

Meanwhile, Alia on May 3 received the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms reportedly purchased for him by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Benue State chapter, and the Benue Motorcycle Association (BEMOA) at the Government House, Makurdi.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, transparency, and democratic accountability as journalists across the world marked the 2026 World Press Freedom Day.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a message delivered by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said a free press remains one of the strongest pillars of democracy and pledged continued support for initiatives that protect journalists and strengthen democratic governance.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is: “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.”

According to the Governor, the occasion provides another opportunity to reflect on progress made in advancing press freedom and reassess the commitment of stakeholders to the ideals of independent journalism.

“The theme aptly underscores the critical role of the media in fostering peace, strengthening institutions, and advancing sustainable development,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He noted that the media gives voice to the voiceless, holds leaders accountable, and serves as a vital bridge between government and the people.

In a statement signed by Gbenga Omotoso, Sanwo-Olu stressed that the evolving information landscape has placed greater responsibility on journalists, especially as governments at different levels continue to implement reforms across the country.

“More than ever, the current realities in our country, especially the various reforms being undertaken at different levels of government, make it imperative for members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to remain committed to objective, balanced, and professional reporting,” he said.

The Governor urged media practitioners to critically examine government policies while ensuring fairness, professionalism, and unbiased reporting.

He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transparency, openness, and constructive engagement with the media, noting that a well-informed society is fundamental to peace, security, and inclusive development.

Sanwo-Olu, however, warned about growing threats posed by misinformation and disinformation, alongside economic pressures and safety concerns confronting journalists.

According to him, such challenges pose significant risks to national stability and development and require stronger collaboration among governments, media professionals, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the information ecosystem.

“As we approach another electoral cycle in our country, the role of the media becomes even more critical,” the Governor said, adding that ethical journalism, fairness, and national interest must guide election coverage and public discourse.

He further called for sustained investment in media literacy, support for ethical journalism, and the creation of an enabling environment where the press can operate freely without undue interference.

“I wish to assure you that the Lagos State Government will continue to support initiatives that promote press freedom, protect journalists, and strengthen democratic accountability,” Sanwo-Olu said.