Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a final call for eligible Nigerians to register to vote ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The commission described the exercise as the third and final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process before the next general election.

In a notice released on Monday, INEC stressed that there would be no extension of the registration deadline.

“No extensions. No second chances,” the commission stated.

INEC urged Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing exercise, noting that voter registration remains the first step toward participating in the democratic process.

“Register now, your voice starts here, and your future depends on it,” the commission added.

According to INEC, registration is taking place daily between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at INEC state and local government offices, as well as designated registration centres nationwide.

The commission also assured citizens of a smooth and transparent registration process across all centres.

In its campaign message, INEC said: “The final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise begins today. Your voice starts with registration.”

It added that every Nigerian deserves a voice and that the process was designed to be simple and accessible.

For online services and further information, the commission directed prospective voters to its official portal.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the appointment of Major General Adeyinka A. Fadewa (Rtd) as Special Adviser on Homeland Security, a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security coordination and intelligence-driven operations.

The announcement was contained in a circular signed by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and issued by Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office. According to the statement released on May 11, 2026, by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of Information & Public Relations, the appointment reflects Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing inter-agency collaboration and addressing emerging security threats across the country.

Major General Fadewa, a highly decorated officer with over three decades of distinguished military and intelligence service, is recognised for his expertise in national security strategy, intelligence fusion, counter-terrorism operations, and international security diplomacy. His career has been marked by operational excellence, strategic foresight, and leadership in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Between 2015 and 2021, Fadewa served as Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). During this period, he played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s modern intelligence coordination framework, spearheading the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre (IFC). The IFC integrated multiple agencies — including the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Armed Forces — to improve national threat assessment and strategic response.

Following his retirement, Fadewa continued to contribute to national security as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, where he provided thought leadership on policing, civil-security cooperation, and reform. His scholarly work includes the widely acclaimed monograph “Policing and National Security in Nigeria”, which offers practical frameworks for strengthening civil-security collaboration.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that Fadewa’s appointment will bolster efforts to achieve a safer Nigeria through improved coordination of homeland security initiatives, intelligence integration, and proactive risk management. He urged the retired General to deploy his wealth of experience and professionalism in advancing national security objectives and supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

This appointment comes at a time when Nigeria faces complex security challenges, ranging from terrorism and banditry to cyber threats and communal conflicts. By bringing in a seasoned strategist like Fadewa, the administration signals its determination to reinforce the country’s security architecture and ensure greater stability.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Festus Keyamo has strongly criticised the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over its recent decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region and impose a single-term tenure for its candidate if elected.

The decision, announced over the weekend at the party’s maiden national convention, has continued to generate political reactions across the country.

In a statement issued on Monday, Keyamo described the arrangement as deceptive and politically manipulative, labelling it a “419 decision”.

“The decision of NDC to zone its Presidential ticket to the south for JUST ONE TERM (emphasis on ‘one term’) is an audacious attempt to hoodwink Nigerians. It reminds us of the undertaking by Jonathan in 2011 to serve just one full term and quit,” he said.

The minister, a lawyer-turned-politician, questioned the enforceability of such a political commitment should the party’s candidate emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.

He specifically queried what would happen if figures such as Peter Obi were to win and later deviate from the arrangement.

Keyamo further argued that the NDC’s decision was an insult to the political intelligence of Nigerians, describing it as a reflection of desperation within the opposition ahead of the 2027 polls.

“It is just a joke taken too far; it is nothing but political 419,” he said.

The NDC’s zoning arrangement, according to analysts, has unsettled political camps within the ruling establishment, with analysts suggesting it may be aimed at consolidating support in the northern and southern regions concurrently to diminish the APC’s political bases.

Political observers also note that the decamping of prominent figures such as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a political powerhouse from the north, to the NDC has further reshaped the emerging political dynamics ahead of the election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political stakeholders are also closely monitoring the developments amid concerns over shifting voter alignments and how it would affect its fortunes in northern Nigeria as the 2027 general elections approach.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has launched a blistering critique of opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, accusing them of opportunism, disloyalty, and an insatiable obsession with power, while praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “special one” destined to prevail in Nigeria’s political battles.

In a lengthy media statement on Sunday titled “The Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage Between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi”, Fani-Kayode described Tinubu as “akanda eniyan” — a Yoruba phrase meaning “the special one” — endowed with extraordinary resilience and mystical grace. He argued that Tinubu’s patience, forgiveness, and loyalty to his political platforms set him apart from rivals. “Simply put, he cannot be stopped and this is a lesson his enemies have yet to learn,” he wrote.

The former minister, who once opposed Tinubu before switching allegiance in 2020, claimed that those plotting against the president ahead of the 2027 elections are engaged in “an exercise in futility.” He cited divisions within opposition coalitions, including acrimonious disputes between Atiku’s supporters (“Atikulators”), Obi’s followers (“Obidients”), and Kwankwaso’s loyalists, as evidence of their fragility.

Fani-Kayode accused Atiku and Obi of repeatedly abandoning parties for personal ambition, noting that between them they have switched platforms 11 times since 1999. “Political parties are not established to be used like toilet paper and flushed down the lavatory,” he said, adding that their constant defections reflect a lack of loyalty and ideological conviction.

He likened both men to Tolkien’s character Gollum, consumed by a destructive obsession with power. “You crawl and hiss like snakes in a pit as you slither from one political party to the other looking for the power that neither of you shall ever achieve,” he wrote, warning that their ambitions have negatively affected their mental health and credibility.

Turning to Atiku, Fani-Kayode lamented that the former vice president, once respected, has become “a shadow of his former self.” He argued that Atiku’s repeated attempts at the presidency are driven by vanity and hubris, comparing him to Icarus who flew too close to the sun.

On Obi, he accused the former Anambra governor of inconsistency and opportunism, citing his moves from APGA to PDP, LP, ADC, and now NDC. He warned that Obi’s insistence on securing presidential tickets without contesting primaries undermines democratic norms. He quoted former allies such as Datti Baba-Ahmed, Kenneth Okonkwo, and Babachir Lawal, who have publicly criticized Obi’s temperament, loyalty, and leadership style.

Fani-Kayode also dismissed the possibility of a viable Obi–Kwankwaso ticket in 2027, arguing that Kwankwaso’s principles and northern political base would not allow him to play second fiddle. He suggested that Obi’s past actions against northerners in Anambra and his business ties to alcohol production make him incompatible with Kwankwaso’s values.

The statement further praised Tinubu’s political journey, contrasting it with Atiku and Obi’s record. Fani-Kayode emphasized that Tinubu founded and nurtured his parties — AD, AC, ACN, and later APC — demonstrating loyalty and patience until his eventual presidential victory in 2023. “He built his own, funded it, developed it, expanded it, and when the time was right, his party rewarded him,” he wrote.

He concluded by urging Atiku and Obi to reconcile themselves to life outside power, declaring: “You will never smell it again. Settle down and accept that your political careers are over.”

The fiery statement underscores deepening fractures within Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 elections; while reinforcing Tinubu’s image among loyalists as a leader whose patience and strategic foresight continue to secure his dominance.

OSHOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday attended the stakeholders’ meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held in the Ilesa axis of the state.

Addressing party members and supporters at the gathering, Aregbesola appreciated attendees for what he described as their steadfastness despite alleged intimidation and political pressure.

He commended stakeholders for remaining resolute and unwavering in their support for the party and its political movement.

According to him, those currently in charge of affairs at the national level had failed to uphold the fundamental responsibilities of government, particularly the welfare and security of citizens.

“Therefore, we have no reason to rejoin them. We are proud members of the ADC, and despite all attacks against us, our party continues to grow in leaps and bounds,” he said.

The former governor urged party members not to relent, expressing confidence that the ADC would emerge victorious.

Aregbesola also threw his weight behind the party’s governorship candidate for the forthcoming Osun election, Najeem Folasayo Salaam Iwaloye.

He described Iwaloye as a loyal and committed leader passionate about restoring Osun State to what he called its previous path of development.

“We call on everyone to support us. We will not let you down,” he added.

KADUNA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — Northern political stakeholders, academics, youth groups and civil society organisations on Saturday converged at Arewa House in Kaduna for a town hall meeting organised by the PBAT Door-To-Door Movement to assess the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and discuss the 2027 political outlook.

The event, themed “Critical Appraisal of Government and Reforms Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 2027 Question,” featured discussions on economic reforms, governance, infrastructure development, fiscal policies and national stability.

In his opening remarks, National Coordinator of the movement, Sunday Adekanbi, said the forum was convened to encourage what he described as honest conversations around the administration’s policies and to address misconceptions surrounding ongoing reforms.

According to him, the engagement also provided an avenue to interrogate the “2027 question,” insisting that continuity of the current reform agenda remained necessary for sustainable national development.

Adekanbi said the Tinubu administration had demonstrated leadership through what he described as a “silent yet systematic revolution” across critical sectors of the economy.

“He touched every critical aspect of this country through reforms aimed at economic recovery, institutional strengthening, infrastructure development and youth inclusion,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said Nigeria was gradually moving from reforms to recovery following the economic measures introduced by the administration.

Dare acknowledged that the reforms had triggered temporary hardship but maintained that the policies were necessary to reposition the country for long-term prosperity and competitiveness.

He said the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms and revenue restructuring were difficult but inevitable decisions needed to avert fiscal collapse.

“Leadership is not about comfort; leadership is about responsibility. The President took decisions others were afraid to take because the country could no longer continue on the old path,” he said.

The presidential aide added that the administration was investing heavily in infrastructure, human capital development and economic modernisation to prepare Nigeria for the demands of the 21st century.

He cited interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as part of efforts to expand access to education and empower young Nigerians.

Also speaking, Prof. Solomon Gushibet, Head of the Centre for Financial Economics at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, said the Tinubu administration inherited an economy burdened by structural distortions, fiscal leakages and declining investor confidence.

Gushibet said reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification represented a transition from economic dependency to productivity-driven development.

According to him, no nation achieves transformation without sacrifice, adding that the administration had shown political courage by implementing reforms previous governments avoided for decades.

He noted that signs of economic stabilisation were gradually emerging through improved revenue generation, reduced fiscal leakages, increased investor engagement and relative stability in the foreign exchange market.

The professor, however, acknowledged challenges including insecurity, rising cost of living, debt pressures and implementation gaps in some policy areas.

He urged the Federal Government to strengthen social intervention programmes and improve communication around the reforms to address public concerns and ease economic hardship.

Gushibet maintained that continuity remained essential for the reforms to achieve long-term impact, warning that abandoning ongoing policies midway could reverse progress already achieved and undermine investor confidence.

On his part, Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said increased federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy had enabled the administration of Governor Uba Sani to expand social intervention programmes and improve service delivery across key sectors.

Maiyaki said one of the major outcomes of the policy was the introduction of 100 Compressed Natural Gas buses providing free transportation for civil servants, students and residents, which he said had saved the state more than N2.8 billion within 10 months.

He added that the Kaduna State Government had prioritised education through a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees, infrastructural upgrades and accreditation of academic programmes in state-owned institutions.

According to him, Kaduna State University and Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic had recorded significant improvements, with several courses receiving full accreditation following sustained government investment.

Maiyaki also highlighted progress in security and healthcare, stating that previously volatile areas including Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun, Kajuru and Kachia were witnessing improved peace and economic activities.

He further disclosed that the state had upgraded 255 primary healthcare facilities, recruited thousands of health workers and improved welfare packages to strengthen healthcare delivery across Kaduna State.

Stakeholders at the forum generally called for sustained national dialogue, policy consistency and inclusive governance to consolidate the gains of ongoing reforms and strengthen democratic stability ahead of the 2027 elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has endorsed the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ‘s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, describing the move as a step toward national healing, fairness and unity.

Kwankwaso spoke on Saturday while addressing delegates at the party’s national convention in Abuja.

“It is with unity and solidarity that I support zoning the NDC presidential ticket to the South. This allows the region to complete its turn in national leadership,” he said.

The former governor assured party members that the NDC would uphold the principles of fairness, federal character and equity in appointments and resource distribution if elected into office.

He urged the party to champion leadership free from ethnic and religious bias, stressing that the country needed a new direction capable of restoring public confidence.

“The NDC must set a new leadership standard capable of restoring Nigeria’s dignity,” he said.

Kwankwaso also called on Nigerians, particularly youths and students, to participate actively in the electoral process by registering to vote.

“The NDC is a noble cause; please register now,” he added.

According to him, the party has continued to attract what he described as “quality members” since its formation, while also drawing increasing attention from Nigerians and international observers.

“What began as a bold movement is becoming a formidable platform for national renewal,” he said.

Kwankwaso warned that Nigeria was facing a defining political moment, blaming the country’s challenges on years of poor leadership.

“The world is changing politically, yet Nigeria remains unprepared because of leadership failures,” he stated.

He decried rising insecurity, worsening economic hardship and declining living standards across the country, noting that many Nigerians had been displaced while investments continued to leave the country.

The former governor also reflected on historical political alliances that shaped Nigeria’s development, citing the 1954 alliance between the Northern Elements Progressive Union and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, led by Aminu Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe.

He further referenced the Second Republic alliance between former President Shehu Shagari and former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, saying such partnerships demonstrated that unity and collaboration often produced solutions during difficult national periods.