Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Obidient Movement has called on supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to remain calm amid growing speculation over recent political developments and his reported future political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Saturday, the movement said it was aware of widespread concerns and reports surrounding ongoing political engagements involving Obi and other stakeholders.

The statement comes amid speculation that Obi may part ways with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following alleged disagreements within the party over the process for selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

Although the reports remain unconfirmed, the group said Obi was currently engaged in “extensive, high-level consultations” with political allies, stakeholders and aligned movements across the country.

According to the movement, the consultations are aimed at determining the most strategic and effective political direction in the interest of Nigerians and the broader vision of building a “New Nigeria.”

The Obidient Movement stated that its decisions would continue to be guided by integrity, accountability and active citizen participation.

“These consultations are deliberate, thorough, and guided by the overriding objective of securing a future that works for all Nigerians,” the statement said.

The group urged its members and supporters across Nigeria and in the diaspora not to be influenced by speculation or unverified political reports.

It added that Obi remained committed to the movement’s objectives and would, at the appropriate time, address the public on the current political situation and the way forward.

“Our strength lies in our unity and focus. Let us remain steadfast as we await further communication,” the statement added.

UYO, Nigeria (NPA) — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on residents to embrace peace, unity and collective responsibility for the development of the state.

Eno made the appeal during the May Covenant Service held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, where he urged citizens to promote the image of the state and set aside political and personal differences in the interest of progress.

The governor said Akwa Ibom people must see themselves as ambassadors of the state’s development and work together to sustain peace and stability.

He also announced a three-day Prayer Summit scheduled for June 3 to 5, 2026, as part of efforts to promote peace and harmony ahead of the 2027 elections, which are often marked by political tension.

According to a statement issued by the governor, the service also provided an opportunity to announce the maiden international flight of Ibom Air from Uyo to Accra, Ghana, scheduled to commence on today.

Eno said the international operation would be supported by a newly acquired aircraft aimed at strengthening the state’s aviation capacity and reinforcing its ambition to become a regional aviation hub.

The governor stressed that sustainable development and economic growth could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace. “I urge everyone to remain peaceful and focused as we continue to build our State together,” he said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has defended its celebration of a recent Supreme Court judgment, dismissing criticisms that the ruling amounted to a “pyrrhic victory” for the opposition party.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, described attempts to downplay the significance of the judgment as misleading and dangerous.

According to Abdullahi, the ADC operates within a highly contested political environment where opposition voices are frequently pressured and underestimated. “We do not need conspiracy theories to understand the environment in which we operate. It is evident that we are in a fiercely contested political space,” he said.

The ADC spokesperson acknowledged that the party currently occupies the position of an underdog in Nigeria’s political landscape but stressed that its leadership possesses the experience and resilience required to navigate difficult political battles.

“Within the ADC are battle-tested leaders and resilient members who have navigated difficult political terrains and who understand, clearly, what victory looks like,” he added.

Abdullahi maintained that the opposition party’s broader objective extends beyond any single court ruling, insisting that the ADC remains focused on winning the 2027 general elections and preventing Nigeria from sliding into a one-party state.

“Let us be clear: the struggle before us is bigger than any single court decision. The mission is to ensure that the ADC not only contests, but wins the 2027 elections,” he stated.

He argued that political victories are achieved through multiple battles rather than a single defining moment, describing the Supreme Court ruling as one of such victories for the party.

“For a movement that has faced sustained pressure, that victory mattered. It was right to acknowledge it. It was necessary to celebrate it, not as a conclusion, but as a signal that we are still in the fight, and still standing,” Abdullahi said.

The spokesperson, however, noted that the political struggle was far from over, stressing that the ADC had resumed efforts across legal, political and public engagement platforms.

“Yes, we celebrated yesterday. Today, we have returned to the trenches,” he said.

“The work continues, in the courts of law, in the court of public opinion, and in the theatres of politics.”

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday for official visits to France, Kenya and Rwanda, where he is expected to participate in two major international summits focused on economic growth, climate action and investment partnerships.

The presidency disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, Tinubu’s first stop will be in France before proceeding to Nairobi, Kenya, to attend the Africa-France Summit scheduled to hold from May 11 to May 12.

The summit, which will be co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, will focus on energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, climate action and reforms to the global financing architecture.

The statement noted that President Tinubu’s participation would reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to deepening strategic partnerships with African countries and France.

The summit, themed “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” is expected to bring together African leaders and their French counterparts to discuss economic transformation, climate resilience, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, technological innovation and peace-building initiatives.

Following the Kenya summit, Tinubu will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, to attend the annual Africa CEO Forum scheduled for May 14 and May 15. The forum, themed “Scale or Fail,” is expected to attract more than 2,000 business executives, investors and policymakers from across Africa and beyond.

Organised in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, the gathering will focus on regional integration, cross-border investment and strategies for building resilient industries across the continent.

According to the presidency, Tinubu will deliver addresses at both summits highlighting his administration’s economic reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for investment and economic growth.

The president is also expected to hold high-level meetings with African and global business leaders during the trip.

Tinubu will be accompanied by some ministers and senior government officials and is expected to return to Nigeria after the Rwanda summit.

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Enugu State Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has extended warm felicitations to workers in the state on the occasion of Workers’ Day, celebrated annually on May 1 to honour workers and recognise the contributions of the labour movement to social and economic development.

In a statement, Mbah wrote: “Today, we celebrate Workers’ Day, honouring the dedication and resilience of every individual whose efforts keep our society moving forward.”

The governor praised the contributions of workers to the progress of the state, noting that across every level, their labour matters and continues to shape Enugu’s collective growth. He emphasized that the sacrifices of workers remain central to building a stronger, more inclusive society.

In Enugu, as in many countries including Nigeria, Workers’ Day is marked with public holidays, parades, speeches by labour leaders and government officials, as well as renewed calls for improved welfare and protection for workers. Against this backdrop, Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a system that values, protects, and supports workers, while ensuring that their rights and dignity are upheld.

He further assured that his government will continue to engage constructively with labour unions and stakeholders to foster policies that enhance productivity, strengthen social justice, and guarantee fair reward for hard work.

OSHOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has welcomed the approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the rehabilitation of the Osogbo–Gbongan and Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan roads, describing it as a major boost for the state’s economy and infrastructure development.

Adeleke said the approval reflects the importance of collaboration between state and federal authorities in delivering development projects that directly impact citizens, regardless of political affiliations.

According to the governor, his administration has consistently prioritised partnerships capable of attracting federal interventions to Osun State.

He recalled that on October 18, 2024, he paid a working visit to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, in Abuja alongside his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, to seek urgent intervention on federal roads traversing the state.

During the meeting, Adeleke said he briefed the minister on the condition of federal and state roads in Osun and outlined his administration’s efforts in improving road infrastructure across the state.

The governor noted that his administration had constructed more than 150 kilometres of roads since assuming office, including the ongoing 1.5-kilometre road projects across all local government areas in the state.

He also commended Umahi for what he described as the minister’s “bold approach” to road infrastructure development nationwide and appealed for stronger federal support in rehabilitating critical road networks in Osun.

Adeleke expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council for approving the projects, describing the intervention as a significant achievement for the people of the state.

“When leaders listen, the people benefit. This is what collaboration for the betterment of the people looks like,” the governor said.