Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has held talks with the United States Charge d’Affaires, David Heffern, focusing on security cooperation and bilateral relations.

According to a statement by the minister, the meeting was “constructive” and centred on key issues including security and defence, border and migration challenges, counter-terrorism initiatives, intelligence sharing, visa concerns, and other areas of mutual interest.

Both sides also discussed ongoing collaboration under the Joint Working Group, as well as measures to promote regional stability and address Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the United States.

Ojukwu said Nigeria would continue engagements with U.S. authorities to review the designation and strengthen cooperation aimed at reversing it, while deepening longstanding bilateral ties between both countries.

The CPC designation has remained a key issue in Nigeria–U.S. relations, particularly amid concerns raised in Washington over religious violence and security challenges in parts of the country.

In February, a U.S. congressional committee set up under President Donald Trump submitted recommendations to the White House following an investigation into alleged violence against Christian communities in Nigeria.

The report, led by Congressman Riley Moore and supported by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, endorsed Nigeria’s redesignation as a CPC, citing what it described as persistent attacks and insecurity.

Among its recommendations were the establishment of a bilateral security agreement, expanded humanitarian assistance, deployment of security forces to vulnerable regions, disarmament of armed groups, and enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation between both countries.

The committee also proposed visa restrictions for perpetrators of violence, legal reforms, and economic measures aimed at addressing underlying drivers of insecurity, including illicit activities and regional instability.

Despite these concerns, Nigerian authorities have maintained that ongoing reforms and security efforts are aimed at addressing the challenges and strengthening national stability.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has pledged to formally present the Women’s Charter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to deepen women’s inclusion and economic empowerment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mrs Tinubu made the pledge at the National Women Mega Empowerment and Rally themed “The Power of 10 Million: One Voice, One Movement, One Choice,” organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on Tuesday in Abuja.

She said the Women’s Charter represents the collective voice, aspirations, and expectations of Nigerian women, particularly in the areas of political inclusion and economic empowerment.

The First Lady assured participants that the document would be delivered to the President, describing it as a commitment to ensuring that women’s contributions are fully reflected in national development.

She noted that women constitute more than half of Nigeria’s population and play a critical role in nation-building, adding that the administration remains committed to expanding their participation in governance.

“This first term of Mr President has been a period of laying a solid foundation through bold and necessary reforms that will usher in lasting prosperity for our dear nation. Though the process has demanded sacrifice, the seed has been planted, and I am confident that Nigerians will continue to reap the fruits of these reforms in the days and years ahead,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu reiterated the administration’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to expand women’s inclusion in governance and decision-making processes.

Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the Women’s Charter as a “social contract and policy compass” outlining demands for greater political representation, improved access to financing, expanded economic opportunities, and stronger social protection systems.

She said the “Power of 10 Million Women” initiative is aimed at mobilising women as a unified force to influence governance and national development.

“Let me assure you that Nigerian women recognise this support and will deliver the mandate. We are organised, mobilised, and ready to shape the future of our nation with discipline, unity and purpose,” she said.

The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the rally marked a shift from informal participation to structured political and economic influence for women, noting that coordinated mobilisation could significantly shape governance outcomes.

“Ten million women who are informed, aligned and intentional will not only participate in development, they will influence its direction,” she said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged women to take ownership of national reforms, stressing that collective action strengthens their voice.

The President of the Network of Women with Disabilities, Lois Auta, called for stronger inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in political participation and empowerment programmes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that female heads of federal agencies, grassroots leaders, entrepreneurs, and professional groups also pledged support for expanded women’s representation.

The event featured the rollout of empowerment programmes targeting women through grants, microcredit schemes, skills acquisition, agricultural support, and market access initiatives.

The rally ended with a call for unity among women under the theme “One Voice, One Movement, One Choice,” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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.