New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Mbah applauds APC’s new NWC, poised for 2027 victory

    Mbah applauds APC’s new NWC, poised for 2027 victory

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor of Enugu State in south-eastern Nigeria, has described the newly elected members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as “round pegs in round holes.”

    In a statement issued on Saturday, Mbah said their emergence reflects the deep confidence placed in their ability to provide purposeful leadership, strengthen party structures, and guide the APC towards even greater achievements, including a resounding victory in the 2027 general elections.

    The newly elected NWC comprises Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori as Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr Benjamin Obi Nwoye as Deputy National Chairman (South), Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary, AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana as Deputy National Secretary, Murtala Aliyu Kankia as National Legal Adviser, Uguru Mathew Ofoke as National Treasurer, Bashir Gumel as National Financial Secretary, Osita Izunaso as National Organising Secretary, Felix Morka as National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Masari as National Welfare Secretary, Dr Betta Edu as National Women Leader, Dayo Israel as National Youth Leader, and Tolu Bankole as National Disability Leader. Collectively, they will steer the party’s affairs for the next four years.

    Mbah also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praising his sterling leadership qualities, inclusive governance philosophy, and unmatched political experience. He noted that these attributes were evident in the peace, orderliness, and sense of brotherhood that characterised the convention — a demonstration of what disciplined leadership can achieve.

    “With the conduct of this rancour-free convention, our party has once again set a benchmark for democratic practice in Nigeria. Democracy is about the people, and once again, we have demonstrated that truth,” the statement concluded.

  • APC re-elects Yilwatda as National Chairman

    APC re-elects Yilwatda as National Chairman

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — 28 March 2026 — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has re-elected Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as its National Chairman.

    At its 8th National Convention held in Abuja on Friday, the party also returned all members of its National Working Committee (NWC) through consensus and an affirmative voice vote.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the newly elected NWC members were immediately sworn in and will oversee the party’s affairs for the next four years.

    Key members include Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Dalori, Deputy National Chairman (South) Emma Eneukwu, National Secretary Surajudeen Basiru, National Financial Secretary Alhaji Bashir Gumel, and National Legal Adviser Murtala Kankia, among others.

    In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda pledged that the NWC would work to strengthen the APC and rebuild Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

    “Our mission is clear: together, we will build a Pan-African and Pan-Nigerian party that is stronger, transparent, inclusive, disciplined, and united. We will deepen internal democracy, strengthen our structures, expand our reach, and empower our youth because they are not just the future, but an important part of today,” he said.

    Yilwatda commended President Tinubu for his support and leadership, noting that the APC’s future is tied to Nigeria’s progress under the administration’s renewed hope agenda. He highlighted ongoing economic reforms, infrastructure investments, social protection programs, and digital innovation as signs of positive change.

    “I accept this responsibility with a full understanding of the expectations of our people and the urgency of this moment. Leadership is not a crown but a burden of trust, and we will carry it with dedication,” he added.

    Yilwatda assured party members of an open-door administration and expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in the 2027 general election.

    (NAN)

  • INEC extends deadline for submission of party membership registers

    INEC extends deadline for submission of party membership registers

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — 28 March 2026 — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The announcement was made in Abuja on Friday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.

    Haruna explained that the original deadline of April 21 has now been shifted to May 10, but not later than 21 days before each party’s primary election. He noted that the adjustment followed a meeting between INEC and political parties held on Tuesday, where concerns were raised about the timeline under the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 polls.

    According to Haruna, the commission agreed to align the submission period with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which prescribes a 21-day window before primaries. He added that the new dates were determined in consultation with the political parties themselves.

    “Political parties are accordingly informed that they are free to fix the dates of their primaries within the approved period from April 23 to May 30. It is imperative that parties adhere to this timeline to ensure a smooth electoral process.

    “The register of party members must be submitted to INEC not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries. This means that the final deadline for submission has been extended to May 10, from the earlier date of April 21,” Haruna stated.

    (NAN)

  • Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai loses mother

    Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai loses mother

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — Hajiya Umma, mother of former Kaduna State Governor and ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, passed away on Friday.

    Family sources confirmed that the matriarch died from age-related complications after a period of declining health. The El-Rufai family formally announced her death later the same day.

    According to those close to the family, Hajiya Umma had been battling health challenges, which worsened in recent times. Some associates claim her condition deteriorated further after learning of her son’s detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

    Opposition leaders have branded El-Rufai’s arrest and incarceration as politically motivated, describing it as a clash of ideologies between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Democratic Congress (ADC), of which El-Rufai is a prominent member.

  • ECOWAS appoints Akufo-Addo to lead election observation mission in Benin

    ECOWAS appoints Akufo-Addo to lead election observation mission in Benin

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo as Head of its Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the forthcoming presidential election in the Republic of Benin, scheduled for 12 April 2026.

    The appointment was conveyed by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray. It reflects the Community’s enduring commitment to democracy, good governance and regional stability.

    According to a statement from ECOWAS on Friday, the mission will be deployed from 7 to 15 April 2026, in line with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001). This protocol provides the legal and normative framework for election observation across the region.

    Through this deployment, ECOWAS reaffirms its confidence in Benin’s democratic process and calls on all stakeholders to uphold peace, tolerance and the rule of law.

    The choice of former President Akufo-Addo underscores the Community’s reliance on experienced and respected leaders to guide Member States in conducting peaceful, transparent and credible elections.

    All eyes are now firmly on the Republic of Benin, following the failed coup attempt of 7 December 2025, when rogue elements of the armed forces sought to overthrow President Patrice Talon’s government in Cotonou. The attempt was swiftly repelled by loyalist forces, aided by ECOWAS standby troops, and calm was restored within days.

    The forthcoming presidential election is therefore viewed as a crucial test of resilience for Benin’s democratic institutions. It carries significant weight not only for the country’s stability but also for the wider West African region, where the outcome will be closely watched as a measure of democratic strength in the face of recent upheaval.

  • Vice President Shettima urges world-class standards for made-in-Nigeria products

    Vice President Shettima urges world-class standards for made-in-Nigeria products

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has charged members of the National Council on Skills (NCS)—comprising federal ministries, state governments and the private sector—to ensure that Made-in-Nigeria products and services remain synonymous with world-class standards.

    He urged the council to harness the restless, inventive spirit of Nigerians, evident across streets, schools and workshops, by channelling this energy into powering the nation’s ongoing industrial revolution.

    In a statement on Friday, Shettima, who chaired the 8th NCS meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, emphasised that as the council moves towards inaugurating the National Working Committee for WorldSkills Nigeria, its responsibility extends well beyond preparations for Shanghai 2026. He noted that the council’s work is central to positioning Nigeria as a hub of innovation and skills development in Africa.

    The 48th WorldSkills Competition, organised by WorldSkills International, will bring together skilled young professionals from across the globe to compete in diverse fields ranging from engineering and construction to information technology and creative arts. Nigeria’s participation, Shettima stressed, is not only about showcasing talent but also about benchmarking national standards against global best practices, thereby strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the international marketplace.

  • Peter Obi urges unity beyond tribe and tongue, harnessing Nigeria’s diversity for strength

    Peter Obi urges unity beyond tribe and tongue, harnessing Nigeria’s diversity for strength

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — Mr Peter Obi, leader of the All Democratic Congress (ADC) and presidential aspirant for the 2027 general elections, on Thursday issued a statement titled “Beyond Tribe and Tongue”, stressing that Nigeria’s mosaic of tribes, languages and religions should serve as a source of strength rather than division.

    Obi cited India as a classic example, noting that despite its vast landmass—nearly three and a half times larger than Nigeria—and its diverse mix of religions and cultures, it has evolved into a global benchmark for democracy. With a population exceeding one billion and close to one billion registered voters, of whom about 700 million typically participate in elections, India has established a system widely regarded as free, fair and credible. Its electoral processes are conducted with remarkable efficiency, often recorded in real time and largely free of glitches.

    The former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election further observed that beyond the ballot, India has emerged as a global leader in STEM—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—while transforming its healthcare system, extending medical insurance to over half of its population. These achievements, he argued, are the result of deliberate efforts to strengthen centripetal forces—those elements that bind a nation together—rather than amplify centrifugal impulses of division that continue to challenge Nigeria.

    “When I advocate for the unity of Nigeria, I do so with deep sincerity and conviction. Our cohesion is an indispensable foundation for peaceful coexistence, sustainable development and enduring national stability. I urge my fellow Nigerians to reflect on the example of India—a nation with a far larger population and an even more intricate web of ethnic and religious diversity—yet one that continues to forge unity from complexity,” Obi stated.

    The statement reads in part: “Ultimately, the true fault lines in our national life are neither tribal nor religious. No tribe or religion enjoys cheaper food in the market, nor is any group more secure than another. Our real challenge lies in competence, capacity, compassion and the commitment to build a better country. Only then can we move beyond tribe and tongue and create a nation that truly works for all.”

  • Access Holdings’ Aig‑Imoukhuede meets Cameroon Prime Minister as WTO Conference continues

    Access Holdings’ Aig‑Imoukhuede meets Cameroon Prime Minister as WTO Conference continues

    AFRICA (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — The Chairman of Access Holdings PLC, Aigboje Aig‑Imoukhuede CFR, on Friday was received by His Excellency Joseph Dion Ngute, Prime Minister of Cameroon, in Yaoundé.

    The meeting formed part of Aig‑Imoukhuede’s official visit to Cameroon, coinciding with the ongoing 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (MC14), held from 26–29 March 2026. The high‑level gathering has brought together trade ministers and global stakeholders to deliberate on reforms, e‑commerce, investment facilitation, fisheries subsidies and agriculture.

    The WTO’s Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé is widely regarded as a pivotal event for global trade, placing Cameroon at the centre of international discussions. Decisions taken are expected to shape the future of the multilateral trading system, particularly in areas of reform, agriculture, fisheries and digital trade.

    According to a statement by Access Bank, discussions between the two leaders focused on strengthening collaboration with the Government of Cameroon in line with its economic transformation agenda. 

    Both leaders highlighted support for public finance management, improved access to foreign exchange for priority sectors, infrastructure financing, and the development of sustainable and resilient economic systems. The talks also underscored the importance of private‑sector partnerships in driving inclusive growth and ensuring that Cameroon’s economy remains competitive in the evolving global trade landscape.

  • Ukraine and Saudi Arabia sign defence cooperation pact

    Ukraine and Saudi Arabia sign defence cooperation pact

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — Ukraine has signed a landmark defence cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, positioning itself as a global security partner following its battlefield experience in the war with Russia.

    The document, signed as part of the meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, establishes a framework for future contracts, technological collaboration and investment, while strengthening Ukraine’s role as a security donor.

    In a statement on Friday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to share its expertise and defence systems with Saudi Arabia to enhance the protection of lives. “Now into the fifth year, Ukrainians are resisting the same kind of terrorist attacks – ballistic missiles and drones – that the Iranian regime is currently carrying out in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial,” he noted.

    The Ukrainian leader added that discussions also covered the wider Middle East and Gulf situation, Russia’s support for Iran, developments in fuel markets and prospects for energy cooperation.

  • Nigeria’s Finance Minister meets IMF Africa Group III Executive Director

    Nigeria’s Finance Minister meets IMF Africa Group III Executive Director

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on Friday received Dr Quattara Wautabouna, Executive Director for the IMF Africa Group III (ECOWAS Constituency), during a courtesy visit in Abuja.

    According to a statement from the Ministry, discussions centred on strengthening regional economic coordination and enhancing collaboration within the ECOWAS constituency. The Minister emphasised the importance of continued engagement to support economic stability and shared growth objectives across the region.

    The IMF Africa Group III has been pivotal in supporting economic and institutional projects across West Africa. In Ghana, its US$3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme is stabilising the economy through debt restructuring and fiscal reforms. Nigeria, though not under a lending programme, benefits from IMF-backed reforms, such as subsidy removal, improved functioning of the foreign exchange market, and fiscal discipline. Sierra Leone is implementing a 38‑month ECF arrangement worth SDR 187 million (about US$253 million), focusing on macroeconomic adjustment and climate resilience. Liberia has also received disbursements under its ECF programme, including US$26.5 million in October 2025, to strengthen fiscal management and infrastructure.

    Beyond individual countries, the IMF supports regional capacity building through AFRITAC West 2, which covers Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia and Cabo Verde. This initiative provides technical assistance and training in public finance, macroeconomic management and financial sector oversight. Collectively, these projects underscore the IMF’s commitment to stabilising economies, reinforcing reforms and building institutional resilience across West Africa.