Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, has outlined key takeaways from Tuesday’s plenary, which featured new bills, motions, and confirmations.

Two bills were introduced and passed first reading, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for $516,333,007 syndicated financing from Deutsche Bank AG for the construction of the Sokoto–Badagry super highway. The Senate later approved the financing after adopting the report of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.

Three motions were also considered and adopted. These included the rescission and recommittal of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Bill, which was subsequently passed after addressing critical gaps. Other motions focused on the Onitsha building materials market fire in Anambra State, moved by Senator Tony Nwoye, and the renewed attacks in Lamurde LGA of Adamawa State, moved by Senator Binos Yaroe. The Senate directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to provide immediate relief materials to affected traders and displaced communities.

Senator Barau commended President Tinubu’s infrastructure drive, noting that the Sokoto–Badagry super highway will boost agriculture by opening access to land and dams for crop cultivation. He also cited ongoing projects such as the reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway as evidence of the president’s commitment to national development.

Additionally, the Senate confirmed several appointments, including Lamido Abubakar Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Peggy Ufamina Onwu as Independent Director on the board of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and Amina Gamawa (Bauchi State) and Abdullahi Muktar (Kaduna State) as Commissioners in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission. The confirmations followed presidential requests and the adoption of committee reports screening the nominees.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Anambra State governor and presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has raised concern over claims by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that six out of every ten Nigerian university students are involved in internet fraud, popularly known as “419”.

Describing the revelation as “deeply troubling,” Obi said the development should not be taken lightly, warning that it points to a broader moral and systemic crisis.

He noted that Nigeria already has a limited higher education population, estimated at between 2 and 2.5 million students. If the EFCC’s claim is accurate, he said, it would mean that roughly 1.4 million young people are involved in fraudulent activities.

“This is not just a crime issue; it is a serious moral and systemic failure,” he said.

Obi questioned the societal factors driving such behaviour, including the type of role models young people are exposed to and the values being reinforced in the country.

“Young people become what they consistently see. When a system appears to reward wrongdoing, when integrity is not upheld, and when those in leadership are associated with allegations of dishonesty without consequence, it sends a dangerous message,” he stated.

According to him, such trends suggest that hard work and integrity are no longer prioritised, contributing to what he described as a collapse in moral values.

Citing the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, Obi added, “An unexamined life is not worth living,” urging Nigeria to reflect on its current trajectory.

The former governor emphasised that the issue should not be framed as condemnation of young people, but rather as a reflection of leadership failures.

“This is about acknowledging that leadership sets the tone. If integrity is not demonstrated at the top, it cannot be expected at the bottom,” he said.

Obi called for urgent efforts to rebuild Nigeria’s value system, enforce accountability without bias, and create an environment where honesty, hard work and discipline are rewarded.

He stressed that such reforms are essential to securing the country’s future.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, citing his administration’s policy direction and ongoing infrastructure projects.

The endorsement followed a motion adopted during plenary on Tuesday, where legislators praised what they described as the President’s “impactful leadership” and commitment to national development.

Among key projects highlighted were the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, alongside other major road constructions across the country.

The lawmakers also commended reforms introduced under Tinubu’s administration, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the removal of fuel subsidy, and ongoing tax harmonisation efforts. According to them, these measures have improved revenue generation, enhanced foreign exchange transparency, and boosted investor confidence.

They further noted that alternative funding mechanisms have been established to support critical sectors, while efforts are being made to reduce reliance on imports and promote local production.

Speaking in support of the motion, Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, stressed the need for continuity to allow the President complete ongoing initiatives.

Obasa also acknowledged the role of the media in promoting Nigeria’s progress and commended the administration’s efforts to improve the country’s international standing.

He subsequently directed the Clerk of the House to formally communicate the Assembly’s endorsement to the Lagos State Governor, political parties, the President, and the National Assembly.

The lawmakers called for unity and broader support to ensure Tinubu’s re-election for a second term.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential aspirant Peter Obi on Tuesday visited Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan as part of his nationwide consultations with political leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi said the meeting provided an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on critical national issues, the direction of Nigeria’s democracy, and the urgent need to build a united, inclusive, secure, and economically viable country.

In a statement, the former Labour Party candidate noted that he and Makinde exchanged views on governance, development priorities, and the role of responsible leadership at this crucial period. “The consultations remain essential as we continue to listen, reflect, and work collectively towards a better future for all Nigerians,” Obi said.

Earlier, Obi also visited former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja as part of his wider political engagements. He explained that the discussions focused on Nigeria’s future and the need for national renewal, with emphasis on tackling economic hardship, insecurity, and social divisions. “

Our discussions were frank, thoughtful, and anchored on the urgent need to reposition Nigeria on the path of unity, security, stability, productivity, and inclusive governance,” Obi added.

ADO‑EKITI, Nigeria (NPA) — Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South‑West say they are targeting 10 million votes in the region to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking at a news briefing on Tuesday in Ado‑Ekiti, South‑West Zonal Chairman Dr Isaac Kekemeke said the projection was based on achievements recorded by Tinubu’s administration. He vowed to ensure overwhelming victory for the APC in the upcoming Ekiti Governorship Election on June 20 and the Osun off‑cycle election on August 15.

Kekemeke highlighted Tinubu’s reforms, including the student loan scheme to expand education financing and the removal of fuel subsidy, which he described as a bold economic step that freed resources for development projects. He also commended the Federal Government for regular salary payments, improved minimum wages, and stability in the South‑West university system, noting there had been no strikes in three years.

“These policies have contributed to economic stability and enhanced public sector efficiency, particularly in the South‑West region. We are proud of the achievements of Mr President. We will return him with overwhelming votes,” he said.

The chairman further cautioned opposition coalitions against issuing threats, insisting that elections are won through serious mobilisation, not intimidation. “Nigerians don’t even know which party is the opposition. Threats don’t win elections but serious‑minded mobilisation can make people win,” he added.

ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (NPA) — Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Gbenga Daniel, has obtained the nomination and expression of interest forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former Ogun State governor, in a statement, said the move signals his intention to seek re-election to the Senate.

“Today, I picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms as I seek to return to the Nigerian Senate, continuing my efforts to provide effective and responsive representation for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District under the platform of the All Progressives Congress,” he said.

The development comes days after Governor Dapo Abiodun was endorsed by APC leaders and stakeholders in Ogun East Senatorial District as their consensus candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.

The endorsement, which took place in Ijebu Ode, was attended by party executives, councillors, lawmakers, and grassroots leaders from across the nine local government areas in the district.

Daniel, however, was absent from the event, with his supporters rejecting the endorsement and describing it as a “kangaroo arrangement,” insisting that due process must be followed in the party’s candidate selection.

The latest development sets the stage for a potential contest between the incumbent senator and the state governor, underscoring growing internal tensions within the APC in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 polls.

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria (NPA) — Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has inspected the new Creek Road Market in Old Port Harcourt Township, part of his administration’s ongoing infrastructural facelift of the oil‑rich state.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the steady progress recorded at the project site, noting that the market is a deliberate step to provide a safe, organized, and dignified trading environment for traders. He added that the project is running concurrently with the construction of internal road networks to improve access and mobility within the area.

Earlier, Fubara also inspected the 33.5km Elele–Omudioga–Egbeda–Ubimini–Ikiri–Omoku dual carriageway, scheduled for completion by the end of April. He described the project as highly significant, calling it one of his government’s signature initiatives, as it connects three critical local government areas — Ikwerre, Emohua, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni — with emphasis on linking Omoku as a major gas hub in the state.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that Nigeria’s democracy and the integrity of the 2027 general elections are under serious threat.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and presidential hopeful said the country’s democratic system is facing what he described as an existential danger, while expressing concern over developments surrounding an ongoing legal dispute involving the party.

“However, I do not want to believe that the judiciary, long regarded as the last hope of the common man, would align with the ruling APC in any effort that could undermine or destroy our democratic foundations,” he said.

Atiku’s remarks followed a letter dated April 28, 2026, written by S. E. Aruwa, SAN & Co. to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, urging the Supreme Court to expedite judgment in Suit No: SC/CV/180/2026 between Senator David Mark and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe and four others.

In the letter, signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Shaibu Enejo Aruwa, counsel to the ADC, the legal team warned that delays in delivering judgment could jeopardise the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.

The lawyers stated that the appeal, heard on April 22, 2026, had its judgment reserved, but stressed the urgency of a timely ruling, citing actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which allegedly de-recognised the leadership of the ADC following a lower court decision.

According to the letter, the development has left the party without recognised leadership despite its status as a registered political party, raising concerns over its ability to meet statutory requirements for the 2027 polls.

The counsel warned that failure to deliver judgment within days could result in the ADC being excluded from the elections, potentially disenfranchising millions of Nigerians and denying them their constitutional right to political participation.

They further argued that while acknowledging the workload of the Supreme Court, justice delayed in the matter would amount to justice denied, as the political future of the party and expectations of its members hang in the balance.

The legal team appealed for urgent judicial intervention to avert what it described as irreversible harm to the party’s constitutional rights.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned what it described as the unlawful arrest and “imprisonment” of citizen Yusuf Umar Garkuwa for allegedly criticizing Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman.

In a statement issued today, Amnesty said Garkuwa had been receiving threats to his life for criticizing the governor and the speaker, alleging that he was arrested yesterday.

The rights body further claimed that he has been transferred to Kaduna Prison as part of a plan to subject him to a sham trial and deprive him of personal liberty. “Punishing people for dissenting opinions is a direct attack on freedom of expression,” Amnesty said.

Amnesty stressed that criticizing the state and its institutions is not a crime. “Harsh and unlawful treatment of critics through the bizarre manipulation of the police and judiciary undermines rule of law. It is perfectly within the rights of Yusuf Garkuwa — and all people in Kaduna State — to criticize government officials and policies.”

The organization advised that instead of targeting critics, the Kaduna State Government should focus on urgently needed social services for the people and intensify efforts to end rampant banditry and kidnapping that continue to make life difficult in parts of the state.

As of the time of filing this report, the government has yet to respond to the allegations raised by Amnesty International.