Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — Mr. Peter Obi, a leader of Nigeria’s opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a frontline presidential aspirant, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent comparison of Nigeria’s fuel prices with Kenya, suggesting Nigeria is doing better than the East African nation and others. Obi described the remark as dismissive, likening it to the biblical Pharisee who boasted of superiority to mask deeper shortcomings.

In a statement issued today, Obi argued that the comparison was baseless, noting that Kenya outperforms Nigeria across several economic and social indicators. He referenced Tinubu’s comment in Yenagoa suggesting Nigerians should take solace in being “better off than Kenya and other African countries,” warning that such rhetoric risks trivializing the severity of Nigeria’s economic crisis. Obi emphasized that credible comparisons must be grounded in verifiable data, not used as a refuge from accountability.

Obi highlighted Kenya’s stronger performance in key development metrics: security, the Human Development Index, GDP per capita, literacy levels, electricity access, and life expectancy. For example, Kenya’s HDI ranking is 143 with a coefficient of 0.630, compared to Nigeria’s 164 with 0.530. Kenya’s GDP per capita stands at about $2,200, while Nigeria’s is below $850. Poverty affects 43% of Kenyans compared to 63% of Nigerians, and Kenya’s literacy rate is above 80%, compared to Nigeria’s 62–65%. He also noted that Kenya’s inflation has remained around 4.5% in recent years, while Nigeria’s has consistently exceeded 15%.

Obi concluded that if Kenyans are considered to be suffering despite stronger figures, Nigerians are in a far more difficult situation. He urged President Tinubu to refrain from self-consolation and instead embrace humility, accountability, and a determined effort to address the structural challenges slowing Nigeria’s development.

ABUJA, Nigeria, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — Nigeria’s major opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has congratulated all newly elected State Executives and State Chairmen across the federation on the successful and peaceful conduct of their congresses.

The ADC, on Sunday, noted that the elections, carried out in line with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution, reflect its enduring commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and the rule of law. The party commended members and stakeholders for exercising their democratic rights with maturity, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose.

In a statement signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, Spokesperson for the ADC, the party announced that the formal inauguration of the newly elected State Executives is scheduled to take place on 12 May 2026, or on a later date to be communicated by the National Working Committee.

“As you prepare to assume office, we urge all elected officials to remain steadfast in their dedication to the ideals and vision of the party. The task ahead requires unity, discipline, and a continued commitment to building a strong, credible alternative for the Nigerian people,” the statement read.

The ADC expressed confidence that under the leadership of the newly elected officials at the state level, the party will continue to grow, deepen its structures, and strengthen its connection with citizens across the country.

“The ADC remains confident that under your leadership at the state level, the party will continue to grow, deepen its structures, and strengthen its connection with citizens across the country,” the statement concluded.

ABUJA, Nigeria, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — Nigeria’s opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly criticised an alleged illegal action by the Nigeria Police Force (the unsealing of its National Secretariat and facilitating its takeover by agents of the federal government and sympathisers of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), who are allegedly posing as PDP members, despite a pending court appeal).

The party noted that the police action was carried out under the guise of a judgment delivered by Justice Abdulmalik, which has already been appealed. The police, being a party to the matter, are fully aware of this appeal and have been duly served. By interfering with the subject of litigation, the police risk rendering any eventual ruling of the Court of Appeal ineffective. The PDP described this as a shameful act, stressing that those entrusted with upholding the law are now openly disobeying it.

A statement by the party today further expressed disappointment over the alleged police’s illegal action, despite hopes that the new Inspector General of Police would ensure neutrality. The party said since the beginning of this dispute, police officers have consistently demonstrated bias in favour of APC loyalists backed by Nyesom Wike, intensifying their partisan interventions.

Signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, the statement urged party members to remain peaceful and law-abiding, refraining from any actions that could disturb public order. It assured members that the party would pursue all lawful measures to safeguard the rights and privileges of its genuine members.

The PDP expressed optimism that the current climate of state-sponsored persecution and forced one-party dominance will soon end, allowing true democratic practice to flourish once again for the preservation of the republic.

“Though pains may tarry in the night, joy and liberation will certainly come in the morning. Let us therefore bear this night with the hope that surely the morning is en route,” the statement concluded.