Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to contest in the 2027 elections.

Odumegwu‑Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the ministry. In the same development, the President has nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation. Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, currently serves as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. He is a seasoned diplomat with over three decades of service, having held postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi, and previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), the appointments are part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships. President Tinubu congratulated the appointees and urged them to promote Nigeria’s national interest, advance economic diplomacy, foster regional stability, and safeguard the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad.

In another development, President Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). He has nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive, subject to Senate confirmation.

The decision, made under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the petroleum sector. Umar, a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and alumnus of Harvard Business School, brings over 25 years of experience across energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. Pending Senate confirmation, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.

President Tinubu thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has acknowledged the ruling of an Abuja Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Joyce O. Abdulmalik, which sacked the elected but yet‑to‑be inaugurated State Chairmen of the party.

In a statement issued by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, the party recalled that it had earlier clarified that the congresses did not truncate the tenure of current State Executives, who would serve out their full term before the newly elected executives are inaugurated.

The party noted that its leadership has instructed its legal team to review the judgment and advise appropriately.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday visited the Abuja residence of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, in what he described as a “fruitful engagement” with a fellow member of the African Democratic Congress.

In a post on his verified X account, Atiku said the meeting was cordial and reflective of Amaechi’s long-standing contributions to national development.

“Today, I had an engaging and fruitful audience with my dear brother, H.E. Rotimi Amaechi, at his residence in Abuja. Amaechi is a statesman whose distinguished service as a two-time Speaker, two-time Governor, and two-time Minister continues to echo in the annals of our national life,” he wrote.

The meeting comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable for party primaries drawing closer. Party leaders and aspirants have stepped up consultations and alliance-building efforts across the country.

Both Atiku and Amaechi are reported to be seeking the ADC presidential ticket, while former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, is also considered a leading contender.

Meanwhile, an Abuja court on Wednesday ruled that INEC should not recognise any factional leadership within the ADC, further deepening uncertainty within the party. The development raises concerns about the party’s ability to meet INEC’s deadline for nominating candidates.

ADC leaders have since called on the Supreme Court to expedite proceedings in the leadership dispute to enable the party remain competitive in the 2027 elections.

Atiku also expressed appreciation for the reception he received during the visit, thanking Amaechi for his “warmth, grace and generosity of spirit.”

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State.

The endorsement follows a similar backing by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, days earlier.

Tinubu’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Sanwo-Olu after he and other party leaders visited the President in Abuja.

“Today, President Bola Tinubu officially endorsed my Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, as the APC candidate for the 2027 Lagos gubernatorial election,” the statement read.

Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat as a reliable and capable leader, adding that the President’s endorsement reflects strong trust and confidence in his ability to lead the state.

He expressed optimism that Hamzat would build on existing achievements and sustain the development agenda for Lagos.

“There is still much to be done, but the path ahead for Lagos is clear,” the governor said.

The endorsement is seen as a significant political signal ahead of the 2027 election, reinforcing Hamzat’s position within the ruling party as other aspirants jostle for the party’s ticket as the election draws near.

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.