Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has pledged to deliver one million mixed-income public housing units across Nigeria if elected president, while accusing rival political parties of adopting policies first proposed by his party.

Sowore made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday titled “Why Settle for Less?”, in which he contrasted the AAC’s policy proposals with those of other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The human rights activist argued that the AAC has consistently advanced more ambitious socioeconomic programmes than its political competitors.

According to him, his administration would construct one million mixed-income public homes nationwide as part of efforts to address the country’s housing deficit and improve living conditions for Nigerians.

“The Sowore administration will build one million mixed-income public homes across Nigeria. Why should Nigerians settle for less?” he said.

Sowore also alleged that other political parties have replicated several policy ideas initially championed by the AAC.

He cited the party’s proposal for a ₦500,000 living wage, claiming that competing political groups later responded with lower wage proposals.

“When we proposed a ₦500,000 living wage, they rushed out with ₦100,000. When we proposed one million public homes for all Nigerians, they responded with 100,000 homes,” he stated.

The AAC presidential candidate maintained that there was a clear distinction between what he described as transformative policies and programmes designed merely to manage existing economic challenges.

“One vision is designed to manage poverty. The other is designed to end it. One offers scarcity. The other offers abundance,” Sowore said.

He urged Nigerians to support what he described as a movement committed to economic liberation, social justice, and expanded opportunities for citizens.

Sowore concluded the statement by calling on voters to back his presidential bid in the 2027 elections, saying his administration would focus on policies aimed at improving welfare and expanding economic opportunities for Nigerians.

The proposals form part of the AAC’s emerging campaign platform as political parties begin positioning ahead of the next presidential election cycle.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has expressed satisfaction over the progress of two legislative proposals he sponsored, following their advancement through various stages of consideration in the Senate.

In a statement on Tuesday titled “Today’s Senate Plenary at a Glance,” Barau disclosed that one of the bills, the Nigeria Communications Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, successfully passed its first reading during Tuesday’s plenary session.

According to him, the bill was among four legislative proposals introduced and considered at the first reading stage.

The second proposal, titled ‘A Bill to Establish a Comprehensive Legal, Regulatory and Supervisory Framework for Virtual Assets and Digital Asset Service Providers in Nigeria’, scaled second reading after receiving broad support from lawmakers.

The Deputy Senate President said the bill seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the regulation of virtual assets, cryptocurrencies, and digital asset service providers operating within the country.

As the presiding officer during plenary, Barau said the lead debate on the bill was presented on his behalf by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammad Tahir Monguno.

He noted that Nigeria ranks among the world’s leading users of virtual assets and digital financial products, but lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern the rapidly expanding sector.

According to him, the proposed legislation is designed to address existing regulatory gaps, promote compliance, protect investors, and strengthen the integrity of the nation’s financial system.

“The world over, virtual assets, from cryptocurrency to blockchain-based tokens, have become an integral part of modern economic life. Yet there exists a gap in terms of a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework in this important sector,” he said.

Barau added that senators unanimously supported the proposal before it was approved for second reading and referred for further legislative action.

The Senate also advanced two other bills during the session.

They include a bill seeking to repeal the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria Act and replace it with the Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria, as well as a bill proposing the establishment of the Chartered Institute of Safety Engineers of Nigeria.

Both bills passed second reading and were subsequently referred to the relevant committees for further scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the Senate debated and adopted a motion on the urgent need to revive Nigeria’s textile industry.

The motion, sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung and co-sponsored by Barau and several other lawmakers, highlighted the economic consequences of the decline of the once-thriving sector.

Speaking during the debate, Barau said the collapse of the textile industry had resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs and livelihoods across the country.

He argued that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported textile products has continued to create employment opportunities abroad while limiting job creation for Nigerians.

“We have lost thousands of jobs and livelihoods due to the collapse of our textile industry. By importing 99 per cent of our textile needs, we create jobs for other countries while denying our people similar opportunities,” he said.

The Deputy Senate President stressed the need for deliberate policies to reverse the trend, strengthen local production, stimulate economic growth, and improve the welfare of citizens.

Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to urge the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards reviving the textile industry as part of broader efforts to create jobs, boost industrialisation, and address youth unemployment and restiveness.

The Senate adjourned plenary and is expected to reconvene on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across the country, warning that escalating violence and criminal activities are threatening lives, livelihoods, and national stability.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the former Kano State Governor said Nigeria was witnessing a disturbing resurgence of insecurity, with banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes, and armed robbery becoming increasingly widespread in several parts of the country.

According to him, states including Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, and Oyo have continued to experience varying degrees of insecurity, leaving many citizens living in fear.

“Nigeria is bleeding profusely. From Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kwara to Oyo and several other parts of the country, our citizens can no longer sleep with both eyes closed,” Kwankwaso said.

He described as alarming the growing boldness of criminal groups, alleging that some now use social media platforms to openly taunt security agencies and spread fear among the public.

The former Minister of Defence said the trend was unacceptable and inconsistent with the status of Nigeria as a sovereign nation.

Drawing from his experience in public service, Kwankwaso said insecurity can be effectively tackled through decisive leadership, strategic planning, and community participation.

“As someone who has served this country at various levels, including as Governor of Kano State and Minister of Defence, where we confronted and significantly reduced security challenges through decisive leadership and community engagement, I remain convinced that insecurity is not insurmountable,” he stated.

He argued that the country possesses the resources required to combat insecurity but lacks the political will and sincerity needed to address the challenge comprehensively.

Kwankwaso criticised the current security strategy, saying the persistent deterioration in the security situation despite significant budgetary allocations to the sector suggests the need for a new approach.

According to him, continued attacks across the country have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of thousands of people, and growing economic hardship caused by fear and instability.

He called for an urgent and comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, including improved welfare for security personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering, and stronger community policing initiatives.

The NDC vice presidential candidate also stressed the need to address the underlying causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, poor governance, and lack of opportunities for young people.

He urged the government to increase investment in quality education, skills acquisition, job creation, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity supply, and agricultural development as part of a long-term strategy for national security and economic stability.

Kwankwaso maintained that strengthening local food production and improving socioeconomic conditions would help reduce vulnerabilities that often fuel insecurity and social unrest.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure, has cautioned the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) against allowing former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and his supporters to dominate the party’s structures, alleging that such alliances often lead to internal crises and leadership struggles.

Abure specifically commended NDC leader Senator Seriake Dickson for reportedly rejecting demands to allocate elective positions exclusively to Obi’s supporters, describing the move as a wise decision that could help preserve the party’s stability and independence.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Labour Party chairman claimed that the experience of his party during the 2023 general election should serve as a lesson to other political organisations seeking alliances with Obi and his political associates.

According to Abure, the Labour Party provided Obi and his supporters with a platform and support during the 2023 election cycle, but later faced internal disputes over the control and leadership of the party.

He alleged that some members of Obi’s camp sought to dismantle existing party structures from the ward level to the national leadership after benefiting from the platform.

“Obi and his followers are ingrates who will never remember the sacrifices you made for them,” Abure said, warning that conceding all elective positions to Obi’s supporters could pose political risks for any party.

The Labour Party chairman also accused Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other elected officials of distancing themselves from the party after securing electoral victories under its platform.

He further claimed that internal disagreements within the Labour Party contributed to challenges surrounding the party’s leadership, which he alleged were later exploited by political opponents and other interested groups.

Abure maintained that Dickson’s decision to retain a balance of interests within the NDC was a prudent step that would protect the party from future internal conflicts and ensure that its leadership remains in control of its affairs.

He concluded by urging the NDC leadership to remain vigilant and avoid allowing any political group to dominate all levels of the party’s structure.

The statements reflect Abure’s position and allegations regarding the relationship between the Labour Party and supporters of Peter Obi.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy is anchored on enterprise, investment, and coordinated reforms across all levels of government.

He identified Lagos State as the clearest example of how effective subnational leadership can accelerate national economic transformation and drive sustainable growth.

Speaking on Monday while declaring open the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Shettima said Nigeria’s economic future depends on creating an enabling environment where capital, innovation, and productive enterprise can flourish.

Addressing an audience comprising policymakers, global investors, entrepreneurs, development institutions, and business leaders, the Vice President described Lagos as Nigeria’s foremost economic gateway and one of Africa’s most influential hubs for commerce and investment.

According to him, the state’s remarkable economic progress demonstrates the critical role of visionary leadership, strategic planning, and investor-friendly policies in driving economic expansion.

Shettima noted that the Federal Government remains committed to implementing reforms aimed at improving the business environment, attracting investment, boosting productivity, and unlocking the country’s vast economic potential.

He stressed that achieving the $1 trillion economy target would require stronger collaboration between the federal and subnational governments, as well as sustained private-sector participation.

The Vice President further assured investors of the government’s determination to build a stable, competitive, and inclusive economy capable of creating jobs, expanding opportunities, and delivering prosperity for Nigerians.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced plans to formally inaugurate its National Campaign Council for the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election as the party intensifies preparations for the poll.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the inauguration will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Kashim Shettima Hall of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

The event is scheduled to commence at noon.

The party said the National Campaign Council will be chaired by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, while President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, will serve as Co-Chairman.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has been appointed Secretary of the Council.

According to the APC, the council comprises serving and former governors, principal officers of the National Assembly and other senior party leaders charged with coordinating and driving the party’s campaign activities ahead of the Ekiti governorship election.

The party said several subcommittees have also been constituted to ensure effective planning and implementation of campaign activities across the state.

The committees will oversee key areas including election planning and management, finance and resource mobilisation, grassroots engagement, logistics, media and publicity, protocol, security, women’s mobilisation, youth mobilisation and secretariat operations.

The APC described the inauguration as a significant step in its preparations for the governorship election and part of broader efforts to mobilise support across Ekiti State.

According to the party, the campaign council will provide strategic direction and coordination aimed at securing victory at the polls.

The Ekiti governorship election is expected to attract significant national attention as political parties intensify campaigns and mobilisation efforts ahead of the contest.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the ethnic profiling of Fulani people over the activities of criminal elements, warning that stereotyping entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few individuals threatens national unity and social cohesion.

In a statement titled “Media Framing of Crime Along Ethnic Lines: Divisive,” released on Monday, Obi said Nigerians must resist the temptation to associate criminality with any ethnic group, insisting that crimes should be attributed to individuals rather than entire communities.

The former Anambra State governor said he understands the consequences of ethnic stereotyping, having personally experienced prejudice and generalisation because of his Igbo heritage.

“As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins,” Obi said. “This is not an isolated Igbo experience. Most Nigerians have, at some point, been reduced to their ethnicity rather than recognised for their true character.”

Obi said the same injustice is now being experienced by many ordinary Fulani people who are often unfairly associated with criminal activities allegedly perpetrated by bandits and other armed groups.

“I understand the pain of the ordinary Fulani man today, often unfairly judged by the actions of criminals he does not support, has never met, and who are not representative of his people,” he stated.

Drawing parallels with the civil rights movement in the United States, Obi referenced the message of the late civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated judging individuals by their character rather than their identity.

The NDC presidential candidate stressed that criminality transcends ethnic, religious and regional boundaries. “Every Nigerian ethnic group is known for its unique traditions, occupations, skills and strengths. Crime, however, has no ethnicity,” he said.

“A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are bad actors, not representatives of any people. They must be identified, arrested and punished according to the law.”

Obi warned that attributing crimes to entire ethnic groups fuels division, hatred and mistrust among Nigerians.

“We must decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals. It is unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s cultural diversity and avoid narratives that deepen ethnic tensions or serve political interests.

According to him, Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and citizens must focus on shared values of justice, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

“Let us proudly celebrate our diverse cultures, talents and contributions, rather than falling prey to stereotypes and prejudices that politicians and divisive interests exploit for their gain,” Obi said.

The former governor reiterated his vision of a nation where citizens are judged by their conduct rather than their tribe, religion or place of origin.

“A New Nigeria must emerge — one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion or birthplace. We can cherish our cultural roots while standing united by justice, mutual respect and hope for a better future,” he added.

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigerian singer Adebayo Adeleke, popularly known as B-Red, has called on residents of Osun State to support the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

B-Red, the son of the Osun State governor and cousin of Afrobeats star Davido, made the appeal in a post on his verified X account on Sunday.

The singer said he had witnessed firsthand the efforts of his father in delivering development projects and improving governance across the state.

“August 15 is near. As a proud son, I’ve watched my dad work tirelessly for the people of Osun State, and the results speak for themselves,” B-Red wrote.

“I humbly ask the good people of Osun to support his re-election so we can keep the progress going. God bless Osun State.”

Governor Adeleke is seeking a second term in office and has consistently highlighted his administration’s achievements in infrastructure development, public service reforms and economic management as key reasons for voters to renew his mandate.

According to the Imole Campaign Council, the administration has recorded significant growth in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which reportedly increased from N24.47 billion in 2022 to N58 billion in 2025. The council attributed the increase to measures aimed at blocking revenue leakages, strengthening transparency and promoting prudent financial management.

In a statement issued by the council’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the administration was credited with implementing policies designed to improve accountability and maximise government resources and stop corruption.

As the election approaches, Governor Adeleke has continued to receive endorsements from various political, labour and community groups across the state.

Among those backing his re-election bid are the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Osun State Chapter, as well as organised labour groups, according to campaign officials.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that the governor described himself as the “goalkeeper” protecting the interests of Osun State and expressed confidence in securing another term based on what he described as his administration’s record of service.

Adeleke said his government remains committed to delivering on its Five-Point Agenda and sustaining development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents across the state.

The August 15 governorship election is expected to be one of the most closely watched political contests in Nigeria’s South-West region.