Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — The OK Movement, a political platform mobilising support for Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has ruled out any merger with external political groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The movement, which brings together supporters drawn from the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), also rejected an alleged plot to remove its Director-General and founder, Mr John Ughulu.

The group insisted that its nationwide grassroots structure was built around Ughulu’s leadership and warned that any attempt to remove him or compromise the movement’s independence could threaten its continued existence.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after a summit in Abuja and jointly signed by the Convener, Mr Ladipo Johnson, and the National Secretary, Sadaatu Sani.

The communiqué said the movement had resolved to remain an independent organisation while continuing to work and coordinate with other groups pursuing similar political objectives.

It warned that any externally imposed merger or consolidation could disrupt programmes already underway and undermine the identity and grassroots momentum built by the movement.

“The Summit resolves that the OK Movement shall remain an independent organisation and shall not be merged into, or absorbed by any external political body.

“Independence does not mean isolation – we remain ready to coordinate closely with allied groups in pursuit of shared goals,” the communiqué stated.

The leadership said its decision to retain Ughulu as Director-General was based on his role in building the organisation’s grassroots network across the country.

According to the movement, its structure was built ward by ward through volunteers recruited and mobilised under the leadership of its founder.

The group warned that the removal of Ughulu or any attempt to surrender the movement’s independence could lead to the collapse of its grassroots structure.

“The movement was built ward by ward, largely on the personal credibility of its founder with the volunteers who make up its ranks.

“Our loyalty is not to a title, but to the man who recruited, trained and stood with us.

“Should the Director-General be removed, or the movement’s independence set aside, the members have indicated that they would not continue to operate under the resulting arrangement,” Johnson said.

The leadership, however, extended an olive branch to Ms Jacky Wayas, inviting her to return to the movement as Director of Strategic Implementation and Planning under the leadership of the Director-General.

The development comes as political groups and support movements aligned with Obi and Kwankwaso continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The OK Movement said it remains committed to strengthening its grassroots mobilisation structure while collaborating with allied organisations in pursuit of its political objectives.

(NAN)

BENIN CITY, Nigeria (NPA) — Monday Okpebholo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development, progress and prosperity of Edo State, pledging to continue building a state where citizens can live with dignity and young people can pursue their ambitions.

The governor made the pledge in a message issued on Saturday to mark his birthday, expressing gratitude to God and the people of Edo State for the opportunity to serve.

Okpebholo thanked residents for their trust, prayers, support and goodwill, saying he does not take the confidence reposed in his administration for granted.

“I give thanks to God Almighty for the gift of life, for His grace, and for the opportunity to serve,” the governor said.

“As I mark another year, my heart is filled with deep gratitude to the good people of Edo State for the trust, prayers, support and goodwill you have continued to extend to me. I do not take this privilege for granted.”

The governor described the opportunity to lead the state as both an honour and a responsibility, stressing that leadership should be measured by its impact on the lives of the people and the opportunities created for future generations.

“To serve Edo is both an honour and a responsibility I hold very close to my heart. Every day reminds me that leadership is not about the office one occupies, but about the lives one touches, the opportunities one creates and the future one helps to build,” he stated.

Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of Edo residents and strengthening economic opportunities across communities.

“I remain firmly committed to the development, progress and prosperity of our dear Edo State. Together, we will continue to build an Edo where our people can live with dignity, where our young people can dream boldly, where our farmers can thrive, where businesses can prosper and where every community has a reason to hope.”

The governor thanked the people of the state for the honour to serve and prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity for Edo and its people.

“Thank you, Edo State, for the honour to serve you. May God continue to bless our people and our dear State,” he added.

KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of the country’s long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, has announced his intention to run for president in 2031.

Newpost Africa reports that Kainerugaba, 52, has long been regarded as a potential successor to his father and has gained prominence for his outspoken and often controversial posts on social media, including threats against leading opposition figure Bobi Wine.

He also played a key role in his father’s re-election campaign in the January polls, during which security forces cracked down on opponents and internet access was restricted.

“I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031. And we will win by the grace of Almighty God,” Kainerugaba said in one of a series of posts on X late Tuesday.

“With my great father, Mzee’s, support I will get 90% in the elections in 2031,” he added, using an honorific reference to his 81-year-old father.

Kainerugaba, who leads a political pressure group known as the Patriotic League of Uganda, had previously declared that he would contest the last presidential election in January but ultimately backed out.

Museveni, who leads the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), has governed Uganda since 1986. His administration has faced accusations from critics of human rights violations, including torture, kidnappings and arbitrary detention. The government has denied the allegations.

Uganda’s main opposition leader, Bobi Wine, fled to the United States earlier this year, saying he feared for his life. Another veteran opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, has been in prison since 2024 and is facing trial for treason.

The announcement by Kainerugaba adds to growing speculation over Uganda’s political succession, given his close relationship with the president and his increasingly prominent role in the country’s political affairs.

Newpost Africa reports that when asked whether Museveni would seek another term, government spokesman Alan Kasujja told Reuters that the president and the ruling party would make that decision when the time comes.

“As has been the case over the years, President Museveni and the party he leads will make that decision when the time comes,” Kasujja said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his campaign pledge to restore a targeted fuel subsidy if elected President, saying the policy would help cushion the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

The former Vice President restated his position on Tuesday after receiving the Osun State leadership of the ADC in Abuja, arguing that government economic policies should ultimately improve the purchasing power and living conditions of citizens.

Atiku said his position on fuel subsidy was based on his belief that the strength of an economy should not be measured solely by government revenue, but also by what citizens can afford with the money in their pockets.

“On the question of subsidy, my position has not changed and will not change: I will restore it! A nation as blessed as ours has no business abandoning its citizens to hardship. Nigeria is rich enough to look after her own,” he said.

The former Vice President argued that rising fuel prices have broader consequences for households and businesses because increased energy and transportation costs feed into the prices of food and other essential goods.

“When fuel rises, transport rises. When transport rises, food rises. When food rises, families suffer,” he said.

Against this backdrop, Atiku said his proposed policy would focus on restoring purchasing power while supporting domestic production and reducing energy costs.

“I want wages to have value again. I want farmers to move produce without transport swallowing their profits. I want families to fill their baskets without emptying their pockets. I want businesses to produce, employ and prosper,” he said.

He said he would pursue what he described as a targeted subsidy, rather than a return to what he called an “import racket”.

“That is why I will restore targeted subsidy and put purchasing power back in the hands of Nigerians,” Atiku said.

“I will support Nigerian production, reduce energy costs and restore purchasing power. I will not restore the import racket; I will restore relief.”

Atiku also criticised the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians under the current administration, saying he would seek to reverse what he described as a chain of rising costs that has affected households, farmers and businesses.

“I will break that wretched chain that has defined our national life in the nearly four years of Tinubu’s presidency,” he said.

The former Vice President further pledged to pursue policies aimed at strengthening the naira’s purchasing power and making essential goods and services more affordable.

“I will make the naira in your pocket worth more, make daily living affordable again, and secure our people.

“Economic security. Physical security. A better life for every Nigerian. That is the Nigeria I intend to build,” Atiku said.

His latest comments reinforce the ADC candidate’s campaign position that government intervention in the energy sector remains necessary to protect household purchasing power, while combining such measures with increased domestic production and lower energy costs.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Muslims across Nigeria on this year’s Eid-el-Maulud celebration, urging them to embrace and reflect the teachings and virtues of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the occasion should go beyond commemorating the birth of the Prophet to serve as a period of introspection, prayer and reflection on his exemplary life.

The President urged Muslim faithful to draw lessons from what he described as the Prophet’s exceptional virtues, including devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness.

“The Muslim faithful should make deliberate effort to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. There are great lessons of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness that we can all learn from the life of the Prophet,” he said.

Tinubu also called on religious leaders to use the occasion to pray for Nigeria and encourage their followers to translate the lessons of Prophet Muhammad’s life into their commitment to the country.

Beyond prayers and reflection, the President urged Muslims celebrating the Maulud festival to extend a hand of fellowship to the needy and vulnerable as part of the spirit of the season.

He also called for prayers against insecurity and other challenges affecting parts of the country, urging Nigerians to continue to work towards peace, unity and a better society.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, has expressed confidence in securing re-election in the 2027 general elections, saying his administration’s achievements and acceptability among residents would give him an advantage. 

Nwifuru made the statement after casting his vote in Saturday’s local government election at his hometown of Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area of the state. 

The governor, who is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi, acknowledged that other political parties would field candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 elections. 

“I am the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi, but you should expect other political parties to field candidates for various positions in the elections,” he said. 

Nwifuru, however, said political opponents should be reasonable, competitive and capable of identifying the lapses of the incumbent administration. 

“One should, however, expect to meet opponents who are reasonable, competitive and ready to expose your lapses,” he said. 

“An opponent is supposed to teach you what you don’t know because he will not hide your lapses.” 

The governor attributed his confidence in winning a second term to his acceptability among the people and what he described as the numerous developmental strides of his administration. 

He also attributed the peaceful and orderly conduct of the local government election to the level playing field provided for participating political parties and candidates. 

“The APC allowed the people to choose who will lead them at the grassroots, and that is why the support is massive,” Nwifuru said. 

“I believe in the candidates of our party and their abilities to deliver the goods to the people who voted them.” 

He said the participation of candidates from other political parties also contributed to the smooth conduct of the election. 

“I believe other parties presented their own candidates, and that is why we are having a seamless process,” he said. 

On his own political future, Nwifuru said he would prefer to be endorsed by the people based on the performance of his administration. 

“My desire is for the people to endorse me because that is the right thing. My administration has been working for the people and will continue doing so,” he said. 

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that the ruling APC fielded candidates across all 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ebonyi State. 

Among the notable APC candidates were Osbourne Umahi, who contested the chairmanship of Ohaozara LGA; Prince Ifechukwu Ogbufia, the incumbent chairman seeking re-election in Onicha LGA; and Engr. Timothy Nwachi, who contested for a second term in Afikpo LGA. 

The APC’s participation across all 13 LGAs was seen as part of efforts to consolidate its grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

In Ebonyi State, elected local government chairmen and councillors are expected to serve a three-year tenure across the state’s 13 LGAs and 171 wards. 

The tenure applies to both chairmen and councillors elected under the state’s local government electoral framework, after which fresh elections are expected to be conducted. 

The local government election forms part of the state-level electoral process through which grassroots leadership is selected in Ebonyi State. 

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace, unity and development across the state. 

Nwifuru made the pledge on Saturday following the conclusion of the local government elections held across the 13 Local Government Areas of the South-East state. 

The election, which was described by observers as generally peaceful, produced candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as winners in several local government areas, including Osbourne Umahi, the 28-year-old son of former Ebonyi Governor and current Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi. 

In a statement, Nwifuru said he joined other Ebonyi residents to exercise his civic responsibility by voting at his polling unit, Edupfu Okemini 002, Enyanwuigwe Ward, Izzi Local Government Area. 

He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election and the turnout of voters across the state. 

“I am pleased with the orderly conduct of the election and the large turnout of our people across the State. Reports from across the 13 Local Government Areas indicate that Ebonyians have come out in their numbers to participate in the process,” he said. 

The governor commended residents for what he described as their peaceful participation in the election. 

“I remain grateful to the people of Ebonyi State for their continued support and confidence in our administration,” he said. 

“As we move forward, my commitment remains to the peace, unity and development of Ebonyi State.” 

The local government election was conducted across the state’s 13 LGAs, with the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) responsible for organising and supervising the exercise. 

The ruling APC fielded candidates across all 13 LGAs, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) boycotted the election. 

Among the notable APC candidates were Osbourne Umahi, who contested the chairmanship of Ohaozara LGA; Prince Ifechukwu Ogbufia, the incumbent chairman seeking re-election in Onicha LGA; and Engr. Timothy Nwachi, who contested for a second term in Afikpo LGA. 

The APC’s participation across all 13 LGAs is seen as part of efforts to consolidate its grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

In Ebonyi State, elected local government chairmen and councillors are expected to serve a three-year tenure across the 13 LGAs and 171 wards. 

The tenure applies to both chairmen and councillors elected under the state’s local government electoral framework, after which fresh elections are expected to be conducted. 

The local government election is part of the state-level electoral process through which grassroots leadership is selected in Ebonyi State.