New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Labour Party zones presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria Region

    Labour Party zones presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria Region

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 25, 2026: Nigeria’s opposition party, the Labour Party (LP) has announced that its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election will be zoned to the southern region of Nigeria.

    Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja after a meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and leaders of political parties. The meeting focused on reviewing INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for the 2027 elections.

    Usman explained that while the ticket remains open to credible aspirants, the party has resolved not to field any candidate from the North.

    “We have taken one clear decision: we will not field any aspirant from Northern Nigeria. The position has been zoned to Southern Nigeria,” she said.

    She emphasized that the party would uphold internal democracy, noting that the eventual candidate would emerge through the primaries.

    “I cannot tell you who the candidate will be right now because that would no longer be democratic,” she added.

    On preparations for the party congresses scheduled to begin Thursday, Usman hinted at a possible shift due to the surge in new membership.

    “If we stick to that date, we risk disenfranchising many new members. We may need to sit together as a group and agree on a new date,” she said.

    Usman also welcomed a recent court ruling in Yenagoa that dismissed a leadership challenge against the party, describing it as lacking merit.

    “Anybody can claim to be chairman and go to court, but the court found they had no locus standi and threw it out. The case is now over,” she stated.

    Addressing the recent attack on a party office, she confirmed that a formal petition has been submitted to the Nigeria Police Force and expressed confidence that the culprits would be brought to justice.

    On membership registration, Usman urged Nigerians to embrace the party’s digital platform.

    “I call on members to use their phones to register. Manual registration is only for those in remote areas without internet access,” she explained.

    Earlier, she commended INEC for its briefing on the new Electoral Act 2026, noting that the session was crucial for helping parties comply with requirements such as timely uploading of candidate names and adherence to new regulations.

  • Herzog praises Lebanon’s expulsion of Iranian envoy, calls it a bold step

    Herzog praises Lebanon’s expulsion of Iranian envoy, calls it a bold step

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 25, 2026 — Israeli President Isaac Herzog has hailed Lebanon’s decision to expel the Iranian Ambassador, describing it as a bold and historic move. He said the action marks a watershed moment and could signal broader regional changes if the influence of Iran and its proxies is curtailed.

    Herzog made the remarks while visiting the site of an Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv, which recently hit an affluent part of the city. Addressing the nation, he stressed that missiles “do not distinguish between person and person, and neither do we — the entire nation stands together in this battle.”

    The president praised Israel’s rescue forces and municipal teams for their dedication and professionalism in responding to the attack. He commended the Tel Aviv operations center for its effective management, innovative approaches, and uncompromising commitment to residents’ safety. Herzog emphasised that such resilience demonstrates the unity of Israeli society in the face of external threats.

    “I wish to thank Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and his team, and I wish to strengthen the citizens of Israel from north to south. Together we will stand and prevail,” Herzog concluded, underscoring his message of solidarity and determination.

  • Akume inaugurates PENCOM Board, charges members on accountability

    Akume inaugurates PENCOM Board, charges members on accountability

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has inaugurated the Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), urging members to uphold accountability and transparency in safeguarding the retirement savings of Federal Government workers.

    Akume underscored the clarity of their mandate, which includes providing strategic direction, policy guidance, and effective oversight in line with the Pension Reform Act 2014. “Today’s inauguration underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to a pension system that is transparent, resilient, and trusted by all,” he said. He warned against encroaching on operational responsibilities, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to addressing pension liabilities and ensuring retirees are paid with dignity and timeliness.

    The Board, chaired by Dr. Opeyemi Agbaje, includes Hon. Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim, OON (Commissioner, Technical); Samuel Chigozie Uwanda, CPA (Commissioner, Inspectorate); Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhate (Commissioner, Finance); Bello Abubakar Malabu (Commissioner, Administration); Dr. Abdul Sule Usman Garba (Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office); Mrs. Aderonke J. Jaiyesimi (Federal Ministry of Finance); Comrade Joseph Ajaero (Nigeria Labour Congress); Tajuddeen Ubayi (Trade Union Congress of Nigeria); Comrade Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi (Nigeria Union of Pensioners); Adewale Smatt‑Oyerinde (Nigeria Employers Consultative Association); Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi (Central Bank of Nigeria); Dr. Emomotitmi Agama (Securities and Exchange Commission); Dr. Umaru Kwairanga (Nigerian Stock Exchange); and Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin (National Insurance Commission).

    Speaking on behalf of the Board, Dr Agbaje assured alignment with governance principles, pledging integrity, accountability, and a clear distinction between oversight and management. He thanked President Tinubu for the appointment and emphasised leveraging pension funds as a catalyst for national development.

    Earlier, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, noted that reforms have strengthened PenCom as a key institution safeguarding retirement savings, impacting both current retirees and serving public servants.

  • Ex-US Mayor, Mike Arnold accuses Britain of silence over Nnamdi Kanu’s imprisonment

    Ex-US Mayor, Mike Arnold accuses Britain of silence over Nnamdi Kanu’s imprisonment

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — Mike Arnold, founder of Africa Arise International and former mayor of Blanco City, Texas, has accused Britain of deliberate silence over the imprisonment of British citizen Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria.

    Arnold, a vocal critic of Christian persecution in Nigeria, on Tuesday, published a lengthy piece titled “Great Britain’s Dirtiest Secret.” He described Kanu, a British passport holder and founder of IPOB — the Indigenous People of Biafra — as a peaceful advocate for Igbo rights and independence. Broadcasting legally from London, he alleged that Kanu’s movement was declared a terrorist organisation in 2017 by then‑President Muhammadu Buhari without trial or evidence. Though courts later dismissed the designation, damages were awarded, and IPOB’s activities continued.

    Arnold condemned Kanu’s abduction from Kenya in 2021 without extradition proceedings, his conviction in November 2025 under what he alleged was a repealed law, and his transfer to Sokoto prison, far from family and legal counsel. He questioned Britain’s silence in all these, noting no statement, briefing, or sanctions, despite similar actions against Russia, Myanmar, and China.

    The release emphasised the vitality of the Igbo people, describing them as dynamic and entrepreneurial, yet marginalised for decades. 

    Arnold further accused Britain of allegedly prioritising oil and Shell’s pipelines over millions of lives during the Nigeria-Biafra War, insisting that reparations and autonomy are overdue. He argued that Biafra represents justice, not instability, and warned that Washington’s reluctance to address it stems from fear.

    He broadened the critique to Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups — Yoruba, Tiv, Berom, Kanuri, and others — all deserving freedom and self‑determination. 

    According to him, Britain’s 1970 victory left the Igbo dispossessed, with systematic marginalisation continuing: no Igbo president, underrepresentation in federal institutions, and environmental devastation in the oil‑rich southeast,’ he wrote further.

    Arnold contrasted the poverty in the Igbo homeland with the success of the Igbos in diaspora, whom he highlighted as reputable doctors, engineers, and professionals thriving in America and Britain. He concluded that the problem with Nigeria lies not with the people but with a system designed to suppress them, comparing Nigeria’s tribal divisions to America’s racial ones — both tools to keep the oppressed divided.

    Recently, Arnold and his former associate, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, publicly clashed over widespread allegations of Christian killings in Nigeria — a controversy that ultimately drew the attention of a U.S. congressional inquiry.

  • El-Rufai to remain in detention until  March 31 following arraignment

    El-Rufai to remain in detention until  March 31 following arraignment

    KADUNA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — Former Kaduna State Governor and prominent figure of the All Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, was today arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna under heavy security presence.

    The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory faces charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging fraud and money laundering. The proceedings attracted significant public attention, with journalists barred from the courtroom and security operatives maintaining strict control around the premises.

    At the end of the session, the court ordered El-Rufai remanded in custody and adjourned his bail application to March 31.

    Meanwhile, Newpost Africa reported yesterday that Atiku Abubakar, a presidential aspirant and ADC chieftain, alleged that political and ideological differences were behind El-Rufai’s detention. He described the development as persecution and called for the former governor’s immediate release.

    El-Rufai has faced multiple detentions by both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the ICPC since his return from Egypt. His arrest followed claims he made during a television interview, alleging that he had wiretapped the phone line of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

  • Peter Obi says Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar arrested because he visited him in Kaduna

    Peter Obi says Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar arrested because he visited him in Kaduna

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Labour Party candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi, has raised an alarm over the arrest of Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar.

    In a statement on Tuesday titled “Troubling Developments in Our Polity that Must Be Nipped in the Bud,” Obi alleged that the revered religious leader was arrested by authorities shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday.

    A portion of the statement reads: “This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution. This cannot be allowed to continue.”

    The presidential hopeful stressed that Nigeria must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society. He noted that suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democracy, insisting that the government must understand this fact and act accordingly.

    Obi further emphasised that the country’s fragile democracy requires protection, urging leaders to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles in dealing with citizens. “I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to please stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens. -PO,” the statement concluded.

  • AU Chairperson Youssouf meets former Tanzanian President Kikwete in Addis Ababa

    AU Chairperson Youssouf meets former Tanzanian President Kikwete in Addis Ababa

    AFRICA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Tuesday received H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, in Addis Ababa.

    According to a press release from the AU’s press section, the meeting focused on evolving regional dynamics, with particular emphasis on the situation in the Horn of Africa. The exchange provided an opportunity to reflect on ongoing peace, security, and mediation efforts, as well as broader prospects for stability and sustainable development across the continent.

    The statement reads in part: “H.E. Mr Youssouf expressed his appreciation for President Kikwete’s exemplary leadership and distinguished record of service in advancing good governance, regional diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. He underscored the continued relevance of President Kikwete’s insights and experience in informing Africa’s collective efforts to address emerging challenges.”

    On his part, President Kikwete expressed gratitude to the Chairperson for the warm reception and extended his congratulations on his leadership. He reaffirmed his readiness to support and collaborate with the Commission in advancing its mandate and contributing to the achievement of the African Union’s shared objectives.

  • Strait of Hormuz blockade forces Australia to lower diesel standards amid deepening fuel shortages

    Strait of Hormuz blockade forces Australia to lower diesel standards amid deepening fuel shortages

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — Australia has temporarily lowered its diesel standards for six months in a bid to ease nationwide fuel shortages, as hundreds of petrol stations report running out of key fuel types.

    Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed that the “flashpoint” for diesel has been reduced from 61.5 to 60.5 degrees Celsius, a move designed to expand supply options from international refiners in the United States, Canada, and Europe. He stressed that the adjustment would have no impact on engines or emissions, while giving Australian refineries greater flexibility to meet demand.

    The decision comes amid mounting pressure on fuel reserves following instability in global energy markets linked to the war in the Middle East. Bowen revealed that 20 per cent of the country’s fuel reserve has already been released, but six scheduled shipments for April were cancelled, forcing reliance on alternate sources.

    Latest figures show widespread shortages: in New South Wales, 164 stations are without diesel and 289 without at least one fuel type; Queensland has 55 stations without diesel and 35 without unleaded; Victoria reports 162 stations with outages; South Australia has 46 affected, while Western Australia and Tasmania report smaller disruptions. The Northern Territory and ACT remain unaffected, though flooding has impacted supply in some areas.

    Reports of informal rationing have emerged, with service stations limiting purchases or restricting jerry can refills. The government has urged Australians to buy only the fuel they need, while the opposition has launched a website, nofuelhere.com.au, to collect community reports of shortages.

    Shadow ministers have called for biofuels to be prioritised as a backup supply, while truck drivers are set to receive new protections under amendments to the Fair Work Act to shield them from rising costs.

  • ECOWAS ministers convene extraordinary meeting on food security to confront global crisis

    ECOWAS ministers convene extraordinary meeting on food security to confront global crisis

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Monday held an extraordinary meeting of agriculture ministers to address the impact of the international crisis on food security in West Africa and the Sahel.

    In a statement issued March 24, the ECOWAS Commission, through its Department for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, led by Commissioner Kalilou Sylla, confirmed that the meeting was organised in cooperation with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS). 

    The online session, held on March 23, focused on the effects of soaring oil prices and global disruptions on the fertiliser sector and regional food systems.

    The meeting brought together agriculture ministers, regional agencies, and technical and financial partners. It resulted in proposals for both medium- and long-term operational frameworks aimed at safeguarding food sovereignty and security. 

    Key measures include immediate regional framework agreements to secure strategic volumes and build emergency reserves before prices escalate further, as well as the deployment of liquidity swap lines via central banks to ease foreign currency shortages faced by importers.

    This extraordinary session underscores ECOWAS’s determination to strengthen resilience against external shocks and ensure sustainable food systems for millions across West Africa and the Sahel.

  • Nigeria shortlists 65 student innovators for venture capital grant

    Nigeria shortlists 65 student innovators for venture capital grant

    ABUJA, NIIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 24, 2026 — The Federal Government has shortlisted 65 student innovators from a pool of 30,639 applicants for the final stage of the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG).

    According to a statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the applicants were drawn from 404 tertiary institutions nationwide, reflecting the depth of innovation and entrepreneurial potential within Nigeria’s university system.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a strategic investment in nurturing future innovators and job creators. He noted that the performance of the shortlisted candidates demonstrated creativity and ambition, adding that the programme would strengthen a pipeline of entrepreneurs to drive economic growth.

    Launched in December 2025 in partnership with the Bank of Industry, the S-VCG provides up to N50 million in equity-free funding to support student-led ventures at the commercialisation stage, enabling them to scale solutions, create jobs, and boost innovation-driven development.

    The selection process involved AI-based screening, independent human validation, and assessment by a committee comprising representatives from government, academia, industry, and the investment ecosystem. Criteria included scalability, feasibility, founder capability, and impact potential.

    Finalists will participate in a venture development bootcamp from March 26 to 29, featuring pitch sessions, workshops, and investor feedback. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on March 29.

    Dr Alausa emphasised that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting innovation and supporting student entrepreneurship as a driver of national development.