New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Obidient Movement Rejects Abuja Council Poll Results, Urges INEC to Address Allegations

    Obidient Movement Rejects Abuja Council Poll Results, Urges INEC to Address Allegations

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): The Obidient Movement has rejected the outcome of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election held over the weekend, alleging irregularities and violence during the polls. Speaking at the group’s secretariat in Abuja on Monday, National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko described the election as “a brazen assault on the foundations of democracy,” accusing security agencies and electoral officials of failing to ensure transparency.

    Tanko claimed that party agents were harassed and intimidated, leading to the killing of one agent, Musa Abubakar, at a polling unit in Gwagwa. He alleged that ballot boxes were targeted by hoodlums and that voter apathy was worsened by poor communication from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding polling unit changes. The group, which backed African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Dr. Moses Paul, demanded a full review of the results and justice for the slain agent.

    The Obidient Movement praised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for mobilizing supporters, noting that his involvement boosted turnout despite challenges. Tanko insisted that the people’s mandate was “stolen in broad daylight” and urged INEC to act swiftly to restore confidence in the electoral process. In Saturday’s election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won five of six council chairmanship seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada.

  • Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling

    Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that countries seeking to exploit the recent Supreme Court ruling against his tariff program could face even higher duties. His comments follow the Court’s February 20, 2026 decision, which struck down his sweeping tariff regime in a 6–3 ruling, declaring that existing law did not authorize the president to impose tariffs of unlimited scope, duration, or amount.

    In posts on his Truth Social account, Trump said: “Any country that wants to play games with the ridiculous Supreme Court decision, especially those that have ripped off the U.S.A. for years, will be met with a much higher tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to. Buyer beware!” He added that he does not need congressional approval for tariffs, insisting authority had already been granted “in many forms, a long time ago.”

    The Supreme Court’s ruling dealt a major blow to Trump’s economic agenda, which relied heavily on tariffs to reshape trade relations and protect U.S. industries. The decision is expected to have significant implications for businesses and consumers. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, arguing in favor of broader presidential authority. The outcome underscores limits on executive power in trade policy and represents a rare judicial rebuke of Trump’s approach.

  • Spain Buying Israeli-Designed Missiles Through Germany — Hananya Naftali

    Spain Buying Israeli-Designed Missiles Through Germany — Hananya Naftali

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Israeli journalist and pro-Israel social media influencer Hananya Naftali has accused Spain of acquiring Israeli-designed missiles through indirect channels despite its public suspension of a major arms deal with Israel. Naftali, a former digital aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, made the allegation in a post on his verified Facebook page, claiming that Spain’s government blocked a €285 million Rafael Spike missile deal over Gaza but later purchased the same weapons via Germany.

    Naftali argued that the move demonstrated the indispensability of Israel’s defense technology, stating that it was “too advanced to boycott and vital for global security.”

    His comments come amid heightened tensions between Spain and Israel over the Gaza conflict. Spain has imposed a permanent arms embargo, restricted Israeli officials from entering the country, and banned ships carrying fuel for Israeli military personnel from docking in Spanish ports, citing humanitarian concerns. Israel has rejected Madrid’s accusations, with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen accusing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of antisemitism and recalling Spain’s ambassador from Tel Aviv.

    Naftali, who previously worked on Netanyahu’s communications team, has not held a formal government office but has played a significant role in shaping Israel’s digital outreach strategy. His remarks underscore the growing diplomatic rift between Spain and Israel, as Madrid aligns more closely with Palestinian advocacy while Israel insists its military campaign in Gaza is essential for national security.

  • Netanyahu Welcomes Modi’s Visit, Pledges Stronger Israel–India Cooperation

    Netanyahu Welcomes Modi’s Visit, Pledges Stronger Israel–India Cooperation

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised his country’s ties with India ahead of the arrival of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a state visit this week. Speaking at the opening of a government meeting, Netanyahu described Modi as a “personal friend” and highlighted the close relationship forged between the two leaders in recent years. “This week, expression will be given to the special relationship that has been forged between Israel and the global power that is India, and between myself and Prime Minister Modi,” he said.

    Netanyahu noted that Modi’s visit would provide an opportunity to deepen cooperation in economic, diplomatic, and security fields. He also spoke of building a broader alliance of nations across continents to counter radical movements in the Middle East. Modi is expected to arrive in Israel on Wednesday, deliver an address at the Knesset, and participate in an innovation event in Jerusalem. The two leaders will also visit Yad Vashem together. Netanyahu emphasized that the visit would advance collaboration in high-tech, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between Israel and India.

    India and Israel already maintain strong ties in defense, technology, and trade. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, cooperation has expanded significantly, with India emerging as one of Israel’s largest defense customers.

    Both countries also collaborate in agriculture, water management, cybersecurity, and innovation. In 2026, they adopted a joint working plan to strengthen strategic cooperation while engaging in regional peace initiatives, including support for the Gaza Peace Plan.

  • Anambra Shuts Nnewi Auto Spare Parts Market Over Sit-at-Home Compliance

    Anambra Shuts Nnewi Auto Spare Parts Market Over Sit-at-Home Compliance

    NNEWI, NIGERIA (NPA): The Anambra State Government has temporarily closed the popular Nnewi Auto Spare Parts Market (Nkwo Nnewi) following continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home order in the state. The directive, issued by Governor Chukwuma Soludo through his Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, will take effect at midnight on Monday, February 23, 2026.

    Uba announced that the market will remain closed for one week, reopening on March 2, 2026, unless traders comply with the state government’s order to resume business every Monday. He warned that further closures could follow if compliance remains low. The government emphasized that the measure is aimed at ending the disruption caused by the sit-at-home protests linked to the detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Traders and customers were advised to avoid the market during the closure to prevent clashes with law enforcement.

    For years, residents of southeastern Nigeria observed the weekly sit-at-home, which paralyzed economic activity across states including Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo. Although IPOB announced the cancellation of the order in February 2026, compliance has been uneven, with many communities still hesitant to return to normal routines. Authorities say the closure of Nnewi’s major market is part of efforts to restore confidence, enforce government directives, and revive commercial activity in the region.

  • BREAKING NEWS: Enugu State Sets ₦150m Mandatory Advertising Permit for 2026, 2027 Elections

    BREAKING NEWS: Enugu State Sets ₦150m Mandatory Advertising Permit for 2026, 2027 Elections

    ENUGU, NIGERIA (NPA): The Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA) has announced that political parties and candidates contesting the 2026 and 2027 elections must pay a mandatory advertising permit fee of ₦150 million.

    The policy, unveiled on Monday by ENSSAA General Manager Francis Aninwike, forms part of the agency’s Outdoor Promotion and Visual Campaign Guidelines for the 2026 and 2027 General Elections. He explained that the measure is designed to regulate campaign advertising across the state’s 17 local government areas, ensuring orderliness, environmental aesthetics, and compliance with statutory regulations.

    The permit covers campaign activities including rallies, banners, branded vehicles, T-shirts, caps, handbills, buntings, and street promotions. Aninwike warned that no party or candidate may deploy outdoor campaign materials without first obtaining the permit, stressing that violators risk removal of materials and possible legal sanctions.

    He further noted that only practitioners licensed by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) are authorized to erect and manage billboards or campaign structures in the state. “No individual, political party, or support group is permitted to erect billboards or advertisement structures without going through licensed ARCON practitioners as permitted by ENSSAA,” he said.

    Addressing concerns of selective enforcement, Aninwike insisted the guidelines would apply uniformly to all parties and candidates, including incumbents. He added that Governor Peter Mbah has consistently adhered to advertising regulations in his campaigns and official promotions. The ENSSAA chief concluded by wishing political parties success in their preparations and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining professionalism and order in outdoor advertising across Enugu State.

  • Zelenskyy: Ukraine and Belarus Should Join the European Union

    Zelenskyy: Ukraine and Belarus Should Join the European Union

    KYIV, UKRAINE (NPA): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that it would be in the best interest of both Ukraine and Belarus to become members of the European Union. Speaking in an interview with Belarusian independent outlet Dzerkalo, Zelenskyy acknowledged uncertainty over whether Belarusians support the idea, but argued that EU membership would benefit both countries economically, geopolitically, and in terms of independence.

    He urged Belarusians to look beyond years of anti-European propaganda, dismissing fears that EU integration would lead to higher prices, lower wages, or economic decline. Zelenskyy emphasized that the decision would ultimately rest with the Belarusian people, but stressed that peaceful relations, mutual respect for sovereignty, and an end to cross-border hostilities were essential. “The best thing that can be is peaceful relations, when we respect each other’s sovereignty and missiles do not fly from one country to another,” he said, adding that Belarus did not start the war against Ukraine.

    Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU carries significant consequences. For Kyiv, membership would open access to the single market, attract investment, and accelerate reforms in governance and rule of law. Politically, it would anchor Ukraine firmly within the Western bloc, reducing Russian influence. For the EU, enlargement eastward would expand its population and territory but also require major financial commitments for reconstruction and agricultural support. Security challenges, migration pressures, and budgetary strains would intensify, though Ukraine’s membership could strengthen the EU’s global standing if managed with unity and balance.

  • African Union Condemns Mass Killing of Civilians in Zamfara, Nigeria

    African Union Condemns Mass Killing of Civilians in Zamfara, Nigeria

    ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA (NPA): The African Union Commission has strongly condemned the killing of more than 50 civilians in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria, on 21 February 2026.

    In a statement issued on 22 February, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, denounced what he described as “heinous and coordinated terrorist attacks” and the “abduction of women and children.” He stressed that the AU “unequivocally rejects all acts of terrorism and violent extremism against civilian populations, particularly women and children, as grave violations of human rights and serious threats to peace, security, and stability.”

    The Chairperson expressed the Union’s solidarity with the Government and people of Nigeria, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery to the injured. He reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity and restore lasting peace.

    Calling for “the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all abducted women and children,” Youssouf urged strengthened, coordinated, and collective action to protect civilians and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities, in line with the AU’s commitment to peace and stability across the continent.

    Reports indicate that the attack was carried out by armed groups on motorcycles, who overran villages and killed residents indiscriminately. Nigerian security forces have pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice and intensify operations against banditry and terrorism in Africa’s most populous country.

  • LASG Commends JOHESU for Suspending Strike, Appreciates Residents’ Patience

    LASG Commends JOHESU for Suspending Strike, Appreciates Residents’ Patience

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): The Lagos State Government has welcomed the decision of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to suspend their recent strike, which had disrupted healthcare services across state-owned hospitals. Officials described the move as “a demonstration of goodwill and shared responsibility toward safeguarding public healthcare in Nigeria’s commercial capital.”

    The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, speaking after a meeting between government representatives and union executives, commended JOHESU for embracing dialogue and constructive engagement. He noted that both parties agreed to sustain discussions while the union convenes its congress to formally communicate resolutions and restore normalcy in public healthcare facilities.

    Ayantayo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing JOHESU’s demands for improved welfare benefits within established regulations and agreed timelines. He stressed that the administration remains dedicated to equitable treatment, better working conditions, and sustainable welfare programs for health sector employees.

    The Commissioner also expressed gratitude to the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their roles in facilitating the resolution. He extended appreciation to residents for their patience, understanding, and cooperation during the strike, assuring the public of uninterrupted access to quality healthcare services going forward.

    JOHESU in Lagos had joined a nationwide strike earlier in 2026, which lasted about 84 days. The industrial action severely affected public hospitals, leading to disrupted services, increased workload on doctors, patient suffering and delays, heightened public health concerns, and economic strain as families turned to costly private healthcare while public hospitals lost revenue. The strike also strained trust between health workers and government authorities.

  • Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Nigerian media organisation Newpost Africa Media Publishing® (Newpost Africa) has announced its return following a successful restructuring process. The relaunch underscores the company’s renewed commitment to delivering journalism of the highest standards—anchored in integrity, balance, and diversity.

    Positioning itself as “Nigeria’s independent, world-class media organisation”, Newpost Africa emphasized its founding principles of strict editorial neutrality, an uncompromising stance against propaganda, and reporting that informs without bias or distortion. The organisation stressed that credible journalism is indispensable to democratic societies and informed citizenship.

    In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, Newpost Africa encouraged stakeholders and readers to actively engage with its mission. “By sharing perspectives and experiences, you contribute to a platform that values truth, dialogue, and collective responsibility in shaping the public record,” the statement read.

    Driven by a team of seasoned professionals and supported by a global network of journalists and writers, Newpost Africa said it is well-positioned to deliver timely coverage of rapidly evolving stories with speed, clarity, and analytical depth—while maintaining accuracy and editorial discipline.

    Its editorial focus remains firmly on Nigeria and the African continent, ensuring accountability from policymakers, institutions, and power brokers. At the same time, the organisation pledged to continue reporting on international developments that shape Africa’s place in the global context.

    The relaunch, according to the statement, is not merely a return but a reaffirmation of purpose and a strategic commitment to excellence in journalism. “This relaunch is a reaffirmation of our mission to uphold the highest standards of journalism and to serve as a trusted voice in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond,” the organisation noted.