Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a detailed clarification following disputes that trailed its recent primary election, where some aspirants alleged they were sidelined.

In a statement titled “Understanding the Just Concluded NDC Primary Elections” and signed by Barrister Ikenna Alex‑Morgan Enekweizu, National Secretary, the party described itself as Nigeria’s fastest‑growing political movement, committed to leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus‑building. It emphasised that its operations are guided by an established stakeholder leadership structure with caucus heads across all states.

Highlighting the South‑East zone, the party noted that its presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, entered the NDC with a respected leadership framework comprising elder statesmen and political leaders serving as caucus heads. These include Chief Onyema Ugochukwu (Abia), Dr Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo (Enugu), and Chief Achike Udenwa (Imo), while Obi’s team coordinates the process in Anambra State. These leaders were tasked with consultations, consensus‑building, and recommendations based on the political dynamics of their states.

The party stressed that the process was conducted without prejudice to aspirants’ rights. Those who disagreed with caucus recommendations were free to test their popularity at the grassroots level, and such democratic participation was duly accommodated. The NDC insisted that its National Secretariat never imposed candidates, but rather directed aspirants to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members.

Reaffirming its affirmative action policy, the party highlighted efforts to encourage female participation and support serving parliamentarians. It acknowledged reports of aspirants prematurely declaring candidacy and complaints about aspects of the process, noting that these issues were addressed by the appeal panel and party leadership.

At its recent NEC meeting, the NDC resolved to commence a comprehensive reconciliation process. The party called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, and stakeholders to engage all aspirants in the interest of unity, cohesion, and continued growth. It reiterated that grievances should be channelled through state caucuses for resolution, underscoring its commitment to transparency and inclusiveness.

STRASBOURG, France (NPA) — Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the European Union to adopt a new approach to its relationship with Africa, arguing that strong leadership and accountable governance remain the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Obi made the remarks on Thursday while addressing members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, where he advocated deeper Africa-EU cooperation built on genuine partnership, democratic values and sustainable development.

Speaking before lawmakers, the former Anambra State governor described Africa as “the last frontier of global development,” noting that despite its vast natural resources and youthful population, the continent continues to face significant developmental setbacks due largely to leadership failures.

According to Obi, Africa’s greatest challenge is not a shortage of resources or human capital but the absence of effective governance structures capable of driving economic growth and institutional development.

“A developed Nigeria would benefit Europe more than anyone else,” Obi told the parliamentarians, highlighting the close geographical and economic ties between Africa and Europe.

He urged European leaders to move beyond traditional aid-based relationships and embrace partnerships focused on good governance, youth empowerment, economic opportunity and democratic accountability.

Obi stressed that a stable and prosperous Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, would generate mutual benefits for both continents through enhanced trade, security cooperation and economic development.

He also called for sustained dialogue between African and European stakeholders, saying meaningful collaboration is essential to addressing shared challenges and unlocking new opportunities.

The engagement formed part of a series of high-level meetings held in Strasbourg, where Obi interacted with members of several European Parliament committees, including those responsible for Foreign Affairs, Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, Development, Transport and Tourism, as well as the Africa-EU Delegation.

Obi, recently unveiled as the presidential candidate of the NDC, has continued to promote his agenda centred on governance reform, economic productivity and youth inclusion under his “A New Nigeria Is Possible” vision.

Political observers say the European Parliament appearance is part of his broader international engagement strategy as attention gradually shifts toward Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The visit also adds to a growing list of diplomatic engagements between Obi and international stakeholders, reflecting increasing global interest in Nigeria’s political future and Africa’s evolving role in global development.

MAKURDI, Nigeria (NPA) — Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has flagged off the 2026 Fertiliser and Farm Inputs Sales and Distribution Exercise, announcing a 51 per cent subsidy on fertiliser to support farmers and boost food production across the state.

Under the programme, fertiliser will be sold to farmers at ₦28,000 per bag, significantly below market price, as part of the state government’s efforts to reduce production costs and strengthen agricultural productivity.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Governor Alia said the initiative is designed to empower farmers, increase food output, create jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural communities.

“This is about empowering our farmers, lowering production costs, increasing food production, creating jobs and strengthening the economies of our rural communities,” the governor said.

Describing Benue as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Alia stressed the need for the state to maintain its leadership role in agricultural production through targeted investments and support programmes.

He said the government is expanding land aggregation initiatives, improving access to quality farm inputs, rehabilitating rural roads, promoting irrigation farming, supporting agro-processing and creating opportunities for youths and women in agribusiness.

According to the governor, the fertiliser and farm input distribution programme will be implemented across all 23 local government areas of the state.

He assured farmers that strict transparency measures have been put in place to ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive the subsidised inputs.

“We will not tolerate diversion, exploitation or any form of malpractice,” Alia warned.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agriculture, describing the sector as the backbone of Benue’s economy and a critical driver of sustainable development.

“To all our hardworking farmers, the government is standing with you. Let us cultivate more land, produce more food, create more wealth and build a greater Benue for generations to come,” he said.

The initiative forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to enhance food security, improve livelihoods and position Benue as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria and across Africa.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Presidency has announced significant progress towards the establishment of state police, revealing that a constitutional amendment to provide the legal framework for the initiative is expected soon.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House Correspondents after a high-level consultative meeting on state police held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, deliberations on the proposed state police framework commenced several months ago following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Gbajabiamila said the discussions have advanced considerably, with stakeholders now focusing on the constitutional amendments required to pave the way for the creation of state police.

“We started deliberations in the last three or four months on how to go about the establishment of state police as directed by Mr President,” he said.

“Establishing state police is not something that you do with the snap of the fingers. There is a lot involved in terms of constitution and legalities, and thank God we have now gained a lot of traction.

“Hopefully, the amendment will come shortly, and the details of the amendment will come after that.”

He explained that the current stage of discussions centres on constitutional reforms, after which enabling legislation would be introduced to operationalise the new policing structure.

According to the Chief of Staff, there is now broad consensus among key stakeholders on the need for state police, with conversations shifting from whether it should exist to how it should be structured and implemented.

Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu, a long-time advocate of state policing, would be presented with a comprehensive report on the outcome of the consultations.

The Federal Government has continued consultations with the National Assembly, security agencies and other stakeholders as part of efforts to develop a workable framework for decentralised policing.

Advocates of state police argue that it would strengthen grassroots security, improve intelligence gathering and enhance the capacity of state governments to tackle emerging security challenges more effectively.

President Tinubu has repeatedly maintained that state police remains a critical component of efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the protection of lives and property across the country.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and other senior government officials.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong disclaimer over a purported list of senatorial candidates currently making the rounds on social media and some online platforms.

In a statement signed by Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary, the party described the publication titled “Concluded List of APC Senatorial Candidates So Far” as false, misleading, and unauthorised.

The APC stressed that the document did not emanate from its leadership and urged members, stakeholders, the media, and the general public to disregard it in its entirety.

The ruling party emphasised that only its National Working Committee (NWC), acting through duly recognised communication channels, has the constitutional authority to announce candidates emerging from primaries or other legitimate processes. It warned that circulating unverified information could mislead the public, sow confusion, and undermine the integrity of its democratic procedures.

Reiterating its commitment to transparency, the APC cautioned members and supporters against lending credibility to fake publications.

The party assured Nigerians that official announcements regarding candidates will continue to be made exclusively through its authorised platforms.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has urged young Nigerians to resist attempts to divide the country along ethnic and religious lines, warning that politicians often exploit such sentiments when they are unable to compete on ideas, performance, and vision.

In a statement titled, “One lesson from the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, should never be forgotten,” Obi reflected on the period following the 2023 presidential election, saying public discourse gradually shifted from issues of governance, competence and national development to ethnic and tribal considerations.

According to him, many Nigerians unknowingly became participants in narratives designed to create division and suspicion among citizens.

“Throughout history, whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity. Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people,” he said.

Obi warned that similar efforts are resurfacing, often through carefully crafted narratives amplified by individuals who may not fully understand the broader agenda behind them.

The former Anambra State governor also defended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, describing him as one of Nigeria’s foremost spiritual leaders who has consistently promoted peace, prayer, reconciliation and national unity.

“Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom and grace,” Obi said.

He argued that at 84 years old, Adeboye should not be burdened with responsibilities that rightly belong to younger Nigerians, stressing that the task of building a better nation rests largely with the younger generation.

Obi, pushing the “A New Nigeria is Possible” mantra, urged young people to remain vigilant against attempts to manipulate them through ethnic, religious or political sentiments.

“Do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred. Do not allow anyone to weaponise your ethnicity, your faith, or your admiration for respected leaders,” he said.

He further advised Nigerians to question narratives, verify claims, follow facts and reject divisive campaigns, insisting that national progress can only be achieved through unity and a shared commitment to the country’s future.

“The Nigeria of our dreams can only be built by citizens who refuse to be divided, who choose unity over hatred, and who place our collective future above narrow interests,” Obi stated.

UYO, Nigeria (NPA) — A media aide to the Political Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Osborne Ubong Okon, has been relieved of his appointment following a social media post in which he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, allegedly over the handling of the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State.

Okon, who served as Media Aide to the Political Adviser, drew attention on his Facebook page, Osborne Ubong Snr, to images of the kidnapped pupils and teachers reportedly seen lying helplessly on the ground in a forest.

Reacting to the incident in a post dated June 2, 2026, he wrote: “In a sane clime, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would’ve respectfully and honourably resigned. I’m of APC but truth be told.”

His dismissal was conveyed in a letter dated June 2, 2026 — the same day the post was published.

The letter, referenced POL/GO/ADV.2/0041 and issued from the Office of the Political Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, stated that the decision followed actions considered inconsistent with the expectations of the office.

“Following actions bordering on disloyalty and considering the necessity to always keep the Office of the Political Adviser purified, it has become compelling that you, Mr Osborne Ubong Okon, be and are hereby relieved of your engagement as Media Aide to the Political Adviser to His Excellency the Governor, with immediate effect from today, June 2, 2026,” the letter read.

The document, signed by the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, PhD, further cautioned members of the public against conducting official business with Okon on behalf of the office following his disengagement.

The development has generated reactions on social media, with observers linking the dismissal to Okon’s criticism of the President and his comments on the handling of the Oyo abduction incident.

Neither the Akwa Ibom State Government nor the Presidency had publicly commented on the matter at the time of filing this report.