New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • BREAKING NEWS: Adamawa Governor Fintiri Defects to APC

    BREAKING NEWS: Adamawa Governor Fintiri Defects to APC

    YOLA, NIGERIA (NPA) — After months of speculation, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Governor Fintiri made the announcement on Friday during a statewide broadcast, confirming that members of his cabinet and PDP officials in the state have also joined him in the move.

    With this development, 30 of Nigeria’s 36 state governors are now aligned with the APC, further consolidating the party’s dominance across the country. The wave of defections has included several high-profile figures:

    • Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano State) — defected from the NNPP to the APC in January 2026.
    • Governor Agbu Kefas (Taraba State) — joined the APC in December 2025.
    • Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State) — defected from the PDP on February 27, 2026.

    The six remaining states are governed by opposition parties:

    • PDP (3 states): Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara
    • Labour Party (1 state): Abia
    • APGA (1 state): Anambra
    • Accord Party (1 state): Osun

    Fintiri’s defection marks a significant political shift in Nigeria’s northeast and underscores the APC’s growing influence ahead of future national elections.

  • United States and Congo Announce $1.2 Billion Health Partnership

    United States and Congo Announce $1.2 Billion Health Partnership

    KINSHASA, CONGO (NPA) — The governments of the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a new $1.2 billion agreement aimed at strengthening health systems and tackling major diseases.

    Under the partnership, Washington will provide up to $900 million over the next five years to support programs addressing HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and other infectious diseases. Congo has pledged to increase its domestic health spending by $300 million during the same period.

    The deal is part of a broader U.S. initiative to establish bilateral health agreements across Africa. According to the State Department, 19 such partnerships have been signed to date. Officials say the new framework is designed to promote self-sufficiency and streamline funding, replacing older arrangements previously managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

    The announcement comes amid wider debate over U.S. global health policy. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has raised concerns about provisions in some agreements that require countries to share sensitive pathogen data with Washington as a condition for funding. On Wednesday, negotiations with Zimbabwe collapsed after its government rejected such requirements.

    It remains unclear whether similar data-sharing clauses are included in the Congo agreement.

  • Zelenskyy Calls for Trilateral Meeting with U.S. and Russia in March to End War

    Zelenskyy Calls for Trilateral Meeting with U.S. and Russia in March to End War

    KYIV, Ukraine (NPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed readiness for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the United States and Russia aimed at ending the war.

    Zelenskyy made the remarks following a meeting with Jared Kushner and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ukrainian leader said preparations were underway for discussions at the highest level.

    “We need to finalize everything achieved so far to secure real security guarantees and prepare a meeting at the leaders’ level,” Zelenskyy said. “There is already greater readiness for the next trilateral format. We expect the format to take place in early March.”

    He added that such a meeting could address key issues directly, noting that leadership-level engagement is particularly important when dealing with Russia.

    “At the end of the day, leaders decide key issues, and when it comes to Russia — such a personalist regime — this is even more relevant than in other countries,” he said.

    Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to the United States for its continued commitment to finding a path toward peace.

    Earlier, the Ukrainian president met with representatives of the international business community. Discussions focused on strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience and preparations for the coming winter season.

    “On March 1, all our local authorities will present an energy development plan for next winter,” Zelenskyy said. “It is important to do as much as possible over the next six months before the start of the heating season. The role of the private sector is key, and we are counting on joint projects.”

    He said broader investment opportunities and private sector involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction — including in the defense industry — were also discussed.

    “Even during the war, after such a winter, our country continues to live,” Zelenskyy said. “We are open to partnership, to joint projects, and to investments that will support our people and our security. Thank you to everyone who invests in Ukraine’s resilience.”

  • Tinubu Approves Immediate Reconstruction of Three Key Road Projects in Niger and Rivers States

    Tinubu Approves Immediate Reconstruction of Three Key Road Projects in Niger and Rivers States

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate commencement of reconstruction works on three federal roads in Niger State, located in Nigeria’s north-central region.

    The roads approved for reconstruction are the Mokwa–Bida Road (120 kilometres), the Mokwa–Makeri Road (63 kilometres), and the Bida–Labata Road (123.5 kilometres).

    According to a statement issued on February 26, 2026, by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), the projects cover a total of 306.5 kilometers and will be reconstructed using reinforced concrete pavement to guarantee durability and long-term value.

    President Tinubu also gave approval for the extension of the Bodo–Bonny Road to connect with the East–West Road. The project will be executed as a dual carriageway, constructed with concrete pavement, and equipped with solar-powered street lighting. Delivery will be through a competitive bidding process.

    The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi expressed gratitude to the president, noting that the projects will “significantly enhance connectivity, trade, and development.”

    Umahi, widely regarded as one of the most dynamic members of the federal executive council, has injected fresh energy into the Tinubu-led administration by delivering on critical road infrastructure nationwide. He called on Nigerians to “acknowledge and appreciate” the president’s sustained commitment to infrastructure development across the six geopolitical zones, particularly in delivering quality roads and bridges.

  • BREAKING: INEC Revises 2027 Election Timetable; Presidential Poll Set for January 16

    BREAKING: INEC Revises 2027 Election Timetable; Presidential Poll Set for January 16

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a revised timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

    In a statement issued Thursday night, the commission explained that the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced new statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities. INEC said the schedule was realigned to ensure full compliance with the updated legal framework.

    Under the new timetable:

    • Presidential and National Assembly elections will now take place on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
    • Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will follow on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

    Political parties are required to conduct their primaries — including the resolution of disputes — between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.

    INEC emphasized that all political parties must adhere strictly to the revised timetable and noted that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.

  • Police Declare Manfred Ekpe, ADC Spokesperson in Akwa Ibom State, Wanted

    Police Declare Manfred Ekpe, ADC Spokesperson in Akwa Ibom State, Wanted

    UYO, NIGERIA (NPA) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has declared Barrister Manfred Ekpe, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, wanted on allegations of cyberstalking, threats to life, criminal defamation, intimidation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

    Ekpe, a constitutional lawyer and community rights activist, is widely known for his outspoken criticism of government policies, particularly on environmental and community issues. He has publicly challenged state officials over the legal status and management of the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, accusing them of misrepresenting the law.

    The activist has also accused Governor Umo Eno of using state institutions to suppress dissent and intimidate critics, especially those active on social media.

    While police authorities maintain that Ekpe is wanted in connection with criminal allegations, the lawyer insists the charges are politically motivated, stemming from his criticism of the governor and his administration.

  • NSCDC Urges Federal Government to Boost Manpower for Effective Security Delivery

    NSCDC Urges Federal Government to Boost Manpower for Effective Security Delivery

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): As the global community marks World Civil Defence Day 2026, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has called on the Federal Government to increase its manpower to enable the agency to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities more effectively and address the nation’s security challenges.

    The appeal was made during a lecture delivered by Professor Tyoor Fredrick Terhemba in Abuja, as part of activities commemorating the event. Speaking on the theme “Managing Environmental Risk for a Resilient Future: A Civil Defence Perspective,” Prof. Terhemba emphasized that human assets, utilities, and property remain the most critical national infrastructures, underscoring the need to strengthen the NSCDC’s workforce to meet international standards of policing.

    The NSCDC, a member of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO), reiterated its vital role in disaster management, mitigating environmental hazards, and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

    In a statement issued by ACC Afolabi Babawale, National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, the agency announced that activities marking World Civil Defence Day 2026 would conclude on Friday with a grand finale at the NSCDC National Headquarters Parade Ground in Abuja.

    Commandant General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi also urged the Corps to enhance its intelligence-gathering capacity, assuring that the NSCDC remains committed to discharging its core mandate in protecting lives and property.

  • Narendra Modi Visits Holocaust Museum, Calls for Humanity, Dignity, and Peace

    Narendra Modi Visits Holocaust Museum, Calls for Humanity, Dignity, and Peace

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Israel for bilateral talks and to strengthen defense cooperation, on Thursday visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.

    In a statement posted on his official X account, Modi expressed gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accompanying him during the visit. “I placed a wreath at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. I am grateful to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accompanying me during this visit,” he wrote.

    Modi also toured the Hall of Names, a solemn memorial space that preserves the memory of those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust. Reflecting on the experience, he stated: “The Holocaust stands as one of the darkest chapters in human history. It is an eternal reminder of the need to uphold humanity, dignity, and peace.”

    Yad Vashem, located on the western slope of Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, serves as Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The center is dedicated to preserving their memory, honoring survivors, and educating future generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust.

  • US Igbo Veterans Wants America to Create a Safe Zone for Judeo-Christians, Call for Nigeria’s Restructuring

    US Igbo Veterans Wants America to Create a Safe Zone for Judeo-Christians, Call for Nigeria’s Restructuring

    FLORIDA, U.S. (NPA) — The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), a U.S.-based non-profit military organization composed of men and women of Igbo heritage who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, has urged Washington to establish a sovereign safe zone for Judeo-Christians and to support the restructuring of Nigeria.

    In a letter dated February 25, 2026, and signed by AVID President Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia, the group argued that such a measure would enable persecuted Christians to live and worship freely, shielded from extremist violence. “This initiative aligns with America’s commitment to self-determination, religious liberty, and protecting vulnerable populations, representing a significant step toward addressing the ongoing genocide,” the letter stated.

    The appeal was addressed to Representative Riley McGowan Moore, a member of a U.S. congressional committee tasked by President Donald Trump to investigate violence against Christians in Nigeria. AVID expressed gratitude for the committee’s findings, particularly its conclusion that “Nigeria is the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian.”

    The group highlighted documentation of mass killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of churches and schools, stressing the urgency of decisive international action. It welcomed the committee’s recommendation for the repeal of Sharia codes and criminal anti-blasphemy laws in Nigeria, describing them as essential steps toward safeguarding religious freedom and human rights.

    Read the group’s letter below:

  • Netanyahu to Modi: “From the Indus Valley to the Jordan Valley, India and Israel Share Ancient Civilizational Bonds”

    Netanyahu to Modi: “From the Indus Valley to the Jordan Valley, India and Israel Share Ancient Civilizational Bonds”

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the enduring relationship between Israel and India, describing both nations as “two ancient civilizations, from the Indus Valley to the Jordan Valley.” He made the remarks during a special session of the Knesset in honour of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Israel.

    Netanyahu, in a statement posted Wednesday on X, said: “Our alliance multiplies our strengths — in spirit, in action, and in innovation. Together, we will take the friendship between our peoples to unprecedented heights.”

    Addressing the Knesset, Modi highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries and the goodwill of the Indian people toward Israel. He was awarded the Medal of the Knesset, which he described as “not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations.”

    Following the session, both leaders toured an exhibition showcasing Israeli technological innovations. Modi praised the pioneering work of Israeli youth in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, healthcare, cybersecurity, water management, and agriculture. He encouraged Israeli companies to invest in India and collaborate with Indian talent.

    Modi’s visit, taking place from February 25–26, 2026, includes bilateral talks with Netanyahu aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence, technology, agriculture, water resources, and trade.