Politics
FG Facilitates Bayelsa, Namibe Sister-Cities Deal In Luanda *Nigeria Assures Angola On Revived Joint Commission
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The Nigerian government, on Thursday, facilitated a landmark twinning agreement on socio-economic and cultural development between Bayelsa State and Namibe, a province of Angola.
It also midwifed another economic cooperation deal between Nasarawa State and the Angolan province of Bengo.
A press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Friday, stated that the agreements on Sister-Cities development as well as bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Angola were part of activities of the three-day fifth Nigeria-Angola Bilateral Joint Economic Commission meetings, which was revived after 24 years, in Luanda, the capital city of Angola.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, who led the Nigerian delegation, signed on behalf of the Federal Government and the Angolan Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Amb. Domingos Custodio Vieira Lopes, signed for his country.
Governor Douye Diri equally signed for Bayelsa while his Namibe counterpart, Dr. Archer Mangueira, represented his province at the ceremony.
The twinning agreement entails both Bayelsa and Namibe cooperating on economic and environmental development, urban city management as well as agricultural manpower training.
It also includes citizenship relations between local communities, social and economic agents as well as cooperation on energy, education, culture, tourism and sports development.
Addressing the media with his Namibe counterpart after the signing ceremony, the Bayelsa governor, who described the agreement as historic, said it marked the concretisation of a relationship that began early this year when he first embarked on an exploratory visit to the coastal province.
Governor Diri commended the Federal Government for considering Bayelsa in the bilateral cooperation arrangement with Angola, saying it would open new vistas for economic growth and development of the state.
He noted that both states had commonalities in natural resource endowment and that the cooperation would boost the economic potential of the littoral states.
He said: “Signing this important agreement between our two countries and two states is very historic for us from Bayelsa State, coming at a time our host, Angola, was marking its 50th independence anniversary.
“I recall that early this year I was in Namibe and I saw the level of natural endowments in that province. That also goes for Bayelsa. Both states are naturally endowed and there is so much we can do that would be mutually beneficial to us as states and our countries.”
Diri appreciated Mangueira for the hospitality during his visit and the Angolan government for the warm reception accorded the Nigerian delegation.
The Namibe governor also commended the government of both countries for the twinning agreement, saying it was the beginning of a milestone cooperation between the two states.
“This agreement provides an opportunity to establish areas of comparative advantage. We have common geographical features as Bayelsa. On behalf of the government and people of Namibe, I welcome this agreement and my brother from Bayelsa.”
Earlier, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her Angolan counterpart, Amb. Lopes praised both countries for resuscitating the joint commission.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, while recalling the historic bonds between Nigeria and Angola, dating back to 1975 when Angola became independent, noted the significance of the joint commission.
She said: “This joint commission reaffirms the friendly and cooperative ties between Nigeria and Angola as important partners. As such, there is the need to continuously work together to realise the fullest potential of our bilateral cooperation. Our long bilateral relations since the establishment of the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Luanda in 1975 has brought us to where we are today.
“Our meeting in the last three days was not only to reflect on the state of our bilateral relations but also to identify new areas of cooperation in keeping with our collective desire to enhance partnership for a better future. We deserve to achieve sustainable economic growth, job creation, people-to-people contact, and poverty reduction for our peoples.
“The joint commission between our two countries thus provides a good framework to develop strategies with a view to strengthening and broadening our bilateral relations. The signing of the three agreements, including the historic twinning agreement Bayelsa State of Nigeria and the Province of Namibe in Angola in areas of cooperation, not only signal our collective desire to promote economic, political, cultural, social, educational and scientific cooperation. It also marks a strategic partnership to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities thus making a contribution in the fight against poverty and underdevelopment in our two countries.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister said the contributions of the delegates at the meeting were indicative of the resolve of the two countries to effectively collaborate.
“We brought to the table 28 Memoranda of Understanding, which various sub-committees carefully deliberated and will continue to further deliberate upon. The long hours spent by our officials underscore the seriousness and importance that the two delegations attached to the subjects under consideration. I thank both sides for their sacrifices in this regard.
“In negotiations, no side gets completely what it wants or desires. Therefore, what we have in the document before us is a measure of the shared responsibilities our two countries owe each other as we move our relationship to the next level.
“Let me on behalf of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria assure the Republic of Angola that we will deploy the necessary political will in implementation of the content of the document as it is in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu. We also expect the same from the Republic of Angola to sustain the level of relationship in the interest of our two nations.”
By Our Correspondent
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled its governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections in 28 states.
The party announced the candidates in a statement on Friday, saying the move underscored its commitment to providing Nigerians with credible leadership and a viable political alternative ahead of the elections.
Among the notable candidates are Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour in Lagos State, Isa Mohammed Ashiru in Kaduna, Great Ogboru in Delta, Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita in Katsina and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Kebbi.
The ADC is also fielding candidates in Adamawa, Kano, Rivers, Oyo, Ogun, Plateau, Zamfara and other states.
The party said the candidates would fly its flag in the 2027 elections, describing them as representatives of its commitment to offering Nigerians credible leadership and a “real alternative”.
Full list of ADC governorship and deputy governorship candidates
Abia: Kalu Kalu Agu — Governor; Alozie Ogadinma Darlington — Deputy Governor
Adamawa: Modibbo Hammantukur Ribadu — Governor; Aguwa Kevin Iliya — Deputy Governor
Akwa Ibom: Akpanudoedehe John James — Governor; Nsien Mkpombuk Tommy — Deputy Governor
Bauchi: Senator Halliru Dauda Jika — Governor; Sama’ila Mohammed Kabir — Deputy Governor
Benue: Rt. Hon. Herman Iorwase Hembe — Governor; Abba John Abba — Deputy Governor
Borno: Babagana Buhari — Governor; Mamman Dauda — Deputy Governor
Cross River: Nkoyo Toyo — Governor; Okwoche Andrew Adagbor — Deputy Governor
Delta: Chief Great Ogboru — Governor; Afiari Gloria — Deputy Governor
Ebonyi: Ukpai Mba Udeh — Governor; Onwe Daniel Ede — Deputy Governor
Enugu: Ocho Obodoeze Chukwuma — Governor; Eze Arinze Christopher — Deputy Governor
Gombe: Bala Bello — Governor; Bala Sani Isa — Deputy Governor
Jigawa: Sabo Mohammed Nakudu — Governor; Musa Ya’u Balarabe — Deputy Governor
Kaduna: Isa Mohammed Ashiru — Governor; Kantiok Irmiya Ishaku — Deputy Governor
Kano: Ibrahim Ali Amin — Governor; Shehu Abdulkadir Bari — Deputy Governor
Katsina: Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita — Governor; Aminu Yar’adua Ahmed — Deputy Governor
Kebbi: Abubakar Malami — Governor; Zagi Musa Mohammed — Deputy Governor
Kwara: Zakari Mohammed — Governor; Olawuyi Julius Olayide — Deputy Governor
Lagos: Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour — Governor; Gbadamosi Babatunde Olalere — Deputy Governor
Nasarawa: Nuhu Angbazo — Governor; Ahmed Yusuf — Deputy Governor
Niger: Dr Mohammed Kpautagi — Governor; Musa Mamman — Deputy Governor
Ogun: Biodun Collins Ogundipe — Governor; Muraina Oluwaranti Oluyemi — Deputy Governor
Oyo: Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke — Governor; Wahab Adeniyi — Deputy Governor
Plateau: Brig. Gen. John Sunday Sura — Governor; Pwajok-Kele Chundung Bitrus — Deputy Governor
Rivers: Gabriel Pidomson — Governor; Okumgba David Amapakaye — Deputy Governor
Sokoto: Manir Mohammad Daniya — Governor; Isah Bello Ambarura — Deputy Governor
Taraba: Abubakar Umar Tutare — Governor; Kwetishe Haruna Kwenyan — Deputy Governor
Yobe: Kassim G. Gaidam — Governor; Kori Lawan Mohammed — Deputy Governor
Zamfara: Shinkafi Bilyaminu Yusuf — Governor; Muhammad Abdulmuddalib Auwal — Deputy Governor
See also Azuka’s Death Politically Motivated, Fr Obimma Insists
The unveiling comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the ADC positioning itself as a major alternative to the established political parties.
Politics
INEC Moves To Support JAMB with Biometric Verification Technology ….As Agencies Strengthren Ties
By George Mgbeleke
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has indicated its readiness to assist the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with biometric verification technology, as part of deepening collaboration between the two federal agencies.
This followed a courtesy visit by the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, and members of his management team to the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Friday 4th September, 2026.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Aina said his team had approached INEC in its capacity as a sister agency with proven experience in biometric verification, noting that JAMB was seeking to strengthen the integrity of its examination processes.
He said JAMB understood that INEC possessed biometric verification machines that may no longer be in active use, and appealed to the Commission to consider making the equipment available to support JAMB’s efforts to enhance its own verification systems.
Responding, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, welcomed the JAMB delegation and commended the Board’s statutory role in national development, describing it as central to the education and advancement of Nigerian youths.
The INEC Chairman was joined to receive the delegation by the National Commissioner in charge of Outreach and Partnerships, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru, the Directors of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Human Resources Management, and Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), as well as the Chief Press Secretary to the Hon. Chairman, Adedayo Oketola.
Prof. Amupitan cited the Commission’s recent conduct of the Anambra, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election, Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as bye elections across the country as evidence of INEC’s growing technological capacity, noting that both exercises were widely commended by observers, including the National Security Adviser’s Office and the United Kingdom High Commission, for their credibility and peaceful conduct.
He directed the Commission’s Director of ICT to review the request and determine, through a proof-of-concept assessment, the availability and suitability of INEC’s biometric verification equipment for possible use by JAMB.
The INEC Chairman described the visit as a reflection of the growing synergy between government agencies, stressing the importance of institutions working together to advance national development.
He assured the JAMB delegation of the Commission’s willingness to explore further areas of cooperation between the two agencies.
Prof. Aina, in turn, expressed appreciation to the INEC Chairman and management for the warm reception accorded his team.
By Our Correspondent
A coalition backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election has activated plans to deploy a nationwide, issue-based campaign structure ahead of the polls.
Operating as National Movement for Tinubu–Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria, the group said it is building more than “another support club” — it wants a disciplined national platform to drive voter mobilisation and policy conversations.
The position was contained in a statement signed by the Interim National Coordinating Committee led by Prof. Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali, National Coordinator; Dr. Bassey Rekpene, National Coordinating Secretary; and Ardo Zubairu, National Media Coordinator.
The Committee said September 1, 2026 was earlier pencilled for the public unveiling, but wider consultations forced a shift, adding that a new launch date would be announced soon.
According to the leadership, the groundwork is already set with two key documents finalised: a Mandate Document outlining the Movement’s philosophy, structure and strategy, and a National Covenant stating why it is backing Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima under the APC.
The group argued that 2027 will be a defining moment for Nigeria’s economy, security and stability, and voters deserve more than rhetoric.
“The 2027 election must go beyond personal issues and propaganda. It should provide Nigerians an opportunity to assess competing visions, evaluate national progress and make informed choices,” the statement read.
To deliver that, the Movement said it has drafted a programme of action covering consultations, stakeholder engagement, public messaging, and grassroots mobilisation across all states, adding that its communication backbone is also being upgraded — with an official website, email system, WhatsApp channels and dedicated phone lines.
The Committee said outreach to members at home and in the diaspora has begun to test commitment and assign responsibilities, stating: “We are engaging members nationwide and beyond… The response has been encouraging.”
After the formal launch, it said Forward Nigeria would roll out structured mobilisation down to local government areas and community levels.
The Committee warned against complacency, saying: “Elections are not won by enthusiasm alone. Organisation, communication, mobilisation, commitment and responsible civic participation remain indispensable.”
It urged supporters to deepen community engagement and prepare for tasks in the coming political season.
The Movement said its goal is to build a broad-based, credible and nationally representative force to deliver the Tinubu–Shettima 2027 project, under a larger vision of “a stronger, more prosperous, secure, stable and forward-looking Nigeria.”
It called on Nigerians who believe in continuity, development and national cohesion to join the emerging mobilisation.
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Pro-Tinubu group unveils blueprint to drive issue-based campaign nationwide
By Our Correspondent A coalition backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election has activated plans to deploy a nationwide, issue-based...
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By George Mgbeleke The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) views with grave concern the recent declaration by the...
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Prosperity Cup Organizers celebrate Premium Trust Bank New Branch,… Describe the MD/CEO, Dr. Emefienim as a Goal Getter
By David Owei Organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup,...
Diri’s Government Breaching Bayelsa State Transparency Law
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By George Mgbeleke The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the exit of global ride-hailing brand Uber from Nigeria, alongside...
INEC debunks allegations of substituting NDC’s candidates, as untrue
By Our Correspondent The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has disclaimed a statement by the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic...
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