Category Archives: Politics

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AU congratulates South Africa as G20 Chair, Host

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The African Union Commission (AUC) has congratulated the Republic of South Africa on assuming the G20 Chair and for hosting the G20 Summit in Africa for the first time, a milestone highlighting South Africa’s growing influence in global governance.

In a statement, the AUC praised South Africa for its leadership in promoting the priorities of the Global South, advancing sustainable development, and strengthening inclusive global governance.

Read Also: Xi Jinping congratulates Paul Biya on re-election, pledges to strengthen China-Cameroon ties

The commission also noted South Africa’s status as a vibrant democracy, emphasizing its commitment to equality, human rights, and the rule of law, guided by values reflected in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Highlighting South Africa’s diversity, the AUC stated that the nation’s multicultural population and inclusive society serve as a source of national strength and global admiration.

The African Union encouraged international partners to engage with South Africa and the wider African continent based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation, supporting Africa’s continued role in global peace, development, and prosperity.

Xi Jinping congratulates Paul Biya on re-election, pledges to strengthen China-Cameroon ties

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Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Paul Biya following his re-election as President of the Republic of Cameroon.

In the message, Xi highlighted the long-standing friendship between China and Cameroon, noting that both countries have deepened political trust, achieved significant cooperation across multiple sectors, and supported each other on matters concerning their core interests.

Read Also: Tinubu to meet Trump over alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria – Presidency

Xi Jinping also pointed out that 2026 will mark the 55th anniversary of China-Cameroon diplomatic relations, presenting new opportunities to further strengthen bilateral ties.

The Chinese President reaffirmed his commitment to work with Paul Biya to implement outcomes from the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), aiming to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations for the benefit of both peoples.

Angola awards Haim Taib with Peace and Development Medal

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As Angola marks 50 years of independence, President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço has awarded Haim Taib, Founder and President of the Menomadin and Mitrelli Group, the Peace and Development Medal (Classe Paz e Desenvolvimento) in recognition of his long-standing partnership and contributions to Angola’s economic and social development.

Haim Taib, a businessman, investor, and philanthropist, has spent over 35 years in Africa leading more than 100 national-scale projects that have mobilized investments, created jobs, and improved lives across the continent.

Arriving in Angola in 1991 during the civil war, Taib saw the country’s potential and worked to transform peace into progress. One of his early initiatives, Aldeia Nova, focused on self-sustaining communities and food production, becoming a symbol of hope and post-war recovery.

Over the years, Taib expanded his impact through his ecosystem of companies, including Mitrelli, Luminar, Menomadin, and JETA, implementing projects in water, food security, energy, housing, education, healthcare, and technology. Notable initiatives include water provision programs, advanced hospitals, vocational and entrepreneur centers, telecommunication infrastructure, and science and innovation hubs — all aimed at inclusive growth and human development.

Read Also: AMAN Union announces winners of 2025 Aman Union Awards

In 2025, Taib co-founded the Lobito Corridor Impact Development (LCID) Platform alongside Angola’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. This USD 1 billion private-sector-led initiative, with USD 100 million already committed, supports infrastructure, trade, agriculture, and education across Angola, the DRC, and Zambia.

Taib’s social impact vision also extends through the Fundação Arte e Cultura, empowering young Angolans through art, education, and culture. His initiatives have brought electricity, water, homes, hospitals, and employment to millions, leaving a lasting legacy in the country.

“This recognition belongs as much to the people of Angola as it does to me,” said Taib. “It is a tribute to our shared belief that when people can dream, they can create. They can change. They can build their future with their own hands.”

The Classe Paz e Desenvolvimento medal underscores Angola’s acknowledgment of Haim Taib’s three decades of partnership and enduring contributions to the nation’s peace and development.

Zamfara PDP urges Matawalle to focus on tackling insecurity

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The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Zamfara chapter, has call on the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle to focus on decisively dealing with banditry and other crimes affecting the country.

A statement by the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Haliru Andi, on Monday in Gusau, said that as a public servant, the minister’s primary duty was to provide security to teaming population in the country, not personal interests.

He noted with concern the minister’s absence from his constitutional duties to engage himself in political gathering in the state, and urged him to refocus on his responsibilities and serve with integrity.

”As a party, the PDP is deeply concerned about the current state of affairs in Zamfara and Nigeria as whole. We wish to remind the minister to be determined in fighting banditry and eliminating them from the state,” he said.

Read Also: PDP inaugurates 39 new BoT members

He added that the recent directive by Sen. Abdul-Aziz Yari to all Zamfara APC members aspiring for governorship or any other political seat in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to start seeking the support of the electorates was in order.

”But it is inappropriate, unacceptable for the minister to abandon his constitutional duties at this trying times in the country to pursue political interest.

“As we await the nation’s election umpire to give the green light for the start of the 2027 electioneering political campaigns across the country, we expect the minister to face the issue of banditry ravaging his home state and the country squarely.

”This will help justify the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Tinubu. As minister of defence he must place his constitutional duties above any other personal interest,” Andi said.

(NAN) 

APC hails Tinubu for neutrality in Anambra election

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The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended President Bola Tinubu for defending Nigeria’s democracy by maintaining neutrality in Saturday’s Anambra governorship election.

The party’s Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, gave the commendation in a statement on Monday in Lagos,

According to him, Tinubu’s stance demonstrates his commitment to credible elections and deepening  democracy.

“The President has once again shown that he remains the most credible defender of Nigeria’s democracy by encouraging transparency and refusing to interfere in the electoral process,” Oladejo said.

Oladejo said the President’s decision not to interfere in the poll reaffirmed his reputation as a true democrat and strengthened public confidence in the electoral system.

He also lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he described as a credible and transparent election.

According to him, the conduct of the election under the new INEC leadership reflects a bold and refreshing new dawn in Nigeria’s democratic experience.

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

He added that the outcome of the Anambra election revealed the disunity and lack of structure within the opposition coalition.

Oladejo said the election  exposed the “paper-thin” nature of the coalition, which he described as a gathering of “political wanderers and competing egoists.”

According to him, the result shows that the so-called coalition lacks vision, organisation and national appeal.

“A group that cannot win in its own stronghold should stop dreaming of national victory,” he said.

Oladejo added that while the opposition search for excuses, the APC would continue to focus on governance and reforms aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

He said the ruling party remained the only political organisation with national depth, structure and discipline.

“The Anambra election is a warning to the opposition that the era of emotional blackmail is over,” he said.

NAN reports that INEC declared Gov. Charles Soludo and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) winner of the Saturday governorship election after polling 422,664 votes.

Soludo’s closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu, of the APC, garnered 99,445 votes.

Similarly, Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) came third with 37,753 votes, while John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) scored 8,208 votes.

George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP) and Jude Ezenwafor of the PDP scored 10,576 votes and 1,401 votes, respectively.

(NAN)

TRT World Forum 2025 concludes in Istanbul with global insights

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The TRT World Forum 2025 has concluded after two days of high-level discussions on global issues, drawing over 1,500 participants and nearly 150 speakers from more than 30 countries. This year’s ninth edition, held from October 31 to November 1, explored the theme “The Global Reset: From the Old Order to New Realities.”

The annual forum, organized by TRT World, once again attracted international attention for addressing key geopolitical, economic, and social challenges shaping the global agenda. The event brought together policymakers, journalists, academics, industry experts, and representatives from both the public and private sectors for open and closed sessions focused on global cooperation and dialogue.

Discussions covered a wide range of pressing topics, including strategic autonomy, diplomacy, economics, artificial intelligence, international law, and journalism on the frontlines. Expert roundtables also examined regional and thematic issues such as “Contested Futures: Conflict and Reconciliation in East Africa,” “Trump’s America: Unpacking the Transformation,” “European Security Architecture,” “The Global Rise of the Far Right,” “Justice in Gaza,” and “The Ukraine Conflict: Diplomacy Amid the Fog of War.”

Read Also: Africa Tech Festival 2025 set to unite global innovators in Cape Town

The forum opened with keynote addresses by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran, and TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı. A special tribute was paid to journalists who lost their lives in Gaza, with six reporters presenting their press vests to President Erdoğan in remembrance of their fallen colleagues.

Among the distinguished speakers were former Prime Minister of Kyrgyz Republic Djoomart Otorbaev, former First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, General Supervisor of Official Media of Palestine Ahmed Assaf, former International Court of Justice Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, and ICRC Regional Director for Africa Patrick Youssef.

Through dynamic debates and collaborative sessions, the TRT World Forum 2025 reaffirmed its position as one of the most influential global media and policy platforms — shaping conversations on diplomacy, peacebuilding, and the shifting balance of world power.

APC is waxing stronger in Niger, says retired Maj.-Gen. Garba

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Retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Abdullahi-Garba says the All Progressives Congress (APC) is waxing stronger in Niger.

Garba, a chieftain of APC in the state, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bida on Sunday, “Bago’s government is transparent, open and all-inclusive.

“With this happy development, the party will go places in 2027.”

On Saturday’s local governments election, Garba said that the poll was ‘fantastic.

“In Niger, we give glory to God, most especially with the type of leader we have in Bago.

“We have a leader who grew through the political process.

Read Also: APC chieftain Jesutega Onokpasa dies

“If you check at the history of Niger,most of the Governors were anointed at the point of election.

“This is the first time we are having a Governor who grew through the process of politicking.”

The APC chieftain recalled that Bago was elected as a member of the National Assembly for three executive times.

Garba added, “He has garnered gold, silver and bronze The bronze was the starting point.

“The silver solidified the bronze. Both ended with the golden position of the governorship of the state.

“That was what crowned it. So, he has a lot of experience in carrying the people along.”

Garba further described Bago as a governor whose preoccupation has been the welfare of his people at all times.

He added that the governor has never quarreled with his associates, adding, “he always go back and do welfare for them.”

He also extolled Bago and the State Independent Electoral Commission for conducting free, fair and transparent local governments poll on Saturday.

(NAN)

Defections: Kaduna now one big political family — Sani

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Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State says the growing wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) shows that the state has become “one big family” united under the ruling party.

Sani stated this on Saturday during a mega rally held at the Kafanchan Township Stadium, Kaduna State.

The rally saw the defection of Sen. Sunday Katung (PDP- Kaduna South) and three other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

Other defectors included Rep. Daniel Amos, member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, and the  Hon. Ali Kalat of the Kaduna State House of Assembly representing Jema’a Constituency.

Other defectors were Hon. Yusuf Mugu, representing Kaura Constituency, as well as thousands of their supporters.

The Governor attributed the defections to his administration’s inclusive governance style and even spread of development projects across the state.

“Our leadership is rooted in inclusivity, fairness and justice.

“That is why people are joining the APC in large numbers in Kaduna State,” Sani said.

He recalled that as of May 29, 2023, the opposition held 12 House of Representatives seats from the state, while the APC had only four.

“In the last two and a half years, 10 members have decamped to the APC.

Read Also: Osun 2026: APC Chieftain Ojuade drums support for Omisore

“In the State Assembly, seven out of 12 PDP members have joined our party; that shows we are running an inclusive government,” he said.

Sani said that every local government in the state was benefitting from his administration’s infrastructural projects.

He cited examples of ongoing road projects across Zangon Kataf, Sanga, Jema’a, Kauru, Kubau, Jaba, and Kagarko local government areas.

Sani said that his government was determined to link all communities through durable roads infrastructure.

The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.

According to him, the state government was constructing a road to link the institution with Kachia town.

In his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented  Tinubu, said the development marked a turning point for Southern Kaduna.

“Southern Kaduna has woken up to the reality of the President’s reforms; the best is yet to come,” he said,

The CoS commended the governor for his giant strides in security and development.

Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, described the defections of Sen. Katung and Amos as “a political earthquake. ”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with the latest defections, all the elected officials from Southern Kaduna were now members of the APC.

This signaled a major political shift in the state.

(NAN)

Anambra Governorship Election: 2.8 million registered voters to participate — INEC 

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says that no fewer than 2.8 million registered voters are expected to participate in the Nov. 8 Anambra Governorship election in the state.

Mr Ejimofor Ejikeme, Head of Department, Electoral Operations, INEC, Awka, Anambra, made this known on Tuesday, during the commission’s Forum for Media Executives, Reporters, Producers and Online-On Air Personalities held in Awka.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 16 governorship candidates and their political parties would participate in the poll.

“A total of 2.8 million registered voters will participate in the November 8 governorship election in Anambra.

“The figure rose from 2.6 million registered voters to 2.8 million after the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the state,” he said.

Ejikeme said that the figure represented the final number of registered voters after the recent CVR exercise in the state.

Earlier, Mr Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Abuja, said that the purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the democracy through credible information and responsible media communication.

“This forum is a reaffirmation of the Commission’s commitment to transparency, openness, and collaboration with the media, our indispensable partners in nation building,” he said.

Olumekun appreciated the media for  professionalism and balanced reportage during the recent concluded by-election in the state.

According to him, you upheld the ethics of journalism, resisted sensationalism, and ensured that facts, not falsehoods, guided public understanding.

“For this, the commission says thank you. Your work continues to serve as the oxygen of democracy, enlightening citizens, holding institutions accountable, and bridging the gap between the governed and those who govern.

“As society’s mirror, the media reflects our collective conscience. In elections, your role becomes even more sacred.

“You are the interpreters of the electoral process, helping citizens understand not just how to vote, but why their participation matters. Democracy thrives when citizens are well-informed. 

“To be well-informed, they must have access to accurate, timely, and balanced information. That is why the commission continues to count on you to amplify voter education messages, combat misinformation, and keep the public engaged with truth and context,” he said.

He said that the INEC was ready for the Nov. 8 governorship election in the state.

Read Also: Borno leads as INEC online pre-registration hits 7.4m

According to him, in line with our commitment to credible and inclusive elections, the commission has been implementing a comprehensive plan of activities covering logistics, technology, training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination.

“The commission’s level of readiness is both practical and measurable. All non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the state, while sensitive materials will arrive in due course under strict security arrangements. 

“This week, the commission is in Anambra for a week-long readiness assessment visit. The visit will feature meetings with key stakeholders, including the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), transport unions, and a mock accreditation, and an overall review of preparations.

“These activities send a clear message that INEC is ready and fully committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra,” he said.

The  INEC’s National Commissioner informed newsmen that the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recently conducted CVR exercise in the state was ready for collection.

“Starting from Oct 22 to Oct. 26 Oct., Anambra electorate, who registered within the last exercise, are encouraged to visit the wards where they registered to collect their PVCs.  

“I must emphasise that there will be no collection by proxy. We seek your support in this regards to help mobilise registrants through your various platforms to pick up these PVCs in order to participate in the election,” he said.

Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr Elizabeth Agwu, said that 21 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) were helping to educate the electorate in the state on their voting rights.

Agwu called on the residents to come out en masse to vote in the election.

She said that accreditation and voting would start at 8.30a and end by 2.30pm.

(NAN)

National Convention: Anyanwu’s signature not forged – PDP

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the allegation of forged signature on letter for its national convention to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu is false.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba flanked some leaders of the party stated this at a news conference in Abuja.

He described Anyanwu’s allegation as false and calculated attempt to derail the party and its national convention scheduled for Nov.15 in Ibadan

He recalled that the decision on the date, venue and agenda of the elective national convention was taken at the party’s 101 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, in which Anyanwu participated during which him and the party chairman were directed to write INEC.

He said that the Certified True Copies from INEC showed that Anyanwu was number 4 on the attendance list, while available pictures also proved that he was present at the same meeting where composition for the convention committees were approved.

Ologunagba also said that both Anyanwu and Damagum co-signed the letter he now disclaimed at a meeting on Aug. 25 PDP, a day before its 102nd NEC meeting which was held on Aug. 26.

“That meeting of Aug. 25 was preceded by a meeting of governors, NWC members, leaders of the party, in this building, in the office of the National Chairman, Umar Damagum, where every member from the NWC was present.

“Others at the meeting were Gov. Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, Gov. Bala Muhammad of Bauchi State and Sen. Anyawu, the legal adviser and national organising were also present,” he said

Other present at the meeting according to Ologunagba were Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Dauda Lawa of Zamfara.

He further listed the former Senate President Sen. Bukola Saraki, former Minister, Taminu Taraki, SAN, former Niger Gov. Babangida Aliu and all NWC members among those present.

Ologunagba stated that at the meeting four letters were co-signed by Damagum and Anyanwu.

“The letters were PDP letter on National Elective convention to INEC composition of national convention membership, notice of repeat PDP South-East 2025 Zonal Congresses, notice of repeat of PDP Congress in Anambra and Ebonyi.”

He added that Anyanwu did not only sign the letters, he was the secretary of the National Convention Contact and Mobilisation Sub-Committee, in which he even started working for the sub-committee.

“To show that he started working on that, there was a budget presented by him. The budget was sent to Gov. Duoye Diri, the chairman of the contact and mobilisation subcommittee,” he said.

Ologunagba said that Anyanwu also signed letters to the sub-committee members including an aide in his office.

Read Also: PDP postpones 103rd NEC meeting

“Curiously, few days after he suddenly woke up and say letter was forged. When the NWC is aware of this acknowledgement.

“So at what point does that become a forged document? 50 old days after the letter was signed,” he said.

Ologunagba urged the security agencies to investigate Anyanwu’s allegations and ensure if found out to be false, he should face the consequences.

“Beyond this, there is a calculated attempt to derail the party and ensure that the convention is not in place. But again, this is a falling flat on the face because it’s untrue. At best, it’s a lie.

“It is criminal to make false allegations before security officials and security agencies.

“I would think they should take it up and our party would be interested in having to get to the end of this matter because forgery is a very serious allegation.

“If anybody who is involved in it or who is behind stories that are not true with regards to that, they should have their day with the security agencies,” he said.

Ologunagba, however, said that irrespective of the bricks thrown at the party, PDP was focused on its convention.

Asked if any of the PDP leaders had been invited by the secretary the police of any of the security agencies over the allegation, Ologunagba said not to his knowledge.

On speculation about Gov. Diri defection to the APC, Ologunagba said that the PDP was party of the people and not individuals.

“Yes, governors have roles to play, but winning elections is not solely about governors.

“It is a combination of the people and the governor as leaders and other people to allow us to win. The real strength of winning is in the people,” he said.(NAN)