Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Former Rivers State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Party, ADC, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, stating that he stands apart from other contenders by presenting himself as a “national candidate” focused on solving Nigeria’s problems beyond ethnic lines.

Amaechi made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Morning Brief on Friday, where he addressed his chances against key political figures including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi.

“The difference between me and all the other candidates mentioned is that I am the only national candidate,” Amaechi said.

He criticised what he described as ethnic-based politics among other aspirants, adding, “Some are running as Igbo candidate, some are running as Hausa-Fulani candidate.”

Positioning himself as the only candidate figure, Amaechi urged Nigerians to support his ambition on the basis of competence and national identity rather than ethnicity.

“I say vote for me because I am Nigerian. President Tinubu is already running because he is a Yoruba man. I don’t care who else is running, I am running because I am a Nigerian candidate because I know the Nigerian problem and I can solve the Nigerian problem,” he stated.

2027: ‘I am only true Nigerian candidate’- Ameachi declares interest to run for president

The spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habib Mai-Lemo, has said a joint presidential ticket involving Mr Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would pose a significant challenge to President Bola Tinubu in 2027 election.

Mai-Lemo made the remark while responding to questions on the strength of the Kwankwasiyya Movement on Trust TV, amid increasing online campaigns by supporters advocating a political alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso.

He noted that both politicians command strong grassroots support across different regions of the country, describing their followership as “organic” and capable of influencing electoral outcomes.

According to him, such an alliance could bridge political and regional divides, particularly between the North and the South-East, while also strengthening support across the southern part of the country.

Mai-Lemo added that previous efforts to form a similar alliance ahead of the 2023 general election did not materialise, but maintained that the idea remains viable.

He said a collaboration between the two political figures, backed by leaders from other regions, would significantly alter the country’s political landscape.

He said: “I think we have to be very realistic. We have to understand that we have seen what alliances have done. At times it’s necessary to look at the reality on the ground for you to be able to attain what you intend to achieve.

“Like I told you, in the whole of the country now everybody knows that it’s only Peter Obi and Kwankwaso that have organic followers. Those followers are ready. Infact, there’s a lot to benefit from it.

“It will help us to close rank between northern and eastern Nigeria, and the entire southern part of the country.

“I think it’s the easy sell when there’s support of the people in there. And I believe Tinubu’s ticket will be dead on arrival once you have Peter Obi and Kwankwaso working together with the support of all the leaders from the other side of the country.”

Tinubu’s ticket dead on arrival once Peter Obi, Kwankwaso work together – Kwankwasiyya spokesman

Former Barcelona forward, Christophe Dugarry, has slammed Lamine Yamal, insisting that the winger has an ‘inflated ego’.

The Frenchman spoke after Barcelona’s elimination from the Champions League in mid-week at the hands of Atletico Madrid.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Dugarry said of Yamal, “If you’re going to talk a lot, make sure your team is capable of winning.

“He scored in the 4th minute. And then? Dembele would surely have scored a few more goals.

“He has talent, but he is far from being one of the best in the world. I am not at all convinced that Barcelona deserved to go through against Atletico, given Lamine Yamal’s performance. He has an inflated ego.”

UCL: He has an inflated ego – Ex-Barcelona forward Dugarry slams Yamal

The suspended Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Nasarawa State, Adamu Bako, has formally resigned from the party.

Bako announced his decision in a letter dated April 15, 2026, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Agyaga, Akwanga Local Government Area.

In the letter, he described the move as difficult but necessary, stating that it was taken in the interest of peace, his personal safety, and the need to identify with a political platform that aligns with his leadership principles.

He added that his decision would also allow him to move forward with his supporters and mentees under a structure that better reflects his political vision.

Despite his exit, Bako noted that he had remained committed to the PDP for years, describing it as a party he once deeply valued and defended until the final moments of his membership.

His resignation comes on the heels of his recent suspension by the party over allegations of gross misconduct and anti-party activities.

​

Suspended Nasarawa PDP chairman quits party, cites ideological differences

The leadership of Action People’s Party, APP, in lmo State has concluded arrangements for it’s congresses in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The congresses is for Ward, Local Government Area (LGA), and State Congresses as directed by the National headquarters of the party.

The exercise is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, followed by the LGA Congress on Friday, April 24, while the State Congress is expected to hold on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

The party said this landmark exercise marks a decisive step in deepening the party’s democratic structures across Imo State and ensuring full compliance with the Electoral Act.

The congresses according to the party, will provide a transparent platform for members to elect new leaders at the ward, LGA, and state levels, thereby strengthening the foundation for effective grassroots mobilization.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by its state interim Publicity Secretary, Cajetan Duke and made available to journalists in Owerri.

“This significant internal democratic process follows a formal letter of notification sent by the National Working Committee of the Action People’s Party to the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The notification, which was duly acknowledged, underscores the party’s commitment to transparency, due process, and adherence to all regulatory requirements governing political party activities in Nigeria.

“It also signals the APP’s undisputed recognition as a political party and its readiness to operate within the ambit of the law as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Also, addressing a cross-section of party stakeholders in the state, the Interim Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party, Ernest Njesi, stated that the congresses are strategically designed to consolidate the presence of the Action People’s Party in Imo State as the most internally cohesive, vibrant, and well-organized political party in the region.

“By electing credible leaders at every tier, the exercise will ignite the burning desire for victory and position the party as a formidable and credible alternative capable of delivering good governance to the people of Imo,” he said.

Njesi further described the upcoming congresses as “a new dawn for the party in the state,” noting that the exercise will birth a leadership that is accountable, people-oriented, and ready to champion the collective aspirations of Imolites.

He assured that the outcome of the congresses will reflect the genuine wishes of the majority of party members and will be accepted by all in the overall interest of the party.

He urged all registered members of the party at all levels to participate effectively, according to the congress guidelines, while calling for the maximum cooperation of all relevant authorities, particularly the security agencies, for a peaceful and seamless conduct of the exercise.

Imo Guber: APP set for ward, LG, state congresses

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has

Nigerian singer, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has opened up about how becoming famous at a young age affected him, claiming that he was exploited.

DAILY POST recalls that Rema gained prominence after he got signed to Mavin Records and released his first EP in 2019 at the age of 19.

In the lyrics of his new song with French singer Sofiane Pamart titled ‘Moviestar,’ Rema revealed that he was drugged by ladies as a youngster.

The 25-year-old said fans do not understand his personal grief because they don’t know that he “got caught up so young.”

He sings, “Girls always give me drugs.

My happiness is zipped in their little purse

Friends always make me feel robbed….”

Rema further explained in the lyrics that it was hard for him to quit after he signed the record deal, stressing that the label wanted him to sing and entertain fans without considering his feelings.

“I was drugged by women at very young age’ – Rema reveals

Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not back down on the administration’s economic reforms despite current hardships, assuring that Nigerians will soon reap the benefits.

Speaking at a parliamentary session on the sidelines of the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, Ibrahim stressed that the reforms, though painful in the short term, are essential for long-term growth and national prosperity.

He noted that no meaningful global economic progress can be achieved without addressing rising tensions around Iran, particularly the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

According to him, “No country can achieve significant economic development this year or thereafter until we jointly secure peace in the ongoing tensions involving Iran, especially as it concerns international passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”

Ibrahim warned that disruptions in the region could trigger far-reaching consequences for the global economy, given that over 25 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil-estimated at more than 20 million barrels per day-and about 20 per cent of liquefied natural gas pass through the corridor.

He added that major economies, including China, India, Japan and South Korea, would be severely impacted by any escalation due to oil price volatility, thereby complicating economic planning and deepening development challenges worldwide.

On Nigeria’s domestic front, the envoy reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining reforms, noting that legislative backing remains crucial in cushioning the effects on citizens.

He emphasised that legislative action and planning must reflect current realities, urging stronger collaboration between the legislature and the executive to address economic challenges.

Ibrahim advised global lawmakers to adopt cooperative frameworks similar to Nigeria’s parliamentary model under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noting that such synergy is vital in reducing poverty and economic hardship.

“President Bola Tinubu introduced reforms that will make Nigeria great. These policies may come with short-term pains, but they are indispensable for growth and economic development,” he said.

He added, “The law must reflect the situation, while action and strategy must come from proper situational diagnosis.
Parliament is not an exception to modern global realities.”

Ibrahim further called for stronger international cooperation among parliamentarians, stressing that global peace remains a prerequisite for sustainable development and effective economic planning.

At the close of the session, Senator Ibrahim bid farewell to his colleagues at the parliamentary forum, expressing appreciation for the relationships and networks built over the years.

He disclosed that he would be stepping down from parliamentary duties following his appointment by President Tinubu as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Nations, marking a transition into a new phase of global diplomatic service.

No reversal of economic reforms under Tinubu – Jimoh Ibrahim

Europe could face jet fuel shortages within weeks if supply disruptions from the Middle East persist, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Energy Agency, has warned….

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has rated Nigeria as a country with the highest number of children who have never received a single routine vaccine.

DAILY POST reports that Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, stated this on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the flag-off of the Republic of Korea–UNICEF Investment in Routine Immunisation in Badagry Local Government Area, Lagos State.

Saeed who put the estimated number of zero-dose children at 2.2 million noted that the figure places a shared responsibility on all stakeholders.

He also added that the numbers are not just statistics but real children often living in fragile urban settlements, border communities, conflict-affected settings, and hard-to-reach areas; without access to essential services.

“Today’s event is more than a launch. It is a shared political and moral commitment to the right of every Nigerian child to life-saving vaccines, regardless of where they are born or live.

“This burden is not a failure of science. Vaccines work. Rather, it reflects enduring challenges related to equity, access, and service reach, and this is why political leadership and strong partnerships are really possible.

“UNICEF is deeply grateful to the Government of the Republic of Korea for its leadership and solidarity. Through this partnership, Korea has demonstrated a clear understanding that global health security begins by reaching those who are most excluded.

“Nigeria’s inclusion in this investment reflects both the scale of the need and the confidence in Nigeria’s systems and capacity to deliver results.

“This investment is about strengthening existing national and sub-national systems, supporting government efforts to extend routine immunisation services, strengthen primary health care, rebuild trust, and ensure that vaccines consistently reach every child, especially those who have historically been left behind.

“Lagos State, and Badagry Local Government Area in particular, illustrate this challenge clearly. Even in areas experiencing growth and opportunity, pockets of exclusion persist.

“Reaching zero-dose children here sends a strong national signal, equity is not optional; it is foundational to sustainable development and stability”, he said.

He noted that UNICEF’s roles remain to support the government, bringing global experience, operational reach, and community trust so that national commitments translate into results where they matter most among the communities that are hard to reach.

Saeed also commended the Federal Government of Nigeria, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, and State Primary Health Care Boards for placing zero-dose children at the centre of national health priorities, particularly through targeted interventions in Local Government Areas and communities with the highest burden of unreached children.

In his remarks, LEE Sang Ho, Consul General of the Korean Embassy, Lagos Office, said the flag-off ceremony was for the commencement of the routine immunisation programme in Nigeria under the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) Investments Project through the UNICEF – Republic of Korea global partnership.

Sang Ho said the Republic of Korea’s ACT-A global partnership with UNICEF began in 2023 with the contribution of $70 million spread over three years of implementation.

He said in the first year from 2023 the sum of $20 million was budgeted for 22 countries, $30 million for 34 countries between 2024 and 2025) while in the final stage, between 2025 and 2026, the sum of $20 million is budgeted for 12 countries.

He added that out of the $20 million budget for 2025 and 2026, the sum of $5.6 million is earmarked for Nigeria’s project, which will last for one year.

“The purpose for funding this project is to ensure that cases of zero-dose vaccination in children are reduced in selected targeted areas comprising a total of 40 Local Government Areas in five states which are Lagos, Ogun, Niger, Bauchi, Adamawa and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

“The choice of Nigeria is strategic because Nigeria records a high volume of children with little or zero-dose Immunization, which poses great danger to global health security”, he added.

UNICEF rates Nigeria as country with highest number of unvaccinated children in Africa