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COALITION: NNPP WARNS AGAINST UNGUARDED STATEMENTS

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have faulted allegations by Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, interim National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the ruling party is sponsoring attacks on the coalition and or the frontline political parties. The ADC on Monday, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of targeting its leaders in the North East and North West, to undermine the opposition coalition formed to challenge him in the 2027 elections. The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the coalition would not stand by and watch a few desperate individuals push Nigeria toward a one-party system. Recall that the coalition on July 12, adopted the ADC as it’s political platform for the 2027 presidential election and other elections In a statement on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary,Mr Olaposi Ogini, the NNPP insisted that politicians must be careful of their utterances to avoid triggering public disorder. The NNPP said Abdullahi should limit his unfounded allegations to ADC and not include other political parties in Nigeria and in-particular the New Nigeria Peoples Party “Nigeria is facing so much challenges that people may likely misinterpret statements that tend to be unfriendly to the greater numbers “Ordinarily, the NNPP would not have bothered to respond to the ADC allegations against the ruling party, if Abdullahi had not mentioned the NNPP in one of his interviews and live appearances in the national televisions “Abdullahi should exclude NNPP from the unfounded assertion that APC is sponsoring attacks on opposition parties. “It is surprising to members of NNPP on how he came about this belief when he is not a member of our great party.” Ogini noted that NNPP’s internal leadership crisis is not sponsored by APC but created by Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso and his unemployed characters in an attempt to hijack the party. “Kwankwaso joining the coalition or not is not tantamount to NNPP joining the ADC or coalition . We are not part of any coalition and or ADC , the coalition cannot speak for us and whatsoever.” The party reiterated that so far, it had no reasons to think that the APC is responsible for its internal leadership crisis. The NNPP maintained that the leadership crisis in nnpp had nothing to do with APC, or Tinubu led administration but borne out of avoidable corruption and betrayal of trust by senator Rabiu musa KWANKWASO and Elder Buba Galadima to take over the leadership of the party, even when the Memorandum of Understanding had expired. The party said that it doesn’t subscribe to the word opposition in the Nigerian context. “The NNPP is rather responsible partners to all the sister political parties duly registered in Nigeria by the regulatory body, INEC. This is exactly why inter party advisory council is in place, opposition in Nigeria means that nothing is good about a seating government, this is very bad and regrettable. “it is our opinion and advise that we should all use our time to work for each of our political parties than giving unpaid adverts to APC, “indeed Mr president have told every politician who cares to listen that the doors of APC are open to all willing Nigerians. And yet people can not understand that mr president is simply urging Nigerians to work harder to actualise the concept of renewed hope agenda “What is wrong with politicians is their inability to take advantage of their constitution to resolve internal matters. “In Nigeria today, it is obvious that legal luminaries are smiling home financially, arising from unconstitutional acts and disrespect for rule of law in the various political parties and leadership. According to the party, even when the courts are pushing back to the politicians to take advantage of the internal crisis resolution mechanism, the politicians kept going to court to resolve their internal crisis or dispute. “The politicians gave themselves a constitution, the same politicians will rather go to court for interpretation of a constitution they wrote for themselves. “And for the proponents of the coalition, please take note that on no account should anyone be deceived with the platform of NNPP. “We are registered as a national political party to contest elections. We are not registered to gang up against any of our sister political parties , Ogini insisted

NIGERIA’S OIL SECTOR IN CRISIS: CNPP AND CSOs DEMAND FORENSIC AUDIT AND PUBLIC PROBE OF NNPCL OVER ₦210 TRILLION SCANDAL

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and over 75 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have demanded an urgent independent forensic audit and a public judicial inquiry into the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over multiple allegations of large-scale corruption and mismanagement under the leadership of Engr. Mele Kyari. In a statement, Dr. Agaba Iduh Fidel, National Publicity Secretary of the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), described the state of affairs in Nigeria’s oil sector during Kyari’s tenure as a financial calamity that threatens the economic survival of the nation. “This is not a minor discrepancy, and it is not a mere accounting oversight as they want us to believe. This is a financial calamity that must be accounted for by NNPCL,” Fidel declared. The groups highlighted several scandals, including the controversial recruitment of 487 staff at the Port Harcourt Refinery in 2021, which recorded zero income but spent ₦19.2 billion in administrative expenses and ₦22.5 billion in salaries. “We warned then that this was a fraudulent payroll expansion scheme designed to siphon public funds, but it fell on deaf ears,” Fidel said. The coalition also accused the Kyari-led management of complicity in fuel subsidy scams, the importation of adulterated fuel, and the deliberate sabotage of Nigeria’s local refining capacity. “We accused a powerful cabal within NNPCL of enriching fuel importation cartels at the expense of national economic sovereignty. Again, nothing was done by the government, the National Assembly, and anti-corruption agencies,” Dr. Fidel stated. The most damning revelation, in the coalition’s view, is the ₦210 trillion in unreconciled transactions revealed in the latest NNPCL audited financial statements covering 2017 to 2023. Fidel condemned NNPCL management’s recent refusal to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to answer questions about the missing funds, describing the action as “an insult to the intelligence and suffering of over 200 million Nigerians.” The CNPP and CSOs outlined a seven-point demand to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including an independent forensic audit of NNPCL, a public judicial panel of inquiry, and the immediate arrest and interrogation of Mele Kyari and the sacked NNPCL management team. Dr. Fidel warned that failure to meet these demands within 21 days would trigger nationwide mass mobilization, international petitions, court actions, and global media campaigns targeting the Tinubu administration and the NNPCL. “Mr. President, we urge you to match your anti-corruption rhetoric with decisive action. The forensic audit, a public judicial probe, and a complete purge of the oil sector cabal are what Nigeria needs for true economic recovery and to achieve your $1 trillion economy target by 2030,” Dr. Fidel said. “We’re not fighting personalities; we’re fighting a system of impunity. The world is watching, Nigerians are watching, and history will be the judge,” he concluded.

CNPP, CSOs GIVE NMDPRA CEO FAROUK AHMED 14-DAY ULTIMATUM TO STEP ASIDE OVER CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and over 75 civil society organisations (CSOs) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), demanding that he step aside to allow for an independent investigation into corruption allegations against him. According to the groups, Ahmed is at the center of one of the most brazen cases of public sector corruption in recent times, with allegations that over $5 million of public funds may have been diverted to finance his children’s education at elite institutions in Europe. The schools include Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and European University Montreux, which charge between $80,000 and $140,000 per annum per child. The CNPP and CSOs expressed deep concern over Ahmed’s actions, accusing him of gross abuse of office, conflict of interest, and regulatory compromises that threaten the credibility of the entire Nigerian oil and gas downstream sector. “Public office is a public trust,” the groups said, emphasizing that once that trust is broken, the honorable and ethical course of action is to step aside for investigation. The groups warned that Ahmed’s continued stay in office undermines ongoing investigations and erodes public trust in critical regulatory institutions. They also expressed alarm over reports of sponsored thugs attacking peaceful protesters at the NMDPRA headquarters in a bid to suppress public outcry. “Intimidation of citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful protest will not be tolerated,” the groups said. The CNPP and CSOs have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately direct the suspension of Ahmed, in line with his administration’s anti-corruption stance, to prevent interference with investigations and preserve the integrity of the oil and gas regulatory space. The groups have warned that if Ahmed fails to comply within the stipulated 14 days, they will launch sustained and coordinated mass actions, including the total shutdown of NMDPRA headquarters and its zonal offices nationwide, until justice is served. “Nigerians demand and deserve a leadership that is above reproach,” the groups declared. “The days of impunity in public office are over.” “Nigerians demand and deserve a leadership that is above reproach. The days of impunity in public office are over,” the statement read. “Today’s protest is not the end. If these demands are ignored, we will return stronger, louder, and more resolute. Nigerian youths, mothers, and civil society will occupy every relevant space to say: enough is enough.”

CNPP CALLS FOR URGENT CORRECTION IN TINUBU’S ADMINISTRATION TO END PAIN, HARDSHIP, AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has expressed deep concern over the worsening state of the nation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. In a statement, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, said the administration’s policies have led to renewed hardship, deepening poverty, and growing insecurity. Comrade James Ezema further stated that the CNPP believes Nigeria has reached a critical juncture and therefore calls for a declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity. “There must be a renewed and better integrated national security strategy that involves the armed forces, police, local communities, and civil society,” James Ezema said. The CNPP also urged the President to end the culture of favoritism in appointments and reinvigorate anti-corruption agencies with fresh leadership and genuine independence. James Ezema said, “Budget transparency must be prioritized, and civil society must be allowed to monitor public spending and procurement processes without obstruction.” Comrade James Ezema further called for a declaration of a state of emergency on unemployment, saying, “A new, coordinated national plan must be created to absorb millions of jobless youths through skill acquisition, agro-industrial projects, digital training, and support for small and medium enterprises.” James Ezema also recommended the launch of a National Youth Empowerment Corps to create jobs across key sectors and rebuild the dignity of work. The CNPP also expressed concern over the state of the electricity sector, education, and healthcare, calling for urgent reforms and increased funding. Comrade James Ezema said, “The current power sector framework must be renegotiated and enforced with performance-based benchmarks. Government should invest in renewable energy solutions to serve off-grid communities and reduce pressure on the national grid.” The CNPP’s call for urgent correction comes as Nigerians continue to struggle with the harsh economic realities and insecurity. The organization’s recommendations aim to realign the government’s priorities with the needs of the Nigerian people.

CNPP AND CSOs ACCUSE BENUE CHIEF JUDGE OF TRIBUNAL MANIPULATION, DEMAND REMOVAL

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have jointly raised alarm over what they describe as a dangerous attempt by the Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, to manipulate the Local Government Election Petition Appeals Tribunal for political purposes. In a strongly worded statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of CNCSOs, the groups alleged that Justice Ikpambese orchestrated the removal of Justice Maimuna Ikwulono from the Appeals Tribunal for maintaining her judicial independence. Justice Mohammed has since been appointed in her place, raising serious questions about the credibility of the tribunal’s work. The CNPP and CNCSOs cited credible reports linking the Chief Judge’s actions to an ongoing political feud with Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and an alleged alliance with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume. They allege that Justice Ikpambese, who is expected to retire next year, has been promised the Senatorial ticket for Benue North-East (Zone A) in exchange for using his office to weaken the Governor’s political base by removing elected local government chairmen aligned against Akume’s interests. The groups noted that so far, tribunal judgments have led to the removal of four out of seven chairmen in Zone A, with no chairmen removed in Zone B — a clear indication of targeted political maneuvering. They referenced video evidence showing Justice Ikpambese at a political event, where he reportedly boasted about his intention to frustrate Governor Alia by influencing tribunal outcomes through selective appointments. The CNPP and CNCSOs have issued a stern warning to Justice Ikpambese: “If the Chief Judge does not immediately discontinue his self-confessed plans to use the Local Government Tribunal to frustrate the Governor and the electorate of Benue State by manipulating tribunal outcomes through selective appointments, the CNPP and CNCSOs will be left with no option but to mobilize mass protests to occupy the National Judicial Council (NJC) headquarters until he is removed from office.” They concluded: “The integrity of our judiciary must never be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. We demand immediate corrective actions to protect democratic institutions and uphold the sanctity of justice in Benue State.”

CNPP APPLAUDS NNPCL’S BOLD MOVE TO REVIVE NAIRA-FOR-CRUDE INITIATIVE, DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY AND INCENTIVES FOR LOCAL REFINERIES

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has expressed strong support for the new management team of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) following their decision to reinstate the naira-for-crude initiative for local refineries. The group described the move as a “bold and transformative step” toward revitalizing Nigeria’s oil sector and ensuring the availability of refined petroleum products for domestic consumption. “The naira-for-crude initiative is a groundbreaking policy designed to empower local refineries by providing them with direct access to crude oil in exchange for naira payments,” the CNPP stated in a release signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary. This approach, according to the group, reduces dependency on foreign exchange, strengthens local refining capacity, creates jobs, boosts the economy, and ensures energy security for the nation. The CNPP emphasized that the initiative has the potential to lower the cost of petroleum products for Nigerians and stabilize the oil sector. “A lower pump price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, will lead to a significant reduction in transportation costs for goods and services, ultimately lowering food prices and easing the financial burden on the masses.” However, the CNPP condemned the actions of the immediate past management of NNPCL, led by the sacked Engr. Mele Kyari, for allegedly sabotaging the presidential directive. “Reports indicate that instead of implementing the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the past leadership attempted to renegotiate the initiative, thereby undermining Nigeria’s economic interests. Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a betrayal of public trust.” The group demanded a thorough investigation into the tenure of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL and called for the arrest and trial of all individuals involved in the attempt to renegotiate the naira-for-crude initiative. “We demand accountability to restore public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s oil resources.” To support local refineries, the CNPP proposed additional measures, including discounted crude oil prices as an incentive for a period of no less than two years. “This policy would enable stability in the oil refining business, encourage investment in the sector, and ensure the sustainability of the naira-for-crude initiative.” The group also recommended a commensurate export levy on locally refined petroleum products during the incentive period. “We stand firmly in support of the new NNPCL management in their efforts to implement reforms that will transform the oil sector, drive national development, and reduce poverty across the country,” the CNPP affirmed.

CNPP APPLAUDS PRESIDENT TINUBU ON MELE KYARI’S SACK, DEMANDS FORENSIC AUDIT OF NNPCL

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for relieving Mele Kyari of his duties as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). In a statement, the CNPP described the President’s action as a courageous step toward restoring accountability, efficiency, and transparency in the management of Nigeria’s oil sector. “For too long, Nigerians have endured the consequences of mismanagement, inefficiency, and allegations of large-scale corruption within NNPCL,” the CNPP stated. “This has contributed to severe economic hardships, including skyrocketing food prices driven by high transportation costs.” The CNPP emphasized that replacing Kyari alone is insufficient to address the deep-rooted issues plaguing the oil sector. The organization reiterated its call for a comprehensive forensic audit of NNPCL’s operations under Kyari’s leadership. “The Nigerian people deserve to know the true extent of mismanagement and possible financial irregularities that have taken place within the national oil company over the years,” the CNPP said. The CNPP highlighted several unresolved grave allegations against Kyari, including unauthorized gratuity payments, sabotage of local refineries, diversion of refinery rehabilitation funds, sale of stolen crude oil, and unaccounted oil revenues and subsidy payments. These allegations underscore the urgent need for an independent forensic investigation into NNPCL’s accounts, operations, and crude oil sales records during Kyari’s tenure. “The oil industry remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and without urgent and radical reforms, the suffering of Nigerians will persist,” the CNPP warned. “Ensuring accountability in NNPCL is key to stabilizing the petroleum industry, improving fuel availability, reducing transportation costs, and ultimately lowering food prices.” The CNPP called on President Tinubu to go beyond leadership changes and take decisive steps to cleanse the oil sector. It also urged anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations, and the National Assembly to support the demand for a forensic audit to reposition NNPCL for the benefit of all Nigerians. “The time to act is now!” the CNPP declared.

CONFERENCE OF NIGERIA POLITICAL PARTIES AND CIVIL SOCIETY COALITION DEMAND MINISTER OF POWER’S RESIGNATION OVER INCOMPETENCE AND ELECTRICITY CRISIS

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have demanded the immediate resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, over alleged incompetence and failure to resolve the country’s prolonged electricity crisis. In a joint statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of CNCSOs, the groups described Adebayo as “a typical example of a round peg in a square hole,” accusing him of lacking the capacity to address systemic failures in the power sector. Ezema and Abacha, in the statement issued on Thursday, lamented that over 40% of Nigerians lack access to electricity, while the national grid struggles to deliver between 2,000MW and 4,000MW daily—a situation unchanged since the 1980s. They noted that the crisis has fueled economic stagnation, job losses, and the collapse of small businesses, stressing that Nigeria lags behind other African nations in electrification despite its resources. The coalition criticized Adebayo for failing to utilize the Nigerian Electricity Act of 2023, which promotes decentralized power supply and public-private partnerships. “His inability to market these opportunities to attract local and international investors has exacerbated the nation’s power crisis,” the statement read. Ezema and Abacha also cited a Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) report revealing three total grid collapses and two partial collapses in the fourth quarter of 2024, despite consumers paying N509.84 billion to distribution companies—a rise from N466.69 billion in the previous quarter. The groups questioned Adebayo’s expertise, noting his background in finance, hospitality, and agriculture rather than the power sector. “His appointment appears to be political patronage rather than merit,” they stated, urging President Bola Tinubu to redeploy him within seven days. “His continued tenure is untenable,” Ezema and Abacha declared, warning that the minister’s failures undermine economic recovery and public trust. They further criticized the Tinubu administration’s policies for worsening poverty and called for urgent action. “The power sector is too critical to be left in incompetent hands,” the duo emphasized, vowing to continue assessing the performance of government agencies. “Minister Adelabu must resign or be redeployed immediately to prevent further damage,” they concluded. The statement was signed by Comrade James Ezema and Alhaji Ali Abacha, who reiterated their commitment to holding leaders accountable to “the suffering masses yearning for good governance.”

INEC’S REJECTION OF FLAWED RECALL PETITION AGAINST SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN HAILED AS VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has drawn widespread praise for its decision to dismiss a defective petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Comrade James Ezema, and the National Secretary of the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), Alhaji Ali Abacha, jointly commended the electoral body in a statement issued on Wednesday. Ezema and Abacha described INEC’s action as a clear demonstration of its renewed dedication to fairness, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law. “INEC’s decision to throw out the procedurally defective petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a testament to its renewed commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the electoral process remains credible and inclusive,” the statement read. The coalition emphasized INEC’s crucial role as an impartial regulator in Nigeria’s electoral system, urging the Commission to sustain its current trajectory of integrity. “For Nigerian democracy to survive and thrive beyond the 2027 general elections, INEC must continue to discharge its duties without fear or favor, ensuring that all actions are guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and its own regulations,” Ezema and Abacha stated. They also highlighted the importance of protecting citizens’ democratic rights, adding, “We remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard and respected.” The coalition called on political parties, civil society organizations, and the media to support INEC’s efforts, warning against any attempts to compromise the Commission’s independence. In closing, Ezema and Abacha reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with INEC and other stakeholders to promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process. “We stand united in our resolve to defend democracy and ensure that the will of the people prevails at all times,” the statement concluded.

CNPP CONDEMNS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S SUSPENSION OF RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR AND ASSEMBLY

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly. In a statement, the CNPP described the action as a “flagrant breach” of the 1999 Constitution, warning that it undermines Nigeria’s democracy. The CNPP argued that the Constitution does not grant the president the power to suspend an elected governor or deputy. “Section 188 of the Constitution explicitly outlines impeachment by the State House of Assembly as the sole legitimate process for removing a governor,” the CNPP stated. “President Tinubu’s actions are unconstitutional and an alarming abuse of power.” The group also questioned the president’s motives, asking if he would have taken similar action in an All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled state. “Is this part of an APC agenda to wrest political control of Rivers State?” the statement queried. The CNPP called on President Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension and reinstate the elected leaders of Rivers State. “As a democrat, the president must demonstrate respect for due process and constitutional principles. Acts of dictatorship weaken Nigeria’s democracy and render elections, the cornerstone of power transfer, a futile exercise.” The CNPP also urged Nigerians to resist any attempts to erode democratic practices. “This is a wake-up call for all Nigerians to defend the democratic values that have been painstakingly built over the years. We cannot allow unconstitutional acts to set a dangerous precedent.”

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