Author: Vardiafrica

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano, have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The two former governors joined the opposition party in Abuja on Sunday at its national secretariat. Earlier, Obi announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Kwankwaso also hinted that he was having “wide-ranging consultations” with the NDC. Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, NDC national chairman, presented the party’s membership card to Obi and Kwankwaso. Speaking after the event, Kwankwaso said he and Obi came to discuss with the NDC stakeholders about the party…

The federal government says it has commenced plans for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians in South Africa following xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the former apartheid country. In a statement on Sunday, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of foreign affairs, said President Bola Tinubu has directed that evacuation flights be provided for those willing to return home. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said arrangements are underway to collate details of affected citizens, noting that 130 Nigerians have so far registered with the country’s mission in South Africa. She noted that the number is expected to rise as Nigerian associations in the country continue to support…

Speaking during the NDDC Procurement Policy Reform and Digitisation Stakeholders Sensitisation and Training Summit in Aba, Abia State, the NDDC Director, Procurement, Dr Chuks Osuji, said the initiative was meant to drive Institutional reforms, strengthen the system, enhance transparency and reposition public sector service delivery for development across the Niger Delta region. Osuji, who was represented by the NDDC Assistant Director, Procurement, Engr. Freeman Okwurakpo stated that the Commission was committed to driving impactful initiatives to improve the quality of life of the people. He stated, “The sensitisation workshop reflects our ongoing efforts to build capacity, Institutional knowledge, and adopt…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially released its timetable for the conduct of its 2026 primary elections, pegging the presidential nomination form at N100 million. The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Sunday, said the party approved a structured fee regime for nomination forms across all elective positions in line with its commitment to inclusivity and broad participation. He said the governorship nomination form is pegged at N50 million, Senate at N20 million, House of Representatives at N10 million, and State House of Assembly at N3 million. He added that the party introduced concessional…

The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has officially announced his defection to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) along with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Tanimu Turaki-led executives. Mohammed announced the defection at the Bauchi Government House on Saturday, flanked by the APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, and other party and government officials. “After extensive consultation, we have taken a firm and strategic decision to join the Allied Peoples Movement (APM),” the Bauchi governor, 67, told the gathering. “This is guided by one overriding objective: to secure victory in both states and continue to serve our…

The federal government has invited Bobby Moroe, the acting high commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, for a meeting over the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in the former apartheid country. Kimiebi Ebienfa, director of public affairs at the federal ministry of foreign affairs, said the meeting is scheduled for Monday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. “The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa,” Ebienfa said in a statement on Saturday. “Discussions will primarily focus…

Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Bola Tinubu, has approved the creation of a Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s aviation sector.Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo said the new entity will operate as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), fully funded by private investors and run on a commercial basis, with no direct financial obligation on the federal government. According to the minister, the government’s role will primarily involve providing sovereign guarantees to international aircraft lessors and manufacturers. This is expected to reduce investment risks by assuring asset repossession in…

The United States has asked Americans in the United Kingdom to stay alert following the notice of a “severe” terrorism threat in the country. On Thursday, the UK raised its terrorism threat level from “substantial” to “severe” after an antisemitic attack. A “severe” threat level means a terrorist attack is highly likely to occur. According to the UK government, the change follows the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, North London, on Wednesday. Shloime Rand and Moshe Shine were identified as the victims of the attack. The Metropolitan Police had declared the stabbing a terrorist incident. Dan Jarvis, UK security minister, said the decision…

Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday approved an additional N50,000 support for workers for the month of May as part of efforts to cushion the prevailing economic hardship, particularly the impact of rising fuel prices across the country. The governor made the announcement at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration themed “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” held on Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. He reiterated that the intervention underscores his administration’s resolve to ensure that Lagos remains not only a functional city but one that works for its residents, especially the workforce that drives its growth and development.…

Speaking during the NDDC Procurement Policy Reform and Digitisation Stakeholders Sensitisation and Training Summit in Imo State, the NDDC Director, Procurement, Dr Chuks Osuji, said the policy reform and digitisation initiative was a critical step towards improving workflow, eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring transparency, efficiency and accountability in the Commission’s procurement process. Osuji described the reform as an important initiative that would facilitate efficient workflow, eliminate the tedious analogue procurement process and curb nepotism and corruption in the system. He explained: “This effort is part of a broader commitment to modernize our procurement practices, which reduces inefficiencies and ensures value for…