Category: News

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The All Progressives Congress in Kogi State has released the names of its candidates for the state’s nine federal constituencies following the party’s primary elections held on May 16, 2026.

In a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Engr. Hamzat Isa-Amoka, the APC said the primaries were conducted peacefully and transparently across the state.

According to the statement, Sanni Salau Ogembe emerged as the party’s candidate for Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency, while Muhammed Ahovi Yusuf secured the ticket for Adavi/Okehi.

The party also named Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem for Ajaokuta and Danladi Aguye for Lokoja/Koton-Karfe Federal Constituency.

Others include Salman Idris for Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu, Leke Joseph Abejide for Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopa-Muro, and Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali for Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro.For Dekina/Bassa, the APC selected Paul Haruna Gowon, while Victor Omale Ojogbane emerged for Idah/Igalamela/Ofu/Ibaji Federal Constituency.

The party congratulated the successful candidates and commended members and stakeholders for what it described as a peaceful and rancour-free exercise..

Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China–Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, has restated Nigeria’s unwavering adherence to the One-China Principle, cautioning politicians against actions that could undermine the country’s diplomatic position on Taiwan.

Yakubu stressed that Nigeria’s stance on the Taiwan question is “clear, consistent, and firmly rooted in international law, diplomatic principles, and bilateral agreements with the People’s Republic of China.” He underscored that since 1971, Nigeria has recognized the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal authority representing the whole of China, with Taiwan regarded as an inalienable part of its territory.

“Nigeria opposes any form of ‘Taiwan Independence’ or interference in the internal affairs of China and firmly supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification,” Yakubu declared.

He warned that any official or unofficial gesture suggesting support for separatist tendencies or Taiwan independence activities would contradict Nigeria’s established foreign policy and risk weakening the strong diplomatic ties between Abuja and Beijing.

Yakubu highlighted China’s role as a dependable strategic partner to Nigeria, particularly in infrastructure development, trade, investment, technology transfer, and human capacity building. He noted that bilateral trade between the two nations exceeded $28 billion in 2025, a 30.2 percent increase from the previous year, with China’s exports to Nigeria reaching $24.9 billion, driven by demand for machinery, electronics, and industrial inputs.

The lawmaker urged members of the National Assembly, political leaders, and public officials to exercise caution in their engagements, stressing the importance of preserving Nigeria’s foreign policy integrity. He further assured that the House Committee on China–Nigeria Relations remains committed to strengthening parliamentary cooperation and advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between both countries.

Yakubu concluded by calling on Nigerians to support policies that reinforce the nation’s diplomatic interests, international credibility, and mutually beneficial cooperation with China.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state for maintaining unity during the House of Representatives primaries, describing cohesion within the party as a key strength ahead of the general elections.

Speaking after the APC primary election in Sampou/Kalama Ward 6 of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Diri said the peaceful consensus process reflected efforts by party leaders to strengthen internal unity across Bayelsa State.

The governor made the remarks after party members in the ward unanimously endorsed the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Oforji Oboku, for a second term in the House of Representatives.

“In Bayelsa, we have been able to bring the APC together, and we are acting as one family,” Diri said, adding that similar arrangements were recorded in other federal constituencies in the state. He stated that the endorsement of Oboku showed confidence in the lawmaker’s representation of the Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency.

The APC Returning Officer for the ward, Hon. Fortune Panebi, said 2,565 members participated in the consensus endorsement out of 3,411 registered party members. Panebi subsequently declared Oboku the APC candidate for the constituency ahead of the general elections.