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Terror attacks: Why Nigeria would remain in CPC list – US

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***Decries renewed attack on Benue, Plateau communities 

*** Urges F to meet its commitments to protect Nigerian communities

**”UK issues travel warning alert to citizens in 11 states

By Eze Nnadi (with agency report)

As the Nigerian government insists that the terrorist attacks across the country cut across the various religious and ethnic groups , and not targeted at only Christians as the United States of America has claimed, the US has insisted that Nigeria would not be removing ved from it’s Country of Particular Concern (CPC), following the renewed terror attacks across the middle belt and other regions of the country 

This is as the US State Department has called on the federal government to protect Christian communities after last week’s attack at Mangu, Plateau state that left over 24 people were reportedly killed with several missing

The Department of State noted that the federal government made the commitment to protect Nigerian Christians during it meeting over allegations of Christian genocide 

Also, the US Bureau of African Affairs in a similar post, condemned the latest attack in Plateau State where several locals reportedly lost their lifes 

Supporting the State Department position, a member of the US Congress, Rep. Riley Moore,  insisted that the United States must not remove Nigeria from its Country of Particular Concern, CPC, designation list over alleged persecution of Christians, citing continued violence in the Middle Belt.

Moore, who was among the US congressmen that interfaced with the Nigerian delegation in both the United States of America (USA), and at home in December 2025, made the position known yesterday in a post on his official X handle, while responding to a statement by the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.

The lawmaker backed the State Department’s call for the federal government to protect Christian communities after Plateau attack, saying it was a commitment Abuja made.

“We absolutely CANNOT remove the CPC designation from Nigeria while radical Islamic terrorists continue this horrific violence against Christians,” the Congressman wrote.

“@AsstSecStateAF is right. The Nigerian government must meet its commitments to protect innocent Christian communities in Plateau and Benue states 

“The United States is horrified by yet another murderous attack in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, killing dozens of people asleep in their homes in Plateau State.

“This is especially troubling coming on the heels of the recent CPC Working Group meeting. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those missing and killed, and we strongly urge the Nigerian government to meet their commitments to protect Christian communities and to hold perpetrators of violence accountable,” the Bureau said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied any religious targeting in the conflicts, describing them largely as clashes over land, resources and criminality.

Nigeria was first designated as a CPC in 2020 under the International Religious Freedom Act, a tag given to countries deemed to have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom, but was removed from the list in 2021

The Trump administration returned Nigeria to the list last year following the series of terror attacks and killings in Benue, Plateau, Niger and several other states in the country 

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has advised its citizens against all travel to parts of 11 Nigerian states, while it warned against all but essential travel to parts of 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The UK advisory was contained in the latest Nigeria travel advice published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Thursday.

According to the advisory, updated on August 20, 2026, the FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states in the North-East.

It also warned against all travel to Katsina and Zamfara states in the North-West.

In the South-East and South-South, the UK advised against all travel to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

The FCDO defined the affected areas as “the river and swamp locations accessible by boat, but not by road.”

The UK government also advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi State in the North-East.

In the North-West, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto states were placed under the same advisory.

The FCDO further listed Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue states in the North-Central region as areas where it advised against all but essential travel.

The advisory also covered the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.

In the South-East and South-South, the UK advised against all but essential travel to Abia State, Anambra State and Imo State, as well as non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.

The FCDO cautioned travellers that “No travel can be guaranteed safe” and urged those planning trips to Nigeria to read its travel advice before travelling.

The UK government also advised travellers to “research your destinations” and “get appropriate travel insurance” if they chose to travel.

It warned that “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”

2027: We made mistakes, APC chairman begs aggrieved members, seeks unity

By Adeyemi Johnson (Ibadan)

As political parties mobilise for election campaigns, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, has  apologised to aggrieved members over perceived wrongs during the party’s  primaries

Yilwatda, said on Thursday at the opening of the APC campaign office in Ibadan, Oyo state, that the National Working Committee takes responsibility for all primary election actions having been the body that appointed the election committees

The chairman appealed to aggrieved members who felt hurt, injured, prevented or excluded in any form to forgive the party and remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said, “The responsibility extended beyond Oyo State. The committee that conducted the party’s primaries was constituted by the national leadership and, therefore, any mistake committed by it amounted to a mistake by the party.

“This is not for Oyo State alone. Anywhere anybody made a mistake in a state, it is our mistake because the committee was set up by us and they are representing us.

“If anybody is hurt, if anybody is injured, if anybody is prevented or excluded in any form or the other, we take responsibility. On TV, before Nigerians, we take responsibility for all that has happened. I appeal to everybody that we are sorry.”

The chairman further urged members at polling units, wards and local government areas across the country to regard the matter as an internal family affair.

He noted that Oyo state is in the priority list of the APC, adding that the APC was taking Oyo State seriously because of its strategic importance and large voting population, second only to Lagos.

In his address, the state APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, commended the party’s national chairman for fulfilling his promises to the state within two days.

“The achievements recorded within the period surpassed what the stakeholders had been able to accomplish.”

“The promises made when the national chairman invited the aspirants had now been fulfilled. We cannot thank you enough for what you have come to do. What you have achieved successfully in two days, we have not been able to accomplish,” Alli said.

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Oborevwori’s records enough to win him re-election, says Delta commissioner, Aniagwu

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The Delta State commissioner for Works (Rural roads) and Information, Charles Aniagwu has declared that governor Sheriff Oborevwori will showcase his record of achievements to win the 2027 governorship election, rather than making promises to the electorate.

Aniagwu stated during  a media briefing in Asaba that the  administration’s performance under the MORE Agenda.has showcased several completed projects which have touched the people of the state positively 

He said the governor’s first mandate had been justified by projects and programmes across the state, insisting that the administration would seek a fresh mandate on the strength of its performance record.

“The first mandate given to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2023 has been very justified in terms of the promises he made, and the deliverables have been very obvious and visible to our people,” he said.

The commissioner stated further that the governor would take the MORE Agenda to a higher level if re-elected, adding that Deltans would be presented with tangible evidence of what the administration had delivered.

He claimed the government’s performance had unsettled the opposition, which he accused of resorting to allegations and narratives disconnected from the realities on the ground.

Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration would not be distracted by political attacks but would remain focused on development, good governance and improving the lives of Deltans.

He cited the recent Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba as evidence of growing confidence in the state.

Aniagwu expressed confidence that the people of Delta would judge the administration by its performance when they return to the polls.

In response to allegations by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, that Oborevwori was planning to eliminate him, Aniagwu dismissed the claim as baseless and politically motivated.

He said there was no reason for the governor to target Omo-Agege because the two men were contesting different offices in 2027.

“Governor Oborevwori is running for the position of Governor of Delta State. Omo-Agege is not his opponent on the same ballot paper. So, nothing brings both of them together in the course of the election,” Aniagwu said.

He recalled that Oborevwori defeated Omo-Agege in the 2023 governorship election, attributing the victory to the governor’s credibility and acceptance by Deltans.

“Why will Governor Oborevwori leave his lane and begin to look for somebody who is not even contesting against him?” he asked.

Aniagwu also said Oborevwori’s entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC) had strengthened the party’s unity and leadership in Delta, adding that this was reflected in its recent primary elections.

He questioned why anyone facing a genuine threat would make public accusations without first reporting the matter to security agencies.

The commissioner said the state government remained committed to protecting lives and property, citing its support for security agencies, security summits and increased collaboration among security formations.

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2027: I will declare my political future soon, says Goje

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Amid rumours of defection, former governor of Gombe state, Senator Danjuma Goje, has urged his supporters to remain calm while in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as he makes a decision on the future of his political journey 

Goje, who was denied a ticket to return to the senate by his ruling APC, however denied reports that he has defected to another political party, ahead of the 2027 elections

The former governor who currently represents Gombe Central, said despite the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, he remains a member of the APC, while he consults political stakeholders adding that he would announce his next political move at the appropriate time.

Speaking to his supporters on Saturday at his residence in Gombe at the weekend, the former governor urged them to remain loyal to the party’s leaders and prepare for his eventual directive.

“Do not listen to betrayers, go home, prepare, be loyal to our party leaders and wait for my final order,

“I am not defecting to any party now, however I am consulting stakeholders, but I promise I will be with my supporters with or without a Senate ticket.” Gone told his supporters 

Goje who served as governor of Gombe State between 2003 and 2011, transformed to the Senate, where he has served for a record fourth term representing Gombe Central 

He however lost the party’s ticket to another aspirant, Mohammed Ahmed emerged as the APC candidate for Gombe Central.

Oborevwori’s records enough to win him re-election, says Delta commissioner, Aniagwu

The Delta State commissioner for Works (Rural roads) and Information, Charles Aniagwu has declared that governor Sheriff Oborevwori will showcase his record of achievements to win the 2027 governorship election, rather than making promises to the electorate.

Aniagwu stated during  a media briefing in Asaba that the  administration’s performance under the MORE Agenda.has showcased several completed projects which have touched the people of the state positively 

He said the governor’s first mandate had been justified by projects and programmes across the state, insisting that the administration would seek a fresh mandate on the strength of its performance record.

“The first mandate given to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2023 has been very justified in terms of the promises he made, and the deliverables have been very obvious and visible to our people,” he said.

The commissioner stated further that the governor would take the MORE Agenda to a higher level if re-elected, adding that Deltans would be presented with tangible evidence of what the administration had delivered.

He claimed the government’s performance had unsettled the opposition, which he accused of resorting to allegations and narratives disconnected from the realities on the ground.

Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration would not be distracted by political attacks but would remain focused on development, good governance and improving the lives of Deltans.

He cited the recent Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba as evidence of growing confidence in the state.

Aniagwu expressed confidence that the people of Delta would judge the administration by its performance when they return to the polls.

In response to allegations by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, that Oborevwori was planning to eliminate him, Aniagwu dismissed the claim as baseless and politically motivated.

He said there was no reason for the governor to target Omo-Agege because the two men were contesting different offices in 2027.

“Governor Oborevwori is running for the position of Governor of Delta State. Omo-Agege is not his opponent on the same ballot paper. So, nothing brings both of them together in the course of the election,” Aniagwu said.

He recalled that Oborevwori defeated Omo-Agege in the 2023 governorship election, attributing the victory to the governor’s credibility and acceptance by Deltans.

“Why will Governor Oborevwori leave his lane and begin to look for somebody who is not even contesting against him?” he asked.

Aniagwu also said Oborevwori’s entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC) had strengthened the party’s unity and leadership in Delta, adding that this was reflected in its recent primary elections.

He questioned why anyone facing a genuine threat would make public accusations without first reporting the matter to security agencies.

The commissioner said the state government remained committed to protecting lives and property, citing its support for security agencies, security summits and increased collaboration among security formations.

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2027: NEC gets 7 days ultimatum to publish political donation limits, party finances

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By Tony Chuddy 

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 7 days ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to exercised its statutory powers to pronounce  limits on political campaign spendings and contributions 

SERAP in  Freedom of Information (FOI) request, cited Section 91 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which gives INEC the power to place limits on the amount of money or other assets an individual may contribute to a political party or candidate.

The organisation said the law also provides sanctions where individuals, candidates or political parties exceed applicable limits prescribed by the commission.

The organisation further urged INEC to publish any political contribution limits prescribed under the law and disclose detailed statements of political parties’ assets, liabilities, sources of funds and expenditure.

It also asked the commission to publish political parties’ annual financial statements, audited accounts and election expenditure returns for 2023 to 2025, as well as relevant examination and audit reports submitted to the National Assembly.

SERAP gave INEC seven days from the receipt or publication of its request to provide the information, warning that it would take appropriate legal action to compel compliance if the commission failed to respond.

The organisation made the demands in a Freedom of Information request dated August 22, 2026, asking the electoral  umpire to publish any applicable contribution limits and widely communicate them to political parties, candidates, donors and the Nigerian public.

SERAP further requested the commission to disclose the systems, personnel and procedures it has put in place to monitor, investigate and enforce compliance with political contribution and campaign expenditure limits during the ongoing 2027 electoral process, as well as it’s detailed methodology for monitoring political financing, including cash and in-kind donations, digital and social media financing, third-party expenditure and contributions made through intermediaries.

SERAP in the request, which was signed by it’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, noted that greater transparency in political financing was necessary to ensure a level playing field and enable citizens to make free and informed political choices.

It emphasised that INEC’s responsibility went beyond receiving financial statements from political parties, stressing that the Constitution requires the commission to examine party finances, conduct necessary investigations and report to the National Assembly.

The organisation warned that the increasing monetisation of elections and the potential misuse of state institutions posed serious threats to democratic integrity and fair electoral competition.

SERAP expressed concern over what it described as persistent challenges in regulating political finance in Nigeria, including excessive campaign spending, opaque funding sources, weak disclosure requirements and limited enforcement of statutory rules.

The organisation noted that it remained unclear whether INEC had prescribed, clearly published and effectively monitored applicable contribution limits under the Electoral Act, 2026.

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