馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
National Rescue Movement rules out merger with APC, other parties for 2027 elections
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The National Rescue Movement NRM has stated it will not merge with the All Progressives Congress APC or any other political party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party plans to focus on selecting its own candidates, including a presidential flagbearer, through its internal electoral process. Speaking in Abuja, NRM National Chairman Prince Chinedu Obi affirmed the party is not considering political alliances. Obi also noted that recent court rulings, including one by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, have resolved internal disputes, strengthening unity within the NRM. He emphasized the party's stability and its commitment to supporting qualified aspirants for elective offices, prioritizing competence. Obi stated that the NRM is prepared to address Nigeria's current challenges.
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The Edo Specialist Hospital in Benin City announced the acquisition of in vitro fertilization equipment to assist couples facing infertility. Chief Medical Director, Dr. Anthonia Njoku, praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for approving the purchase, highlighting its role in boosting healthcare in the state. The announcement was made during a press conference and media tour marking the hospital鈥檚 seventh anniversary. Dr. Njoku stated that the new equipment will broaden access to reproductive healthcare and offer renewed hope for couples. She also noted the hospital's full accreditation for its residency training program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the West African College of Surgeons and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, as well as recent accreditation for its Family Medicine and Dentistry departments. The hospital's progress is attributed to state government support, including the absorption of 126 contract workers into the civil service and the recruitment of additional medical personnel, creating over 290 direct jobs. Furthermore, the hospital has partnered with Mudiame University, Irrua, to serve as a teaching hospital for medical students and now provides comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care services. It is also enrolled in the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme and the National Health Insurance Authority platforms.
Must ReadDr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has confirmed that presidential candidate Peter Obi signed a written agreement to serve only a single four-year term if elected president in 2027. This agreement, disclosed by Kwankwaso during a Channels Television interview, aims to ensure power returns to the North after Obi's single tenure, aligning with the party's power-sharing arrangement. Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, expressed confidence in Obi's commitment to the agreement, stating that both the party and the two candidates signed separate documents. The agreement stipulates that after Obi's four-year term 2027-2031, the presidency will return to the North. Kwankwaso accepted the vice-presidential slot based on this understanding, believing it represents a national consensus for regional balance. Obi had previously announced his intention to serve only one term to promote political stability and national unity. The NDC consistently defends this power-sharing arrangement, presenting the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as a consensus to balance regional interests ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The Nigerian equities market began the trading week with a strong performance, as the overall market capitalization increased by N1.755tn. This growth reflects continued investor confidence and buying interest in large-cap stocks. The benchmark All-Share Index rose by 2,721.83 points, a 1.12 percent appreciation, closing at 246,183.96 points, and pushing the total market capitalization to N158.812tn. This session's gains were primarily driven by price increases in large and medium-capitalized stocks such as BUA Cement, Guinness Nigeria, First HoldCo, Nigerian Exchange Group, and Custodian Investment. Despite the market's valuation surge, overall investor sentiment was slightly negative, with 31 declining stocks narrowly outnumbering 29 gainers. Custodian Investment and NEM Insurance were the top performers, each increasing by 10.00 percent. Trading activity saw a notable improvement, with the total volume traded increasing by 24.17 percent to 851.634 million units, valued at N49.595bn across 56,873 deals. First HoldCo led the volume chart with 203.938 million shares traded.