🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigeria Democratic Congress invites members of other parties, aims for 2027 election victory
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC has announced it is welcoming members from other political parties across the nation, expressing confidence in winning Nigeria's 2027 general elections. Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, the party's National Vice Chairman, South East, Chief Teddy Obey, characterized the NDC as a "clean, uncompromised platform" for Nigerians seeking an alternative to "recycled promises." Obey highlighted the NDC's status as Nigeria's newest political party and its lack of ongoing litigation as key advantages. He noted that other parties are involved in legal disputes, while the NDC is focused on building its structure. Obey was in Imo State to address grievances and prevent any suspicion of compromise, aiming to demonstrate the party's distinct approach. He also announced interim appointments for the party in Imo State, including Reginald Uwakwe as Interim State Chairman and Fabian Onyekwulisi as Chairman of both the Contact and Mobilisation Committee and the Candidate Selection Processes Committee.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe International Air Transport Association IATA forecasts a significant decline in global airline profitability by 2026, attributing the downturn to war-related disruptions in the Middle East and increasing jet fuel prices. IATA's outlook, released on Sunday, projects a combined net profit of $23 billion for airlines in 2026, a nearly 50% reduction from the estimated $45 billion for 2025. This figure is also considerably lower than the earlier projection of $41 billion for 2026. Carriers in the Middle East are expected to incur losses due to weak demand and operational disruptions, while airlines in other regions, though remaining profitable, will see reduced levels. IATA Director-General Willie Walsh stated that the rapid 70% rise in jet fuel prices is severely impacting airline bottom lines. While some of the additional cost is being offset by price adjustments and efficiency improvements, it will not be enough to maintain previous profitability levels. The industry's net profit margin is expected to decrease to 2.0% in 2026 from 4.2% in 2025, and net profit per passenger is projected to fall to $4.50 from $9.10. Operating profit is also anticipated to drop to $48 billion in 2026 from $76.4 billion in 2025. The industry's return on invested capital is expected to decrease to 4.3% in 2026 from 6.6% in 2025, remaining below the estimated weighted average cost of capital of 8.5%, highlighting structural challenges within the global airline industry.
The Kano State Hisbah Board has finalized preparations for the medical screening of 3,000 prospective couples participating in the state's mass wedding program. Deputy Commander General Sheikh Mujahedeen Aminudeen announced that the screening will start on Monday, June 8, 2026, across 24 local government areas. The 1,500 female and 1,500 male participants will undergo mandatory health checks for HIV/AIDS, drug use, genotype, hepatitis B, and other sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea. This initiative is a collaboration between the Hisbah Board, the Ministry of Health, and the State Agency for the Control of AIDS. Couples have been instructed to report to Hisbah offices in their respective local government areas for the screening, with failure to attend resulting in delisting from the program. Only those who pass the health screening will qualify for the mass wedding. The Kano State Government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, reinstated the mass wedding program to address prostitution and other social vices, particularly among young women whose families cannot afford their marriages.
Must ReadFormer Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, praised the Nigerian military for the successful rescue of 360 women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Borno State. The victims, who had been held captive since March, were freed on Saturday. This rescue operation occurred three months after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military base in Ngoshe on March 4. The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the development. Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, also confirmed the release through a statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya. Ndume commended the troops for their professionalism and patriotism despite operational challenges. He also expressed gratitude to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Maiduguri, and the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, as well as Governor Zulum, for their contributions. The lawmaker further praised the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, for providing relief materials and urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to support the rebuilding of Ngoshe. Ndume also called for intensified efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, and travelers kidnapped along the Biu-Buratai road, and condemned the killing of soldiers and repentant Boko Haram volunteers in Mandaragra village, Biu Local Government Area.