Three members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives from Kaduna State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers — Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South), Aliyu Mustapha (Ikara/Kubau), and Sadiq Ango-Abdullahi (Sabongari) — announced their defection through separate letters read on the floor of the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Tuesday’s plenary.

In their letters, the lawmakers attributed their decision to what they described as “the lingering crisis in the PDP” and the need to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Ahmed, in his letter addressed to the PDP Chairman, Makera Ward, Kaduna South Local Government Area, said his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, political allies, and stakeholders.

He stated:

“The constant internal conflicts and factionalism within the PDP, which have climaxed into an elongated party crisis, are undesirably impacting my ability to effectively represent my constituency and accomplish my obligations optimally.

In view of the enduring situation and after a wide consultation with my constituents, key stakeholders and my political allies, I have come to the tough but needed decision to resign my membership of the PDP.

This decision is driven by my commitment to continue serving my good people of Kaduna South Federal Constituency, beyond partisan lines, ensuring that all my constituents benefit from purposeful, inclusive, and effective representation.”

He expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunity to serve under its platform, acknowledging the “support, trust, and experiences” gained during his time with the party.

The defections further deepen the wave of political realignments in the country as more lawmakers shift allegiance to the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

More to come…

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Joy Angela Ogwu, has passed away at the age of 79.

Ogwu, a distinguished scholar and diplomat, served as Nigeria’s representative to the United Nations from May 2008 to May 2017. During her tenure, she twice presided over the UN Security Council — first in July 2010 and again in October 2011 — where she championed causes of global peace, disarmament, and international cooperation.

Before her UN appointment, Ogwu was the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she made groundbreaking contributions to the evolution of Nigeria’s foreign policy and the study of international relations.

Reacting to her passing, President Bola Tinubu described her death as a “great national loss.”

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president said:

“Nigeria has lost a trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work. Professor Ogwu projected Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose and worked tirelessly for global peace, disarmament, international security, and the advancement of women’s rights.”

Tinubu extended his condolences to her family, including her five children, grandchildren, and siblings, as well as to the diplomatic and academic communities that benefited from her decades of service.

Ogwu’s legacy remains firmly rooted in her dedication to public service, international diplomacy, and scholarly excellence, making her one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in global affairs.

The Federal Government has disclosed plans to secure over $400 million in new renewable energy investments within the next two days as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s clean energy manufacturing value chain.

Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known on Tuesday during the Nigerian Renewable Energy Innovation Forum 2025 held in Abuja. He said the investments, facilitated through the forum’s engagements, will fund the establishment of solar panel assembly plants, smart meter production lines, and battery storage and recycling facilities across several states.

According to Shettima, the initiative aims to boost local production capacity and reduce dependence on imported solar panels, in line with the administration’s Nigeria First policy.

“Over the next two days, agreements will be signed, partnerships will be forged and a national roadmap consolidated,” he said. “Through engagements facilitated under this forum, more than $400 million in new investment commitments have been mobilised into Nigeria’s renewable energy manufacturing value chain.”

The Vice President added that the projects are expected to create over 1,500 direct jobs and demonstrate growing global confidence in Nigeria’s clean energy industrialisation efforts.

“These investments are projected to create over 1,500 direct jobs across multiple states and reflect growing global confidence in Nigeria’s clean energy industrialisation drive,” he noted, adding that the forum must produce tangible outcomes like factories, electrified schools, and thriving rural enterprises powered by clean energy.

Shettima emphasised that the success of Nigeria’s energy transition would depend not on lofty projections but on the country’s ability to deliver practical, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions to its citizens.

The forum, themed “Implementing the Nigeria PACE Policy: Facilitating Local Content Development and Manufacturing in the Renewable Energy Ecosystem,” was designed to foster local innovation and industrial participation in the clean energy transition.

Highlighting the investment potential in the sector, Shettima said Nigeria’s energy transition represents a $410 billion opportunity by 2060, with $23 billion required in the short term to expand energy access and connect millions still living without electricity.

“This is an invitation to establish Nigeria as the hub for renewable energy manufacturing in Africa,” he said. “From solar panel assembly lines in Lagos to battery recycling hubs along our industrial corridors, Nigeria must not only participate in this revolution but lead it.”

He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to policies that encourage local manufacturing, streamline regulatory frameworks, and deepen collaboration with investors, state governments, and development partners.

Shettima praised the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency for advancing decentralised and inclusive energy initiatives, stressing that private sector participation and subnational collaboration are key to achieving national energy goals.

He urged state governments and investors to drive renewable energy industrialisation through technology localisation, skills development, and value chain expansion.

“We count on our state governments to champion renewable energy industrial processes and serve as engines of green growth across the federation,” he stated. “This forum must prove that it is here for action, not mere deliberations.”

The Vice President affirmed that Nigeria possesses the minerals, manpower, and market size to lead Africa’s clean energy revolution, describing the nation’s youthful population as its greatest asset.

“We have too much at stake to be left behind,” he said. “Nigeria is ready to harness her resources, unlock her capital, and lead Africa’s green industrial revolution.”

Shettima also assured Nigerians that the ongoing economic challenges were temporary, expressing confidence that government reforms were steering the economy toward sustainable growth and stability.

“Our economy has turned the corner. The pains of saturation will soon be over,” he said. “We are on a path to sustainable growth, and there is a silver lining on the horizon.”