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President Bola Tinubu has called on other African countries to lend their voices to unanimously condemn the ongoing Afro-phobic attacks, also known as Xenophobia, in South Africa.

Tinubu said that a united voice would send a clear message to that Southern African country that such intolerance is absolutely not acceptable under any form.

Speaking on Sunday in Freetown, Sierra Leone, during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, informed the African leaders that the Nigerian government had “already evacuated over 1490 of its citizens from harm’s way in seven batches and is prepared to engage further on this matter”.

He also declared Nigeria’s support for the newly developed ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, noting that the document reinforces the region’s “shared commitment to rebuilding trust between citizens and public institutions, ensuring that regional integration remains resilient and relevant in the face of evolving geopolitical realities”.
“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” he was quoted as saying in a statement on Sunday.

“As already stated by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present a united voice in this condemnation and table the matter before the next session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

“This would send a clear message that this type of intolerance is totally unacceptable under any guise. South Africa should be reminded that the freedom it currently enjoys is the result of the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African countries, including Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, noting that while the document represents a significant milestone in the regional integration journey, it is also a reflection of ECOWAS Member States’ collective resolve to renew the ideals of the regional body.
The Compact, he noted, will “strengthen regional solidarity, and build a more resilient, prosperous, peaceful, and people-centred Community capable of meeting the aspirations of its over 400 million citizens.”

Tinubu, in the statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, also urged the West African leaders to intensify collective action against insecurity and unconstitutional governance as reflected in the Compact.

“As the largest economy and one of the key founding members of our Regional Economic Community, Nigeria remains steadfast in its historic responsibility to continue the promotion of regional unity, peace, economic integration, and democratic governance.

“Nigeria will continue to work closely with Member States and all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Compact and the realisation of its six strategic pillars,” the President stated.

Tinubu, addressing political stability, urged ECOWAS to continue promoting constitutional government, the rule of law and compliance with the regional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“On peace, security, and democratic governance, Nigeria reaffirms that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment of insecurity and instability. Nigeria remains firmly committed to the principles enshrined in the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and other regional frameworks.

“Nigeria supports the Compact’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government,” he declared.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the setting up of the Counter Terrorism Force, and strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force, stating that it will “enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, joint security operations, and preventive diplomacy to safeguard peace and stability across our region”.

He also restated the nation’s commitment to initiatives that eliminate “trade barriers, improve cross-border infrastructure, facilitate the free movement of persons, goods, and services, and create an enabling environment for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to thrive across West Africa”.
President Tinubu underscored what he described as the central role of technology in shaping the future of nations, expressing Nigeria’s satisfaction with the Compact’s emphasis on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

He said the establishment of a Digital Single Market, regional frameworks on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity cooperation, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems will unlock new “opportunities for economic diversification, entrepreneurship, education, financial inclusion, and job creation, particularly for young people.
At the same time, he said the digital single market would accelerate inclusive growth and position West Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to “advancing gender equality, expanding opportunities for women in leadership and decision-making, investing in education and skills development, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and ensuring that young people are active participants in shaping the future of West Africa”.

Future Of ECOWAS
Earlier, President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of ECOWAS, Julius Maada Bio, explained that the meeting was organised to reflect on the future of ECOWAS and take stock of its journey so far.

President Bio said ECOWAS Vision 2050 offers a compelling destination towards a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous West Africa, founded on democratic governance and driven by the energy and creativity of its people.

He, however, noted that the pace of global transformation requires the community to examine its progress in honesty, and also challenge the wrongheaded assumptions beyond necessary and adapt methods to new realities.
He stated that West Africa must enter a new era with confidence, strategic clarity, and stronger determination to shape its own destiny.

“We should work on partnerships that expand our opportunities, while remaining firmly anchored in our own interests and barriers.

“Dependency narrows the very freedom that challenging partnership is meant to strengthen, and in this changing international environment, regional integration is a strategic necessity.
“It ensures a responsibility that demands foresight, preparation, and collective action. It is shaped by the crises we build, the capabilities that we build, and the reasons we confront before they become crises,” he noted.

The ECOWAS Chairman said climate shocks are placing increasing pressure on national budgets, while countries far beyond the region’s borders continue to disrupt supplies of food, fuel, and fertilizer within our region.”

UN Backs ECOWAS
For her part, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, declared the UN’s support for all the initiatives of ECOWAS and countries of the West African mission and the Sahel towards fighting terrorism in the region.
She stressed that the international body has an obligation to support the region in combating terrorism and all forms of crime against humanity.

“The United Nations Security Council must clearly hear the voice of Africa and stand behind the solutions that Africa offers. We have seen what it looks like in this region. There is new momentum and dialogue across political divides and across geography,” she was quoted as saying.

Also, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, reiterated the resolve of the regional body to strengthen governance and accountability across institutions and deepen policy coordination among member states.
A high point of the meeting was the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) project.

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Thunderstorm has struck Dadiri Tirgali village in Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State, killing six children instantly and injuring two others.

It was gathered on Monday morning that the six deceased minors were struck by lightning while about eight children were working on a farm on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

The injured minors have reportedly been taken to a clinic for medical attention.

In a message on the incident, Christopher Nathaniel, the Adamawa State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, said he received the news of the tragedy with deep sorrow.

He stated, “The loss of innocent young lives has thrown the entire Ganye Chiefdom and Adamawa State into mourning. On behalf of myself, my family, and the great people of the SDP, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Dadiri Tirgali, His Royal Majesty, the Gangwari Ganye, and the entire people of Ganye Local Government Area.”

Ganye is famously called the food basket of Adamawa State because of how massively food crops, including yam tubers, are grown in the area.

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…. Critical Stakeholders Seek Tinubu, National Chairman’s Interventions

New details have emerged over a looming political development within the Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as influential stakeholders, including former commissioners, ex-political appointees, serving lawmakers and grassroots leaders, are reportedly perfecting plans for a mass defection from the ruling party.

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that consultations have intensified in recent weeks amid growing dissatisfaction over alleged exclusion, political marginalisation and the conduct of internal party affairs.

The development is already generating anxiety within political circles in the state, with observers warning that any large-scale defection could trigger one of the biggest political realignments in Niger State since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Investigations revealed that the aggrieved camp comprises former commissioners who served under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, former appointees of ex-Governor and Senator representing Niger North, Abubakar Sani Bello, members of the State House of Assembly and several party leaders who are said to be unhappy with recent political developments within the APC.

A key member of the coalition from the Suleja Emirate, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that the group had resolved to await the release of the APC’s authentic list of candidates before making its next political move.

According to the source, the planned action is intended to challenge what he described as the growing concentration of political power in the hands of a few individuals.

“This movement will shake the foundation of the APC in Niger State. Politics belongs to the people and not to one individual.

Many loyal party members who laboured for the party’s success now feel alienated and ignored,” the source stated.

He further disclosed that consultations were ongoing with influential political actors, community leaders and grassroots structures across the 25 local government areas of the state.

“We are building a formidable coalition that cuts across all political interests. Once our position is made public, many people will understand that the current situation within the party is unsustainable,” he added.

Political analysts believe the emerging crisis may not be unconnected with the battle for political supremacy ahead of the 2027 general elections, as various interest groups seek to reposition themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The APC has maintained a dominant political presence in Niger State for over a decade, producing governors, lawmakers and key political office holders. However, recent developments suggest that internal disagreements and unresolved grievances may be gradually eroding the party’s unity.

Observers note that the alleged discontent among party stakeholders could have far-reaching implications, particularly if prominent political figures with established structures decide to align with opposition parties or form a new political bloc.

“There is no political party that can afford to ignore its grassroots leaders and longstanding loyalists,” a political analyst in Minna, revealed.

“If these aggrieved stakeholders eventually leave the APC, it could significantly alter the political equation in Niger State and make the 2027 elections more competitive than previously anticipated”, the Analyst added.

On his part, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, former senior Aide to ex Governor Bello, called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to urgently intervene, to save the soul of the party in Niger.

“As it stands now, if the President or the National Chairman do not quickly intervene, I doubt if there would be anything left in Niger APC after 2027. This was the same party we laboured to build, it is unfortunately disintegrating under our watch, just for the selfishness of a microscopic few”, Idris added.

Former Chairman of Lapai Local Government Area who pleaded anonymity, confirmed to our Correspondent that stakeholders in the area have concluded arrangements to kiss the APC goodbye, why entertaining the fear that those who would be left in APC would certainly engage in anti party activities during the 2027 elections.

Although it remains unclear which political platform the aggrieved politicians may eventually adopt, sources hinted that preliminary discussions have already commenced with leaders of other political parties and emerging political movements.

Efforts to obtain official reactions from the Niger State APC leadership were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent to some key officials were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the unfolding developments in Niger State may signal the beginning of an intense struggle for control of the state’s political structure, with potential consequences for the APC’s continued dominance in one of its traditional strongholds in the North-Central region.