News
New Leadership Emerges as PDP Holds North-Central Zonal Congress in Jos
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has successfully conducted its North-Central Zonal Congress in Jos, Plateau State, electing new officials to steer the affairs of the party in the region. Held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Langfield Leisure Park, the congress drew delegates and party faithful from the six states of the zone and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The congress was hosted by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and marked a significant step in the PDP’s ongoing efforts to restructure its internal systems and reposition ahead of future political contests.
Hon. Abdullrahman Mohammed emerged as the new Zonal Chairman and National Vice Chairman (North Central) after defeating Hon. Stephen Ajiya with a wide margin—securing 536 votes against Ajiya’s 18 votes.
Other officials elected include:
- Hon. Francis Orogu as Zonal Secretary
- Ambassador Beauty Sudar Aliyu as Zonal National Ex-Officio
- Hon. Mohammed Sani as Zonal Ex-Officio representing Nasarawa State
The newly elected officials were sworn in by the PDP’s National Legal Adviser, who administered the oath of office shortly after the announcement of results.
In his address at the event, Governor Mutfwang commended the peaceful conduct of the congress and charged the new leadership to uphold the party’s values and legacy.
“You have a duty to sustain the legacy of the PDP and work collectively towards a better and stronger party that is ready to address the yearnings of Nigerians,” the governor stated.
Also speaking, PDP chieftain and former Nasarawa State governorship candidate, Hon. David Ombugadu, expressed confidence in the new zonal team, saying their emergence signals renewed strength for the party in the region.
“We are optimistic that this new leadership will reinvigorate the party structure in the North Central and ensure that the PDP remains the credible alternative for Nigerians,” Ombugadu noted.
Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, who was also present at the congress, dismissed rumors of the party’s decline, insisting that the PDP remains a formidable political force.
“The PDP is not collapsing. With the emergence of new leaders at all levels—from the ward to the national level—our party is bouncing back. This process is breathing new life into the PDP, and Nigeria will not become a one-party state,” Moro declared.
He praised the large turnout and enthusiasm of delegates, noting that the congress was one of a series of planned activities leading to the PDP National Convention, where a new national leadership will be elected.
The successful conduct of the North-Central Zonal Congress marks a key milestone in the PDP’s rebuilding efforts as it looks to reclaim its position as Nigeria’s leading opposition party.
Nigeria recorded $10.37 billion in capital importation in the first quarter of 2026, representing an 83.83 per cent increase compared to the $5.64 billion received in the corresponding period of 2025
The development was contained in a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Wednesday.
The bureau’s latest Capital Importation Report also showed that foreign capital inflows increased by 60.97 per cent from the $6.44 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
According to the report, the increase reflects stronger investor participation in Nigeria’s financial markets during the period under review.
Portfolio investment dominates inflows
The report showed that portfolio investment remained the largest component of capital importation, accounting for $9.86 billion or 95.09 per cent of the total inflows recorded during the quarter.
Other investments amounted to $374.48 million, representing 3.61 per cent of total capital imported, while foreign direct investment (FDI) stood at $135.08 million, accounting for 1.30 per cent.
The NBS noted that portfolio investment significantly outperformed other categories of capital inflows during the period.
Within the portfolio investment category, money market instruments attracted the highest inflows at $6.50 billion.
Investments in bonds totalled $3.23 billion, while equity investments totalled $131.81 million.
The figures indicate that investors continued to favour fixed-income instruments over equity investments during the quarter.
Banking sector attracts largest share
Sectoral analysis showed that the banking sector received the highest volume of foreign capital, attracting $7.55 billion, which represents 72.79 per cent of total capital imported during the period.
The financing sector followed with inflows of $2.43 billion, or 23.42 per cent of the total.
The production and manufacturing sector received $152.27 million, accounting for 1.47 per cent of total inflows.
Other sectors that attracted foreign investments included agriculture, telecommunications, information technology services, oil and gas, healthcare, construction, education, consultancy services, transport, trading and shares.
The United Kingdom emerged as the leading source of capital inflows into Nigeria during the first quarter of 2026.
According to the report, investments originating from the UK amounted to $5.08 billion, representing 49.01 per cent of total capital importation.
The United States followed with $3.18 billion, accounting for 30.69 per cent, while South Africa contributed $983.83 million, representing 9.49 per cent of the total.
Among financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited handled the largest share of capital importation during the quarter.
READ ALSO: Average price of petrol rises to ₦1,532.93 per litre in April, up 18.97% — NBS
The bank received $4.41 billion in inflows, representing 42.56 per cent of the total capital imported into the country.
Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc followed with $2.78 billion, or 26.79 per cent, while Rand Merchant Bank facilitated inflows of $930.82 million, accounting for 8.97 per cent.
Other banks that processed foreign capital inflows during the period included Access Bank, Citibank Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, FCMB, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank and United Bank for Africa.
The NBS stated that the capital importation statistics were compiled using information supplied by the Central Bank of Nigeria and reports submitted by commercial banks on fresh foreign capital brought into the country.
The bureau added that the figures do not capture other components of foreign direct investment, including reinvested earnings.
-
News1 day agoBarewa Dominates Atlantic Rugby 7s Championship
-
News2 days ago
When your boss’s voice can’t be trusted: The AI fraud threat Nigerian SMEs may not see coming – Technology Times
-
News2 days ago
TCN extends maintenance on Jos, Bauchi, and Gombe transmission line
-
News3 days ago
Wikki Spikers working hard to secure CGC Premier League qualification: Coach
