Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council has been boosted by the backing of several West African countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who made the announcement during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, said the development marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s longstanding quest for a permanent position on the council.

Tuggar also disclosed that he had led a delegation to Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau to garner support for Nigeria’s bid.

“Everywhere we went, we had the opportunity to discuss and solicit support for Nigeria’s intention to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” Tuggar said.

The Minister noted that it is important for Nigeria to have a presence on the council as 68% of decisions made at the Council involves Africa.

“So, it’s important that Nigeria is in there; it’s important that Nigeria represents and speaks for not just ourselves, not just our region, not just the continent, but for the world as a whole,” Tuggar emphasized.

The UN Security Council which comprised of five veto-wielding nations, namely the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK, also has 10 elected states serving two-year terms, and is responsible for maintaining global peace and security.

But despite Africa having 54 member states in the UN, the continent lacks a permanent representation on the council.

Thus far, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt are the top contenders for the position, given their economic, political, and diplomatic influence on the continent.

President Bola Tinubu is reportedly pushing hard for Nigeria’s inclusion, with Tuggar noting that the US’s statement of support for Nigeria marks a significant turning point.

“This is what this administration is ready to do… We are getting the right response because, for the first time, the United States came out and issued a statement and said they are fully in support of permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council for Africa,” he stated.

A newly formed political group, the Tonse Alliance (TA), has announced the endorsement of former Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, as its candidate for the 2026 presidential election, setting him up to challenge President Hakainde Hichilema and other contenders.

Lungu, who has already accepted the Alliance’s endorsement which was made by Tonse Alliance Chairperson, Dan Pule, during an official event in Lusaka on Wednesday, vowed to restore the rule of law, democracy and constitutionalism if re-elected in 2026.

The group which broke away from your UKA Alliance and is composed of seven opposition parties, expressed confidence in Lungu’s leadership, with Pule calling it “a game changer” that Zambians had been waiting for to secure victory in the upcoming general elections.

“The cost of living is high; people are struggling. We need to subsidize mealie meal and fuel to help citizens cope. This isn’t the democracy we fought for,” Pule said during the endorsement.

In a Zoom address, Lungu urged opposition alliances to unite to defeat the current administration and alleviate Zambia’s economic struggles.

He highlighted a widespread desire for a united opposition to “end the misery” he attributed to poor economic management by the UPND government.

“I am ready to work with all opposition parties, the church, civil society organizations and other groups committed to rescuing the country from economic hardship,” Lungu said.

He emphasized the need to defend constitutional democracy and urged opposition parties to work collectively on key national issues to overcome Zambia’s economic challenges.

“The UPND has eroded good governance, democracy, and constitutionalism while oppressing citizens daily. This fight is not just about replacing the UPND; it’s about restoring Zambia and improving citizens’ living standards,” Lungu said.