Author Archives: News All Around

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By Saheed Adeola

The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), an umbrella organisation of Yoruba youths nationwide, has cautioned political parties against actions capable of disrupting the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State or discrediting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued at the weekend by its spokesman, Saheed Adeola, quoting the YYC National President, Comrade Eric, the group faulted what it described as unnecessary alarm raised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the number of registered voters credited to Osun State in the latest nationwide pre-registration exercise conducted by INEC.

According to INEC’s figures, Osun State recorded 393,269 pre-registrations, the highest in the country. But some stakeholders, including the PDP and ADC, dismissed the numbers as unrealistic and alleged fraud.

Responding, INEC, through a statement issued on Thursday by the chairman’s spokesman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, debunked the allegations, explaining that the figures were consistent with data from its 2021 online registration exercise.

YYC maintained that the alarm raised by the PDP and ADC was needless, noting that the figures for Osun State were not unusual.

“In any case, in the 2022 governorship election in Osun State, PDP defeated the APC. It is therefore surprising that the PDP will now query the statistics,” the group said.

It added that contrary to claims of fraud, the latest figure aligned with the pattern recorded in 2021. “For instance, Osun recorded 232,880 registrants in a similar exercise conducted by the same INEC in 2021. There is no significant difference in the data recorded for Osun State in 2021 and the figures of 393,289 for the 2025 online pre-registration,” the statement read.

YYC further noted that INEC would still clean up the data and publish the register for claims and objections before finalising the exercise.

“Interestingly, they are querying the figures for Osun and the South West in the latest exercise but not those of the FCT. Rather than busy themselves in raising unnecessary alarm that amounts to a storm in a tea cup, the PDP and ADC should participate in mobilising our people to register in the Continuous Voter Registration, instead of querying figures and heating up the polity unnecessarily,” YYC added.

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By Ibrahim Yusuf

A Kaduna based political advocacy group, Capacity Movement, has criticised Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, popularly known as Mr. LA, over recent remarks perceived as attacks on the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

In a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna, the group’s convener, Shehu Sani Sado, described the senator’s comments as “cheap political distractions” and accused him of attempting to divert attention from what it called his underwhelming performance at the National Assembly.

“The public is not even aware of any tangible contribution Senator Lawal Adamu has made since assuming office. His recent outbursts are simply aimed at gaining cheap popularity,” the statement read.

The group further alleged that Senator Adamu, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is making moves to defect back to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the next election cycle.

“After riding on the back of the PDP to get to the Senate, he is now plotting a return to the APC. Instead of focusing on delivering on his legislative mandate, he has resorted to constant and baseless attacks on Governor Uba Sani,” the group said.

The Capacity Movement called on the senator to refrain from what it termed politically motivated criticisms, and urged him to focus on his responsibilities in the Senate.

“Governor Uba Sani is committed to the development of Kaduna State and should not be distracted by a lawmaker who has yet to prove his worth. The people deserve focused leadership, not political theatrics,” the statement concluded.

ENDS

By Olikita Afio

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against entertaining any attempts by Senator Lawal Usman Adamu, popularly known as Mr. LA, to return to the party, describing the move as a desperate attempt to salvage his dwindling political relevance.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Danjuma Paul, the NSCF accused the senator, who currently represents Kaduna Central Senatorial District, of political inconsistency and a lack of genuine commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

“Senator LA’s recent political trajectory has been nothing short of opportunistic. From defecting from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and now allegedly exploring ties with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), his political manoeuvres reveal a pattern of survivalist politics rather than public service,” the statement read.

The forum said such frequent political realignments raise questions about the senator’s ideological convictions and loyalty to the platforms that brought him to office.

NSCF described Senator LA’s tenure as being devoid of legislative achievements or impactful constituency projects, accusing him of engaging in “belly politics” and filing frivolous petitions rather than addressing the pressing needs of the people he represents.

“His record is marked by an absence of significant legislation or developmental initiatives. Instead of returning to his constituency with innovative solutions, he has chosen to deploy political theatrics that have done little to improve the lives of his constituents,” the group stated.

The forum urged APC stakeholders at both the state and national levels to reject any overtures from the senator, warning that his return to the party would be a setback for efforts to uphold integrity, accountability, and performance-based politics.

“At a time when political parties should be prioritising competence and genuine representation, it would be unwise to welcome an individual whose political career has been defined by inconsistency and underperformance,” the statement added.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting candidates with a clear track record of service and urged party leaders to remain focused on strengthening the APC with credible and committed individuals.

ENDS


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By Adi Ogundioe

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has condemned Senator Lawal Usman Adamu’s petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over a recent by-election in Kaduna State, describing the move as “misguided” and a distortion of the ICC’s core mandate.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, and made available to journalists on Thursday, the group said invoking the ICC in the context of a local electoral dispute trivialises the global institution’s mission and undermines serious international justice mechanisms.

“The ICC was established to prosecute the gravest crimes — war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. To liken a by-election dispute in Kaduna to the genocides in Rwanda or the atrocities in Darfur is both irresponsible and offensive to victims of such heinous crimes,” the statement read.

NAN described the senator’s petition as a “theatrical display” aimed at garnering attention rather than addressing the developmental challenges faced by constituents of Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

“The people expect their senator to address issues such as poverty, insecurity, education, and basic infrastructure. Instead, what we are witnessing is a disturbing trend of political posturing and legal drama that has no bearing on the immediate needs of the electorate,” NAN said.

The group further stated that Senator Adamu’s actions have brought ridicule to both his office and the democratic institutions he represents, warning that such political gimmicks erode public trust in the democratic process.

“Democracy thrives on accountability and sincere engagement with the people. Resorting to international legal bodies over domestic political disagreements only signals a lack of serious legislative focus and contributes to voter apathy,” the forum noted.

NAN also criticised the senator’s perceived lack of legislative achievements, stating that his tenure has not been marked by meaningful bills, motions, or constituency projects.

“Rather than delivering development, he has become fixated on personal political survival, ignoring the very people he was elected to serve. This fixation undermines both his credibility and the expectations of the electorate,” the statement added.

The group called on Senator Adamu to reconsider his political approach and re-engage meaningfully with issues affecting his constituents.

“The people of Kaduna Central deserve better. They need representation grounded in vision, service, and substance—not international distractions or political theatrics

By Sunday Illona

The Kaduna Central Women Forum (KACEWOF) has delivered a damning verdict on the political career of former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, declaring that his long years in the Senate were “wasted” with little or no impact on the lives of Nigerians.

The group’s criticism comes in the wake of reports that Senator Lawal Adamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed a petition at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The petition accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of unlawfully arresting and detaining the PDP candidate in the August 16 by-election, allegedly on the orders of Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

In a statement issued Tuesday and signed by its Coordinator, Hajiya Binta Garba, KACEWOF described as “unfortunate” Lawan’s attempt to undermine what it called a “free, fair, and credible” election.

The group accused Lawan of squandering opportunities to transform governance, saying that despite holding the highest legislative position in Nigeria, his leadership failed to produce meaningful reforms.

“Senator Ahmad Lawan’s years in the Senate amount to wasted opportunities. He failed to champion people-oriented legislation, neglected his responsibilities, and spent more time on political survival than on the welfare of Nigerians,” the statement read.

KACEWOF said Nigerians must begin to demand accountability and reject politicians who, in its words, “stay long in office but leave no legacy.”

“Our democracy must move beyond recycled leaders who waste opportunities. Performance and tangible results must be the standard for public service, not the length of stay in office,” the group declared.

The forum further urged voters in Kaduna and across the country to remain vigilant against politicians who, it claimed, thrive on “empty rhetoric” rather than results.

By Hauwa Ibrahim 

Maiduguri

A northern youth group under the umbrella of Arewa Youth for Progress and Development (AYPD) has taken a swipe at Abuja-based political activist, Deji Adeyanju, over his recent criticism of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

Adeyanju had in a Facebook post accused the governor of deceiving Nigerians at the onset of his administration with “fake propaganda,” describing him as “a complete disaster as governor” and alleging that he has “a love for tyranny and jailing critics.” He further suggested that Zulum might attempt to “repackage himself after 2027 and try to become another Nigerian messiah.”

Reacting in a statement signed by Abubakar made available to journalists in Maiduguri, the AYPD described Adeyanju’s comments as “reckless, baseless, and a direct insult to the people of Borno State.”

“To call a performing governor, widely respected across the North as a symbol of people-centered leadership, a disaster is nothing but the highest form of insult to our people. It is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the group declared.

The group highlighted what it described as Zulum’s “unmatched achievements” in governance, citing his efforts in rebuilding communities ravaged by insurgency, expanding access to quality education, healthcare delivery, infrastructural development, and programs targeted at poverty alleviation.

According to AYPD, since assuming office in 2019, Zulum has supervised the construction of schools, hospitals, housing units, and roads across both urban and rural areas of Borno State, often leading from the front by personally monitoring projects and humanitarian interventions.

“Governor Zulum has never fooled anyone or paraded himself as a messiah. We know him as a leader who has deep passion for the emancipation of his people from poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment. His style of leadership is humility, service, and sacrifice,” the statement noted.

The youths warned Adeyanju against what they called “cheap political blackmail” and issued him a seven-day ultimatum to retract his comments and tender a public apology to Governor Zulum and the people of Borno State.

“Failure to do so will attract massive resistance from northern youths, as we cannot allow baseless attacks on leaders who are genuinely working for the progress of our people,” AYPD warned.

They urged Nigerians to “see through the antics of professional critics” and focus on encouraging leaders who are working under difficult circumstances, particularly in states like Borno that have faced years of insurgency.

By Ihuma Abun

The Northwest Progressives Forum (NPF) has declared Kebbi State a national model in Hajj administration, praising Governor Nasir Idris and Alhaji Faruk Enabo, Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, for their transformative leadership and commitment to pilgrims’ welfare.

Following Kebbi’s exceptional performance during the 2024 and 2025 Hajj exercises—where the state earned eight awards from Saudi authorities—the NPF described the operations as “a masterclass in religious service delivery.” These accolades recognized Kebbi’s outstanding arrangements in areas such as sacrificial animal logistics (Hadaya), feeding, accommodation, transportation, and airport screening.

Leadership Rooted in Empathy and Action

Governor Idris’s personal involvement in the pilgrimage and his financial support to all 3,871 pilgrims in the 2025 Hajj exercise, just as in the previous year, drew admiration from the Forum. Speaking recently, the governor pledged:

> “We will continue to render the needed support to our Pilgrims Welfare Agency and NAHCON in this direction and we will never relent.”



Operational Excellence Under Alhaji Faruk Enabo

Alhaji Faruk Enabo, Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency, was credited with orchestrating Kebbi’s seamless Hajj logistics. He emphasized that Governor Idris’s unwavering backing was the cornerstone of their success:

> “The unwavering support of Gov. Idris to the agency had culminated not only in the tremendous success of the Hajj operations in the state but the state stood tall amongst its peers.”



NPF’s Endorsement

In its official statement, the Northwest Progressives Forum declared:

> “Kebbi State has set a new benchmark for Hajj administration in Nigeria. Governor Nasir Idris and Alhaji Faruk Enabo have demonstrated that with vision, empathy, and accountability, even the most complex religious operations can be executed with excellence.”



A Blueprint for the Nation

The Forum urged other states to emulate Kebbi’s model, especially in areas of early planning, financial transparency, and direct engagement with pilgrims. With the 2025 Hajj season on the horizon, Kebbi’s example stands as a beacon of what’s possible when leadership meets purpose.

In a significant boost to education under Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s development agenda, the Concerned Niger Progressives Network (CNPN) has revealed that over 1,200 students have directly benefited from the bursary initiative of Hon. Mu’azu Hamidu Jantabo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The group, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary Mohammed Yahaya, highlighted this achievement as a cornerstone of Jantabo’s efforts to translate the governor’s blueprint into tangible results for the people of Niger State.

**Direct Support for Education**
The Jantabo Bursary Scheme, designed to alleviate financial burdens and inspire academic excellence, has provided critical support to a vast number of students. The confirmed beneficiaries include:

*   **1,111 students** of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL).
*   **172 students** from other institutions across the nation.

**Bringing the Total to 1,283 students impacted.**

The initiative has earned widespread praise from student groups. The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lapai Chapter, stated that the gesture “brought immense joy and relief to the students and motivated them to strive for excellence.”

**Beyond Education: A Holistic Approach**
While the educational impact is a major focus, the CNPN also commended Jantabo for his role in advancing other parts of Governor Bago’s agenda, particularly in infrastructure. His work in Lapai Local Government Area aligns with the administration’s 1,000km roads initiative and includes:

*   The completion of the Malle and Graveyard Roads.
*   The ongoing construction of the Bypass Road and Drainage Project.
*   The rehabilitation of essential public service vehicles.

These multifaceted efforts demonstrate a comprehensive approach to development, with the direct benefit to over 1,200 students standing as a key indicator of the agenda’s success in empowering the next generation.

Despite being a senior cabinet member under President Bola Tinubu, Badaru failed to deliver for the All Progressives Congress (APC), a development party loyalists described as the collapse of his political relevance in Jigawa.

According to results from Babura, PDP scored 3,432 votes out of 5,099 cast, defeating APC’s 1,567 votes. Independent monitors and APC insiders blamed Badaru’s alleged neglect of party members and growing political distance from the state’s grassroots.

“He has abandoned us for PDP and created unnecessary crises in APC. This defeat is a shame,” said Musa Alaye, a former APC youth mobilizer.

Even the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba, could not salvage the situation as she also lost her polling unit where PDP polled 184 votes against APC’s 22.

Party sources alleged Badaru boycotted APC campaigns, preferring to stay in Kano while Jigawa supporters struggled without federal support. His absence, they said, created the impression he was secretly backing PDP.

In contrast, Governor Umar Namadi Danmodi was praised for stabilizing the party and leading APC to overall victory in the constituency, securing 38,449 votes against PDP’s 13,519.

Analysts say the by-election exposed deep cracks in APC’s leadership and questioned Badaru’s loyalty to the ruling party. Party insiders are now calling on President Tinubu to reassess his appointees, warning that some may be “political liabilities rather than assets” to the Renewed Hope agenda.