The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Politics

  • APC Commends Enugu Reps Primary Elections as Free, Fair and Exemplary

    APC Commends Enugu Reps Primary Elections as Free, Fair and Exemplary

    …As Mbah participates in Owo Ward, advertises APC’s achievements

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the Enugu State chapter of the party for what it described as free, fair, credible, and exemplary House of Representatives primary elections in the state.

    This was even as Governor Peter Mbah joined other party faithful in Owo Ward, Nkanu East LGA, to affirm the Member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, who was the only aspirant standing for the primary election, as the party’s House of Representatives candidate in the 2027 general elections.

    Addressing newsmen at the party’s secretariat in Enugu after observing the exercise in Owo Ward and other parts of the state, Chairman of the APC House of Representatives Primary Elections in Enugu State, Hon. Solomon Funkekeme, expressed satisfaction with the process and outcome of the primary elections in the wards monitored firsthand by members of his team, as well as the reports reaching them from various parts of the state.

    “One thing is clear: Enugu State APC has continued to stand out as a shining example in internal democracy, party cohesion, consensus-building, and commitment to the party’s success over and above individual interests.

    “You were with us at Owo and we have our men in other parts of the state. This is consensus in action. I believe it is the same with other places we have not monitored, based on the reports reaching us.

    “But above all, it is leadership in action. I commend the leader of the party in the state, Governor Peter Mbah, as well as the chairman and members of the State Executive, for the peace and synergy we have witnessed,” Hon. Funkekeme said.

    Meanwhile, addressing party faithful in his Owo Ward, Governor Mbah thanked them profoundly for the large turnout and for their peaceful conduct across the state.

    “What you have seen here today is what you are going to witness across different federal constituencies in Enugu State. There might be just one or two federal constituencies where we may have a contest.

    “So, I think that you people should be proud of yourselves because you are becoming a model of what grassroots democracy should be, what internal party democracy should be; and an example of a rancour-free primary exercise where people are coming out in their numbers to support a candidate of their choice, where there is a contest. This is what democracy means. And this is what APC represents for this country,” he stated.

    Mbah urged party faithful in the state to come all out to market the achievements and programmes of the APC government at the state and federal levels ahead of the general elections.

    “If you also look at what this party has done at the national level, you will see that the pressure and tensions we had at our macroeconomic level have gone. What it means is that the states and the local governments are now able to serve you better, courtesy of the policies and programmes of our great party.

    “So, you should be proud of this party and you should make sure that you carry the news, carry the message of what this party is doing for our country to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.

    “We have not finished yet. Look at the country. You may only have started seeing the signs. But I can tell you, the foundations have been built. The fundamentals are in place. What Nigerians need to do is to support APC to come back and get the job finished. It is extremely important. We cannot afford to go backwards. We must move forward.

    “That is why you cannot afford to stand on the margins. You cannot afford to be passive. You have to be proactive. You have to go from door to door, informing people about what is going on and the benefits supporting APC would bring to our people,” he concluded.

    Meanwhile, the state’s party chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, among other party leaders, joined the team from Abuja in monitoring the exercise at Owo and across the state.

  • Lagos Speaker Obasa secures APC House of Reps Ticket for Agege Federal Constituency

    Lagos Speaker Obasa secures APC House of Reps Ticket for Agege Federal Constituency

    A massive crowd of party faithful thronged Agege as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, secured his place as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the Agege Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

    The hitch-free primary exercise saw card-carrying members in their numbers validate his candidacy, underscoring the strength of his grassroots support.

    The development comes just days after Obasa’s May 13 declaration at a stakeholders’ meeting in Agege, where he announced his ambition to contest for the federal seat.

    At that earlier event, he explained that his decision was driven by calls from party leaders and stakeholders who believed he could serve Agege more effectively at the national level.

    “I answered the call of our leaders and stakeholders who believe I can serve Agege better. We must present candidates with capacity, loyalty, and commitment to the progress of Agege,” Obasa had said.

    At the primary election, Obasa expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from his constituency.

    “I am deeply humbled by the confidence reposed in me by our leaders and members. Today’s validation is not just about me; it is about our collective resolve to continue building Agege and Lagos State on the foundation of progress and development,” he remarked.

    He further pledged to remain people-focused in his representation: “My commitment has always been to serve with integrity, to amplify the voices of our people, and to ensure that Agege continues to stand tall in the comity of constituencies. This validation strengthens my resolve to deliver more dividends of democracy.”

    Party officials praised the peaceful conduct of the exercise, noting that it reflected the unity and discipline within the APC in Agege.

    Observers also pointed to Obasa’s earlier endorsement of Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi for Agege Constituency I and Hon. Azeez Oladapo Yusuf Ninolowo for Agege Constituency II as evidence of his broader strategy to consolidate party cohesion.

    With the primary now concluded, Obasa is set to fly the APC flag in the forthcoming general election, a move that many believe will further entrench the party’s influence in Agege.

  • Nnolim Nnaji Emerges APC Candidate for Nkanu East/West Reps Seat

    Nnolim Nnaji Emerges APC Candidate for Nkanu East/West Reps Seat

    Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, member representing Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the constituency after securing 27,137 votes in the party’s primary election.

    Nnaji returned unopposed in the exercise, with the result officially announced by the Returning Officer, Mr. Sylvester Okoro, at the end of the primary process.

    Party stakeholders and supporters described the outcome as a reflection of the confidence reposed in the lawmaker’s leadership and representation of the constituency.

    They said the victory affirmed unity within the party and rewarded what they described as impactful representation across Nkanu East and Nkanu West.

    Supporters also pledged to mobilise greater support for Nnaji ahead of the 2027 general election.

    In his acceptance speech, the lawmaker thanked the Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Mbah, whom he described as the leader of the party for providing the enabling environment that saw to his emergence as the candidate. He appreciated all the Stakeholders and chairmen of Nkanu East and Nkanu West local government areas.

    Continuing, he saluted party members and constituents for the confidence shown in him, assuring them that he would not disappoint.

    He urged supporters to remain steadfast and continue supporting him throughout the election process.

    PACESETTER reports that several stakeholders were present to witness the announcement of the result.

    Some of them were: Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology; Dr. Ben Nwoye, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC; Sen. Kelvin Chukwu, Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone; Rt. Hon. USA Igwesi, former member of the national assembly, Hon. John Ogbodo, Chairman of Nkanu West; and his Nkanu East counterpart, Sydney Edeh.

    Others were Rt. Hon Iloabuchi Aniagu, Rt. Hon. Okey Mba, Dan Nwomeh, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe, several commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Nkanu West local government Deputy Chairman, Engr. Friday Nnam, and Secretary, Barr Onochie Igwesi, and Heads of Departments and Agencies in Enugu State.

  • Adamawa Governor Reshuffles Cabinet

    Adamawa Governor Reshuffles Cabinet

    Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has carried out another cabinet reshuffle.

    The affected cabinet members are Mr. Joab Sahma, Commissioner for Lands and Survey, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry. Dr. John Ishaya Dabari from Commerce Trade and Industry to Lands and Survey.

    “The redeployments are intended to create new vigour and vitality for service delivery, which has been the hallmark of our administration,” Governor Fintiri said.

    He urged the two commissioners to continue to give their best in their new roles.

    The governor called on them to embrace the assignment with renewed commitment and to run with the vision of the administration by delivering policies and programmes that directly improve the lives of the people of Adamawa State.

    According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, the changes take immediate effect.

     

  • PDP screens governorship aspirants ahead of party’s primary elections

    PDP screens governorship aspirants ahead of party’s primary elections

    Governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party, including Dr. Kelechi Anosike (Abia State), Mogaji Kayode Ogunshola (Oyo State),  Kefas Ropshik (Plateau State), Dr. Mustapha Sule Lamido (Jigawa State), David Emmanuel (Nasarawa State), and other contenders, have been screened by the PDP on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

    Speaking after appearing before the Ahmed Makarfi-led PDP governorship screening committee in Abuja, Anosike said the people of Abia State are being short-changed.

    He added that if the government were performing well, he would not be in the race, insisting that what exists is “media hype and exaggerated performance with nothing concrete on ground.”

    He stated, “In all six sectors of good governance, only roads can be scored at about 50 percent, mainly short-distance roads, while the other sectors are below that. That alone gives the answer that Abia has not performed very well.

    “I am in the race, and I have launched what I call Operation Feed Abia (O-F-A). I believe no citizen should go to bed hungry again. There will be a back-to-farm state policy where governors will have farms, and everyone will be encouraged to have farms to support local farmers and promote food security. This is the essence of Operation Feed Abia.

    “I also stated that part of why I am in the race is to drive civil service reforms. Paying the minimum wage is the least that can be done. Our administration will pay far above the minimum wage—while some say it is N90,000, Abia is still struggling to pay 70. We will go beyond that. We will introduce what we call civil service care, where workers are paid above the minimum wage and also provided health insurance coverage, so that if they contribute 30 percent, the government covers 70 percent of their medical bills.

    “Healthcare is very expensive in Nigeria, so the government must prioritize the welfare and well-being of Abians. We will also introduce what we call pension plus. Paying pensions should not be a burden. Those who have served the state for 35 years should also enjoy medical insurance and additional benefits. This is because they are senior citizens and deserve proper care.”

    He said his plan is to create job opportunities for Abia youths and reduce the rate at which graduates leave the state for Abuja and Lagos, stressing that young people are central to his campaign.

    The Oyo State Governorship aspirant, Ogunshola from Iwajowa Local Government said his economic plan focuses on strengthening SMEs, developing local industries through value addition, and expanding skills training in areas such as masonry, carpentry, and woodwork to tackle unemployment and reduce dependence on foreign labour.

    He declared that his agenda includes improving rural development, education, healthcare, governance, and security, stressing that insecurity must be addressed by tackling poverty and unemployment while ensuring inclusive and transparent governance.

    Ogunshola stated, “We must also focus on rural development and agriculture because many of our people in the villages have the capacity to produce, but they don’t have the support. We need to build rural roads, irrigation systems, storage facilities and agro-processing centres so that farmers can increase production and make more money from their work. Agriculture should not just be about survival. It should become a commercial system that creates wealth, jobs and opportunities for our people.

    “Education and healthcare are also critical. We need to renovate our public schools, equip our technical institutions and ensure that our young people acquire practical and digital skills that can help them compete globally. On healthcare, we must strengthen our primary healthcare centres and ensure that quality medical services are accessible and affordable for ordinary people. We also need policies that will encourage qualified professionals to remain and work in Oyo State.

    “Governance must also be transparent and inclusive. Government cannot work in isolation. We must carry along traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and women groups in decision-making. Public funds must be managed properly so that every sector feels the impact of government. We must also create policies that will attract investors, improve ease of doing business and ensure economic stability in Oyo State.

    “The issue of security, I think, is multifactorial. There is the issue of people just moving around, ranches, and cattle. But I think we need to look at what I call the exception of concerns. We just tend to bundle things up and say, But the security challenge from herders is one issue. There’s poverty. If you don’t address poverty, then things like kidnapping will persist. There’s youth unemployment. So, we need to ensure that we build solutions for each of those items.”

    Another Oyo State governorship aspirant, Hazeem Gbolarumi, Oyo governorship aspirant, described the state Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition as “inordinate,” questioning his experience and suitability for the office.

    He rated Makinde zero overall, accusing him of abandoning the party that supported his rise to power, though he acknowledged some progress in governance.

    Gbolarumi said the state still needs major improvements in health, education, infrastructure, and security, despite Makinde’s efforts in infrastructure development.

    Samson Nnamani, one of the governorship aspirants from Enugu criticised the Enugu 260 Smart Green Schools project, the project that has been described by UNESCO as  a transformative, forward-looking model for education.

    Other governorship aspirants screened include Chief Kefas Ropshik (Plateau State), Barrister Onuogbu Ogba (Abia State), Dr. Mustapha Sule Lamido (Jigawa State), David Emmanuel (Nasarawa State), Oladimeji Ali Hassan (Kwara State), and Alex Ladan (Plateau State).

    Others are Adamu Usman Ahmed (Bauchi State), Engr. Suleiman Bolatale Kawu (Kwara State), and Mohammed Bello (Kano State), Uche Nnaji (Enugu State), among others.

    The PDP presidential primaries are scheduled for May 26, while the governorship primaries will hold on May 24.

  • JUST-IN: Gov. Makinde declares 2027 presidential bid, announces alliance with APM

    JUST-IN: Gov. Makinde declares 2027 presidential bid, announces alliance with APM

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Thursday, declared his intention to run for president in 2027, saying it is time to reset Nigeria.

    Makinde said this at a mega-rally to announce the alliance between the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and the Allied Peoples’ Movement, APM.

    The governor, who expressed worry over the dwindling fortunes of Nigerians,, said it was time for the people to engage the system and not stand by as spectators.

    He said: “Without a multi-party system, there is no democracy. Where is our multi party? “Where do we go from here?

    “We have been pushed to the wall. The calculated and self opposition cannot unite but I am here to say that the opposition is the everyday Nigerian.

    “This is the time for all us to ensure Nigeria works for us. This is the time to confront it fears. It is time to engage as citizens and not spectators.

    “For the opposition political parties, this is the time to unite and work in unity and give our nation the much reset it needs.

    “The time to reset Nigeria is now. Ibadan is the city of warriors. The first grand alliance is formed. The PDP and APM is formed. This handshake will allow us to field candidates from presidency to state Assembly.”

    The governor, who hinted that the PDP-APM alliance will field candidates from presidency to state house of Assembly, said: “And so, I declare my candidacy for office of the president of Nigeria”, amidst an uproar from the crowd.

  • APC says dates for 2027 primary elections remain unchanged

    APC says dates for 2027 primary elections remain unchanged

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that the dates scheduled for the party’s forthcoming primary elections for the 2027 general elections remain unchanged.

    The party made the clarification in a statement posted on its official X handle and signed by Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the APC.

    The party said the clarification became necessary following the circulation of false and misleading reports on social media and other communication platforms suggesting otherwise.

    According to the statement, the primary elections will hold as earlier announced:

    House of Representatives — Friday, May 15, 2026

    Senate — Monday, May 18, 2026

    State House of Assembly — Wednesday, May 20, 2026

    Governorship — Thursday, May 21, 2026

    Presidential — Saturday, May 23, 2026

  • Obasa Explains Decision to Leave Lagos Speakership for Reps Race

    Obasa Explains Decision to Leave Lagos Speakership for Reps Race

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has revealed why he is trading his speakership for a shot at a seat in the Agege Federal Constituency.

    Obasa made the disclosure on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Agege, Lagos, convened ahead of the All Progressives Congress primaries.

    The sixth-term lawmaker said consultations with constituency stakeholders shaped his decision to formally enter the race for the federal legislative seat.

    According to him, party leaders and stakeholders urged him to make the move.

    “I answered the call of our leaders and stakeholders who believe I can serve Agege better,” Obasa told party members.

    He called on party members to stay united as the APC prepares for its primaries, while also throwing his weight behind two other aspirants in the constituency.

    Obasa endorsed former Agege council chairman Ganiyu Egunjobi for Agege Constituency I. “Egunjobi has served our people diligently and deserves the support of all loyal party members,” he said.

    He similarly backed Azeez Ninolowo, who is running for the Agege Constituency II seat.

    The speaker said the constituency deserved representatives with a clear understanding of its challenges.

    “We must present candidates with capacity, loyalty and commitment to the progress of Agege,” Obasa added.

  • APC screening committee disowns viral list of cleared, uncleared state assembly aspirants in Rivers 

    APC screening committee disowns viral list of cleared, uncleared state assembly aspirants in Rivers 

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee for the Rivers State House of Assembly has dismissed the list of cleared and uncleared aspirants for the 2027 elections, noting that the list did not emanate from the committee.

    It was earlier gathered that the committee had released a list of successful and unsuccessful aspirants to stand for the primaries of the party and that 98 people were screened.

    It was also learned that out of the total number, 65 of them who are linked directly to the governor of the state were not cleared, while 33 of them who are loyalists of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, were all cleared by the committee chaired by Rt Hon. Muraina Ajibola.

    But in a disclaimer signed by the secretary of the committee, Hon. Tanko Yamowa, on Monday, it said the list is circulating on various platforms and is unauthorised and false.

    The statement read: “The attention of the party leadership has been drawn to the circulation of a purported list of cleared and uncleared aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly currently making rounds across various media platforms.

    “We wish to categorically state that the said publication is false, unauthorised, and does not emanate from the appropriate party authorities.

    “It is important to note that the screening exercise conducted by the committee headed by Mauriana Ajibola was concluded less than 24 hours ago, and no official list has been released by the party at this time.

    “As a responsible political party, we are guided by established procedures, rules, and timelines regarding the publication of screening results and related information. Any official communication concerning the status of aspirants will be communicated through the appropriate channels in due course.

    “We therefore urge party faithful, aspirants, supporters, and the general public to disregard the purported list and treat it as the handiwork of mischief-makers whose intention is to create confusion and unnecessary tension within the party.”

    The statement noted that the party remains committed to transparency, fairness, and due process throughout the entire exercise. Vanguard

  • APC Commences Screening of 24 Enugu State Assembly Aspirants

    APC Commences Screening of 24 Enugu State Assembly Aspirants

    …Commends Mbah for strong party synergy and consensus-building

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly Screening Committee has begun screening 24 aspirants on the party’s platform for the Enugu State House of Assembly.

    The panel, headed by Comrade Lucky Porki, stated that only one aspirant from each State Constituency made submissions at the expiration of the submission period, noting, however, that all due process for the election of candidates would be observed in accordance with relevant laws and party guidelines.

    “The time for the submission of Expression of Interest Forms and Nomination Forms has elapsed, and we have only 24 aspirants for the 24 State Constituency seats.

    “This has made our job easier because we will deal with 24 aspirants only. We will thoroughly screen them – their records and credentials – to ensure that they are qualified to serve the people of Enugu State in the capacity to which they aspire.

    “Nevertheless, although only 24 aspirants indicated interest by submitting their forms, the due process for the election of candidates will still be strictly applied in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, and our party’s Constitution and Guidelines,” he stated.

    He said that the Screening Appeal Committee was already on the ground to sit over any grievances or petitions arising from the screening.

    “Thus, any aggrieved party member who has issues with the outcome of the screening exercise is free to approach the Screening Appeal Committee, which will commence after the screening,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the panel also commended Governor Peter Mbah, APC leadership, and stakeholders in the state for consensus-building and synergy in the Enugu APC.

    “We give credit to the leader of APC in Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah; the State Executive Committee, particularly the Chairman, as well as stakeholders and members of our great party for the democracy, synergy, and unity in the Enugu State chapter of the party.

    “We commend them for this exemplary display of consensus-building to ensure that peace and party loyalty reign supreme in the state. Indeed, we recommend the Enugu State formula to other state chapters of our party as a virtue worthy of emulation,” Comrade Porki concluded.

    In his address, the Chairman of APC in Enugu State, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, commended the national leadership of the party, Governor Peter Mbah, and all relevant panels for providing a level playing ground for everyone aspiring to office.

    Meanwhile, other members of the Screening Committee are Barr. Mary Ejiro (Secretary), Chief Godpower Asighwu, and Hon. Juliet Amaraeghu.

    The State House of Assembly Screening Appeal Committee is chaired by Dr. Dillion Oyowa, while Umokoro Enomioghene Samuel serves as Secretary, and Hon. Desmond Okpako Duke as a member.

  • 2027: LP NWC Presents Free Governorship Nomination Form to Otti

    2027: LP NWC Presents Free Governorship Nomination Form to Otti

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party on Friday, May 8, 2026, commended the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for demonstrating the core ideals of the party through his leadership style and inclusive governance model.

    The commendation came during a meeting held at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where the party leadership presented the Governor with the Labour Party governorship nomination form free of charge, ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Speaking at the event, the National Chairman of Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, commended Governor Otti for clearly demonstrating the Labour Party ideals of social justice and and equal opportunities to all Nigerians.

    “We are here today to collectively express our gratitude for your good leadership and for showing Nigerians, especially the people of Abia State, what the Labour Party truly represents.”

    Sen. Nenadi further acknowledged Governor Otti’s inclusive approach to politics, noting that he does not practice the Zero-Sum-Game, “Winner-Takes-All” approach.

    “You have won, but you are carrying along even those you defeated. Even those you defeated cannot help but praise you,” Sen. Usman stated.

    She also recalled positive remarks from other political groups who had commended the Governor’s leadership style, adding: “If this is how Nigerian politics can be turned around, then there will be no acrimony in our politics.”

    Presenting the Free Governorship nomination form, the National Chairman explained that the NWC also collectively resolved to hand over all Labour Party nomination forms for Abia State to the Governor as a mark of confidence in his leadership.

    Earlier, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, described Governor Otti as the face of the Labour Party’s revival.

    “We are very happy with what you have done for the Labour Party. Nigerians are proud of you,” he said, adding that the Governor has restored public confidence in the party.

    Responding, Governor Otti thanked the leadership for what he described as a rare gesture.

    “I want to thank the National Working Committee of our great party for this gesture of handing over the governorship nomination form to me free of charge,” Governor Otti said.

    The State Chief Executive commended the party leadership for stabilizing the Labour Party, despite recent internal crisis and legal challenges.

    “I want to congratulate you for how you have been able to keep this party together, avoiding the landmines, and stabilizing it up to this moment. I think it would be right to say that the party is now safe,” Gov. Otti declared.

    Governor Otti added that with the legal distractions now behind the party, attention should shift to rebuilding and strengthening its structures and organs.

    “The only way to go now is up,” the Governor concluded.

    In his vote of thanks, the immediate past interim National Secretary of the Party, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, who equally used the opportunity to pick up the nomination form for Abia Central Senatorial Zone, described Governor Otti as a leader who is redefining political culture.

    “You are not just winning elections; you are teaching us a new standard of leadership and politics,” he said.

    He also recalled the Governor’s role in ensuring peaceful and orderly processes during the Party’s primaries, earlier in 2022, noting that his leadership brought discipline and unity to the party.

    The meeting was attended by Labour Party members of the House of Representatives led by the caucus leader, Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, the National Organizing Secretary, Mrs. Oluchi Opara, National Women Leader, Hilda Dokubo, and National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa. Also in attendance were some members of the Abia State Executive Council.

  • Kwankwaso Endorses NDC’s Zoning of 2027 Presidency to South

    Kwankwaso Endorses NDC’s Zoning of 2027 Presidency to South

    Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has thrown his weight behind the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to zone its presidential ticket to the South for the 2027 election, describing the move as “a true opportunity for true national healing.”

    Speaking at the NDC’s National Convention in Abuja, Kwankwaso, a loyal party member, declared his full support for the zoning arrangement, stating that it would allow the southern region to complete its turn in producing national leadership.

    ‘I Support the Decision to Zone to the South’

    In a clear and unambiguous endorsement, Kwankwaso said:

    “It is therefore with a great sense of unity and solidarity that, as a loyal party member, I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South, so that it allows the region to complete its turn in producing national leadership.”

    He added: “This represents a true opportunity for true national healing. We shall work in abidance with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications.”

    Kwankwaso expressed immense pleasure and a deep sense of fulfilment at the historic occasion, noting that the NDC has continued to attract quality members and ignite enthusiastic conversations among citizens and observers both at home and abroad.

    “What began as a bold movement is steadily becoming a formidable platform for national renewal,” he said.

    The former governor painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current state, citing poor leadership as the reason the nation has been caught unprepared for global shifts.

    “Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift, yet our nation has been caught unprepared, largely because of poor leadership. Instead of positioning Nigeria to seize emerging opportunities, bad governance has left us bearing the brunt of global changes,” he stated.

    He listed a sharp decline in the quality of life, insecurity creating “widows and orphans across the land,” millions displaced from their homes, fleeing investments, a collapsing education system, and “harsh economic policies imposed on citizens without meaningful safety nets or relief.”

    Lessons from Nigeria’s Past

    Kwankwaso drew lessons from Nigeria’s history, recalling visionary alliances that provided the way forward in challenging moments, including the NEPU-NCNC partnership in 1954, the NCNC-NPC coalition that birthed independence in 1960, and the NPN alliance that restored civilian rule in the Second Republic.

    The NDC chieftain pledged that the party would change the way things are done today by prioritising “leadership without ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism.”

    “The leadership standard we shall set will therefore restore Nigeria’s dignity and will guarantee that our citizens at home and in the diaspora will be treated with respect and dignity,” he said.

    Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to register with INEC to vote and to join the NDC in what he described as a noble cause.

    “Lastly, we can only achieve that by continuing to mobilise to register with INEC to vote, and the NDC to belong to this noble cause. Please register today,” he concluded.