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10th NASS: Senators-Elect Reject APC Zoning

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-Insist On Producing Own Leaders

By Abdulateef Bamgbose

A group of Senators-elect across different political parties have kicked against zoning arrangement and insisted on producing their own leaders in the red chamber.

The leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had on Monday zoned the Senate leadership position to South-South and North West, but some Senators-elect, at the 10th National Assembly Induction programme organized by the National Assembly, kicked against this development.

Speaking with newsmen at the event, the prefer candidate for the post of Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio said “we are awaiting the final position of the APC National working committee which I believe would come out very soon. When the zoning arrangements come out, we would know the position that would be zoned to different geopolitical zone.

“It is not something that we should speculate about but I believe that justice would be done at the end of the day in terms of balancing the political equation of the country to ensure peaceful tenure for the incoming president.”

Akpabio also said that he was not worried about the move by some aggrieved APC aspirants forming alliances with opposition political parties, adding it remains a normal legislative practice.

He said: “I am not worried at all. It is a normal thing. I always described politics as a game of concentric circle of conspiracy. I am not worried about anything. I believe strongly that the will of God will be done.

“My colleagues would decide my fate on the floor during the inauguration. The senators-elect would take a decision.

“The lawmakers would elect the next Senate President. I believe that there should be cooperation between the the parties and the lawmakers. Once the leadership is put in place, there should be collaboration between the leadership and the Parliament to ensure a smooth administration and we are all mutually dependent on one another while at the same time, exercising our legislative duties and independence. On the whole I believe that we can only get better as our democracy matures.”

Opposing the zoning arrangements by APC, Senator Osita izunaso said, “the most natural thing for the APC to do is to zone the office of the Senate President to the South East. It is long overdue. If you are ever contemplating zoning to the South, it is a natural thing that it should go to the South-East. The zone has been part of the process. South East voted for the APC. If you tell me that the South East did not vote for the APC, I will tell you that you are not saying the truth.

“Despite the pressure on the South East regarding the Peter Obi’s candidature, we were able to deliver six Senate seats and two governors. Labour Party has six senators while the Peoples Democratic Party has two. APC Members In the South East have done exceedingly well. South East Senators-Elect met yesterday and we are categorical that the office of the Senate President should be zoned to the South East in the spirit of justice, equity and balance.

“If we must achieve oneness and unity of Nigeria, the Senate President must be zoned to the South East. That is our stand point and personally, i am not ready to step down for anybody. I’m running for the position of the Senate President.”

Also speaking on the issue of Senate Presidency, the Senator elect on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from Kano South Senatorial District, Abdulraham Kawu Samaila said, “we should follow the constitution. There is a clear and express provision in the constitution which allows members of the National Assembly to choose their presiding officers amongst themselves irrespective of party affiliation, religious or ethnic considerations.

“Each of us has the qualification to lead the chambers as presiding officers in the National Assembly.

“It is not a just cause that the Senate Presidency should go to the South because of religion. It is against the constitution and morally it is wrong. It is against the character of democracy. We are practicing constitutional democracy and presidential system of government which provides for the National Assembly, Executive and Judiciary. The parliament is an independent arm of government. The executive is detached from the parliament and judiciary.

“Therefore, we are canvassing a situation where we will have true separation of power. Let the executive led by Mr President, exercise its power to balance its positions. Let us as the legislature, also exercise our powers. The executive can suggest but it is our to do what the constitution provides. The head of the judiciary for instance, is from Oyo, the same geopolitical zone with the President Elect.”

The Senator Elect, representing Delta North Senatorial District on the platform of the PDP, Ned Nwoko said, “the defining issue for us is to have an independent National Assembly. We must be independent of the executive. As a third arm of government, we must hit the ground running. We should not have leaders that are imposed on us by the executive.

“In this case, the issue of South East must be taken to account. The overwhelming majority of the senators elect are of the opinion that we must be independent. That is the only way we can take the executive to account. The parliament is not meant to be pocketed by the executive. There are some of us that are already well established before we came here. So we are not push over. We are very independent minded.”

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2026: Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Group Dismisses ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Campaign

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The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 has dismissed claims that a so-called “Tinubu Must Go” campaign is gaining meaningful traction in Northern Nigeria, describing the narrative as exaggerated and disconnected from the realities on the ground.

In a statement signed by Hon. Ali Oriri, the network declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to enjoy solid and expanding support across the North due to ongoing infrastructure delivery, security gains and economic reforms that are beginning to yield results for ordinary citizens.

According to the group, attempts to project isolated discontent as a widespread northern revolt ignore the substantial work being done by the administration and the loyalty of key stakeholders who recognise the difficult but necessary decisions taken since 2023.

The network said its mobilisation efforts are already consolidating grassroots structures in preparation for the 2027 elections.

“The so-called Tinubu Must Go movement is making noise, but noise is not the same as organised political strength,” Oriri stated.

“What we see in the North is growing appreciation for the roads being constructed, the power projects advancing, and the renewed focus on security that is gradually restoring confidence in many communities.”

He added: “President Tinubu inherited deep structural problems. The reforms he embarked upon were tough, but they are laying the foundation for a stronger economy.

“Our network is on the ground educating our people on these realities and organising them for 2027.”

The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 emphasised that Northern Nigeria remains a critical political base and that genuine engagement with traditional institutions, youth groups, women organisations and local political actors is already yielding positive responses.

Oriri noted that the network is working closely with like-minded stakeholders to counter misinformation and highlight measurable progress in infrastructure and security across the region.

He pointed to major highway projects, rail developments and increased investment in the security architecture as evidence that the administration is addressing the very concerns being exploited by critics.

The group insisted that any assessment of public mood in the North must go beyond selective voices and examine the broader picture of development and stability efforts.

“We are not blind to the challenges of cost of living and insecurity. No serious person is,” Oriri said.

“But we also see the deliberate investments in roads that link our markets, the push to improve electricity transmission, and the operational successes being recorded by our security agencies. These are not imaginary.”

“The people of the North understand that sustainable progress requires continuity of purposeful leadership.

“That is why the Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network is mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,” he continued.

Oriri further accused promoters of the “Tinubu Must Go” campaign of seeking to capitalise on temporary hardships without offering a coherent alternative that addresses the root causes of Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

He maintained that the network’s approach is rooted in constructive engagement rather than opportunistic agitation.

According to the statement, the group will intensify town-hall meetings, community outreaches and stakeholder consultations across northern states in the coming months to deepen understanding of the administration’s policies and consolidate electoral structures.

“Our loyalty is to the Nigerian people and to the progress that is being made under this administration,” Oriri declared.

“We will not allow a campaign built on frustration alone to define the political conversation in the North.

“President Tinubu has shown the courage to take hard decisions. The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 stands firmly with him because we believe continuity is essential for the gains already recorded in infrastructure and security to be fully realised,” he concluded.

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APC PCC Appoints Hafiz Kawu Director of Grassroots Engagement, Mobilisation

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has appointed Hon. Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim, OON, mni, as Director of Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation, entrusting the former lawmaker and public administrator with the crucial responsibility of strengthening the party’s connection with supporters and voters across the country.
The appointment is widely viewed as a strategic move by the ruling party to reinforce its grassroots structures and deepen engagement at the ward, local government and state levels ahead of future political contests. As Director of Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation, Kawu is expected to coordinate outreach programmes, grassroots campaigns and stakeholder engagement initiatives aimed at expanding the party’s support base nationwide.
A seasoned politician with extensive experience in governance and public service, Hafiz Kawu previously served as Special Assistant in the Office of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo before representing Tarauni Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023 under the platform of the APC.
During his time in public office, he earned a reputation for grassroots development, constituency engagement and people-oriented representation. His political journey has been marked by active involvement in community empowerment programmes, youth development initiatives and sustained interactions with party supporters at the grassroots level. Reports on his public service record consistently highlight his commitment to maintaining close ties with constituents and promoting inclusive development.
Political observers say these attributes make him a natural fit for the role. Grassroots mobilisation remains one of the most critical components of electoral success in Nigeria, and many within the APC believe Kawu’s experience, accessibility and understanding of local political dynamics position him well to lead the party’s engagement efforts across diverse communities.
Beyond his legislative experience, Kawu currently serves as Executive Commissioner (Technical) at the National Pension Commission (PenCom), a position that further reflects his administrative competence and policy experience.
Supporters of the APC have expressed confidence that his leadership will further energise the party’s grassroots machinery, particularly among youths, women and first-time voters. They believe his ability to engage communities directly and communicate government policies in relatable terms will help strengthen public participation and reinforce support for the ruling party’s agenda.
A recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim brings both political experience and institutional knowledge to his new role.
With this appointment, the APC appears to have placed a trusted grassroots operator at the heart of its mobilisation strategy, underscoring the party’s recognition of the pivotal role grassroots engagement will play in shaping its future electoral fortunes. For many within the ruling party, Hafiz Kawu’s emergence as Director of Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation represents not only a reward for years of service but also an investment in a political figure widely regarded as capable of connecting government policies with the aspirations of the people.

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Eggon Political Forum Endorses Ombugadu as Consensus Candidate for 2027 Nasarawa Governorship Race

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In what many observers are describing as a watershed moment in the political history of Nasarawa State, the Eggon Political Forum has officially endorsed Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the consensus candidate of the Eggon Nation for the 2027 governorship election.The announcement was made at a grand assembly held at Albert Event Hall in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, where leaders, stakeholders, and representatives of diverse groups gathered to deliberate on the future of Eggon political aspirations. The Forum, a non-partisan body devoted to fostering unity and political stability among the Eggon people, emphasized that the decision was the product of months of consultations, assessments, and feedback from across the state and beyond.The Forum acknowledged that six prominent Eggon sons had secured party tickets for the governorship contest, namely: Hon. Shuaibu Umaru Kubi (ACCORD), Gen. Nuhu Angbazo (ADC), Hon. Chris Mamman (ADP), Hon. Ibrahim Kassimu Aboh (APGA), Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu (PDP), and Mr. John Tanko Kigbu (YPP). While commending all six candidates for their courage and commitment to public service, the Forum explained that the need for unity and collective interest compelled them to adopt a single candidate. This, they argued, would prevent the fragmentation of Eggon votes and strengthen the community’s chances of producing the next governor of Nasarawa State.According to the communiqué, the Forum’s assessment was guided by several political considerations: party stability, grassroots presence, popularity across the state, structural strength of the political platforms, track records in previous positions of responsibility, governance experience, and manifesto credibility. On these grounds, Ombugadu was adjudged to be the most suitable candidate, having demonstrated consistency, political maturity, and a broad appeal across Nasarawa State.In a communiqué signed by Alh. Umaru Gwamna (Cingarin Eggon), Chairman of the Forum, and Hon. Chief Istifanus Dennis Abaku (Dan Masani Akun / Uban Garin Ende), Secretary, the Forum appealed to the other five Eggon candidates to rally behind Ombugadu in the spirit of unity. “We respectfully appeal to the five other candidates to kindly support and rally round the adopted candidate to ensure victory in the forthcoming elections,” the Forum declared.The Forum further extended its appeal to other ethnic nationalities in Nasarawa State, urging them to align with the Eggon people in supporting Ombugadu’s candidature. It stressed that while divergent interests are natural in politics, the collective interest of the land must remain supreme.Shortly after the endorsement, the Forum led a high-powered delegation to the palace of the Aren Eggon, His Royal Highness Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku, to formally notify him of the resolution. Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Chairman Alh. Umaru Gwamna briefed the paramount ruler on the aims and objectives of the Forum and explained the decision to adopt Ombugadu as the consensus candidate. He emphasized that the Forum deemed it necessary to seek the royal father’s advice and blessings as the Eggon Nation embarks on this united political journey.In his response, the Aren Eggon commended the Forum for its efforts to unite the Eggon people and described Ombugadu as a “blessed son of the Eggon Nation” who has consistently made his people proud. He noted that Ombugadu is not only an asset to the Eggon Nation but to Nasarawa State at large, wishing him success in the forthcoming governorship election. His Royal Highness also admonished all Eggon candidates and their supporters to shun politics of bitterness, propaganda, blackmail, and hatred, reminding them that leadership ultimately comes from God. “We as men can only do our human arrangements, but God alone can make it happen,” he cautioned.The royal father concluded by offering his blessings and wishing Ombugadu well in his political pursuit.The endorsement and royal affirmation are being hailed as a historic opportunity for the Eggon Nation, which has long aspired to produce the governor of Nasarawa State. With unity of purpose and the backing of traditional authority, the Forum expressed optimism that 2027 could mark the realization of this dream. Political analysts note that the move could significantly reshape the dynamics of the forthcoming election, as the Eggon people constitute one of the largest ethnic groups in the state. By consolidating their support behind a single candidate, the Forum hopes to maximize their influence and bargaining power in the wider political landscape.The Eggon Political Forum’s decision underscores the importance of unity, consultation, and collective interest in the pursuit of political power. As the countdown to the 2027 governorship election begins, all eyes will be on Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, who now carries not only the weight of Eggon aspirations but also the blessings of their revered traditional ruler.

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