Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has deployed 2,480 officers and men across the 16 local government areas of the State to strengthen security and ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The State Commandant, Abbas Ndah Mohammed, approved the large-scale deployment as part of efforts to protect critical national assets, maintain law and order, and safeguard residents before, during and after the Sallah festivities.

According to the Command, operatives drafted for the exercise were drawn from specialised units including the Armed Squad, Operation Harmony, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Anti-Vandal Unit, and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Unit.

The security arrangement is said to be intelligence-driven, with strategic deployment focused on Eid prayer grounds, recreational centres and other sensitive locations across the state.

Speaking on the operation, Commandant Mohammed said the Command had also directed Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to intensify surveillance, strengthen routine patrols and ensure prompt response to any security threat within their jurisdictions.

“We will continue to collaborate closely with other security agencies, local vigilante groups and community stakeholders to guarantee adequate security coverage throughout the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations,” he said.

The commandant urged residents to remain security conscious and report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies, warning that the corps would deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt public peace and order.

He also congratulated Muslim faithful on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration and appealed to residents to celebrate responsibly and peacefully.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, has called on party members across the 16 local government area of the State to remain united and committed ahead of the 2027 governorship election, declaring that only a united PDP can reclaim power and provide people-oriented leadership in the State.

Kawu made the appeal shortly after emerging as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election following the primary conducted across the 193 wards in the State.

The PDP candidate polled 98,998 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ladi Hassan, who secured 2,125 votes, according to results announced at the party secretariat by the Chief Returning Officer, Senator Duro Faseyi.

Speaking after his emergence, Kawu described the outcome of the primary as a victory for all members of the PDP and urged party stakeholders to close ranks and work collectively for the success of the party in 2027.

“We want a government that cares and works for everybody regardless of political differences, religion and ethnicity,” Kawu said.

He stressed the need for inclusiveness, unity and reconciliation within the party, noting that the PDP must present itself as a strong and compassionate alternative capable of addressing the challenges facing residents of the state.

“I congratulate all party leaders, executives, parents, supporters and members across every ward and local government. Let us come together and move forward as one united family,” he stated.

Kawu assured party faithful that his administration, if elected governor in 2027, would run an all-inclusive government focused on development and the welfare of the people.

“We believe this united party is ready to move Kwara forward with compassionate and people-focused leadership,” he added.

The PDP governorship candidate also offered prayers for the progress of the party and the nation, expressing optimism that the opposition party would emerge victorious in the next election.

The PDP primary came barely two days after the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State picked the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Salihu Yakubu Danladi, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

Earlier, Senator Duro Faseyi commended the maturity displayed by the governorship aspirants during the exercise, describing it as a sign of brighter prospects for the PDP in the state.

“It is now certainly sure that the maturity you displayed will testify to the fact that 2027 is a sure victory for PDP,” Faseyi said.

He also praised former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for sustaining the PDP structure in Kwara State and contributing to national development.

Similarly, the PDP State Chairman, Isa Adamu Bawa, appreciated party leaders, members of the State Working Committee and aspirants for ensuring a peaceful and successful primary election.

Party faithful and stakeholders from different parts of the state attended the event as political consultations and alignments ahead of the 2027 governorship election continue to gather momentum in Kwara State.

From Hassan Taiye
Former Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Dr David Olofu, has emerged as the African Democratic Congress senatorial candidate for Benue South ahead of the 2027 general election.
Olofu emerged through a consensus arrangement during the party’s primaries held across the nine local government areas of the district and was formally affirmed in Otukpo on Sunday.
Announcing the result, the ADC Returning Officer, Barrister Ogah Ekwu (SAN), said Olofu satisfied all constitutional requirements of the party and was unanimously endorsed by delegates across the zone.
“Dr David Olofu, having met all the requirements of the constitution of the party, is hereby returned as the sole candidate and duly elected ADC senatorial candidate for Benue South,” Ekwu declared.
Speaking after his emergence, Olofu described the development as a collective victory for the people of Benue South and pledged to provide inclusive leadership that would accommodate all interests and stakeholders in the district.
He said representation for the zone would “no longer be a one-man show,” adding that he planned to establish a “Benue South People’s Assembly” and a “Benue South People’s Council” to strengthen consultation, unity and collective decision-making.
Olofu said security of lives and property would be his priority if elected, noting that insecurity had continued to affect the agricultural strength and economic potential of the district.
“As outlined in my blueprint, my first charge shall be the protection of our people. This will begin with restoring security to our communities and unlocking the full potential of our agricultural economy,” he said.
The former commissioner added that his vision was to build a secure and economically vibrant Benue South driven by agriculture, quality education, infrastructure development and accountable leadership.
He also assured party members that no group would be sidelined in the political process, stressing that unity, inclusion and purposeful representation would define his senatorial ambition.