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Kwara 2027: Union Rejects Senator Sadiq Umar’s 3rd Term Bid
- Demands Slot for Patigi Emirate In Line With Zoning Arrangement
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
A socio-cultural group, under the aegis of the Patigi Emirate Development Union (PEDU), has opposed any move by Senator Sadiq Sulaiman Umar to seek another term in the Senate in 2027, insisting that the Kwara North Senatorial seat should be zoned to Patigi Local Government Area in line with the district’s long-standing rotational arrangement.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the PEDU National President, Salihu Bologi Umar, said the zoning principle in Kwara North had over the years promoted political harmony, fairness and mutual trust among the constituents across the five local government areas in the Senatorial District, adding that the
arrangement allows each area to occupy the senatorial seat for two terms or eight years before power rotates to another local government.
He said: “The people of Patigi Local Government Area consider it both justifiable and appropriate that the 2027 Kwara North Senatorial mandate be ceded to Patigi LGA.”
The union noted that Patigi had remained loyal to political leaders and successive administrations in the district, stressing that the emirate had consistently supported the collective interest and stability of Kwara North, urging Senator Sadiq Umar to respect the zoning understanding by shelving any plan to contest again in 2027.
The union said the Senator should “prioritise the unity, peace, and stability of Kwara North above personal political ambition” and withdraw from the race in the interest of fairness and regional cohesion.
PEDU, which appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to recognise the political contributions and loyalty of the Patigi Emirate to the ruling party over the years, maintained that the people of Patigi had stood firmly with the APC through different election cycles despite political challenges, adding that such commitment deserves fairness and inclusion in the party’s decision on the 2027 senatorial ticket.
While reaffirming its commitment to democratic engagement and party unity, PEDU warned that denying Patigi the opportunity to produce the next senator for Kwara North could force stakeholders in the emirate to explore other political alternatives.
“This position is not intended as a threat, but as a sincere appeal for justice, inclusion, and the preservation of political trust between the party and the people of Patigi Emirate,” the union stated.
The union further cautioned that any attempt to ignore the zoning arrangement could create unnecessary political tension and weaken the spirit of cooperation that had existed in Kwara North’s politics for decades.
Reaffirming its position, PEDU declared: “No to third term representation. Respect the established zoning tradition. Justice for Patigi LGA. Two terms are sufficient. Patigi turn is now.”
The union also called on political stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth groups and community leaders across Kwara North to sustain dialogue, fairness and mutual respect in order to preserve peace and political stability in the district.
By Fabian Apechihin
Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner, Georgina Rodriguez, has explained why they chose to have a private wedding at home instead of hosting an extravagant ceremony.
Ronaldo and Rodriguez recently announced their marriage in a joint Instagram post, revealing that the ceremony was a modest affair held in the living room of their mansion in Cascais, Portugal.
The decision surprised many, particularly those who expected the high-profile couple to celebrate their union with a lavish wedding.
In an interview with Vogue, Rodriguez explained that her views about marriage and weddings had changed over the years. She said that although she once dreamed of a fairy-tale wedding as a child, she eventually came to prefer a more intimate celebration with her family.
“As a little girl, I envisioned the grandest castle, the most magnificent carriage, the longest gown and a crown adorned with diamonds,” she said.
“Now, I find myself saying: no. I desire something intimate, shared with my partner and our children, in the comfort of our home. We have access to castles, houses, islands, horses, and cars every day.
“However, an intimate gathering is something more unique for us,” she added.
Rodriguez also explained that holding the ceremony in their living room carried special emotional significance because it is where the family spends much of its everyday life.
“We chose to hold the ceremony in our living room, the place where we share breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and where we experience our daily lives,” she said.
“In 30 years, I want our children to remember that something wonderful occurred at this table, the wedding vows of their parents,” Rodriguez added.
By Fabian Apechihin
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has linked illegal mining in Nigeria to organised crime, terrorism and insecurity across West Africa.
The UN agency disclosed this in a statement on Monday following a meeting between its delegation and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals.
The delegation was led by Tullio Santini, Chief of the Africa Section of the Terrorism Prevention Branch (TPB) at UNODC.
Santini described the NSCDC Mining Marshals’ enforcement unit as critical to efforts to combat illegal mining and its associated criminal activities in Nigeria.
The meeting focused on the UNODC Crime-Terrorism Nexus Initiative, led by Robert Haslinger, a law enforcement expert from the Swedish Police.
According to UNODC, the initiative is designed to strengthen cooperation among governments and law enforcement agencies in dismantling the financial and operational links between organised criminal networks and terrorist groups.
Speaking on behalf of the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commander John Onoja Attah described UNODC as an important partner in the fight against illegal mining in Nigeria.
Attah noted that previous training programmes supported by UNODC had significantly improved collaboration between the Mining Marshals and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
He said continued cooperation between relevant agencies would be crucial to addressing the security and financial challenges associated with illegal mining in the country.
By Fabian Apechihin
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has reflected on the transient nature of political relationships, noting that political associates can become distant despite having once worked closely together.
Kwankwaso made the remarks while recalling some of his former political associates.
“I told him that when I come here, I don’t see Bucknor. When I come here, I don’t see Ambode. I started counting the people,” he said.
According to him, his political experience has shown that relationships formed in politics can change over time, with former allies sometimes becoming strangers despite their previous collaborations.
However, Kwankwaso singled out former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, as one of the few political associates he still considers a friend.
He likened political relationships to friendships formed in school, noting that former classmates can maintain strong bonds despite taking different paths in their political careers.
“It’s not very peculiar to Kano, but I think the Kano experience is special out of the general lots,” Kwankwaso said.
Group Threatens Legal Action Against Akutah Over Alleged Breach of Presidential Directive
Why I Married Cristiano Ronaldo in Our Living Room – Georgina Rodriguez
Illegal Mining in Nigeria Linked to Terrorism, Insecurity – UNODC
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