From Zwanke Zwanke, Lafia

Job creation for youths and support for women-owned businesses have emerged as key promises of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State as the party begins its campaign tour ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The party made the pledge on Monday in Awe Local Government Area, where its governorship candidate, Dr David Emmanuel Ombugadu, and other candidates commenced the local government campaign tour.
The Acting Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, Mr Mark Ogbole, said a PDP administration would create employment opportunities for young people and support women in business to improve household incomes and economic security.
He said the party was seeking the people’s mandate to serve them and address their concerns, rather than abandon them after winning elections.
Ogbole said the decision to begin the campaign in Awe reflected the party’s intention to conduct a peaceful campaign across Nasarawa State.
Earlier, Ombugadu promised to prioritise security and infrastructure development if elected governor in 2027.
He said residents, particularly farmers, must be able to access their farms and pursue their livelihoods without fear of attacks, adding that security would be the foremost priority of his administration.
On infrastructure, the PDP candidate pledged to construct and rehabilitate roads linking communities within the state and improving connections with neighbouring states.
He specifically mentioned the road linking Akiri to Plateau State and routes connecting Nasarawa with Benue, Taraba and Plateau states.
Ombugadu also promised to pursue the proposed Wuse-Taraba road link and other rural roads to improve transportation, facilitate trade and open up communities for economic activities.
He said his administration would develop local tourism, citing the Hunkuyi Fishing Festival and Awe Hot Spring as attractions with the potential to generate revenue and create employment opportunities for residents.
The candidate assured the people that the development plans and campaign promises presented in 2019 and 2023, alongside those being made ahead of the next election, would be implemented if he secured the mandate.
The state PDP Chairman, Dr Daniel Gimba, described the campaign flag-off as a demonstration of the party’s determination to provide what he called purposeful leadership and address the hardship facing residents.
He expressed confidence that the PDP would win the election overwhelmingly if the process was not rigged.
“Today is a historic and remarkable day. We have chosen to start our local government tour, marking our victory coming in 2027 by the grace of God. 2027, there is no going back,” Gimba declared.
Also speaking, the PDP senatorial candidate for Nasarawa South, Dr Mike Omeri, thanked party members and supporters for their confidence in the candidates.
“Together with you, we will campaign to win the election, and we will win this election,” Omeri said.
Editorial distinction
Version 4 approaches the campaign from the perspective of tourism, investment and alternative revenue generation.
Version 5 focuses on employment, women’s economic empowerment and social welfare, while retaining security and infrastructure as supporting issues.
My recommendation: Use Version 4 for a development-focused political report and Version 5 for a separate story on the PDP’s proposed social and economic agenda.

Concerns raised over political tensions and potential security implications ahead of 2027 elections

Fresh allegations of attempts to undermine the administration of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia have emerged amid reported political differences between the governor and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The allegations, which have not been independently verified, concern claims of possible attempts to exploit insecurity and political divisions in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to accounts provided by sources cited by the newspaper and its media partners, individuals allegedly linked to the political dispute may be considering activities intended to weaken the governor’s political standing before the next election.

However, the newspaper has not independently established the authenticity of the alleged plans, the identities of those purportedly involved, or whether any preparations have taken place.

The allegations emerge against the background of reported political tensions between Akume and Alia following the governor’s assumption of office in 2023. The nature and extent of their disagreements, as well as claims surrounding the origins of the dispute, require further verification.

There are also claims of political realignments involving members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political actors in the state. The implications of these developments for the 2027 governorship election remain uncertain.

Separately, allegations have been raised concerning possible attempts to influence public perception of the Benue State Government through political messaging and media engagements. These claims have not been independently substantiated.

Given the seriousness of allegations involving potential threats to public safety, relevant security agencies should establish whether credible intelligence supports them and take appropriate lawful preventive action where necessary.

Authorities should also investigate any credible evidence of plans to introduce armed groups into the state, orchestrate violence, unlawfully interfere with security operations or target political opponents.

As of publication, the newspaper has not independently verified claims concerning foreign fighters, alleged financial transactions, purported operational arrangements or the identities of individuals said to be involved.

Senator Akume, Governor Alia and other individuals mentioned in connection with the allegations should be given an opportunity to respond before specific claims against them are treated as established facts.

The newspaper will publish verified responses and material findings from competent authorities as they become available.

With the 2027 elections approaching, political stakeholders have a responsibility to promote peaceful competition, discourage inflammatory allegations and ensure that credible threats to the lives and property of Benue residents receive impartial investigation.

The PBAT/APC 2027 Presidential Campaign Council has created a new Directorate of Stage Organisation and Management and adjusted the leadership of its Youth Mobilisation and Women Mobilisation directorates as preparations intensify for the 2027 presidential election.

The decision, announced in a press statement signed by the Secretary of the Council, His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma, follows the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council and is aimed at strengthening its organisational structure, enhancing coordination and improving operational efficiency.

Under the new arrangement, Dr. Farouk Adamu Aliyu has been appointed Director of the newly created Directorate of Stage Organisation and Management, while Rt. Hon. Adejare Bello will serve as Co-Director.

The Council also announced changes in the leadership of its Youth Mobilisation Directorate, appointing Mr. Ayo Olawande as Director and Dr. Dayo Israel as Deputy Director.

Similarly, Dr. Mary Aille Idele has been appointed Director of the Women Mobilisation Directorate, with Dr. Betta Edu named Deputy Director and Hon. Imaan Suleman appointed Secretary.

The appointments place new leadership teams in key areas of the campaign’s organisational and mobilisation efforts, particularly in coordinating activities and engaging critical constituencies ahead of the 2027 presidential poll.

According to the statement, the adjustments reflect the Council’s commitment to building a well-coordinated, inclusive and results-driven campaign structure capable of effectively mobilising Nigerians, particularly young people and women, in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The Council expressed confidence that the appointees would bring their experience, commitment and organisational capabilities to bear on their respective responsibilities as preparations for the election gather momentum.

It further charged all appointees to work collaboratively with other directorates and relevant campaign structures to advance the Council’s objectives and ensure the effective implementation of its mobilisation and campaign strategies.