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Benue North‑East Senatorial Race Gets a New Entrant: Dave Awuna Padopas Signals Bid for the Senate

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In a surprise move that has already set tongues wagging across the seven local government areas of Benue North‑East, a relatively unknown political hopeful, Dave Awuna Padopas, announced on Tuesday that he will contest the upcoming senatorial election for the district. The seat is currently held by Senator Emmanuel Udende of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who won the 2023 poll with 141,405 votes, beating former governor Gabriel Suswam of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by a margin of 34,102 votes  ¹.

Benue North‑East, often referred to as Zone A, stretches across Katsina‑Ala, Logo, Ukum, Konshisha, Vandeikya, Kwande and Ushongo, covering 84 electoral wards and 1,389 polling units  ². The district has swung between the PDP and APC in recent cycles, with the APC gaining the upper hand in 2023 after a long PDP dominance that saw the likes of Gabriel Suswam and Barnabas Gemade represent the area  ³.

Senator Udende, a former House of Representatives member who switched from the PDP to the APC in 2016, is serving his first term in the Senate. His legislative focus has been on anti‑corruption and police affairs, and he chairs the Senate Committee on Anti‑Corruption  ⁴ ⁵. Observers note that his relatively low profile in the Senate could make the seat vulnerable to a well‑organized challenger.

Little is publicly known about Padopas, but local chatter suggests he is a businessman with roots in Katsina‑Ala who has been active in community development projects. In a brief statement released to the press, Padopas said, “I am stepping forward because I believe Benue North‑East deserves a senator who will champion agriculture, youth empowerment and improved security.” He did not disclose his party affiliation, but insiders say he is likely to seek the APC ticket, given the party’s current hold on the seat.

The announcement has already drawn mixed reactions. A senior APC stalwart, who asked not to be named, noted, “The party will conduct a fair primary; whoever emerges will have our full support.” Meanwhile, a PDP spokesperson welcomed the development, stating, “A competitive race will give voters more choices and help us reconnect with the people of Benue North‑East.”

Civil society groups have called for a transparent primary process. The Nigerian Civil Liberties Organisation (NCLO) urged all aspirants to respect electoral laws and ensure that the campaign focuses on issues rather than personal attacks.

If Padopas secures a party nomination, analysts predict a three‑way contest between the APC incumbent, a PDP candidate likely to be a familiar face from the 2023 race, and possibly a third‑party entrant. The district’s electorate, still reeling from recurring security challenges and farmer‑herder tensions, will be looking for concrete proposals on security, infrastructure and agricultural support.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to release the official timetable for the 2026 senatorial primaries, but party primaries are expected to kick off in the coming months. As the field takes shape, all eyes will be on Benue North‑East to see whether the status quo holds or a fresh face like Dave Awuna Padopas can rewrite the district’s political narrative.

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National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman

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Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.

The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.

Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.

Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.

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JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God

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Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.

The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.

Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.

The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.

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National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman

Published

on

Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.

The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.

Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.

Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.

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