From Hassan Taiye

A group, Igabi Youths and Women Forum, has listed what it described as the reasons former Kaduna State House of Assembly Speaker, Yusuf Zailani, lost the All Progressives Congress senatorial ticket for Kaduna Central.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, the forum said Zailani’s strained relationship with party executives, stakeholders, and grassroots supporters contributed to his defeat in the recent APC primary.

The statement, signed by Malam Mohammed Suleiman Igabi, accused the former speaker of refusing to recognise newly elected APC executives at the ward and Igabi Local Government levels after their inauguration.

The group also said Zailani distanced himself from party activities and failed to participate actively in campaigns for recent bye-elections, including the Chikun/Kajuru House of Representatives contest and other state legislative elections.

It further alleged that during the 2023 general elections, the former speaker failed to deliver Igabi Local Government for the APC, where the Peoples Democratic Party won.

The forum claimed Zailani maintained poor relations with stakeholders and elected officials from his local government, adding that many long-time associates had become disillusioned with his leadership style.

It also accused him of being largely absent from party and state functions in Kaduna over the past year and of not attending key APC activities and official engagements.

The group linked public dissatisfaction with Zailani to his tenure as Speaker under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of backing controversial policies, including demolitions, dismissals of public workers, and crackdowns on critics.

It further alleged that he remained silent over recent political disagreements between the former governor and the current Kaduna State administration.

The forum also accused Zailani of sponsoring political thuggery and empowering youths involved in violence and drug abuse in parts of Igabi Local Government, saying this affected his support base during the primaries.

It added that several APC leaders and stakeholders in Igabi had openly withdrawn support for his senatorial ambition over differences with local party executives and political figures.

The group said Zailani’s 20 years in the Kaduna State House of Assembly did not translate into enough developmental projects for his constituency, which it described as underdeveloped and facing security challenges.

The forum concluded that the combination of these factors weakened his political standing and led to his defeat.

The APC primary for Kaduna Central was won by former senator and rights activist, Shehu Sani.

From Hassan Taiye

APC Benue North-West Senatorial Flag Bearer, Hon. Chief Dave Padopads-Awunah, warmly felicitates with His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State, following his triumph at the 2026 APC Governorship Primary Election in the state.

Hon. Chief Dave Padopads Awunah described the outcome of the primary election as a strong affirmation of the people’s confidence in Governor Alia’s purposeful leadership and people-oriented administration. According to him, the victory symbolizes hope, democratic progress, and the collective desire of the people for sustained development in Benue State.

He expressed confidence that the Governor’s renewed mandate would further promote peace, strengthen unity, and accelerate infrastructural and socio-economic advancement across the state.

“Your emergence once again reflects your commitment, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the welfare and progress of Benue people. This victory belongs to the masses and all supporters of good governance,” he stated.

Hon. Chief Dave Padopads Awunah also prayed for greater wisdom, divine guidance, and strength for Governor Alia as he continues to pilot the affairs of Benue State toward greater success and prosperity.

An aspirant for the Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency seat, Hon. Peter Amedu Igoh, has said no primary election was conducted by the African Democratic Congress on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

In a statement issued in Otukpo on Friday, Igoh said party faithfuls and delegates waited at designated ward centres from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but no electoral materials were distributed and no officials were present.

“As an aspirant and party member, I can confirm that no primary election took place,” he said. “No voting occurred in any ward.”

The ADC had scheduled the primary for the seven wards of Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency to begin at 10:00 AM on May 21.

Igoh urged the party’s leadership at the local government, state, and national levels to act in line with Articles 15 and 16 of the ADC Constitution 2022 and Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022.

He called on the party to schedule and conduct a free, fair, and transparent primary within the timeline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission to avoid losing the right to field a candidate for the constituency.

“The people of Otukpo/Akpa deserve a process that reflects their will. The ADC owes them nothing less,” he said.