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HURIWA Condemns Alleged Islamization of Nasarawa Governorship Election Tribunal Decision

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*warns VP Kashim Shettima to steer clear of Religious politics:

In a dramatic turn of events following the recent Nasarawa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s verdict, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized attempts to infuse religious dimensions into the outcome.

HURIWA, in a statement on Friday, recalled that the tribunal had nullified the election of incumbent Governor Abdullahi Sule from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared David Ombugadu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the March 18, 2023, governorship election in the state.

“Delivering the judgment virtually, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, declared Ombugadu as the lawfully elected governor of Nasarawa State. The twist in this political saga seems to arise from the fact that Ombugadu is the sole Christian among the candidates who vied for the position, while the others are Muslims.

The statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, however, emphasized that the election result was a reflection of the collective will of Nasarawa State’s diverse population, which includes traditionalists, Christians, and Muslims, who exercised their democratic right to vote without regard to religious affiliations.

While expressing deep concern over allegations that Governor Abdullahi Sule’s camp is promoting a false narrative that portrays the tribunal’s verdict as an attempt by Christians to take control of the governorship seat, which has been held by Muslims for the past 21 years in Nasarawa State, HURIWA strongly refuted this depiction, labeling it inaccurate and a dangerous attempt to sow religious discord where none exists.

Furthermore, HURIWA frowned at disturbing reports suggesting efforts by Abdullahi Sule’s camp to influence the Appeal Court and subsequently the Supreme Court in the event the case progresses to that level. Also, HURIWA has it from sources that the Country’s Vice President Kashim Shettima is allegedly involved in the attempt to weave Islamic sentiments into the Nasarawa State governorship litigation by allegedly attempting to mobilise Islamic leaders and top judicial officers in Abuja to scuttle the judgment of the Nasarawa governorship election petition tribunal which returned the verdict that indeed the PDP won just as the Rights group wondered why the VP who is from Borno state is allegedly being linked to such a sinister plot to divide the good people of Nasarawa State which happens to be one of the most religiously diverse subnational entity with Muslims, Christians, traditional African Religion cohabiting as one and the same families. We urge the VP, the governor, the Emir of Lafia and His Excellency the Sultan of Sokoto who is well regarded for his objectivity, not to dabble into partisan politics or drag their high offices into religious and political bigotry.

“These purported attempts involve reaching out to influential religious figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and leveraging the influence of the Emir of Lafia, Sidi Bage, a former Supreme Court judge.

“Nasarawa State, known for its religious diversity, has a history of tolerance and unity among its people, regardless of religious backgrounds. The introduction of religious dimensions into a political matter in such a harmonious society is deeply troubling and could have severe repercussions”.

Therefore, HURIWA warned all stakeholders, including religious leaders and traditional rulers, to refrain from interfering in the judicial process. The association urged them to uphold the rule of law and permit the courts to make determinations based on the evidence presented before them: “In a democratic society, the law should always take precedence over sentiments and religious biases.

“The importance of Nasarawa State receiving a transparent, equitable, and unbiased resolution to this election dispute, devoid of divisive elements, cannot be overemphasized. HURIWA stands unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of all Nigerians and ensuring that justice prevails without bias”.

 

Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko
National Coordinator
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA).

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KAWU HAILS TINUBU’S LANDSLIDE APC PRIMARY VICTORY, DESCRIBES IT AS “A TRIUMPH OF DEMOCRACY ”

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Rt. Hon. Comrade Hafiz Kawu, OON, mni, Executive Commissioner (Technical) of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his overwhelming victory at the 2026 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primary Election, describing the outcome as a clear endorsement of the President’s leadership and reform-driven administration.
Kawu, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Tarauni Federal Constituency of Kano State, said the President’s victory was not only historic but also a reflection of the growing confidence Nigerians have in the Renewed Hope agenda.
President Tinubu secured a massive victory in the nationwide direct primary election conducted across the country’s 8,809 wards, polling over 10 million votes to defeat his challenger, Mr. Stanley Osifo.
Reacting to the result, Kawu said the election demonstrated the strength of Nigeria’s democratic process and the willingness of Nigerians to stand behind a leader they believe is committed to national progress.
According to him, the President’s decision to participate in an open and transparent direct primary election despite being the incumbent leader showed rare courage, humility, and democratic conviction.
He noted that President Tinubu could easily have relied on the influence of incumbency but instead chose to subject himself to the will of party members and ordinary Nigerians through a grassroots voting process.
Kawu praised the President for championing reforms that strengthened internal party democracy, saying the direct primary system gave millions of Nigerians a sense of participation and ownership in the political process.
The PenCom Commissioner further commended the Tinubu administration for implementing policies and reforms aimed at repositioning the country’s economy, improving infrastructure, strengthening institutions, and enhancing workers’ welfare through measures such as the new national minimum wage.
He stated that many Nigerians were beginning to see the practical impact of the administration’s policies, adding that the outcome of the primary election reflected public appreciation for the President’s efforts.
Kawu also described Tinubu as a leader with a strong vision for national development and unity, stressing that the renewed mandate from party members should serve as further motivation to continue delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians.
He reaffirmed his support and loyalty to the President’s administration and prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and guidance for the President as he continues to steer the affairs of the nation.
Kawu concluded by expressing optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness growth, stability, and progress under President Tinubu’s leadership.

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Dogara Commends Tinubu’s Resounding APC Primary Victory

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Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s landslide victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Dogara, who served as Bauchi State Coordinator and Collation Officer while also sitting on the national Presidential Primary Election Committee, said the outcome was not just a win for Tinubu but a triumph for grassroots democracy. He congratulated the President on behalf of Bauchi State and in his capacity as a member of the committee, calling the victory extraordinary, historic, and thoroughly deserved.

The final results revealed Tinubu’s overwhelming mandate: 10,999,162 votes across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, compared to just 15,503 for his sole challenger, Stanley Osifo. For Dogara, this margin was more than a statistic; it was a declaration of trust from millions of APC members nationwide. He noted that nearly eleven million Nigerians had risen as one to affirm a leader who had earned their confidence, describing the outcome as a movement rather than just a result.

Dogara commended the election committee, chaired by former SGF Pius Anyim and including respected figures such as Ken Nnamani, Victor Ndoma-Egba, and Idris Wada, for ensuring transparency, credibility, and fairness throughout the process. He said the committee had been given a sacred mandate to guarantee integrity and was proud that it discharged that responsibility faithfully.

He also highlighted Tinubu’s decision to subject himself to direct primaries under the Electoral Act 2026, which abolished delegate voting and empowered millions of party members at the grassroots. Dogara stressed that Tinubu could have relied on the powers of incumbency but instead chose to stand before the people. He described this as humility and character, noting that Tinubu had signed the law, championed the reforms, and then submitted himself to the same process, proving his commitment to democratic principles.

In his closing remarks, Dogara urged Tinubu to carry the weight of the people’s confidence with integrity and purpose. He reminded the President that nearly eleven million Nigerians had entrusted him with their hopes, calling it a responsibility of historic proportions. He charged Tinubu to fulfill that mandate faithfully, declaring that history is watching and that Nigerians are proud.

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APC Reps Primary: Akpanke Wins Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Ticket

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Over the weekend, Hon. Peter A. Akpanke emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for the Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency in Cross River State after securing an overwhelming majority of votes cast across the three local government areas.

The primary election, monitored by party officials and stakeholders, recorded a total of 18,921 registered APC members and delegates across Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas.

Official results collation which was made available to journalists showed that 16,564 valid votes were cast during the exercise, with no void votes recorded.

According to the results, Hon. Akpanke polled a total of 14,252 votes to defeat five other aspirants, with
Hon. Theresa Akwaji Ushie scoring 101 votes;
Hon. Martin Orim with 1,572 votes;
Anthonia A. Ally with 104 votes;
Dr. Vincent A. Ushie with 270 votes and
Dr. Godwin A. Agbor with 265 votes.

A breakdown of the constituency wide results showed that Akpanke secured 4,749 votes in Obanliku Local Government Area, 4,886 votes in Obudu Local Government Area, and 4,617 votes in Bekwarra Local Government Area, consolidating respectively.

Following the conclusion of the collation process, APC electoral officials formally declared Hon. Peter A. Akpanke winner of the party’s House of Representatives primary election for the Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency.

The primary election was described by stakeholders, observers and party officials as peaceful, orderly transparent and credible, noting that the outcome reflected the will of party delegates and members across the constituency.

The primary election was conducted under the supervision of APC electoral officials who demonstrated true professionalism, with the official collation documents signed and dated May 16, 2026.

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