By Our Correspondent

The National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria — hails the timely inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a significant step in preparations for the 2027 general election.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali,the group noted that the inauguration provides a coordinated framework for political engagement and grassroots mobilisation while reaffirming the importance of unity, discipline and sustained attention to governance as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

The Movement commended President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, and all other party leaders and stakeholders for the various roles they played in the inauguration and their undistputed commitment to nationwide mobilisation for the Presidential election.

“We note, of particular importance is President Tinubu’s emphasis that electoral preparations would not distract his Administration from its constitutional responsibilities. This statesmanly position reinforces the principle that governance must remain a continuing priority, even as political parties organise for the forthcoming elections.

“The Movement further notes with interest the involvement and participation of prominent political leaders from other political platforms at the inauguration, including the Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who reportedly delivered goodwill messages in support of the President’s re-election bid.

“Their participation highlights the significance of political engagement that extends beyond traditional political party boundaries and creates opportunities for dialogue and cooperation among leaders with different political affiliations. This is a rare and unique bipartisanship in the service of the nation.

“The Movement believes that constructive engagement across the political spectrum would greatly contribute to a broader national conversation on governance, economic development and democratic stability. Such engagement need not diminish the legitimate status of the various political tendencies; rather, it can encourage dialogue on shared national priorities and the country’s long-term interests,” it noted.

The statement further said,”The emergence of cross-party engagement around the 2027 electoral process also underscores the importance of building political relationships through dialogue, accomodation, compromise and a shared commitment to Nigeria’s future.

“The Movement commends the President’s commitment to balance the demands of governance and the expectations of the political campaign throughout the electoral season. This clearly, underscores the need for continuity in public service delivery, economic management and national development.

“The President’s stated commitment to continued engagement with Nigerians, alongside coordinated mobilisation across states, local governments and electoral wards, also highlights the importance of maintaining communication between government and citizens.

“The Movement urges political leaders and campaign organisations to ensure that electioneering activities should complement and reinforce rather than detract from the national interest.

“The Movement believes that the campaign council is well positioned to communicate the President Tinubu’s Administration’s policies and records of achievements, effectively and in a manner that would invite the support from the electorates.

“The Movement notes the commitment expressed by the APC National Chairman to coordinate mobilisation from the national level through state chapters, local governments down to electoral units. Surely, this is the way to go. Effective grassroots engagement is an important component of political mobilisation. It provides the campaign coordinators opportunities to communicate government policies and programmes, listen to citizens’ concerns and explain government policy positions to communities across the country.”

The Movement also welcomes the call for the 2027 elections to be conducted as a contest of ideas, records and policies, with due regard for peace, democratic institutions and the Nigerian electorate.

“We encourage all political stakeholders to promote responsible communication, respect differing opinions and contribute to an electoral environment in which public debate is guided by facts, policy choices and the aspirations of citizens,” it added.

As preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum, the National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria — calls on political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to approach the electoral process with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to democratic principles.

“The inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council offers an opportunity to strengthen political coordination and broaden public engagement around the country’s economic, social and developmental priorities.”

The Movement calls on the opposition political parties to learn a lesson or two from President Tinubu’s approach to the 2027 season. They must know that public confidence is best sustained when political commitments are accompanied by responsible leadership, transparent communication and demonstrable efforts to address the concerns of Nigerians, not grand standing with innate and unverifiable statistics.

“We therefore encourage a political climate in which disagreements are resolved through democratic engagement, policy debates take precedence over personal attacks, and the welfare of citizens remains central to discussions about the country’s future.”

For the National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027- Forward, democracy is all about a continuing commitment to national progress, inclusive political engagement, responsible governance and the pursuit of a more prosperous and stable country.

“Nigeria’s future requires responsible leadership, active citizenship participation, and a shared commitment to democratic progress. The All Progressive Congress (APC) is ready and able to offer these to the nation.

Forward Nigeria!,” it noted

By George Mgbeleke

In an effort to strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections, with a focus on the timely and secure distribution of election materials across the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated its Electoral Logistics Committee (ELOC), chaired by National Electoral Commissioner, retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq, as part of early preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The INEC Chairman, in his remarks at the commission’s headquarters, Abuja, described logistics as one of the most critical pillars of the electoral process, stressing that the success of an election depends largely on the availability of essential materials at polling units at the appointed time.

He said the inauguration of the committee was a proactive measure to address the complexities of transporting sensitive and non-sensitive election materials across Nigeria’s diverse geographical terrain through road, air and maritime channels.

The chairman said the committee would adopt a multi-agency approach, drawing on the expertise of military and paramilitary institutions, security agencies and relevant transport organisations to ensure effective coordination and operational efficiency.

He explained that the committee’s terms of reference include assessing the overall logistical requirements for the 2027 elections, developing comprehensive plans for the storage, distribution, deployment and retrieval of election materials, and auditing the readiness of warehouses, vehicles, airports, seaports and other transport facilities.

Other responsibilities include identifying logistical gaps, ensuring timely delivery of materials to all parts of the country, monitoring compliance with approved schedules, and developing strategies to address transportation bottlenecks, shortages and security threats.

NEC chairman urged the committee members to demonstrate dedication and professionalism, noting that Nigeria’s varied geographical conditions, from the creeks of the Niger Delta to the arid northern regions, require flexible and resilient logistical arrangements.

He emphasised that no Nigerian should be disenfranchised because of the late arrival of election materials, adding that early planning was essential to delivering transparent, efficient and credible elections.

In her keynote remarks, the National Electoral Commissioner responsible for security, retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq, described election logistics as the operational foundation of the democratic process, with a direct impact on electoral integrity and public confidence.

She said the committee was expected to develop a strategic logistics plan informed by lessons from previous elections, identify systemic vulnerabilities and establish mechanisms for the seamless deployment of election materials.

Abubakar-Sadiq outlined key areas of responsibility to include strategic airlift and cargo planning, the identification of operational bottlenecks, coordination of land and maritime transportation, and the mapping of difficult terrain, security-challenged areas and locations prone to crises.

She added that the committee would develop appropriate transportation and security arrangements for high-risk locations and submit a comprehensive report containing actionable recommendations and strict operational timelines.

The electoral commissioner also proposed the establishment of specialised subcommittees to focus on airlift operations, land transportation, maritime transportation, storage and security, where necessary.

She noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria would receive, store and distribute sensitive election materials through its nationwide branch network, while effective inter-agency cooperation would be critical to the committee’s success.

The committee is also expected to coordinate with relevant government institutions, state offices, transport unions and other stakeholders to facilitate the secure and efficient movement of election materials.

The inauguration was attended by INEC national commissioners, representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs, as well as officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Nigerian Ports Authority.

By Our Correspondent

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s reported remarks on attempted suicide, describing his reference to “seven virgins” as a cynical and offensive comment that potentially promotes religious stereotyping.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party also described the Senate President’s defence of imprisonment for suicide survivors as a disgraceful endorsement of what it called “an outdated colonial relic” that preferred to punish citizens who ordinarily require help.

While commenting on the National Suicide Prevention Bill at the Senate plenary on Tuesday, the Senate President had supported imprisonment as punishment for failed suicide attempts. In a video that went into circulation afterwards, Senator Akpabio could be heard saying, as he laughed, “why death may be attractive to some young people is that they have seven virgins waiting for them.”

The opposition party has taken strong exception to the Senate President’s remarks, describing it as “insensitive and disturbing.”

“We find the lurid remark made by the Senate President, Senator Akpabio, about ‘seven virgins’ particularly insensitive and disturbing. We condemn it, not only because it promotes religious stereotyping, but also because it trivialises an issue that is, literally speaking, a matter of life and death,” the ADC said.

The party also declares its support for the position that suicide is a mental health issue rather than a criminal act.

“The criminalisation of attempted suicide is a colonial legacy. These laws belong to an era when people experiencing profound distress were treated as offenders who, by trying to take their own lives, wanted to deprive ‘the Crown’ of the services they could render and the taxes they could pay, rather than as human beings in need of care.

“It is shameful that, when presented with an opportunity to reform this punitive inheritance, the head of the Senate chose to champion its preservation. Nigeria cannot continue to punish people for surviving a crisis that nearly claimed their lives, especially when those who handed us those laws have long abolished them,” the party said.

“A position that leaves a suicidal person with only the choice of death or imprisonment does not discourage suicide. It encourages it. To suggest that anyone attempting suicide had better succeed would appear to encourage people to devise more effective means of taking their own lives. We don’t think this is what the senators want.”