By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State have endorsed the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Musa Askira, for the Borno South Senatorial District seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for a potential political contest with incumbent Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume.

The endorsement followed a series of consultations across the nine local government areas in the district, amid growing calls for power rotation and equitable representation within the zone.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, a prominent political figure in the area, Sule Gambo, said the move was driven by the need to restore a long-standing zoning arrangement that had been overlooked.

“It was we, the people of Askira/Uba, who initiated this arrangement. We agreed that the seat should shift to Gwoza to give them a sense of belonging,” Gambo stated.

He, however, lamented that the rotation principle had not been sustained after the tenure of the late Senator Mohammed Mahdi.

“The senatorial seat is supposed to rotate among Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza, and Askira/Uba. Unfortunately, this has not been the case for a long time,” he added.

Stakeholders described Askira’s emergence as a strategic step toward restoring political balance in the district, urging party members to unite behind his candidacy.

“By the will of God, the time has come for Askira/Uba. One of our illustrious sons, Engineer Abdullahi Askira, has shown interest, and we want to ensure the principle of rotation is upheld,” Gambo said.

Adding a gender perspective, a women leader in the area, Tafu Malla, commended Askira’s grassroots engagement and empowerment initiatives, particularly among youths and women.

“He maintains a genuine open-door policy and is always there for the poor,” she said, noting that many women have benefitted from his employment and empowerment programmes.

Also speaking, a retired Permanent Secretary and former Special Adviser from Chibok, Hawa Mai-Musa, stressed the importance of fairness in political representation.

“To be fair to the people of Chibok and Askira/Uba, it is time for a rotation. Engineer Askira is a proven leader whose track record shows he has been tested,” she said.

Highlighting the role of women in elections, she added, “Women carry the bulk of the votes in Borno—at least 70 per cent. If we stand with him, he will surely succeed.”

From the Uba Emirate, Adamu Jafiya emphasized the need for development-focused representation, noting that the district requires leadership capable of attracting federal presence.

“While others are bringing federal projects to their zones, we are busy with political wars. We need Engr. Askira to bring his professional and legislative experience to the Senate,” he said.

The agitation for the proposed “Savannah State” has also emerged as a key campaign issue, with supporters noting that Askira’s advocacy has strengthened his political profile within the district.

However, political analysts say the influence of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume remains significant, given his long-standing presence in the National Assembly and deep-rooted political network.

Despite this, the coordinated endorsement of Askira signals a growing momentum within the APC to reshape the political dynamics of Borno South ahead of the 2027 elections.

For now, the Deputy Speaker is yet to make a formal declaration, as his camp awaits further direction from the party leadership.

By George Mgbeleke

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the expulsion of several members following resolutions reached at its National Convention held on April 14, 2026, in Abuja.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the decision was taken after the adoption of a disciplinary motion against members found to have acted contrary to its constitution and values.

The affected individuals have ceased to be members of the party with immediate effect and are now free to explore other political platforms, while the ADC affirmed that any party willing to receive them is at liberty to do so. The party reiterated its commitment to discipline, internal democracy, and the rule of law.

The full statement reads:

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to inform the public that, pursuant to resolutions reached at its National Convention held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Rainbow Event Centre, Garki, Abuja, the Party has approved the expulsion of certain individuals for acts deemed inconsistent with its constitution, values, and disciplinary framework.

The affected individuals are Hon. Leke Abejide, Nafiu Bala Gombe, Mr. Kingsley Temitope Ogga, Mr. Don Norman Obinna, Mr. Kennedy Odion, Mr. Clement Ehigiator, Mrs. Stella Chukwuma, Patrick Ambut, Johny Tovie Derek, Duke Dick, and Elias Adikwu.

This decision followed the consideration and adoption of a motion on the discipline of erring members, duly presented and ratified by delegates at the Convention under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator David Mark, GCON, National Chairman of the Party.

With this action, the affected individuals cease to be members of the African Democratic Congress with immediate effect. Consequently, they are now at liberty to explore other political platforms, and any political party that may wish to receive them is free to do so.

The Party reiterates its unwavering commitment to discipline, internal democracy, and the rule of law. The ADC will continue to uphold the highest standards of accountability as it consolidates its position as a credible and viable alternative for Nigerians.

By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the troubling culture of political recycling of individuals facing serious allegations of financial misconduct, warning that such practices undermine public confidence in governance and the anti-corruption campaign.

The group recalled the controversial remark attributed to former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, that “once you join the APC, your sins are forgiven,” describing it as symbolic of growing public suspicion regarding political accountability within the ruling All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress).

HURIWA questioned whether the APC has become “a haven for suspected thieves of public funds,” stressing that such perceptions—whether fair or not—pose a serious reputational risk to Nigeria’s democratic institutions and anti-corruption efforts.

The association specifically raised concerns over the political trajectory of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, noting that his emergence in ongoing political realignments comes amid lingering allegations being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the group, the use of an entire state political structure as a bargaining tool in political negotiations further raises questions about the ethical foundations of such realignments and the sincerity of Nigeria’s commitment to accountability in public life.

HURIWA maintained that the central objective of its position is to establish the principle that individuals facing unresolved allegations of serious financial impropriety should not be considered fit to contest any elective office until they have fully cleared their names of such accusations, including those relating to alleged mismanagement or diversion of public funds.

It stressed that allowing individuals under such a cloud of suspicion to freely recycle into elective positions without resolution of their cases risks weakening public trust and sending the wrong signal about consequences for alleged abuse of office.

However, the organisation clarified that its position does not amount to a declaration of guilt against any individual, but rather a principled call for due process, transparency, and institutional integrity.

The statement was issued by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, who reiterated that no political party affiliation should be interpreted as immunity from scrutiny or investigation.

He urged anti-corruption agencies to remain firm, impartial, and consistent in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, warning that selective accountability would further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.