Author: Gabby

Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a presidential hopeful under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has issued a stern warning that anyone convicted of terrorism will face life imprisonment if he wins the 2027 elections. The aspirant outlined his security blueprint in a statement released on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for a dedicated terrorism court and enhanced intelligence sharing among security operatives.

Hayatu-Deen highlighted the deep link between insecurity and economic hardship, noting that when farmers cannot cultivate their land, food prices soar; when transport routes are blocked, living costs escalate; and when youths lack employment, criminal gangs find easy recruits. He described this as a vicious cycle where poverty and insecurity feed each other.

To break this cycle, Hayatu-Deen stressed that the state must reassert its authority. He declared that under his leadership, terrorism charges would invariably result in life imprisonment, signaling an end to lenient sentences, backdoor releases, and cases languishing in court for years. His statement pointed to recent deadly attacks in states like Plateau and Benue, which have claimed many lives despite the current administration’s assurances to tackle insecurity.

The ADC aspirant’s tough stance comes as President Bola Tinubu’s government continues to grapple with persistent security challenges across Nigeria.

Vice President Kashim Shettima engaged in a confidential discussion on Tuesday with former Kano State Deputy Governor and ex-Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo. The meeting, also attended by Abba Abubakar Kabir Bichi, the federal lawmaker representing Bichi constituency, took place in Abuja.

According to a post on Gwarzo’s verified Facebook account, the high-level conversation centered on the political landscape and developments in Kano North as the 2027 elections approach. Gwarzo expressed gratitude for Shettima’s support and noted that the Vice President wished them success in their political endeavors.

The gathering comes shortly after Gwarzo underwent screening as an aspirant for the Kano North Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The meeting also included former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, signaling strategic alignment within the party.

In a recent interview, the Secretary of the Labour Party in Lagos State, Sam Okpala, confirmed that the party’s organizational framework remains fully functional across all 20 local government areas. This comes as the party ramps up its activities in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Okpala emphasized that the party has reinforced its internal systems and implemented strategic initiatives to secure a robust electoral outcome. He reassured party members and supporters that despite ongoing internal disagreements, the Labour Party remains cohesive and active.

According to Okpala, grassroots voter education and mobilization campaigns are already underway in various communities, with plans to broaden their reach throughout the state. He also highlighted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requires political parties to enroll members via its electronic registration system.

The party began its membership drive shortly after the 2023 elections and has sustained the effort ever since. “We started preparation since 2023 and we are still here today and stronger,” he stated.

Okpala described the Labour Party as a people-centered organization, focused on encouraging civic engagement and increasing voter participation. He advised citizens not to let fear of violence, intimidation, or electoral fraud deter them from fulfilling their civic duties.

Acknowledging the leadership crisis within the party, Okpala expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would resolve the matter favorably for the party. “We are hopeful that as the Supreme Court gives its judgment, it will be in our favour and we will reclaim the party,” he remarked.

He concluded by stating that the Labour Party is optimistic about enhancing its political standing and making a more significant impact in the 2027 national elections.

The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has completed the screening of 107 individuals vying for the party’s ticket in the upcoming State House of Assembly elections. The exercise, which took place over two days, was conducted by the State Screening Committee at the party’s secretariat in Owerri.

Judith Inamoto, who chaired the committee, confirmed that 36 aspirants were evaluated on the first day, followed by 71 on the second day. She emphasized that the committee, along with the Appeals Committee, worked diligently to ensure a thorough process. Inamoto stated that the screening was essential to qualify aspirants for the primary election, which will determine the 27 candidates to contest in the general election.

When asked about the number of successful aspirants, Inamoto declined to provide specific figures, noting that the full details would be included in the committee’s official report. However, she described the process as transparent and open, expressing satisfaction that the aspirants were pleased with how the exercise was conducted.

One of the aspirants, Prince Osinachi Amako, who is seeking to represent Owerri West State Constituency, praised the peaceful nature of the screening. He remarked that the APC continues to grow stronger and shared his vision for his constituency, which includes empowerment initiatives that will begin once he becomes a lawmaker. Amako also pledged to work collaboratively with other aspirants if he emerges victorious in the primary.