Politics

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

A campaign director of the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmad Tinubu, has resigned from her position.

Najatu Muhammad was the Director of the Civil Society Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) before her resignation on Thursday, January 19, 2023.  

Ms Muhammad, in a letter, addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, said she is resigning from partisan politics due to a lack of ideological differences amongst political parties.

The letter reads in part, “In line with article 9.5 (i) of the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I am writing to you to intimate you of my resignation from the All Progressive Congress (APC). I am by this letter also informing you of my resignation as the Director of the Civil Society directorate of the Presidential Campaign Council of the APC.

“It has been a great honour working with you (Mr Adamu) to contribute towards the building of our dear nation. However, a number of recent developments in the country’s political and democratic space make it impossible for me to continue to participate in party politics.” 

Ms Muhammad is the third member of the PCC to officially resign from the Council. In early January, Ahmed Ibeto and Zanna Ali resigned. 

Ahmed Ibeto, The Assistant Secretary of the North-central Directorate of Mobilization, in a letter dated January 3, 2023, which was addressed to the APC Ibelu Central Ward, Magama Local Government, Niger State, said his resignation was due to lack of unity of purpose and unending litigations, among others.

Another PCC member, Zanna Ali, a member of the Directorate of Youth Mobilization, North-east, also said his resignation was based on the inability of the ruling party to present a credible presidential candidate.

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

The Kaduna State youth leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Aliyu Bello, has affirmed that the PDP Presidential candidate in the 2023 Presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar remains the best among the presidential candidates in the presidential race.

Alhaji Bello said that Atiku has the prerequisite experience, contacts internationally and across the country, and has impacted many lives through his philanthropic works.

While speaking with The Daily Reality reporter, he disclosed that Atiku understands how to bring deliberate steps and actions to create big ripple effects that can impact an economy and make life far more abundant for the people in the country. 

He urged Nigerians of voting age to pick up their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the various Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices in their localities to participate in the forthcoming general elections.

By Ibrahim Alhamdu

The name Senator Ishaku Abbo, of the senator representing Adamawa north, is synonymous to controversies. Abbo, being one of the youngest senators in the Nigerian 9th senate, is always at the center of one controversy or another, which resulted in his condemnation by many people in his constituency – Adamawa north in Adamawa State and the entire northern Nigeria as a whole.

Before the inauguration of Abbo at the hallowed chamber of the Nigerian senate, a video clip of him physically assaulting a lady at a sex toy shop surfaced. After he physically assaulted the lady in the video, Abbo was seen ordering his police orderly to further arrest the lady he allegedly assaulted for taking sides with the shop owner. The incident generated so much angry reaction from Nigerians on social media and on the streets, which brought disrepute not only to Abbo, but his constituency and his political party. Though, days after the incident, Senator Abbo was arrested by the police who held him for a night, before granting him bail “after meeting a set of administrative conditions for his bond”. He later apologized: he said he was sorry for what happened, adding that regardless of the provocation, his action did not portray him as a good ambassador of the Senate, the PDP, and the youths of Nigeria.

However, all of a sudden, on July 10, 2019, at the Senate hearing of Senator Elisha Abbo over his sex toy shop assault on a lady, there was an intense argument between Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Senator Abbo, while trying to emphasize the extent of the damage to the Senate body and her feeling as a woman, Senator Tinubu, expressed the embarrassment which the youngest Senator in the ninth Senate has brought to the entire National Assembly, but Senator Abbo, in his usual uncouth manner attacked Senator Remi defiantly.

The heat was so intense on Senator Abbo, as women’s groups, civil society movements, students unions, political groups, teams of lawyers and other common people frowned and condemned Abbo’s actions both at the sex toy shop and at the senate hearing, calling for his prosecution.

On September 28, 2020, an FCT High Court found Senator Abbo guilty of the offense. Delivering the judgment the judge ordered him to pay the sum of N50 million to the complainant, Osimibibra Warmate

In his usual character, around October 2019, Abbo picked a ‘fight’ with his governor- Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State. Abbo accused Governor Fintiri of being an ‘Alpha and Omega’ who parades himself as a demi-god, running the PDP like a ‘gangster’, Abbo went to the extent of describing Gov. Fintiri as a ‘small man’ with a big office. When Abbo finally realized that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) wouldl expel him, he defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) where his “sins” would automatically be forgiven.

However, after the APC accepted and admitted Abbo, the trend of his unnecessary political fight, use of excessive and offensive language which causes tension among people continued bitterly. His open campaign and criticism against his party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, including criticizing the APC presidential flag-bearer, Bola Tinubu, on national television didn’t come as a surprise to many who knew his antecedents. These led to his expulsion by APC Mubi North Local Government Area on 7th October, 2022, for allegedly engaging in anti-party activities and tampering with the process of internal democracy of the party.

On January 11, 2023, the Adamawa State High Court of Justice No. 3, presided by Hon. Justice Danladi Mohammed, sacked Senator Abbo as APC Senatorial Candidate for Adamawa North, saying he is not entitled to seek re-election since he was expelled. Justice Danladi, held that Senator Abbo and APC are bound by the resolution of Mubi North LG Exco dated 7th October 2022, which expelled him, saying that he is not entitled to enjoy any right or privilege accorded to the APC members.

While responding to the judgment, Senator Abbo, said, the judgment is just a ‘child-play’- saying in Hausa- “Kare ya taka Nera ya wuce bai san kuɗi ba”. Abbo said – the judge is wrong and just wasting his time, peoples’ time, and the Senator’s time. But Abbo promised to appeal the judgment.

Now the question is; has Abbo truly lost his ticket?

Many legal experts are of the view that Senator Ishaku Abbo has lost the ticket, because, people saying that the state high court lacks jurisdiction on such matters, are wrong. Section 6, Subsection (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria explains all the intricacies and the law has fully explains it all.

But what about a change of candidate? The electoral Act 2022 says: A political party shall not be allowed to change or substitute its candidate whose name has been submitted under section 29 of the Act, except in the case of death or withdrawal by the candidate: Senator Abbo is neither dead nor withdrawn his candidature. Many legal experts say the Nigerian Constitution supersedes the provisions in any other laws; a competent court of law has agreed and validated what the 29-member committee of APC Mubi North LGA, did – the expulsion of Senator Ishaku Abbo, thus, the judgment is bound on Abbo, APC and INEC, the only doctrine of necessity available to the APC and INEC is to accept the person that came second in the primary election that produced Abbo.

Some political pundits are of the view that this court judgment is a golden opportunity for the APC to easily replace Senator Abbo who has been in anti-party activities criticizing the party, its presidential and vice presidential candidates including other leaders of the party, bringing disrepute and low esteem to the whole APC.

Ibrahim Alhamdu is a social and political commentator. He writes from Abuja, Nigeria.

Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

The Kaduna Gubernatorial debate by the BBC Hausa Service has ended with four governorship aspirants airing their varied opinions on how to move the state forward. After Kano’s debate on the weekend, Kaduna is the second of the five selected northern Nigerian states BBC plans to organise the debate before the 2023 elections.

The debate was hosted at Kaduna State University. Leading participants included Senator Uba Sani (All Progressive Congress, APC), Isah Ashiru (People’s Democratic Party, PDP), and Sulaiman Uthman Hunkuyi (New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP).

The debate had the aspirants speaking on issues ranging from security, economy, infrastructure, education, job creation, and health, among others. 

While the candidates differed on the methods with which they would take Kaduna to a higher echelon, they agreed that peace and security would play a key role in driving the process of development in the state. 

After the debate, the candidates exchanged pleasantries and left the hall with their supporters.

By Aisar Fagge

Dauda Lawal, a governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Monday held Gusau, the capital of Zamfara state to a standstill as thousands of his supporters defied security threats to attend his mega rally.

Lawal held the maiden rally after an Appeal Court in Sokoto reinstated him as the PDP governorship candidate, following the nullification of his primary election by a High Court in Gusau.

Thousands of the PDP supporters, from virtually all the 14 Local Government areas of the APC controlled state thronged Gusau to express their support to the party’s flagbearer.

It was observed that Gusau wore a new look on Monday following the huge crowd of the PDP faithful that graced the rally.

Business activities had been paralysed in Gusau as the crowd caused traffic gridlock around the city, especially on the roads leading to the venue of the rally.

Addressing the mammoth crowd when he arrived at the venue on open van, the PDP candidate promised to restore peace in the state ravaged by the activities of bandits.

He also pledged to improve economy, education, health and agriculture in the state.

According to him, Zamfara needs a robust and effective leadership to be revived, especially with the current insecurity bidevelling the state, noting that only PDP has the wherewithal to achieve that.

“Today is a historic day. Today true democracy is being played. We are overwhelmed with this massive crowd. This show that people of Zamfara are ready and want change.

“We will not let you down. We will not disappoint you. You know we impacted your life even when we are out in power. If you elect us, we will do better.

“If you elect me as your governor, i will ensure security is restored in our dear state. We have mechanism and strategies to achieve that.

“I will improve security, health, economy and agriculture, the glory of our state. We will restore our farming activities by God’s grace,” Lawal said.

Some of the PDP faithful that spoke to journalists said they would vote for Lawal because of his resolve to help the poor and the vulnerable.

They said the candidate had impacted the life of many of the people of Zamfara, especially the downtrodden.

“This man, has never been in power but he is doing what even the government is not doing. He helps orphans, widows, physically challenge, executed many projects in communities.

“This man has offered scholarships to hundreds of students, offered empowerment to women and youths, no wonder you see this massive crowd,” said Adamu Nuhu, a PDP supporter.

Another party’s stalwart, Mairo Magaji, said she came from Shinkafi to witness the rally because of what Lawal is doing to people.

She said she has reserved her vote for him in order to support him attain power to continue serving the people of the state.

By Uzair Adam Imam

No fewer than 7 Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) supporters died and 32 others injured in a truck accident Saturday in Plateau state.

The victims were reportedly returning from a Zonal rally at Pankshin local government area, the headquarters of Plateau Central Senatorial zone.

Our reporters gathered that the truck, which conveyed the victims, crashed at Jwak village close to the Panyam bridge in the Mangu local government area.

The Director, Directorate of Media and Publicity, Atiku-Okowa/Mutfwang-Piyo Campaign Council, Yiljap Abraham, confirmed the traumatic incident to journalists in a statement.

Abraham in a statement said, “It has been confirmed that seven people lost their lives in the road accident on Saturday evening involving supporters of the Plateau State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“They were returning from the PDP flag-off and zonal rally held at Pankshin when their truck crashed on a slope between Pushit and the Panyam bridge in Mangu Local Government Area.

“32 of the passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries. 21 have been taken to Nissi Dominus hospital Mangu, one is at Nanret clinic Mangu and 10 are at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH.

“Two have been adjudged to be in critical condition with one undergoing emergency surgery at Nissi Dominus hospital. Meantime, the corpses have been removed from the scene and deposited at Allah Na Kowa hospital, Nissi Dominus hospital, and Mangu Cottage hospital.

“The evacuations were coordinated by the Medical Team of the Campaign Council headed by Dr. Juryit, some personal staff of the PDP Governorship Candidate, Barr Caleb Mutfwang with the aid of many sympathizers.

“In his initial reaction, Barr Mutfwang expressed shock at the tragedy. He has asked for prayers and every support to be extended to the grieving families and healing for those injured,” he added.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State and his former boss, Dr Rabi`u Musa Kwankwaso, the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), have continued to trade words over Kano votes in the forthcoming general elections of 2023.

Ganduje, while addressing his party`s supporters, said Kano people would vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Presidential Candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC), against Kwankwaso, who is a citizen of the state.

He added that Kano would repeat what happened in the 1993 presidential election when the state supported a Southern candidate, the late MKO Abiola, against its citizen, the late Bashir Tofa.

However, responding to what Ganduje had said in a statement, Kwankwaso stated that whoever works against him in Kano in the forthcoming election would regret it.

Kwankwaso said, “I had a rally not long ago, which was one of the best rallies. I had one in Wudil, the southern senatorial district. I had one in Bichi, northern senatorial district. I opened my office in Kano Central, and one of the best rallies because you can’t compare it with the ones by some of the candidates who had crowds that came to Kano from neighbouring states and so on.

“Now, you see, I don’t want to talk about that man. I don’t know whether he said it or not. But the reality is that anybody who works against NNPP or Kwankwaso in 2023 one day will regret it, that he made a mistake.

“Anybody who knows me, who knows my antecedents, believes that, if I win this presidential election, Kano will have maximum benefit. Of course, northern Nigeria will benefit and, of course, the country.

“So, I am surprised if you go and say I should hold a rally. I have done many rallies in Kano. In just recent months, January and December in Kano, in all three senatorial districts. So, what is the problem with holding a rally in Kano?”

By Muhammad Nazif Abubakar

Nigeria is facing several challenges that threaten its stability and prosperity. From economic struggles to political corruption, the country is at a crossroads and, come February, must take to the ballot and vote for competent leadership that can take actions to address these issues to secure its future.

Nigeria’s numerous economic challenges can be overwhelming in recent years, including declining oil prices and organised oil theft. The latter has significantly impacted the country’s economy, leading to billions of dollars in lost revenue for the government and oil companies and lost profits for businesses operating in the oil industry. This lost revenue could have been used to fund critical public services and infrastructure projects, exacerbating the adverse economic effects of crude oil theft. Moreover, the financial struggles in Nigeria have led to high levels of unemployment, particularly among young people, and have contributed to widespread poverty. In addition, the country has struggled with high inflation levels and a weak currency, making it difficult for people to afford necessities.

Political corruption is another major issue in Nigeria. Politicians and government officials are frequently accused of embezzlement and misusing public funds. Examples of this corruption, most of which were documented by Dr Nura Alkali in his book entitled When Stealing is Not Corruption: Nigeria Under President Jonathan, include the 2015 elections, which were marred by allegations of vote buying and the use of government resources to support certain candidates; the 2012 fuel subsidy scandal, in which billions of dollars in subsidies were embezzled by government officials; the 2010 Halliburton scandal, in which the company paid bribes to Nigerian officials to secure contracts; and the 2015 DasukiGate scandal, in which former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki embezzled public funds meant for military equipment. More recently, a former Accountant General of the federation was involved in over a 100-billion-naira scandal. Corruption has contributed to a lack of trust in successive governments. It has made it difficult for the country to address its many challenges.

In addition to these economic and political challenges, Nigeria is also facing several security threats. Before 2015, the country was plagued by violence and terrorism, with groups like Boko Haram carrying out attacks on civilians and government targets. This has destabilised the country and made it difficult for citizens, especially in the northeast, to go about their everyday lives. Attacks by members of Boko Haram have drastically subsided in recent years. However, Nigeria is struggling with increasing levels of banditry in its northwest region. This has included armed robberies, kidnappings, and attacks on communities and security personnel. These bands of criminals have caused widespread fear and insecurity in the region, especially in Katsina and Zamfara. In addition, they have made it difficult for people to go about their daily lives.

The root causes of this banditry are complex and multifaceted. Poverty and unemployment are major contributing factors, as many of these bandits are driven by the desire to make a quick profit. In addition, the lack of effective law enforcement and security in the region has made it easier for these criminal groups to operate with impunity. The government has attempted to address this issue by deploying security forces and implementing programs to address poverty, but these efforts have had limited success. It will require a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to effectively address the problem of banditry in Nigeria’s northwest region.

Nigeria has a large and diverse population and a rich history and culture. With exemplary leadership and policies, Nigeria has the potential to become a thriving and prosperous nation. However, this will require a concerted effort to address the issues holding the country back. This will require tackling corruption, improving the economy, and managing security threats. It will also require working to build a more inclusive and just society where all citizens have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Despite Nigeria’s many challenges, there is hope for the country’s future. This hope lies in the decisions made during the next election cycle. The person chosen to lead Nigeria must be capable of addressing the country’s problems. As former US Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said, “The single most exciting thing you encounter in government is competence because it is so rare.” Competence is a rare quality in the Nigerian political landscape. Still, it is essential for the success and prosperity of the country. Therefore, we must choose a competent leader to navigate Nigeria’s challenges.

Muhammad Nazif Abubakar from Kaduna via muhd.abubakar@hotmail.com.

 By Muhammadu Sabiu 
 
Ibrahim Shehu, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for governor of Zamfara State, was expelled from the party for allegedly engaging in anti-PDP conduct.
 
Shehu was expelled due to anti-party activities that violated Article 58(1)(a), (b), and (c) of the PDP’s 2017 amended constitution, according to the expulsion letter signed by Hon. Aliyu Hassan, the party’s secretary in Mayana Ward.
 
According to the letter, the party’s Mayana Ward Working Committee made the decision, which would take effect in January 2023.
 
Recall that Ibrahim Shehu was twice in charge of having the party’s governorship primary election annulled.
 
Ibrahim Shehu, who served as a representative in the Federal House from 2011 to 2015, didn’t comment about it yet.
 
The state chapter of the party, meanwhile, claimed to be unaware of the development, noting that it had not been officially alerted by the ward and that any complaints made against Shehu would be thoroughly probed before any action was taken.

By Mubarak Shu’aibu

With the 2023 general election close at hand, the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has released a six-page letter of appeal to Nigerians, targeting the youths in particular.

In the letter, Obasanjo eschewed the likes of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his former deputy, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his mentee, Engineer Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and settled for Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party. The choice has lent credence to those who believed Obasanjo is on a mission to scuffle Atiku’s presidential ambition comes February 2023. It’s in the public domain that former President Obasanjo is embroiled in a conflict with his former Vice,  and that is a good reason to disagree less with those that held such views. 

But, the good news for Atiku and his fanbase is the fact that the letter of his former boss, when placed in brackets with the 2023 presidential election, is a political featherweight. And here’s why.

Regardless of his exaggerated shortcomings, his broad political war chest, vast experience, and first name recognition have put him in the best stead to blitzkrieg the ruling All Progressive Congress (“APC”), a party which is currently battling for its existence. 

Exploring the more contentious articles against Atiku, either from his former boss or any other individual, it only emanates from a phobia that revolves around Atiku’s tendency to resuscitate Nigeria and rewrite his name in the book of history from the bad opinions sold publicly about him, to what he really is.

Another bullet point, unlike Buhari in 2015, the ruling party candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, does not have the overwhelming support of his people. Some of his rebellious allies, such as Professor Yemi Osibanjo, Babachir Lawal, Akinwunmi Ambode, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, are seriously plotting to ambush his ambition. 

These, and a wealth of other reasons, have unsettled  Obasanjo and the G-5 camp, who now looked marooned. However, Atiku’s victory is eminent (by the  Grace of the Almighty). Meanwhile, he’s one Nigerian [Obasanjo] whose opinion, whether right or wrong, doesn’t mean anything to Nigerian youths. As a former military officer, he, along with others, created problems for the country. When we revolted against them, they went through the back door. They’re the chief reason why our democracy is built in such a way that only the interest of the “elites” is protected. And it’s no wonder the last Military Head of State is the political ombudsman of Nigeria. They feel that they’re the power brokers, and anyone seeking a political office must lick their shoes.

And by his assertion that Obi has people who can pull his ears if and when necessary, he’s just trying to muffle the fact that Atiku won’t listen to the cabals. But that’s the sort of President Nigeria needed at this material time.

So, how much electoral value does his letter brings? Zero, I guessed!

Mubarak Shu’aib writes from Hardawa, Misau LGA, Bauchi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via naisabur83@gmail.com.