2027

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, has urged residents of the North-Central region to support President Bola Tinubu and the governor in the 2027 general elections.

Kula made the appeal during an appearance on TVC News on Wednesday, arguing that Tinubu’s re-election would allow his administration to continue implementing its Renewed Hope Agenda.

He defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, describing them as necessary for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity. He also argued that states across the North-Central region could benefit from the policies.

The governor’s spokesperson linked Benue’s development efforts to cooperation between the state and federal governments, saying Tinubu’s economic policies had supported investments in agriculture, education and healthcare under Alia’s administration.

According to Kula, the policies had also contributed to economic growth and increased federal allocations to state governments.

He cited efforts to revive industrial activities in Benue, including the reactivation of previously dormant facilities such as Benue Brewery, Bensono Orange Juice Company and Taraku Mills.

Kula also highlighted the activities of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), which he said had expanded into the production of bread, nails and steel to promote local manufacturing.

On infrastructure, he pointed to urban renewal projects and road construction across the state as part of the administration’s achievements.

He disclosed that the state government had begun plans to construct three township roads in each of Benue’s 23 local government areas.

Kula further said the welfare of civil servants and pensioners remained a priority for the Alia administration.

He called on voters in Benue and other North-Central states to support both Tinubu and Alia at the polls, arguing that their continued leadership would sustain development efforts in the state and the wider region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has said the party will follow electoral rules but will resist any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections or prevent it from participating fairly.

Mark spoke on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development at the ADC national headquarters.

The delegation, led by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, was at the party’s secretariat as part of consultations with political parties and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mark said the ADC was committed to observing the rules governing the elections as well as its internal code of conduct.

“We hold ourselves to the highest standards of good conduct as a political party. We will play by the rules. But we will not accept rigging or allow ourselves to be rigged out.

“We are committed to playing politics in a manner that promotes public confidence in democracy,” he said.

The ADC chairman said the party would also abide by the guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the provisions of its Orange Book, which outlines the party’s code of conduct and governance principles.

Mark had previously cautioned against the use of state institutions to influence the 2027 electoral process, stressing the importance of protecting the credibility of the elections.

Speaking during the visit, Ariwoola said the Savannah Centre was seeking commitments from political parties and their candidates towards peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.

He urged the ADC leadership to ensure that its candidates and supporters adhered to INEC regulations and avoided actions that could contribute to political violence.

The engagement is part of the ongoing consultations by the centre’s Council of the Wise with political actors and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.

The council, chaired by Ariwoola, was reconstituted in June with a mandate to promote peaceful and credible elections while engaging political parties, government institutions and other key stakeholders.

Its engagements have included meetings with political candidates and other political actors, with emphasis on compliance with electoral rules, issue-based campaigns and efforts to prevent violence and hate speech.

The delegation to the ADC included members of the Council of the Wise, among them Professors Abdullahi Shehu and Azeez Dankano, Executive Director of the Centre, Ambassador Sani Bala, Tunji Lardner and Ambassador Godswill Ighali.

The centre had earlier disclosed plans for the council to engage President Bola Tinubu, INEC leadership, political parties, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders before the 2027 elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced the distribution of non-sensitive election materials to some states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at a national stakeholders’ meeting held to mark 100 days to the 2027 general election.

Amupitan also revealed that contracts for offshore production and fleets had been awarded, while production of 57,000 new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices was at an advanced stage.

He said the commission had also begun receiving new operational vehicles, while construction and renovation projects were progressing across its offices nationwide.

The INEC chairman further disclosed that work was ongoing on dedicated BVAS storage facilities and local government area offices as part of preparations for the election.

“Some states have started receiving some non-sensitive materials ahead of the election, procurement for the printing of ballot papers and results sheets is nearly completed, and advancement towards the final contract awards.

“The contract for solar power installation across all the commission offices has been awarded to ICT infrastructure upgrades to critical ICT applications and core infrastructures have been implemented.

“The procurement department continues to monitor suppliers, contractors, and interdepartmental delivery schedules closely, so that all the procurement aligns with our statutory timelines,” he said.

The commission is also carrying out ICT infrastructure upgrades and implementing measures to strengthen critical applications and core infrastructure ahead of the elections.

According to Amupitan, the procurement process is being closely monitored to ensure that suppliers and contractors meet the commission’s schedules and statutory deadlines.

The latest developments form part of INEC’s wider preparations for the 2027 general elections, which are now 100 days away.

By Muhammad Umar Shehu

I have always believed one of the oldest tricks in politics is convincing people that temporary relief is evidence of good governance. It is a carefully managed performance. First, create uncertainty. Allow fear and anxiety to spread. Watch public frustration build. Then step in with what appears to be compassion. The same government that created the tension suddenly presents itself as the rescuer. Many applaud, forgetting who created the problem in the first place.

This is how propaganda works.

Propaganda is not always about telling outright lies. Sometimes it is about controlling public emotions. It is about deciding what people focus on and, more importantly, what they forget. It shifts attention from the real problems to carefully staged moments that create the illusion of responsive leadership.

One technique often seen in politics is card stacking, where only information that benefits those in power is highlighted while inconvenient facts are pushed aside. Another is glittering generalities, where attractive slogans and emotionally appealing catchphrases are repeated so often that they begin to replace serious conversations about policy. 

There is also transfer, where every government action is wrapped in patriotic language, encouraging citizens to equate support for those in power with love for the country. Add to that bandwagon, which creates the impression that everyone supports a particular government or policy, making dissent appear unreasonable or even unpatriotic. When these techniques are combined with carefully timed announcements and an aggressive media campaign, public attention shifts from measurable results to carefully managed political narratives.

Nigerians should understand this strategy because it has become increasingly common. Instead of addressing the structural problems affecting millions of citizens, government communication often focuses on managing public perception. The objective is not necessarily to improve people’s lives but to improve the government’s image.

While citizens celebrate temporary gestures or reassuring announcements, inflation continues to erode purchasing power. Food prices remain beyond the reach of many families. Businesses struggle to survive. Young people face unemployment and uncertainty. Public institutions continue to weaken while public confidence in government steadily declines.

This is why every Nigerian should ask a simple question whenever government suddenly presents itself as the people’s defender. What created the hardship in the first place? What lasting solution has been provided? Has anything fundamentally changed, or has public attention simply been redirected?

A government that genuinely puts citizens first does not depend on carefully timed public relations campaigns to maintain popularity. It develops policies that reduce hardship before people are pushed to the edge. It strengthens institutions instead of relying on media narratives to defend every controversial decision.

Unfortunately, propaganda has become a substitute for performance. Press statements are becoming more frequent than measurable achievements. Political branding is taking precedence over policy outcomes. The goal appears to be shaping perception rather than changing reality.

History teaches us that governments often become more confident when they believe public opinion can be managed rather than earned. Once citizens accept political theatre as leadership, accountability weakens. Leaders no longer feel compelled to deliver meaningful reforms because they discover that effective messaging can sometimes produce the same political reward as effective governance.

From my perspective, it is part of the trick. Once they secure a second term, they may feel less restrained and more willing to pursue policies that place even greater burdens on ordinary Nigerians. Nigerians should carefully examine the APC administration’s record before deciding its future. Those advocating another Tinubu term should also explain why they believe the country’s present direction deserves another mandate.

Tinubu has not demonstrated a convincing plan to rebuild Nigeria or strengthen the country’s institutions. My concern is that a second term could further weaken democratic accountability and concentrate even more power in the presidency. Whether Nigerians agree or disagree with that assessment, they should examine facts, policies and outcomes rather than political slogans and carefully managed publicity.

Democracy survives when citizens question narratives instead of accepting them at face value. Governments should be judged by the condition of the people, not by the quality of their communication strategy. A well-written press release cannot reduce inflation. A polished speech cannot put food on people’s tables. A sophisticated propaganda campaign cannot substitute for sound governance.

The greatest propaganda is not convincing people that everything is fine. It is convincing them that carefully managed political gestures are proof of good leadership.

Nigeria deserves more than slogans.

Nigeria deserves more than political theatre.

Nigeria deserves leaders who solve problems instead of managing perceptions.

Muhammad Umar Shehu wrote from Gombe and can be reached via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has declared its support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made on Wednesday during the 2026 synod of the conference held in Abuja.

The event was attended by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation.

Representatives of the CBCN from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones asked Leonard Kawas, the organisation’s president-general, to announce the position reached by the conference.

Kawas said the CBCN has members in 52 countries, including 950 “canonical” bishops in Nigeria.

He recalled that the organisation was among groups that expressed concerns over the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket presented by the All Progressives Congress during the 2023 election.

According to him, however, Tinubu’s subsequent appointments of Christians to prominent government positions changed the group’s perception of his administration.

“Suddenly, the man, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, began to roll out his appointments. Before we could say Jack Robinson, a Christian, who is loved by all of us, by Senator George Akume, was appointed the secretary to the government of the federation,” Kawas said.

“Our minds and BPs started coming down. Mr President, if you are watching us, for we, Christians, that was the turning point of your government.

“When we were still celebrating it, before we knew it, you appointed an FCT minister. For the first time in many years, a Christian brother, Barrister Nyesom Wike, was appointed.

“Mr President, when we have sat back and examined the way you balanced the religious imbalance that has existed for long. President Bola Tinubu came and balanced our diversity so very well. There is no iota of nepotism.”

Kawas also cited the appointment of Nentawe Yilwatda, a Christian, as national chairman of the APC as part of what he described as the president’s efforts to promote religious balance.

He further said Tinubu had supported Christian candidates who went on to become governors.

The CBCN president-general said the bishops would continue to support the president through prayers and advocacy.

“We are here today to reassure him of our solid support. We are standing with him in prayers and advocacy for the good programmes he has brought forth for the liberation of Nigeria,” he added.

“We stand with the president today, and as long as he is willing to be our president and even come in 2027, we will still be standing with him.

“So, it is safe to say that this house has endorsed him for the 2027 presidency. Let him go ahead.”

The endorsement places the CBCN among religious and interest groups that have publicly declared their positions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

By Haladu Muhammad 

As a young Nigerian from the North-East, one issue that has deeply concerned me for over a decade is the widespread apathy among our youth toward the electoral process. When you engage young people from my region or across the country, many express scepticism, asking, “Why should I vote when votes aren’t counted? Why bother standing under the sun?”

They seem to forget the fundamental definition of democracy. As Abraham Lincoln famously stated, democracy is “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” It is anchored in the rule of law and guarantees us the freedom and civic right to cast our ballots, oversee the counting process, and await the legitimate results.

It saddens me that many young citizens overlook the power of their vote. They abandon their civic duty, claiming that enduring the elements to vote is pointless. My key message to everyone is simple: believe in the power of your participation.

Consider recent gubernatorial elections, such as the one in Osun State. When citizens turned out in large numbers, stood patiently in line despite the rain or heat, and ensured their votes were counted transparently, it proved that the system can work. Similarly, when voters in Zamfara State stood firm behind their preferred candidate in the 2023 election, their votes were reflected in the final outcome. 

If all Nigerians emulate this level of dedication, we can drive meaningful change across the nation.

This is why I continuously advocate for young Nigerians, especially those in the North, to register for and secure their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs). As we approach the 2027 general elections, we must prepare to participate fully. You cannot sit comfortably at home, voice your preference for leadership, and yet refuse to engage in the democratic process required to elect them. Expecting change without participation is a major contradiction.

Consider this a wake-up call. To those who already hold a PVC, treat it as a vital instrument for your future. Your PVC acts like a master key or a bank card—it grants you the authority to elect leaders who align with your vision and vote out those who fail to deliver. It is a powerful tool for self-determination for every Nigerian.

I urge our youth to mobilise, ensure their voter registration is up to date, and prepare to vote in massive numbers in 2027. Let us use our collective voice to shape the future of our nation.

Haladu Muhammad is a Concerned Citizen of Nigeria. He wrote from Maiduguri.

By Sulaiman Maijama’a

He served a single tenure and was chased out of the corridors of power, and later had the fortune of being smuggled by a cabal after waiting for a good 8 years. When he was announced as the flagbearer of their party, he doubted himself, woke up in the middle of the night and sat on a sofa, talking to himself. Let us peer into his mind and bring out what he is saying to the world.

What is the motive behind bringing me back? When I served my first tenure as a governor, these people ganged up against my reelection and chased me away and ever since I left, I distanced myself from anything to do with the state. I jettisoned party affairs, didn’t honour wedding invitations, didn’t pay homage or send goodwill messages during festivities,  refused to ever pay condolences, refused to make donations for public and private projects. I created both social and physical distancing by relocating to Abuja and abandoning all my people in Bakesu State. Why would these people nominate me? Do they really mean well?

But I am said to be the luckiest politician this country ever produced. I was born in Alfawa State, attended primary school in Babaldu State, and did my secondary school in Dadin Kowa State. When my father was posted to Bakeso State, we lived comfortably enough that I claimed indigene status, rose through the ranks in the civil service, ventured into politics, and miraculously became the state governor. But what did I do when I had the chance?

According to what people are saying on social media, I did not execute physical projects which I can now show to convince people to elect me. But when I was rounding up my first term, I gathered a lot of money, which I intended to use to execute the projects in my second tenure, but they unfortunately elected me out. I left the state treasury with billions of naira, and I suspect it is the money this governor has used to achieve all this development people applaud him for in the state. Why don’t I say I’m the one who gathered the money for him and claim a share of the credit?

My social media handles keep popping up with posts from haters of my return, reminding people of the verification exercises we did when we were in power. I even saw one post saying that in the cemetery there is a section of pensioners who died of hunger during our verifications. But we did that in good faith, and who will die before their appointed time? I think this can be a question of faith!

But wait, how many people did I fight with when I was in power whom I am still at loggerheads with? Traditional title holders accused me of not giving them the respect and resources they deserve. Now, this wicked governor fueled our estranged relationship with them because he built them beautiful palaces and pooled resources they never requested. But why would a lawyer of my standing, who knows very well that these people don’t have any constitutional role, deviate from due process?

My relationship with clergymen of both faiths was—and still is—not cordial. I thought their duty was only to preach to people to be righteous and serve God in order to go to paradise. But when I was in power, they asked to see me during every religious festivity, sent requests or proposals for donations or sponsorship of every religious activity. During fasting period, Sallah, Christmas and Maulud, they requested thousands of textiles, thousands of rams and cows and trailers of foodstuff to distribute to orphans. Whenever I turned down their request, they would quote me a verse in the Qur’an and the Bible, and accuse me of not helping religion. But I’m fasting every Monday and Thursday. Can this not take me to paradise?

Now, the poor say I have zero projects to show; traditional institutions throw questions of disrespect, and clergymen challenge my disregard for their institution. Despite all this, I want to return to this seat. 

What should I do?

Maijama’a wrote via sulaimanmaija@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has urged beneficiaries of its land allocation programme not to sell their plots, saying the allocations are intended to provide long-term security and wealth for families rather than short-term financial gain.

The call was made on Sunday during the presentation of land allocation documents to polling agents in Kano under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Governor Yusuf, in a speech delivered by the Commissioner for Public Procurement, Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Nura Ma’aji Sumaila, said the land allocation programme was part of a broader policy to expand home ownership across the state.

He said the initiative would gradually be extended to more segments of society, including young people, women, civil servants, community leaders and other hardworking citizens, as part of efforts to reduce the housing deficit and improve family security.

The governor noted that beneficiaries had received plots in professionally planned government layouts equipped with road networks, drainage systems, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, places of worship, parks and other public infrastructure.

According to him, proper urban planning would make it easier for government to provide essential services while increasing the long-term value of the properties.

The Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar, urged beneficiaries not to dispose of their plots because of short-term financial needs.

“Please do not sell your land allocation because of short-term financial needs. Instead, develop it, build your home and create a lasting asset for your family,” Umar said.

He explained that the allocated plots were located within government-approved layouts designed to create organised, safe and sustainable communities where families could live, invest and prosper.

Umar contrasted the layouts with illegal land developments, popularly known as Awon Igiya, which he said had contributed to unplanned settlements, flooding, traffic congestion, insecurity, land disputes and slum conditions across parts of the state.

He said the government remained committed to ending illegal land development and restoring order to land administration across Kano State.

The Daily Reality recalls that the Kano State Government on Saturday commenced the distribution of land allocation documents to political appointees, including Senior Special Assistants, Senior Special Reporters, Special Assistants, Special Reporters and Personal Assistants. 

The government said the exercise, which concluded on Sunday with the presentation to polling agents, was expected to benefit about 2,500 beneficiaries as part of its broader effort to expand home ownership and reduce the state’s housing deficit.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

One of the gubernatorial ambitions generating the most intense debate and public interest ahead of the Gombe State 2027 governorship race is that of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.

From the outset, Professor Pantami’s reported interest in contesting for the governorship attracted attention far beyond the borders of Gombe State. This is largely because he is not regarded as a conventional politician. Rather, he is an accomplished academic, Islamic scholar, technocrat, and former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy whose tenure earned him national recognition for driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Pantami’s potential candidacy appears to enjoy support from three distinct constituencies.

The first consists of those who genuinely believe he has something significant to offer the state. They draw inspiration from his performance as minister, citing his reforms in the digital economy, the expansion of broadband infrastructure, the growth of digital identity enrolment, and his emphasis on innovation, transparency, and public sector efficiency. To this group, his administrative record demonstrates that he possesses the competence and vision required to govern Gombe State.

The second group is found within the opposition in Gombe state, particularly elements of the PDP, who view Pantami as one of the few personalities with the political profile, credibility, and public appeal capable of mounting a serious challenge against the APC’s candidate-Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna. Whether they support him or not, many acknowledge that his entry into the race would significantly alter the political equation.

The third constituency comprises sections of the religious community who see his ambition as an opportunity for one of their own to demonstrate how religious scholarship, intellectual depth, and public service can translate into effective democratic governance. For many within this group, his candidacy represents more than a political contest; it is an opportunity to test whether the values he has consistently preached can be successfully applied in elective office.

Like every major political figure, Pantami also faces opposition from different quarters.

The first group consists mainly of career politicians who believe he is entering a political space traditionally occupied by established political actors. To them, he is an outsider attempting to disrupt existing political calculations, alliances, and structures that have been built over many years.

Perhaps more surprisingly, the second group of opponents comes from within sections of his immediate religious constituency. Some clerics and religious associates reportedly believe that during his tenure as minister, he did not sufficiently carry them along or extend the expected level of inclusion and patronage. Consequently, while they may respect his scholarly credentials, they remain reluctant to support his political ambition.

Another dimension that has attracted considerable attention is the political dexterity with which Pantami secured the PDP gubernatorial ticket. The manner in which he navigated the party’s internal dynamics and emerged as its flagbearer suggests careful planning and strategic preparation rather than mere political ambition. His decision to align with the Nyesom Wike-led faction of the PDP, a bloc widely perceived in political circles as maintaining a cooperative relationship with the APC-led Federal Government, has further strengthened his political positioning. The goodwill and support he reportedly enjoys within that tendency of the PDP could prove to be a significant advantage as the campaign unfolds.

In addition, Pantami could benefit from protest votes originating from within the APC. Some influential APC stakeholders and their supporters who believe Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has not done sufficient justice to their political aspirations or interests may choose to channel their dissatisfaction by supporting Pantami. While it remains to be seen how substantial such a shift could be, the possibility of cross-party protest votes is a factor that political observers cannot ignore.

Whichever way one chooses to examine it, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami’s potential governorship candidacy is in a class of its own. What initially appeared to be little more than speculation or a distant aspiration has steadily evolved into one of the defining conversations in Gombe State politics. official campaign has yet to commence, but the discussions surrounding Pantami’s governorship ambition have already reshaped Gombe State’s political landscape, making him a force that political stakeholders can no longer afford to ignore.

The ultimate test, however, will not simply be the enthusiasm surrounding his candidacy but his ability to convert goodwill into an effective political structure, sustain broad-based alliances, and persuade the electorate that his administrative achievements at the federal level can be replicated in Gombe State. Regardless of the eventual outcome, Pantami has already ensured that the Gombe 2027 governorship contest will be one of the most closely watched political battles in the state’s history.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A major crisis has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party in Gombe State following the emergence of former minister Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami as the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

One of the aspirants, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, alongside other contenders including Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, Usman Aliyu Garry, and Monica Kaltho, rejected the outcome of the PDP primary held on Tuesday. Pantami was declared winner through a voice vote after delegates affirmed him as the party’s sole candidate.

The aggrieved aspirants argued that Pantami was ineligible to contest the PDP primary because he had only recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress after participating in its internal political process. They claimed electoral laws do not permit a politician to contest in two different party primaries within the same election cycle.

Saleh also questioned the sudden postponement of the PDP primary from Sunday to Tuesday, describing the process as unfair and unlawful. He confirmed that his legal team had begun preparations to challenge Pantami’s emergence in court and urged his supporters across Gombe State to remain peaceful while the matter is resolved legally.

Pantami, who recently defected from the APC after criticising the party’s consensus arrangement that produced Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as a candidate, said his decision to join the PDP was driven by a desire to tackle poverty and improve governance in Gombe State.